After the salted fish is married

138. Birthday Banquet

The two chatted wildly all night, and they didn't stop until the dawn broke.Through this chat, Ji Song met a brand new Yan Xining and saw a brand new world.

After talking this night, Yan Xining felt much more comfortable.From today on he will start a new life, he will learn to get along with Ji Song.Not as subordinate friends, but as boyfriends and lovers.

Of course, before the two of them officially started, there was one more important thing to do.That is to build a mourning hall in the palace.

The tablet of Concubine Mei Gui is enshrined in the mourning hall.Concubine Mei has a memorial tablet in the imperial tomb, and before Ji Song joined the Chi Ling Army, she would go to the imperial tomb to pay homage whenever there was a sacrifice.It's just that he was too young at that time, facing a cold and hard card, he couldn't develop real feelings.

Now he has Ye Linfeng by his side, and under Ye Linfeng's description, he gradually pieced together his mother's face and got to know her a little bit.Concubine Mei Ye Hongmei is a gentle woman, compared to staying in the cold imperial tomb, she will definitely like the current Prince Rong's Mansion.

As a son of man, Ji Song has no chance to meet his mother in this life, so he can only pay homage to his mother in this way.

Next to the tablet of Concubine Mei is the tablet of Aning's parents.Yan Jianjun and Gu Xiaohong have graves in modern times, but since Aning is gone, the person who offered incense to them is also gone.If there is really a soul after death, the two of them will follow Aning to Chuliao.Although Aning cannot burn incense for them in modern times, he can often burn paper for them here.

The tablet next to the tablet of Aning's parents belongs to Yan Xining.This poor child was not treated well during his lifetime. If he knew about it, both Ji Song and Aning hoped that he could rest in peace after death.It was the only thing they could do for him.

The small mourning hall was built in the side hall of Wangwangfeng Pavilion, and only Ji Song, Yan Xining and Ye Linfeng had the keys.When the candles were lit in the mourning hall, everyone looked at the flickering candles and their eyes turned red.Ye Linfeng even solemnly swore to Ye Hongmei's memorial tablet: "Sister, brother will definitely find out who harmed you and give you justice."

Ji Song lowered his eyes when he heard the words, Ye Linfeng firmly believed that his mother and concubine died at the hands of villains, but Emperor Pingyuan told him that it was just an accident.In terms of closeness, Ji Song is more inclined to what Emperor Pingyuan said, not only because Emperor Pingyuan was kind to him, but also because he had investigated before, but found nothing.

Yan Xining originally thought that Bai Tao and Yan Ke had already known her identity, but Ye Linfeng told Yan Ke and them that he was confused by taking care of Ji Songre and started talking nonsense.It caused Bai Tao to bring the ice bucket early in the morning, fearing that his young master would be overheated.

After Yan Xining finished laughing, she was in awe of Ji Song and Ye Linfeng's methods.Although Ji Song and Ye Linfeng recognized his identity, if the news got out, it would inevitably cause unnecessary trouble.

The weather was extremely hot for two days, and the vegetables in the vegetable garden were wilted by the sun.On such a hot day, not only could Yan Xining not lie flat in Wenzhang Garden, he had to wear thick court clothes to enter the palace, because the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet was tonight.

In the evening, the capital city was scorched for a whole day, and even sitting in the carriage with an ice basin, Yan Xining felt extremely stuffy.Hearing the sound of the wheels rolling over the bluestone, he tugged at the front of his clothes irritably: "The Queen Mother really knows how to choose a date for her birth."

Ji Song was bending down to take out a clay pot from the ice bucket on the side, and he was happy when he heard this: "The Queen Mother can't decide such things as birth." Only their parents can decide when a child is born.

Yan Xining sighed helplessly: "I understand the truth, but it's really too hot..." It was almost melting.Since the rainy season, he has not had a good day.

The rainy season is stuffy and hot like a steamer, and he is a steamed steamed bun in the steamer.After the plums came out, it was even worse. The weather changed from the steamer mode to the barbecue mode. It was roasted repeatedly like jerky, and it was only a pinch of cumin from maturity.

Thinking of cumin, Yan Xining snorted twice: "I want to eat steamed buns, I want to eat mutton skewers..."

Ji Song lifted the lid of the earthen jar, and he poked out a piece of pink peach meat from the inside and handed it to Yan Xining's lips: "Eat a perilla peach to cool off the heat, if you really let you eat mutton skewers, you will get angry tomorrow." .”

