The sky darkened and the hunting activity that lasted a whole day finally came to an end.
As usual, the next step was to hold a "hunting banquet", which was held on an open space in Qiushan.
There was a giant tent specially built there, with magnificent curtains and carpets, and a bonfire that was constantly jumping.
Yan Ning occupied a high position in the middle, followed by Queen Mother Qin Yuwei, and the accompanying officials sat below according to their rank, on both sides.
Fresh and fragrant barbecue dishes were served one after another, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and fine wine. Everything looked peaceful and lively.
The Minister of the Ministry of Rites stepped forward and said:
"Your Majesty, Queen Mother. To celebrate today's feast, the Taichang Temple has specially prepared a song and dance of a foreign race to entertain your Majesty and the Queen Mother."
"Now, let's start." Yan Ning said.
Seven or eight dancers from other races came forward, some male and some female.
As the drums and music sounded, several people began to dance flexibly. It was not difficult to see that the theme of the song and dance was also related to hunting, which was very appropriate.
Xiao Wan, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, had no intention of appreciating the performance. Her eyes passed through the dancers and met the gaze of Zhao Sicheng on the opposite side.
Zhao Sicheng nodded slightly to her, signaling her to rest assured.
Xiao Wan took a deep breath to suppress her nervousness, and couldn't help but glance in the direction of Zhengqing opposite her.
Zhengqing sat there calmly, chatting and laughing with the officials beside him, without any sign of anything unusual.
Yan Ning, who was sitting on the chair, had a somewhat wandering gaze. He could not help searching outside the hunting venue, and occasionally he seemed to see a dark shadow swaying.
He didn't know if it was just his own psychological effect.
The troops arranged by Masaharu should be around here...
It will definitely be accomplished today, it will definitely be accomplished!
His mouth was dry, but he held the teacup tightly, and the muscles in his arms were stiff.
Qin Yuwei always had a faint smile on her lips. She glanced at Yan Ning and said:
"The emperor seems to be worried. Could it be that the song and dance prepared by the Taichang Temple are not to his liking?"
She spoke suddenly, which startled Yan Ning and caused some of the tea in the cup to spill out.
He quickly adjusted his expression, somewhat afraid to look into Qin Yuwei's eyes, and said with lowered eyes:
"Mother, the singing and dancing in the Taichang Temple are very beautiful. I like them very much."
After saying that, he subconsciously turned around and glanced at Ma Yan.
Ma Yan remained calm and pointed at the cup in his hand.
Breaking the cup is a signal.
As soon as Yan Ning let go, Zheng Qing's men who had been lying in ambush nearby would rush forward and control the empress dowager and all the officials before anyone could react.
Yan Ning's breathing became more and more rapid, and even her hands were shaking slightly. It was obvious that she was extremely nervous.
At this moment, Qin Yuwei's voice came faintly, and everyone present could hear it, with a sense of majesty.
"Since the emperor has no interest in singing and dancing, why not change the program?
Just now, I have prepared a surprise for the Emperor as well."
After Qin Yuwei finished speaking, without waiting for Yan Ning to nod, she raised her hand and several people brought up Chen Laojiang.
The moment he saw Master Chen, the curve of Zhengqing's mouth disappeared a little.
Wasn't this old craftsman Chen sent back to Nanzhou a long time ago? How did he appear in the capital and fall into the hands of the Queen Mother?!
He immediately looked at Ma Yan, and Ma Yan also looked at him.
Ma Yan looked bewildered.
Zheng Qing slowly clenched the fist in his sleeve.
Once Master Chen told Yan Ning about the Dongzhu bracelet, Yan Ning would immediately realize that he had been cheated.
If I lose Yan Ning's trust, even if I succeed in getting rid of the Queen Mother today, how can I control Yan Ning and govern the country in the future? ?
Old Craftsman Chen looked a little dazed. He just stood there stupidly, not even knowing how to salute.
Qin Yuwei said to him:
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