Doted By The Regent King-Chapter 1086 - 1084: Noble Status
The present Beiyan Dynasty, named Yan, is in the twentieth year of the Chengde Dynasty. The current Emperor of Chengde ascended the throne as a young man, yet is only thirty-eight this year, leading troops in Northern Expeditions, displaying extraordinary talents and strategies, regarded by the world as Emperor Yan.
Through twenty years of the Chengde Dynasty’s establishment, Emperor Yan has diligently managed state affairs, allowing the people to live in peace and prosperity, earning praise. As for how Emperor Yan gradually weakened the vassals step by step over these twenty years and eliminated dissidents with ruthless methods, no one dares to speak of it anymore. Twenty years have been enough to blur the memories of events, and people only care whether their days are stable and peaceful across the land.
Regarding the present Beiyan Imperial Family, in Emperor Yan’s generation besides himself, there is only the disabled Prince Kang, the visually impaired Prince of Loyalty, and Ah Jiu, the youngest Prince Jin. The other princes perished in the coup and usurpation incidents years ago.
Thus, the family banquet held by Emperor Yan does not involve other royal relatives but only includes his generation and the next, with a small number of attendees.
Emperor Yan is now at the prime of his life but does not favor women, distributing favor evenly. The next generation includes merely three half-grown imperial sons and one two-year-old imperial son, along with three princesses, which does not count as flourishing lineage. However, the Emperor is in his prime and already has four imperial sons, so government officials are not anxious, nor would they senselessly urge the Emperor to favor more women to strive for more children and grandchildren.
Accompanied by the announcements of the inner servants, Emperor Yan and the current Empress Song appeared at the family banquet escorting the Empress Dowager Mo who had not shown herself in public for some time. The crowd kowtowed in worship, chanting long live the Emperor.
"Rise." Emperor Yan raised his hand to let everyone stand and said with a smile, "My imperial brother has returned from convalescence, and tonight a family banquet is specially set up to welcome him; we are all one family, so no need for formalities."
Outwardly, Ah Jiu was said to have gone to Jinling Temple for convalescence to avoid ill fortune due to a clash with the imperial city, but only the Empress Dowager and the Emperor knew where Ah Jiu actually went. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞
Of course, there may be insiders, but since Ah Jiu is the Emperor’s most beloved and only brother, naturally nobody would inquire intrusively.
"Welcome back, Uncle Wang." Led by the Eldest Imperial Son Jin Mingyuan, everyone paid a courtesy to Ah Jiu.
Ah Jiu, adorned in brand new purple attire and crowned with a purple coronet, exuded elegance, his demeanor outstanding, unparalleled nobility, smiling as he raised his hand to exempt the courtesy, exchanging light-hearted pleasantries before sitting down.
The so-called family banquet excludes other aristocratic ministers, involving only family. With the Empress Dowager being unwell for such a long time yet appearing, it highlights the importance placed on Ah Jiu.
Neither concubines nor offspring would unwisely provoke annoyance; everyone present understands that this Uncle Wang is the Empress Dowager’s only legitimate son. Considering noble status, he may even surpass Emperor Yan, since Emperor Yan’s origin is merely that of an unnoticed sixth-rank noble’s son. If not for the misfortune that befell the former emperor’s sons, leading to his adoption under the Empress Dowager’s name, who knows who would sit on the throne!
Therefore, no one holds resentment or disdain towards Ah Jiu, only flattery and appeasement. Yet how much of that flattery is genuine depends on individual perspectives.
Ah Jiu, holding wine, watched as everyone exchanged pleasantries and covert criticisms; the corners of his lips subtly curled upwards.
The Imperial Family is bustling yet most challenging for the heart, where everyone wears several masks, himself included.
Ah Jiu took a small sip of wine, thinking of Wufu; she might be shrouded in mystery, but compared to these people, she’s genuine enough. He truly misses her!