Yan Xining opened his mouth to catch the piece of peach meat, which he marinated two days ago.After being chilled in an ice bucket, the taste is crisp and sweet. The basil and a touch of ginger give the peaches a little more flavor, and you can't stop eating it.Whenever Bai Tao and Yan Ke pass by the ice bucket, they will take off the lid and pinch a piece or two of peach meat to eat a few bites. Bai Tao, who has never liked ginger, will not even let go of the young ginger in it.

This is the last bit of perilla, peach, and ginger in the house. After eating these, he can make new ones again.

The two sat in the carriage and ate perilla and peaches. Yan Xining remembered an important thing: "By the way, what birthday gift did you prepare for the Queen Mother?"

After thinking for a while, Ji Song said, "It was prepared by Leng Jun and Li Liheng. I haven't seen it yet." The queen mother likes gorgeous things. Rare treasures are dedicated to her elderly.

Yan Xining was overjoyed: "We went to the birthday banquet, and we didn't even know what the gift was. But Steward Leng is really amazing. Is he a general in the Chiling Army or a gift from the emperor?"

Ji Songdao: "Leng Jun is the palace man who has served me since childhood. Before I entered the barracks, he has been serving me in the palace."

Hearing this, Yan Xining was stunned: "You said... Butler Leng is..."

The eunuchs in the palace all have fair skin and speak with high-pitched voices, while Leng Jun looks like a big horse monkey.Said he was Yan Xining, a soldier, and said he was his father-in-law, but Yan Xining couldn't believe it after being beaten to death.

Ji Song nodded slightly: "Yes."

But it was precisely because of Ji Song's words that Yan Xining felt that Butler Leng was more reliable. He not only came out of the palace, but also watched Ji Song grow up.With him here, the gift for the queen mother will definitely not go wrong.

Chewing sweet and sour peaches, Yan Xining remembered something: "By the way, Songsong, when is your birthday?"

Although he has never been in love, he has seen others fall in love.When he was in college, his roommates would record his girlfriend's birthday on their mobile phones, and then buy gifts for her in advance.He thought he could make a birthday cake for Ji Song at that time, of course, he was talking about a simplified version of the birthday cake.

However, after he asked this question, he didn't hear Ji Song's answer. When he looked up, he saw Ji Song was about to speak but stopped looking complicated.Yan Xining was stunned for a moment: "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

Ji Song shook his head: "I was born on July [-]th."

Chu Liao has a lunar calendar and a solar calendar, which is the same as Yan Xining knows.Ji Song said that the fifteenth day of the seventh month is the lunar calendar, and that day is the folk ghost festival.Ji Song felt that it was for this reason that the queen mother didn't like him.

Yan Xining didn't think much about it, he smiled and said, "I made a note of it."

Ji Song's heart warmed up: "Where's Ah Ning? What month is your birthday?"

Yan Xining said: "My birthday is a coincidence. My birthday falls on October [-]th in the Gregorian calendar. It happens to be autumn, and there are many fruits to eat."

Ji Song was happy: "I remember it too." On October [-] this year, he will prepare a lot of fruits for Ah Ning.

While joking, the carriage arrived at the gate of Shenwumen.As soon as he got out of the carriage, a heat wave hit his face, Yan Xining gasped for breath, feeling like he was being put on the grill again.Seeing his expression, Ji Song comforted: "Today's banquet venue is in Xiefang Hall, and there will be ice buckets over there."

Just when Yan Xining was about to say something, she heard a voice calling from the side: "Yan Xining! Yan Xining!"

Yan Xining turned her head to look, and saw Wu Zhu running quickly with her arithmetic book in hand.Yan Xining's scalp went numb: "Isn't it, do you still want me to do arithmetic today?"

Wiping the sweat off his face, Wu Zhu showed Yan Xining the booklet in his hand: "No, I sorted out the calculations we did in the past few days and handed it over to Grand Tutor Fu Yanzhi. Tomorrow we will leave Chu Liao, I brought them here to celebrate the birthday of Empress Dowager Chu Liao today."

Yan Xining was stunned for a moment, no wonder Wu Zhu didn't show up at Prince Rong's mansion these days, so he went to sort out the books.At this moment, Yan Xining felt that he was very sorry for Wu Zhu. U Zhu was obsessed with arithmetic, and his greatest ideal was to sprinkle the seeds of arithmetic on the land he passed by.For this ideal, Uju can sleep and forget to eat and drink day and night, but he perfunctory Uju many times because it is too troublesome to solve the problem.

