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Nightfall descended, making the already brightly-lit capital city even more resplendent.

Xia Country’s imperial capital welcomed the liveliest moment since its founding, even surpassing the Tenshinhan’s Ascension Ceremony.

The theater stage in the center of the Imperial City had already been set up, incredibly spacious, capable of accommodating over a hundred people.

Famous actors, drama masters, and old masters from all over the country were backstage, preparing their makeup, tools, and voices for their unique performances. Their excitement was palpable, as being able to perform their masterpieces in front of the Emperor was something that no amount of silver could buy.

Anyone who performed well today had the prospect of boundless wealth and glory in the future.

Young children had already carried benches and secured the best seats for their families, eagerly waiting for the grand performance to begin.

Emperor Xia, wearing a nine-clawed golden dragon robe, sat on the city wall, surrounded by a yellow canopy umbrella, palace maids holding lanterns, and various colorful consorts, chatting about palace gossip.

High -ranking officials who had been invited to the banquet wore proud expressions. They were all prominent figures, and being able to enjoy the grand banquet and beautiful night scene with the Emperor was an exceedingly glorious event for them.

Yu Daocheng’s hair was already mostly white, and his face showed signs of fatigue and aging. However, looking at the scene in front of him, his eyes couldn’t help but sparkle.

His eyes shone with brilliance, and he was very satisfied with the current prosperous situation.

After ten years of fighting, from a small soldier to a commander, from a commander to a lord, and finally, to the third year of his reign as Emperor, it was time for him to enjoy some peace.

“Is Your Majesty satisfied?”

Minister of Revenue Liu Longqing and Minister of Rites both stood before the Emperor, smiling faintly.

“Both of you have done a good job. Come, have a seat!”

Yu Daocheng laughed and gestured for a palace maid to bring two wooden stools.

After Liu Longqing sat down, he continued with a smile, “Respected elders from all places have arrived, all of them admiring Your Majesty’s benevolence and clamoring to see you.”

After hearing this, Yu Daocheng’s smile deepened: “I have spent quite a lot of silver on this meal. Tell them that I accept their goodwill!”

Just as the Emperor was in high spirits and getting along well with his ministers, a clear female voice sounded from the side.

“Emperor, I came to visit you.”

A beautiful young girl with apricot eyes approached the city wall – it was Princess Xiang Yun, Pei Xiangyun.

At this moment, she was wearing a rosy pleated skirt and walked over briskly. Seeing her arrival, Yu Daocheng chuckled, “Oh, it’s Xiang Yun. Come, have a seat.”

The Imperial Guards by his side made way, as everyone knew how prestigious Princess Xiang Yun was in the capital city.

Pei Xiangyun smiled and bowed before Yu Daocheng, “I couldn’t miss your great birthday celebration.”

Her father was once a close commander and brother-in-arms of the Emperor, so according to their relationship, she should be the Emperor’s niece. Looking at the lovely and lively Pei Xiangyun, Yu Daocheng couldn’t help but feel sentimental.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. You’ve grown so much and become more sensible. If only your sister could be as worry-free as you.”

Pei Xiangyun understood Yu Qinghan’s thoughts as soon as she heard them.

The Emperor was missing his family.

“I’ll keep you company. My sister is lost among the common people; she’ll probably come back someday.” Pei Xiangyun softly smiled and comforted him.

In reality, she knew that her sister might never return.

Last time, even her personal visit couldn’t persuade her to change her mind.

“Alright, I appreciate your kindness.” Yu Daocheng expressed his gratitude and gently patted Pei Xiangyun’s head.

Come to think of it, on such a grand birthday celebration, the Emperor was alone without any of his children by his side. Anyone in his place would feel inexplicably melancholic.

“Your Majesty, the play is about to begin.”

Liu Longqing, noticing the personal moment between the Emperor and his family, hadn’t intruded earlier. But now that the play was starting, it was time to remind him.

“Alright, let’s watch the play together.”

Yu Daocheng nodded and watched the play with Pei Xiangyun, feeling as if his daughter were by his side.

The grand performance began with an acrobatics troupe showcasing various skills such as fire-breathing, blindfolded knife throwing, juggling wine jars, and sword swallowing. The audience was in awe of their incredible talents.

The common people thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle, cheering and applauding. The Emperor was also pleased, granting them a generous reward.

Only two people were the exception, attentively watching both inside and outside the play.

One was a stocky, round-headed man carrying a shield and axe, while the other was a tall woman with a red bow and a mask. Both of their green robes bore either a black turtle or a vermilion bird emblem on the chest. These two were none other than the remaining martial experts, Black Turtle, and Ying Que.

Qin Hu watched over the Heavenly Prowess Gate while they stuck close to the Emperor’s side.

Now that three of the most skilled fighters in the capital city were gathered together, it was a rare sight indeed.

After the acrobatics concluded, a large curtain was raised, and several masters held small paper puppets.

Liu Longqing explained with a smile, “Your Majesty, up next is the shadow puppetry.”

Yu Daocheng nodded gently, instructing, “Give them some extra rewards.

These performers don’t have it easy, coming here from faraway places.”

“I understand, Your Majesty.” Liu Longqing bowed his head in acknowledgment.

Soon, the entire stage in the center of the Imperial City darkened, with even the lanterns on the walls extinguished.

Only the high platform overhead had some light.

Shadow puppetry required the surrounding area to be dark, with no other sources of light, so the shadows on the screen could be seen clearly and the viewing experience wouldn’t be affected..