Until the musician finished playing, Lao Zhu still had his eyes slightly closed, immersed in the grandeur and atmosphere of the music.
Even Li Yuanming, who had always been opposed to Greater Joy, couldn't even say anything after hearing this.
After a long time, after Lao Zhu slowly opened his eyes, his face was filled with an extremely satisfied smile.
He glanced sideways at Li Yuanming and asked with a smile: "Li Aiqing, what do you think of this great joy?"
Li Yuanming was convinced and glanced at Han Du first, then lowered his head and bowed to Lao Zhu: "I seem to have seen Emperor Qin unifying the world, ascending the altar to worship heaven. It also seems to have seen the glorious thousand-year history book, unfolding the scroll to me.
This is auspicious, I congratulate Your Majesty and congratulate Your Majesty! "
"Hahaha, okay, what auspiciousness." Lao Zhu's wanton laughter echoed throughout the hall. He has always hated the officials below who always report any auspicious things. Generally, when encountering such officials who think that he is easily deceived and deceived, the consequences are usually disastrous.
But now, Lao Zhu feels that the words of auspiciousness and this great happiness simply complement each other. Only such great happiness can be worthy of the word auspiciousness!
"Li Aiqing, can this great joy be replaced?" After Lao Zhu was overjoyed, he looked at Li Yuanming with a smile.
Lao Zhu naturally knew that since Li Yuanming praised this music so highly, he must have no objection. But who asked him to bring out the etiquette just now? Although Lao Zhu obeys etiquette, it does not mean that he likes ministers to talk in front of him.
Because he knows deeply that etiquette is a weapon used by ministers to restrain the king. If an emperor shows that he does not dare to violate the etiquette at all, then the courtiers will try their best to evade the imperial power.
Li Yuanming knew that the emperor was dissatisfied and he had just firmly opposed the replacement of Da Le, but he did not dare to show his dissatisfaction. After taking a deep breath, he glanced at Han Du, lowered his head and replied to Lao Zhu: "I thought that this year's Wanshou Festival should not only use this great music, but also the emperor should give this great music a name so that it can be sung all over the world and let people all over the world." Everyone feels the splendor and majesty of the Ming Dynasty."
"Give me a name?" Lao Zhu's eyes suddenly lit up and he nodded towards Li Yuanming with satisfaction. If Li Yuanming hadn't reminded him, he really wouldn't have thought of it. This great piece of music will surely be passed down through the ages. Wasn't it just because Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty composed "Wanshou Music" and "Wanshou Zi" that he, the emperor, had to use Tang music for his Wanshou Festival?
Every time he hears these two pieces of elegant music, Lao Zhu can't help but admire the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. If I could name this piece of elegant music, then when future emperors hear it, wouldn’t they also admire the majesty and prosperity of the Ming Dynasty?
"Li Aiqing, your suggestion is very good." Lao Zhu smiled and pointed at Li Yuanming.
Li Yuanming smiled brightly and bowed slightly to Lao Zhu. He knew that this flattery made the emperor feel comfortable.
Lao Zhu twirled his beard and pondered for a moment, and was about to speak when he suddenly thought that Han Du had brought this piece from the Jiaofang Division. If it already had a name, wouldn't it be embarrassing for him to give it another name?
Looking back at Han Du, Lao Zhu forced a smile and said, "Does this song have a name?"
Han Du was stunned for a moment, then his eyes flashed with stiffness. What can I say, can I still say that this song already has a name? Even if he already has a name, Han Du can only say that he doesn't have one now.
Han Du also showed an overjoyed expression on his face and said: "I have been worrying about the name of this song these days. I have thought about several names but I think they are not worthy of this song. If the emperor can give me a name, , that’s the best.”
Lao Zhu and Han Du looked at each other, understanding each other tacitly.
Lao Zhu pondered and closed his eyes slightly, as if he was thinking hard.
When Han Du saw that Lao Zhu was not looking at him, he looked at Li Yuanming with an unkind expression. Unexpectedly, when Li Yuanming saw his gaze, he pretended not to know and avoided it.
'You want to hide after being stabbed, right? You can escape the first grade of junior high school, but you can't escape the fifteenth grade. Han Du glanced at Li Yuanming's side face bitterly.
