Li Shimin sat solemnly on the dragon throne, also watching this scene.
Despite his illness being apparent, with sunken cheeks and fatigue etched across his brow, the aura of majesty surrounding him remained undiminished.
No one dared to meet his gaze directly, for the fear emanating from his very soul was enough for Li Shimin to command respect without uttering a word.
He did not speak, conserving his strength.
Until all the envoys finished offering their congratulations.
Only then did Li Shimin finally make a slight movement. After taking a deep breath, he suddenly stood up, scanning the people present, and calmly spoke:
"All of you have come from afar to celebrate my birthday, further highlighting the friendship among all nations, which brings me great joy."
His voice was not loud, yet in the deathly silence of the hall, it penetrated clearly into everyone's ears.
At that moment, all eyes were fixed on Li Shimin.
"Since the inception of the Zhen Guan era—"
