At 9:00 a.m. on August 15th, the extravagant night banquets of previous years turned into autumn hunting. The open hunting ground was lush with vegetation, and the banquet was set up in the center of the hunting ground.
Su Wan sat down in her seat early, and at a glance, she saw that almost everyone around her had arrived.
In the front, the Princess Taijieyushi and other royal relatives were seated neatly, and on the other side, the civil and military officials were also seated in different positions. There were three rows of banquets in front and back, extending to the back.
Official positions like the first rank are basically honorary positions, or they are conferred after the person passes away, so it is natural to extend from the second rank, the Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Hall, and the positions are strictly in accordance with the etiquette system.
Su Wan was basically at the end of the line. She was an eighth-rank female official, and although her seat was in the first row, it was very far back.
Behind her were the excited strongmen. She was in charge of this matter and was close enough to keep an eye on them.
Because they had no official position and were only specially invited to participate in the autumn hunt, the palace people respectfully called them "Li Shi". After they had official positions, they changed the title.
They put on the footless caps they had been given earlier, colorful short shirts, beautiful long boots, and tied their belts around their waists, looking full of energy.
Next to Su Wan was Song Sheng whom she had met before, and behind Song Sheng was his extremely nervous father.
Among this crowd, the younger ones are mostly excited, while the older ones are nervous.
However, Song Sheng's father is over 30 years old this year, which is considered old. After all, young people are the best in fighting, and this matter is still the world of young people.
The row behind Song Sheng's father and others were the selected women. They were able to break through layers of obstacles to sit here. Most of them were mentally stronger than others. When they saw Su Wan looking at them, they greeted them happily, and it was obvious that they were not afraid.
Opposite them are the best talents selected from the guards, who are also the main force in this year's competition.
According to the original plan, the two sides should compete, but the situation has changed, and they should work together.
Those who were originally soldiers and guards behaved more upright and well-behaved. Su Wan looked at the military generals opposite and saw that General Xu, Commander Qi and others had already taken their seats. It seemed that the arrangements in Kyoto had come to an end.
As for the two foreigners, they were temporarily added before Princess Tai Jieyu. After all, they were the monarchs of a country and were treated differently.
This is because Tai Jieyu was not valued in the first place because of the two princesses. The latter could be said to be her half-sister, but the former had basically no relationship with her.
So they all sat three seats back.
But now there are only two tribal leaders in the position. Their clothes are rather peculiar and they are obviously dressed up to show their formality, which gives enough face.
There was only one empty seat next to it, which was obviously where the Shiyi clan was.
They are still on the road now, and they must be calculating the time and waiting for Xie Pei to arrive.
Su Wan was just thinking about it when the sound of drums and music started. Everyone stood up at the instruction of the etiquette officer. It was obvious that Xie Pei was about to arrive.
As Su Wan stood up, she saw Xie Pei, who was surrounded by palace servants, walking in. Only then did she realize that Xie Pei had a tall stature and looked like a young man. The black imperial robe with golden patterns made his face look even more stern, and he looked like a young and promising emperor.
Su Wan looked at him seriously. When Xie Pei passed by her, she paused for a moment and took a look at him, then immediately looked away.
Xie Pei curled the corners of his mouth, and the annoyance caused by the Shi Yi clan disappeared immediately, and he strode forward.
soon.
Soon we walked over together.
The brief glance between the two was only seen by those at the banquet who were paying attention, while most people just lowered their heads to greet His Majesty.
After Xie Pei sat down, everyone faced Xie Pei and bowed to greet His Majesty. Xie Pei gestured for everyone to sit down and started dancing with swords.
After everyone sat down, Xiao Songsheng's father said, "It turns out that you don't have to kneel when you meet His Majesty."
Su Wan smiled: "We don't have this rule in Tianxiang Country."
Song Sheng asked, "Did His Majesty look at you just now?"
Song Sheng spoke in a low voice, and only Su Wan and he heard it.
Su Wan was shocked, but she didn't show it on her face: "You must have seen it wrong."
Song Sheng touched his head, thinking maybe he had seen it wrong?
Although this child is smart, fortunately he is young and nothing can be seen.
The female officials and others in front shook their heads at her, and the meaning was very clear.
What can she do? Can she ask Xie Pei to stop looking and sit down quickly because the banquet is about to begin?
The sword dance performed this time was extremely dashing, and one could tell at a glance that it was the result of great effort, which drew praise from the crowd. Because His Majesty was not too serious, there were even occasional cheers.
Xie Pei pretended not to hear and kept his eyes on Su Wan, but the two tribal leaders had already come over to talk to him, and Xie Pei still had to deal with them.
