Chapter 74 – The Etiquette of the Palace Banquet

Thinking of this, the Eunuch didn’t want to delay in the Lu Mansion, so he gave a cold snort, waved his sleeve, and led the Imperial Guards to turn around and went after the Northwest Army.

 

After Li Guangcai and other local officials had sent the Eunuch away, the Governor of the Prefecture took a breath and turned to look at the Old Master of the Lu family, “Old Master, you must be protected by your ancestral tomb. The Emperor himself has issued an edict. It can be seen that your Granddaughter may rise to become successful and be favored by the Emperor!”

 

Seeing that the Governor was confused, the Officials in the nearby state hurried and said to him, “My Lord, it seems that… The Granddaughter of the Lu family has just been engaged. It’s Cui Xingzhou, Prince Huaiyang who passed by our state a few days ago!”

 

Hearing this, the Official was stunned and figured out that the meaning was wrong.

 

That is to say, it is the fiancee of Prince Huaiyang who will be summoned into the Palace!

 

Although the words of the Emperor carry weight, Prince Huaiyang is not an ordinary idle noble. Can he wait silently for The Emperor to reward him with a green crown?

 

It’s careless to announce bringing the fiancee of the meritorious Prince into the Palace… What kind of stupid chess is The Emperor playing!

 

For a moment, the Official was confused. He turned to ask Li Guangcai, the local County Official, where he had gone.

 

He was stunned and turned to look at the Old Master Lu. Lu Wu didn’t listen to him either. He just coughed and seemed weak. He gasped, “Since there is nothing to do, please return…”

 

He then asked the porter to see the guests off and close the door. The concierge listened to the Old Master’s order and closed the door of Lu’s Mansion firmly in front of all the Lords.

 

Now the gatekeeper of the Lu Mansion is also experienced. He only thinks that the gate he is watching over may be the golden nest of the Phoenix. Tomorrow, even if the Jade Emperor sends someone to knock at the door, he can take it easy… ”

 

The government officials and the rest of the officials looked at each other and thought that they had better pretend they didn’t know about the new Emperor robbing the wife of the nobles in the Court…

 

On the other hand, Li Guangcai turned around and went to the post station in the state. He is an Official on temporary secondment. He has neither farmland nor horses here.

 

Usually, he spends a penny to rent a hairy donkey to travel from the post station.

 

So today, when the post office official saw Lord Li coming, he smiled and asked, “My Lord, did you come to rent the donkey again?”

 

Li Guangcai waved his hand and said, “Come on, bring me the fastest horse here. I have something urgent!”

 

The posthouse officials dare not delay. Fortunately, there is still a horse left in the post station today, so they brought it to Lord Li. Li Guangcai turned around and told his confidant, who had been left behind by Prince Huaiyang, to guard secretly, “Try everything possible to deliver my letter to Prince Huaiyang before he reports his Imperial mission. You can’t stop even if you run to death on the road! Do you understand?”

 

The secret sentry was ordered and he turn around and gallop away. Li Guangcai looked at the galloping horse and sighed at Prince Huaiyang’s marriage.

 

The secret sentry also ride all the way to the max, because he also carried the military token under Prince Huaiyang’s army. Wherever he went, the post station would give preferential treatment, but he hardly slept all the way. He caught up with the Imperial Eunuch after riding day and night, and finally caught up with Prince Huaiyang.

 

When Prince Huaiyang read the letter written by Li Guangcai, he frowned and his eyes showed anger.

 

Miantang is sewing his new innerwear in the military tent. It’s said that the innerwear she sewed before was washed by Mo Ru’s rough hands. But Cui Xingzhou was uncomfortable in other clothes, so she specially sewed another one for him. The twisted stitches did not make any progress. Fortunately, Prince Huaiyang did not dislike it and said that she sewed it better than before.

 

In the middle of the day, she saw that he, who was always calm, was angry and asked why.

 

He thought for a moment and handed Li Guangcai’s letter to Miantang.

 

Miantang opened her eyes and said in surprise, “He…… The Emperor! What does that mean? Let me serve the Queen?”

