Everyone in the palace was discussing Duan Wenjun. Duan Wenjun and several of his close friends who came to the capital with him also gathered together.
The night is already very deep.
The people who came to visit have left.
The noisy Lin Mansion finally calmed down.
The gifts in front of him have been cleared away. Compared to everyone's excitement, Mo Shoucheng's brows were furrowed.
He knew what it meant that Duan Wenjun had received so many gifts today.
The case of corruption among officials in Jingzhou has yet to come to a conclusion.
Starting from the previous dynasty, the imperial envoys sent out encountered problems one after another.
This made Emperor Shun extremely angry about the corruption of ink.
However, he seemed very powerless when faced with the corruption of officials.
Therefore, many times, even if some officials who were found to be corrupt were known to be nothing more than a drop in the bucket, even if they knew that they were pawns thrown out by those behind the scenes, Emperor Shun always punished them severely.
Now, Duan Wenjun actually accepted the gift openly, and the amount was so large, which had to worry him.
According to Duan Wenjun, most of these gifts will be exchanged for cash. If they are of some value, they will be sent to the auction together.
All in all, everything must be converted into cash in the shortest possible time.
According to Mo Shoucheng's estimate, as a result, plus the sale of his perfume and soap, he would probably have nearly five million taels of silver.
This is five million taels of silver, not five hundred taels.
Therefore, it is inevitable that many people will covet it.
In fact, maybe even the person in the palace won't be able to bear it anymore.
After all, five million taels, this might be the income of the palace for three to five years, or even seven or eight years.
Emperor Shun had already taken Shan Fengshan into his own property, which proved that he was short of money, and very short of money.
If an emperor is so poor, it is inevitable that he will do something.
He wanted to remind Duan Wenjun, but he didn't know how to speak.
After all, if these words that slander the emperor are heard by someone with intentions, it will cause big trouble.
Especially, at this moment, there was Chai Jingyun sitting next to him.
After Eunuch Li delivered the news, he left in a hurry.
Chai Jingyun's face suddenly became a little strange, "Tomorrow's Mid-Autumn Festival banquet is said to be only attended by important ministers and royal family members. Why would my aunt take you there?"
As the second son of Prince Rui, it was his first time to participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet organized by Emperor Shun.
Before last year, Prince Rui or his brother who would succeed his father's throne in the future would attend.
This time, Emperor Shun made an exception and allowed him to participate, which already made him a little ecstatic.
But I didn't expect that the eldest princess would actually take Duan Wenjun with her.
Although the eldest princess had already taken Duan Wenjun to visit the Queen Mother, the Queen and Concubine Xian, Duan Wenjun told him that the eldest princess was bringing him the perfume so that he could better promote him in the future, and he could sell it then. Good price.
However, at this moment, Chai Jingyun seemed to notice something different.
Because he knows that the number of places for the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet has always been limited. Even if some ministers or people from aristocratic families want to take their children to see the world, they still need to report to the Ministry of Rites.
Of course, reporting to the Ministry of Rites is still a trivial matter. If the report is submitted, it must be approved by Emperor Shun's nod. .
This is different.
In other words, if the eldest princess wanted to take Duan Wenjun to the banquet, she must have obtained Emperor Shun's consent.
Or it could be said that Emperor Shun deliberately arranged for the eldest princess to take Duan Wenjun to attend...
Not only Chai Jingyun knew these truths, but Mo Shoucheng also knew them.
Therefore, he became even more uneasy at this moment.
In particular, the eldest princess took Duan Wenjun to attend the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. Even if he was from Yujianmen, even if he was Duan Wenjun's guard, it would be impossible for him to follow him in.
If someone wants to harm Duan Wenjun, or Emperor Shun wants to harm Duan Wenjun, how can I protect him at that time?
Or perhaps, the master asked him to go down the mountain to protect Duan Wenjun, most likely for the sake of the eldest princess.
When the eldest princess brings Duan Wenjun into the palace, she will naturally protect him.
If the eldest princess no longer protects him, does that mean there is no point in protecting him anymore?
Mo Shoucheng's thoughts suddenly drifted away.
It was at this time that Chai Jingyun suddenly said, "Wenjun, do you really think this is appropriate?"
As soon as he said this, Mo Shoucheng couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.
He felt that Chai Jingyun seemed to have the same worries as him.
"It's okay! What's wrong with it?" Duan Wenjun didn't take it seriously. He waved his hand and said, "These things were given to me by them, and I didn't ask them for them."
"That's what I say, but you should know that the emperor hates corrupt officials the most." Chai Jingyun frowned, "Although these things are gifts from others, after all..."
"Yes, you are right. The emperor seems to hate corrupt officials very much." Duan Wenjun smiled again and said, "But you also said that he hates officials! I am not an official."
"I am just a commoner lord with no practical benefits, not an official of the imperial court." He waved his hand and continued, "Even if he hates not only corrupt officials, he also hates receiving gifts." Man, but what does this have to do with me?"
Chai Jingyun was stunned when he heard the words, as if he didn't understand the meaning of Duan Wenjun's words.
Duan Wenjun didn't let him wait any longer, and then continued, "I never thought about asking him to like me. My orientation is quite good and I have no interest in men."
Hearing Duan Wenjun's words, Chai Jingyun couldn't help but feel a black thread.