There is a difference between the Beijun tribe and the Muyan tribe. The former arrived a day or two earlier and had already met the Emperor of Tianxiang Kingdom, while the latter arrived late at night and this was the first time they met.
Xie Pei was in a good mood at the moment and acted as if nothing had happened. Although he didn't show much expression, they did chat a few sentences after all.
Su Wan took a few glances and then left to go to the temporary large kitchen in the side hall. After the first song and dance, the fruit on the table should be replaced, followed by cold food, hot food, etc.
Although both the doctors were there, she had to keep an eye on the situation at the banquet and then communicate with the people behind about the time.
When Su Wan came out of the temporary kitchen, hundreds of palace maids came out one after another, wearing fluttering palace maid costumes, and changed the plates on everyone's table.
The seats can be changed quickly when there are many people, and the movements are very light, so they will not disturb others' meal at all.
When a dozen people from the Beijun tribe and the Muyan tribe saw this, their eyes widened.
In the past I only heard elders talk about how prosperous Tianxiang Kingdom was. Now I finally get a glimpse of it, and I also think it is amazing.
Looking at the young strongmen further back, they could all see that these people had no teaching and had gotten here solely based on their talent. To be chosen from among millions of people, this talent was extraordinary.
It’s great to have such a vast territory.
Then they looked at the fruits on the table. They were so fresh and delicious, and they were the kind they had never seen before.
Su Wan came out of the kitchen and before she went to the banquet, she heard people talking about what happened at Qiu Shou’s gate.
After a little asking, it was found out that the person from the Shiyi clan was "late" and was about to come in but was stopped by the gatekeeper.
You are the first to leave, but you want to be the last to arrive, or even come after the show starts. Why? You are just being a big shot.
Su Wan thought for a moment, then walked over there.
The Qiushu entrance was some distance away from the banquet, but she had heard about it in the big kitchen, and it was probably known to everyone at the banquet, but it was not discussed openly.
As soon as Su Wan arrived nearby, she heard a strange voice in Tianxiang language saying, "Why are you people from Tianxiang so stingy? I'm only late for 25 minutes. What's the big deal?"
"Who told you to send the documents so late? We rushed here from thousands of miles away."
"Otherwise, how can you be so arrogant when you call yourself the suzerain state?"
The words became more and more unpleasant. Lu Yi, who was guarding the gate, said directly: "No one is allowed to enter or leave during the Autumn Hunting Banquet. If an assassin is allowed in, can you afford it?"
As he said this, Lu Yi mocked directly: "If our people are harmed, I'm afraid you won't be able to pay for it even with the strength of your entire clan."
Okay, that's a harsh word.
Everyone knows that Lu Yi is exaggerating, but when it comes to talking nonsense, the more serious the better.
If you curse someone without hitting their pain points, is that still curse?
But seeing how fluently he spoke, he must have reviewed the script in advance?
Sure enough, another middle-aged voice with a more normal tone said, "We are indeed late. Please tell His Majesty the Emperor of Tianxiang that Tianxiang has a vast territory, but why is His Majesty the Emperor of Tianxiang as narrow-minded as a horseshoe?"
It is worthy of being an insult, and it really picks the cruelest ones.
I guess Lu Yi didn't expect that these people would dare to scold His Majesty.
But since they were stopping people, how could it be that only Lu Yi was there? Guard Xiao Song was also there, and he sneered, "As expected of a foreigner, you don't even know the etiquette of a banquet, and you still come to attend the banquet of His Majesty the Tianxiang Kingdom? You are really a barbarian."
The faces of the twenty-plus people from the Shiyi clan suddenly changed.
What they hated most was that the Tianxiang Kingdom always called them barbarians and said they were uncivilized.
After listening to the quarrel, Su Wan returned to the table in a very good mood.
Who knew that as soon as he sat down, he felt that the atmosphere was not right, and everyone's eyes were looking at him. The person behind the leader of the Mu Yan tribe looked at her, still with an awkward accent: "This palace maid just came back from outside. Why can she enter and leave the banquet freely, but the leader of the Shiyi tribe who came thousands of miles away is not allowed to come in? Is this the etiquette of your Tianxiang country?"
This person was talking to Su Wan, but he was actually asking Xie Pei. It was obvious that he was watching how they spoke.
Su Wan understood now. She thought no one would make a fuss about it, but she didn't expect that people would speak up for the Yi clan in public.
Xie Pei sneered: "She is a female official of my Tianxiang Kingdom, how can she be the same as others."
These words made the Northern Army tribe and the Mu Yan tribe present subconsciously look at each other sideways. She was just a female official. Did she mean she was more powerful than the leader of the Shi Yi tribe?