 

Cui Xingzhou pressed down his anger and said coldly, “It’s the same old practice in the previous dynasty. If The Emperor likes a Lady and it’s not convenient to declare her to the Palace, he will make this woman a female official. After a long time in the Palace, he will let the woman make a peaceful divorce from her former husband. When the time comes, he will find an opportunity to make her an Imperial Concubine…”

 

Miantang threw the letter aside and said, “You mean… The Emperor, he wants to…”

 

Speaking of this, she couldn’t go on. According to the meaning of her Elder Uncle, she had a close relationship with Liu Dan before, but they broke up. Besides, didn’t he marry and have children? What’s the meaning of this sudden announcement for her to serve his wife?

 

Cui Xingzhou walked over and pulled her into his arms, “There isn’t a saying of whether he wants or not. He won’t have the chance!”

 

Although Cui Xingzhou was in opposition to the new enthroned man which included a sense of wildly arrogant, Miantang can’t help but feel that this is a real man who stands up to heaven and earth.

 

Whether before or now, Cui Jiu has not changed one thing, that is, the arrogance in his eyes that no one can look up to. Although this kind of unruly and wild is properly hidden under his elegant appearance, Miantang can feel it and think that he is full of masculinity!

 

She pursed her mouth, couldn’t help but throw herself into his arms, and tightly encircled his waist.

 

Although Miantang doesn’t speak, she has proved that her heart is on whose side by putting herself into his arms.

 

To tell the truth, Cui Xingzhou is reluctant to let Miantang regain her memory and recall the past with Liu Dan.

 

Although her Elder Uncle said, it was the act of young children, she was in love at that time. Even though she ran away in spite of anger, would she be soft-hearted and change her mind if Liu Dan chased her back and stuck to her?

 

Now that Liu’s real name has been restored, the world has been announced, and he is back on the throne, he can’t wait to recover his lost precious things.

 

It is proof that he hurriedly called Miantang into the Capital before his throne was firmly established! If Miantang recovers her memory, will she also have no feel for Ziyu…

 

Although Cui Xingzhou always likes to predict the worst when he thinks about things, he can’t help being violent when he thinks that there are other men in Miantang’s heart.

 

What can Liu Dan do even if he becomes The Emperor? Want to rob a woman from him? Let’s see if this Emperor has any real skills!

 

However, knowing that a Eunuch was chasing him to pass the edict behind him, Cui Xingzhou changed his attitude of wandering around the mountains and rivers a few days ago. Only after the army has been reorganized, it is ordered to speed up its advance according to the way of urgent march in the war. They stop for only two hours a day and then go on their way day and night.

 

It left the Eunuchs behind far away and reached the Capital early.

 

The return of the Northwest Army is a national celebration for the Great Yan Dynasty. Cui Xingzhou won the hearts and minds of the people through this battle. Without organizing, the people took flowers and clear water and spontaneously walked along the main road outside the city to welcome the arrival of the Northwest Army.

 

As a new Emperor, Liu’s foundation is not stable. How to treat meritorious officials has become a test paper for the officials to consider the Monarch after he ascended the throne.

 

He not only wanted to guard against Cui Xingzhou’s unkindness but also set out to attack; He should also timely attract capable Ministers to consolidate his position. Therefore, let go of past grievances. Liu Dan wanted to give Prince Huaiyang the etiquette that he should have.

 

Therefore, the Imperial edict was issued, and the main gate of the founding Capital led the entire civil and military Ministers to meet them. Liu Dan even stood at the city gate before dawn. Such a grand favor really shows the virtuous mind of the new Emperor.

 

Only when more and more people gathered at the roadside on the morning of the day, the Northwest Army came slowly.

 

The long snake-like team was thrown out of sight. The soldiers were armed with silver helmets and bright armor. The people who greeted them cheered and rushed to throw the flowers in their hands to the team.

 

The Northwest Marshal, Prince Huaiyang, who walked in the front, was the most eye-catching. He was wearing a golden helmet, high boots up to his knees, and his cloak was dancing in the wind. His eyebrows were hanging from his nose, and his eyes were focused. He stood on a white horse like a God of war.

