Chapter 102: Everyone in the city discusses Chang'an, everyone in the palace fights for Chang'an

This year's Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet is amazing.

This sentence has been popular in Luoan City since five days ago.

It's just because the common people know that each participant is more powerful than the other, no matter their status or other factors. Not to mention the dignitaries in the court, even those dukes, marquises and old men who have retired and are recuperating at home all participated.

In addition, those famous scholars who are admired by many scholars in the contemporary era were also invited.

and

Even many of the top young talents came.

For example, Zuo Shaoweng was awarded by His Majesty at the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet last year for his line "Flowers are playing, flowers are playing, when will the moon plant them?"

There is also Li Wei who took the second place with "North wind and sad rain in another state, the wandering soul follows the water, and I dream of Luoan in the morning."

As well as the Qinghe Cui family, there is Cui Yuer, the niece of Cui Yu, the Minister of the Imperial Household, and the young master of the Anping Mansion, as well as He Li, who is well-known outside and once became famous for his poem "Looking at the Moon", and Li Hun, who is as famous as him and is known as the "Two Poets of Xingzhou".

There are even rumors that Meng Shaoan from Xiangzhou, who 'dominates half of the state's literary talent', has also come.

In addition, there are many other well-known people.

In short, even those who are famous for their literary talents in the capital, such as Yan Shu from the Imperial College, Wei Zijian, Liu Sanbai and other children from poor families, will all attend this palace banquet.

Even many talented men and women from outside the capital came.

In this way.

Let's not talk about the attitude of these people's admirers.

Even the scholars in the capital city are extremely looking forward to tonight, wondering what kind of poems will be produced tonight and win the top spot!

especially!

The eldest daughter of the Su family, Miss Chang'an, who is now the most famous in the capital and whose poems are all sung, will also participate tonight.

Naturally, everyone was looking forward to it even more, wondering whether Miss Chang'an would be the best at poetry gatherings tonight like she was at the early winter poetry gathering!

But on second thought, everyone felt that the people who came tonight were much more capable than those who attended the poetry meeting in early winter that day.

Miss Chang'an must be the best.

Disaster!

but

Ordinary people don’t care about the manpower involved, or who that person is or who that person is.

They only know that this year's Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet is so grand and so many people are invited to participate, so it will be lively and fun!

Especially with so many talented men and women participating, it is natural for them to compete to see who is the best.

What the people are watching is who will take first place, and how exciting it will be when that person takes first place!

Especially if Miss Chang'an, who has a very good reputation and makes people feel inexplicably favorable, can still win the championship, then the common people will think that this is too much fun!

so.

Whether it is a reader

Or maybe it was the common people, who gathered at Qingya Restaurant one by one this afternoon, before it was even evening.

Those who have money will naturally go in and sit inside.

Those who have no money just lie outside.

And I don’t know if it’s because the students who came to take the winter imperial examination have all entered the capital, but there are many more people in Qingya Restaurant today compared to the early winter poetry meeting that day.

It was packed with people inside, and even after adding many more tables, it was still full.

Even within the inner courtyard, they were still standing shoulder to shoulder.

Outside, there were also many people standing shoulder to shoulder.

Some of them even brought their own food. They looked eagerly at the elegant restaurant and then waited silently outside among the crowds of people.

As for why it is all outside this elegant restaurant.

For no other reason.

Because here, you can know the poems and lyrics in the palace banquet first!

No one knows who is the big boss behind Qingya Restaurant, but there are rumors that it is related to the Su family. Therefore, the original work of Su Changan, "Dian Jiang Chun·Guisi" and several other poems are hung in the lobby on the first floor of Qingya Restaurant.

But no matter who the big boss behind the scenes is.

Since people can know the poems and lyrics in the palace banquet first, that is enough!

"Shopkeeper! Where's the chicken? There are Miss Chang'an's poems, but no chicken. How can we appreciate the poems?"

The restaurant was crowded and extremely noisy.

Suddenly there was a loud sound.

Everyone was stunned, and many of them recalled the early winter poetry gathering that day, and immediately shouted, "Yes! Where's the chicken? There's no whole chicken, hurry up and get the chicken legs!"

"Everyone, enjoy Miss Chang'an's poems, especially in this elegant restaurant. If you don't eat some chicken, it will be missing the flavor!"

…

With these individuals taking the lead in shouting.

In particular, some people gave free scientific knowledge about why we should eat chicken.

all of a sudden

Throughout the restaurant, there were many more tables of guests clamoring for a chicken or chicken legs.

