Zhuo Qihua

The continuous singing and dancing stopped, King Xianyi toasted and stood up: "Today's Chongyang family banquet, I respect Your Majesty and the Queen Mother."

Emperor Yong'an collected himself and raised his glass, and the Empress Dowager also picked up the glass.After King Xianyi toasted, King Wu Shao also got up to toast.King Wu Shao and King Xianyi sat on either side.But Prince Wu Shao sat with Prince Xianyi.The two eldest sons are about the same age, and they are both playboys.The elders were toasting, and the two chatted quietly.

Prince Xianyi's son Nan Rong Shili asked: "Brother, what good food have you eaten in the palace these days? My brother sees that your complexion has improved a lot."

Nanrong Shizhu secretly glanced at the Holy Majesty who was talking to the elders, and whispered: "Your Majesty asked me to cultivate my body and mind in the palace, and the Imperial Medical Office gave me the 'Di'an Pill'. I have been taking it for almost a month, hehe Don't say, this 'Di'an Pill' is really good." Nanrong Shizhu leaned into Nanrong Shili's ear, "Your brother, I wake up in the morning, and my children and grandchildren can stand up."

"Hiss—brother, do you have any more at your place! Let me give some to my brother." Nan Rong Shili's eyes were greedy.

Nanrong Shizhu said regretfully: "Your Majesty sent someone to bring me food for that day every day, and I didn't give me any extra. But Your Majesty also told me directly that this medicine was formulated for the first time, and His Majesty also looked at my body." It’s a terrible loss, firstly, give me supplements; secondly, let me try the medicinal properties.”

Nanrong Shizhu was not dissatisfied because he was tested by His Majesty. For the Wu Shao Palace, it was a coveted honor for Wu Shao Palace that his incompetent son was thought of by the Emperor to test the medicine.

Here, the conversation between Emperor Yong'an, the Empress Dowager and the royal family has come to an end.Yan Xuan stood up suddenly, walked out of his seat, and came to the center of the hall.The audience fell silent.Yan Xuan knelt down and kowtowed his head, and then said: "Your Majesty, this afternoon, the Empress Dowager and all the ladies and wives gathered in the imperial garden to enjoy chrysanthemums and taste wine. Playing and singing a song moved the Empress Dowager and all the ladies and concubines. After returning home, Sishen couldn't calm down for a long time, so she compiled a song with the feelings in her heart. Sishen wants to dedicate this song to His Majesty, and I beg you Your Majesty is gracious." Yan Xuan knelt down on the ground.

Emperor Yong'an: "Yes."

Yan Xuan was ecstatic: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The palace people set up the piano case and rattan cushions, Min Le set up the guqin, and Yan Xuan began to play.When the sound of the zither sounded, Dezhen whispered to Zhuo Ji by drinking, "This man is very scheming, so be careful."

Zhuo Ji smiled and moved his lips slightly: "Thank you for reminding me."

It must be admitted that Yan Xuan's piano skills are very high, and he is indeed good at arranging and composing music.His new song made people feel impassioned. Some people looked at Zhuo Ji whose expression was getting lazy. Yan Xuan's song was obviously influenced by Zhuo Ji's song.Zhuo Ji covered his mouth with one hand, suppressed a yawn, this scene was watched by many people, including Emperor Yong'an.

After finishing the song, Concubine Wen gently clapped her hands: "It's really nice, it's more artistic than the song you played during the day."

Yan Xuan knelt down: "Thank you, Concubine Wen, for your kind praise."

Emperor Yong'an nodded: "It's really good. Your piano skills can be compared with your niece."

"I don't dare to serve my body. It is far worse than my noble concubine."

Emperor Yong'an went on to say: "You have been training by Guixie's side for three years, and you should understand all the rules in this palace. You can go to Jinyi's Zihe Palace. Jinni, he will be the elegant man of your side palace from now on."

Jin Ling stood up: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Yan Xuan immediately kowtowed to thank His Majesty: "Thank Your Majesty for your kindness!" But he was a little disappointed in his heart.Jin Ni's status is far worse than Zhuo Ji's, and Zihe Palace is the farthest from Fengtian Palace, so His Majesty is obviously still angry with him.However, Yan Xuan did not dare to show the slightest bit of dissatisfaction on his face, he thanked Jin Ling, and then returned to his seat.