Suddenly, Lao Zhu seemed to have gained something. He immediately opened his eyes and said, "When I listen to this great music, I feel like I see a majestic city standing in the sky and earth, with a majestic appearance that complements my Forbidden City. Let's call it the Forbidden City!"
"Okay, what a name!" Han Du clapped his hands excitedly, as if he had received a great gift.
This appearance made Li Yuanming feel very shameless and secretly cursed Han Du as a flatterer. But although he thought so in his heart, he didn't show it at all on his face. Instead, he clapped his hands faster and louder than Han Du.
"Hahaha." Lao Zhu stroked his beard and looked up with a long smile, as if he had won some great treasure.
Han Du saw Li Yuanming stepping out of the palace door and wanted to slip away. He quickly walked up a few steps and grabbed his sleeve.
Li Yuanming suddenly became very impatient. He pulled hard a few times, trying to take his sleeve back from Han Du's hand.
"Five Dynasties Rivers, Mountains and Winds"
"Master Hou, you respect yourself, how do you look like pulling and tugging in broad daylight?"
Han Du didn't care about that much. The old guy in front of him was very naughty. If he let go, he might slip away.
"It doesn't look good for me to pull you. Does it mean that you use my music to claim credit in front of the emperor?"
Seeing that he couldn't break free, Li Yuanming stopped pulling, and Han Du still held him. After adjusting his clothes, Li Yuanming said calmly: "Master Hou, what are you talking about? What do you mean, the official is using your music to claim credit in front of the emperor?"
You don’t admit it, do you? You want to have sex for free, right?
No way!
"Li Yuanming, please stop pretending to be crazy and stupid for me. If you ask the emperor to give you a name, why don't you ask for credit?" Han Du's eyes widened and he shouted loudly at Li Yuanming.
Li Yuanming was so frightened by Han Du's voice that he shuddered, and his spirit became tense involuntarily. He said in a low voice: "The Marquis must be reasonable in his words. Even if the official doesn't mention the emperor, he will still think of giving the name. The official just mentioned it. If the emperor doesn't want to give the name, wouldn't the official persuade the emperor to do it?"
"Your words are only worthy of deceiving those fools who are new to the officialdom. Don't use them to fool me. So what if the emperor thought of it? The emperor thought of giving the name, so the credit belongs to me as well.
But what's going on if you interfere? Just to make this credit yours. "Han Du suddenly took a step forward, approached Li Yuanming, and stared at him with wide eyes.
The sudden move startled Li Yuanming. Seeing that Han Du was so unwilling and difficult to deceive, Li Yuanming's tone and expression suddenly softened.
He said with a flattering smile: "Master Hou, this song is also prepared for the Wanshou Festival. Isn't Xiaguan also running for the Wanshou Festival? These are all things for the Wanshou Festival, shouldn't Xiaguan also get some glory? In this way, Xiaguan I promise to fully cooperate with the Marquis on this Wanshou Festival. What does the Marquis need me to do? How about I give the order to the magistrate to fight to the death?"
Seeing that Li Yuanming admitted and was willing to bleed to compensate for himself, Han Ducai angrily loosened his sleeves.
"Mr. Li, do you know how long I have been working on this song? How much effort has it cost? When I take over, you will actually pick the peach..." Han Duyue said, The expression on his face became angrier.
This song Han Du was planning to take this opportunity to plan the household registration for the people of Jiaofangsi, but he didn't expect that Cheng Yaojin would show up halfway.
Li Yuanming saw that Han Du was still chattering about how much he had paid for this song, but he still didn't understand that Han Du was dissatisfied with his conditions. Then he continued to increase the price, "Please tell me clearly what you want, Lord Marquis."
Seeing that Li Yuanming was about to bleed violently, Han Du immediately stopped talking about his hard work, and the lion opened his mouth wide, "If Mr. Li can report to the emperor and let the musicians and female musicians of the Jiaofang Division get rid of their low status, then this matter will be over. .”
"What? Let Jiaofangsi deregister? Impossible, this is impossible." Li Yuanming was shocked when he heard this, and he spoke quickly, with a hint of panic in it.
Han Du was a little surprised why Li Yuanming's reaction was so big, and couldn't help but ask: "Why is it impossible?"
Li Yuanming came back to his senses immediately, his mind was spinning, and he quickly said: "Master Hou, please spare the official. Even if the official is very brave, he would not dare to act like this."
