All guests, scholars, and famous scholars attending the banquet live together in the Qushui Palace.
The official competition will only start tomorrow, and a banquet will be held in the evening. When the students have nothing to do, they gather by the Qushui River to recite poetry, compose poems, and socialize.
“Look, that’s the Crown Prince of Jiang’s carriage.”
As they spoke, a person suddenly pointed to the distance and spoke loudly. The scholars all looked up and saw that, between the melting fine willows, an exquisite and luxurious treasure-covered carriage was slowly driving along the mountain road in the direction of the palace.
Followed by the Jiang Empire’s generals and guards on the side of the carriage.
The carriage was extremely far away, with the doors and the windows tightly closed, and no one could see the Crown Prince of Jiang inside the carriage. A scholar said, “Nowadays, all the famous scholars in the world are praising how the Crown Prince of Jiang is unparalleled and gorgeous. I am really curious what kind of appearance this Crown Prince of Jiang has for the famous scholars to praise him so much.”
“Since his wedding, it seems that the Crown Prince of Jiang has never appeared in public. Do you guys think it’s possible that the famous scholars have spread false rumors and the Crown Prince of Jiang is indeed ugly and ashamed to see others?”
“Impossible. In Muyun Pass’s chess battle, countless famous scholars from both the south and north of the Yangtze River rushed to watch the battle. The famous scholars were not blind. If the Crown Prince of the Jiang Empire was really ugly, how could they still write so many articles to promote the Crown Prince’s demeanor?”
“All right, what’s the rush? I heard that the two Crown Princes will attend the banquet today and host it at the same time. At that time, you can tell at a glance. Besides, that’s a Jiangnan Crown Prince who is on an equal footing with His Highness the Crown Prince. His status is so prestigious. Don’t spread rumors that are untrustworthy, even if he looks a bit ugly, it doesn’t matter. A Crown Prince of a country doesn’t rule the world by appearance.”
This statement attracted many scholars to agree.
But in this era, people attach great importance to appearance, and some scholars argue that even if appearances are not impossible for a Crown Prince of a country, but they should not be too much of an eyesore as well.
There are endless debates in this room.
A scholar suddenly said, “In my opinion, the Crown Prince of the Jiang, regardless of being beautiful or ugly, is still pitiful.”
Everyone looked at that scholar.
“Why, haven’t you all heard about it yet?”
“Heard about what?”
“His Highness married the Crown Prince of Jiang not because he was pleased with him, but just to maintain peace in the north and south. The person His Highness was truly pleased with was the young gentleman who made a name for himself and won the literary leader title at the Spring Banquet two years ago.”
The scholars did not show much surprise, because in the past two days, there have been many rumors circulating privately, especially in the tea houses of various sizes in the Sui capital, but no one dares to discuss them openly.
“Zhao Ji, misfortune comes from the mouth. I advise you to be cautious in your words and actions, don’t mention this matter; otherwise, it will spread to the two Crown Princes’ ears. I’m afraid you may not be able to bear the consequences.”
The scholar named Zhao Ji gave a cold smile.
“This humble was only telling the truth. When in this world can we not even tell the truth?”
“Truth can be told, but it’s better to say less foolish words so as not to rot your tongue.” A cold voice suddenly came from the side.
The scholars turned around and saw a white-clothed Young Master, holding an ancient zither in his arms, standing out of nowhere on the grass not far away. He looked as proud as a crane, standing gracefully. Although he was speaking sarcastically, he did not look at Zhao Ji, as if a glance would dirty his eyes.
“That is—the Prince of Music, Lou Fengjun?!”
Some sharp-eyed scholars immediately recognized Luo Fengjun’s identity.
In this Spring Banquet, literati and scholars from various countries in the south and north of the Yangtze River participated. As a world-renowned Prince of Music, Luo Fengjun, one of the former Four Princes of the Southern Kingdom, naturally came along with his father, Luo Changqing.
Luo Fengjun is known for his aloof and solitary personality. It is said that when he walks on the road, he always looks at the sky and doesn’t care about people. Now, he even takes the initiative to speak up for the Crown Prince of Jiang. It’s like the sun is rising from the west.