 

He was surrounded by a Lady riding a white horse. She was dressed in black hunting clothes, with long hair combed into a high ponytail, which was like a black waterfall behind her, a wide belt tied tightly around her slender waist, and a tall and straight figure, graceful but not less robust. Especially her face, with pretty eyebrows and bent eyes, like a distant mountain with Daisy, was so bright that it shook people’s eyes. They only suspected that a fairy had fallen into the world and landed beside Prince Huaiyang.

 

For a moment, everyone exclaimed and only guessed who the Lady was.

 

However, it is rare to see such handsome men and beautiful women. On this day of celebration, shouting voices of “Prince Huaiyang is powerful” can be heard everywhere!

 

Early in the morning, Liu Dan figured out how to greet Prince Huaiyang warmly to show his composure.

 

However, as the team gradually approached the city gate where he stood, the light smile that had been hanging on his face gradually solidified.

 

As for Prince Huaiyang, he always heard his name but did not see him in person.

 

Until today, he was able to stand at the city gate to see the true face of Prince Huaiyang.

 

But at this sight, it was an old acquaintance he had met!

 

The Grand Marshal wearing a golden helmet and riding on a white horse looks familiar… Isn’t it the merchant Cui Jiu he met in front of the Academy in the State of Qing? He was still playing chess with Cui Jiu and was defeated by him.

 

At that time, he was gentle and elegant in a Confucian shirt, but now he stands upright in front of thousands of troops, and his whole body is filled with a sense of awe.

 

Then there was the beautiful Lady beside him riding side by side. How could he not recognize her? That look and smile are all the beautiful images deeply imprinted in his countless dreams, and they are sweet when he thinks of them.

 

But now, her smile is still the same, showing a free and easy temperament that ordinary women do not have. It’s just that she doesn’t look at him anymore, but at the golden man beside her…

 

For a moment, Liu Dan’s mind was like a billow, wondering why it was like this.

 

However, the Officials around him did not know why he remained silent for a long time. Shi Yikuan, his father-in-law, whispered beside him, “Your Majesty, Prince Huaiyang has arrived. It’s time for you to order the Ministers to come out of the city to meet him.”

 

He reminded him three times in a row. Liu Dan then slowly said, “All officials should go out of the city and salute each other!” He then walked down the steps slowly with heavy steps.

 

So under the leadership of the new Emperor, the civil and military officials went out of the city to welcome the arrival of Prince Huaiyang’s army.

 

When Cui Xingzhou arrived at the city gate, he rolled over and dismounted quickly. At the same time, he reached out to hold the woman beside him and dismounted from the horse. Together, they knelt in front of the new Emperor, shouting, “Greetings to Your Majesty. Wishing you a long life”.

 

Liu Dan’s eyes never left the woman in the sassy hunting clothes. His fists concealed in the broad sleeves of the dragon robe were tightly clenched. After a long time, He slowly said, “Minister Cui, get up quickly.”

 

Cui Xingzhou, however, said, “Thanks for your great favor, and led all the civil and military officials out of the city to meet me. I am frightened, and I was granted with great grace. On such occasions, officials should be dressed more respectfully, but I and all the soldiers were so dusty that we had no time to care about our appearance. Please forgive us for any mistakes!”

 

Liu Dan said dryly, “It doesn’t matter. It’s not the first time that we met. You are more polite than before, hurry and get up…”

 

Although he said so, Cui Xingzhou didn’t get up yet. He just continued saying, “Liu Miantang, my fiancee, heard that I was going to the Northwest and vowed to die for my country, so she followed me all the way. Although I couldn’t stay at the Jinjia Checkpoint, she was in the rear, preparing herbs for the Northwest army, and helping me to be loyal to my country… I hope you will forgive for her following me back!”

 

Throughout the ages, many virtuous women follow their husbands to battle, and they are all models that can be used in the teaching of women’s ethics.

 

Cui Xingzhou loudly named Liu Miantang as her fiancee in front of the people and the entire Ministers of the Court.

 

As the Emperor, on such a festive occasion, if he changes his face and reprimand, it will be extremely unpleasant and hurt his name of The Emperor.

 

Liu Dan knew that he should be calm at this time. He should pretend not to know Liu Miantang and smiled to let the couple in front of him get up.

