No. 1 Girl in the Imperial City

Chapter 236 Funeral Song at the Birthday Banquet!
Even before the sunset, the birthday banquet in Ruan Mansion had already started.

In the festively arranged lobby, a huge golden longevity character hangs high above the hall.

Ruan Ting and Mrs. Ruan sat on the main seat with a smile on his face to accept the congratulations from all the guests.The guest seats at the bottom are the Regent and Princess, General Luo and his wife, King Ning and his wife, Grand Tutor Su's eldest son and his wife, Princess Mu and Prince Mu'an, and then Bai Jingrong and Ji Rong and others. Congratulatory guests.

Bai Jingrong was not displeased because he was seated at the back, and sat very calmly under Princess Mu.

On the contrary, many guests present were a little absent-minded, and they really cannot be blamed for this.After all, who would have thought that at a prime minister's birthday banquet, they could meet the Dongling Shuangshu who were famous all over the world 30 years ago at the same time?

Although time flies, these two are no longer the youth of the past, but they are still boundless and fascinating.

Many little girls have just discovered that His Royal Highness Prince Regent, who was ranked number one on Shangyong Fenghualu not long ago, is somewhat similar to Princess Mu.No wonder His Royal Highness the Prince Regent is so handsome, his mother is a stunning beauty.

Luo Junyao sat beside Xie Yan, took a sip of the fruit wine on the table, and smiled brightly at his father who was looking at him.

Luo Yun and his wife came late today, and she didn't have time to say a few words to her parents before the banquet.

After everyone celebrated their birthdays, Ruan Ting personally held up the wine glass and smiled at the guests: "It's Ruan's mediocre birthday, all of you are here, thank you for your kindness. Ruan is here to offer you a glass, and I hope you can have a good time tonight."

King Ning smiled and said: "Mr. Ruan, you are being polite. Today you are the birthday man, so we should respect you."

Even so, everyone still raised their glasses and drank with Ruan Ting.

King Ning and Ruan's family are in-laws, so their speech is naturally much more casual.

The banquet officially started, the bamboo silk music was played, and the enchanting dancer happened to enter the venue and danced lightly.

However, not many people paid attention to these dancers tonight, and many people still couldn't take their eyes off Bai Jingrong and Princess Mu.

Not only because of their beauty, but more because of their identities.

Bai Jingrong, who is Dasheng's old enemy, and Princess Mu, who never attended the banquet, arrived at the same time. Many people have already wondered in their hearts whether there is some deep meaning?
Luo Junyao was holding the light wine, and his bright eyes rolled around indistinctly.

"Look at what?" Xie Yan looked down at her and asked softly.

Luo Jun shook his tongue and said, "Dongling Shuangshu really deserves its reputation. Even after 30 years, it will attract attention no matter where it is."

Xie Yan glanced at Bai Jingrong who was opposite, unexpectedly, Bai Jingrong happened to be looking at them too.

Bai Jingrong raised his glass to the two with a smile, Xie Yan rolled his eyes flatly, Luo Jun shook his glass and smiled at Bai Jingrong.Bai Jingrong seemed to find it amused, took a sip of his wine, and let out a low laugh.

Ji Rong, who was sitting next to her, glanced sideways at Bai Jingrong upon hearing the sound, but said nothing.

Bai Jingrong turned his head and looked at Ji Rong with a smile, "Is Ah Rong angry with mother?"

Ji Rong said calmly: "Mother misunderstood."

Bai Jingrong said: "I came to Shangyong for several days, but Ah Rong only came to see me twice. Isn't this indifference annoyed?"

Ji Rong put down her wine glass and said calmly: "I'm angry, what will mother do?"

Bai Jingrong sighed softly and said, "If you are asked to come to Shangyong as a hostage, my mother can't do anything about it. But don't worry, people from Dasheng will not embarrass you in the future. You are about the same age, and my mother will marry you a good wife." How are you?"

Ji Rong didn't answer, but Bai Jingrong asked with a smile, "Look at the princess regent, isn't it very interesting?"

Ji Rong glanced diagonally at Luo Junyao who was raising his head and whispering to Xie Yan, and his eyes fell on Bai Jingrong, "What does mother want?"

Bai Jingrong asked in surprise: "What do I want to do? Isn't it common sense to marry a wife and have children? Or...Arong also likes that little girl from the Luo family?"

Ji Rong's expression changed slightly, and he stared fixedly at Bai Jingrong.Bai Jingrong looked at him with a smile, no emotion could be seen from her face.

"Mother joked, this kind of joke can't be taken."

