Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

The Song Dynasty did not respect human rights. High-ranking officials lived in the inner palace, each with their own room, but these gatekeepers did not have such treatment.

Several people were crammed into one room, their snoring filling the room, making it impossible for Gao Zhao to sleep.

Of course, the main reason for this was that he hadn’t slept in the same room with someone of the same sex for many years and was not used to it at first!

He started to let his mind wander. One moment he thought Zhao Ji was too timid and didn't dare to take bold steps to accomplish great things, the next he was pondering his own future path, and then he thought of Zhang Yunniang... and suddenly he became even more alert...

I tossed and turned for what seemed like forever before finally drifting off to sleep.

But just as he closed his eyes, he heard someone calling him to get up. When he opened his eyes, he saw that it was time for their Hemen Division to begin preparations for the sacrificial ceremony ahead of schedule.

Naturally, he couldn't sleep, so he got up, dressed properly, and quickly washed up with the cold water prepared by the Yiluan Division. The gatekeepers then got ready and lined up to leave the corridor.

Outside, the Qingcheng Palace was still shrouded in darkness, with lanterns flickering under the eaves and the distant clanging of armor from the imperial guards on patrol.

Gao Zhao wrapped his official robes tighter around himself, waves of drowsiness washing over him. He had barely slept a wink the night before, and his head was throbbing. But with such an important ceremony before him, he dared not slacken in the slightest.

When the group reached the entrance to the imperial road leading from Qingcheng to Huanqiu, they dispersed according to their pre-arranged roles.

Some went to inspect the residences of the officials, and summoned the court officials who were accompanying the sacrifice to rise and take their places. Others rushed to the foot of the Circular Mound Altar to arrange the order of the court officials.

Gao Zhao's job was to stand guard on the side of the imperial road, waiting for the emperor to set off, and to be responsible for conveying orders and guiding the carriages and entourage.

From the direction of the Duancheng Hall in the distance, sounds gradually arose. Eunuchs bustled about, and clusters of lights were lit, indicating that the Emperor was about to rise.

Gao Zhao looked up at the thick darkness of the night and sighed. Being an emperor was really boring. He had to get up early every day and couldn't even sleep in.

Even if you, Zhao Ji, gave me this worthless throne, I wouldn't want it!

Before long, the faint sounds of preparing ritual music could be heard. The musicians were in place, and the palace instruments had been tuned.

The sky was still dark, and dawn was still far away. However, Gao Zhao had also learned that the suburban sacrifice in the southern suburbs was originally to begin at midnight, and the daylight would not arrive until the sacrifice was completed.

He wondered, what if this thing makes it rain? Should the Imperial Observatory and the Ministry of Rites be held responsible?

After a while, civil and military officials, dressed in their court robes and surrounded by servants, emerged from their respective quarters, looking sleepy and many with tired expressions.

Last night, I stayed in a quiet room. Even though high-ranking officials have a room to themselves, it is still not the same as their own home, and not everyone can sleep peacefully here.

The crowd gathered at their designated locations according to their rank, their hushed whispers and the soft clatter of ceremonial tablets echoing throughout the area.

Gao Zhao stood by the imperial road, his back ramrod straight, his gaze sweeping over the passing officials.

Among the crowd, Cai You, dressed in a purple robe with a gold fish pouch hanging from his waist, was the special envoy for the grand ceremony tonight. He was the official in charge of holding the reins for the winter sacrifice. When the imperial carriage set off, he would ride on the reins and hold the reins, closely following the emperor. It was a very conspicuous job in the suburban ceremony.

Seeing him surrounded by admirers, holding a prominent position, Gao Zhao felt a pang of jealousy. "Your daughter-in-law..."

Then, the sound of horses' hooves rang out, and Gao Qiu, leading the armored soldiers of the Palace Guard, once again patrolled both sides of the imperial road. Swords and spears were like a forest, firmly controlling the entire main road.

Zhou Ang followed on horseback, his sharp eyes scanning every corner of the surroundings, wary of any unexpected changes.

Suddenly, a long shout from an eunuch was heard, echoing all the way from the direction of Duancheng Hall.

"The Emperor is about to depart—"

The noise instantly subsided, and all the officials immediately stood still, tidying their clothes.

The jade carriage had been led outside the palace gate, its gilded components gleaming coldly in the lamplight.

Emperor Huizong, dressed in a dragon-embroidered robe, walked out of the Duancheng Hall surrounded by eunuchs. His expression was solemn, completely unlike his usual gentle demeanor, and his imperial majesty was on full display.

Upon seeing this, Cai You quickly stepped forward to take the reins and lead the horse.

