This year's dragon boat race was extremely intense because he wanted to show his face in front of the Beirong people. After the dragon boat, another special flower boat came over, and people leaped on the water, or played on a swing, or danced.
There were constant cheers on both sides of the strait. It was a very lively occasion, but Mu Mingtang never saw it.
It's not that the water play is not exciting, but Mu Mingtang feels that these acrobatics have reached their peak. What really made her feel complicated were those in power in the stands.
It's not wrong for the common people to indulge in entertainment and indulge in indulgence, but the same is true for those in power, so it's hard to be praised.
Jinming Pond was originally a military position for the navy to exercise, but now the emperor takes the lead in watching dragon boats and water play in Jinming Pond.
These performances are dazzling and cost an unknown amount of manpower and material resources. At the same time, Xixia is very ambitious, Beirong is actively expanding, and the activities of the Jurchen tribe in the Northeast are getting closer and closer. Only the Ye Dynasty has been reducing its armaments and suppressing its generals over the past few years. The documents that captured the sixteen states of Youyun were also kept indefinitely.
Mu Mingtang couldn't help sighing in his heart.
I hope that Bei Rong's intention to negotiate peace is true, anyway, so that the Ye Dynasty can be peaceful for a few more years.
When she has experienced human life, she knows that there is a safe roof, and she doesn't have to worry about how precious tomorrow is before going to bed every night. She really didn't want Ye Chao to fight again.
After the dragon boat bidding and water show were over, the emperor was still not satisfied, so he continued to play in another place. It is rare to see Ye Chao's endless water tricks in the Gobi grasslands of Beirong. Yeluyan was also intrigued and proposed to play polo.
After hearing Yeluyan's words, the emperor was stunned for a moment. It is not difficult to play polo. There is a special polo field in the palace, but it is the people who play polo who are embarrassed.
Yeluyan proposed to play polo, and the Ye Dynasty would inevitably have to go out to accompany Yeluyan to have a good time. Ye Chao is the host, and the ratio of winning and losing must be well controlled. You cannot let the guests play and lose repeatedly, which will lose the demeanor of a great country.
The emperor even felt that his worry was completely unfounded, and he was afraid that he would not be able to win at all.
Polo is an immediate sport, which is the strength of the Beirong people. Now that the peace talks have entered a stalemate, if it is revealed that the Ye Dynasty is not as powerful as Beirong at this time, I am afraid it will be very unfavorable for the next peace talks.
The emperor pondered for a moment, then smiled: "It's rare for the eighth prince to have such elegance. Since the eighth prince likes it, there is nothing wrong with me as the host. However, what does the eighth prince plan to do?"
After the emperor finished speaking, Mu Mingtang felt that Yeluyan was looking in their direction, and suddenly said, "I have heard the name of King Qiyang in Beirong for a long time. Today, I would like to fight."
The voice fell behind and the audience was quiet, and then, everyone's eyes turned to Xie Xuanchen.
Unlike everyone else, Xie Xuanchen was not surprised at all when he heard his own name. But his expression was still very calm, he casually glanced at Yeluyan, and said lightly, "No."
Xie Xuanchen's attitude annoyed Yeluyan, Yeluyan's face sank, and he asked, "Why?"
The emperor frowned slightly, and he glanced at Xie Xuanchen lightly, just as Xie Xuanchen refused, the emperor immediately replied: "Unfortunately, since Prince An is unwilling, then let it go. The eighth prince might as well find someone else."
Yeluyan was proficient in Chinese and had contact with Han culture, but he was a Khitan after all. Yeluyan was also a prince in Beirong. Although he was not the most powerful among his brothers, there was no reason for him to be slapped in the face again and again. Xie Xuanchen provoked several times, and Yeluyan was also provoked, and asked, "King An is unwilling, and this king has no reason to force it. But why is King An avoiding and not fighting, not afraid, or afraid of losing?"
"Losing?" Xie Xuanchen didn't intend to ignore it at first. Hearing Yeluyan said that he was afraid of losing, he smiled very lightly, and when he turned to Yeluyan, his eyes were full of icy disdain, "I, Xie Xuanchen, did not fear the word. You are too weak to be my opponents."
Mu Mingtang breathed a sigh of relief when she heard it. She maintained her high-cold and calm personality, but under her broad sleeves, she was desperately pulling Xie Xuanchen's sleeves.
It's almost done, don't force it too much.
The Khitans were martial, and Mu Mingtang couldn't listen to them, let alone the group of Beirong people. Yeluyan got angry when he heard this, stood up with a bang, and said loudly: "There is a saying in the Han people, saying that light talk should not be fake. King An, don't try to exaggerate, you really have the ability, we See you soon."