Bai Jingrong moved closer, and said with a low laugh, "Arong, you tried to get close to the little girl from the Luo family when you first arrived in Shangyong, thinking that your mother didn't know? It's a pity...that little girl just ignores you, but just likes Xie Yan blindly. .”

As if she was talking about something interesting, she covered her lips and smiled softly.

The voices of the two were extremely low, almost touching each other.The lobby was very noisy, not only could outsiders not be able to hear their words, but it was even difficult to read their lips.I just feel that the mother and son are too close, but the rumors that the mother and son have a bad relationship are a bit inconsistent.

Ji Rong lowered his eyes and remained silent, secretly clenched and relaxed his left hand on the other side, and said, "Mother was joking."

Bai Jingrong patted his arm lovingly and said, "Arong, mother doesn't like disobedient children."

Ji Rong said in a low voice, "I understand."

Luo Junyao watched the whole banquet with his chin resting on his chin boredly. Banquets are always so boring.

Especially in ancient banquets, once you sit down, you basically have to sit until the end of the banquet.

This boredom didn't end until Eunuch Huang in the palace sent congratulatory gifts instead of the little emperor.

After Ruan Ting respectfully received the decree and thanked His Majesty for the congratulatory gift, and personally sent Eunuch Huang out of the house, Xie Yan said softly to Luo Jun, "Yao Yao feels bored, we can go first."

Luo Junyao was a little surprised, "Can I go first? Would it be bad?"

Xie Yan chuckled and said: "Your Majesty's congratulatory gift has been delivered, and the guests who are not close to each other should leave. If you don't believe me, you can take a look. Father-in-law and the Su family should leave soon."

Old Madam Su didn't come tonight, the eldest son of the Su family attended the banquet instead, that is, Su Rui's father and Su Xuan's grandfather.

"Besides, if we don't leave, how can others have the nerve to leave?" Xie Yan said indifferently.

Luo Junyao thought about it, too, high-ranking people rarely sit at this kind of banquet from beginning to end.Not to mention that you are uncomfortable for others to stay here, if you don't leave people with lower status than you, how can you have the nerve to leave?
Luo Jun shook his eyes slightly, "Then... let's go?"

Looking to the opposite side, Su Shi nodded to Luo Jun with a smile, and then turned his head to Luo Yun and whispered a few words.

Luo Yun raised his head and looked over, and then glanced at Ruan Ting who had just seen off the guests, obviously he also had the same meaning.

Xie Yan said: "Someone go and talk to Ruan Xiang."

"Yeah." Luo Jun shook his head again and again, Xie Yan was about to turn his head to call for Duoying to order, when he heard a rather loud voice from outside, "Master Xueya of Mingyin Pavilion congratulates Prime Minister Ruan on his birthday!"

There was a moment of silence in the originally noisy lobby, and many people turned their heads to look at Ruan Ting who had just returned and was about to sit down.

More people didn't know why, and they all looked at Ruan Ting. For a while, it seemed that everyone was staring at him alone.

Ruan Ting was also taken aback, obviously he didn't expect such a thing to happen.

In the lobby, someone said: "I didn't expect that Prime Minister Ruan still had friendship with Mingyin Pavilion?" The tone was a bit strange, with a hint of indescribability.

Mingyin Pavilion is a somewhat strange existence in Shangyong. Some people who know it are very afraid of it, some think it is a simple gold selling cave, and there are even more people who have never heard of this name at all. Or vaguely heard of it but don't know where it is.

As for Mr. Xueya, even those who have been to Mingyin Pavilion only know that he is a luthier, and there is nothing special about him except that he looks good and plays the piano well.

The prime minister's birthday, the owner of Mingyin Pavilion didn't come to celebrate his birthday, so he sent a luthier?

Come to play the birthday song for the prime minister?

Those who know Mingyin Pavilion better are suspicious. Could it be that this Ruan has something to do with Mingyin Pavilion?
People can't help but think of the legend that the backer behind Mingyin Pavilion is a certain high-ranking figure in the inner city.

Is Prime Minister Dasheng considered a high position and weight?

Against all kinds of obscure, probing and suspicious gazes, Ruan Ting's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes sank a little.

King Ning took a meaningful look at Ruan Ting, and said with a smile: "Master Ruan, it is said that Mr. Xueya is a rare luthier. It is said that he is known as the number one luthier in Dasheng. Why don't you come in and let everyone Open your eyes too?"

Naturally, Ruan Ting also knew that it was impossible to drive people out even if everyone came to the door.

Immediately smiled and said: "The visitor is a guest, please come in, Mr. Xueya."

At this time, Ruan Xiang didn't know that he would regret this decision very much in the near future.

