Prince Duan would not act on his thoughts, not on this particular day, because the very next day was the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration.
The sixtieth birthday celebration of Empress Dowager Yan Ping was the grandest banquet in Nanzheng State in years. Led by Crown Prince Zheng Congyuan, officials had gathered at Hanyuan Hall by midnight, praying for a peaceful and prosperous era for Nanzheng. Master Yu Sheng stood at the top of the Altar of Heaven in his white feathered robe, becoming the most conspicuous white figure between heaven and earth, his resounding and majestic bell-like voice permeating the entire Imperial Palace and spreading throughout Zheng Capital.
As the bell tolled, Zheng Capital resembled a city that never slept. The imperial road was brightly lit, and in nine out of ten households, lights were on, resembling stars scattered across the night sky.