Concubine Wen said again at this time: "Your Majesty, Shunyou sang a song today. The tone and lyrics were very touching. The Queen Mother, the concubine, the concubine, and the concubine were all moved to tears. It's a pity that your majesty didn't exist."

Concubine Yao: "Yes, Your Majesty. The song I sang is called 'Borrow another 500 years from the sky'. When I listened to it, I felt as if I saw His Majesty pointing out the country. If it weren't for the concubine's voice, it would be difficult for me. I want to learn to sing from Shunyou."

The smile on the Empress Dowager's face faded a lot, Concubine Wen looked at Zhuo Ji: "By the way, Your Majesty is back, please sing to Your Majesty again, Your Majesty will definitely like it."

Emperor Yong'an was a little displeased.At that time in the imperial garden, they were all concubines in the harem, so it was fine for everyone to talk about the piano and sing songs.Now there are not only concubines present, but also clan relatives.What is the difference between the majestic master of the harem performing on stage and the opera actors in the palace?

Emperor Yong'an was about to refute it when Zhuo Ji said, "Your Majesty, this singing can only be sung with atmosphere. When I was in the imperial garden, the first ones were Concubine Xiao, Concubine Wen, Dezhen and Mingyu. The poem was first, and then Yan Yaren played another song, the atmosphere was strong, and the waiter was affected by it, so he made a ugly song. Now I am eating and drinking, and I just finished watching the song and dance, so there is no atmosphere like in the daytime , I can’t sing. Your Majesty, why don’t you set a game? If you do well, you will reward. If you don’t do well, punish him for singing and dancing.”

Dezhen laughed and said, "That's a good idea. Your Majesty, if you want to hear Shunyou sing, you have to play a game first, so that he can have an artistic conception."

Mrs. Jiagui pressed the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief, and said with a smile: "The game during the day is really wonderful, and the servants are still full of ideas."

Concubine Wen and Concubine Yao wanted Zhuo Ji to make a fool of themselves, but Zhuo Ji dragged everyone in, backed by Dezhen and Jia Guixie, Concubine Wen and Concubine Yao could only smile awkwardly and say yes, they could not object.Emperor Yong'an turned the wine glass in his hand and looked at the Queen Mother: "Queen Mother, what do you think?"

The queen mother showed her face again and said: "In the imperial garden, Concubine Wen proposed to write a poem with the theme of 'Chongyang'. By the way, he said that he was not good at poetry, so he sang a song to cheer up. Tonight's palace banquet is all from my family. , if Your Majesty can still cheer up, then it’s okay for us to play a game together.”

Emperor Yong'an: "I'm not tired, my mother wants to play games, so I should cooperate."

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Then let's write poems. During the daytime, write poems on the theme of Chongyang. Then this time, I will use Jiangshan Sheji as the theme. What do you think, the emperor?"

Emperor Yong'an nodded: "Very good. Let's take Jiangshan Sheji as the topic."

Many people complained bitterly, especially the unlearned and incompetent clan children like Prince Wu Shao and Prince Xianyi.The queen mother continued: "Then start with the two princes?"

King Wu Shao and King Xianyi also smiled wryly.In this Jiangshan Sheji, if you say it badly, you will lose your head!Concubine Wen and Concubine Yao were also worried, they didn't understand why the Empress Dowager chose such a sensitive topic as "Jiangshan Sheji".But they were the ones who started the conversation, and they had to bite the bullet.

King Wu Shao was older than King Xianyi, so he was the first to come.King Wu Shao racked his brains and stumbled into the first five-character quatrains, praising the emperor for his diligence and love for the people.The second one is King Xianyi, who is also stuttering, holding back a five-character quatrain with a constipated face, praising the vastness of the country.The elders of the clan all wrote a poem anyway, which is not ashamed.When it was the turn of Prince Wu Shao's son Nanrong Shizhu, he held it in for a long time but didn't let it out. He said in a jiffy, "Your Majesty, my minister, can I meow like a cat?"

"Hahahaha..." The audience erupted in laughter, and the Queen Mother laughed so hard that tears came out.Emperor Yong'an pointed at the hopeless Nan Rong Shizhu with hatred: "If Emperor Mingzong is alive, let's see if he will whip you a few times!"

Emperor Yong'an returned his anger, but still let Nanrong Shizhu imitate a few meows, and there was another burst of laughter in Fengtian Hall.Zhuo Ji looked at the flushed Prince Wu Shao, and thought that this kid was really fun, completely forgetting that he was many years older than him.When it was Nanrong Shili's turn, he broke the jar and said, "Cousin Shizhu has learned how to meow, so I should learn how to meow like a cock."

