The Rivers and Mountains

Chapter 397: [The Banquet of Murder]

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King Mingyue entered the capital, and there was a wave of conversations. It seemed that if he didn't praise Mingyue King at the dinner table, he was not worthy of being a citizen of Dachu, nor a citizen of Kyoto.

The annex has enough space to accommodate the guests from the northwest. As soon as Mingyue Wang and his party moved into the annex, nearly a hundred feather forest guards held by Ximen Lei, the deputy general guard of the Taiji camp, came under the leadership of Master Xuehou, the general guard. Under the orders of the General Manager, guard around the annex in the name of guardians, and according to Master Xue’s instructions, no matter who enters or leaves, they must register and check. If personnel from the northwest want to leave the pavilion, they must be guarded by Habayashi guards.

Under such circumstances, many insightful officials muttered secretly: "It seems that the Holy One is guarding against King Mingyue."

According to the arrangement drawn up by the Ministry of Rites for King Mingyue, the next day is to go to the imperial mausoleum to pay homage to Emperor Deqing, so all the people in the northwest have to rest in the other hall except for King Mingyue and a few other important personnel who accept the banquet from the emperor. Prepare for the funeral the next day.

King Mingyue's reception banquet was arranged in the imperial garden. In addition to King Mingyue and his two cronies, the little emperor also invited the eldest princess and his wife, the dry prince and his son, the prime minister Lan Wuqing, and the Hanlin Academy. University scholar Shu Zheng and more than a dozen important civil and military officials, needless to say Xue Poye, were also guests.

Speaking of it, it was like a family banquet. The banquet had been arranged in advance in the imperial garden, and when the lights first came on, the ice buckets around the banquet were filled with cool frosty air, filling the air. It was very cool in the garden, coupled with the fragrance of flowers, many people were already drunk before drinking.

The imperial garden of the royal family is naturally not comparable to ordinary dignitaries, rich and powerful businessmen. It is said that there are various rare species of flowers, plants and trees in the garden, many of which have disappeared outside the imperial garden.

Among the colorful flowers, dozens of seats are scattered in two rows, two rows facing the head, two seats, one big and one small, are naturally the seats of the little emperor and the queen mother. Although the little emperor and the queen mother have not arrived, the other guests have already taken their seats. Bit up.

On the left side of the front seat, King Mingyue was smiling and sitting gracefully. He was having a happy conversation with Lord Qian, who was sitting on the right side. What they said was nothing more than some anecdotes about customs and customs in the Northwest.

The Lord Gan lowered his head, sitting in turn Lan Wuqing, Xue Poye, the son of the Emperor Qian Liu Chengjing, and Shu Zheng, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, and then some other officials, and King Mingyue lowered his head, and the eldest princess smiled faintly, Lazily looking at Mingyue who just poked her head out of the sky, everyone else was listening to what Mingyue Wang said with a smile, only she seemed bored and lazy.

The Eldest Princess is the son-in-law, Yi Chenyuan.

Yi Chenyuan's handsome face was extremely calm, and his bright eyes were staring at the dishes on the table. He seemed to be very interested in the patterns of these dishes in the palace. Under the ingenious handwork, there are a lot of tricks and it is really exquisite. Yi Chenyuan looked at the dishes for a while, then turned his face and looked to the left, as if he was listening to the rare and anecdotal stories that Mingyue King said through the eldest princess beside him, or like He was looking at his stunningly beautiful wife, but his expression was always calm, with the demeanor of Pinghu not moving his eyes.

Yi Chenyuan started with Kong Bufan, Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites, and he was also an extremely important official of the imperial court. Zuo Zixuan and Dou Andao sat at the bottom.

Although the two of them are well-known and powerful figures in the northwest, but in the capital, at the banquet tonight, they are just very humble figures.

Although Zuo Zixuan was calm and composed, Dou Andao, a rude warrior, was a little bit embarrassed, with a sullen face, drinking non-stop.

"Sister Qiong, in your eyes, the Mingyue King doesn't seem to be as interesting as the bright moon in the sky." Seeing that the eldest princess was silent, the Mingyue King couldn't help but smile and said: "As a brother, he finally came to the capital, but he still can't compare with the moon in the sky." .”

The eldest princess didn't turn her head, but sighed faintly, and said: "I was thinking, no matter how beautiful and brilliant the bright moon is in the sky today, it will just disappear quietly when the dawn comes out tomorrow."

King Mingyue said softly: "Sister Qiong, don't worry, even if it will disappear in the sky when the dawn comes tomorrow, it will still appear at night, still brilliant and dazzling!"

The eldest princess smiled faintly, and murmured: "How can the light of the pale moon compete with the late sun?"

