Atop Purple Cloud Pavilion, guests were seated on both sides, raising their cups to drink together and enjoying the melodious sounds of string and woodwind music, as well as elegant dances.
Envoys from minor nations were intoxicated, as if in a trance. Emissaries from major countries had flushed faces; even in their drunkenness, they sat upright. They were careful to avoid being captured in their indiscretion by a Yu Country court painter sketching the scene from a corner, fearing they might lose face for their nations.
The Emperor and Empress, their faces brimming with joy, sat in the place of honor. To their left were the Faith Cultivation Cardinal, the Nanzhou Imperial Uncle, and others; to their right sat the Academic Palace Master, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess Consort.
At the banquet, many were covertly watching the expression on Crown Prince Li Si's face.
