The Slender Waist-Chapter 817 - 579: Establish the Queen and Proclaim the King

Chapter 817: Chapter 579: Establish the Queen and Proclaim the King

The prince’s full moon banquet was held in the Qilin Pavilion.

This was to align with the auspicious symbol of the Qilin, and it also showed the Emperor’s intention to elevate the occasion, making it clear to all how cherished this child truly was.

The civil and military officials of Xinjing, along with the nobles and royal relatives, attended the banquet, making the Qilin Pavilion a lively and grand setting.

Feng Yun adorned herself in splendid attire before heading over, but inwardly, she still treated it as a routine banquet, prepared to go through the motions and exchange pleasantries superficially.

Unexpectedly, as if Pei Jue feared the event wasn’t grand or resplendent enough, before the banquet commenced and even before the music began, he issued an imperial decree.

"...The harmony of heaven and earth, the auspicious omen of the dragon and phoenix, symbolize the prosperity of the nation. Lady Feng of Huaxi, my lawful wife, is of noble virtue and exceptional talent. Since our marriage, she has been diligent and frugal, adhering to her wifely duties with grace and performing acts of kindness and virtue, deeply earning my favor, embodying a character fitting of heaven and earth. Now, with her delicate frame, she has given birth to a prince, adding an heir to the Royal Family and contributing to the state. She deserves great honor. Taking the occasion of the prince’s full moon celebration, I hereby decree to announce to all: Lady Feng is to be conferred as the Da Yong Empress, to rightfully hold the Central Palace, sharing in the ancestral sacrifices. From this day forward, officials and citizens alike are to revere the Empress as they venerate me..."

The decree was written at great length.

The essence was clear: to commend Feng Yun for her virtues and officially crown her as Empress.

The imperial attendants, the officials in charge of rituals, and the decree-transmitting officers were all prepared and in place.

The golden registry and treasures were placed in a red lacquer palanquin, gleaming with a dazzling brilliance...

The Da Yong Emperor, breaking away from the weakness of Former Jin emperors, habitually seized the initiative without consulting the court on every matter...

For him, appointing the Empress was considered a family affair.

The court officials, while surprised, were somewhat prepared mentally. After a brief moment of astonishment, they knelt down and performed the grand formal bows in unison.

"Congratulations to Your Majesty!"

"Congratulations to Your Highness!"

"Long live the Empress, long live, long live!"

The most surprised person in the Qilin Pavilion was the one being crowned—Feng Yun.

Last night, the two of them had spent a long time talking under the quilt, yet Pei Jue hadn’t mentioned a word about this. Now, without warning, the decree was issued for her coronation. She was bewildered, hesitant, but couldn’t publicly reject or dismiss his good intentions.

Pei Gou really had progressed.

First act, then inform.

Feng Yun glanced at the man sitting upright, then walked formally to the front of the hall. She adjusted her attire, slowly knelt, placing her hands folded on the ground, and accepted the golden registry and treasures with a ceremonial bow.

"I am deeply honored by Your Majesty’s favor. I shall not fail your expectations, adhering to my wifely duties, nurturing the royal heir, and bringing comfort to your heart."

Pei Jue hadn’t heard her speak with such "decorum" for a long time. Watching her kneel so properly before him, head bowed slightly, her lashes trembling gently, he couldn’t tell what she was thinking...

His heart felt inexplicably unsettled, a guilty sensation creeping in.

"The Empress may rise. Today is the prince’s full moon celebration, and due to the rush, the coronation ceremony has been assigned to the Astronomical Bureau for further coordination."

With that, he didn’t wait for Feng Yun to bow a second time. He stood up promptly, personally helped her to her feet, and led her to their seat, hand in hand.

"Don’t be angry."

"Lady Yun..."

His voice was very soft.

That address of "Lady Yun" carried a tone that seemed to plead for forgiveness.

The imperial attendants and palace maids close by heard it, feeling as though a fishbone was caught in their throats. They quickly lowered their heads, not daring to glance further.

Feng Yun also lowered her eyes with a faint smile and gave a perfunctory bow.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Pei Jue looked at her, cleared his throat, and sat upright again.

"Beloved officials, please take your seats and join me in celebrating this joyous occasion."

"Yes—"

The officials bowed and took their seats, and only then were the fine wine and delicacies brought in one after another.

The emperor and his officials raised their cups, exchanging auspicious words of congratulations.

As it was the prince’s full moon banquet, bringing the little prince into the hall for the officials to admire was necessary. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Pei Jue clapped his hands lightly, and the wet nurse carried the baby over.

Feng Yun was just about to reach out when Pei Jue took the child before her.

He was a man accustomed to holding the baby, and his movements were adept. The baby also recognized him, and upon seeing his father, waved his little hands and kicked his feet, laughing joyfully...

Pei Jue’s love for his child was evident, as though he didn’t know how best to express his affection. He leaned down and kissed the baby’s cheek. The child, apparently finding it ticklish, laughed even louder, gurgling happily. His adorable demeanor brought smiles to the faces of the officials, filling their hearts with delight...

"The little prince is so clever and lively, truly a heaven-sent Qilin child."

"A blessing to the nation."

"We congratulate Your Majesty on the birth of the noble prince and wish Da Yong a prosperous future..."

Voices rose one after another, but Pei Jue’s expression suddenly changed.

The crowd fell into a stunned silence.

Gradually, smiles faded.

Everyone watched as the Emperor seated on the high dais stiffly adjusted his posture, awkwardly holding the baby up...

"Wet nurse."

The little prince truly was "vigorous and robust," full of energy. As soon as he was lifted, a stream began to seep through the swaddling cloth, dripping onto the imperial desk.

How much could a single baby produce?

The hall froze for an instant.

Only for someone to step forward and announce loudly.

"Heaven sends down sweet dew, gracing the imperial desk—this is a great sign of fortune!"