Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 244 Looking back suddenly, I found him where the lights were dim! (6k)

In the third year of the Xifeng reign, at the Daxiangguo Temple.

The lanterns are brightly lit, and thousands of lights hang from the eaves.

The sounds of flutes and drums filled the air, and the long street was packed with people.

From time to time, young ladies from scholarly families would stroll by in pairs, their soft laughter mingling with the gentle fragrance of the breeze.

From time to time, bursts of cheers could be heard, indicating that the variety shows, acrobatics, dragon and lion dances, swordplay, and puppet shows had reached a wonderful stage.

"Oh!"

"Oh!"

"Oh!"

Fireworks lit up the sky, and all the people of Bianjing, whether they were admiring the lanterns, strolling through the lantern festival, or guessing lantern riddles, watched the scene with a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, a picture of a prosperous and peaceful world.

This is the Lantern Festival, which happens once a year!
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival, originated from ancient sacrificial rites and has evolved and been passed down to the present day.

In ancient times, there were three major festivals: Shangyuan, Zhongyuan, and Xiayuan.

The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Ghost Festival on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, and the Lower Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the tenth lunar month.

Once the Three Primal Elements season arrives, the ancient people would hold sacrificial ceremonies to worship the God of the Supreme One.

Thus, it has been passed down for thousands of years.

During the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the Five Pecks of Rice sect revered the Heavenly Official, the Earthly Official, and the Water Official, who were said to bestow blessings, pardon sins, and relieve calamities. They were also known as the Three Great Emperors.

In order to humanize the Three Officials, the followers of the Five Pecks of Rice sect used the Three Primal Elements as a model to determine their birth dates, which are known as the Three Officials and Three Primal Elements.

The festivals for worshipping the Heavenly Official are called the Shangyuan Festival, where people pray for blessings; the festivals for worshipping the Earthly Official are called the Zhongyuan Festival, also known as the Ghost Festival, where people pray for forgiveness; and the festivals for worshipping the Water Official are called the Xiayuan Festival, where people pray for relief from calamities. These festivals are unique to Taoism.

At the end of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Buddhism flourished while Taoism declined. The emperor then used the Taoist custom of lighting lamps to worship the Buddha during the Lantern Festival, which is how the custom of lighting lamps on the Lantern Festival came about.

Subsequently, it was inherited in the Sui Dynasty and flourished in the Tang Dynasty.

During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, the people gradually paid attention to the auspicious meaning of the Lantern Festival. With the promotion of the government, the Lantern Festival gradually developed from a Taoist festival into an official festival, which led to the custom of hanging lanterns and dragon dances to celebrate.

During the century-long reign of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the customs of the Lantern Festival became more refined and enriched, gradually including the traditions of eating glutinous rice balls, solving lantern riddles, viewing lantern displays, and holding markets.

The Lantern Festival, also known as the Lantern Night, combines large-scale customs such as guessing lantern riddles, viewing lantern displays, holding markets, and decorating with lanterns.

The Great Xiangguo Temple is bustling with people.

"Shut up!"

The driver pulled on the reins, and several chestnut horses neighed and stopped in their tracks.

About ten breaths later, more than ten people landed one after another.

In just a moment, it drew astonishment and attention from many people.

Nothing more than its immeasurable value!

Jiang Zhao, Jiang Huaijin, Jiang Heng, Gu Tingye, Sheng Changbai, Cai Jing, Sheng Hong, Sheng Hualan, Sheng Shulan, Sheng Minglan, Sheng Rulan, Hai Chaoyun, Wang Ruofu.

The group of thirteen included two people wearing purple robes and two people wearing imperial decree robes, making them quite elegant and noble. No wonder the common people were astonished and paid attention to them.

"Is this the Lantern Festival?" Sheng Shulan exclaimed softly, looking around curiously.

"Ah."

Jiang Zhaowen nodded gently: "The Lantern Festival is a once-a-year event, let's have a good stroll around."

Sheng Shulan nodded repeatedly.

After glancing briefly at the others, Jiang Zhaoping said calmly, "His Majesty has personally appointed me and Zhonghuai to enter the palace to accompany him in enjoying the lanterns. However, it is difficult for us to enjoy the lanterns and stroll around together."