The manager of Qingya Restaurant stood at the door, his face beaming with joy as he looked at the crowded scene in front of him.

The only thought in my mind was admiration for my boss.

After all, it was their boss who contacted the nobles in the palace that led to this situation.

In such a vast area of ​​the capital, their [Qingya Restaurant] is the only one!

It’s a pity that the place is too small, otherwise there would be so many people outside wearing fancy clothes, and they look like rich people.

Alas! What a pity!

While expressing regret, the steward heard someone shouting and immediately replied, "Coming, coming, everyone wait a moment, it will be ready soon."

Although this is the reply.

But looking at the people who spoke first, I felt somewhat satisfied.

Then he glanced at Xiao Wuzi, the smartest waiter in the store, and thought that it was a good idea for the brat to find these people to help him!

But I heard more and more people asking for chicken.

The steward immediately bowed and said, "Everyone, we are cooking. We have to make it delicious before serving it. Otherwise, if there are so many excellent dishes coming out of the palace, but the food on the table is not good, it will spoil your fun and it will be the fault of our Qingya Restaurant. So please wait for a moment. There are mooncakes on the table, in two flavors, five-nut and red bean paste. Please enjoy them."

The manager had just finished speaking.

The waiters, who had been waiting for a long time, carried trays and served mooncakes to each table.

Everyone is naturally familiar with mooncakes.

After all, it has spread throughout the streets and alleys in the past few days.

It is said that this delicacy was invented by Miss Chang'an in the palace. It is shaped like a full moon, like the full moon on the 15th day of the lunar month, and can be used to pray for the moon god during the moon worship. It is also known as the beautiful symbol of family reunion during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Although this just appeared

But as soon as it appeared, it was immediately loved by the people of Luoan City.

It has a beautiful meaning, and it was said by the current emperor himself in the palace. In addition, it is easy to make, and the ingredients are cheap. It tastes especially good after it is made. How can you not love it?

At one table, a scholar took a bite of the mooncake and said with emotion, "I heard someone say that when Miss Chang'an made the mooncakes in the palace, especially the five-kernel mooncakes, she wanted to name them 'reunion' mooncakes, but later because of the ingredients and the five virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness, she named them 'five-kernel'. Miss Chang'an is a benevolent person."

"The flowers are in full bloom, the moon is full, the family is reunited, and it is the right time to eat mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Miss Chang'an is worthy of our learning."

"I heard before that Miss Chang'an returned to the palace to recuperate, but while recuperating, she still remembered benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness, and made such a meaningful thing for the Mid-Autumn Festival. I wonder how her body is doing and whether it is getting better."

"I think it should be better now. I can do the two songs of [Dian Jiang Lip] now, so I think it should be much better now."

"It's hard to say. I heard from someone here that Miss Chang'an is in very poor health. She has been living in the Lingqi Pavilion in the palace and rarely goes out. The palace maids go to get her daily necessities, and she is often accompanied by a female doctor. The female doctor often goes to get a lot of medicinal materials. She also often goes to the palace clinic and the Imperial Hospital."

"Ah, such a beautiful woman, the smile she gave me at the early winter poetry gathering, I still miss her so much, but...how did she get sick?"

This table is so chatty.

The people around him could no longer hold back, so they turned around and said, "My dear brothers, I am from Yangzhou. I just came to Beijing not long ago. Since I came here, I have heard a lot of stories about this Miss Chang'an. Her beauty in particular has won everyone's praise. From what you just said, have you seen this Miss Chang'an?"

Everyone at the table bowed slightly in return, and then said, "Of course I have seen him. Many people present today have seen him."

The Yangzhou man immediately asked, "Is it really like Chang'e in the moon, or like the poem written by the immortals, 'The clouds resemble clothes and the flowers resemble face'?"

Everyone at the table was stunned, smiled at each other, and waited for an answer.

The people at the other table bowed immediately and asked impatiently, "Brother, do you know Liu Baishi?"

The Yangzhou man nodded: "After meeting her, I found her to be as beautiful as a flower, worthy of the title of the most beautiful woman."

The man immediately said, "Miss Baishi is not even a bit inferior to Miss Chang'an."

The people of Yangzhou were stunned and some could not believe it.

