Chapter 108 Birthday Banquet (1)
On the day of the birthday banquet, Zhou Yan and Han Ji arrived at the [Holy City] early in the morning. Because of their low-key trip, they did not attract attention. Even though it was that day, people from various countries still came in an endless stream.
The royal study in the palace.
"Oh? Are we there yet?"
Zhao Ziheng's calm voice sounded. After not seeing him for many days, Zhao Ziheng's expression had only regained a little color, and his face was still pale.
"I'm afraid he didn't come for the Queen Mother's birthday banquet."
Wang Ye expressed his opinion as they were discussing the news of Zhou Yan's arrival.
"Um."
Zhao Ziheng indicated that he understood. He had known that Zhou Yan was coming back, but he was a little surprised that Han Ji would come with him. He didn't care about Han Ji's arrival, but he was more concerned about why Zhou Yan came. Was he here simply for Yin Yin? Zhao Ziheng shook his head secretly in his heart. Even if it was Zhou Yan, he didn't believe that he would come for this reason.
"It's no use for us to guess here. Now that we've caught up, we'll probably meet soon."
Zhao Ziyu on the side also expressed his opinion. No matter when, they will pay more attention to some individual characters, and Zhou Yan is one of them.
"Oh, by the way, King Lian's side——"
Zhao Ziheng nodded slightly, then suddenly remembered something and spoke.
"That matter has been confirmed, so it will most likely be brought up at the birthday party."
Wang Ye relayed the information he had obtained truthfully. Zhao Ziheng's face darkened after hearing it. Wang Ye and Zhao Ziyin looked at each other in silence, because they knew very well what it meant.
“Ahem—”
The moment of silence was broken by Zhao Ziheng's light cough. Wang Ye and Zhao Ziheng looked at him with concern , but they could only watch helplessly. No one could say anything to comfort them, but they did not add any further pressure either.
"Where's Wu Yao?"
Zhao Ziheng drooped his eyelids slightly and changed the subject weakly.
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. With the Griffin secretly joining us, nothing will go wrong."
"...I hope so, ahem——"
After a brief inquiry, Zhao Ziheng coughed again, as if he was not feeling well?
"Your Majesty, would you please take a rest before the birthday banquet begins?"
Wang Ye was a little worried. Zhao Ziheng's slight cough reflected his physical condition, and Wang Ye knew his physical condition very well. Zhao Ziheng's pale face was enough to prove that his injuries had not yet healed.
"I'm fine. I've already let someone else do the reception work. How can I be lazy as the king of a country? It's neither moral nor rational."
Zhao Ziheng made a brief statement and seemed unwilling or unable to say more. On the one hand, it was due to physical factors, and on the other hand, it was due to psychological factors.
"Okay, you guys go down first."
"Yes, I will take my leave."
Wang Ye and Zhao Ziyan could both sense the fatigue in Zhao Ziheng's tone, so neither of them said a word and just left, because they knew that Zhao Ziheng needed some personal space.
After Wang Ye and Zhao Ziheng left, Zhao Ziheng closed his eyes with his right hand on his forehead. Thinking of what Wang Ye had just said, Zhao Ziheng frowned and opened his eyes. Suddenly, a hint of sadness appeared in his eyes. He opened his lips slightly and said: "Shu'er——"
When calling his lover's name, a faint smile appeared on the corners of his lips, and there was a touch of tenderness in his eyes; even though they couldn't meet now, Zhao Ziheng still felt happy because Yinyin was within reach. Even if it was painful, Zhao Ziheng felt satisfied. Although he was satisfied that Yinyin was by his side, Zhao Ziheng did not forget what he was about to face. He quickly spread out a piece of white paper, picked up the pen and began to write...
The birthday banquet started at noon .
On the eve of the birthday banquet, the huge Zhenghe Hall was bustling with guests.
"It's worthy of the name Zhao State. A birthday banquet can attract so many people ."
"Yes, and at this time. I didn't expect that Zhao, which has experienced so many ups and downs, still has such a great influence. It is still as rich and powerful as ever, and even more powerful than before."
"The present state of Zhao State owes much to the current King of Zhao. Although a lot has happened since he ascended the throne, it is under his leadership that the State has reached its present glory. Moreover, he is still young. Even six-year-old children in our country know about his heroic deeds. That is why I have specially volunteered to come here this time to see if this young King of Zhao is as brave as the legend says."
The guests began to talk about it. Compared with this birthday banquet, they were more optimistic about the prosperity of Zhao State. The prosperity of Zhao State would of course make people think of Zhao Ziheng. Only under the rule of a wise monarch could country become prosperous and strong. The prosperous countries and dynasties in history as well as the current prosperity of Zhao State are the best proofs. Zhao Ziheng's talents and bravery had long been spread to various countries, his deeds had long been praised, and his name was a household name.
"I'm sure you won't be disappointed."
A middle-aged guest held a wine glass to his lips and spoke suddenly and inadvertently, successfully diverting the attention of a group of people who were talking.
"Have you seen it?"
"I saw him last year at the unprecedented state banquet held in Zhao State."
"How do you feel? Is he really as brave as the rumors say?"
“Well—”
The middle-aged guest put down the wine glass in his hand, as if he was thinking, while others listened attentively with expectation, afraid that they might have missed something.
