"Madam Song, you're here. Dispense with the formalities. Today is my birthday, so there's no need to stand on ceremony. Take your seats."
Only after sitting down did Tang Shiba raise her head. She scanned the room, but when she saw no familiar faces, disappointment crept into her heart.
[Looks like he isn't in the palace.]
[Don't panic, Host. Perhaps he hasn't arrived yet.]
The empress dowager sat to the left of the emperor and empress. She looked around and asked, "Has anyone yet to arrive?"
"Your Majesty, the prince and crown prince have yet to arrive."
"Xiao Xiao and Yu?"
"Weren't they here just now? Go out and look for them."
"Your Majesty, we've already sent people to find them."
The empress dowager nodded, then turned to Tang Shiba. "The emperor told me that the General's Residence rendered a great service this time. He asked me to use my birthday banquet to find Miss Tang a good husband. Miss Tang, do you have any requirements?"
[Huh? I even get to choose for myself?]
This was an incredible opportunity. Madam Song was thrilled. If Shiba could choose for herself, she had to pick someone truly outstanding.
"Shiba, answer Her Majesty." Seeing that she still hadn't replied, Madam Song hurriedly nudged her.
Tang Shiba came back to her senses, but she didn't agree. "Your Majesty, you know them better than I do. Why don't you choose for me?"
[Oh well, go ahead and look. I'll be going back sooner or later anyway, so it doesn't matter whether I choose someone.]
The empress dowager nodded with a smile. "Then I'll introduce them to you. If someone catches your eye, just tell me."
"All right. Thank you, Your Majesty."
The empress dowager looked around the hall and asked, "What about Heir Qin? He's