Chapter 1995: The Feast of All Countries! (1/2)
Edited by: Michyrr
Time flew by, and soon the air over the capital was popping with the explosions of hundreds of thousands of fireworks.
Dazzling light engulfed the capital, turning night into day.
Amidst thunderous cheers, the grandiose feast of all countries finally began.
In his imperial robe, Wang Chong stood outside his estate and looked up at the night sky.
A gentle breeze ruffled his hair and robes, but his mind was at peace.
The Imperial Court had issued the schedule. According to the plan, the opening of the feast of all countries would be divided into three days. On the first day, a majestic military parade would be held involving two-hundred-thousand-some soldiers, the Imperial Army included. In neat formation, they would start their march down Azure Dragon Street, pass the Imperial Palace, and march all the way to Vermillion Bird Street.
The Sage Emperor would appear at the gates of the Imperial City to personally inspect the troops.
On the second day, the Imperial Court would hold a cuju competition with all the other countries. This was a competition which everyone could enter, not just the members of the court.
(TN: Cuju was an ancient Chinese football sport that involved kicking a ball into a net. Teams consisted of 12-16 people. Originating in the Han Dynasty, it grew popular amongst both the court and the people, and it was also very popular during the Tang Dynasty.)
The only requirement was that they needed to organize into a cuju team.
Wang Chong had learned that one hundred and sixty cuju teams had already been organized in the capital. All the common people of the capital were focused on this event, and it was certain to be a grand and unprecedented affair.
On the third day, the capital's curfew was to be removed. Everyone was allowed to celebrate for the entire day, and there would be all kinds of fireworks shows that would last from nightfall to daybreak, with all sorts of foods and drinks available. Judging by past events, at least seven hundred thousand inhabitants of the capital would take part, partying until dawn.
After those three days, the main event would begin. At the scheduled time, the foreign emissaries would enter the Imperial Palace to feast with the Sage Emperor in front of the Pavilion of Petal and Sepal.
During the feast, the various countries were scheduled to present their tributes and carry out performances.
This feast of all countries was undoubtedly going to be the grandest event in the last several decades. In the past, the Imperial Court's officials might have criticized or tried to stop it, but with the Great Tang's current power and prosperity, this really didn't amount to much. Deep in his heart, Wang Chong actually was not resistant to the feast of all countries, but…
The thought of the Sage Emperor in the Imperial Palace caused a dark cloud to flit across his brow.
”Is everything ready?” Wang Chong suddenly said.
”It is ready!” Zhang Que quickly said, his body concealed in the shadow of the eaves.
“嗯。”
”Mm.”
Wang Chong nodded and said no more. The night quickly passed.
For the next three days, the capital was a place of raucous celebration.
Cuju games, flower fairs, lantern festivals, and various other splendid events took place, but Wang Chong took part in none of them. Finally, the fourth day of the feast of all countries began.
After three days, the festive mood had been pushed to the maximum. As the curtain of night fell, the crowds filling the capital's streets only grew larger and louder.
Unlike what many people expected, nightfall was when the true fun began.
The Sage Emperor had willed that the feast of all countries be started at night!
Night had fallen, but the King of Foreign Lands Residence was brightly lit by festive red lanterns.
In the estate, the countless maids and servant girls were adorned in festive robes, and the estate guards were wearing shining armor that reflected the dazzling scenes outside.
The Great Tang had been peaceful and prosperous for nearly one hundred years, invincible and impregnable. Everyone used the Sage Emperor's 'feast of all countries' to enthusiastically celebrate, and Wang Chong naturally did not stop them.
It was now the You Period (5-7pm).
An imperial carriage drove through the night and came to a stop in front of the gate. Under the light of the two large lanterns flanking the gate, the carriage door opened, and a neat minor eunuch exited, a small lantern in hand. He strode over to the gate, lowered his head, and courteously spoke a few words.
A few moments later, one of the guards turned and passed the message to a clever-looking maid. She carefully listened, marking the message on her heart, and then she picked up her own little lantern and headed inside.
Her footsteps rang out through the residence as she navigated the corridors and entered the study.
”Your Highness, there is a minor eunuch from the palace outside. He says that the feast will begin soon and that Your Highness should make your way to the palace now.”
The maid remained on the other side of the door and bowed as she respectfully spoke.
After a long while, a voice came out from the room.
”I see.”
The maid bowed and departed.