The so-called "accompanying the emperor to admire the lanterns" simply means admiring the lanterns with the emperor, a privilege reserved for only a select few high-ranking officials.

Generally speaking, to avoid being too complicated, the number of people accompanying the emperor usually does not exceed twenty, and is almost limited to Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, Vice Privy Councilors, important members of the imperial family, foreign envoys, Buddhist and Taoist masters, and so on.

Jiang Zhao and Gu Tingye, one a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and the other a high-ranking military official, were naturally not unusual to accompany the emperor.

Of course, it was said that about twenty people accompanied the procession to watch the lanterns, but the actual number of people watching the lanterns together was obviously more than twenty.

The main reason for this is that there were also princes, entertainers, musicians, dancers, eunuchs, palace maids, etc., which together amounted to about fifty people.

Furthermore, to show solemnity and grandeur, the ministers appointed by imperial decree were required to wear official robes to accompany the emperor, which is why Jiang Zhao and Gu Tingye both specially wore official robes.

"Accompanying the emperor is of utmost importance; we must not delay," Sheng Changbai quickly echoed.

"Accompanying the emperor is a matter of great importance and should not be delayed," Cai Jing said with a bow.

"Accompanying the emperor is of utmost importance, accompanying the emperor is of utmost importance," Sheng Hong stroked his beard and echoed.

The other women remained silent and gave a curtsy.

Jiang Zhao and Gu Tingye exchanged a glance and walked together toward the left of the Great Xiangguo Temple.

"The Empress Dowager and the Empress both wish to enjoy the lanterns, and have summoned the ladies of high rank, officials' wives and noblewomen to join them. To avoid being impolite, we must go as soon as possible," Sheng Hualan said softly, and the two women bowed in unison.

After that, they walked to the left of the Great Xiangguo Temple.

The remaining few exchanged glances and then walked together to the right of the Great Xiangguo Temple to watch the lanterns and stroll around.

In fact, the Daxiangguo Temple does not prohibit ordinary people from entering.

As one of the few festivals where the emperor and the people celebrated together, the Daxiangguo Temple had specific plans in place during its construction and design to avoid undermining the meaning of "sharing joy with the people."
The design of Daxiangguo Temple is mainly based on the central axis of the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Great Buddha Hall, the Octagonal Glazed Tile Hall, and the Sutra Repository, forming two longitudinal halls on the left and right.

Except during special times, the left and right halls are not distinguished and are open to the public for free to stroll around.

During the Lantern Festival, the left and right halls are distinguished, with the left being more prestigious. The left-facing hall is guarded by imperial guards to facilitate the officials' enjoyment of the lanterns, while the right-facing hall remains open to the general public.

In this way, the emperor and the people can enjoy the lanterns together.

Zisheng Pavilion.

In the fourth year of the Tianbao era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Paiyun Pavilion was first built. It was a seven-story building, about 300 feet high, and was destroyed by lightning in the second year of the Dashun era of Emperor Suzong of Tang.

It was later re-established in the second year of the Changxing era of the Later Tang Dynasty.

After Emperor Taizu established the country, it was rebuilt in the fourth year of Xianping and renamed Zisheng Pavilion, meaning "Zisheng Xunfeng" (meaning "the gentle breeze of Zisheng"), and became one of the eight scenic spots of Bianjing.

The seventh floor is permanently closed off and reserved for officials to view lanterns during the Lantern Festival.

As for the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the ladies of high rank, they lived in the Chengwen Hall next door.

Lanterns hang from the eaves, their light shimmering and colorful.

The pavilion, which was six or seven zhang long and wide, had more than twenty seats arranged from top to bottom. Apart from the seats for a few Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet, almost all the other seats were already occupied.

At the head of the table, Emperor Zhao Ceying stretched out his hand to drink, occasionally talking to Grand Chancellor Han Zhang.

Jiang Zhao and Gu Tingye entered one after the other.

In an instant, a eunuch approached and announced: "The Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices have arranged the corresponding seating arrangements. Lord Jiang is seated in the chief seat on the right, and Marquis Ningyuan is seated in the eleventh seat on the left."

The so-called eleventh seat on the left is the last seat on the left.

Jiang Zhao nodded, not surprised.

