Gongs and drums rang through the streets of Great Ming's Capital City, filling them with festive cheer.
Yet although the Crown Prince of Goguryeo, whom they were welcoming, struggled to muster a smile, his heart was filled with bitterness.
He had come on Goguryeo's behalf to deliver a state letter pledging submission and tribute, along with the first tribute shipment to Great Ming's Capital City.
Besides various treasures from Goguryeo, there were twelve beautiful women.
Beauties sent as tribute were not guaranteed entry into the Imperial Palace, and even entering the palace did not mean they could climb into the emperor's bed. They might spend their entire lives as lowly palace maids.
But all the women sent this time had been instructed to strive to become imperial consorts. Only then could they ensure that Goguryeo would not truly be destroyed one day, and perhaps even obtain some benefits from Great Ming, their suzerain.
When the Young Emperor saw Goguryeo's envoys, he could not conceal his delight.
He had just annexed parts of Western Xia and Mongol Yuan, and now Goguryeo had submitted and offered tribute. He could faintly hear the people cheering in the streets even from inside the Imperial Palace.
His prestige as the Son of Heaven of Great Ming continued to soar.
In a few days, he would visit the Imperial Ancestral Temple to honor his ancestors and let them know of his achievements.
"Since Goguryeo wishes to submit and offer tribute, I shall grant your request. I have instructed the Ministry of Rites to prepare rewards for Goguryeo's envoys to take back."
The festivities in the Imperial Palace lasted until the evening lanterns were lit.
The drunken Emperor of Great Ming was supported by attendants, but instead of returning to his bedchamber, he went to the Imperial