Zhao Ji was choked by Luo Fengjun’s words, and his face immediately looked a bit ugly. However, he quickly regained his usual expression and snorted, “Whether what this humble said is true or not, we will see it tonight, and it will be clear. There is no need for the Prince of Music to comment here.”
At the end of his sentence, he straightened up and flung his sleeves away.
“Brother Luo!”
Wei Yun followed up, panting heavily, and said, “Why are you here? I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Luo Fengjun said calmly, “It’s nothing. I didn’t expect to hear dog barks, I just came to check it out.”
“Dog?”
Wei Yun looked around in confusion, but he had something more important to look for Luo Fengjun, so he didn’t get entangled in what was before him. Wei Yun followed Luo Fengjun forward and hesitated, saying, “Brother Luo, there’s something you must help me with.”
Luo Fengjun said, “I only understand music skills. I apologize for any inconvenience in other matters.”
The words were not merciful at all, but Wei Yun knew Luo Fengjun’s temper and didn’t think anything of it. He said stiffly, “Can Brother Luo help introduce me to the Crown Prince of Jiang at tonight’s banquet?”
Luo Fengjun stopped walking and frowned at Wei Yun.
“Why do you want me to introduce you?”
“Because Brother Luo has a good relationship with the Crown Prince of Jiang. Last time the Crown Prince of Jiang got married, didn’t Brother Luo even specially create a new song to give to the Crown Prince of Jiang?”
Wei Yun begged in front of Luo Fengjun because he’s really helpless.
Back then, both of them were the Four Princes of the Southern Kingdom. Luo Fengjun had a solitary and arrogant temper, looked down upon others, was not likable, and even frequently offended others. And because of his outstanding appearance and easy-going nature, he was the-best-liked, and had a star-studded presence everywhere he went. Unexpectedly, the current situation has completely reversed.
But he can’t help but bow his head.
At present, his uncle Wei Lian is constantly anxious and may lose power because he has offended the Crown Prince of Jiang. He must seize this opportunity in order to break free from this uncle’s control once and for all and take the Wei Kingdom back into his hands.
Seeing that Luo Fengjun was not moved, Wei Yun sighed and said, “Now that Chen Qi, one of the Four Princes of the Southern Kingdom has died, only you and I can support each other…”
Lou Fengjun sneered.
“Chen Qi had it coming to him. I consider him to be on par with my toes. If you insist on being with this person, we can sever ties today.”
“Ai, ai, I didn’t mean it that way, Brother Luo, wait for me.”
Seeing that Luo Fengjun had already walked away, Wei Yun was busy stomping his feet and following.
Sui Heng was busy with Mount Li’s defense and the military examination venue, he did not often stay in the palace. After Jiang Yun arrived at the palace, most of the time he sat in the palace reading books. In addition to his trusted subordinates, such as Fan Zhou and Gongsun Yang, there were also some members of the Crown Prince’s mansion, such as Ji An and Gao Gong, accompanying them. After having lunch and taking a short rest, Jiang Yun suggested taking a walk by the Qushui River when he was idle.
Mount Li is a summer resort, and during this season, the weather outside is perfect for hiking and sightseeing. Going outdoors is indeed more comfortable than staying indoors.
Fan Zhou, who was at the Spring Banquet for the first time and was also eager to witness the grandeur of the occasion and appreciated the spring scenery of Qushui along the way, happily said, “Does Your Highness want to wear a veiled hat?”
Jiang Yun shook his head. “Just prepare the carriage for Gu.”
Fan Zhou’s didn’t see it coming.
His Highness has always been low-key in his actions. He thought that he would hide his identity and wander around like he did when shopping before. On one hand, he can stroll freely, and on the other hand, he can avoid being disturbed and reduce many unnecessary troubles. Unexpectedly, his Highness wanted to travel by carriage today. Ordinary people within three zhang of the Crown Prince’s carriage should kneel and bow to him. But Fan Zhou thought for a moment that perhaps his Highness had been running around all the way, tired and unwilling to walk anymore, which was understandable. He quickly agreed and asked Gongsun Yang to arrange it.