Seeing that Li Yuanming refused to say yes, he said he did not dare to do so. Han Du frowned and thought of an idea. He looked up at Li Yuanming and said coldly: "Okay, since Master Li doesn't dare to present the memorial, let's go to the emperor and make it clear."
After saying that, he reached out and grabbed Li Yuanming's arm and started to walk back.
How could Li Yuanming dare to return with Han Du to see the emperor? He was immediately frightened and tried his best to resist.
"No, no..."
Seeing that Han Du insisted on doing this, Li Yuanming had no choice but to shout loudly: "Master Hou, stop, please listen to me."
Han Du stopped pulling Li Yuanming and looked at him, wanting to see what he wanted to say.
Li Yuanming sighed, leaned close to Han Du's ear and said, "Don't you know, Lord Marquis, that some of the female musicians in the Jiaofang Division are the wives of prisoners?"
"Of course I know this." Han Du replied succinctly.
"Since Lord Marquis knows this, why bother to stand up for them?" Li Yuanming shook his head slightly, his tone full of sighs. But when he saw that Han Du was not moved by his words at all, he knew that his plan had failed.
In this case, Li Yuanming stopped being secretive and said bluntly: "I can't tell that Mr. Hou is still a true and kind person."
Faced with Li Yuanming's words of praise for him, Han Du was neither happy nor sad, "So what about truth and goodness? So what about hypocrisy?"
Li Yuanming was slightly startled, not expecting that Han Du would say such words in front of him. After pausing for a few breaths, he suddenly laughed, stroking his hands and saying with a smile: "Well said, Mr. Hou is so courageous!"
"Since the Marquis speaks so cheerfully, let me tell you directly. The female singer of the Jiaofang Division was expelled not only to humiliate the families of those who committed crimes, but also to alert all officials. The Marquis is now Do you know how difficult this matter is? To be honest with the Marquis, I can't jump or lift with my hands, so I can't bear such a heavy thing. If the Marquis insists on letting me go to the memorial, then I can only say sorry. , This is because the lower official is not blessed." Li Yuanming said, his face became more and more solemn. After finishing speaking, he looked directly at Han Du, waiting for a reply.
Han Du didn't expect that Li Yuanming would be so cunning, or it could be said that he was cautious and would rather get away from him than go to court.
Of course, Han Du himself knew very well that despite Li Yuanming's free and easy words, he seemed to be able to spit out the benefits that came into his mouth casually. But Han Du dared to make a big bet. If he really let out the benefits, he would definitely hate himself for the rest of his life, and even include the Jiaofang Division.
Although Han Du is not afraid of Li Yuanming, there is no need to fall out with him now. And he is not afraid, but Jiaofangsi may not be able to withstand the anger of a minister of etiquette.
Now there is no problem with Jiaofangsi having Han Du, but in the future Handu will not be able to protect Jiaofangsi?
People should take a long-term view and never be blinded by temporary gains and losses.
Since Li Yuanming refused to back down, Han Du took the initiative to give in.
Han Du came closer to Li Yuanming and said: "Since Mr. Li refuses to report, then if the emperor wants to deregister Jiaofangsi, there will be no problem if Mr. Li can say a few good words to Jiaofangsi." ?”
Li Yuanming was shocked when he heard that Han Du was so generous. He couldn't figure out how Han Du could persuade the emperor to change his mind.
However, although he was curious, Li Yuanming knew the current affairs and did not ask. He just said matter-of-factly: "If it really comes to this point, I will naturally not hesitate to put in kind words."
"Okay, it's settled." Han Du showed a satisfied smile and stretched out his hand towards Li Yuanming.
"It's a deal!"
This condition seems to be very simple for Li Yuanming, as if Han Du suffered a loss. But this is not the case. For some things, at critical moments, if the key people can help say a word or two, the matter will almost be decided naturally.
Who is Li's original name? The Minister of Rites is the highest official in the Ministry of Rites when there is no minister. If he could stand up and say something when Lao Zhu was hesitant, he could really change Lao Zhu's wavering mind.
After Li Yuanming returned, he slowly felt that he had agreed to Han Du too quickly and was at a loss.
But the next day, when he received the imperial edict, he didn't think so at all.
