Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 686 We Are Not Qualified
Li's Courtyard, in the hall,

There were banquets set up all around, divided into large and small tables. Most of the people at the large tables were officials from the capital, who gathered together to chat and talk. The other small tables in the outer hall were mostly occupied by family members' children, as well as stewards and managers from various mansions who came to pay their respects. It was a very crowded place. Of course, the main hall was very large, so there was no need to add more tables in the yard.

Just entered the inner courtyard,
You can see the situation in the hall. The atmosphere is lively. Many officials from the capital, perhaps because they have drunk too much, or because they want to take this opportunity to have a good meal at the Prime Minister's banquet, almost everyone is drunk with a red face and behaves unrestrainedly. They even imitate Wu Xun and drink to compete in drinking. They have lost all their elegance after drinking.

Wow, he’s having so much fun, he even plays finger-guessing games with a chicken leg in his mouth!
Following the butler Li, we turned a few corners and passed the outer hall before entering the inner hall.
But unfortunately, not long after Zhang Jinyu left, the person in charge of keeping accounts for gifts at the door, after registering the gifts for gifts,
The one who was in charge of singing the song began to shout at the top of his voice;

"Congratulations from the Marquis of Luoyun and the Marquis of Xiangyang. Give each of you a bag of cloud cakes and a gift of one thousand taels!"

The two people who were walking in front had dark faces. You didn't spread the good news, but you still kept shouting about this. The gift money is not small at all, it's just a gift for congratulations, it's indeed too polite, but there's nothing that can be done about it.

This time,
Otherwise, it wouldn't take long for all the officials in the capital to know about it. Looking at the many officials in the hall, they were obviously looking around as if they were looking for something. Some of them were whispering as if they had discovered a big secret.
"No way, just now we were talking about Luo Yunhou Mansion and Xiangyanghou Mansion, and the gifts turned out to be cloud cakes? Is this true? They are both very popular in the capital, they wouldn't be so stingy, right?"

"Who knows? It's strange. I didn't hear Prime Minister Li invite any nobles to come today. It's strange that the two marquises came to visit."

"Hey, you said yes, maybe the two marquises did this on purpose, they..."

"Shh, be careful, don't say anything."

Almost instantly,

The atmosphere in the hall seemed a bit strange. In the main seat in the back hall, the Prime Minister Li Chonghou sat with his eyes half open, served by maids on both sides, sipping tea carefully, seemingly not caring about these things.
Looking at the gifts sent by the mansion, at his age and current status, he can have everything he wants. No matter how expensive the gift is, it is just a dead object. However, some things have different hidden meanings. The two marquises' mansions were able to come without invitations. It was not only a matter of intention, but also their attitude among the nobles. Even if they were not invited, only he knew the deep meaning behind it.

of course,

Although the Prime Minister didn't care, the people following him, especially Master Yang, couldn't help it. It was the wedding day of the eldest son Li Chaosheng, and although he was marrying a concubine, it shouldn't be a grand ceremony, but his mentor held a grand ceremony instead. It was hard to guess the intention behind it. Marquis Luo Yun came to his house with such contempt, bringing only a bag of cakes as a gift. Who was he looking down on?

I couldn't help but complain;

"Master, I didn't expect that Marquis Luo Yun and Marquis Xiangyang would come and only bring a bag of cloud cakes. Which master of a mansion would bring cakes as a gift? It's obvious that they don't take Master seriously. How could they humiliate the eldest master like this?"

Sun Boyan and Luan Gongfu, who were beside him, looked quite in agreement and wanted to say something, but were stopped by Chang Zuo, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice. He turned around, clasped his fists, and said;
"Master Prime Minister, I think there is some misunderstanding. Marquis Luo Yun is a generous person. Although he is a noble, he would not be so impolite. There must be another hidden meaning. As for Marquis Xiangyang, it is even more wrong. Since they came together, the gifts and gifts are the same. They should have been discussed in advance."

Chang Zuo didn't think that Marquis Luo Yun and Marquis Xiangyang would obviously be unaware of the Prime Minister's residence. It seemed that there was some misunderstanding.

"Humph, even a three-year-old child wouldn't believe what Lord Chang said. Even if they had discussed it, Marquis Luo Yun didn't know the seriousness of the matter. Doesn't Marquis Xiangyang know it?"