Emperor Yong'an: "You two! How decent are you!"

Zhuo Ji could see that Nanrong Shizhu and Nanrong Shili were here to make a joke.Several of the clan's children couldn't do it well. Some were boxing, some were singing, some had learned a bit of ventriloquism, but fortunately, no one learned how to bark like cats or dogs.The clan wives who came this time were tacitly allowed not to participate in the game, so they escaped a catastrophe.After the clansmen are over, it's the turn of the concubines.Who's the first one here?

Emperor Yong'an said directly: "Your Highness, you should set an example."

As soon as Emperor Yong'an said this, all the concubines except Zhuo Ji and Dezhen changed their expressions slightly, especially Concubine Xi, the teacup in her hand was almost crushed by her.

Jia Guixie smiled slightly, obviously confident, and wrote a wonderful seven-character poem.The quatrains are only four lines, but Jiaguixie's seven-character poem has eight lines. Emperor Yong'an nodded repeatedly when he heard it, praised him a lot, and rewarded Jiaguixie with a crystal cake on the imperial table.There are only three pieces of crystal cake, and Xie Jiagui won't hold on after eating it.And Emperor Yong'an rewarded Jiagui Xie with crystal cakes, many people thought that Emperor Yong'an was praising Jiagui Xie for having a crystal-like exquisite heart.

After Jia Guixie finished, Emperor Yong'an looked at Concubine Xi Gui: "The next one is Concubine Gui."

Concubine Xi suppressed the panic in her heart, and also wrote a seven-character poem, but it was obviously inferior to Jia Guixie's literary talent.Emperor Yong'an still praised a few words, and gave him three delicious soups, but he would not support people.Then, Emperor Yong'an ordered Dezhen, and Dezhen only made a four-sentence five-character poem, but Emperor Yong'an praised a few words with a smile, and gave agate and pearl soup.Deju smiles with a reserved yet open hearted smile.Concubine Xiao was next, and Emperor Yong'an praised her a few words, and bestowed honey pickled fruit.

As a concubine, it is extremely embarrassing if you can't write poems, which means you have no talent.Ming Xun is also a five-character poem, Emperor Yong'an still praised a few words, and gave chicken crisps.The dishes on Emperor Yong'an's table were not much, and the dishes given by Emperor Yong'an were thoughtful, and the few people who were given the dishes could guarantee that they would not be full after eating.

When Concubine Wen arrived, she wrote a four-sentence seven-character poem.Emperor Yong'an only said "not bad" and gave fried rice cakes.The blood on Concubine Wen's face faded a little, she just felt that the rice cake was because His Majesty told her to talk less in the future.

Next came the 伃 and the concubines.Emperor Yong'an did not let Zhuo Ji come first, but ordered Jin Ni first.Jin Ni wrote a plain five-character quatrain, Emperor Yong'an nodded, and said: "The literary talent is much better than before. I will give you a bowl of Yusitou soup."

"Thank you for your majesty's reward——"

Jinyan looked very happy.Then Emperor Yong'an ordered Concubine Yao, and Concubine Yao's eyes were obviously disturbed, she wrote a five-character poem, which was much better than Jin Tong's literary talent, but Emperor Yong'an just nodded and said: "Bestow stewed pork bones. "The last trace of blood on Concubine Yao's face faded, she got up and saluted with a trembling voice: "I thank Your Majesty for the reward..."

It was supposed to be Zhuo Ji's turn, but Emperor Yong'an said: "Concubine Qiong, you come first."

Concubine Xi's hand under the table tore the handkerchief in her hand, and there was no concubine with a smile on her face that was not forced.Concubine Qiong was extremely nervous, and stumbled into five-character quatrains, Emperor Yong'an nodded: "Give me the roast meat."

"Concubine, thank you Your Majesty, reward..." Concubine Qiong suppressed her tears. She is a concubine and a woman, but what His Majesty rewarded was roast meat!It's ridiculous to listen to it, not to mention His Majesty's intention to reward roasted meat.She didn't do anything, which was obviously angered by His Majesty.

Everyone looked at Zhuo Ji, and Emperor Yong'an's eyes fell on him: "Shunyou, do you want to compose a poem or sing a song for me?" There was no lack of affection and casualness in the words.

