The Xuan Emperor gave a slight nod.

"This emperor's birthday is in a few days. This emperor does not mean to make much of it this year — only a family dinner. You will come to it."

"Once this emperor's birthday is over, you are to marry Huai'an at once... and go to the Wu Kingdom after the wedding."

Ning Chen bowed his head. "Your subject obeys the command."

The Xuan Emperor turned his head to Eunuch Quan. "Give Ning Chen the thing."

"Yes!"

Eunuch Quan brought a small jar and set it in front of Ning Chen.

Ning Chen asked, curious, "Your Majesty, what is this for?"

The Xuan Emperor said, "Pearl and snake-fat salve. It whitens the skin... They all use it in the inner palace, and it works well enough."

"Put it on your face when you go to bed at night, and wash it off when you get up in the morning."

Holy shit... an overnight beauty mask?

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"If Your Majesty has nothing further, your subject will take his leave."

The Xuan Emperor nodded. "Go on."

"Your subject takes his leave."

As he came out of the Hall of Cultivated Heart a cold wind blew across him, and Ning Chen shivered.

The sky was overcast and heavy.

Cursed weather. Winter was nearly in, and it still rained every day.

In no time at all it was the day of the Xuan Emperor's birthday.

The Xuan Emperor had not made much of it this year. There was only a family dinner.

None of the princes with fiefs were called back for it.

What was called a family dinner did not mean family only.

The ministers of the court were on the list of guests as well.

Below the Second Rank, of course, a man did not qualify. The rule was that the gift came and the man did not.

The gift could be sent, but there was no dinner in it for you.

The Xuan Emperor's birthday feast was held at the Thousand Autumns Palace.

Ning Chen came late. He was allowed to…