The jade carriage wheels turned slowly, and the gilded carriage beams shimmered under the light of the lanterns, as the grand procession slowly began to move.

A procession of thousands of people set off in succession, with guides, musicians, and palace guards spreading out in layers, the drums and music playing softly, the sound penetrating the deep night.

Gao Zhao stood on the side of the imperial road, his back straight, raised his hand and called out loudly, guiding the officials on both sides to line up and give way according to their rank.

The imperial carriage traveled south, slowly making its way towards the Circular Mound Altar.

The roadside lights stretched endlessly, illuminating the dark mass of accompanying officials on the ground. Their official robes were of various colors, with purple, scarlet, and green ceremonial attire standing out vividly in the darkness.

The young servant, dressed in blue, felt even more heartbroken. All sleepiness vanished from his mind, leaving only waves of sorrow surging within him.

This stretch of road was not short. After walking for a while, the elderly ministers became somewhat exhausted, panting and staggering.

Upon seeing this, Gao Zhao immediately raised his head and puffed out his chest, looking down at them with disdain. What good were these old fogies, no matter how high their official positions were?

You're out of breath even walking, how can you possibly use it?

Unlike me, I'm full of energy, even if I don't sleep all night!

Watching these old guys struggle forward, yet dare not fall behind, Gao Zhao felt secretly pleased, feeling like he had won so many times he was numb!

After walking for a while, the jade carriage arrived at the outer edge of the Circular Mound Altar, where the outline of the altar was faintly visible, with tents stretching as far as the eye could see.

When the emperor enters the palace, he changes his imperial robes and crown, and all the ceremonial guards, both inside and outside the palace, immediately stand at attention and cease their music.

The eunuchs brought over the twelve-symbol embroidered imperial robe, red shoes, and jade tablet, waiting for Zhao Ji to change into his sacrificial robes.

Outside, civil and military officials stood in orderly rows, civil officials to the east and military officials to the west, their ranks perfectly aligned. A group of elderly ministers, their faces pale and breathing disordered, hunched over, barely able to stand, their hands tucked into the sleeves of their court robes, gritting their teeth to maintain the dignity of the grand court ceremony.

Gao Zhaoli stood in his position as a steward, observing coldly. A bunch of old scoundrels, clinging to their positions of power. They're all so old, yet they refuse to step down and make way for us young people. They're truly absurd!

A moment later, a soft voice of a palace attendant came from inside the main hall.

The ritual music resumed, the palace music clanged, and the bells and drums resounded, echoing throughout the vast southern suburbs.

Emperor Huizong emerged in a full set of twelve imperial robes, wearing a crown that reached the heavens, a robe with dragon patterns, holding a jade tablet in his hand and a large jade tablet at his waist. His attire was solemn and dignified, exuding the aura of an emperor who reigned supreme over the world. He was solemn, dignified, and awe-inspiring.

The Master of Ceremonies of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices loudly proclaimed "Greetings!" and the ceremony to welcome the gods officially began. The eight rows of dancers swirled and moved forward, while candles shone brightly on the altar.

After the welcoming ceremony for the gods was completed, jade coins were offered as a sacrifice.

The eunuchs, carrying the blue jade and red coins, slowly ascended the three-tiered circular altar and placed the jade offerings before the altar of the Supreme God of Heaven. The officials then bowed in turn.

Then the sacrificial offerings were presented. The head chef led the servants to present the sacrificial animals on the altar. The aroma of the meat mingled with the candle smoke, spreading throughout the cold night.

Emperor Huizong held the large jade tablet, ascended the steps to the top of the Altar of Heaven, and performed the initial offering ceremony.

The second offering was then performed by Grand Chancellor He Zhizhong. After the second offering was completed, the final offering was performed by a prince of the imperial clan.

After the three offerings, it was time to drink the blessed wine and receive the sacrificial meat.

Then everyone knelt down and received a piece of fatty meat to eat. It was so cold that white oil had congealed on it. Gao Zhao took advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention and threw it at Wei Xun's feet.

Wei Xun looked down and was startled. He quickly picked it up, looked around, and then stuffed it into his mouth.

Then the officials in charge of the ceremony wrapped the prayer book, jade coins, sacrificial animals, and millet in white thatch and carried them to the altar for the burning of firewood.

At a command, the torch was thrown upwards.

Flames erupted, shooting skyward, and the jade and silk scrolls burned in the fire, billowing smoke rising into the inky night sky.

The emperor stood facing south, gazing intently at the torch; this was the ritual of observing the torch.

The entire Southern Suburbs Sacrifice to Heaven ceremony is now complete.

Following the grand ceremony was the emperor's bestowal of favors upon the people, which was also the most anticipated part of the ceremony for officials to bestow titles and rewards!