"The emperor is destined to carry the emperor, and the edict says: ...Li Yuanming has fulfilled his duties and is diligent in his work, and he has won my favor...I will confer Li Yuanming the title of Minister of Rites on this day. I appreciate this!"
"I thank your Majesty for your kindness. Long live my Emperor..." After bowing to the imperial edict for three full times, Li Yuanming slowly stood up and tugged on his body a few times. Organize your clothes meticulously.
The eunuch who delivered the decree smiled and stepped forward, handed the imperial edict with both hands, and congratulated with a smile: "Li Shangshu, congratulations."
The moment he received the imperial edict, even the city whose original name was Li couldn't help but blush with excitement. In his dreams, he longed to sit on the position of Minister of Etiquette, but he never expected that he would be caught off guard.
Until now, he still felt like he was in a dream.
Han Du was surprised when he heard that Li Yuanming had become the Minister of Rites, and hurried to congratulate him.
Of course, Han Du didn't just go to congratulate Li Yuanming.
After taking a sip of tea, Han Duruo smiled pointedly and said: "Li Shangshu really doesn't show his true appearance and hides his secrets. I didn't expect to be named Shangshu so quickly. I don't know if Li Shangshu has been in front of the emperor again recently. What achievements have you made?"
Suddenly being directly promoted to a minister, it cannot be justified without sufficient credit. Even though there is only one step between the minister and the minister, there are so many people who have struggled all their lives but have not been able to take this step.
Thinking back to the beginning, even Han De was not able to become a minister and was only a minister.
The Minister seems to be under the Minister, but even for the part he is responsible for, the real decision-making power is not in the hands of the Minister, but in the hands of the Minister. Even if he is a minister like Li Yuanming, even if he can make his own decisions, in the end, his name is not justified.
Only by becoming a true minister can one be a close minister of the emperor and the pinnacle of civil service.
Li Yuanming's family knows that he is, but he has done nothing since he came back yesterday. How can he be able to make such a big contribution? He didn't need to think about it to know that he, the minister, must have taken this most critical step because he asked the emperor to give him a name yesterday, which made the emperor happy.
They are all smart people, and Li Yuanming did not play tricks with Han Du. He rubbed his tea cup and said energetically: "Please don't worry, Lord Marquis. I always keep my promise. Since I have made a promise, then I won't There will be no changes."
"Okay, then I would like to thank Mr. Li." Han Du smiled, picked up the tea cup and saluted Li Yuanming, took a sip, his eyes widened suddenly, showing a look of surprise, nodded and said: "Good tea, good Tea!"
The reason why Han Du couldn't wait to come here was because he was afraid that after Li Yuanming became minister, he would forget about their previous agreement. When Li Yuanming was the minister, Han Du was not worried because as long as he was not stupid, he would not dare to go back on his word.
But after Li Yuanming became Shangshu, that was not necessarily the case. After becoming the minister, Li Yuanming truly became one of the important officials of the imperial court. He was a person who caught the emperor's eye and could enter the palace to see the emperor at any time.
And Lao Zhu will definitely pay more attention to his opinions. Even if he disapproves, he will not even deny him a chance to speak. This is completely different from the Minister of Rites.
Li Yuanming also picked up the tea cup and responded to Han Du with a cup of tea instead of wine.
The two looked at each other and smiled, reestablishing a tacit understanding with each other.
...
Longevity is the beginning of a human being!
Slaughter is prohibited during the Wanshou Festival, and punishments are ignored for several days before and after. All civil and military officials are required to wear python robes to supplement their uniforms. On this day, craftsmen in the capital use colorful paintings, cloth, etc. to decorate the main streets in a colorful way, and there is singing and dancing everywhere. Civil and military officials from all over the country set up incense burners and paid homage to the capital.
On the Wanshou Festival, Lao Zhu will receive congratulations and contributions from the princes and officials in the imperial palace. At the same time, he will also reward officials according to their rank.
Usually, the gifts given to Lao Zhu by officials are not very valuable. Many of them are words, paintings, etc. And none of them are famous calligraphers. Most of them were written by Baiguan himself for Lao Zhu.
Although according to etiquette, this is how it should be, in order to reflect the integrity of all officials, to show that the family has no money, and etiquette is light on etiquette but affection is important. But for the officials in the Hongwu Year, even if there were no etiquette requirements, most of them could not give any valuable gifts to the emperor.
