Li Tianheng stepped up to his seat and pressed both hands down slightly, signaling everyone to quiet down. He smiled. "Today is my fiftieth birthday, and distinguished friends fill my hall, honored guests crowd my doors. What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such kindness from you all, traveling a thousand miles over mountains and rivers to Western Prefecture to celebrate my birthday? Let me first offer you my thanks!"
Thunderous cheers rose once more. Everyone gave the commander-in-chief of Western Sichuan plenty of face.
Li Tianheng smiled. "I won't waste today on polite formalities. Everyone who has come here is my friend. I hope you will set everything aside and enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Today, no one leaves sober!"
Laughter rang out across the hall.
Li Tianheng turned to the Prince of Zhou. "Before the banquet begins, shall we hear a few words from the Prince of Zhou?"
"Yes!" everyone present answered in unison.
Unable to decline, Long Yefang, the Prince of Zhou, had no choice but to rise. He addressed the guests. "Today is Commander-in-Chief Li's happy occasion, and I should not be the one speaking. But since he has asked, I shall say a few words. First, I wish him blessings as boundless as the East Sea and a life as enduring as the Southern Mountain. May he retain the vigor of dragons and tigers and all his commanding might, leading the people of Western Sichuan to peaceful homes, prosperous livelihoods, and everlasting tranquility!"
Someone called out their approval first, and many others immediately joined in.
Hu Xiaotian found this strange. Long Yefang seemed to have had his courage utterly shattered by Li Tianheng, to the point of uttering such spineless words. Though Li Tianheng was Western Sichuan's actual ruler, the region was still