 

However, Liu Dan could not say these word that was full of hypocrisy.

 

Previously, he thought that he could endure the situation when she committed herself to an ordinary merchant. One is because he takes into consideration the overall situation, and the other is because he knows that the man is not worthy!

 

This is like putting a flower in a dunghill in an unknown flower bed. It is only temporarily stored, and it will not always take root.

 

However, Liu Dan now found that the flower he cared for were not hidden in the mountains where no one appreciated them. Instead, she fell into the Prince’s private garden long ago and was appreciated by the sun. She was held in his heart and could not be touched by others.

 

Once he found that the person who has Miantang is not inferior to him in terms of knowledge and ability, the jealousy was like a tsunami coming to him.

 

How dare Cui Xingzhou! Unexpectedly, Miantang became his private property!

 

Shi Yikuan, however, found that The Emperor is weird. Today and other occasions are a good time for the new Emperor to establish his prestige. In front of the people, he can’t afford to lose anything. He can only remind him in a low voice.

 

Liu Dan finally said slowly, “You can get attached to by such a beauty, it’s really a good story in the Great Yan Dynasty. I’ll have a Palace Banquet later. I’d like to hear about the process of you two acquaintances…”

 

So they met at the city gate, and finally, entered in a dignified and comfortable way.

 

When Cui Xingzhou and his troops entered the city with hundreds of officials, the army was stationed less than 500 meters away from the city gate. The army tent stretched out, and they enjoyed the gifts from the Emperor.

 

Also, the Palace banquet began to be held on the elegant sound of the silk, bamboo, and gold bell.

 

Liu Dan and Empress Shi sat on the high seat of the dragon chair and ordered the Palace maids to start the feast by presenting delicacies.

 

Queen Shi, after giving birth to the Emperor’s son, seems to be more prosperous. However, she is amiable and straightforward. Even if she is wearing a phoenix crown palace dress, she also said to Cui Xingzhou’s fiancee, “Just treat the Palace as your home, you can eat whatever you like. Don’t be too cautious. Just like I used to enter the Palace, and only stare at the table full of wine and food. But in the end, step out of the Palace on an empty stomach!”

 

Liu Dan was used to the directness of the Empress and didn’t say anything.

 

However, Commander Shi, the father-in-law sitting below, coughed heavily, reminding his daughter to pay attention to Imperial dignity.

 

The regret medicine he is taking now is calculated in carts. If he had known Liu Dan’s real identity, he would not have married a vulgar Concubine’s daughter to The Emperor. Her mother was accepted when she was a petty official in the army. At that time, her family was poor. As a commoner, she did not receive any valuable female education. The daughter, who is now sitting in the back seat, always shows the foundation of the poor becoming rich from time to time, which is quite untenable.

 

However, Miantang felt that Lady Shi was straightforward. She saluted her and said, “Please rest assured, I will definitely choose the right food and will not disappoint both Sage’s kindness.”

 

Empress Shi had forgotten that she had seen this woman in the porcelain shop in Lingquan Town. Seeing that she accepted her sayings, she was not as reserved as other noble women. She could not help but be happy. She only took a piece of crystal pork knuckles skin and ate it.

 

Cui Xingzhou smiled politely and said to Liu Dan, “I am at the border, and I have always been frightened before as I couldn’t congratulate Your Majesty on succeeding the throne. But today, I saw the kindness of Your Majesty, the leniency of the Empress, and I can feel the warm spring breeze and the boundless Royal grace.”

 

Miantang, learning from the Queen, is also holding a crystal pork knuckles skin. Hearing Cui Xingzhou suddenly flattering, she looks at her with a slight tilt.

 

In Liu Dan’s eyes, her pretty and pious appearance makes him filled with jealous again.

 

Today’s Palace banquet is a reward for meritorious officials.

 

So Liu Dan decided to go through the procedure first, and then privately interrogate Cui Xingzhou about how he cheated on Miantang.

 

So he asked, “Minister Cui has pacified the northwest and made great achievements in the war. I should reward you as much as I can. But you are already the hereditary king of a different family name. There are countless Mansions and fields in your hands and thousands of troops under you too. Compared to me, you are not inferior. I don’t know what else I can award you.”