Since the reform, his mentor Han Zhang has often dozed off. He has become the de facto head of the cabinet, and he is trusted by the emperor and has made great contributions to the expansion of the country. If he cannot be the "number two", then it is not him who should be worried, but the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

As for Gu Tingye, his achievements were considerable, and he was almost firmly ranked alongside Wang Shao as one of the top military generals.

The problem is that Gu Tingye has not yet taken power in the Privy Council.

Those qualified to accompany the emperor were either Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, Vice Ministers of the Privy Council, or members of the imperial family; Gu Tingye was naturally at the bottom of the list.

"Jiang Qing!"

Zhao Ceying noticed Jiang Zhao and quickly waved.

Jiang Zhao was taken aback, and quickly strode over.

"Your Majesty." Jiang Zhao approached and bowed.

Zhao Ceying gestured for him to sit down, then asked with a curious look, "On the third day of the first lunar month, during the grand court assembly for the year's accounting, Minister Jiang asked the Ministry of Revenue to conduct a land survey. Are there any results yet?"

In an instant, more than ten high-ranking officials turned their attention to the direction.

The surveying of land was of great significance.

Firstly, the land survey was related to agricultural taxes.

The more clearly the land is surveyed, the more abundant the agricultural tax will be.

Secondly, the data on land surveys can specifically reflect the effectiveness of the reform policies.

Whether a government order has been issued or not can be clearly seen from the data.

Jiang Zhao nodded, took out an account book from his sleeve, and slowly said, "The Ministry of Revenue has compiled the statistics; the total land area across the country is now complete."

"No!"

Zhao Ceying quickly interrupted, gesturing with his hand, and said, "Let me guess."

Life needs a few surprises now and then!

Jiang Zhao understood, smiled calmly, and cooperated, saying, "Does Your Majesty guess tens of millions of acres?"

Zhao Ceying pondered for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Fifty hundred million mu?"

Since the founding of the nation, the amount of arable land in the Great Zhou Dynasty has been fluctuating.

From 300 million mu during the reign of Emperor Taizong, up to 500 million mu during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, and then back down to 400 million mu during the reign of the late emperor.

The area reached 500 million mu, consistent with the period during Emperor Zhenzong's reign, marking the peak of the dynasty's century-long reign.

"Too low." Jiang Zhao shook his head decisively.

"Low?"

Zhao Ceying's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly sat up straight, asking, "Six hundred million mu?"

The estimate of 600 million mu is already 100 million mu higher than during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong. At the end of the reign of the late emperor, it was only 400 million mu, which is equivalent to finding out 200 million mu all at once.

If there were 600 million mu now, that would mean a 50% increase.

As land values ​​rise after land surveys, tax revenue will naturally increase as well.

With tens of millions of strings of cash as the unit, this is an increase of more than just a little bit!

Perhaps because they had timed it perfectly, after only a few words, the cabinet ministers were already seated.

All seats, both upper and lower, are now fully occupied.

More than twenty ministers all turned their attention to the past.

If there really were 600 million mu, the agricultural tax of the Great Zhou Dynasty would probably be around 30 million guan per year, and the imperial court would have gained 10 million guan of agricultural tax revenue out of thin air each year.

The fiscal deficit has now been completely resolved!

Jiang Zhao shook his head: "Too low."

Still low?

Zhao Ceying was greatly shocked and exclaimed, "Seven hundred million mu?"

Jiang Zhao smiled faintly, shook his head silently, and said nothing.

"what?"

More than twenty high-ranking officials looked at each other, secretly startled.

If it's not 700 million mu, then it must be 800 million mu?

Could it be that the amount of land could be doubled through liquidation?
"Tsk!"

Zhao Ceying clicked his tongue, his expression grave, and tentatively asked, "Eight hundred million mu?"

"820 million mu".

Jiang Zhao nodded in affirmation.

"Of these, 30 million mu is data submitted by Xihe Road," Jiang Zhao added.

Xihe expanded its territory, encompassing twelve prefectures.

In fact, in terms of area, Xihe Road is almost twice the size of other roads, so it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it is the largest road in terms of area.

With an area of ​​this size, there is naturally a considerable amount of land.

