The Emperor did not remain long.
Shortly after the first cups of wine were poured and the musicians began tuning their instruments, a senior eunuch stepped forward and announced, with practiced solemnity, that His Majesty's old injuries had acted up and that he would be retiring to rest.
No one doubted the reason.
Rather, it was more unbelievable that the Emperor had been able to stay here without any problems until now.
Once the dragon throne was empty, the atmosphere subtly—but decisively—changed.
The tension loosened.
And the celebration truly began.
Wine flowed freely.
Spirit fruits were served on jade plates.
Music rose in gentle waves, flutes and zithers weaving together—soft enough not to disturb cultivators, yet lively enough to stir the mood.
Laughter appeared.
Voices grew bolder.
Once again, Bai Zihan became the center of attention.
It was almost absurd.