 

With that said, the official’s heart was a little worried. The Emperor clearly means that Cui Xingzhou, who holds military power and is conferred upon, is below one person and above ten thousand people. The Emperor doesn’t know what to give him.

 

In this way, it is also called “releasing military power by drinking wine”, which means that since the war is almost over, he should be wise and hand over the military power, and their good Monarch and Minister relationship will continue to be peaceful and beautiful. If not, don’t blame him for not reminding him in the future!

 

As soon as this was said, the whole Court was silent. All the officials who could have been in the Capital for a long time were all clever. Who could not understand the meaning of the words?

 

For a moment, everyone did not speak. In the hall, there were only silk and bamboo around the beam. People were holding their breath and listening to Cui Xingzhou’s response.

 

Prince Huaiyang was suddenly given heads on by The Emperor. He was not afraid. He just smiled and said, “Is it the glory and wealth I’m trying to take in possession when I fight for my country? The border is peaceful, the people are healthy, and Your Majesty’s healthy is the greatest reward for us ministers. But… I have an unsolicited request. I don’t know if Your Majesty can promise me?”

 

When Liu Dan started the Palace banquet, he had been drinking instead of eating food. Hearing Cui Xingzhou’s words, he took a sip of wine and said, “What is the request you are talking about?”

 

Cui Xingzhou stood up solemnly, Kneeling in front of Liu Dan on the dragon chair, he said, “Before going to war, I swore that if the country was not peaceful, I will not get married. So I shrill hasn’t started my family, and I had no children. Although I had done my utmost loyalty, I lost my filial piety to my mother. So when I returned to the State of Zhen this time, I would like to get married immediately and have children. However, my fiancee who had signed the marriage certificate was a civilian. Although I don’t mind, she has suffered a lot with me. She also helped me to pacify the northwest, saved the barbarian Queen and Little Prince, and was able to let the Great Yan Dynasty and the Barbarians Conclude the covenant, so that the people can be stable as soon as possible, and will not be affected by the war… If I can’t let her wear the phoenix coronet and robes of rank into my residence, I will be ashamed of her. I wonder if you can give me a reward of giving her an Imperial mandate for her to return with dignity? ”

 

To tell the truth, the request of Prince Huaiyang is not a non-partisan request. It is reasonable to say that even if he does not speak, as the Emperor, he should reward the relatives of meritorious officials.

 

An edict doesn’t cost much silver, and it’s just a matter of giving an order and rewarding some fiefs.

 

However, Liu Dan could not say it. God knows, if the time is right, what the hell s a small promise? The golden crown of the phoenix’s Palace dress beside him can only be worthy of Miantang’s unique style!

 

In recent days, Liu Dan is in a good mood. He only thinks that a decree can bring back his Miantang. Although the temporary female official position would will wronged her for the time being, in time, he will make her his queen.

 

He was full of expectations, but at the gate of the city this morning, all of them turned into nothing!

 

Liu Miantang, what are you thinking? Are you willing to marry your rival Cui Xingzhou just because you have forgotten the past?

 

However, Liu Dan, who fought to the throne, is not here to reward his beloved woman to other men in person to make a wedding dress for others!

 

After thinking this way, Liu Dan’s eyes turned cold, and said, “You also said that Lady Liu is a commoner, and she certainly lacks etiquette. It’s better to let her enter the Palace first and practice etiquette with the Empress. Lady Liu will definitely benefit a lot!”

 

After he said this, some officials couldn’t help but look at the Empress.

 

Empress Shi has just finished eating her pork knuckles skin, her lips are bright, and her front is also stained with oil stars. The female officials who helped the Empress are anxious as if they were in a state of constipation. They are not good enough to point out the flaws of the Empress. They just keep their heads down one by one.

 

On the other hand, Lady Liu, no matter how she uses chopsticks or how she sits, is so elegant that it doesn’t look like she learned on the spot. She even gives a sense of a noble family Lady…

 

If Lady Liu really enters the Palace, will she be teaching etiquette to Empress Shi or it’s the other way round, isn’t that an unknown? Maybe!