Wu Zhu excitedly handed the booklet in his hand to Yan Xining: "Look, how did I organize it? Is there any omission? I can't find your draft for some questions, and I'm afraid I may have made a mistake."

Yan Xining took the brochure, flipped through the topics that Wu Zhu said, and gave a thumbs up: "Yes, no problem."

Wu Zhu smiled very happily: "Then I can rest assured. Grand Tutor Fu Yanzhi promised me that after he finished reading this booklet, he would print it out and distribute it to more students. By the way, after I leave Chuliao, You remember to take a look at the pigeons, I will let my carrier pigeons pass the questions to you."

Yan Xining cupped her hands, with mixed emotions in her heart: "Okay, I will definitely solve the problem."

Wu Zhu was still about to say something, when he heard a gloomy voice behind him: "His Royal Highness, long time no see."

Wu Zhu's complexion darkened, he lowered his voice and said, "Yan Xining, King Rong, Dunba has a very unpredictable temper these days, you two should be careful."

Yan Xining glanced at Wu Zhu gratefully: "Thank you for reminding me."

Dunba's face turned red, whether it was because of heat or annoyance, he was followed by three burly warriors.He provocatively said as he walked: "I wanted to go to His Highness's residence to compete with His Highness, but I heard that His Highness fell ill, is your health better?"

Ji Song looked directly at Dunba calmly: "It's much better. I heard that His Highness Dunba has been looking for a famous doctor recently. There is a doctor in my house. If His Highness trusts him, he can treat His Highness."

At this moment, several officials passing by laughed for some reason.Dunba felt that their laughter pierced his heart, and his whole face twisted.He has been suffering during these days, and he has obviously executed the dancer girl, but why can't he still do it?

The most terrible thing is, has the news of his refusal to raise the issue already reached Ji Rongchuan's ears?

Dunba's face was ferocious: "Who said I can't do it!" How could a man from Liaoxia not do it? !

Ji Song was surprised: "Why did His Highness Dunba say that? This king has never said that His Highness can't do it." He took a meaningful look at Dunba's lower body. Dunba looked like a mouse whose tail had been stepped on. The face was even more distorted.

139. Birthday Banquet

Perhaps it was because of what Ji Song said, Dunba glared at him viciously, then flung his sleeves and entered the Shenwumen.Wu Zhu stared at Dunba's back and said in distress, "Hey, it's too troublesome."

Although Uju is well-known in surrounding countries, he is from Liaoxia.Dunba's status is higher than him. After he lost to Yan Xining in the previous competition, Dunba didn't treat him very well.Thinking that he would have to endure Dunba all the way, Wu Zhu could only sigh: "I hope I can go back to Liaoxia smoothly."

After a pause, Wu Zhu smiled and said, "I have to keep up with them, let's go first, Yan Xining, see you at the banquet later."

Seeing Wu Zhu's frail figure following Dunba and the others, he suddenly felt very sad: "There is no national border in arithmetic, but those who do arithmetic have a motherland. If you say that if Chu Liao and Liao Xia go to war in the future, Wu Zhu will What would such an ordinary person do?"

Ji Song didn't answer this question, he just looked at Yan Xining calmly.With just one glance, Yan Xining understood what he meant.The two countries are fighting to the death, if the country is gone, the family will be gone, and ordinary people are naturally subjugated slaves.It's not just Wu Zhu who is like this, if one day Chu and Liao are defeated, Liaoxia's iron cavalry will drive straight in, and he will also be a subjugated slave by then.

On the way from Shenwumen to Xiefangdian, Yan Xining felt that he was like a series of mutton skewers, sprinkled with cumin pepper and he could cook them out.Yan Xining hummed: "Mutton skewers..."

Ji Song didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "So obsessed with mutton skewers? Let Zhuangzi send a sheep later."

Yan Xining looked bitterly: "No, what I mean is, I'm a lamb skewer on the charcoal fire, almost cooked."

Ji Song suppressed a smile: "Don't panic, we'll be at the Xiefang Palace soon. You'll be able to cool off then."

Ji Song was right, it didn't take long for Yan Xining to see the main hall of Xiefang Palace.Compared with the magnificent Jinluan Hall and the solemn Linde Hall, the Xiefang Hall is planted with dense vegetation for a week, and when it is not close to the main hall, a burst of coolness spreads over.

