Chapter 233 Book 5 A Strange Gift
Meanwhile, in another place...
The sun shone brightly over Miir City, casting long shadows from the towering spires of the imperial palace. The heart of the Fir Empire, the capital, pulsed with life today more than ever. Word had spread for weeks that one of the emperor's main consorts, Concubine Bie Ling, would be celebrating her birthday with a grand feast, open only to the elite.
The palace was transformed into a picture of opulence. Red and gold banners fluttered over the gates. Courtyards were swept clean and decorated with vases of spring blossoms. Silk lanterns painted with phoenixes swayed in the afternoon breeze. At the heart of the festivities was the Hall of Blossoming Harmony, an immense structure with white marble floors and towering red pillars that gleamed under the soft glow of afternoon light filtering through translucent silk screens.