"The light of the sun and the moon has its own beauty, and sister Qiong doesn't have to stick to it." Mingyue King smiled lightly, his voice extremely soft.

The understatement of the two people's words was full of mysteries. The people present were all outstanding figures, how could they fail to understand the meaning of the words, but in this case, no one wanted to intervene.

The eldest princess pursed her lips into a smile, and finally turned her head to look at King Mingyue, and said, "Brother Emperor, what you said is quite right, the sun has its brilliance, and the moon has its brilliance, each has its own beauty. As long as it doesn't violate the seasons and solar terms, and everything begins at the beginning of a cycle, then no one will stick to it."

Xue Poye rubbed his nose, seemingly relaxed and casual, but in fact, he completely listened to the conversation between the two, and understood that in these few words of the eldest princess, he proposed to King Mingyue. Warning, the so-called "Mingyue" refers to the Mingyue King of course, and the "晫日" is obviously the current emperor. "The bright moon must not compete with the Mingri", the meaning is naturally very clear, even if you Mingyue King is extremely prestigious It is also very powerful in the northwest, but after all, it cannot be compared with His Majesty the Emperor. It is the right way to follow the "beginning of all things", the festival of the monarch and his ministers.

The impression left by the eldest princess on Xue Poye has always been very mysterious. Hearing her ruthlessly say these words at this time, it is obvious that she intends to protect the imperial power of the little emperor. The princess was very fond of it.

"My son-in-law, I haven't seen you for several years, but I still have the same demeanor." King Mingyue looked at Yi Chenyuan: "I heard the song "Long River Voiceless" by my son-in-law that day, and it still rings in my ears, and I still want to learn it later."

Yi Chenyuan smiled lightly, extremely handsome: "King Mingyue loves elegance, but Chen Yuan is a rough man, and a rough man does elegant things, which makes Mingyue King laugh at him."

King Mingyue shook his head and said: "My son-in-law is self-effacing. There is no distinction between a rough person and an elegant person in this world. If a rough person can do elegant things, he is an elegant person. If an elegant person does rough things, he will become a rough person. There are no boundaries."

An official at the bottom couldn't help asking: "Dare to ask King Mingyue, how can you tell the difference between the elegant and the rough?"

King Mingyue smiled, and said warmly: "In my opinion, if you can entertain yourself without hurting others, it can be regarded as an elegant thing. If it hurts others, whether you are happy or not, it can only be regarded as rude. It's over."

"Well said!" All the officials nodded when they heard it, but Kong Bufan, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, was the first to say yes.

Xue Poye glanced at Kong Bufan, and thought to himself: "What a ignorant guy, can't you hear what the eldest princess is saying? What good will it do you to go and flatter King Mingyue at this time."

Although King Mingyue is gentle and elegant, Xue Poye has preconceived ideas and is full of hostility towards King Mingyue. Seeing that he talks gracefully and won the approval of many people, he couldn't help laughing and said: "The words of King Mingyue, next time! Officials have a different opinion."

King Mingyue looked at Xue Poye, only looked at it for a while, then said with a smile: "I think this is Lord Xuehou?"

Xue Poye clasped his fists and said, "Don't dare, it's Xue Poye!"

"This king has heard that the late emperor had a lot of trust in Lord Xuehou. Lord Xuehou has outstanding talents. When the royal family rebelled, he even put down the civil strife in Yulin and defended the palace. His contribution is indispensable." King Mingyue looked at it with a tinge of admiration. Looking at Xue Poye: "However, this king never imagined that such an outstanding talent is actually a young talent!"

"I don't dare to claim the credit, but I just do my job well with all my heart."

King Mingyue asked: "Master Xue seems to disagree with what I said, but I would like to ask Lord Xue for advice!"

Everyone in the field, including the eldest princess, all looked at Xue Poye.

Xue Poye rubbed his nose, smiled slightly, and said slowly: "It's an elegant thing to be able to entertain yourself without hurting others. I think it's a bit rigid. I think that if there is an enemy with ulterior motives who is about to move, we will hold the The sword of the king fights with blood, even if it hurts the enemy, even if its own blood is splashed for five steps, it is still an elegant thing, and it is elegant." After a pause, he said slowly: "It's like Beihu Duoguan. It is the most elegant thing in the world for the generals and soldiers of the Great Chu to use the names of the three armies to kill and injure the enemy, and for the strong men to triumph. The words of the officials and the family only add to the jokes, and I hope that King Mingyue will not be offended!"

The eldest princess smiled lazily, clapped her hands and said: "Master Xue's words are quite interesting. I also think this is the most elegant thing in the world, and it is a hundred times better than those arty things."