There is no other way. Who told the emperor to give them too low a salary? In the past two years, Baiguan's life has been a little easier, but it only means that he can rent a house in the capital, keep his family fed and clothed, and eat meat every once in a while.
The price of meat is not expensive now, especially the dried seafood, which is not much more expensive than the price of grain.
On the contrary, Lao Zhu's return gift was much more generous. Although there are no tacky items such as money, wine is indispensable, and silk and satin are also required as gifts in return, as well as tea, pepper, nutmeg, etc. These things are all in hard currency. Take Yujiu as an example. What Lao Zhu rewarded is better than the Shenxian Zui from the seafood restaurant. Shenxianzui at the seafood restaurant sells it for ten thousand yuan per kilogram. And Lao Zhu casually gave each official two jars of royal wine, each jar weighing five kilograms. Just two jars of royal wine, if you don't drink them and sell them secretly, they will be worth at least eighty or ninety guan, not to mention a hundred guan.
Not to mention silk and pepper, these can be used directly as money. That is to say, with the popularity of treasure banknotes, people have fewer and fewer opportunities to use silver money, and no one will directly trade silk pepper. But the value of these things is also not low.
Therefore, Lao Zhu's Longevity Festival is a day when officials really look forward to the stars and the moon. Many Beijing officials whose families are in financial difficulties hope to retaliate harshly on this day.
Longevity Festival is just the beginning.
God is behaving beautifully today, and the red sun is rising!
Officials from the capital, big and small, military generals, envoys from foreign countries, and princes of various titles, all entered the palace in an orderly manner under the shining of red light early in the morning.
As the official of Wanshou Ceremony, Han Du entered the palace before dawn to preside over everything.
In the Huagai Hall, Lao Zhu Gao sat on the dragon chair, and Prince Zhu Biao stood beside him. Han Du stood before His Majesty Dan as a ceremonial officer, followed by the kings who came back from various vassal states to congratulate Lao Zhu on his birthday, followed by important civil and military ministers, then envoys from various countries, and outside the palace were low-ranking officials from the capital.
When the time came, Han Du stood up first and expressed his gratitude to Lao Zhu: "Shaohao feels the flowing rainbow, and talks about the fate of Tangben Xuanniao. Your Majesty, the two qi combine with the spirit, and the nine dragons bathe in the holy. On a night when the stars are gone, the auspicious light shines in the room. , please consider it the Longevity Festival. The seasonal gifts are distributed throughout the world, and the banquet is ordered. On this day, the ministers offer nectar and wine, and the princes and relatives bring gold mirrors and ribbons, and the seven concubines tie the silk to carry the dew bag. As for the last question, the village community held a birthday banquet, named Saibai Emperor, Baotian God. The light of Yuantian above is enlightening the great sage; the emperor is below, and the prosperity is endless..." After saying that, Han Duchao Lao Zhu bowed and bowed.
All the ministers followed Han Du and bowed down.
Lao Zhu's voice came from the front, echoing clearly in everyone's ears, "On my birthday, you are waiting to congratulate me on my longevity, offer you a commendation, and commit suicide. It is a good thing. At your invitation, I declare the payment The commander-in-chief. All the ministers are equal~"
"Long live my emperor, long live long live~"
Han Du straightened up, turned to face the princes and ministers, and shouted: "Play "The Forbidden City"~"
When the ministers heard that Han Du's invitation was not the established elegant music, they couldn't help but look at Li Yuanming with strange looks, wanting to see the attitude of the new Minister of Rites.
Li Yuanming looked calm and kept a smile on his face. He didn't take everyone's doubts to heart at all, and he had no intention of explaining to them.
Li Yuanming was promoted to the position of Minister because of the "Forbidden City". Now anyone who dares to oppose the "Forbidden City" is opposing his appointment as the Minister of Rites, and he will fight to the death.
When the ministers saw that Li Yuanming, the Minister of Rites, didn't say anything, they also understood that there might be some reason that they didn't know. No one did anything inappropriate at this moment. They all kept their mouths shut and were ready to wait and see what would happen.
As the sweet voice came, everyone soon felt the majestic, majestic and sacred place in this elegant music. Even the main hall where they were standing instantly became extremely solemn and solemn. An exciting force echoed endlessly in their hearts.
At this time, no one thought about why the fixed Yale was replaced.
