The Lord God is kneeling on the washboard again

The Queen Mother's birthday is approaching, and the entire palace is shrouded in a tense and exciting atmosphere.

From dawn on, the palace maids and eunuchs were busy, they shuttled through every corner of the palace, carefully cleaning every place. The long corridors were wiped spotlessly clean, and the doors and windows of the palace were wiped clean and shiny like mirrors.

In the imperial kitchen, smoke curled upwards. The chefs were busily busy, carefully selecting the finest ingredients and applying their skills to create one delicious dish after another. The aroma filled the entire palace, making everyone salivate.

In the palace gardens, gardeners were busy pruning branches and arranging the colorful blossoms into exquisite patterns. Red, pink, yellow, and purple, the flowers competed with each other in their splendor, as if presenting a gorgeous performance in advance for the Empress Dowager's birthday.

In the court, ministers were preparing gifts and racking their brains to figure out how to win the Empress Dowager's favor at the birthday banquet. They discussed with one another, their faces filled with respect and anticipation.

In the harem, the concubines also dressed themselves up carefully, choosing the most gorgeous clothes and the most dazzling jewelry, hoping to show their best side on the empress dowager's birthday.

Outside the palace, officials and wealthy businessmen from all over the country rushed to the capital with precious gifts, just to express their respect and blessings to the Queen Mother at this important moment.

The entire capital was immersed in a festive atmosphere. Everyone was looking forward to the arrival of the Queen Mother's birthday and the grand and magnificent celebration.

At this time, in the Prince Regent's Mansion, Xing Xuanli helped Yun Mohan (Nangong Han) undress. Xing Xuanli asked, "Today is the Queen Mother's birthday. Which robe will you wear?"

Yun Mohan frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said, "Let's go for the light blue robe embroidered with green bamboo."

Xing Xuanli nodded slightly, turned around and took out the robe from the closet, unfolded it and examined it carefully. After confirming that there were no wrinkles or flaws, she handed it to Yun Mohan.

"This dress suits you very well, making you look even more handsome and extraordinary." Xing Xuanli looked at Yun Mohan lovingly.

Yun Mohan smiled and held Xing Xuanli's hand, saying, "With you by my side, I'm fine with whatever happens."

Xing Xuanli blushed and said angrily, "You only know how to say these sweet words to coax me."

Yun Mohan laughed and opened his arms, allowing Xing Xuanli to put on his robe and tie his belt for him.

"Okay, let's see if you are satisfied?" Xing Xuanli took two steps back and looked Yun Mohan up and down.

Yun Mohan turned around in front of the bronze mirror and said with satisfaction, "Madam has always had excellent taste."

Xing Xuanli smiled and said, "Then you wait a moment, I'll change my clothes to match yours." After that, she turned and walked into the inner room.

After a while, Xing Xuanli came out wearing an elegant long dress of the same color as Yun Mohan's. A hint of surprise flashed in Yun Mohan's eyes.

"Madam, dressed like this, is truly as beautiful as a fairy." Yun Mohan exclaimed.

Xing Xuanli lowered her head shyly, and the two smiled at each other and prepared to go to the Queen Mother's birthday banquet.

The princes of each fiefdom will also come to Beijing on the Empress Dowager's birthday.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the capital grew increasingly tense and solemn. On the avenue leading to the capital, the princes' processions marched in a mighty procession. Flags fluttered, horses neighed, and wheels rolled, raising clouds of dust.

The princes each had their own agenda. Some hoped to win the Empress Dowager's favor at the birthday banquet, thereby securing greater benefits for their fiefdoms; others worried about being caught up in the vortex of power struggles in the capital, and carefully devised strategies to counter them.

In the carriages of the procession, the princes either closed their eyes in deep thought or whispered with their advisers. Among their entourage, the warriors all had serious expressions, gripped their weapons tightly, and remained vigilant at all times.

The people of the capital city stopped to watch, full of curiosity and speculation about the arrival of the princes.

Inside the palace, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor were also preparing for the arrival of the princes. The Empress Dowager instructed the palace maids and eunuchs to arrange accommodations and receptions for the princes, while the Emperor discussed with his ministers how to balance the forces of all parties at the birthday banquet and ensure stability.

The entire capital city is like a huge stage, with characters from all sides about to appear on stage, and the Empress Dowager's birthday is undoubtedly the opening of this drama.

