Cuju was very popular among both the royal family and the common people. The emperor even ordered the construction of a large Cuju field. Every March when the grass was green and the birds were singing, a Cuju banquet would be held in the palace.
Firstly, the emperor himself liked Cuju, and secondly, the Cuju banquet could bring everyone together.
The emperor was old and liked to watch such lively scenes.
In addition to the princes and princesses, the concubines of high rank in the harem were also invited to the Cuju field.
In addition, the emperor also specifically approved that the ministers could bring one family member with them. Because the number of places was limited, the ministers would usually bring their sons or daughters to the banquet, allowing the young people to get together and become a beautiful scenery at the Cuju banquet.
The ministers and their families who came to attend the banquet have now taken their seats.
The ministers and their families sat opposite each other.
The ministers sat on the left, while their families sat on the opposite side.
The family members were divided into two teams, with the princes and nobles sitting on the left and the daughters of officials sitting on the right.
As soon as the prime minister sat down, the people behind him began to flatter him.
"Congratulations, Your Excellency the Prime Minister, on having such a good son-in-law as General Zhengbei! I haven't had the chance to congratulate Your Excellency in person these past few days. What a sin, such a sin!"
"Yes, congratulations, Prime Minister!"
The Prime Minister raised his eyebrows, enjoying the flattery from others.
These ministers had already flattered the Prime Minister when he married the General's Mansion, but marriage is one thing, and the attitude of the General Zhengbei is another!
I heard that General Zhengbei returned home with his new bride a few days ago, and they prepared five carts of gifts!
It can be seen that General Zhengbei is satisfied with this marriage from the bottom of his heart!
They had no chance to get close to the General Zhengbei, so they had to start with the Prime Minister!
"With a good son-in-law like General Zhengbei, wouldn't the two of them be able to join forces in the future and conquer both the civil and military branches of the court?"
Another voice sounded, and the smile on the Prime Minister's lips instantly fell, and he looked at the man with a sullen face.
"What do you mean, Minister? It's true that General Zhengbei and I are father-in-law and son-in-law, but this relationship is limited to private matters and doesn't involve anything else! We are all subjects of His Majesty, and our mission is to be loyal to His Majesty and defend the country!"
The Prime Minister looked at his mortal enemy, the Shangshu, with a sullen face, and did not fall into his trap, making his attitude clear.
The Shangshu said angrily, "Prime Minister, please don't misunderstand me. That's not what I meant. To express my apology, I offer you a toast!"
After the Shangshu finished speaking, he lowered his eyes and went to pick up the wine cup on the table, secretly cursing the Prime Minister as an old fox.
The Prime Minister is being flattered, and Jiang Jingran is also being supported.
A bunch of noble ladies surrounded her, and every word they said was meant to flatter her.
"Everyone in Kyoto knows Sister Jingran's amazing Cuju skills. I think Sister Jingran will definitely be the first place winner this year!"
"Yes, yes, Sister Jingran's skills have even been praised by His Majesty!"
"I heard that this year's Cuju Banquet has been adjusted so that men and women can play in the same group!"
"Same gender group?"
Everyone else looked over when they heard this.
The woman continued, "Yes, this place was set up by my eldest brother. He said the rules have been changed this year, so men and women can play together!"
Everyone looked at each other, their eyes full of surprise.
In the past, men and women were divided into two teams and did not interfere with each other. Unexpectedly, the rules were changed this year and they could play together!
Jiang Jingran's eyes flickered slightly, and his gaze vaguely looked towards the platform, passing over several princes.
In addition to the Crown Prince, there are seven other princes attending the banquet today.
Jiang Jingran's gaze stayed on the prince for a few seconds and then moved away.
The crown prince is handsome and of nobler status than other princes, but unfortunately he already has a concubine, and the crown prince and the crown princess have a harmonious relationship and are inseparable.
Even if she could marry into the prince's mansion, she could only be a concubine at best.
To put it nicely, she is a concubine, to put it bluntly, she is a concubine.
After all, Jiang Jingran is the legitimate daughter of the prime minister, how can she become a concubine?
Therefore, the prince was not the candidate in Jiang Jingran's mind.
Jiang Jingran looked at the other princes again.
The second prince and the fourth prince have already taken wives, and the sixth prince and the seventh prince are not yet of marriageable age. It seems that we can only choose one from the third prince and the fifth prince.
Jiang Jingran was distracted when the Third Prince on the platform noticed her gaze and looked towards her.
The moment the two looked at each other, Jiang Jingran was startled. She quickly looked away, her mind unsettled for a long time.
"Why is she here?"
"I am now the new wife of General Zhengbei, so naturally I am here as his family member!"
Everyone's eyes were looking in the same direction, and Jiang Jingran turned his head away after coming to his senses.
Then two figures, one black and one red, were seen walking side by side.
Jiang Jingyu was wearing a scarlet Cuju uniform, and her black hair tied on top of her head fluttered in the wind. She had a charming appearance and graceful demeanor.
Fu Yanci was wearing a fitted black robe. His face was cold, his eyebrows and eyes were picturesque, and his aura of a man of honor emanated from within, making people dare not feel awe or blasphemy.
He put one hand behind his back and let Jiang Jingyu hold the other hand. They walked towards the seat in an intimate manner.
"Tsk tsk, General Zhengbei has finally found the beauty!"
The fifth prince raised his eyebrows and couldn't help but joke.
The Fifth Prince and the Crown Prince were born of the same mother and were the Queen's second sons. The Crown Prince was a study partner of Fu Yanci and they had a good relationship. As a result, the Fifth Prince and Fu Yanci became familiar with each other.
His voice was neither loud nor soft, just reaching the ears of several of his brothers and younger brothers beside him.
The prince's lips curled up into a smile as warm as spring breeze.
Yes, Yan Ci finally married the girl he had always dreamed of.
But why did he still have this cold, distant expression? It was fine with others, but how could he be like this with the person he loved? He had to have a good talk with his classmate afterward!
"Brother Yanci, I'll go over first."
There was a seat in front. Jiang Jingyu stopped and looked up at the man beside her.
Fu Yanci nodded slightly and watched Jiang Jingyu walk towards her seat.
The seats were arranged according to the number of people reported by the ministers. Looking around, the female members' side was already full, with only one empty seat in the first row.
Jiang Jingyu collected her thoughts and walked straight towards the empty seat.
Fu Yanci stood still and didn't walk towards his seat until he saw Jiang Jingyu take her seat.
Whether it was a coincidence or intentional, their seats were facing each other and they could see each other as long as they looked up.
The Prime Minister looked at Jiang Jingyu's seat thoughtfully. It seemed that the gossip he heard was true. His Majesty really wanted to enthrone Fu Yanci as the first-rank general of the country!
The first row was occupied by the families of first-rank ministers, and Jiang Jingyu's seat was arranged in the first row. The meaning was self-evident.
Jiang Jingran's handkerchief was almost torn. Her seat was next to Jiang Jingyu's, but Jiang Jingyu was sitting in front of her.
Just now she was wondering who the extra seat next to her belonged to. She originally thought that a prince had brought a princess to the banquet, but she never expected that the person sitting there was Jiang Jingyu!
The rankings are arranged according to status. Could it be that Jiang Jingyu's status is now higher than hers?!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