With such pearls and jade in front of me, the original ones are just rubble. Even if they were asked to choose, they would choose to replace the original one without hesitation.
The Longevity Festival has just begun, and the song "Forbidden City" has deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and shocked everyone.
After the elegant music, everyone was still reminiscing about their nostalgia, and the musicians around them began to play the songs of hundreds of birds. They could only hear the harmonious singing in the air, like blue luan flying in the sky, and hundreds of birds paying homage to the phoenix.
To be honest, the previous Yale officials were not interested, and the idea still didn't sound very good, but they were just solemn and solemn. In previous years, the officials would usually endure the discomfort and listen, but they were extremely looking forward to the next song of birds.
Today it’s just the opposite!
The officials were immersed in the majesty and majesty of "The Forbidden City" and had not savored it carefully, so the result was lost. And even if they tried their best to recall it, they couldn't clearly find out how they felt at that time, and they couldn't help but sigh, wondering when they would have a chance to listen to it again.
There is nostalgia in my heart, and I naturally can't listen to the singing of birds in my ears.
Fortunately, the toasts started, and the palace delicacies in front of them finally attracted people's attention.
The ministers of various ministries, the princes and envoys from foreign countries sat in the hall, and hundreds of officials and the attachés of foreign envoys sat in the two corridors outside the hall. Various kinds of food were placed in front of everyone. Pork, sheep, chicken, goose, rabbit and cooked meat with bones were presented according to grade. There were also fine wines, cakes, dried fruits and fruits.
Every time Lao Zhu raised his glass, all the ministers poured it in.
Soon the Wanshou Festival activities entered a climax stage.
Outside the hall, there is a platform that is ten feet in diameter and more than three feet high, and the curtain slowly closes.
The surrounding music suddenly stopped, and the lively banquet also stopped at this moment.
Han Du stood in front of the curtain, held an iron trumpet, and said: "Congratulations to my emperor for a long life!"
Han Du bowed and retreated. The curtain was slowly opened, and hundreds of virtuoso singers dressed in uniform and exquisite costumes stood on the stage in various poses.
"The red sun rises in the east, and its avenues are full of glow. I am so lucky to be born in your arms. I share the same blood. It is difficult to bear the same burden. We share the blessings. We stand upright. Our country is boundless. With benevolence and a faith that will last for thousands of years..."
As the singer sang, everyone seemed to see green tiles and red walls, with thousands of years of blood flowing. Lao Zhu was fascinated by what he heard. He originally thought it would be amazing enough for Han Du to produce "The Forbidden City", but he didn't expect the scene in front of him.
The oriole-like voices of Yao Yue, Xiang Xue, Yan Xue and others were melodious and long, and everyone danced together, which was heart-stirring. The curtain of thousands of miles of mountains and rivers behind the curtain appeared in detail in everyone's eyes under the illumination of many candlelights. Moreover, this picture of thousands of miles of mountains and rivers is not static, but slowly moves with the performance of the music.
With such a unique integration of sound, music, dance and scenery, Jiangshan Sheji is like a song, a piece of music, a dance and a painting, which makes people who see it for the first time inexplicably shocked.
"Okay! Good! Good!" Lao Zhu couldn't help but stand up, stroking his hands in praise.
After the dance ended, the Wanshou Festival reached its climax.
Outside the hall, sheng, Xiao and flute music were playing together. Female musicians dance on the stage, in duet and solo. Hundreds of tricks come into play, including climbing poles, jumping ropes, handstands, bending waists, playing bowls, kicking bottles, somersaults, and lifting...
After the three dances, the joking and colorful dancers entered the stage, and a dance team of more than 200 people entered the stage, dancing in unison.
Singing and dancing, it’s lively!
Although Lao Zhu was only six years old, he was in high spirits when facing such a grand occasion. He watched all kinds of tedious activities from beginning to end, from morning to dusk, without any inclination to sit still for long periods of time.
The kings, hundreds of officials, envoys from foreign countries...this Longevity Festival made them extremely happy. These people heard and saw too many unexpected things, which made them talk about these Longevity Festivals with endless praise.
Lao Zhu specifically asked Han Du to stay, and the Jiaofang Division was responsible for all the singing and dancing today. Lao Zhu was extremely satisfied with today. Even when he made an impromptu decision to let Han Du serve as the ceremony official, he never thought that this Wanshou Festival would be so well run.