But at this time another person stood up and said, "No, no, Miss Bai Shi was once commented by Xun Kuang and Xun Siye as 'the wine has intoxicated the demon's bones, and her coldness and beauty are so cold that she can deceive the snow', and Miss Chang An, I once saw her from afar in the market that day, and I was extremely shocked! She is like a banished immortal from the mortal world, and her eyes and smiles are fascinating. One demon, one immortal, how can you compare them."

At this time, a big man stood up and said, "I'm wrong, I'm wrong, what demon, what fairy? This brother is asking about how pretty Miss Chang'an is. Let me put it this way, there are tens of thousands of women in the world. If Miss Chang'an stood among them, you would not be able to look away after just one glance. All other women are just skeletons in disguise."

You say one sentence, he says one sentence.

More and more people are participating in this topic.

And the topic gradually turned to "How good-looking is Su Changan?"

For a while.

The first floor of Qingya Restaurant became even more noisy and lively.

On the second floor, a man at a table looked at the scene below and said with a wry smile, "So many people can argue about how beautiful she is. Miss Chang'an is the only one. What do you think, Brother Liu?"

Across the table, the burly man shook his head and said, "That's all bullshit. How can you describe Miss Chang'an's beauty like that? How can you imagine her beauty without meeting her?"

The scholar opposite Brother Liu smiled bitterly, but after thinking for a moment, he asked, "As expected of Brother Liu, I admire you. But do you think Miss Chang'an can win the first prize tonight?"

Brother Liu shook his head: "Don't ask such stupid questions. In my eyes, Miss Chang'an must be the champion, and she can still surpass everyone like in the early winter poetry gathering!"

Li smiled and picked up the wine glass and toasted.

After he finished drinking, he said, "However, I understand why Yan Shu can go. Although he is dull and stubborn, he is talented and learned. It is really admirable. But Wei Zijian and Liu Sanbai can go. Brother Liu, why were you not selected?"

Hearing this, Brother Liu said angrily, "Secretary Xun said that I am not good-looking and he is afraid that I might disturb His Majesty. Damn it! I am so worried!"

Li immediately burst into laughter.

But at this time

Someone rushed into Qingya Restaurant in a hurry.

"Open the door, open the door! Chengtian Gate is wide open, everyone is starting to go in, the palace banquet has begun!"

The man who rushed in took a breath and then shouted loudly.

…

The Chengtian Gate was wide open.

Those who were invited to attend the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet came in one after another.

On both sides of the imperial road in front of the gate, many people looked at the people who were entering one after another with sparkling eyes, with envy, jealousy, admiration and everything else in their eyes.

Those who can enter this gate and attend the palace banquet today are either high-ranking officials or outstanding people.

It is possible that among these talented people, a prime minister or a royal tutor will emerge in a few decades.

Inside the huge Chengtian Gate, those who passed through it for the first time were naturally full of curiosity, but they did not dare to look around, for fear of arousing the dissatisfaction of the Imperial Guards and the Chixia Army standing on both sides, or breaking the rules of the palace and causing trouble.

People like Yan Shu, Wei Zijian and other children from poor families followed Mu Xu and Xun Kuang obediently with their heads down, not daring to say much or even to breathe.

Just because I was standing in front of Chengtian Gate, I felt an inexplicable sense of oppression.

When they really stepped in, they felt as if there was a ferocious beast waiting for them ahead, and they felt very anxious.

Those young nobles who had entered the palace and followed their elders felt much more relaxed, but they did not dare to go too far and only dared to talk to people in a low voice.

Such as Zuo Shaoweng, Cui Yuer and so on.

After passing Chengtian Gate, there were people registering and checking at the door, and we walked straight towards Zhonghe Hall.

Today's palace banquet will be held in the Zhonghe Hall.

Su Linhan followed behind her grandfather Su Wenqing and her father Su Zimu.

She didn't like this kind of occasion at first, but when she thought that her elder sister Su Changan would also attend, and wanted to see her elder sister in her most stunning glory tonight, she followed along.

Just walking on the imperial road leading to Zhonghe Hall, Su Linhan looked around, but couldn't see her elder sister, feeling a little disappointed.

Then turn around and look at those talented men and women.

Some of them looked familiar to her, but she couldn't name them.

She could name some of them and had some understanding of them.

But after looking around, I saw that the women were all dressed up in their best clothes, and quite a few of them were truly beauties.

But from what I see, she's not as pretty as the older sister.

It seems that I am not even as good as myself.

It was Li Xingyue.

Without the rouge, I look much better.

Over there, Li Xingyue was following her father Li Jiulang. When she noticed Su Linhan looking at her, she smiled immediately.

