(20)
The next time everyone at Yuyi Academy will meet the three brothers and sisters He Ba will be the next day when Zhao Kuo holds the coronation ceremony. But before that, the whole Zhao family prepared a grand banquet for Zhao Kuo, which was also talked about.
On that day, in order to solemnize the event, red lanterns symbolizing auspiciousness were hung along the long street in front of the Zhao Mansion.
Some people think that this is the Zhao family showing off their power, but this is not the case. This is what the merchants along the street do to please the Zhao family. In addition, they did not hesitate to close down the business early just so that they could personally go to the Zhao family's house to toast a glass of wine and say congratulations.
The jade craftsmen put down their chisels, the tailors put down their scissors, the wine merchants, tea merchants, and spice merchants put down their business. They all put on the most luxurious brocade clothes, brought the most special gifts, and carried the most pious hearts. Climb the stone steps leading to Zhao Mansion.
Among them, most of them have never received a formal invitation, so they are not qualified to participate in the banquet. Even so, it did not stop them from being diligent.
On this day, there has been an endless stream of visitors since the morning. Some people are new here and want to say hello to the rich man in Yuyi Town; some are former political enemies and want to reconcile with the Zhao family; Now that he is in jail, he wants help from the Zhao family.
Suddenly, the Zhao Mansion was like a temple filled with pilgrims: people came and went here day and night, inside and outside the door, even though there were people exchanging cups and cups, and the hospitality was hard to refuse, but everyone knew their shame and politeness, and there would never be any trouble. Make a joke.
It was not until dusk was approaching, twilight was approaching, and the birthday banquet was about to begin, that the real guests arrived with invitations and took their seats one by one.
The host divided the banquet into three main seats: the chairman's seat, the guest seat, and the women's family seat. Among them, the chairman is a representative of each faction, mainly including representatives of soldiers, retainers, merchants, etc.; the guest seats are the retainers with special skills under the Zhao family, and they are invited because of their merits; the women's family seats are mostly invitees to the main and guest seats. relatives.
Su Qing and Hu Yan finally met again at this banquet after not seeing each other for a long time. They laughed constantly, mostly talking about interesting things in life, and never mentioned the approaching war.
"Brother Tiger Eyes, has Junior Sister Ling's condition improved recently? If you need me, Father Tao, to prescribe another prescription, you can ask at any time!"
"Junior sister has been suffering from madness for a long time, and I have already prepared that she will never recover. Fortunately, Shaoxia Bai gave me three disciples, which made it much easier for me to take care of my junior sister."
"You don't have to be polite to everyone in Yuyi Academy. We all don't know each other even if we don't fight each other. Hahaha!"
However, not long after that, the Tuoba brothers, who had been leading troops on the front line and dealing with the enemy for a long time, happened to arrive. As soon as the two of them sat down, they ate wine and meat, and lamented that life in the army was difficult.
"Brother, these days I spend more time sitting on a horse than standing on the ground. Life is too hard!" The fat black man Tuoba Guang is now haggard and thin, his skin color is darker, only his honest face remains the same.
"Ah Guang, now Mr. Zhao and Mr. Zhao invite us to the banquet, aren't they just trying to reward us?" Tuoba Yan's appearance seems to have not changed much. He is still the thin and tall Xianbei warrior. He continued: "Stop complaining, it's delicious. When the war is over, we can find a place to raise horses and sheep in peace!"
When Huyan heard the word "war", his expression suddenly darkened. Following the sound, he met an old colleague. He just stood up to talk to each other and said respectfully: "Brothers Tuoba, we haven't seen each other for a long time. How are you doing?"
"Huh?" Tuoba Chen looked back, thought for a moment, and then suddenly said: "Is it the instructor of the former camp, Lord Tiger Eyes?"
Hu Yan then asked: "Brother Tuoba, how is the situation on the Western Front?"
Tuoba Yan said: "It's still the same. The men and horses from Wuchuan Town are harassing the herdsmen and business travelers passing through Yuyi Town day and night. We are running around to protect the people, and we are exhausted. Alas! It is useless to be controlled by others everywhere."
Huyan sighed again, thanked Tuoba Yan, then returned to his seat, and asked Su Qing: "Brother Su, according to the latest battle situation, the main force of Wuchuan Town will move from the north to the south, and the northern front may become the main battlefield by then. According to the current situation, the war may start at any time..."
"Brother Hu Yan, you can say it directly, don't beat around the bush." Su Qing pretended to smile casually, aiming to make Hu Yan not worry too much.
"My junior sister, can you please ask Brother Su... to ask Yuyi Academy to take care of you on your behalf." Hu Yan spoke in a very soft tone and with great caution. This seemed to be the most unspeakable thing in his heart: "Today, I am still in the military. It is already extremely difficult for her, and I am afraid that when the war breaks out, I..."
"Okay!" Su Qing said resolutely: "Brother Tiger Eyes, don't worry, even if I don't like it, Brother Bai will definitely help me."
As soon as he finished speaking, Bai Feng heard that Brother Tuoba had also arrived as promised, and rushed from outside the door to greet him. Su Qing took the opportunity to tell Bai Feng clearly about Tiger Eye's request, and Bai Feng responded with a smile: "Such a trivial matter, Tiger Eye Brother, why do you need to hide it? After the war, I'm still waiting for you to show your true skills to fight!"
After the young swordsman finished speaking, he immediately informed Su Qing and said, "Brother Su, I'm afraid I won't be able to go back as early as possible for this night banquet, so the safety of Yan'er and the others will be entrusted to you."
"Okay, just go and serve Young Master Zhao!" Su Qing joked: "I will explain it to Miss Murong for you, hehe!"
Bai Feng shook his head and returned to the chair with a smile on his face.
After a while, the head of the family, Zhao Wei, sat down and raised a glass of wine to the guest of honor. Then he went to the memorial tablets of his ancestors to offer incense and pray for blessings. He then asked his eldest son, Zhao Kuo, to kneel three times and kowtow nine times in the ancestral hall, and finally held the crown. Li, the nickname "Nangzhi" was chosen for Zhao Kuo.
"Nangzhi, at the beginning of tonight, you will have grown up. From now on, it will be time for the great Zhao family to pass into your hands..." Zhao Wei couldn't help but burst into tears as he spoke, so that he couldn't even speak.
Fortunately, Zhao Kuo had become the head of the family at this time. He raised a glass on behalf of his father and invited the guests. He was generous and unswerving, and officially announced the start of the banquet. When the messenger boy stood outside the door, he also beat the gongs and drums and shouted: "The birthday banquet has begun!"
At this point, the three banquets were served with dancing and music, wine glasses were arranged, and laughter continued.
However, not long after the coronation ceremony, three people without invitations suddenly came to visit the house. Although the servants outside the door tried to obstruct them, they were still unable to resist the intrusion.
"Ouch!" A cry came as the door was knocked open.
"How could Mr. Zhao not invite me to such a grand banquet?"
An arrogant man slowly appeared in front of the guests, with blond hair and a golden beard, followed by followers - one was dressed as a Han man, holding a beautifully packaged gift; the other was also blond, but a girl, holding a gift in his hand. The same congratulatory gift.
"Wuchuan Town Heba family?" Bai Feng was shocked. He was the first to stand up from the chairperson and look at the uninvited guest outside the door.
