Lady Zhao

Chapter 103

In the evening, the ink color lightly dyed the sky, and the lanterns were just lit, surrounded by loud noises, the colorful silks inside and outside the palace were entwined, the gongs and drums were loud, and the sky was full of fireworks.

The birthday banquet was held in the Imperial Garden, and red lanterns were hung everywhere, illuminating the surroundings like daylight. The hanging veils were different from the usual festive bright red. This time, pearly gold was chosen, and auspicious clouds were embroidered with gold thread. , implying auspiciousness for the country.That is to say, without losing the aura of the emperor, it also makes the whole palace more resplendent.

Each table at the palace banquet is rectangular, made of high-quality mahogany by a carpenter, and covered with gold leaf. It can seat four people. The rose chairs are set up, and they sit in order according to the title of the family and the official position of the father and grandfather.Therefore, the children of the clan are listed first, followed by the children of the Duke, Marquis, and Bo, and finally the family members of the courtiers who are invited.

A silver plate has already been placed on the table, which contains seasonal fruits.A box of dragon and phoenix traces in gold is accompanied by four dried fruits, four candied fruit, and two salty and sour.Sixi dried fruits are milky white grapes, snow plums, rock candied walnuts, and dried lychees.The four sweet preserves are frosted peach sticks, rose kumquats, wine-flavored green plums, and fragrant apples.There are also two salty and sour products, plum flavor ginger and coconut with sour cherry.

Behind the main seat in the center, there is a picture of mountains and rivers made of Suzhou embroidery, and on both sides are calligraphy with the character of longevity. The calligraphy is made by Su Changliu. It is vigorous, free and easy yet elegant, full of charm.

On the main seat, the emperor put on new clothes, unlike the usual dragon robes, the dragon pattern is in the middle. The dragon pattern on this robe extends from the right shoulder. The embroidery is very careful, and it is clipped with various silk threads. Embroidered with gold thread.On the left and right of him sat the well-dressed empress and concubine De, and then the prince, guests from other countries, royal family, concubines and ministers.

Although today's protagonist is Emperor Liang, the prince on one side is not inferior. Instead of the red dress of the past, he is solemnly wearing the prince's court dress that symbolizes the status of the prince. The bright color makes the second prince beside him squint slightly. Eye.

Zhao Wenwan's father was a duke, and her position was two rows away from Yongping, separated by a considerable distance. Seeing Yongping's sullen look at the banquet, Gong'e, who had just recruited the waiter, wanted to say something when she heard a shrill voice from the waiter. The voice announces that the queen mother has arrived.

When the Empress Dowager entered the table, everyone sang along with the servants. They all attended and saluted unanimously.

After the ceremony, the Empress Dowager gave him a seat again, and all the people took their seats one by one.With this interruption, the opportunity was lost.

The musicians sitting on both sides play the phoenix-shaped konghou, which is in the shape of a dragon and a phoenix, tasseled with gold, and surrounded by emerald green algae. The sound is extremely soft and clear.

The palace people lined up in two rows and walked slowly, and successively offered four items of pastry, four items of pickles, seven items of appetizers, one item of dietary soup, sixteen items of royal dishes, two items of barbecue, and one item of rice porridge... all of them were of color. Delicious food with full flavor and great effort.

Afterwards, Qin Ziyuan sent a blood coral on behalf of Lan Kingdom. This blood coral was of excellent color, so gorgeous that it could bleed, it was really the best.Next, the envoys and ministers of various countries presented precious treasures one after another. The Western Chu Kingdom presented a Jade Linglong; the Wenxu Kingdom presented a cloak called Fengyu Huangpi, which was rumored to be made of phoenix feathers. It feels soft and greasy. The phoenix is ​​an extremely hot thing, but it produces a refreshing air, which makes people feel refreshed...

During the dinner, Zhao Wenwan kept looking for an opportunity to spread the word to Yongping, but he couldn't find one.When the banquet was about to end, Emperor Liang stood up holding the golden goblet, his face stained with alcohol, and he said happily, "Since I ascended the throne, Liang's national power has become more and more prosperous, and this prosperity cannot be achieved without the help of all the lords. Come, everyone, raise your glasses and wish this peaceful and prosperous world!"

"Long live my emperor, long live, long live the prosperous age, blessings for all generations!" Everyone raised their glasses in agreement.

"I still have a happy event to announce today..." Emperor Liang continued taking advantage of his excitement, his eyes flicked to the seats where Yongping and He'an were sitting, and the corners of his mouth smiled even wider.Today, Yongping is wearing silver silk peach stamens with budding breasts, sleeves, waist and silk skirt palace attire, and a pink pearl rose is attached to the flying fairy bun. Forming a scene of stillness and movement, Emperor Liang couldn't help feeling emotional in his heart, the daughters are all grown up...

Everyone followed Emperor Liang's gaze, and also looked at Yongping who had a slightly pale face, wondering if the previous rumors were true, the emperor really wanted to send Princess Yongping to marry Lan Kingdom?
Qin Ziyuan also turned towards Yongping's seat affectionately, but Yongping gave him an angry stare. Thinking of the reason, he couldn't help but touch his nose guiltily.

"Sister He'an, I would rather die than marry!" Yongping's eyes were foggy, his eyes were foggy, and he made the worst plan in his heart, even if he resisted the order and disrespected her, she would not marry that rotten prince!
He Anxiu frowned slightly, feeling anxious and distressed for her, his eyes slipped past Qin Ziyuan, and he bit his lower lip secretly, maybe this person doesn't remember himself?There was a gloomy look in his eyes.