However, the barbarians did not have the habit of cultivating land. Not long after the Xihe border was opened, only 30 million mu of land was cultivated, and the true potential had not yet been tapped.

In the future, whenever there is a natural disaster, the displaced people will be guided to cultivate the land in Xihe Road, so that the potential of the Hehuang region can be truly tapped.

By then, the cultivated land along Xihe Road will have increased to at least 50 million mu.

820 million mu!

Even excluding Xihe Road, there are still 790 million mu (approximately 46.7 million hectares) of land.
In other words, the land survey policy alone uncovered 390 million mu (approximately 26.7 million hectares), which is no exaggeration to say that it doubled.

"Hi~!"

All the civil and military officials were shocked.

The agricultural tax of the Great Zhou Dynasty was originally around 20 million strings of cash, but if the tax amount doubled, it would be 40 million strings of cash.

If there were 40 million strings of agricultural tax, what would a mere few million strings of fiscal deficit matter?
The financial crisis is over?
Jiang Zhaoping smiled and handed over the ledger in his hand.

He was not surprised by the results of the land survey.

Among powerful local families, the difference in their abilities regarding land storage is unlikely to be significant.

The Liangzhe River system reported 15 million mu of land, but 40 million mu were found to be hidden, meaning a full 60% of the land was concealed.

The remaining major local clans, except for those in the border regions who may have less land, will likely maintain around 60% of the total population.

The discovery of doubled land holdings was within expectations.

Zhao Ceying flipped through the ledger a few times, her face flushed almost visibly.

Eighty-two hundred million mu of farmland!
"despair!"

With a long sigh, Zhao Ceying slapped the wooden table and exclaimed, "Jiang Qing, you are truly my Guan Zhong!"

The land survey was not successfully implemented by several monarchs, which shows how difficult it was.

But he succeeded! Simply because he opened up industry and commerce and issued a policy emphasizing industry and commerce, simply because he had Jiang Qing!

Jiang Zhao quickly bowed and said respectfully, "Everything is thanks to Your Majesty's great courage and courage. This humble subject dares not accept such praise!"

Zhao Ceying laughed heartily and nodded.

Indeed, I also deserve some credit.

Jiang Qing and I have solved the financial problem together!

"Okay, okay!"

Zhao Ceying was greatly encouraged.

The two men, ruler and minister, were a man of unparalleled talent and a man of unparalleled courage.

With such a ruler and his ministers, how could they not achieve a great undertaking that will last for millennia?

Zhao Ceying clapped his hands and nodded repeatedly: "I have Jiang Qing, and Jiang Qing has me!"

"His Majesty."

Jiang Zhao trembled, her eyes reddening.

For a time, the emperor and his ministers appreciated each other, like a discerning judge of horses or fish and water.

The remaining twenty or so high-ranking officials would occasionally exchange glances and sigh inwardly.

In this reign of the Emperor, it seems no one can rival Jiang Zichuan in favor!

"when!"

A single bell tolls, its sound echoing throughout the capital region.

Zhao Ceying snapped out of her daze and nodded repeatedly.

Jiang Qing and I are destined to be ruler and subject for all time!
When the time came, string and wind instruments began to play, and drums and music resounded.

More than ten palace maids entered one after another, presenting snacks for enjoying the lanterns.

Sugar-coated chocolates, fried dough twists, honey-fried kumquats, plum blossom buns, braised scallops in fermented rice wine, mutton head skewers, lactose-coated snow, melons and fruits, candied fruit.
Several dancers entered and began to dance, their sleeves fluttering in the wind, their movements as graceful as flowing clouds.

"Come."

"Jiang Qing."

Zhao Ceying picked up the cup and gently lifted it.

"Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful."

Jiang Zhao quickly raised his cup, and the emperor and his subject drank together.

After downing a cup, Zhao Ceying looked at the others, refilled his glass, and raised it again: "My dear ministers."

"Your Majesty."

More than twenty people raised their glasses in unison to show their respect.

"Ah."

Zhao Ceying nodded, downed his drink in one gulp, and then waved his hand, saying, "Enjoy the Lantern Festival to your heart's content."

Compared to other palace banquets, the Lantern Festival mainly focuses on "appreciation" and is not overly restrictive.