Luan Gongfu was also a little angry at this time. How could such a gift be given? Sun Boyan also wanted to say a few words, but when he saw his mentor put down the tea bowl in his hand and coughed,
"Ahem, all of you, keep your voices down. Today is my son's big wedding day. Guests are guests. How can the host despise the gifts of the guests? The two marquises are here, which means that my Li family has caught their eyes. It's almost time, Chaosheng is still waiting outside."

After saying that, he slowly stood up and walked towards the outer hall, with several people following closely behind him.

lobby,

The excitement is still there.

Butler Li, who led the way, also knew that the steward of the gatehouse just now was ignorant and was afraid that he might have offended the two marquises. It would be inappropriate for them to stay in the hall for the banquet, so he chose a secluded place.

Turn left and right and go around a screen.

Seeing a large table with few people sitting there, Butler Li said:
"My Lords, there are many guests coming today, so the banquet will be held in the hall. This place is the same as the inner hall, and it is quieter. Please don't be disgusted, and have a simple meal for now."

Zhang Jinyu quickly glanced at the people at the table and didn't recognize any of them, but there was one person he recognized, Shen Zhongxin, the Minister of Revenue, who was sitting in the innermost seat drinking tea. Coincidentally, there was no one around him, so it was just a perfect match. If the three of them had cards, they could play a round.

"Okay, I won't be picky. This place is fine. Thank you, butler."

then,

He walked straight over and sat down next to Shen Zhongxin. Marquis Xiangyang saw this and seemed to be thinking about something, so he also sat down. Butler Li saw this and smiled apologetically and left.

After a while,
Maids and waitresses came to serve tea and water and began to serve dishes.
"Lord Shen is so elegant. He has such a wonderful time, but he didn't invite me to join him. Aren't you a bad friend?"

Shen Zhongxin was thinking about the account books of the Ministry of Revenue when he was suddenly interrupted. He was stunned and looked at the people around him. They were Marquis Luo Yun and Marquis Xiangyang. Why were they the two of them here?

It seems that the only people who came here to congratulate today are civil servants.
"You are joking, my Lord. I just came here by chance and just sat down. But you, my Lord, came quite quickly."

Shen Zhongxin was dressed in Confucian clothes, gentle and elegant, with a moderate figure, and he was convincing at first sight.

It was the probing tone in the conversation, how could I not hear it?

Zhang Jinyu laughed.
"Then you guessed wrong. The Marquis and the Marquis of Xiangyang met by chance on the road, so we came to join in the fun. Who knew it was a happy event at the Prime Minister's residence? So many officials saw it. How could we leave? We didn't even buy a gift. Oh, it's a pity for my two bags of cloud cakes."

Zhang Jinyu shook his head pretending to be regretful, which made Xiangyang Hou blush. Shen Zhongxin was a little stunned by the two's appearance. No way,
But I think there is no need for the Marquis to lie. He actually gave cakes as gifts. It was the first gift from the court. If the news got out, it would be a joke.
"The Marquis is still as generous as ever. The gift is small but the sentiment is great. I'm sure the Prime Minister will be surprised to know that two Marquises have come to congratulate you together."

Listening to Shen Zhongxin's insincere words, Zhang Jinyu shook his head, picked up the chopsticks, and picked up a large piece of meat without paying attention to the people around him, and put it into his mouth.

He took the wine jar again, poured three bowls of wine directly into it, picked up one bowl and drank it all.

"Good wine and good food. As expected of the chef of the Prime Minister's residence. Much better than the ones in the palace. I don't know who is in charge of the imperial kitchen. The taste is only average. As for whether the Prime Minister likes it or not, I don't know. I just thought that if the eldest son knew about it, he would not let us in."

Zhang Jinyu did not avoid others and did not hold back on his words. Everyone at the table suddenly stopped eating and stood there in a daze. No one reacted, put down their chopsticks, stood up, bowed to the three people, and left quickly.

Once there is one, there will be two. Except for the three of them, everyone at the table left one after another. Seeing that it was not right for Marquis Xiangyang to keep them, it was not right for him to not keep them. He turned around and looked at Marquis Luo Yun who was still wolfing down his food, and smiled bitterly.
"My Lord, everyone has left. I don't know what gossip will spread tomorrow."

"What can I tell you? I am telling the truth. The chefs here are really good. If you don't believe me, try it. Besides, a table full of food is not enough for the three of us. Leaving them here will only get in the way."

Zhang Jinyu opened his mouth wide, picked up a piece of venison and put it into his mouth. It was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It was fried and steamed, and it was delicious.