With Ji An and Gao Gong’s help, the carriage was quickly prepared.
Fan Zhou did not sit in the carriage this time but followed the driver on foot, like Gongsun Yang, for the convenience of enjoying the scenery. The coachman was replaced by another of the Jiang Empire’s guard.
Along the way, he saw that there were already a lot of people gathered along the Qushui River in a group of three or four, all of whom were famous scholars and contestants from various countries who came out to appreciate the scenery and go for a spring outing.
Fan Zhou’s gaze was drawn to a large group of neatly dressed scholars on the grass, either sitting on the ground or sitting upright behind a table, grinding and writing with determination.
Gongsun Yang also felt curious and asked, “What are they doing? Isn’t the competition only starting tomorrow?”
The palace steward, who was accompanying them, smiled and answered for the two, “They are rehearsing in advance.”
“Rehearsing in advance?”
“That’s right, tomorrow’s first competition will be a literary competition, and the competition will be held by the Qushui River. Many scholars will come here early to present their essays and feel the excitement, so as not to be too nervous during the live performance.”
As he spoke, the carriages had come to the edge of the grass.
The scholars stopped writing and stood up to salute when they saw the Crown Prince of Jiang’s carriage approaching them. However, the few scholars standing at the front, taking advantage of the interval between bowing, suddenly stuffed the several rice paper sheets on the table into their arms.
This is almost a disrespectful act.
Gongsun Yang frowned and didn’t say anything, but the palace steward had to come forward and reprimand, “You are so bold. In front of His Highness the Crown Prince, you dare to hide and do such an impolite thing. What are you hiding? Hurry up and take it out.”
That scholar turned pale and trembled as he took out a few crumpled sheets of paper from his arms. Other scholars, upon seeing the situation, dared not hide it anymore and handed it over honestly.
If they offend the one in charge and are disqualified from participating due to such a small matter, it will not be worth the loss.
“It’s not much, it’s just-just an old article.”
“Since it’s an article, what’s there to hide?”
“Our old article is…”
“Is what?”
“Is… ’Spring Ode’.”
The palace steward was taken aback for a moment, then remembered something and frowned.
Gongsun Yang strode over and snatched the paper from the scholar at the front. He didn’t know many words and handed the article to Fan Zhou to read. Fan Zhou quickly read it, showing a surprised expression first, and then a strange feeling floated in his heart.
But before he could think it over, the scholars suddenly kneeled down in fear, looking at the carriage, trembling, and saying, “Your Highness, forgive us, we are not intentionally checking Chu Yan’s article, but Chu Yan’s ‘Spring Ode’ is indeed well written. Almost all the scholars participating in the Spring Banquet in the past two years will revisit the old article.”
Chu Yan.
Fan Zhou immediately understood that this Chu Yan was probably the young gentleman from the Wei Kingdom who had made a big name for himself at the Spring Banquet two years ago, and he was also the rumored concubine who was favored by the Crown Prince of Sui!
Fan Zhou’s face became extremely ugly all of a sudden.
The palace steward also felt his scalp tingling, looking at the group of scholars in frustration. These bookworms, out of anyone to mention, insist on mentioning that young gentleman Chu. In this Sui capital, who doesn’t know that His Highness favored that young gentleman and how many crazy things he did after that young gentleman’s death? Now that the Crown Prince of Jiang has just married His Highness, weren’t they looking for trouble for bringing this matter up?
For a moment, a wisp of sweat ran down the corners of the palace steward’s forehead in nervousness as well.
“It’s fine.”
Just as everyone’s hearts were tense and about to reach their throats, a clear and mellow voice suddenly rang out from the luxuriously decorated carriage.
“Whether it’s the Spring Banquet or Liushang Banquet, talent wins. Those with high talent should be respected.”
There are no words to describe how good the sound was. It’s like a mountain stream flowing through the green stone, jade falling into the stream culvert in the slightly hot afternoon.
Immediately after, the carriage door opened from the inside, and a fair and slender hand reached out from inside, taking the article over.
After a moment, the sound rang again.