The emperor and his ministers drinking a cup of wine was merely to conform to etiquette and regulations.

"promise."

All the high-ranking officials, both civil and military, responded in unison.

"Come here, Jiang Qing."

Zhao Ceying raised his glass to refill it, in high spirits.

Drinking also depends on the person. If one is drinking with other officials, then it is only a formality and one cup is enough.

But if I drink with Jiang Qing, it's purely out of interest.

This is the difference between people!
"Your subject respects."

Jiang Zhao raised his cup, about to speak.

"Oh!"

The largest firework burst open, illuminating the area.

All civil and military officials, and even the emperor, could not help but look over there.

Jiang Zhao was taken aback, and subconsciously sighed, "The east wind releases a thousand trees of flowers at night, and blows down stars like rain!"

"Oh?"

Zhao Ceying glanced sideways and asked, "Jiang Qing, are you going to compose lyrics?"

As a form of entertainment, it's not unusual for literati to compose poems during festivals.

Even high-ranking officials in the imperial court were no exception; they would occasionally compose a poem during festivals.

For this reason, Zisheng Pavilion even prepared the corresponding writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

After all, people get inspired from time to time and write lyrics to add to the fun.

Jiang Zhao was startled.

Actually, he was simply thinking of Xin Qiji's poems.

If there is one poem that is paired with the Lantern Festival, it is undoubtedly "Qing Yu An: Lantern Festival". This poem is almost tied to the Lantern Festival, just like Su Shi's "Shui Diao Ge Tou" is tied to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

I always subconsciously think of it during holidays.

The fireworks during the Lantern Festival, in particular, subconsciously evoke the line, "The east wind releases a thousand trees of flowers at night."

but
This poem is surprisingly fitting for the occasion?
Jiang Zhao frowned, a thought flashing through her mind.

In fact, apart from the few years before he entered officialdom, he hardly wrote any poetry during the other ten years or so of his official career.

Firstly, the daily struggles of being an official consume one's energy, leaving no desire to write lyrics.

Secondly, poetry has always been about being appropriate for the occasion.

If the poem or lyrics are not appropriate for the occasion, copying or borrowing them will inevitably appear incongruous.

Today, I've had a rare moment of "inspiration".

The key point is that it's quite timely.

"After fourteen years in office, I have some reflections," Jiang Zhao said with a sigh.

As soon as he uttered a word, a eunuch presented him with writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

More than twenty ministers all crowded around.

There's no other reason than that Jiang Zhao's poems are actually quite famous.

To date, Jiang Zhao has composed three poems.

A poem titled "To the Tune of 'Breaking the Enemy's Formation' - A Heroic Poem for Di Hanchen" was dedicated to the late Marquis of Wuxiang, Di Qing. The line "Having accomplished the affairs of the king and the world, I have won fame before and after my death, but alas, my hair has turned white" is quite famous and is still displayed in the main hall of the Di family.

The poem "Prodigy Poems" is filled with famous lines.

"Of all professions, only studying is noble."

"In the morning he was a peasant, in the evening he rose to the emperor's court."

"A timely rain after a long drought, meeting an old friend in a foreign land; the wedding night, the day of passing the imperial examination."

This poem was presented to Grand Chancellor Han Zhang.

The poem "Reading on a Winter Night to Show Sincerity" advocates the unity of knowledge and action, and its verses have been widely circulated throughout the world.

"The ancients spared no effort in their studies; what they learned in their youth bore fruit in their old age!"

"What you learn from books is never enough; you must put it into practice to truly understand!"

This poem was dedicated to my brother-in-law, Sheng Changbai.

All three poems contain memorable lines and have become widely known.

In other words, although Jiang Zhao's poetry output is low, it is of "high quality".

Some even lamented that if Jiang Zhao had devoted more time to cultivating the literary scene, he could have become a new generation of literary leader.

This demonstrates the great fame he enjoyed in the field of poetry.

Now, Jiang Zhao has a rare moment of inspiration, which naturally inspires anticipation.

Even the emperor Zhao Ceying couldn't help but come closer to take a look.

Jiang Zhao took up the brush and slowly began to write.

"The east wind blows thousands of flowers into bloom at night, and blows them down like rain of stars."

