Echoes of My Heart Throughout the Court

The previous dynasty had been extravagant, with emperors who loved ornate literary pursuits. The current emperor vehemently opposed such practices. Now, the streets were more populated with scholars composing poems and essays. Of course, there were still opera performances, but those took place in dedicated theaters. Moreover, instead of tales of love and heartbreak, the current dynasty’s operas focused more on reflecting the hardships of the common people and exposing bureaucratic corruption—a genre the emperor, who had risen from the masses, particularly enjoyed.

A wild soldier exclaimed, “You can drink in public gatherings now?!”

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites coughed twice, covering his mouth. “That’s a recent change. Back when there were eighteen rebel factions, public drinking was prohibited to maintain order. Now that the world is at peace, the ban has been lifted.”

Some hesitated and asked, “But why are even the ways of eating and drinking tea so different? I remember that the street-side pancakes used to be about palm-sized, small enough to finish in two or three bites. A sturdy man could eat over a dozen in one sitting. But now these pancakes are so big—just two are enough to fill a sturdy man up.”

“Well… now that it’s a time of peace, the price of rice and flour has dropped, so the pancakes are made bigger.”

—Actually, it was because the previous dynasty valued refined and delicate customs, whereas the current dynasty embraced a more rugged and straightforward style.

“Oh… and cooking meat in large chunks—is that also because meat is cheaper now?”

“Exactly!”

—In the previous dynasty, people preferred to slice meat thinly, while chopping it boldly into large pieces, as if slicing through with a blade, was something usually only done by soldiers in specific settings. Nowadays, even common folk on the streets preferred cutting large chunks to toss directly into the pot.

The rapid changes in the world left these people, who had been isolated from society, feeling dizzy. Even the customs of the common folk had transformed. Everything seemed unfamiliar, and they couldn’t help but feel estranged from this land they once knew.

By the time they reached the magistrate’s office, many hurried inside as if escaping.

After they were seated, Li Shihu casually asked the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, “I’ve lost track of time in the mountains. What year is it now?”

“The Yongbao era lasted only four years, and it was followed by the Tiantong era. Today is April 1st, in the thirty-third year of Tiantong.”@@novelbin@@

The others silently marveled.

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites truly lived up to his reputation. Without telling a single lie, he managed to create the impression that Yongbao and Tiantong were two era names under the same emperor.

Li Shihu’s expression changed, and he immediately turned to bow deeply before the old emperor. “Your humble servant is guilty! I did not realize today is Your Majesty’s birthday!”

“Hmm?”

It wasn’t his birthday… Oh!

The old emperor realized he was referring to the former dynasty’s last emperor.

Li Shihu continued to proclaim loudly, “May Your Majesty live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!”

He sighed regretfully, “It’s a pity that the birthday gift I prepared can no longer be offered.”

—After all, now that it was already known the emperor had accepted the Huihu king’s allegiance, it would be inappropriate to present that as a birthday gift.

The old emperor maintained his composure and helped him to his feet, smiling warmly. “To have such a great general is itself a blessing for ten thousand years.”

They directly spoke in a way that moved him, making Li Shihu increasingly grateful and determined to serve the emperor to the death.

After standing up, Li Shihu, his face beaming with excitement, turned to the others and asked, “Surely, my esteemed colleagues have already prepared birthday gifts for His Majesty. May I ask what they are?”

Uh…

The room fell silent for a moment before the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites broke the tension, saying solemnly, “I shall recite a poem for His Majesty!”

He then improvised and composed a birthday poem that was decent and respectable.

—It couldn’t be helped; it was made up on the spot.

The legendary poet who could compose in seven steps might be a tale of history or folklore, but even they needed at least seven steps to think. Li Shihu’s assumption that they had prepared gifts gave them no time at all to think of something elaborate!

The Minister of Revenue immediately followed up, saying, “I shall sing a song for His Majesty!”

The emperor: “…”

Although the Minister of Revenue looked scholarly and had a rich voice, even gracefully swinging his sleeves and stepping in rhythm while singing, it was…

Strange. Very strange.

The Chief Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices chimed in next: “I shall compose an essay in honor of His Majesty!”

“I…” The Marquis of Yongchang found that the options for impromptu gifts were running out. After a quick glance around, he grabbed his sword and declared, “I shall perform a sword dance for His Majesty!”

It was only then that Li Shihu realized he had done something inappropriate. He slapped his forehead in regret.

His colleagues had only just returned. Even if they had prepared birthday gifts, they would certainly be stored in their respective residences. Now, because of his question, they had to resort to offering poems, songs, and dances on the spot. The proper gifts would have to wait until the official birthday banquet.

Ah, this was all his fault! He’d gotten a bit carried away earlier!

While Li Shihu was silently berating himself, hurried footsteps approached, accompanied by a man’s anxious voice.

“Father! The Jinyiwei said you’d returned! Are you hurt?”

The crown prince, limping hurriedly into the room, nearly stumbled in his haste. He was too preoccupied to notice the unfamiliar faces in the room. Once he confirmed that his father and the officials were safe, his face lit up with relief.

Eagerly, he shared the news he had encountered earlier.

“Father, let me tell you! On my way back with the troops, I ran into a group of rebels! Do you know how they were exposed?”

“Wait—”

“Today is that little tyrant emperor’s birthday, isn’t it? They had captured several women and were planning to strip them and burn them as a tribute to celebrate his birthday. Thankfully, I eradicated them just in time—”

Noticing the strange atmosphere in the room, the crown prince paused, confused. “What’s wrong?”

Even the air seemed to freeze.

The emperor stiffly turned his head to look at Li Shihu. “My dear minister, let me explain…”

It would have been better if he hadn’t said anything. The moment he spoke, Li Shihu immediately caught on.

Clang!

Li Shihu drew his sword, glaring fiercely at the emperor. “So you’re a rebel!”