The next day, as soon as the morning court ended, Helan Zong requested an audience with the emperor. The emperor assumed he had come to discuss official matters, but as soon as he entered, he said directly, "Your subject today begs an audience with Your Majesty to make an impertinent request."
Over the years, Helan Zong had rarely made any requests of the emperor, so this sudden request, coupled with his solemn expression, made the emperor nervous, wondering what major event had occurred.
To his surprise, after Helan Zong spoke for a long time, it turned out to be merely so that his mute daughter could watch the lantern festival.
The emperor was both exasperated and amused, feeling somewhat tricked, yet seeing the anxious look in his beloved minister's eyes, he suddenly felt pity for his fatherly love.
It was just fulfilling a young girl's dream—adding people to the parade procession was easy enough. The emperor waved his hand generously and approved.
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