“The article is excellent, and Gu also appreciates it very much.”
“There is no fixed form in writing, and copying is important. However, it should not be limited to imitation. You all should practice different styles of writing and cultivate a truly unique writing style. Gu believes that with time, you all will be able to create even more impressive works than this ‘Spring Ode’.”
The young Crown Prince’s voice is like a gentle breeze and rain, falling into everyone’s ears and hearts.
Some bold people couldn’t help but look up and want to see the Crown Prince’s real appearance inside the carriage, wondering what kind of appearance would deserve such a voice.
Just when the crowd really reacted, the carriage was already reeling forward. However, the palace steward stayed behind and reprimanded everyone, warning them to be cautious in their words and actions.
Zhao Ji, who was kneeling at the end, quietly withdrew while everyone was not paying attention and arrived at a tea house by the Qushui River.
“Young Master.”
He called through the window.
The man inside asked, “How is it?”
Zhao Ji told what had just happened, and the people inside were silent at first and then a little concerned.
“There is no fixed form in writing, heh, it’s because one’s heart is unwilling but has to pretend to be generous.”
“You did a great job, I will give you priority in this year’s quota.”
Zhao Ji was overjoyed and then asked, “Young Master, then tonight’s banquet—”
“Follow the plan.”
“Yes.”
As evening approached, renowned scholars and officials from various countries flocked to the designated location for the banquet. Usually, the banquet is hosted by Emperor Sui, who entertains all of his subordinates and the contestants. However, this year, due to the north-south exchange, the two Crown Princes from Jiangnan and Jiangbei attended and hosted the banquets together.
Jimo Qingyu still wore his ink-colored robe and rightfully sat at the top left, followed by his disciples led by Zhao Yan. Han Xiao was next to Jimo Qingyu, but due to being busy entertaining the Guozhu and ministers from other countries, he did not sit in his seat. Further down, the Guozhu of the subordinate countries were seated.
The Chen Kingdom’s Guozhu sat in a row with the Wei Kingdom’s Guozhu, Wei Lian, and the Guozhu of the Jiang Kingdom, Jiang Yuping, sandwiched between a group of subordinate states in the north of the Yangtze River. Across from him sat Luo Changqing, the Luo Kingdom’s Guozhu, Yun Hao, and several famous scholars of the Jiang Empire. As soon as the Chen Kingdom’s Guozhu entered the banquet territory, he smelled an unusual aura and said, “Why are there so many guards this year?” The crowd followed his line of sight and saw that the open-air banquet hall was surrounded by soldiers, it was full of soldiers of the Qinglang Battalion, standing with scimitars on their waists.
“All of them are the personal soldiers of His Highness the Crown Prince of Sui.”
Someone whispered.
The Guozhu of another small country under the jurisdiction of Jiangbei whispered, “Have you all not heard of someone colluding with officials from the Sui capital court recently to cause trouble on the Yellow River and disrupt the plan of north-south communication? His Highness seems to have noticed and is planning to take advantage of the Spring Banquet to catch the turtles in the jar.”
“What?!”
The Chen Kingdom’s Guozhu was the first to exclaim, “How could such a thing happen? Guaren hasn’t heard of it yet. Who is so bold?”
Jiang Yuping’s hand holding the wine cup tightened slightly beside him, while Wei Lian, the Guozhu of the Wei Kingdom, remained as sickly as ever, looking absent-minded and not participating in the discussion.
Another person said, “Who knows? We didn’t do anything wrong, so we’re not afraid of ghosts knocking on the door. His Highness wants to eradicate traitors, so let’s just go ahead and drink our wine with ease.”
Within the palace.
It was almost time for the banquet, and Ji An and Gao Gong brought the formal attire for the banquet over and asked Jiang Yun to change. At this moment, Gongsun Yang strode in from the outside, holding an envelope in his hand and saying, “Your Highness, this has been handed over to the gatekeeper.”
Jiang Yun took the letter and opened it to see that there was no writing paper inside, only a painting.
After seeing the content of the painting clearly, Jiang Yun narrowed his eyes and said to Gao Gong, “Put away the formal attire. Gu won’t go to the banquet tonight.”
