Night fell, and the splendid lanterns began to glow.
Tonight, the Imperial Palace in the Imperial Capital was especially lively.
Glazed Palace Lanterns wound like ribbons, illuminating the halls and pavilions with shimmering colors.
Beneath the halls' upturned eaves, colorful silk lanterns swayed in the wind.
The majesty of the Imperial Household was enveloped in a festive, gentle glow.
Today marked the celebration of great victories won simultaneously on the battlefields of the South and North.
Emperor Xuan had arranged a banquet in the palace's great hall, inviting all civil and military officials to attend.
It was to bestow rewards and celebrate the triumphant return of the Sea-Calming King, along with Gu Chenfeng and the other representatives from the Northern Territory's Border Pass.
By now, the civil and military officials had already arrived early.
Before the banquet had even begun, the attending officials had gathered in small groups to converse.
Inside the main hall, magnificent light shone upon golden goblets and jade cups, while elegant music from strings and flutes echoed through the lively gathering.
Yet beneath this festive, spirited atmosphere, undercurrents faintly stirred.
Officials familiar with the balance of power at court would notice.
Apart from Minister of Rites Shangguan Qingfeng and the other neutral officials who took no part in factional struggles.
The areas where civil and military officials gathered within the hall were vaguely divided into two large sections.
One was deep within the great hall.
Around a lean, tall elderly man with a gaunt face, bright, keen eyes, and the robes of a first-rank official.
Many officials holding important posts in the Imperial Capital had gathered, including the ministers of Personnel, Works, and Justice.
As they chatted and laughed, an imposing aura seemed to gather among them.
The elderly man at the center of the crowd