Zhuo Ji stood up: "Your Majesty, please write a poem."

The disappointment that flickered in Emperor Yong'an's eyes was clearly seen by Xie Jiagui who was sitting at the bottom.Before His Majesty the Emperor could speak, Zhuo Ji cleared his throat and began to "work": "The Yangtze River is rolling in the east, and the waves have wiped out the heroes. Whether it is success or failure is turning around. The green hills are still there, and the sunset is red for a few times. On Zhushang, I am used to looking at the autumn moon and spring breeze. A pot of turbid wine is happy to meet each other. Many things in ancient and modern times are all laughed and talked about."

"Okay!" King Wu Shao and King Xianyi said at the same time, and the queen mother was about to praise, when Emperor Yong'an said very rudely: "How can there be a world in your word, and how can there be a country? I only heard King Cheng Defeat!"

The Empress Dowager who was about to speak closed her mouth, Jia Guixie picked up the teacup and sipped tea, Dejue secretly smiled and said nothing, the veil in Xi Guifei's hand was completely useless.

Zhuo Ji wanted to refute, but Emperor Yong'an raised his hand to interrupt him: "From now on, read less scripts and read more poems and songs. This poem is not counted and will not be rewarded."

Zhuo Ji sat down, but he didn't see any grievances.While everyone was waiting to see if His Majesty would punish him, Emperor Yong'an said, "I'm tired, so let's stop here."

The other low-rank concubines who hadn't written poems were extremely wronged, especially Yan Xuan who wanted to take this opportunity to show off again.Emperor Yong'an had already stood up and was about to leave, so everyone could only stand up and send His Majesty off respectfully.The emperor is leaving, and the queen mother will not stay.When the emperor and the queen mother left the table, many people turned their jealous eyes on Zhuo Ji.

Dezhen whispered: "Your Majesty just wants to hear you sing a song, do you really not see it or do it on purpose?"

Zhuo Ji said ambiguously: "The poem Shishen said just now is a tune."

Zhang Xian went back and forth suddenly, walked up to Zhuo Ji in full view, bowed and said: "By the way, Your Majesty said tonight, go to your Xiangfu Palace."

"I know, I'll go back now."

Zhang Xian took a step ahead, Zhuo Ji saluted and said goodbye to the noble lords, and led Xiaohui and Chang Jing out of Fengtian Hall.The main lord left, and the rest of the people also left the banquet one after another. The clan members returned to the mansion, and the noble lords of the palaces returned to the palace.Concubine Xi led all the concubines away with a sullen face, Jia Guixie looked at Concubine Xi who was walking away, the smile on the corner of his mouth disappeared in an instant.

Jia Guixie walked up to Dejue and said, "Dejue, let's go back to the palace too. I've been tired all day today, I'm afraid I can't take it anymore."

Dezhen immediately said: "Yes, I was restless this day, because I was afraid that Mu'er would not be able to hold on. Before I came, Mu'er was still asleep, and now I don't know if I got up to eat something."

Jia Guixie and Dejue chatted about the child and left. Zhuo Ji, who returned to Xiangfu Palace, did not go to see His Majesty the Emperor immediately, but asked Xiaohui to fetch water for him to wash.Zhuo Ji washed and changed clothes in the side room next to the dormitory, while Emperor Yong'an was in the dormitory with an angry face, and Zhang Xian wiped your face and feet for you.Knowing that Zhuo Ji was back but not coming to see him, Emperor Yong'an was even more angry.

"Long live..." Zhang Xian called out cautiously after serving His Majesty.

Emperor Yong'an kicked him away, entered the dormitory with strong anger, and went to bed.If he has the guts, don't come here overnight!Zhang Xian wanted to cry but didn't have any tears, so what is the purpose of making His Majesty upset so well.Zhang Xian was going to go over and say a few nice words to Shunyou, and asked him to hurry up and coax His Majesty.As a result, as soon as Zhang Xian left the dormitory, he heard the sound of a piano outside.Zhang Xian was stunned, and Feng Xi ran over from the entrance of the corridor: "Master! By the way, I'm playing the piano in the yard!"

"what?!"

Zhang Xian swayed in place, turned around and hurried into the house: "Long live! Long live! By the way, I'm playing the piano in the yard!"

Emperor Yong'an on the bed sat up abruptly.Zhang Xian ran to the bedside: "Long live! Let's play the piano in the yard!"

"Dress me!"