In any case, Lao Zhu couldn't find any fault with having such a grand and grand scene on his Wanshou Festival, which was just a year old.
And since Jiaofangsi had contributed so much to this, Lao Zhu was also thinking about how to reward him.
Sitting on the dragon chair and pondering for a moment, Lao Zhu didn't have any good ideas. He had to look up at Han Du who was standing below and asked: "This year's Wanshou Festival, you really lived up to my expectations. I am very satisfied. You came out." You have exerted so much effort, after all, whatever you want me to reward you, I will agree to it."
Let me make my own request? Isn't Lao Zhu trying to disown his account? Han Du muttered in his heart and looked up at Lao Zhu's face.
"Your Majesty, I dare not ask for any reward." Han Du declined at first.
Lao Zhu was not angry. He was really happy today. In his eyes, Han Du's small actions became the advantages of being mature and prudent.
"If I ask you to say it, say it boldly. I am happy today. No matter what you want, I will do it."
If I want to take a concubine, can you do it? This sentence suddenly came to Han Du's mind, but fortunately he didn't put it into words. But even so, Han Du's forehead was instantly covered with cold sweat.
Seeing Han Du's behavior, Lao Zhu asked strangely, "Am I so scary? I want to reward you and let you raise it yourself, but can I scare you like this?"
Han Du quickly covered it up and replied carefully with a smile: "No, I am thinking about what I want."
"Then think quickly. I'm telling you, there won't be this store after passing this village. Just think about it and think boldly." Lao Zhu didn't become suspicious, thinking that it was Han Du's normal reaction just now. At the same time, he laughed, deliberately letting Han Du loose his courage.
Han Du pondered for a while, gradually calmed down, and said tentatively: "I have an idea, I don't know whether to say it or not."
"Say it." Lao Zhuyan nodded concisely.
Han Du secretly breathed out a sigh of relief and said, "This is what I think of. This Wanshou Festival minister has indeed not done much, and I dare not take credit for it. However, the Jiaofang Secretary has contributed a lot this time. Do you know if the emperor can give the reward to the Jiaofang Secretary?"
"Jiaofang Secretary?" Lao Zhu was stunned for a moment, wondering what kind of reward a yamen could have.
However, Lao Zhu immediately realized, "What you want to talk about is the people in the Jiaofang Department, right?"
"There is nothing wrong with the emperor!" Since he was seeking something from Lao Zhu, Han Du naturally flattered him without hesitation.
"The people of the Jiaofang Division are all fighting with their lives for this Wanshou Festival..." Han Du said, seeing Lao Zhu looking up at him, he did not interrupt his words, as if he was a little bit dissatisfied with the Jiaofang Division. Interested in what happened. Han Du told Lao Zhu what happened when all the female musicians persisted in training even if they were injured.
After hearing this, Lao Zhu couldn't help but feel a little moved, and sighed with a smile: "I didn't expect that a group of weak women would have the courage to show off."
"When the Holy Emperor reigns, all people will naturally have a courageous heart, even women." Seeing that Lao Zhu was not angry, Han Du sighed a little, so he boldly agreed.
At the same time, Han Du also secretly reminded Lao Zhu. Don’t forget, these female musicians in Jiaofangsi are also your subjects and should not be treated differently.
Han Du's words made Lao Zhu's eyes light up. He glanced at Han Du with satisfaction and asked in a deep voice: "How do you want me to reward them?"
Han Du didn't know where the courage came from. Seeing that Lao Zhu looked a little addicted, he said with a smile: "Why don't the emperor change them to good status?"
"Change it to good status?" Lao Zhu pondered for a moment, then turned to look at Han Du, "Why?"
Han Du secretly swallowed his saliva and carefully explained: "Because of their lowly status, the female musicians of Jiaofangsi are looked down upon by others. When they go out, they have to face the eyes and fingers of the people. Even if they have money, they dare not take them out of Jiaofangsi. , because they are simply unable to keep it.
I know that some of these female musicians have been implicated and are in the Jiaofang Department to atone for their sins. The emperor has always made clear rewards and punishments, punishing those who make mistakes, and rewarding those who have merit.
