Long Live Your Majesty
Chapter 22: Long Live Your Majesty
"Long live your majesty," Mr. Guo said as he bowed his head deeply.
"Guo, you have grown so many white beards," the emperor teased, a playful smile on his face.
Mr. Guo rubbed his beard with a chuckle. "Your majesty, I nearly did not recognize you; you have changed a lot."
"You have changed a lot too," the minister in charge of finance chimed in, nodding in agreement.
"Your majesty," a voice called out, and Princess Hua entered the grand hall. "Long live your majesty." She bowed gracefully.
"I have brought this present to celebrate your birthday," Princess Hua announced, signaling Chen Xui to present the gift to the emperor. Just as Chen Xui was about to step forward, Princess Li entered the room.
"Long live your majesty," Princess Li said from the entrance, her voice ringing with warmth as she walked in. "Father, happy birthday." She bowed deeply, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I brought this portrait," Princess Li said, gesturing for her maid to present the gift to the eunuch.
"Your majesty, Princess Hua brought this amazing flower pot; I heard this flower blooms once every seventy years! And wow, Princess Li brought a portrait admired by the great teacher of the ninth emperor!" the eunuch announced, his voice filled with awe.
"How did Princess Li acquire this?" a minister asked, curiosity piqued.
"I heard it is hard to see; almost all the late emperors didn't see it before they died," another minister added, whispering among the gathered officials.
"Princess Li's gift is more valuable," the ministers continued to gossip, their voices low but fervent.
"Your majesty," Princess Beihe entered with her husband, her presence commanding attention. "Father, I wish you many more years of health and happiness."
"Father, I brought you this medicine. It keeps you young and healthy—a special concoction from the great physician Jiangxi," Princess Beihe said, her voice filled with pride as she handed the medicine to the eunuch.
"Wow," the emperor exclaimed, impressed. "And what else do you have for me?"
"Father, I also brought my cousin to sing for you; she has a lovely voice," Princess Beihe continued, clapping her hands to summon the singer. The other princesses took their seats, and Princess Li felt a pang of disappointment as Princess Beihe took the spotlight.
The singer entered, dressed in a stunning pink gown adorned with diamond accessories that sparkled under the hall's lights. She was accompanied by three ladies: a zither player and two dancers, all dressed in matching attire.
As the music began, the air filled with the enchanting melody of the song:
Yǎngwàng tiānkōng xiàng yuèliàng
Xīnlíng héxié xuànlǜ piāo
Jīntiān wǒmen chàngzhe dòngrén gē
Zhè yī kè wǒmen zhǎodào fāngxiàng
Nǐ nà mírén de yǎnjīng shǎnguāng
Zài xīngkōng xià wǒmen liúlàng
Qiān qǐ nǐ de shǒu yīqǐ fēixiáng
Shìjiè jiù zài wǒmen de zhōngyāng
Yèkōng xià wǒmen fàngshēng gāogē
Mèngjìng rónghuà zài zhè piàn shíguāng
Wúlùn yuǎnjìn wǒmen jǐn jǐn yīkào
Tiāndì zhī jiān jìnqíng chángyáng
Fēng er qīng fú guò wǒmen de liǎn
Xiàoróng zài chénxī zhōng zhànfàng
Měi gè yīnfú dōu juānkè huíyì
Zhè yī kè wǒmen hùnrán yītǐ
Céngjīng míshī zài mángmáng yè
Rújīn xīn guī chù jiù zài zhè
Yīnfú biānzhī chéng de qíngjié
Ràng shìjiè wèi wǒmen wǔdòng
Yèkōng xià wǒmen fàngshēng gāogē
Mèngjìng rónghuà zài zhè piàn shíguāng
Wúlùn yuǎnjìn wǒmen jǐn jǐn yīkào
Tiāndì zhī jiān jìnqíng chángyáng
(Here is the English translation of the lyrics:
Looking up at the sky towards the moon
The melody of our hearts harmonizes and floats
Today we sing a moving song
In this moment, we find our direction
Your enchanting eyes sparkle
Under the starry sky, we wander
Holding your hand, we fly together
The world is right at our center
Under the night sky, we sing out loud
Dreams melt away in this moment of time
No matter the distance, we rely on each other tightly
Between heaven and earth, we roam freely
The wind gently brushes our faces
Smiles bloom in the morning light
Every note carves memories
In this moment, we are one
Once lost in the vast night
Now my heart returns to this place
The story woven from notes
Makes the world dance for us
Under the night sky, we sing out loud
Dreams melt away in this moment of time
No matter the distance, we rely on each other tightly
Between heaven and earth, we roam freely)
The beautiful notes floated through the air, captivating everyone present. The emperor, moved by the performance, gestured for the singer to remove her veil. As the veil fell away, Princess Hua's eyes widened in shock when she recognized the singer. The hall fell silent, anticipation hanging thick in the air as the identity of the singer was revealed, leaving everyone curious about the unfolding drama.