Xie Xuanchen also smiled and nodded, and said, "Okay. Since you have to humiliate yourself, then I will accompany you to the end."
As Xie Xuanchen and Yeluyan both stood up, the atmosphere in the field changed suddenly, as if there were tiny electric sparks bursting in the air. One by one, the Beirong people were stirred up by this atmosphere, and they stood up one after another: "Eight princes, I'm here to play."
"I'll go as well!"
The Beirong people were all enthusiastic, and the emperor frowned invisibly.
In fact, he didn't really want Xie Xuanchen to have too much presence, especially in such diplomatic occasions. Xie Xuanchen has appeared too frequently recently.
It's just that Xie Xuanchen's reputation is so great, he has been hiding in the snow for two years, and he is still obsessed with outsiders.
The emperor sighed inwardly, but the overall situation was the most important. Seeing that the Beirong people were all sturdy and powerful, all of them were strong and powerful. If Xie Xuanchen lost, the emperor's face would be difficult. For the sake of the overall situation, the emperor could only temporarily put aside the differences between him and Xie Xuanchen. At least, let this one pass first.
The emperor said: "King An and Hachioji are young and energetic, and they can learn from each other's skills, which can promote the understanding between our two countries. I love seeing you young people with high spirits and vigor, so I will be the referee for the two of you. Hachioji's five people It's all set, King An, who would you like to play with you?"
Everyone present understands that there is no selfishness before the big picture. The next polo match is about the face of the country. No matter what personal grievances and grievances there were before, they must be pushed aside at this moment. No matter who Xie Xuanchen chooses, those who are chosen must fully assist him.
There is no need to worry that teammates will not do their best. In contrast, the fear is that teammates will not be selected at all.
The people present knew a lot about themselves. They looked at the Khitan side with a strong Confucius and a martial arts body that could run horses with arms, and looked at the literati and scholar Qing Yishui from the Ye Chao side. They were all embarrassed.
Xie Xuanchen didn't bother to look at it, and said directly: "Whatever. Whoever wants to be on it, it doesn't make a difference anyway."
The people of the Ye Dynasty felt a little sad when they heard it, and the emperor looked around and felt that there was no one to choose from. For the first time, he regretted that there were no military generals in the central government, otherwise, there would not be even five people together.
Xie Xuanji had been silent for a while, but at this moment he stepped forward and cupped his hands: "Father, my son is willing to help the second brother."
Xie Xuanji took the initiative to fight, and many people cast admiring glances at Xie Xuanji. Standing beside Xie Xuanji, Jiang Mingwei also felt honored.
Although Jiang Mingwei doesn't remember the plot of playing polo with Beirong people in the original book, but Xie Xuanji is the male protagonist, and the male protagonist goes out in person, how can he not be in the limelight.
Jiang Mingwei seems to have realized that the plot of fighting the fire on the Lantern Festival is inexplicably gone, so Xie Xuanji will win glory for the country next, and then participate in the negotiation and signing of the peace contract logically
The more Jiang Mingwei thought about it, the more she felt that this was the truth. After she learned that it was a plot, she immediately felt relieved. At this moment, facing the eyes of everyone, Jiang Mingwei felt very proud of being in it.
This is her husband, the one and only male protagonist. When they envy her in the future, there are still others.
After Xie Xuanji took the initiative to stand up, several people responded one after another. You can't blame them for not being active. It's really too risky for this kind of thing. If you win everything, you can say. If you lose, you will lose face to the court. What should you do
After all, there are many civil servants in this room, even if they are noble, they have been pampered for a long time, and they have gradually become blessed. They usually just hang out with the officials and gentlemen who are also not diligent in sports. Isn't it self-humiliating to play with those burly and majestic Beirong people who grew up on horseback.
The emperor also felt embarrassed. Xie Xuanchen said that it was casual, but they couldn't take it seriously. The emperor and a few slaughterers picked and chose, and finally they came up with what they thought was the most balanced five people.
The Beirong people had been prepared for a long time. Seeing that the Han people had to wait so long to form a team, they frequently booed. In the end, Prime Minister Song cautiously gathered the people, and Xie Xuanchen turned around and left without even looking.
The two sides came to the field to prepare for the first time. The emperor was afraid that the loss would be too ugly, so he deliberately prepared the words in advance: "It's a good thing for you young people to learn from each other, but the game is just for entertainment, don't hurt our two countries for the mere game. Be kind."
