Although the Emperor allowed Empress Xie to organize her birthday banquet according to the usual customs, Empress Xie, wanting to showcase her virtue, ordered her birthday banquet to be held in a simple manner.
Simplicity meant inviting the concubines and princes for a meal at noon and watching a play together in the afternoon. The evening banquet was a private affair between her and the Emperor.
According to past customs, the Empress's birthday banquet required the submission of gifts from the noblewomen, but this year Empress Xie canceled that, turning her birthday banquet into a family dinner.
The Emperor, seeing Empress Xie's virtuous behavior, naturally praised her a great deal and rewarded her with many gifts. That night, he also accompanied Empress Xie for dinner. Of course, the Emperor stayed overnight at Zhao Yang Palace.
Even though this year's birthday banquet was somewhat modest, the rewards were tremendous, leaving Empress Xie quite content.