"Ahahaha, oh my, they say that working for the Marquis will give you a good meal, but sometimes that's not necessarily the case. Those gentlemen just started eating without picking up any food, and now that they've left, the rumor has spread." "Let them spread it, I want to hear how it's spread."

Zhang Jinyu didn't care. Those people were all minor officials and could not accomplish anything big. If something really happened, those people in the main hall would be needed. The arrangement of this position was also interesting. Several old officials from the Hanlin Academy accompanied them. He thought they could appease the two marquises, but Marquis Luo Yun made "wild remarks" and scared the Hanlin Academy away.

Xiangyang Hou seemed to have figured it out. He came at the right time, but not at the right time. He picked up his chopsticks and started eating. Shen Zhongxin had no choice but to do the same.
at this time,

The gate of Li's house was wide open.

A motorcade arrived in front of the gate, with a bridal sedan held high and colorful satin, and the motorcade was crowded with fine horses with slender waists and tall legs. The loud sound of gongs and drums, the singing of the troupe and the cheers of the onlookers made the street very lively.

The eldest son, Li Chaosheng, who was getting married, wore a red robe with golden threads and golden cloud patterns on the edges. The jewels and jade ornaments on his body were dazzling. With a smile on his handsome face, he was obviously a gentleman.

Zhang Jinyu was stunned by this look. Although she was wearing makeup, she was not young anymore.

When we arrived at the gate of the mansion to pick up the bride, there was only one woman in red. She had a decent figure, but I couldn't see her face, but she was quite tall.
With a few gunshots,

The bride entered the mansion
Then they crossed the fire basin and walked along the corridor. It was the same routine, but one person was missing.
"Hey, Brother Bai, didn't you say you would marry two? Why do I only see one? Where's the other one?"

"My Lord, you marry a wife, and a concubine cannot go through the front door. Mr. Li's legitimate wife is still here, how can I violate ethics?"

Xiangyang Hou patiently explained,
Zhang Jinyu sighed.

"It's true. Different people have different fates. You said there are so many guests here, why is the atmosphere a bit awkward?"

"My Lord, are you being overly suspicious?"

Shen Zhongxin looked up and saw that only their table was empty, while the others were full. His side was the odd one out. Many people lowered their heads, pretending to eat, but their eyes kept glancing over here from time to time. It seemed that they had nothing good to say.
Zhang Jinyu took a sip of tea and ate until his mouth was full of oil. The Marquis of Xiangyang beside him took a sip of wine after picking up the dishes.

"It doesn't matter how much you care, come and eat, don't waste it,"

In the lobby,
Li Chaosheng's face was ruddy, and his red brocade robe was covered with gold patterns. He looked radiant and was obviously very happy.
The new bride walking over was wearing a red gown with exquisite patterns embroidered on it and a golden hairpin in her hair. She was swaying her body and taking small steps, a delicate girl from the south of the Yangtze River.

The two of them walked slowly into the inner hall.

Someone had already helped Prime Minister Li to sit on a high seat. He was also wearing a crimson robe, looking formal and happy. He did not look sick as rumored, but full of confidence.
With a sing-along,
"I bow to heaven and earth,"

"Two bows to the high hall,"

"The husband and wife bow to each other and the ceremony is completed."

After the simple wedding ceremony, a maid led the bride into the bridal chamber. Li Chaosheng helped his father get up and walked to the big table in the middle of the inner hall and sat down.
All the officials in the hall, regardless of their rank, stood up to congratulate him, and the Prime Minister actually returned the greetings one by one, showing full courtesy.

Behind him were Chang Zuo, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice, and Sun Boyan, the minister of the Ministry of Rites, Yang Shaoshi, the minister of the Ministry of Rites, and Luan Gongfu, the minister of the Ministry of Rites. At first glance, it seemed that the once powerful Prime Minister Li had returned. Even the officials from the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of War, who were sitting at the tables on both sides, were performing the ceremonial ceremony of a disciple. This scene made everyone in the room thoughtful.
"You all came here to congratulate my son Chaosheng, which is a great honor for me. Although I am the Prime Minister of the Cabinet, as a father, I would like to thank you all here. Please!"

"You are too polite, Prime Minister."

"Yes, Prime Minister Li is very happy,"

"Congratulations, young master."

There was another round of congratulations, and everyone drank a glass together, as if they were sworn brothers.