Su Linhan also smiled.

At this moment, a thin old man with white hair suddenly grabbed the arm of Master Su and said, "Su Wenqing, don't even think about running away today."

Su Wenqing saw who was coming and immediately said with a smile, "Old Duke Qi."

The old man waved his hand and said, "Let's not talk nonsense. It's just a matter of words. It works or not. You know my grandson. He has a bright future. He has come this time. Although his literary talent is a little disappointing, he will go to Longyou Road in the spring. Let's arrange the marriage. When this kid returns after making military achievements, I will give him the position of Duke of Qi immediately. His father won't even want it. Your eldest girl will become the Duke's wife directly. You decide if it's okay or not."

Su Zimu listened helplessly and said, "Duke Qi, my father and I have no say in this matter."

Duke Qi immediately frowned: "If you don't have the final say, who has the final say, Your Majesty? Your Majesty has the final say on all matters under the heavens, don't try to fool me with Your Majesty."

Su Wenqing smiled helplessly and shook his head, looking at the old general in front of him who once led 3,000 people alone to rush into the grassland to kill the brother of the Turkic Khan. He felt a little sad to see him become so thin now. After all, he was old and sick.

But at the same time, I also feel like I really don’t know what to say.

Because he wanted to say that His Majesty really had the final say in this matter.

But I can't say it.

Su Zimu was also helpless, but he was about to speak.

Another old man came forward, glared at Duke Qi, and then looked at Su Wenqing: "Su Wenqing, don't forget our friendship."

Just as the old man was speaking, a handsome young man bowed to Su Wenqing and said, "Grandson Zhai Yu, meet Grandpa Su."

Su Wenqing looked at the young man and said with a smile: "Ouyo, you have grown up so much and look quite handsome. You just take after your father."

Zhai Yu smiled.

And Zhai Yu's grandfather, Marquis Wuxing, who has not been involved in government affairs for more than ten years, looked at Su Wenqing and said, "How is it, is he worthy of your Chang'an girl?"

As soon as these words came out, Duke Qi became anxious: "Zhai Heizi, get out of here!"

People are getting anxious here.

Su Zimu was pulled over by someone, a female official.

When Su Zimu saw the old man, he bowed immediately, because this female official was once the governor of Yuzhou, and now she held an idle position in the capital, ignoring the affairs of state and recuperating at home.

The old man smiled and said, "You have seen my grandson. He used to be your subordinate. Now he is in Liuzhou. It's a pity that he can't come. Otherwise, you would definitely like him. How about deciding on him first?"

Su Zimu immediately smiled bitterly.

But what was Su Zimu going to say now?

Another person came over.

And except for this one person.

I saw people coming one after another, some waiting in front, and some rushing over from behind.

Flock in.

Su Linhan was squeezed out.

Su Linhan, who was standing outside, looked at these people who had surrounded her grandfather and father just to find a marriage for her eldest sister.

Su Linhan didn't feel disappointed or anything, she just thought that her elder sister was really amazing to be chased and proposed to in marriage like this. She remembered her mother saying that no girl in the capital had been chased and proposed to in marriage like this!

but

Su Linhan glanced at the young men following behind these people, and thought of what Su Zhaoxin said, "A bunch of people are just dreaming."

I couldn't help but smile.

Although it is vulgar, it makes sense.

But at this time.

Xun Kuang walked up to Su Linhan and said, "Ms. Linhan."

Su Linhan immediately returned the greeting: "Xun Siye."

Yan Shu, Wei Zijian and Liu Sanbai on the side naturally hurried to salute Su Linhan.

After Su Linhan returned the gifts one by one.

I only heard Xun Kuang ask: "If Miss Chang'an is coming, which direction will she come from?"

Su Linhan thought for a moment, then turned around and pointed toward the southwest.

But as soon as he turned around, he saw a "woman" walking leisurely in that direction.

The "woman" was followed by some palace maids and members of the Chixia Army.

The "woman" was dressed in white, had a beautiful face, eyebrows like ink paintings, eyes like stars, and skin like white snow.

Seeing the person coming, Su Linhan immediately smiled and walked towards the "woman".

Xun Kuang behind him just felt that this "woman" was always so pleasing to the eye no matter how many times he looked at her.

As for Yan Shu, Wei Zijian, Liu Sanbai and others, when they looked at the leisurely-looking woman, they only felt that there seemed to be a light mist around her, and she was truly not from this mortal world.

(End of this chapter)