There were more than twenty people, which was quite crowded. Gu Tingye was responsible for reading aloud to some of the officials who had not yet been invited.

Many high-ranking officials nodded in agreement, referring to the vibrant and colorful fireworks of the Lantern Festival.

This sentence was also a heartfelt remark from Jiang Zhao.

A soft pacing sound rang out, and after about ten breaths, Jiang Zhaoshu wrote:
"The road is filled with the fragrance of fine carriages. The sound of phoenix flutes moves, the jade pot shines, and fish and dragons dance all night."

Gu Tingye read it aloud once.

More than twenty people nodded in agreement.

The first stanza describes the scenery, mainly depicting the lively atmosphere of the Lantern Festival.

"Moths and willows, golden threads, laughter and fragrance linger." Another line falls.

This refers to the clothing worn by women during the Lantern Festival, and the faint fragrance they leave behind after passing by.

The first stanza describes the scenery, while the second stanza describes the people!
More than twenty people stared at them.

It's not hard to predict that the most crucial part is the last sentence.

Suddenly, Jiang Zhao glanced at Zhao Ceying with a sigh, and wrote: "I searched for him a thousand times in the crowd, but suddenly when I turned around, I found him where the lights were dim."

Once the word was uttered, a profound silence fell over everything.

About twenty breaths later, Han Zhang broke the silence with a hiss.

Actually, if you ignore the last line, this poem is quite "conventional." It talks about beautiful scenery and beautiful women, and at most, it just uses beautiful words.

But if you add that last sentence, everything changes.

I searched for him a thousand times in the crowd, and suddenly when I turned around, there he was, in the dim light!
The poet searched desperately for a "beauty," and then, turning around, he finally found "her."

This sentence.
Who says a "beauty" must be a woman?

Since ancient times, "beauty" has been used to refer to virtuous gentlemen and even to monarchs.

From the perspective of the occasion, Jiang Zhao's poem clearly expresses that he has found a wise ruler and is using poetry to express his gratitude for being recognized and appreciated.

The two, who had just been appreciating each other's talents, now composed a beautiful poem expressing their gratitude for each other's recognition and patronage.
More than twenty ministers glanced at Jiang Zhao from time to time, sighing silently.

Fight on, fight on!
Damn it, who can compete with you for favor?

With her ability to win favor, she is unmatched even among the Empress and other concubines!

Even the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet were quite helpless.

The political skills of powerful ministers, the governance skills of virtuous ministers, and the ability of favored ministers to win favor.

Faced with such a competitor, it's truly impossible to know where to begin!

"This"

Unlike the complex emotions of the high-ranking officials, Zhao Ceying felt pure joy.

Even these short words are clearly at the level of a first-rate masterpiece.

The key point is that this poem is clearly about him!

Suddenly turning around, I find that person there, in the dim light. Who is that I'm talking about?
I am speaking to you, Zhao Ceying!

Zhao Ceying coughed lightly, pretending not to know anything: "Great words!"

"Who...who is this for?"

"I bestow this upon the empire, upon Your Majesty, and upon the beauty," Jiang Zhao said calmly.

Sure enough, this was given to me!

"Okay, okay!"

"To bestow upon the land and its people—what an auspicious omen!"

"Jiang Qing is indeed a pillar of the nation and an anchor for stabilizing the world. Even during the Lantern Festival, he still values ​​the nation and its land."

Zhao Ceying suppressed his joy, reached out and rolled up the calligraphy, nodding repeatedly: "Then I shall accept it without hesitation!"

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on acquiring this calligraphy." Han Zhang bowed and offered his congratulations.

"Ha ha!"

Zhao Ceying laughed loudly, then pretended to be calm and said, "Let's admire the lanterns."

So, the officials enjoyed the lanterns.

At 9 PM, the lantern festival ended.

Royal study room.

Zhao Ceying pointed to the wall opposite the imperial desk, took out his calligraphy, and slowly said, "Hang it there. I can see it whenever I look up."

"Yes."

The Grand Eunuch Li Xian, who was in charge of the Imperial Ceremonies, immediately responded.

It is said that the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial was the head of all eunuchs and a top favorite of the emperor, but little did people know that...
That one is the real "celebrity"!

(End of this chapter)