Zhang Jinyu had almost finished eating. Looking at the scene in the hall, he felt something was wrong. Since entering the capital, the Prime Minister of the Cabinet has been almost a transparent figure. Wasn't it said that the Prime Minister was old and weak, had been ill for a long time, and was in his twilight years?
How come he looks so full of energy, like a tiger? He looked at Master Shen Zhongxin beside him. He ate so elegantly, I wonder if he was just pretending.

"Sir Shen, you are in a very good mood. You are eating now. Speaking of which, I remember that you said that Prime Minister Li has been recuperating at home due to illness. Look at the people in the hall. Are you sure that Sir Li is ill?"

Shen Zhongxin was horrified at this moment, and had no idea what the purpose of the Prime Minister's banquet was. He was even more suspicious. Luo Yunhou was right. How could this person be sick?

"My Lord, in the past, the Prime Minister rarely worked in the cabinet. He has been recuperating at home due to illness. I think he has recovered a little. His appearance today should be due to the celebration today."

The way he spoke, he himself didn't believe it. Could it be a last burst of energy?

Zhang Jinyu sneered, put down his chopsticks, and looked at the atmosphere in the hall, which was like the sworn brotherhood of those gangs in Beijing.
"Everyone says that Lord Shen is honest, but I don't believe it. I'm afraid even Lord Shen himself doesn't believe what you said. After being ill for a long time, his body has long been weak. Although I'm not a doctor, I have seen many imperial doctors and I know a little bit of medical knowledge. Such a strong Prime Minister doesn't look like someone who has been ill for a long time."

"Your Majesty is right. The spirit is hidden inside, and the flesh floats on top. People can admit their mistakes, but how can they admit their inner thoughts? It seems that Lord Shen is not sure."

Marquis Xiangyang took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, his mind quickly turning over. Since the retired emperor had not yet abdicated, Lord Li had entered the cabinet during the Tianbao period, and then served as the chief minister of the cabinet. It was now the eighth year of Yuanfeng, and the chief minister had been in office for eighteen years. In this case, could it be that the chief minister has come back? His heart tightened. He was not someone that his fellow countrymen from the north and south could compare to!
"You two marquises are joking. I came here without any preparation today. It was just before noon that my master told me that the eldest son of the Prime Minister's mansion and the daughter of Lord Xu, the Jiangnan Transport Commissioner, were getting married, and he wanted me to come and congratulate them on his behalf. So before I came here, I really didn't know anything."

Shen Zhongxin's words were very sharp, leaving the two marquises unpredictable. Zhang Jinyu took another piece of naan and stuffed it into his mouth. It was still as delicious as the food from the Prime Minister's house, but it was chewy.
"I'll believe you for now,"

As the three of them were talking,
suddenly,

From outside the door, a loud and clear voice sounded like a military order.
"Congratulations from Prince Zhongshun's Mansion. A pair of jade ruyi, a golden branch and silver tree, ten batches of Shu brocade, and five thousand taels of silver. I wish the eldest son Li Chaosheng a son soon!"

Good guy,
So generous,

Zhang Jinyu didn't expect that Prince Zhongshun would actually send someone to congratulate the Prime Minister. Was it the Prince's own intention or His Majesty's instruction? Although the gift was not important, the meaning behind it was hard to guess.

"Brother Bai, it seems that it is not that the Prime Minister did not inform the nobles, but that he changed people to choose and give it to them,"

"Ahem, Lord Marquis, maybe you guessed wrong. Maybe you have already informed the four princes and eight dukes. It's just that we are young and dispensable. Maybe we forgot."

The Marquis of Xiangyang could only explain it this way. Although Prince Zhongshun was a little unreliable, the younger generation of the Eight Dukes were also indebted to him. The border troops had a lot of food and grass supplies, but it was all handled by Prince Zhou. The matter could not be explained in a few words. Of course, there were also internal conflicts. The Four Princes' Mansions could not stand Prince Zhou, and the Dukes' Mansions were caught in the middle and it was difficult for them to behave.
Zhang Jinyu blinked his eyes. Damn it! Even the good old Xiangyang Hou is lying with his eyes open.
"Congratulations from the Prince of Beijing's Mansion. A pair of golden branches and jade leaves, a blood coral, ten batches of Jiangnan colored brocade, and five thousand taels of silver. I wish the eldest son, Li Chaosheng, will have a son soon!"

Another singing came,
Zhang Jinyu's face darkened immediately. Could it be that what Luo Yunhou said was true?
(End of this chapter)