There was singing and dancing, and the entire palace was immersed in a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.

On the stage, graceful dancers, clad in gorgeous, colorful gowns, resembled blossoming flowers. They danced gracefully to the music, their graceful steps like a spring breeze rustling through willow trees, their elegant figures swirling like flying swallows. Their flowing sleeves traced graceful arcs in the air, creating a dazzling display of light and shadow.

The singing girls' voices were melodious and graceful, like the song of a nightingale, clear and melodious, with a lingering sound. The lyrics were beautiful and moving, expressing beautiful blessings and hopes, intoxicating people and making them forget the troubles and sorrows of the world.

The guests in the audience were intoxicated by the wonderful performance, their faces filled with joyful smiles. They appreciated the singing and dancing, savored the delicious food and wine, and thoroughly enjoyed this rare happy time.

The princes and nobles whispered to each other, expressing their admiration for the performance from time to time; the ministers raised their glasses to celebrate and wish for a peaceful and prosperous era; the concubines covered their mouths with handkerchiefs, giggled softly, and their eyes sparkled with excitement.

Behind this scene of peace and prosperity lies a prosperous nation and a people living and working in peace and contentment. However, beneath this seemingly perfect picture lies a power struggle and an unknown crisis. But at this moment, everyone is immersed in this joyful atmosphere, temporarily forgetting all worries and concerns.

Emperor Nanyuan, today is the Empress Dowager's birthday. I am deeply grateful to you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend her birthday celebration.

Emperor Nanyuan sat upright on a high throne with a gentle and sincere smile on his face, his eyes slowly sweeping over the princes and the others.

"All of you are my loyal ministers. It is my Nanyuan's honor to be able to gather together on this important day to celebrate the Queen Mother's birthday." Emperor Nanyuan raised the wine glass in his hand and gestured to everyone.

The princes, nobles, ministers and generals all rose and respectfully raised their glasses in response: "Your Majesty, your words are very sincere. It is our honor to celebrate the Queen Mother's birthday."

For a moment, the hall was filled with an atmosphere of respect and peace.

Emperor Nanyuan nodded slightly and continued, "May Nanyuan, under the protection of the Queen Mother, enjoy favorable weather, good harvests, peace and prosperity for the country and the people."

Everyone shouted in unison: "May our Nanyuan enjoy good weather and prosperity!"

The voice echoed in the hall, showing everyone's beautiful expectations for the prosperity of the country.

When the sister of Prince Xiao's concubine saw Yun Mohan's (Nangong Han) irresistible face, her eyes instantly became obsessed, and she stood there blankly as if she was cast under a spell.

His features were as sharp as a knife, with lines that were firm yet gentle, and every undulation was perfectly balanced, as if they were a masterpiece meticulously crafted by heaven. His brows were sharp, his eyes as bright as the cold stars, easily captivating. His nose, as high as a mountain peak, revealed his resolve and courage. His thin lips were slightly raised, a faint smile emanating a deadly charm.

The sister of Prince Xiao's concubine felt her heartbeat pounding like a drum, her breathing quickening. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she completely ignored the gazes of those around her, her eyes glued to Yun Mohan's face, unable to move even a fraction. At that moment, it seemed as if Yun Mohan's enchanting face was the only thing in her world; everything else no longer mattered.

However, Princess Nalan Qin (Blood Moon) of Prince Xiao watched the entire process. She snorted inwardly, "How dare this bastard dream of becoming the host's husband?"

Nalan Qin's eyes were filled with disdain and mockery. She stared intently at the younger sister of Prince Xiao's concubine, as if piercing her with her gaze. She narrowed her eyes slightly, a sneer curling the corners of her mouth as she thought to herself, "With her frivolous appearance, she dares to have any inappropriate thoughts about Yun Mohan. She's simply dreaming. Yun Mohan is such a man, how could he care less about such a vulgar woman?"

Nalan Qin pursed her lips, suppressing the rage within her. She straightened her back and sat upright, projecting a noble and inviolable demeanor. She decided to remain silent for now, waiting to see what further amusement this ungrateful woman could produce. Protecting the dignity of her husband and family was her unshirkable responsibility, and anyone who attempted to disrupt this tranquility and beauty would be met with retaliation.