In the year 618 AD, the Suí empire fell. Li Yuan ascended to the throne as Emperor. The Kingdom now renamed Tang. He brought peace to the entire country was loved by his people. During his reign was called the golden age of Tang.
Chang'an an ancient city located in Shaanxi province. Chang'an became the capital of the current Tang Dynasty. The royal family resides in the Taiji Palace. The palace constructs with bricks, stones and had incline roofs. Taiji Palace had three sections, which divide into the outer, middle, and inner court. Passing through the Danfeng gate, people enter the outer court know as Hanyuan Hall. Hanyuan Hall connects to pavilions and corridors. Two buildings name Xiangluan in east and Qifeng to west.
North of Hanyuan Hall is the middle court called Xuanzheng Hall. Another building stood north of Xuanzheng Hall. This building is the inner court label as Zichen Hall. Near Zichen Hall exists a decent size pool name Penglai Pool. The Penglai Pool has many gardens that grow peonies, chrysanthemums, plums, almonds, roses, peaches, bamboo, and persimmons. On the west side of the lake is the Linde Hall, which is split up into three parts. Each part is adjacent to one another, and a park also established towards the north. On the northeast corner is Sanqing Hall, which is also a Taoist temple.
On one particular evening, Emporer Li Yuan decides to have a big banquet at Linde Hall. Inside of Linde Hall, scarlet paint covers the walls and pillars. The wall behind the Emperor's seat had gold carving that shape into a dragon with a long tail. Golden vines seem to climb up the posts.
Low tables fill the space on the sides of the room. Each table can seat one individual. The middle area is left empty for performances. Many royal officials enter the banquet hall in proper order. Everyone had beautiful silk robes that had different colors and embroideries. Not everyone looks the same. Some people look aged with grey hair while others are in their prime.
Each official seats themselves by order of importance. The three department leaders' seat position is close to the Emperor. Three central departments are the Chancellery, State of Affairs, and Secretariats. Below the three departments are the six ministries, which include Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works. Each department has its responsibilities.
Everyone patiently waited for the Emperor to arrive. While waiting, the officials discuss various concerns among themselves.
"I am a bit perturb for his Majesty." voice one official.
"Ah, Zhang Chi, why are you worried?" inquire another official who sat on the other of the room.
Zhang Chi is a handsome man with a square face. Many women can not resist the urge to caress his tone abbs. His eyes seem deep and bright like the ocean in the moonlight. Zhang Chi serves the country in recent years, then appointed by the Emperor as the head of state of affairs.
"His Majesty seems unwell recently." state Zhang Chi.
"Have the Royal physician examine him?" asked another official.
"Of course, I order the examination." Zhang Chi retort with a bit of annoyance.
"What was the result?" question the person next to Zhang Chi.
"His Maj-."
Zhang Chi's words got interrupted by the abrupt announcement.
"His Majesty and Empress have arrived!"
All of the officials in the room turn to glance at the entrance. All of them quickly got to their feet. A man wearing a yellow robe with strode in slowly. On the head of the man adorn a yellow headdress.
Everyone could feel the intense invisible pressure exude from the man even though his complexion is sickly. Two beautiful women follow along behind him. Each woman had a few female servants following closely behind. It took them a bit to reach their seating area. The man in yellow sat in the middle between the two women.
The woman who sits on the left had on a pink hanfu with white flowers. She wears two hairpins that had flowers matching the ones on her gown. Her face is white due to the secret pigment cream. On the lids of her eyes is cover with orange and yellow pigment. A light pink lip paint shape into a flower cover her thin lips. The woman's name is Wu Loa, also known as Concubine Wu. Although the seat of Concubine Wu is moved slightly back, denoting her rank in the imperial harem.
Sitting on the right side of Emperor Yuan is Empress Chun Fang. She had on an elegant hanfu gown with colors that match up with the Emperor's robe. Her fair skin seems smooth and flawless like nothing can mar it. Elaborate ornaments adorn her shiny black hair. Scarlet hue stain her eyelids and her full lips. Underneath the layers of clothes is her bulging stomach. Citizens in Chang'an gave her the nickname Měi Huánghòu. Empress Chun exhibits many good traits during her husband's reign.
Everybody else patiently waited for permission to sit again. They knelt on their knees in reverence. For no one want to shame themselves in front of the great Emperor. No one dares to look directly in the eyes of the Emperor.
Looking around the room, Emperor Yuan felt pleased by what he saw. Most of the people only express respect.
"My beloved officials, I appreciate you all for being here. You may now sit down."
Everyone sat back down quietly.
"Bring out the delicacies and let the feast began," order Emperor Yuan.
Soon several maidservants enter the room while carrying multiple dishes that look good. Dishes include rice, fresh vegetables, roast pork, and more. Everyone partook in the delicacies and exceptional wine to their heart's content. Officials engage themselves with friendly conversations. Emperor Yuan held onto his wife's hand while eating with the other side. By doing so, Emperor Yuan hopes to showcase affection towards his wife in front of many people.
Sitting gracefully in her seat, Concubine Wu glare fiercely at Empress Chun Fang. Bad feeling exudes from Consort Wu at this moment can modify anyone who gazes at her. Secretly she thought I loathe you! I should have been his empress instead of you! You wait, I will make everything right as it should be from the beginning.
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