Luo Junyao didn't say he was going to leave, but excitedly grabbed Xie Yan's sleeve, but his eyes fell on Ruan Ting's face.

Ruan Ting's expression was calm, showing no signs of happiness or anger.

Xie Yan looked down at the slender hand that was holding his sleeve, reached out and gently held it and asked, "Shake, are you going?"

Luo Jun said: "After all, it's the prime minister's birthday banquet, it's inappropriate for us to leave so early, we'd better wait."

Xie Yan looked at her deeply, "Really? I thought Yao Yao wanted to see what Mr. Xueya looks like?"

Luo Jun shook his head and laughed dryly, "How could it be?"

After a while, the steward of the Ruan family led a few people in.

The leader is tall and tall, with black hair and snow clothes, and his appearance is as handsome as the cold snow in early winter.No matter the status of the guests present, all of them are dressed in brocade clothes and hair, and are well-groomed. He is the only one who only wears a snow-colored dress with a hair tie half tied up. His long black hair hangs behind him, which is a bit of a fairy tale. sense of the world.

It's just... This really doesn't look like a birthday celebration.

To put it more harshly, disheveled hair on formal occasions is not even a good family dress in the eyes of Shangyong dignitaries and ordinary people.

Not only Ruan Xiang, but the faces of the Ruan family immediately became a little gloomy.

It is also understandable why the steward of the Ruan family who brought them in looked embarrassed and apprehensive. He obviously knew that this person's clothes were a little out of place.

The atmosphere in the lobby instantly became inexplicably awkward.

Young Master Xueya was followed by several people, one of them was holding a brocade box which was obviously a birthday present, while the other was holding a lyre.

"By the order of the pavilion master, Xueya congratulates the prime minister on his birthday." Mr. Xueya said calmly, and this birthday speech was also very carefree.

Many noble ladies who were obsessed with Mr. Xueya's beauty also came back to their senses in an instant, and exchanged a few glances with their closest girlfriends.

This Mingyin Pavilion seems to have some bad visitors.

Ruan Ting's complexion was also not very good, the people from Mingyin Pavilion didn't seem to be here to celebrate their birthday, but they seemed to be looking for trouble.

Ruan Yuelou, who was standing behind Ruan Ting, said with a smile, "Thank you, Master Mingyin Pavilion, Mr. Xueya is a guest, please sit down and have a glass of wine." gift sent.

Mr. Xueya took a look at Ruan Yuelou and said with a light smile, "Mr. Ruan, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"You're welcome." Ruan Yuelou frowned slightly. It was the first time he saw this Mr. Xueya, and he always felt that this man looked at him a little weirdly, "Mr. Xueya, please."

Mr. Xueya said: "I came here on orders, and I have to return to my orders. I'm afraid I won't be able to enjoy the banquet at the prime minister's mansion. I'm really sorry. I would like to play a song for the prime minister and all of you present, to celebrate the prime minister's birthday."

Without waiting for Ruan Yuelou's answer, Ruan Ting said in a deep voice: "No need, since Mr. Xueya is busy, Ruan won't stay longer, please."

Some people were dissatisfied, "Young Master Xueya has a thousand pieces of gold, so why not listen to it?"

Ruan Ting's gaze froze, and he suddenly shot at the source of the voice, but for a while he couldn't find out who said it from all the guests.

With an early bird, there will naturally be people booing.

It's not that these people couldn't see Ruan Ting's attitude because they were so wink, they knew that Ruan Ting didn't want to hear Mr. Xueya playing the piano, so they followed suit.

In other words, they want to see the prime minister's jokes.

Ruan Ting's face was a little cold, and his eyes fell on Mr. Xueya.

After a long while, he said slowly: "Since Mr. Xueya wants to play, then let's play."

Mr. Xueya chuckled lightly, and didn't feel embarrassed, took the qin held by the attendant beside him, turned around and sat on the ground, and stroked the strings with his slender fingers.

The quaint sound of the piano flowed from the fingertips, and the lobby, which was still a little noisy, quickly became quiet.

The sound of the piano is clanging, and the sound of the music is simple and solemn.

Mr. Xueya's reputation as a master of piano art is indeed not false, a piece of "Yu Funeral" can be played...

Uh, the person who heard the song widened his eyes and looked at Mr. Xueya sitting in the lobby.

Mr. Xueya is really good at playing the piano, this ancient song has a very simple rhythm, it is not easy to play it well.Between his fingers, there is not only the simplicity and solemnity of ancient songs, but also makes people feel a faint sense of tears.

