Chunfeng Tower is located near Zhuque Street, the most prosperous street in the city, known as the Heavenly Street. The street drums have long stopped at dusk, but the feasting and drinking here have just begun. From afar, the lights are twinkling, shining like stars, making this high-rise building for people to indulge in pleasure look like a fairy palace under the night sky.
Pei Xiaoyuan arrived as promised, and Chengping and a group of young men from different imperial guards were waiting for him. These young men were all born in extraordinary families. They were guards of the emperor or noble families. They spent their days calling hawks and dogs, flying spurs and shooting arrows. They never worried about what would happen tomorrow, but only dreamed of making achievements and becoming famous in the world.
But tonight, this guest who had just returned to Chang'an became the center of attention of the banquet.
Many of them had heard of the name of General Shenhu's son three years ago, and imagined themselves riding horses on the battlefield and making decisions like him, all of them were passionate and excited. This time, when they learned that he had been summoned to the Jinwu Guard and arrived in Beijing, even if it was out of curiosity, they had to come and take a look to see what kind of person he was.
That night, the banquet was held in the East Building. The table was spread out, and the ivory plates and golden cups were served. The courtesans who played the strings and accompanied him in drinking were all top-class courtesans from the Jiaofang. There was music and singing in the bright lights. Seeing his outstanding appearance, elegant figure, and ease in talking and laughing with others, and drinking a thousand cups without getting drunk, all the young men admired him and rushed forward to make friends with him. After the banquet, they still had a good time. They chatted and laughed with him and Chengping as they left the East Building. Someone suggested that they go to Pingkangfang to have a feast all night.
Chengping hooked his shoulder and said yes repeatedly.
Pei Xiaoyuan saw that he was walking unsteadily and looking very crazy, so he knew that he was drunk, so he smiled and said that he accepted his good intention, but he couldn't leave the neighborhood tonight, so it would be better for him to stay here for the night. Next time when it was convenient, he would host everyone there for a drink.
Chengping shouted that he was not drunk, fumbled around in his clothes, and said, "You want to join the Jinwu Guard, I won't make it difficult for you! I have prepared it long ago. This is the pass talisman I got, which will ensure that you can pass through without any obstacles!"
Because of the Saint's birthday, the night patrols in the capital have become much stricter than before. Although the patrols in the city remain the same, the night patrols on the streets outside have increased, especially in the prosperous areas of this area.
It is said that this is the order of Jinwu General Han Kerang. After the door is closed, no one can enter or leave at will without a confirmed reason. If anyone violates the order, they will be punished according to the law. People with their status are unlucky. If they are caught without reporting in advance, although it will not really be a big deal, they will have to spend a lot of time to be released. Moreover, they are not disciplined, and the treatment is different from before.
Just a few days ago, a son-in-law of the great general Chen Sida got drunk and broke into the gate of Pingkangfang. He was caught by the night patrol. Not only did he refuse to accept it, he also verbally insulted Han Kerang. As a result, he was flogged 20 times on the spot and thrown into the Jinwu Guard, where he was imprisoned for several days. It is said that Chen Sida finally went to find Han Kerang in person and got his son-in-law out.
However, as long as you declare and get a pass in advance, you will be able to pass through without any problems.
Most of the people were already half drunk and in high spirits, so how could they disperse so easily? Since Chengping was the first to refuse to let them go, they all followed suit and started to make a scene.
Suddenly, at this moment, I saw a group of people coming down the stairs on the opposite west building. They looked the same as the people here. They must be leaving after the banquet. A group of people surrounded the person in the middle and there was constant noise.