Just as the Mu Yan tribe was about to speak again, a light female voice sounded.
"Um, can I ask the leader of the Muyan tribe a small question?"
Everyone looked at Su Wan again, wondering what she was going to say. Couldn't they see that they were just using her as an excuse to have an argument?
Su Wan acted as if she hadn't noticed, and said seriously, "As a member of the Mu Yan tribe, why do you keep saying that you are speaking for the Shi Yi tribe? Moreover, the Shi Yi tribe has just arrived at Laixi Mountain, and you haven't had any communication with each other yet, but you are so indignant and fighting for justice."
"Did they have a good relationship before?"
"Or have you had contact with each other before?"
"How else can you explain why you two are so in tune with each other and speak up for justice?"
After finishing speaking, Su Wan said guiltily: "I'm sorry, did I use too many idioms? Can you understand? Do you want me to translate it?"
Can you understand?
Do you want a translation?
Everyone in Tianxiang State, from the civil and military officials to the hundreds of strong men, laughed out loud.
Use the most innocent tone to say the cruelest words.
Where did this mouth come from? Can they borrow it to use when they quarrel?
There was suddenly a cheerful atmosphere at the banquet.
The wrestlers also shouted: "Yes, are you the traitor?"
"Maybe he is a spy planted by the Shiyi Clan in the Muyan Clan."
"It looks like that. Otherwise why would he talk so much? I would have thought his leader hadn't come in."
"Get it clear, this is our banquet, you are just here to have fun. Why are you making so much trouble? Learn from the Northern Army Alliance, they don't cause trouble."
This sentence made Su Wan look at the crowd, and it turned out to be Xia Zhuanghu with a bruised face and nose.
Yes, he is a promising talent, and he is good at praising one and criticizing the other.
Su Wan whispered a few words to Song Sheng, who was originally watching the fun. When he heard this, his eyes lit up and he said loudly, "Guests are late. In our folk culture, they should either drink three cups as punishment or play a drinking game."
"If all else fails, I can sing a song or dance for you!"
The boy's voice was so loud that everyone fell silent for a moment.
You are amazing.
The leader was fine for drinking, but how about a drinking game? They couldn't even speak the language of Tianxiang country well, so they still had to play a drinking game.
Singing and dancing, isn't this just making fun of people?
The man opposite, Mr. Zhou, who had a bruised face, said, "I think this is a good idea. This is a great suggestion."
Xia Zhuanghu could all say that he was ruthless, and he was no exception. As for his father glaring at him, he would just pretend he didn't see it!
The officials mentioned above were naturally respectable and would not say such impudent words.
But the strong men and noblemen behind can do it, they just need to roll up their sleeves.
Su Wan drank a cup of tea and stayed completely out of the matter, as if she had not started it.
Finally, under the instigation of a group of young men, someone was sent out to spread the message that those who could accept the penalty of drinking, play drinking games, sing and dance could come in.
If you can't, go back and rest first, and come back after the party is over.
Under the gaze of everyone, His Majesty nodded with a smile, obviously agreeing.
This was the first time that the young men had received His Majesty's approval and they cheered subconsciously. They became bolder and said more and more outrageous things.
But someone heard every word of it and it reached the ears of the leader of the Shiyi clan. He hadn't been so angry for a long time.
It was even more infuriating than discovering that the Luandu tribe was being taken care of by the Tianxiang Kingdom.
In winter, because of Huyan Qiang's incident, he let the Luandu people leave and they were no longer slaves of the Shiyi tribe. He originally thought that they would not be able to withstand the wind and snow with Huyan Qiang's child and would come back for help.
But I didn’t expect that I could get through the winter safely.
That’s not all. In the spring, you can still see them herding cattle and sheep.
Three or four hundred people and more than three thousand cattle and sheep.
What's going on?
The help that the Tianxiang Kingdom's northwest garrison provided to the Luandu tribe was naturally noticed, and this could not be concealed.
After all, they gave her medicine and food, and someone Huyan Qiang knew directly sent her one or two thousand lambs, saying they were gifts for her people.
The fact that they had established direct relations and had become foreign states could not be concealed.
The leader of the Shigi clan searched the house from top to bottom but couldn't find out who had sent the gift.
They didn't even find out how they were connected and how Tianxiang Kingdom accepted this weak ethnic group.
The spies could not get close to the Luandu tribe because they were closer to the northwest garrison. If they got too close, accidents were bound to happen.
This incident made the leader of the Luandu tribe so angry that he jumped up and down. It had been a long time since anyone dared to challenge the authority of the Shiyi tribe like this!
What's even more infuriating is that when the news of the Tianxiang Kingdom's garrison to look after the Luandu tribe reached the ears of other slaves of the Shiyi tribe, they all felt like they had found hope.