What?!
Both Gao Gong and Ji An were stunned and pale.
Tonight is the two Highnesses’ first appearance after their marriage. What’s going on if His Highness the Crown Prince of Jiang is not attending the banquet?
The officials from the subordinate countries and scholars who were waiting in the banquet hall saw that only the Crown Prince of Sui came on his horse when the time came and did not see the Crown Prince of Jiang. They are all showing various speculative expressions.
“What’s going on?”
“Wasn’t it said that the Crown Prince of Jiang has already arrived at the palace today and went for a spring outing by the Qushui River? Why hasn’t he shown up yet?”
“Don’t know ah.”
Sui Heng held the wine cup and smiled, saying, “It’s fine. Today, Gu has also invited another honored guest. Hurry up, please invite the honored guest to the table.”
Everyone looked sideways and saw two personal soldiers from the Crown Prince’s mansion walking forward while holding a person with pale hair and a gray shirt.
Seeing the person’s appearance clearly, many people were secretly surprised.
“Yan-Yan Bing?!”
Since the downfall of the Yan family, Yan Bing has been confined to his ancestral home and has never appeared in front of anyone again. His sudden appearance at the Spring Banquet today surprised everyone.
Yan Bing calmly accepted the scrutiny from his surroundings. He came from a prestigious family and was already outstanding in his demeanor. It’s just after two years of training that he still maintains a tall and upright posture. Looking at Sui Heng, he asked, “Don’t know what Your Highness wants by summoning the guilty minister here?”
Sui Heng said, “Prime Minister Yan has organized the Spring Banquet for our Great Sui for so many years and has recruited countless ‘talents’. Now that the North and South are interconnected, This Spring Banquet is also getting bigger and bigger and flourishing, so how can Prime Minister Yan not come over to take a look with his own eyes?”
Yan Bing said indifferently, “Your Highness’s great favor, the guilty minister dare not accept.”
“What’s there to be afraid of?”
“Gu is going to invite Prime Minister Yan to watch a good show tonight.”
Yan Bing remained unmoved and said, “The guilty minister is old and deaf and blind, so the guilty minister is afraid that I can’t appreciate Your Highness’s masterpiece.”
Sui Heng smiled, “Whether you can appreciate it or not, you have to see it to know.”
The sunset is sinking as everyone goes to the banquet hall. The surroundings of the Qushui River are exceptionally peaceful, and the slender willows along the banks blend into an endless golden radiance, swaying with the wind. Under the slender willows, there stands a noble carriage covered in golden gauze on all sides.
The carriage was parked alone by the river, with only two guards guarding it.
Yan Qi stood in the distance, his eyes fixed on the position of the carriage, paused for a moment, as if he had made up his mind, and slowly walked up.
“What are you doing?”
Gongsun Yang immediately stepped forward to stop the person.
“It’s fine, invite him in.”
The person inside the carriage spoke.
“Yes.”
Gongsun Yang stepped aside.
Yan Qi walked to the front of the carriage and bowed inside: “Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
Through the hanging golden veil, he could only see a blurry figure, and a strange feeling suddenly struck his heart.
Yan Qi lowered his head and saw the painting thrown outside the driver’s seat. In the painting, a young gentleman in a green robe sat upright with the slowly flowing Qushi River behind him, holding a blue flower in his hand and smiling at the bright and flamboyant young man in front of him.
Such a beautiful picture, even he felt piercing when he looked at it, not to mention the high and mighty Crown Prince of Jiang. He didn’t believe that anyone in the world could be treated with such disrespect and insult.
Just like him.
He has been searching for so long, being hurt for so long, and even though he knows that it is a bit risky today, he still can’t wait to see this noble and pitiful creature who was just like him.
The person inside finally spoke, “Did you send someone to send this painting to Gu?”
Yan Qi couldn’t deny it.
The person inside said again, “It’s just an old painting. What makes you think that Gu will care?”
Yan Qi smiled and said, “If Your Highness really didn’t care, Your Highness wouldn’t be sitting here alone and sad.”
“Isn’t it true?”
