On Fourth Master's birthday, it happened to snow, which was indeed unfortunate.
Since it had been announced that there would be no celebration this year, on this day, only Fourth Master was with the children, as well as Ninth Master, Tenth Master, Twelfth Master, and Thirteen through Seventeen, along with Eighteen, who had recovered from his illness long ago. That's right, Eighteen here hadn't died; he was well and alive.
Additionally, the ladies of the imperial harem, as well as the Empress Dowager and the Grand Empress Dowager, had been invited. A table had been set up in Qianqing Palace.
It was still the Mourning Period, so only vegetarian dishes could be eaten, which was merely a symbolic gesture.
The Grand Empress Dowager, citing her old age, decided not to attend, telling the Emperor to have a lively celebration and sent over a jar of strong liquor.
Fourth Master couldn't help but cry and laugh; the old lady really was...
However, the Empress Dowager insisted on coming.