Regardless of whether they have done it before, they are still implicated and deserve to be punished! This is no problem. But now that they have merit, why doesn't the emperor reward them? "
After finishing speaking, Han Du felt relaxed all over and looked at Lao Zhu with bright eyes, waiting for his holy judgment.
There was no change in the expression on Lao Zhu's face, neither unhappy nor angry. He asked calmly: "Is this what you think?"
"Yes." Han Du replied simply.
Lao Zhu glanced at Han Du playfully, then suddenly leaned forward a little, looked down at Han Du and asked: "I heard that you and the female singer from Jiaofangsi are a little unclear. Is it because of this that you Dare you plead for them?"
What bastard is this that puts me in a shit basin?
Han Du's eyes suddenly widened and he replied angrily: "Your Majesty, this is absolutely not the case! This is slander. Someone is slandering me."
Han Du originally thought that there was hope for the female singer's deportation, but he did not expect that someone would accuse him in front of Lao Zhu. It doesn't matter that I am not afraid of slanted shadows.
But when he thought that Lao Zhu would not agree to let the female singer deregister because of this, Han Du suddenly became angry and his eyes turned red. Such a despicable and shameless villain, don't let me know who he is, or I'll kill you.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The hard work of so many people in the Jiaofang Division for so long did not expect that it would be wasted because of a cunning move.
Lao Zhu smiled and looked at Han Du. He naturally knew that Han Du was not familiar with the female singer from Jiaofangsi. Otherwise, if Lao Zhu hadn't calmly asked him here, I'm afraid the inkstone would have been smashed by him, and the people in the Jiaofang Division would have died miserably.
"It's not a trivial matter for a female musician to leave her nationality..." Lao Zhu thought about it and said subconsciously.
After hearing this, Han Du immediately raised his eyes and looked at Lao Zhu. Could things be turning around?
Lao Zhu ignored Han Du and directly ordered the old eunuch: "Since it is a matter of etiquette, let's call Li Yuanming to ask."
Han Du felt even weirder when he heard this. Isn't this a coincidence? Why did Lao Zhu really want to ask Li Yuanming’s opinion?
Originally, Han Du had the mentality that if he didn't take advantage, he would suffer a loss. Then I pulled Li Yuanming and asked him to give an explanation. I didn't expect that I would actually use it today.
Li Yuanming took small, fast steps all the way to the imperial court and bowed down.
After standing up, Lao Zhu asked directly: "If the Jiaofang Si Nu Le is deregistered, can it be done?"
Hearing the emperor's words, Li Yuanming's heart was filled with turmoil. He never expected that something that he thought was impossible would actually be asked about by the emperor one day.
How did Han Du know? Could he still be able to predict the future? This thing was so weird that Li Yuanming couldn't think of any other reason except this one.
Although his heart was inexplicably shaken, Li Yuanming, who had a dent in his chest, did not show it at all on his face. He bowed to Lao Zhu in a polite manner, and then said: "Thunder, rain and dew are all your kindness. The emperor can demote him with just one word." If you become a lowly person, you can naturally lift them up with just one word."
But Li Yuanming's answer did not satisfy Lao Zhu. What Lao Zhu wants is an excuse that can stop Tianxia Youyou's mouth. If he is casually demoted or promoted without a legitimate reason, he always feels that he is going back on his words.
Glancing at Li Yuanming indifferently, Lao Zhu said: "If I promote their status now, is it feasible?"
"It's feasible!" Li Yuanming replied without hesitation, and added, "The emperor has the world in mind and encompasses the whole world. Promoting his status can better reflect the emperor's unparalleled saintliness."
Lao Zhu wrinkled his brows a little, then slowly opened them, showing a smile and saying: "I understand, Li Aiqing, please step back."
"I excuse myself." Li Yuanming bowed his head and took a few steps back before retreating.
From beginning to end, he never glanced sideways at Han Du. But he knew in his heart that those two sentences just now were enough to repay Han Du's favor.
Han Du also didn't pay attention to Li Yuanming, and now he didn't hide the joy on his face as he looked at Lao Zhu.
Lao Zhu pondered for a moment, nodded slowly and said, "Okay, I can issue an order to let them deregister."
Before Han Du was happy, he had to thank Lao Zhu.
Lao Zhu continued: "Gong is merit, fault is fault. Their merits and demerits can be balanced, but those who join the Jiaofang Division in the future will still be of low status."