But... No matter how well you play it, it can't change that this is a funeral song, right? !
"Presumptuous!" Some people couldn't help but slapped the table, and said angrily, "You haven't taken down this lunatic!" Playing the funeral music at the prime minister's birthday banquet is indeed called a lunatic. ,

The attendants of the prime minister's mansion guarding the door didn't understand the rhythm, this ancient funeral song is not very useful now, they don't know what happened.

He had no choice but to look at Ruan Ting, who was sitting on the main seat, at a loss, waiting for the master's instructions.

The current prime minister finally lost his face completely. Tonight's birthday banquet can be said to be completely ruined.No matter what they do, after today the Prime Minister's Mansion will be a joke in Yonghuang City for a long time to come.

Ruan Ting held down Ruan Yuelou who was about to speak, and said in a deep voice, "I don't know where I offended the master of Mingyin Pavilion?"

The crowd reacted.

That's right, Mr. Xueya is from Mingyin Pavilion, and Mingyin Pavilion sent someone to do this today, obviously because of enmity with the Ruan family.

It's just that this method is too damaging.

In addition, how tough is the backstage of Mingyin Pavilion?Do you still want to live well after offending the prime minister like this in Shangyonghuang City?
The ancient song "Yu Funeral" is very short, and the last sound passed away at the fingertips of Mr. Xueya. Mr. Xueya pressed the piano and lowered his eyebrows, and said with a soft smile: "Mr. No grudges."

Ruan Ting sneered and said: "So, Mr. Xueya has enmity with the truth?" It's embarrassing anyway, Ruan Ting doesn't want to maintain his gentle appearance anymore.

This person clearly did it on purpose, if this is the case, I am afraid that everyone will want to step on the head of the Ruan family in the future.

Mr. Xueya stood up, glanced at the guests in the hall, and said: "This song is not originally played for Ruan Xiang. I just want to borrow a place to play an elegy for my mother."

Ruan Fu, who had already blushed with anger, said angrily: "You are going to the Ruan family's place for your mother's funeral? My son sees that you are here to seek bad luck! Someone, take him down for me !"

With the order from their young master, the servants of the Ruan family didn't dare to delay any longer, and immediately rushed into the hall.

The two guards following Mr. Xueya took a step forward and blocked them back.

Among the guests were generals or martial arts practitioners, some wanted to see the Ruan family's jokes, and naturally some wanted to make friends with the Ruan family.Immediately, someone got up and geared up, wanting to step forward to help take Master Xueya down, "How dare you play wild in the prime minister's mansion, and you will be arrested without hand!"

In any case, playing funeral music at someone's birthday party is going too far.Even though this Mr. Xueya was extremely handsome and graceful, no one interceded for him.

Seeing that he had become the target of public criticism, Mr. Xueya was not surprised or afraid, he chuckled lightly, raised his eyes to Ruan Ting and said, "Father, do you really not know me anymore? Ah Shuo is back."

"..." The hall fell into silence again. Some people wondered if they drank too many drinks tonight, and there was something wrong with their ears.

Ah Shuo?Who is Ah Shuo?
Whoosh!
The sound of the wind came through the air, and Ruan Fu hurriedly caught the thing that was thrown at him.

"What the hell is this?"

It was a piece of jade pendant, it was not considered a precious jade, and the carving was fine but not outstanding.

The jade pendant looks like it has been around for some years, but it is very warm and fresh. It is obvious that someone often holds it in their hands to play with or wear it for a long time.

It's just that Ruan Fu, as the most favored son of the prime minister's mansion, doesn't like this jade pendant.

Those who were close to Ruan Fu approached and saw the word Ruan engraved on the jade pendant.

Once again, the hall fell into an awkward and dead silence that was difficult to resolve.

At Ruan Ting's [-]th birthday banquet, someone came to recognize his relative with a jade pendant suspected to be from the Ruan family.

And this son who wanted to recognize his relatives played a funeral elegy for his own mother at his "father"'s birthday banquet.

"By the way... the young master Ruan died at such a young age, isn't he called Ah Shuo?" Some people couldn't help thinking of some old things.

In the early years, Ruan Ting would often mention his deceased wife and children, but these years, the younger sons of the Ruan family gradually stopped mentioning them as they got older.But the people who can sit in this lobby, besides the sons and daughters of various families, aren't they all Ruan Ting's colleagues or even relatives and friends?
Of course someone will remember.

Just looking at the faces of the Ruan family, everyone still swallowed the words in unison and only pondered in their hearts.

Didn't the eldest son and his wife die in the robbery?How could he come to recognize his father with the jade pendant 20 years later?
(End of this chapter)