The Great Ming Demon Pill: Your Majesty, please address me as the Crown Prince!

If it weren't for the fact that today was a special day for the Emperor to show off his skills, Zhu Zhanji would have definitely given this brat a good talking-to.

Young people these days are so immature.

In the distance, lights in the West Garden lit up one after another, and more than a thousand candles on the Aoshan Lantern were lit at the same time, creating a dazzling light that made half of the night sky seem like daytime.

The dragon, phoenix, and auspicious clouds seemed to come alive amidst the shifting light and shadow, with the mythical beasts raising their heads, drawing gasps of amazement from both inside and outside the garden.

As Zhu Di looked down upon this magnificent scene from the high platform, a surge of pride welled up within him.

He turned to Yang Rong beside him and said, "Issue the decree to begin the banquet."

Yang Rong bowed and accepted the order, then announced loudly, "By imperial decree, the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet shall now begin!"

The sound echoed across the fields, and the musicians who had been waiting for a long time began to play the "Zhonghe Shaoyue". Amidst the solemn and magnificent ceremonial music, civil and military officials rose in unison and bowed in the direction of the throne.

Even though the imperial guards had drawn a boundary across a wide lake, the people who were allowed to enter the outer area of ​​the West Garden could still vaguely see the magnificent scene of the brightly lit place and hear the solemn music. They all quieted down and craned their necks to watch.

Zhu Di raised his hand in a gesture of support, indicating that the officials should rise and take their seats.

The eunuchs and palace maids of the imperial kitchen moved like a flowing stream between the tables, serving imperial wine and delicacies.

In an instant, the air was filled with the aroma of wine, and delicacies were laid out in abundance.

At the beginning of the banquet, as is customary, there was singing and dancing in accordance with etiquette.

The "Eight Rows Dance," meticulously choreographed by the Imperial Music Bureau, unfolded on a spacious, temporarily constructed stage. Sixty-four dancers, dressed in colorful costumes and holding feather flutes, moved in perfect unison, solemnly and elegantly, praising the emperor's virtues.

The officials nodded repeatedly as they looked at him.

After the dance, the music changed, becoming light and lively.

A variety of acrobatic performances took turns on stage. A strongman steadily supported a pole several meters long, while children tumbled and leaped on top of the pole, eliciting gasps of excitement at the thrilling moments. A magician conjured colorful butterflies from his sleeves and fruits out of thin air with exquisite skill. There were also performances of Cuju (ancient Chinese football) and wrestling, making the event incredibly lively.

The officials not only enjoyed the programs, but cheers and applause also came from the surrounding civilian areas, making the atmosphere even more enthusiastic.

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

The eunuch announced loudly, "Your Highness the Crown Prince and all the princes are invited to present their congratulatory gifts!"

Crown Prince Zhu Gaochi was the first to leave his seat, straighten his robes and solemnly walk to the foot of the imperial steps.

Following them, Prince Han Zhu Gaoxu, Prince Zhao Zhu Gaosui, and the young princes lined up in order, all dressed in ceremonial robes and with respectful expressions.

Zhu Gaochi knelt down, holding a jade ruyi in his hand, and said loudly:

"Your Majesty, I extend my heartfelt congratulations! May Your Majesty enjoy good health and a long life; may our Ming Dynasty be forever secure, and may our people live in peace and happiness. This jade ruyi is a small token of my filial piety, and I respectfully wish Your Majesty all the best and good fortune!"

Zhu Di sat upright on his throne, nodded slightly, and glanced at the Crown Prince's round but solemn face. He said gently, "Your Highness is thoughtful. Rise."

Zhu Gaochi thanked the emperor, stood up, and stepped aside.

Then, Zhu Gaochi, the Prince of Han, strode forward, knelt on one knee, and spoke in a booming voice:

"Father! Your son wishes you everlasting martial prowess, as valiant as we were during the Jingnan Campaign! This gold-inlaid bow is a fine bow that I have personally tested. I present it to you, Father, wishing you ever to expand your territory and never miss your target!"

Zhu Di laughed heartily upon hearing this, stroking his beard and saying, "Second Prince, you're still as straightforward as ever. I accept your offer; I understand your intentions."

Prince Zhao, Zhu Gaosui, then stepped forward with a smile and bowed deeply:

"Father, I wish that Your Majesty's wisdom and strategy would be as bright as the sun and moon, illuminating all corners of the land, and your benevolence as gentle as the spring breeze, benefiting all people. I hereby present you with a copy of the famous painting 'A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains' by a renowned artist from the previous dynasty, hoping that the land under Your Majesty's rule will be as magnificent as the scene in the painting, and that it will remain forever secure."

Zhu Di nodded: "Not bad."

Zhu Zhanji followed behind and stepped forward to speak sincerely.

"Grandfather, my gift is a copy of the Diamond Sutra, which I copied with my own blood."

"Your grandson knows that Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state and works hard for the country. I only wish to offer this scripture to Your Majesty so that Your Majesty may have peace of mind and increase in both blessings and wisdom. I also pray that our Great Ming Dynasty may be peaceful and prosperous and free from disasters."

"Though the calligraphy is clumsy, it is all from my grandson's sincere heart."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di smiled.

"My grandson is very thoughtful."

Although Zhu Zhanji disappointed him somewhat during this period, he was still, after all, the eldest grandson of the emperor whom he had favored for many years.

For a veteran like him, who had charged into battle and fought on the battlefield for many years, this blood-written letter was indeed a bit like the pedantry of a Confucian scholar, but his grandson's heartfelt intentions were genuine.

Zhu Zhanji received praise from his grandfather and returned satisfied.

The other young imperial grandsons also stepped forward in turn, offering poems, handicrafts, or congratulatory messages.

Zhu Di accepted the greetings one by one, his face amiable, creating a warm atmosphere.

After Zhu Zhanji retreated, he gave Zhu Zhanjun a provocative look.

"Zhanjun, where's your gift?"

"What have you prepared?"

He copied this Buddhist scripture for his grandfather, the Emperor, using his own blood, over a period of time.

They were so damn devout!

How can this kid compare to him?

Zhu Zhanjun pursed his lips.

What era are we living in? Still using Buddhist scriptures?

He smiled faintly.

"Big brother, don't worry."

"I have prepared a surprise for Grandpa Emperor."

After saying this, before Zhu Zhanji could react, he took out a notebook from his pocket, raised it high above his head, and ran towards Zhu Di.

"The congratulatory message has arrived! The congratulatory message has arrived!"

Zhu Zhanji: "???"