Just then, the footage from the Imperial Palace came through.
The Palace Banquet had not officially begun, but many ministers had already arrived early with their families.
In these ministers' minds, although Nian Xiaoqing had yet to ascend the throne, he was already no different from the emperor.
At this point, they still knew nothing about Nian Siting and Nian Zhiyun. They simply felt that, among the princes still alive, Nian Xiaoqing was the most suitable in both ability and prestige.
Inside the great hall, many court officials greeted one another:
"Lord Wang, you're certainly early!"
"Lord Liu, you're not late yourself!"
"This is the first banquet since the Seventh Prince began overseeing the country. We had to come a little early."
At court a few days earlier, these ministers had proposed that Nian Xiaoqing ascend the throne as soon as possible, then fill his harem.
After all, aside from his Primary Consort, Nian Xiaoqing had no other women in his household.
Nian Xiaoqing had not rejected their suggestions. He had merely said that the time was not right and they could discuss it later.
Today, without consulting one another, these ministers had all brought their daughters of marriageable age to the banquet, hoping Nian Xiaoqing would take a fancy to their children.
If he truly chose one of their daughters, their family could rise to the heavens in a single step along with her.
With that thought in mind, everyone had arrived especially early today.
After washing up, Song Yaoyao headed toward the main hall.
As she walked, she spoke to Guagua:
[The banquet hasn't even started yet. You woke me a little too early.
I could've spent this time sleeping a little longer.]
Guagua: [It's not that early.]
Song Yaoyao: [Don't you know? I'm still growing. Sleep is