It seemed that if they worked hard to break free from their slavery, they would be able to become like the Luandu people.
It seemed as if Tianxiangguo would be the hero who rescued them.
The leader of the Shigi clan hated to see these people have hope. If they were their slaves, they would be slaves for life.
Thinking back to how angry I was at that time, I get even more angry.
He came here because Tianxiang Kingdom seemed to suddenly come alive, which made him angry about the connection between the two sides, and even more angry about other people having delusions.
So he handed a document to Tianxiang, intending to participate in the autumn hunt, using their best horse riding and archery to embarrass the Tianxiang Kingdom and at the same time dispel the slaves' ideas.
This time it was naturally planned to arrive after the banquet had started.
I originally thought that the current emperor was only sixteen years old, too young to be frightened, and wouldn’t even think too much about it.
How smart can you be?
Now I understand.
It is indeed smart, and also carries a murderous aura.
It vaguely took him back to his youth.
The leader of the Shiyi clan was not as young as he is now. At that time, the entire grassland was suppressed and oppressed by the Tianxiang Kingdom. From his birth to his youth, he hated and feared the Tianxiang Kingdom.
Now that he has a chance to turn things around, he will never allow Tianxiang Kingdom to survive again!
Anyway, the last time I sent spies, we had already created a grudge. This time I must severely humiliate Tianxiang Kingdom. They won’t dare to do anything to me.
Who made Tianxiang Kingdom not that strong?
But in this situation, he couldn't even enter the banquet, let alone save the face of Tianxiang Kingdom.
His face is now being trampled on the ground.
The situation before him seemed to bring him back to his frustrated youth. No matter how hard he tried, he could not surpass Tianxiang Country, and everyone yearned for Tianxiang Country.
Although the entrance of Qiushou was some distance away from the banquet hall, one could clearly hear the singing and dancing starting from inside, and people were delivering tea and snacks one after another.
And he was standing outside like a fool.
Even if he goes in without punishment now, it would be embarrassing. There is no feeling of being there in the end and suppressing the Emperor of Tianxiang.
Guard Xiao Song obviously sensed it, and said with a smile: "Look, you must make such a scene, how embarrassing, go in now, otherwise the banquet will be over soon and everyone will have to go hunting."
The first day of the autumn hunt was basically free time to familiarize ourselves with the venue, since the banquet would last until the afternoon.
The wrestling, archery and other competitions will not begin until tomorrow.
But what does it mean to arrive after the banquet is over?
A group of people from the Shiyi clan rushed into the open-air banquet venue angrily. When they arrived, the singing and dancing did not stop. Only the ceremonial officer led them forward to greet the emperor. Xie Pei casually pointed to the seat and obviously asked him to sit down, not caring at all whether he was late or not there.
Anyway, it seemed as if he was begging to participate in the autumn hunt.
Now the atmosphere among the civil and military officials of Tianxiang Kingdom and the strong men and guards behind them became even more lively. Compared with the sour faces of the Shiyi clan and the Muyan clan, the difference was huge.
The Northern Army Alliance was fine, especially the leader and his son, who were always eating and drinking, and seemed out of tune with the other two tribes.
Everyone took in the whole scene and understood a little bit about what was going on.
Su Wan looked up at Xie Pei, but she didn't expect him to look at her too.
Okay, the party will definitely be fine anyway.
Didn't he just want to be late to save face? He probably didn't expect to be stopped and squeezed like that.
Now they have lost all their dignity and face. After all, whoever gets angry about this matter will suffer. Anyway, Xie Pei's expression is the same as before, and he doesn't care about them at all.
Xie Pei would look back whenever he had nothing to do. People who understood knew that he was looking at Su Wan, while people who didn't understand thought he was looking at the strong men behind Su Wan.
These outstanding people who were carefully selected immediately straightened their chests and looked very proud, which aroused the fighting spirit of the guards and young masters on the opposite side.
See their high morale.
The three foreign leaders looked at each other sideways from time to time. Although their expressions were different, they had the same thought in their hearts.
Is Tianxiang Kingdom really as weak as the spies say?
That doesn't seem to be the case.
At least the young men in front of him seemed to be particularly different. Even the little palace maid was so eloquent that it was impossible to respond.
Shi Yizu stared at everyone on the field, and his pride on the grassland seemed to be suddenly broken.
Was all his long-term planning in vain?
As for the people of Tianxiang Kingdom, especially the university secretaries and ministers, they were all drinking with a smile on their faces.
This year's wine seems to taste much better than in previous years!
The author has something to say:
No more today, I'll be a ruthless typing machine tomorrow
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