Chapter 227 Father Su’s Birthday
Seven days later.
At the beginning of winter, the weather turns cold.
On the marble steps of the Royal Temple of Heaven, a group of civil and military officials in court robes stood in an orderly manner on both sides, creating a very grand and imposing scene.
“Woo woo…”
“Boom boom boom…”
A loud and high-pitched sound of gongs and drums and trumpets rang out on the royal road paved with red carpet.
Emperor Fengwu, dressed in a dragon robe and wearing a phoenix crown, and holding the elegantly dressed Third Princess Feng Yewu in his hand, slowly walked up the steps and onto the round platform for sacrifice.
The Supervisor of Rites shouted "Kneel down" three times, and Emperor Fengwu, who was at the top, leaned forward and kowtowed three times to the sky. The densely packed courtiers below naturally followed suit.
"The ceremony is over. Let's burn incense."
Following the loud shouts of the Supervisor of Rites, Emperor Fengwu and Feng Yewu took the burning incense sticks handed to them by the palace servants, bowed three times, and inserted them into the incense burner.
Emperor Fengwu took a step back and said in a pious tone:
"The beginning of winter sacrifice, hoping that the heavens will protect our Fengqi, and the coming year will be good weather, peace and prosperity for the country and the people."
However, the word "An" had just been uttered.
Emperor Fengwu's pupils trembled violently:
Incense..., the incense is broken!
It was just the three incense sticks that Feng Yewu inserted. This sudden situation made the empress stop the words she was about to say.
Her face darkened and she glanced at the palace servants standing on both sides, with a warning in her eyes, telling them not to make it public.
Then he lowered his eyes to look at the three women who were just at his shoulders, pursed his lips, and shook his head silently.
It seems...
This is all destined by God.
When she had convinced herself and finally made up her mind to make Feng Yewu the crown princess, the incense and candles for the sacrificial ceremony were cut off at the root.
It's a bad sign!
Emperor Feng Wu sighed, flicked his sleeves, turned around, and left with Feng Yewu along the same path as before, his expression as usual.
However, the civil and military officials below the stage were unaware of the unexpected event on the stage. After the empress left, they all started discussing Emperor Fengwu's plan to make the third princess his successor.
The ministers who originally supported the Lady of Muyang County also stopped making suggestions and did not dare to go against the Empress's wishes and deliberately cause trouble.
…………
Late winter.
The dawn light slowly lifted the veil of night, and a cold breath filled the air.
Su Mansion.
Red lanterns were hung high in front of the door. Su Yuan had been called into the palace and had not returned yet. The men of the Su family were all dressed in festive clothes and stood at the door to welcome the guests.
Father Su was wearing a dark red brocade robe with a longevity character embroidered in gold thread. He kept looking at the alleys on both sides and asked:
"Qiu Bai, when will your father arrive?"
"Also, besides your mother, father, and sister, you didn't invite anyone else, did you?"
Ji Qiubai blinked his dark eyes, supported Father Su's arm filially, and said softly:
"I didn't invite anyone else, but the nobles in the capital were all quick to respond. We had originally agreed to only invite a few in-laws to celebrate."
"But I think those people who just came in look very unfamiliar. According to me, I shouldn't have asked them to come in. Humph, so annoying."
Father Su turned his head and glanced at Ji Qiubai's arrogant expression, patted the back of his hand, and advised:
"That won't do. Although Daddy only runs a small business, as Yuanyuan's official position has risen, he has also been to several flower-viewing and grass-viewing parties."
"Those lords in front are indeed wives of officials. As the saying goes, you should not hit someone who smiles at you. They came with gifts. How can you chase them away? You will make enemies for your wife in the court."
When Ji Qiubai heard that it was about Su Yuan, he snorted angrily and compromised:
"Oh well."
After saying that, he remembered something and looked at Meng Yunlan standing opposite him:
"Brother Meng, there is enough wine and food in the house, but everyone else has put it in, and there is nothing to eat. Isn't my wife's face going to be humiliated?"
Meng Yunlan nodded:
"I have already asked the servants to buy it. I have also asked someone to go to Ruyi Zhai to order their specialty dishes. As for the wine, fortunately, Lady Ji comes here often, and my wife has bought a lot of good wine, which will come in handy later."
Father Su heard this and laughed:
"Yun Lan is a thoughtful person. Your father is the one who is most at ease with the affairs of the mansion. By the way, your mother and father have already gone in. You can go and accompany them. Qiu Bai and I will stay here."
As for Nan Chu and Song Yuezhong.
A prefix for hosting a banquet.
I had thought that since there were fewer people today, Nan Chu would be able to learn how to do housework, so I asked him to prepare cakes and tea and didn't ask anyone to welcome the guests.
Another one, haha.
Father Su didn't expect anything from him.
Now, he is probably practicing swordplay!
Meng Yunlan responded "OK" and turned to go into the mansion.
Father Su and Ji Qiubai stayed and waited for a while, then they saw three luxurious and gorgeous carriages coming in the distance and stopped.
Four people got off the first two carriages, including King Nanyou's wife and husband, Ji Shi'an, and Shijun.
Seeing this, Father Su came forward with a smile and led everyone into the mansion:
"The in-laws are here, come in quickly."
Nanyou Wangjun took his son's hand and instructed the attendant who followed behind him:
"You guys take the birthday gifts to the mansion."
After saying that, he turned his head and looked at Father Su, smiling faintly:
"Today is my in-laws' birthday banquet. We have prepared some small gifts. I wish you good fortune and prosperity."
Father Su smiled and said:
"We are family, why would I bring any gifts? Originally, I said I would not hold a birthday party, but Qiu Bai and his family were so filial that they insisted on having one to celebrate."
Nanyou Wangjun raised his eyebrows slightly, glanced at Ji Qiubai beside him with a smile, and said in surprise:
"I didn't expect that my son would become more mature after getting married. You would even think of such things as the birthday party."
Ji Qiubai said speechlessly:
"Father, why do you describe me as a fool? If you are jealous, I will help you with your birthday celebration next time."
Nanyou Wangjun coughed twice:
"No need, come in, let's go in."
——The red sun is high in the sky, approaching noon.
There were two rows of tables in the courtyard, on which were placed cakes, tea, and fruits that were hard to find in winter.
Two rounds of refreshments had been served, and the guests who had heard the news gradually sat down at the entrance to the central courtyard.
Fortunately, in order to liven up the atmosphere, Su Yuan had invited a famous opera troupe from the capital to come to his house. Now, everyone was having tea and snacks, watching the singing on the stage with great interest, which was quite lively.
However, this was all before the big shot appeared, accompanied by a loud and drawn-out shout:
"Your Majesty has arrived—"
The people in the courtyard were stunned, and even the actors on the stage stopped singing and knelt on the ground:
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be blessed with good health and happiness!"
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