Because today is celebrating the Queen Mother's birthday, many harem concubines and imperial wives came to the Xiefang Palace.As soon as she entered the hall, Yan Xining sneezed from the fragrance of the powder.No sooner had he finished sneezing than he felt that someone was looking at him.

Yan Xining followed the trend and saw a young girl standing under the hall, but judging from the girl's attire, she had a very high status.After Yan Xining took his seat, he heard the wives behind him whispering: "That's Miss Qingxia, right?" Just serve around the Queen Mother."

Yan Xining raised her brows, Mother Yi is not feeling well?He had only met Yi Nanny a few months ago, and thought that Yi Nanny was in good health.But this is not surprising, people will always get sick when they eat whole grains, and it is not a big deal for Madam Yi to be unwell.Just let the goddaughter take over his position to take care of the queen mother... This is not easy.

When Yan Xining looked in Qingxia's direction again, she found that she had disappeared.Yan Xining was a little puzzled, but Cai Qingxia's eyes made him a little concerned.He had never seen anyone staring at him with probing, curious and entangled eyes. For a while, he stared at the pillars of the main hall with his eyes blanked and stared blankly.

Suddenly he was poked lightly, turned his head and saw Ji Song looking at him with concern: "What's wrong?"

Yan Xining smiled and said, "It's nothing." After a pause, he smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I haven't seen what the Empress Dowager looks like."

He only knew that the Queen Mother didn't like Ji Song, and she wouldn't even like him.When he first came to the palace to meet the concubines, he didn't even see the queen mother and the concubine.But that's all right, he'll see them soon.

As twilight fell, the dinner officially began, and the eunuchs sang in a drawn-out voice: "The emperor is here—the queen mother is here—the queen is here—" Everyone stood up and saluted in the direction of the palace gate.

Yan Xining quickly glanced at the direction of the gate, and saw that Emperor Pingyuan and the Empress supported a tall and thin white-haired old man into the palace, presumably this was the Empress Dowager.

Because of proper maintenance, the Empress Dowager did not have many wrinkles on her face.She doesn't look like a 70-something, the queens on her side look like sisters.The Empress Dowager's eyes were sharp and the corners of her lips were slightly downturned. Her face was not very kind.On the contrary, the old concubine behind her is a pleasing old lady with a round figure and a smiling face.

A group of people walked towards the dragon chair in front of the Xiefang Hall, and the Empress Dowager sat in the middle surrounded by the emperor and empress.Today is her birthday, and she seems to be in a good mood: "You are all flat, please give me a seat."

After the queen mother took her seat, the princes and grandchildren began their performances.The first ones to appear were Emperor Pingyuan and the Empress, who offered congratulatory gifts and said a few pleasant words.Followed by Emperor Pingyuan's brothers and sisters, Yan Xining did a rough calculation and found that Ji Song had eight aunts and two uncles.

He couldn't help being speechless: "Rong Chuan, you have many aunts."

Ji Song lowered his voice: "I used to have ten uncles, but now there are only two."

Yan Xining: ...

It seems that the royal family of Chu and Liao defeated the prince.

After the previous generation is over, it will be the turn of Ji Song and his generation, and the prince and his wife will play first.The two of them presented the empress dowager with a large clump of fiery red coral as tall as a person, which is priceless at first glance.Ji Nan and his wife beamed and said in unison: "Grandson wishes the queen mother a long and prosperous life than Nanshan."

The Empress Dowager's face was full of kindness: "Good boy, good boy!"

After Ji Nan came Ji Liu, and Ji Liang and his wife presented the Queen Mother with a bucket of South Sea pearls, each of which was bigger than a longan.When the box was opened, the entire hall was shrouded in brilliance.The queen mother smiled all over her face: "Good boy!"

Yan Xining poked Ji Song: "What on earth are we giving?" He didn't believe that Leng Jun wouldn't tell Ji Song after preparing the things, Ji Song must be playing tricks.

A smile appeared in Ji Song's eyes: "You will know in a while."

Just as they were talking, the eunuchs carried a white tortoise that was bigger than a washbasin into the door. As soon as the tortoise was carried into the hall, exclamations came and went in the hall: "Oh, the tortoise!" "His Royal Highness is so generous!"

Turtles have been a symbol of longevity since ancient times, especially white turtles are rare.The big tortoise that Ji Song gave was auspicious, even though the queen mother always looked down on Ji Song, she smiled when she saw this gift.

