When Ji Yu invited the two young guests to the main room, he found that "Little Tail" had already hugged Cong'er and was standing inside waiting for them. Cong'er's mother is sitting behind the chairman's desk in the main hall. The guest seats on the left and right below have been cleaned by servants. Fruits, teacups and small pastries are also placed on the desk in front of the banquet, and they are waiting for a few young guests. 's arrival
Ji Yu was in front, leading the two children into the lobby of the main room. He first bowed to the gentleman and said, "Sir, the student has invited back two guests." Then he stood straight and sideways, with his left arm spread out. , nodded to the young man, and then said, "Sitting in the hall is my husband, Mrs. Xiang." After introducing both sides, he went on to tell the young man's name, "His name is 'Shang You', and he is the doctor of Yin, Shang Rong." My son is twelve years old this year.”
Following this introduction, Shang You also bowed deeply, knelt down and showed respect to his husband: "Sir, sir, please forgive me for causing so much trouble to my student Shang You today!"
"Well, Mr. Shang, please stand up!" Cong'er's mother smiled and looked at the shy young man, as if he knew etiquette.
Then, Ji Yu stretched out his arms again and pointed to the little girl standing behind Shang You, and introduced: "Li is their sister, her name is 'Shang Wu', she is eight years old this year."
Although the little girl was not very old, she learned the salute from her elder brother without any unfamiliarity at all. She also performed the kneel-down ceremony skillfully, and at the same time recited in a crisp childlike voice: "Sir, sir, please forgive me for discussing this afternoon." What a nuisance!"
"Okay! Please get up and come!" Cong'er's mother was very happy. There were so many children in the hall today. This was a "family event" that had never happened in a long time. She immediately ordered the servants, "Hurry up and ask for help." Young Master and Miss Shang, take your seats!"
The tables that usually receive adults suddenly turned into an interesting "school" because of the "distribution" of this group of children - however, there were no books on the table, but only food, which looked like a small banquet. mean.
When she heard that this young brother, who looked very delicate and was always a little shy before speaking, was actually Shang Rong's son, Cong'er was shocked: "I didn't expect that Dr. Shang Rong's children would appear in such a remote place. , all they knew was that he had been imprisoned for a while since he was deposed by King Zhou. King Wu of Zhou particularly respected him and wanted to ask him to help him again, but the important ministers who were loyal to the previous dynasty could not get past that hurdle and were unwilling. He retired to the mountains and forests, who would have thought that the mountains and forests he retired to were so close to his eyes?"
Throughout the ages, escape has been the choice of many people.
Just think about it, only when man and nature are integrated can we find the origin and truly feel at ease!
Looking at his children, although they are simply dressed, they can't hide the elegant temperament that comes from within. Their speech and behavior seem to be very sensible and stable, no less than adults.
It was the turn of the host's children to be introduced. Ji Yu first introduced Cong'er: "My family name is Xiang Zhong, the son of Mrs. Xiang. His nickname is Cong'er. He is three years old this year." Then it was his turn to introduce "Little Tail".
"My name is Ji Ling, I am seven years old this year, and I am the cousin of brother Ji Yu." Before her brother could say anything, "Little Smart" got smart and announced her family name.
Obviously, there are seats for each person, but "Little Tail" really likes this little sister who is a little older than her, and insists on sharing a table with her - of course, this is a place for adults. The table is still more than spacious enough for two little girls to sit down at the same time.
Cong'er sat in front of his desk, pretending to be more interested in the pastries on the table. In fact, the focus of his eyes was always on Shang You. There must be many children here compared to the oldest ones. Unusual and interesting story.
The two little brothers here, although they are only two years apart, look very stable; while the two little sisters, who are one year apart, look at each other like two little best friends who hang out together all day long. Smiling wildly.
"I heard that Mr. Shang's family has a long history of studying rituals and music. We are humble. Today I am honored to invite Mr. Shang to sit in his humble abode. I wonder if you can play a piece for us? I don't know what musical instrument you want to use. I will ask someone to play it for you? "Cong'er's mother is also very interested in the merchant's expertise in rituals and music, hoping to hear the splendor of the rituals and music that could only be played in the imperial court of the Yin Dynasty.
"My father has a saying: Before you reach the holy stage, you should not practice grand music. There are eight tones, gold, stone, silk, bamboo, earthen leather and wood, which are the source of utensils. Please forgive me for not daring to play randomly in private. There are many things that are disrespectful. Please give me more Forgive me!" Shang You stood up and saluted with his arms folded, politely rejecting this inappropriate performance request.
It’s no wonder that rituals and music were a very serious matter in that era. They were related to the image of the country, the dignity of the emperor, and strict regulations. They were all important tools of the country. How could it be done casually in an ordinary household? How about performing it in rural people’s homes? If you played casually, according to the laws at the time, you would have to risk your life in exchange for curiosity!
"However, my sister has learned some 'literary dances'. Please give her a feather so that she can present a piece of "Women are Good" to everyone." Shang You did not completely disappoint everyone. He asked his sister to come out and dance a piece praising women. The general's dance of "good women".
Cong'er was a little disappointed. Originally, he wanted to see if he could appreciate the famous "beautiful woman" Daji's "enchanting dance" that could charm King Zhou to the point of destroying the country, but he didn't expect it. What the daughter of a virtuous minister learned was the masculine dance of "a good woman" performed by a female general who was full of positive energy. In fact, this should be regarded as a "martial dance"! That's right, how could a loyal and virtuous man like Shang Rong let his daughter learn that "disaster" evil dance?
"Okay, okay! I want one!" When Ji Ling saw that the beautiful young lady was about to start dancing for everyone, she also called out to get an extra feather for herself, and she was ready to follow suit. The little sister dances behind me.
"Sure enough, he is a 'little tail'. He always clings to whomever he sees!" Cong'er felt that this nickname was very appropriate for Ji Ling.
The servant brought two feathers and gave one to each of the two little girls.
Shang Wu took Yanyu, held it with both hands, and walked to the open space in the middle of the hall. He first bowed deeply to the owner, and then began to sing and dance, with his hands, feet, eyes, and neck following the sound of the song. The rhythm danced slowly, and the bits were very accurate. It looked like the kind she practiced often. Sometimes she held a feather up to the sky, sometimes circled it to protect her body, sometimes she covered her face shyly, and sometimes it looked like a sword. Swing it down, as if you are on a battlefield, cutting off the enemy's head... Jumping down to the song, it is exciting to watch, as if you can see the life of a female general in the military.
Although "Little Tail" is extremely smart, in the face of such a complicated and professional dance, he still can't follow the hands and feet, and can't find his head back. He barely managed to follow the blind dance for a few times, and then he was conquered by his sister's superb dancing skills. She stopped unconsciously and stood aside, holding Yan Yu in her hand, watching Shang Wu dancing with each move, so beautiful, so heroic, and so admired by her.
"Are you going to sing?" Shang Wu was singing to a climax when suddenly, a question came from outside the door.