Ever yone at court feared Yang Guozhong. Once An Lushan was removed, everyone and everything in the government was at the Prime Minister’s mercy. The Emperor continued to neglect his duties, indulging himself and Lady Yang in all kinds of pleasures.
The Palace of Eternal Youth was extravagantly decorated for Lady Yang’s birthday. A horizontal board of birthday greeting calligraphy written by the Emperor was hung up in the middle of the hall, with presents from officials piling up all around the room. The palace was filled with music. The Emperor and Lady Yang sat in the middle of the hall, greeting high-ranking officials and their families.
Gao Lishi presented to the Lady two baskets of fresh leechees sent by commissioners from the southern provinces. With the fruit in hand the Emperor proposed a toast:
“The birthday feast begins when the fresh fruit arrives. I suggest, my lady, you take a cup of wine.”
“Long live the Emperor,” said Yuhuan raising her cup to her mouth and drinking off.
“The commissioners should be rewarded for delivering the fruit,” the Emperor told Gao Lishi. “Give them a slight promotion with five hundred taels of silver.”
While dinner was served, Gao Lishi instructed the palace musician to play the piece Rainbow Skirts and Feather Robes.
“Your Majesty,” said Lady Yang, “I have had a green plate made and would like to dance on it for you.”
“I have never seen a dance on a plate before,” the Emperor with a clap of his hands. “It must be wonderful!”
Lady Yang left the hall to change; when she came back she was wearing white robes and a scarlet skirt, a crown of flowers in her hair. She stood on the green plate that had been placed in the center of the red carpet. Holding a fan made of peacock feathers, she danced gracefully to the music.
So pleased by her dance the Emperor began to beat a drum to accompany. The hall erupted with cheers and laughter at the sight of the happy couple.
“What an amazing dance, my love,” the Emperor said as Yuhuan finished. “More wine! I want to drink with my lady.” Wine was brought and as they two drank the Emperor declared, “I present my lady with ten scrolls of golden brocade, a pair of violet hairpins, and this perfumed satchel. Tie it to your waist and it will add fragrance to your dance.”
Yuhuan graciously accepted the Emperor’s gifts. He then took her hand and the pair left for the western palace where the emperor’s concubines live.