Ji Song reminded Yan Xining: "Let's go, it's our turn."

Yan Xining: ...

What a big turtle!He had never seen such a big tortoise in real life except he saw a big tortoise imported from foreign countries in the zoo when he was a child.This turtle can't be stewed in one pot, right?

When Yan Xining was about to walk into the main hall, he suddenly remembered something, he forgot to check the code with Ji Song.Ji Nan and Ji Lu's husband and wife chanted slogans so neatly, they still haven't matched their slogans yet!

At this time, Ji Song's voice came: "The sun and the moon are as bright as the spring and autumn."

Yan Xining wanted to laugh, isn't this nonsense?Is it impossible to become a monster if you are not old?

However, it is still necessary to save face, so the two said in unison: "Grandson wishes the Queen Mother the sun and the moon to shine together, and the spring and autumn will not grow old."

The Empress Dowager nodded slightly: "King Rong has put his heart into it." It is worth scrutinizing these words when they fall into the ears of those who care. ", the queen mother really made no secret of her partiality.

But Ji Song didn't care, after offering the gift and speaking, he and Yan Xining returned to their seats.Yan Xining was a little puzzled: "Where did you find such a big white turtle? Have you been preparing for a long time?"

Ji Song raised his head and glanced at Emperor Pingyuan: "The one caught at the Zhuangzi two days ago has been kept in the Zhuangzi, and it was only brought here this evening."

These words can only fool Yan Xining, when Ji Song caught the white turtle, he knew that Emperor Pingyuan was helping him.Otherwise, why did Emperor Pingyuan reward his Zhuangzi, who caught this tortoise before the Queen Mother's birthday?

Emperor Pingyuan raised his wine glass and nodded and smiled at Ji Song, who kowtowed on the table with his hand.

Sure enough, Ji Song's words deceived Yan Xining, and Yan Xining was overjoyed: "That's great, this tortoise appeared in time." After a pause, he thought of another question: "Tell me, such a big tortoise, how good is it?" Do you want to eat?"

Ji Song thought for a while in distress: "It should be fine, but I can't eat it now." If it is as expected, this turtle will be sent to the lake in the Imperial Garden to be raised, and then swim happily in the lake as an auspicious sign.

After Ji Song, it was Ji Yu who presented the gift. Compared with the generosity and kindness of the previous three brothers, Ji Yu's gift seemed particularly shabby.He presented a pair of jade ruyis, but fortunately the queen mother didn't take it seriously, and let him take a seat after nodding her head.

The older princes have the ability to give gifts, but the young princes and princesses can only win with their hearts. Some of them recite poems and paint, some sing and dance.For a moment, Yan Xining felt that she was watching a performance by kindergarten children.

I don't know if he drank too much water, but after watching for a while, Yan Xining suddenly felt a little urgent to urinate.Just when he didn't know if he could quit, he happened to see the second imperial concubine silently quit the table and walked behind a curtain.

Yan Xining is determined, it seems that the dinner party is very humane, and she can go to the bathroom.So he whispered to Ji Song, "Rong Chuan, I'm going to clean the room." There is no such thing as "toilet" in Chu Liao, they have an elegant name "clean room".

Ji Song said softly, "Can I accompany you?"

Yan Xining smiled and said, "No need, I'll go alone with smaller goals, if you make a move, the Queen Mother will bother you again."

Ji Song smiled, "Okay, you can go."

Yan Xining imitated the appearance of the second imperial concubine and left the seat. Under the guidance of the guards, he successfully found the clean room.The location of the clean room is relatively hidden, hidden in the dense forest outside the Xiefang Hall. The path leading to the clean room is deep and quiet, and it is really difficult to find the way without carrying a lantern.

When he left the clean room with the lantern, he found that the candles in the lantern were almost burnt out.The candlelight flickered and extinguished, and the surrounding area became dark instantly. Fortunately, the light in the Xiefang Palace was not far away, so you could see it at a glance.

However, not long after walking, Yan Xining still encountered a little difficulty, he seemed to have gone astray.

At this time, he heard a crying woman's voice: "Why are you here?" Yan Xining pricked up her ears, the voice sounded familiar.

The sound that followed made him break out in a cold sweat, and a man's voice came from the darkness: "Don't cry, when you cry, my heart is in a mess."

Yan Xining knelt down silently and hid herself behind the bushes. If he heard correctly, one of these two is the second imperial concubine Wen Renmiao, and the other is... the fifth prince Ji Yu.