Therefore, winning is an honor, and losing is for the sake of peace between the two countries and the bearing of a great country.
The men went to the polo field to prepare, and the eunuchs had already prepared the canopy and the throne, waiting for the emperor to move, and went to watch the polo on the outside stage.
The emperor is first, the queen is one step behind. After the two left, the other female relatives walked out. Mu Mingtang was in the highest seat, and when he went out, the distance was also the farthest.
When she walked over, the stand was already full of people, and the places with a slightly better view were filled with ladies and their servants. Among them, the place is the most spacious, and the place closest to the racecourse has long been occupied.
Xiao Siyi, who had met once before, was standing there, ignoring the gazes of the people around her, and shouting loudly to Yeluyan. Because Xie Xuanji was also on the field, Jiang Mingwei resisted the embarrassment and stood over.
Jiang Mingwei was there, and the rest of the Jin Palace were also surrounded. This includes Wanyanduo, the big red man a few days ago, the beautiful and bold Princess Tayan.
Wanyanduo was still dressed as an alien, but her hair was already up. This is the same outside the Central Plains customs. Girls have drooping hair, and only women can make long braids and make some complex and gorgeous buns.
The people on the outside noticed that Mu Mingtang was coming, and they stepped aside: "Princess An."
Everyone bowed their heads slightly to salute her. The call that Xie Xuanchen said not long ago was still in their ears, and now no one wants to bump up and touch the bad head of the evil star.
The signal spread like water waves, and the people inside noticed that there was movement behind them. When they turned around and saw that it was Mu Mingtang, they immediately understood and moved away. Mu Mingtang walked to the innermost floor unimpeded, Jiang Mingwei and Xiao Siyi stood side by side in front of the fence, the front court was loud, and Xiao Siyi kept making noise, Jiang Mingwei did not hear the movement behind him.
Mu Mingtang smiled and reminded, "Princess Jin."
Jiang Mingwei turned back when she heard the voice, and was stunned when she saw Mu Mingtang. She didn't seem to understand why, and when she saw Mu Mingtang's familiar and rude smile, Jiang Mingwei realized later that Mu Mingtang asked her to give way.
Jiang Mingwei's heart suddenly burst into flames, should Mu Mingtang act so absolutely? It is said that there is a three-point leeway in being a human being, not only for others but also for yourself, but Mu Mingtang does not, he must kill them all, and disgusting people must be disgusting to the extreme.
Jiang Mingwei kept scolding in her heart, but in front of everyone, there was the emperor and empress not far away, Jiang Mingwei really couldn't "disrespect brother and sister-in-law" in public, she could only hold back her grievance and took a step back: "I was negligent. , I didn't notice that my sister-in-law was coming. The second brother is going to play soon, sister-in-law, please stand in front. "
Mu Mingtang was very satisfied, and said with a smile: "King Jin is also on the court, Princess Jin has stood up, but now you give me your position, isn't it good?"
I don't know, so why don't you ask? Jiang Mingwei was very angry, but she couldn't destroy herself, so she could only continue to lower her eyebrows and say pleasingly: "It's not in the way, I can see it. The elders are orderly, and I should give way to my sister-in-law."
"I'm really sorry." Mu Mingtang said as he stepped forward. After walking in front of Jiang Mingwei, she raised her chin slightly, arrogant and extravagant, as she should.
Even Xiao Siyi looked at Mu Mingtang, and she recognized who it was at a glance, the wife of the killing god Xie Xuanchen, the concubine of An Wangfu. When Xie Xuanchen and the Empress Dowager Ye Chao had a conflict just now, Yeluyan and others were paying attention to the meaning behind it, while Xiao Siyi's attention was on some small details.
Xiao Siyi remembers clearly, at that time many people wanted to persuade but did not dare, so many people were helpless against Xie Xuanchen, only Mu Mingtang could hold Xie Xuanchen's hand in a grand manner and motioned him to stop talking.
And Xie Xuanchen really stopped talking.
Men are good-faced. The more some people persuade him, the more he tries to be arrogant. When his wife persuades him, he feels that his wife has made him humiliated. Anyway, the men Xiao Siyi knew, including her family elders, were like this.
But Xie Xuanchen was in the public eye, because Mu Mingtang couldn't bear a word, neither caring about his own face nor angering Mu Mingtang. In Xiao Siyi's cognition, this is really a very rare thing.
Xiao Siyi's aunt is the queen mother, and she is in a different place. Xiao Siyi can't imagine how someone dares to contradict the queen mother, and then this person does not have any punishment, but the queen mother avoids it. What is even more surprising is that this man obeys his wife.
