Chapter 94 Palace Banquet
As soon as Yuan Lang saw himself approaching, Lin Yu quickly lowered his head, and the hand hidden in his sleeve also curled up slightly.
Yuan Lang couldn't help but wonder, could it be that he really hates me to this extent? When he thought of this, a hint of bitterness appeared on the tip of Yuan Lang's tongue, as if a fine needle pierced into his heart fiercely, and the pain gradually spread.
People who are secretly in love are usually always so sensitive and have low self-esteem. Even Yuan Lang, who has been praised by his elders since childhood, cannot escape this.
Even the smallest action of a loved one is enough to throw your mind into turmoil, as if you are in a turbulent wave, with emotions surging and difficult to calm down.
After a brief thought, he silently took a step to the side and quietly distanced himself from Lin Yu. However, his unintentional act was interpreted differently by Lin Yu.
Yan Xing, who was standing by, couldn't bear to see this situation, so he stepped forward and said, "Brother Yuan Lang, are you here to pick up Brother Yu?"
Yan Xing's sudden voice made Lin Yu and Yuan Lang both stunned. Lin Yu raised his eyes slightly and glanced at Yan Xing, and then received a playful wink from Yan Xing.
"Yes." Yuan Lang came back to his senses and nodded in response, adding, "There is a palace banquet tonight, and you need to bring your family to attend."
Yan Xing nodded thoughtfully, stretched out the "oh" sound, and at the same time secretly winked at Ji Hean and Ji Zheng.
Lin Yu lowered his head. After hearing this, he couldn't help but looked up at Yuan Lang with a hint of inquiry in his eyes, and then quickly lowered his head. The pale pink tips of his ears quietly revealed the turmoil in his heart at the moment.
The streets were bustling with noise and people were busy coming and going.
As soon as he came out of the Duke's Mansion, Ji Zhongzi found an excuse to leave quietly alone. At this moment, only Ji Zheng and Ji Hean were left walking slowly on the way home.
Recalling the palace banquet Yuan Lang mentioned just now, Ji Hean asked softly, "Are you going to attend the palace banquet tonight as well?"
Ji Zheng nodded slightly and replied: "All officials who can participate in the grand court meeting must attend the banquet."
"Do you have to bring your family along?" Ji Hean asked further.
As soon as these words were spoken, combined with Ji Hean's tone, Ji Zheng knew that his precious child was definitely unwilling to participate.
"Baby, don't you want to go?"
Ji Hean bit his lower lip lightly, lowered his eyes, and said hesitantly: "I... I'm a little scared..." But he swallowed the second half of the sentence "I'll embarrass you".
Ji Zheng thought that he was simply afraid of such a grand occasion, so he held his hand tightly and comforted him gently: "It's okay, I'm here with you."
Yan Qi added: "I heard that the foreign countries will present wonderful performances. Don't you really want to feast your eyes?"
Hearing Ji Zheng's words, Ji Hean's expression became more and more tangled. He looked up at Ji Zheng and asked, "Will there be a magic show?"
"Of course there is." Ji Zheng answered affirmatively. Looking at Ji Hean who raised her fair little face in front of him, his hand uncontrollably pinched her fair cheek. "Don't worry, baby. I will stay by your side. You just need to watch the performance and enjoy the food."
After saying that, as if he suddenly remembered something, he added, "By the way, the food is all carefully prepared by the Yu Kitchen. Are you really not going to go?"
The second half of the sentence uses a coaxing tone.
The balance in Ji and An's hearts was completely tilted. Her fingers unconsciously tapped Ji Zheng's palms lightly. She lowered her eyes and thought for a long time before she slowly said, "Well... well, then."
Yan Jue asked again: "Will Brother Lin Yu and Yan Xing go too?"
"I don't know whether Yan Xing is going, but Lin Yu should go." Ji Zheng responded truthfully.
Seeing Ji He'an's wrinkled face, as if he was worried about something very important, Ji Zheng couldn't help laughing. He raised his hand and gently rubbed his head and said, "Baby, don't you still trust me?"
Ji Hean raised his eyes and saw Ji Zheng's gentle smile. He was stunned and the uneasiness in his heart slowly dissipated.
Yes, no matter what, with Ah Lang by my side, what is there to be afraid of?
Seeing Ji and An's beautiful faces relax again, Ji Zheng's own heart also felt at peace.
As night fell and the lights came on, the palace was filled with golden splendor.
In the palace banquet hall where the banquet was held, the sound of stringed instruments was lingering, like the floating music of heaven.
People dressed in gorgeous clothes rushed in.
The robes of the dignitaries were embroidered with exquisite patterns, which sparkled brightly under the candlelight; the ladies wore dazzling jewels on their heads, their rings and bracelets jingled, and they swayed gracefully.
Inside the hall, table after table was filled with delicacies, including steaming hot bear paws, tender and delicious lamb, and various rare seafood, as well as fruit snacks with unique shapes and colorful colors.
The wine exuded a mellow aroma, rippling slightly in the golden cup.
Envoys from various foreign countries were also present. They wore clothing of different styles, some with strong colors, some with strange designs, which added a touch of exotic flavor to the palace banquet.
At this time, the emperor, the crown prince and others had not arrived yet. The banquet was noisy and people came to talk to Ji Zheng from time to time. Ji Hean was a little nervous at first, but then he got used to it.
Under the bright lights, Ji Zheng, wearing an official uniform and smiling, dealt with the officials around him with ease.
Every gesture and movement reveals a unique calmness and confidence, and his deep eyes are filled with wisdom.
Every time he spoke in response, his words were just right. He was neither impolite nor humble, and he was able to skillfully express his views and positions, causing the officials he was talking to to nod in agreement or show admiration.