Amid everyone's eager anticipation, His Majesty finally spoke again, loudly, "I will betroth He'an to Prince Lan as his wife. May the two countries live in harmony and be good forever."

As soon as these words came out, everyone was stunned, especially Yongping, with that cute face and hands resting on the edge of the table, fell into Emperor Liang's eyes, turned a little deeper, and gritted his teeth secretly in his heart, you little bastard, If it was what I promised, you would dare to lift the table for me!

Qin Ziyuan immediately got up to thank His Majesty for his grace, and looked into the eyes of He An who was blushing shyly, both of them throbbed for a while.

Emperor Liang glanced at Yongping who hadn't recovered yet, secretly twitched the corner of his mouth, and asked his servant to read out the next imperial edict as if he couldn't bear to look directly at him.The servant stood up and sang loudly for a while, but everyone only heard that in the end, the son of Dingguo, who has both talents and virtues, won my heart, and specially betrothed Princess Yongping to Zhao Yuanli.

Two successive bombs of good news caught everyone off guard. On the contrary, the brothers and sisters of the Zhao family who got the news first were the most calm.Across the crowd, Zhao Yuanli and Yongping looked at each other from a distance, and the affection in the middle could even be felt by others.

Yongping blinked, looked away from Zhao Yuanli and looked at Emperor Liang, who made a sideways face with jealousy, obviously still depressed.If it wasn't for the concern of the crowd, Yongping would have rushed forward to have a good time with his father, but now he laughed through his tears, quietly wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, not daring to be rude in front of others.

At the end of the banquet, whether it was deliberately arranged by Emperor Liang or just a coincidence, the little lover got a chance to meet in the gap between listening to music and watching operas.

Yongping raised his face and looked at Zhao Yuanli, who was smiling warmly, still a little uneasy. Under the ups and downs, he always felt a little unreal, and the fragile emotions were reflected in his smart eyes, and Zhao Yuanli held his hand in the next moment. Erzheng is cold and thorough, and has not slowed down yet.

"It's because I have time to tell you in the future." Zhao Yuanli clasped her hand tightly, warming her up, and said with distressed expression on his face.His gaze never left the person in front of him, and he naturally saw clearly the determination and what he planned to do at the moment the emperor made the announcement. Fortunately, she did not act impulsively, and was even more moved.

A light kiss fell on the thin forehead hair, and the gentle touch brought out a sense of tenderness. "From now on, I won't teach you to be so frightened again."

Yongping wet his eyes unconsciously, but he was happy, his cheeks flushed red, but he gritted his teeth and stretched out his arms around Zhao Yuanli's waist, lowering his head and saying in a muffled voice. "It's great to finally be able to marry brother Yuanli."

Zhao Yuanli put his arms around the little person in his arms, and because of her initiative, his heart felt a little more sour. Speaking of which, he was really not as good as Yongping, so it was no wonder the emperor would put this test on him.The jewel in Emperor Liang's palm, sincerity is not enough, and royal affection is always mixed with countless power struggles. If Zhao Yuanli bowed his head to the imperial power today and forbeared until Yongping reconciled, then in the future, will it be the same...

The emperor had thought very hard, and what was waiting was his initiative.The courageous duty to stand up for Yongping in the face of any ordeal, no matter what happens in the future, he can stand in front of her and not teach her to face it alone.

Not far from the rockery, the two figures gradually disappeared.There is no moon tonight, and thousands of stars are shining brightly. Zhao Wenwan is wearing a goose-yellow cloud smoked sweater, a skirt with ancient patterns of double butterflies and thousands of water swaying on the floor, and two hairpins of broken beads. She is as charming as a flower. Bright.

"I really didn't expect that the emperor would use this method to stimulate the elder brother. The elder brother also lived up to His Majesty's intentions and went to ask for the princess face to face. The lovers will finally get married. It is really a happy ending!" Zhao Wenwan couldn't help but said with emotion.

Gu Jingxing squinted, pretending to be angry about the day's affairs, and hummed softly.

Zhao Wenwan felt that he was wrong, and followed someone, "My lord..."

Seeing people ignore him, there was a hint of cunning in his eyes, and he turned around and said, "Jing Xing, I know I was wrong, so please forgive me this time, please?"

Gu Jingxing's heart trembled when he was coaxed by the soft words, and he almost couldn't hold back his face. He coughed lightly to cover up, his eyes fell on the woman's bright smiling face, and he was slightly dazed. The persistence in his heart had long since collapsed, and he couldn't help feeling frustrated Sighed.

"I'm just worried that you were injured where I can't see it, and I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you in time."

Zhao Wenwan's heart was inexplicably shocked when he heard the words, and he could barely raise his eyes to meet his deep eyes, and the undisguised deep affection made people addicted.

"By the way, I heard from Yongping that you found those two young men. Since when have you been involved in this field?" The final "um" was dragged on for a long time, and the deep voice was somewhat dangerous. Threat is full of meaning.

"...I told my subordinates to do it, and I never set foot in it!" Zhao Wenwan swallowed under Gu Jingxing's imposing manner, and never dared to say that he chose the most famous and most reputable young lady in Xingfenglou in the capital.

A slight smile appeared in Gu Jingxing's eyes, and he approached step by step, and finally asked about the serious matter that had always been on his mind, and his tone was unconsciously low and expectant, "Wan Wan, the matter of Yuan Li and Yongping is settled. ,us……"

Zhao Wenwan blinked, took a step back, and then backed up a few more steps. After reaching a safe distance, she raised her innocent face.

"What are you talking about...the wind is too strong and I can't hear you clearly!"

(End of this chapter)