He Ruhui, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, was also present. He was a member of Xue Poye, and when he heard that the eldest princess agreed, he immediately said: "That's right, that's what the lower officials think. To protect the family and the country, no matter how many enemies you kill , that is also an elegant thing."

At the moment, many people have echoed it. After all, Xue Poye is a powerful official in the court and the person the little emperor trusts the most. For most people, it is inevitable to have admiration for King Mingyue, but if you really want to flatter and rely on the mountain , it is better to fall to Xue Poye.

King Mingyue also clapped his hands, and said with a big laugh: "Master Xue is right, I'm just being strict, that's right, a strong man triumphs, that's elegant again."

At this moment, a loud shout was suddenly heard: "The emperor is here, the queen mother is here!"

Everyone in the field stood up and bowed to greet him.

The little emperor is wearing a yellow brocade robe, which is tailor-made and fits perfectly. Although he is thin and thin, the emperor's light attire wears on his body, but he looks majestic and imposing. Beside him, is The queen mother, holding the hand of the little emperor, came to the imperial garden surrounded by eunuchs and maids.

The little emperor looked calm. Although he and the queen dowager beside him didn't have too deep feelings, and even had mutual suspicion, Xue Poye's teaching made the little emperor understand that as an emperor, he needs to be patient, and he needs to be patient in every specific period of time. Choose to compromise on face.

So in everyone's eyes, what you see is not the tit-for-tat confrontation between the queen mother and the emperor, but the mother's kindness and filial piety. Although many people understand in their hearts that this is just a kind of incoherence, this kind of incoherence must be followed in the royal rules.

"Long live my emperor, long live, long live, queen mother!"

The figures on the spire of the Great Chu Kingdom all knelt down in unison.

Zuo Zixuan and Dou Andao glanced at the little emperor, and a look of contempt that was extremely difficult for outsiders to spot flashed across their eyes.

"Everyone is in peace!" The Empress Dowager raised her jade hand lightly with a dignified expression.

Everyone thanked in unison, and did not sit down until the queen mother sat down with the emperor.

At this kind of banquet, the queen mother had to sit in the main seat, while the little emperor could only sit in the small seat next to him. The main reason was that the little emperor hadn't yet reached the age of adulthood.

The little emperor glanced at King Mingyue, and said with a smile: "Is this the uncle of the emperor? I have heard my father said many times that I have long wanted to see the uncle of the emperor. I saw him today, and he is really handsome. The uncle traveled a long distance, all the way It's been hard work, I can only prepare a little banquet to welcome the emperor."

King Mingyue respectfully said: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."

Xue Poye listened to the little emperor's words very well, smiled slightly, and glanced at the little emperor, coincidentally the little emperor also gave him a look, and the two looked at each other and smiled, tacit understanding.

Suddenly, Xue Poye felt a sharp and stern light appear, glanced at it slightly, but saw the Empress Dowager swept the Mingyue King with an extremely stern gaze, and saw her eyes, which were filled with unspeakable resentment, startled in his heart, and secretly said: "Could it be possible that the queen mother also defends the little emperor? Otherwise, how could she be so hostile to King Mingyue?"

Xue Poye was thinking about it, but Mingyue Wang said in his ear: "The late emperor passed away, the whole country mourns together, and the minister is even more sad in his heart. He took the liberty to ask for instructions to go to Beijing, and hope that the Holy Majesty will not be blamed."

The little emperor shook his head and said: "The uncle and the emperor have a deep relationship, and they came to the capital to pay respects. This is a bond of affection. How can I blame you?"

King Mingyue sighed: "When the late emperor was here, he showed great kindness to his minister. I often think about it and feel anxious. With my talent, I really feel ashamed of my great love for the late emperor."

The little emperor said: "The emperor's uncle governs one side, and Yongzhou is prosperous and strong. This is the credit of the emperor's uncle. How can he be said to be incapable? I have never heard anyone say that the emperor's uncle is generous, kind, erudite and talented. I wish I could always be taught by the emperor's side. The next time the emperor's uncle came to Beijing, this wish of mine can finally come true, I'm really happy." Standing up with a cup, he said: "Uncle emperor, I respect you!"

The ministers around thought to themselves: "Your majesty is young, but his speech is very complete and thoughtful. It must be taught by Master Xue behind his back." But Xue Poye was also thinking in his heart: "Little Shitou really has the talent to be an emperor. , These words are very beautiful, um...could it be taught by the Empress Dowager?" But I don't know that the little emperor has been with Xue Poye for a long time, and he has been greatly influenced by his life and work, but he said these words easily.

Appreciation flashed across King Mingyue's eyes, he nodded slightly, raised his glass and said, "Thank you, sir!"

Both the monarch and his ministers did their best.

