The pitied Zhao Yao happily accepted the title and rewards. He was genuinely happy, although others thought he was forcing a smile.
Zhao Yao didn't care what the ministers thought; he was truly delighted because he would soon leave the capital to go to the eagerly anticipated Lingnan.
As an unfavored prince, his coming-of-age birthday naturally wasn't celebrated grandly. The Emperor instructed Sun Kui to send Zhao Yao some items according to customs, and that was it. There wasn't even a birthday banquet for him.
On the noon of his birthday, Zhao Yao dined at Kunde Hall. Lady Liang and Pan Cairen personally cooked a table of dishes that Zhao Yao loved.
The Emperor showed some courtesy by appearing at Kunde Hall at noon, accompanying Lady Liang and Zhao Yao for lunch.
After eating for a while, Zhao Yao sensed the atmosphere was off and lifted his head from the bowl, looking curiously at the Emperor and Lady Liang. Seeing their eyes full of reluctance, he straightened slightly.