His posture was as straight as a pine tree, and the delicate patterns on his official uniform rose and fell slightly with his movements, as if telling of the owner's extraordinaryness.
Ji Hean had never seen this scene before. When he suddenly saw it, his heartbeat inevitably quickened. At this moment, Ji Zheng was like a dazzling star in his eyes, attracting his attention.
Although Ji Zheng seemed to be concentrating on talking to others, he was actually paying attention to Ji Hean's every move with his peripheral vision. At this moment, he found that Ji Hean's eyes were always on him.
I couldn't help but feel moved, and I ended the conversation with others in a few words, and then found an excuse to send the person away.
Turning around and looking at Ji Hean, the polite social smile on his face turned into an intimate and doting smile.
His eyebrows slightly raised, with a teasing look in his eyes, "Tsk, baby, why are you staring at me in front of so many people? I feel embarrassed."
Although he said sorry, his facial expression and actions showed no sign of that; instead, he looked like a hooligan.
But Ji Hean was a shy person. When he heard that, his ears immediately turned red. He lowered his head and stuttered and said with a guilty conscience, "I, I didn't look at you..."
In Ji Zheng's eyes, this look of covering one's ears and trying to steal the bell was so stupid and adorable that it made him feel itchy.
He looked around and saw that no one was paying attention. He lowered his head and quickly kissed the top of the head, then quickly touched the red ears hidden under the hair. The smile in his eyes deepened and he said, "Yes, yes, you didn't, I was the one staring at you, okay?"
The doting tone in his voice makes people feel moved.
Feeling Ji Zheng's action, Ji Hean's eyes widened, and he hurriedly looked up and looked around. Seeing that no one was paying attention, he finally calmed down. Then he glared at Ji Zheng fiercely, "How could you do this with so many people around!"
The tone was full of condemnation and unhappiness.
Seeing that the person was really angry, Ji Zheng immediately apologized, "I'm sorry, I just couldn't help it. I promise I won't do it again next time."
Just as Ji Hean was about to speak, someone suddenly sat down next to him.
"Lord Ji and your husband are truly in love."
The voice sounded familiar, and when I looked up, it turned out to be the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Chu Feng, accompanied by his husband Su Jin.
Ji Zheng looked back and forth between Su Jin and Chu Feng, and said with a smile, "Same here."
Su Jin on the side winked at Ji Hean.
Ji Hean had a good impression of Su Jin and immediately smiled back.
After a few people gathered together and chatted for a while, the hall gradually became quiet.
Then with a loud shout, Emperor Ren walked into the hall, followed by the Imperial Concubine.
The empress died of illness in her early years. Although there was no love between the two, Emperor Rendi did not appoint another empress.
Crowds of people knelt on the ground and saluted, shouting "Long live the emperor!" The sound echoed through the roof tiles and lasted for a long time.
Emperor Ren was wearing a brocade robe embroidered with golden dragons and a crown on his head. The twelve jade beads on the crown gleamed with a warm luster under the candlelight, making his face look as calm as water and majestic without even getting angry.
His face was filled with joy. He slowly raised his hand, and his wide sleeves swayed gently in the wind, signaling everyone to stand up.
Then, the emperor looked at his ministers with a stern gaze yet revealing a hint of satisfaction. Wherever his eyes went, the ministers bowed their heads slightly to show their respect.
Emperor Ren spoke, his voice was as powerful as a bell: "I have heard that you have been working hard for state affairs day and night, and you are truly my pillars of support and the backbone of the country. Today's palace banquet is for you to reward. You can put aside your worries in the court and enjoy yourself. I have seen the peace and prosperity in the world, and all the nations have come to pay tribute. This achievement is inseparable from your loyalty and diligence."
An old minister with gray hair but vigorous spirit, holding a court tablet, walked out steadily.
After kneeling three times and kowtowed nine times respectfully, he straightened his back and said in a clear voice: "Your Majesty is wise and cares about the world. You use both grace and power to bring about this peaceful and prosperous era. What I have done is just to contribute a little under your wise guidance. How dare I take credit for it?"
The emperor shook his head slightly, his smile deepened, his eyes were friendly and easy-going: "My dear ministers, please don't be too humble. I know that the affairs of the court are complicated and complicated. Without your concerted efforts, even if I have strong ambitions, I will still be alone. I heard that the foreign countries came here this time, not only brought many rare treasures, but also amazing and wonderful skills."
All the ministers said in unison: "Your Majesty is right. We obey your order."
After that, all the ministers returned to their posts in an orderly manner according to their official rank.
Throughout the entire hall, the sound of stringed instruments was heard continuously, like heavenly music floating in the air, lingering in everyone's ears.
The atmosphere of the palace banquet became increasingly intense, and everyone was immersed in this prosperous scene, some talking in low voices, some exchanging glances, just waiting for the subsequent wonderful programs and exchanges and interactions between countries. A grand and meaningful palace banquet had just begun its magnificent curtain.
Looking at Emperor Ren who was sitting in the distance, Ji Hean sighed in his heart, it turned out that this was the emperor of Dajin, he was so noble that just looking at him made people's legs go weak.
But he felt relieved. Although Emperor Ren was majestic, he was not as scary as he had imagined.
Ji Zheng beside him noticed his little movement, tilted his head and asked, "What are you looking at? Why are you so absorbed in it?"
There was a sourness in his tone that he himself was not aware of.
"Nothing." Ji Hean shook his head. It was a serious crime to discuss the emperor in private.
But Ji Zheng was unhappy with this answer and insisted on asking more.
Ji Hean looked at Ji Zheng who suddenly became as stubborn as a child, sighed slightly, waved to Ji Zheng, asked him to bend down, and whispered in his ear what he had just thought.
So that was the reason. Ji Zheng's unhappiness disappeared without a trace in an instant.
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