"Miss Chu, it seems that only your mouth is tough. I wonder how long you can keep it up."
"Don't worry, Young Master Qi, I certainly won't let you see me be the first to fall."
The two exchanged sharp words, and outside, a Palace Attendant's voice announced, "The Emperor and Empress Dowager have arrived."
Everyone present stood up and knelt to pay their respects.
"We ministers greet the Emperor, wishing him ten thousand years of life, and the Empress Dowager a thousand years of life..."
Emperor Xuanming raised his hand slightly, "Rise, my beloved subjects. Today is New Year's Eve, a grand day of celebration. Let us be seated."
Everyone rose accordingly and returned to their seats.
Emperor Xuanming, accompanied by the Empress Dowager, sat at the top seat.
Alongside, the Empress had already taken her place on the other side beneath Emperor Xuanming, and favored concubines of beauty and above from the Imperial Harem were also present at this palace banquet.