Xiao Siyi couldn't figure it out, and the two things she couldn't understand were related to the woman in front of her. Xiao Siyi quickly glanced at Mu Mingtang again, and gave way to the left, so that the middle position belonged to Mu Mingtang.
In the eyes of those behind, it was Mu Mingtang who approached and shouted softly, and Princess Jin respectfully stepped aside. And the lawless and domineering princess-to-be and the niece of the empress dowager from Beirong also took the initiative to make way for Mu Mingtang after seeing it.
Everyone couldn't help but tut in their hearts. They watched as Mu Mingtang passed the crowd all the way to the front. The sun shone on her, and her silver-purple dress became more and more radiant and radiant. And Mu Mingtang stood at the front with hands clasped, shoulders locked flat, neck slender, everyone formed a semicircle behind her, as if everyone in the world should give way to her, and in any event, she would Should be in the first place.
At this moment, the men had already tied their sleeves, picked their horses, and prepared to play.
Xie Xuanchen casually weighed the weight of the Yanyue pole, walked over to the horse, and turned on the horse.
Xie Xuanchen has long and straight legs, wide shoulders and slender waist, and slender limbs. The way he mounts a horse makes it look good even for men, which attracts the attention of many people.
Someone tried to discuss with Xie Xuanchen: "His Royal Highness An, for a while, how should we cooperate?"
Xie Xuanchen sat on the horse, his eyes suddenly raised. It was obviously a familiar movement like walking and sleeping, but now, he felt a little nostalgic.
He couldn't help touching the horse's mane and felt a long-lost feeling of surging blood.
A long time away.
He is back.
Xie Xuanchen was familiar with the speed and strength of this horse, and vaguely heard someone talking in his ear, he didn't bother to look at who it was, so he said, "No need."
The man was rejected, and his tone immediately became weaker. He clearly wanted to help, but now his tone became very humble: "...I mean, how do you plan to fight, so we can help from the side."
"It's all said and done." Xie Xuanchen was annoyed by the question, and finally glanced at his teammates for the first time, "I'm enough by myself, you can do whatever you want, just live."
Although the other people understood that Xie Xuanchen was just talking casually, they couldn't help but have a cold war in their hearts. It's enough to be alive... Don't they just go out and play polo
What is this big killer going to do
After Xie Xuanchen finished speaking, he took the lead and walked into the field first. Yeluyan was discussing tactics at first, and when he noticed Xie Xuanchen's actions, Yeluyan was not to be outdone, and immediately rushed on his horse.
With the actions of the two parties, the people in the stands also cheered up. The huge venue was crowded but quiet, and even Xiao Siyi stopped making noise and clasped his hands to wait for the opening.
Soon, the eunuch next to the emperor came out and said some scenes, and announced the start of the game.
The moment the start was announced, Yeluyan's horse moved, and at this moment, the eunuch's voice did not fall.
Xiao Siyi screamed loudly, shouting Yeluyan's name in Khitan language. Yeluyan was faster, but Xie Xuanchen was faster. He just flicked the Yanyue pole lightly and shook the opponent to the point of numbness. He couldn't hold the club. Before the passer could react, the polo was already in Xie Xuanchen's hands.
Yeluyan saw that the situation was not good, and knew that he still underestimated Xie Xuanchen's power. They have been riding horses since they were young, and riding horses is almost instinctive. Soon, Beirong people were scattered in a row, blocking Xie Xuanchen's way of passing the ball from all angles.
At this time, the other four people from Ye Chao, Xie Xuanchen's "teammates", didn't even come over on horseback.
Xie Xuanchen also didn't care about no one responding at all. He held the reins of the horse, and the horse's hooves moved back and forth, as if looking for an angle. Yeluyan winked at the other people, indicating that they must be optimistic about Xie Xuanchen and not let him break through.
It's a pity that Xie Xuanchen never thought about breaking through from the beginning.
Without warning, he swung his club sharply, and the polo shot out like a shooting star, traversing the jumbled legs of the horse, halfway through the field, and smashed directly into the hole.
After the polo was thrown into the net, the wooden board made a humming sound. Xie Xuanchen straightened up, looked at everyone on the field who were shocked and couldn't keep up with the progress at all, turned the club in the palm of his hand for half a circle, and asked seriously: "Do you really want to play? It involves the diplomatic relations between the two countries. , you got a zero in the end, how ugly."
The author has something to say: Yeluyan: I feel offended.
Mu Mingtang: Speak well, don't pretend.
(Daily task: 1/1 completion of pretending to force)