Kong Bufan, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, stood up and said, "My lord, I have prepared songs and dances, all of whom are Jiangnan dancers. It is just for King Mingyue to enjoy the dance of Jiangnan. I beg my lord to allow them to come up and perform."

Before the little emperor could speak, the queen mother had already said coldly: "King Mingyue has lived in the northwest for a long time, and he likes the dance of swords and soldiers in the northwest. How can King Mingyue pay attention to this weak dance in the south of the Yangtze River?"

King Mingyue smiled lightly and did not speak, but Xue Poye looked carefully, but found that King Mingyue had been avoiding the empress dowager's sharp and cold eyes, and wondered in his heart: "Could it be that King Mingyue is still afraid of the queen mother?"

Minister of Rites was taken aback for a moment, since the queen mother said so, he naturally dared not say anything more.

"Since we want to watch singing and dancing, the Ai family has arrangements!" The queen mother turned her head to the eunuch beside her and said, "Bring him up!"

The eunuch agreed, and screamed, "Come up!"

Everyone thought: "It turns out that the Empress Dowager has already made arrangements, but I don't know what program she wants to send people to perform?"

Suddenly there was a sound of heavy footsteps "dong dong", and the calm ground of the imperial garden seemed to be split open suddenly, and they sighed heavily. Everyone was surprised, but saw a warrior slowly walking out from the side.

The warrior was several feet tall, as tall as two ordinary people, with his naked upper body and a pair of leather pants. The muscles on his body were like steel bars. The powerful strength of Miedi, his tall and strong body walked very slowly, and every time he took a step, the ground was trampled by his generous big feet with a "dong dong" sound.

Everyone was taken aback, Xue Poye also frowned. On this occasion, it seemed that the queen mother had other deep meanings in finding such a person to perform.

"Emperor." The Empress Dowager said slowly, "This is a Puta warrior from southern Xinjiang. He is good at military dance. Please decree that he will perform dance for everyone!"

Seeing the Panta warrior standing beside him like an iron tower, the little emperor sized it up with great interest, and said, "What is a military dance?"

"The dance of killing is the dance of soldiers!" Panta warrior replied in a deep voice.

The little emperor laughed and said, "Then who do you want to kill?"

"Kill the unfaithful, unfilial, unkind and unrighteous villains in the world!"

The little emperor clapped his hands and said, "It's interesting and interesting. I'd like to see what your military dance looks like. Come and perform for everyone!"

"Follow the order!"

Panta warriors are unarmed. In this kind of banquet, except for Habayashi guards who are guarding all around, no one can have weapons in their hands. Panta warriors strode into the open space between the banquets, slowly opened their hands, and gave a deep shout, Then act out.

Everyone saw that every move of this Panta warrior was extremely powerful and mighty. The few timid civil servants were even frightened by this courage and shrank slightly.

The Mingyue King smiled faintly, watching the sonorous and powerful performance of the Panta warriors, he was not surprised or frightened by that intimidating aura, the clouds were calm and the wind was calm, and he was extremely peaceful.

The "soldier dance" performed by Panta warriors is quite strange, and many of the moves also look strange. With his huge body, he often makes some strange moves that ordinary people cannot do.

Every time he moved, the ground was trampled with a "dong dong" sound, and the big palm like a cattail leaf fan was waving, and there was a gust of wind, and the passengers on both sides could even feel the gust of wind rushing to their faces. .

During the dance, Panta warrior quietly approached King Mingyue without anyone noticing.

Xue Poye was paying attention, he frowned, glanced at the Queen Mother, saw that the Queen Mother was staring at Mingyue King coldly, and then went to see Panta Warrior, his heart was shocked, and he thought to himself: "Could it be that this is a Hongmen Banquet? The Queen Mother Wouldn't you want to use Panta warriors to kill Mingyue King at this banquet?" I was a little excited, if the Queen Mother really used Panta warriors to attack Mingyue King, then for Xue Poye and the little emperor, it would be a big deal. That's a great thing.

Once King Mingyue died, he would get rid of a powerful enemy, and then use the crime of assassinating the prince to get rid of the Queen Mother. It can be said to kill two birds with one stone.

Xue Poye was looking forward to it, and the little emperor's eyes were shining, looking forward to it, the master and apprentice looked at each other and separated, both of them saw the joy hidden in their eyes from each other's seriousness.

"Hoo hoo!"

There was a gust of wind, Panta warrior yelled loudly, and threw a pair of iron fists straight at Mingyue King.

Everyone suddenly woke up, and many people screamed "ah".

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A very necessary explanation: This chapter was originally scheduled to be posted yesterday, but I don’t know why, when I came to add chapters today, this chapter was not uploaded... I am very sad now, It's so painful that my full attendance was ruined on the first day... Everyone forgive me for being a careless guy!