Chapter 140: The Lantern Dragon - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 140: The Lantern Dragon

"Even before turning thirty, with this appearance, it's hard to overcome melancholy. Knowing this, no elixir can alleviate it."

Helpless, these words could be heard as much by herself. In the scheming royal court, having lived through nearly half a lifetime, she couldn't believe that Emperor Qi wasn't behind the scenes pushing things along.

For a moment, the food and drink before her lost their appeal as she fell into contemplation of the past.

After Xiao Tingyi left, the atmosphere at the table remained lively.

Among the princes, the eldest prince held the highest status. Accompanying him this time was the heavily pregnant consort of the eldest prince, both dressed exceptionally grandly. Especially prominent was the consort's protruding belly, indicating that the day of delivery was approaching.

The Empress was concerned about the dragon grandchild in her belly, naturally drawing extra attention.

The food and drinks were meticulously inspected, with no room for error.

The consort of the eldest prince came from the Li family, descendants of the founding heroes of Da Jin, which Emperor Qi quite favored.

"I remember the Empress saying you enjoy sour foods. Coincidentally, this time the tributes from the frontier included something called sour jujube, reputed to have an excellent taste. I hereby bestow it upon you, hoping you will give birth to a talented child soon."

"Thank you, Father Emperor, for your concern. Your daughter-in-law is doing well."

Although the consort of the eldest prince was not far from childbirth, her complexion and spirits were excellent, indicating good care. Thus, she did not appear bloated or weary but rather exceptionally gentle amidst the sea of lantern lights.

The eldest prince exchanged a smile with her, then glanced at the ninth prince beside him, who was absorbed in drinking, seemingly oblivious to the conversation.

"Why has the ninth brother come alone again? This time, Father Emperor and the consort mother should properly arrange a marriage for you. Otherwise, it might delay your offspring."

The words were not explicitly stated, but the intention to push the Wei family's agenda was clear.

The matter of Wei Lanxuan and the ninth prince's marriage was already well-known, but unfortunately, it was intercepted by the Liang family in the end, which was somewhat regrettable.

After the eldest prince finished speaking, he raised his cup towards him, the smile on his face becoming more apparent.

The ninth prince was too lazy to respond, but Consort Wei was not pleased. She turned to her father, Duke Wei, her eyes blazing with anger, only to see Duke Wei's calm expression, seemingly unconcerned by those words.

For a moment, Consort Wei could only swallow her anger, directing it all towards the Liang family.

While the upper echelons were engaged in their affairs, the commoners below the Zhengde Tower eagerly awaited the Lantern Dragon ceremony.

Lighting the dragon symbolized the most crucial part of the Lantern Festival.

Half a month earlier, preparations for the Lantern Dragon had begun at the front of the Zhengde Tower. The four majestic dragons, built from numerous small lanterns stacked together, not only appeared vivid and lifelike but also exuded an imposing aura.

On the night of the Lantern Festival, when the oil beneath the Lantern Dragon was ignited, the giant dragons would move in response, symbolizing auspicious weather and abundant harvests for the coming year.

Therefore, many commoners had gathered early here, eager to witness the spectacle.

Feng Jinlin and Xiao Mu Qian escorted Feng Jinyao and the others, rushing to the front to observe the magnificence up close.

The waists of the four giant dragons were so thick that it seemed two or three people couldn't even embrace them, let alone made so vividly.

One couldn't help but marvel at the skill of the craftsmen!

On the walls of the Zhengde Tower, mechanisms were set up, continuously spouting out like a waterfall of mist, exuding a heavenly aura.

Below, there was a spacious platform that had been set up long ago, with long poles erected around it, hanging colorful silk brocade as a canopy. Sitting inside were famous musicians specially invited by the Yingtian Mansion, performing music and entertainments. From afar, they seemed like celestial beings descending to add color to the earthly revelry.

In the midst of the giant dragons was a large luminous pearl brought from the Eastern Sea, glowing softly with a natural radiance, bringing a peaceful atmosphere.

"I heard that after the oil reservoirs are ignited, the dragons will soar into the sky, and the four dragons will compete for that pearl."

Feng Jinlin had seen it many times before, so naturally, he knew what these giant dragons were for, and explained to everyone.

"Oh? What happens if they get it? And what if they don't?"

Xiao Mu Qian had left the Eastern Capital since childhood and had grown up in Liangzhou for so many years, so naturally, he didn't understand the rules.

Feng Jinlin smiled and continued to explain, "Each dragon represents a region of Da Jin—north, south, east, and west. Whichever dragon king obtains the pearl signifies a good harvest for that region this year."

"I see." Xiao Mu Qian suddenly realized, but in his heart, he still felt that it was just to amuse the people, not necessarily true.

Amidst the cheers, soldiers in brocade clothing approached and ignited the oil reservoirs scattered around. As soon as the flames touched the oil inside the reservoirs, they immediately lit up, igniting the excitement of the people present.

Sure enough, the giant dragons responded, their heads held high, emitting a dignified and solemn roar, their claws sharp as they roamed.

The people were ecstatic, eagerly watching as the four giant dragons began to move towards the dragon pearl. Everyone stared intently, afraid to blink for fear of missing the excitement.

"Such a grand ceremony, only our Da Jin can pull it off."

Bai Siruo was full of pride, feeling fortunate to live in this place.

Representing the southern region, the Dragon King swiftly arrived at the front of the dragon pearl like lightning. Opening its mouth wide, it seemed ready to swallow the pearl, but unexpectedly, it was preempted by the Dragon King from the west. It circled around from below and, catching the southern Dragon King off guard, managed to snatch and swallow it.

When the pearl was snatched by the Dragon King from the west, the crowd below erupted in cheers, shouting "Long live! Long live! Long live!"

Emperor Qi, who was still enjoying the delicious food, heard the cheers and became even more pleased.

"Which Dragon King got the pearl this year?"

"Your Majesty, it's the Dragon King from the west."

"Good, good, good. This heavenly omen indicates that there will be good harvests in the southwest, northwest, and other places this year."

"Thanks to the grace of the heavenly family, and also because of your wise rule, Father Emperor, that we have this auspicious sign. Your son sincerely wishes for a bountiful year for our Da Jin and the peace and prosperity of the people."

"Well said, Crown Prince. With the people at peace, this Emperor can also be at peace."

The Crown Prince received this praise and promptly knelt down, shouting loudly, "Long live Father Emperor! Long live! Long live!"

Following that, all the imperial relatives and ministers joined in the thunderous cries, "Long live Your Majesty! Long live! Long live!"

Emperor Qi's eyes were smiling with satisfaction, glancing approvingly at the Empress several times.

Finally releasing the resentment that had been suppressed by Consort Wei for a long time. So what if she was favored? So what if her son had military achievements?

In the end, the only one standing here with the Emperor receiving the worship of the people was her, the Empress.

And the one who would eventually sit in that position was her son.

Thinking of this, her smile became genuinely heartfelt.

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