This is the first time in the whole day that I have heard someone like Duan Wenjun discuss the emperor like this.
In order to gain the emperor's appreciation, many people tried every means and tried their best.
Sometimes, even if it was just one in ten thousand chance to perform in front of the emperor and attract the emperor's attention, they would fight to the death.
Many people even resorted to making money and killing themselves in order to prevent the Emperor from discovering their dark history or dirty tricks...
A person like Duan Wenjun actually thinks so highly of the emperor. From ancient times to the present, I am afraid that he is the only eldest son of the Duan family.
If he hadn't known Duan Wenjun's ins and outs, he might have thought that Duan Wenjun would have lost his mind and gone crazy.
However, he knew that Duan Wenjun's words were correct.
Moreover, he was not an official in the first place.
These words seem to be impeccable.
Chai Jingyun chatted with Duan Wenjun for a few more words and then left.
After all, tomorrow's banquet is a big event for Chai Jingyun.
His father, Prince Rui, had told him whether he could let himself fall into the eyes of Emperor Shun. This banquet was a very good opportunity.
Although Prince Rui is a laid-back prince, although he does not value fame and fortune very much.
But if he could have another prince in his lineage, he would definitely be very happy.
According to the rules of his ancestors, the throne of Prince Rui's Mansion must be passed on to his eldest son.
Therefore, as the second son, Chai Jingyun had no chance.
But recently, Chai Jingyun has done a lot of things to share Emperor Shun's worries.
Prince Rui felt that if he worked harder, it would not be impossible for Long Yan to become a great joy and give Chai Jingyun the title of prince.
After all, these are all members of the Lao Chai family.
The noisy day is finally over.
Letting Cuiping take off the outer robe for him, Duan Wenjun took the handkerchief she handed over and wiped his face.
Tonight, he did not read any more books.
After all, after all this hard work, it will be daybreak in an hour or two.
Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The eldest princess wanted to take him to Emperor Shun's Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, which Duan Wenjun had not expected before.
His idea was to go to Wenfeng Terrace.
It is said that on the Mid-Autumn Festival every year, students from all over the world in Dashun gather here to participate in the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival.
Reciting poems and writing poems is so lively.
There are even many young ladies who come here to look for a good match.
Of course, Duan Wenjun didn't want to follow those students and be fashionable, nor did he want to be attracted by any rich lady.
He purely wanted to join in the fun.
When he came to this world, he had heard many people mention the Shangliang Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival.
He also wanted to take a look and gain insights.
After all, it was the most lively party in Dashun, the most prosperous city.
But, obviously, his wish failed.
In his opinion, it was more comfortable to go to the lantern festival and join in the fun than to drink with Emperor Shun and a group of ministers.
Of course, since the eldest princess had spoken, he could not refuse.
Moreover, Mo Shoucheng had just mentioned to him that this banquet was not something ordinary people could go to.
You must get Emperor Shun's nod.
Therefore, this also means that Emperor Shun agreed to participate.
The eldest princess took him to visit the Queen Mother, the Queen Mother and Concubine Xian.
This is almost like the most important women around Emperor Shun. He has gone to pay homage to them all.
Then it is impossible for Emperor Shun not to know his existence.
I wonder, in the layout of my fat father Duan Daxiong, did he think of Emperor Shun's desire to participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet?
Duan Wenjun felt that Duan Daxiong should be unexpected.
After all, it feels like Duan Daxiong's plans are all centered around the eldest princess.
It should be some kind of tacit understanding between him and the eldest princess.
Then, the eldest princess would actually take this opportunity to let herself get in touch with Emperor Shun...
This is probably something he doesn't want to see, and something he didn't expect.
I wonder if Emperor Shun will take action against me during the banquet tomorrow?
Or is this just another arrangement by the eldest princess to help her?
Of course, Duan Wenjun couldn't find anyone to ask about all this at the moment.
While thinking, I fell asleep in a daze.
When I woke up, it was already half morning.
Cuiping said that seeing how hard he had been working these days, she didn't wake him up.
However, as soon as it dawned today, many people came to give gifts again.
Duan Wenjun had previously instructed that if he was not here, Lin Shuer could help him handle these matters.
So, in the morning, Lin Shuer dismissed those people on the grounds that Duan Wenjun was not at home.
However, they still accepted all the gifts they brought, and even registered everyone's names and gifts in a matter-of-fact manner.
In a blink of an eye, it was noon.
Eunuch Li has already asked someone to set up a carriage and wait outside the door.
Duan Wenjun showed no politeness and tidied up a little before taking Mo Shoucheng directly onto the carriage.
But what surprised him was that the carriage did not go towards the Xuanwu Gate of the imperial palace as usual, but instead went around to the south of the imperial city.
Walking along the city wall, there is a huge lake next to it.
At this moment, although it was still noon, the lake was very lively with singing and dancing.
You can still faintly hear bursts of singing.
Seeing Duan Wenjun's confused expression, Mo Shoucheng next to him smiled and said, "This is Yingyue Lake. Look, the small island not far ahead is Wenfeng Terrace."
"Is this Wenfeng Terrace?" Duan Wenjun looked a little excited and couldn't help but look outside the door curtain a few more times.
"I think this is Lord Duan's first time in Beijing. He has never participated in the Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Festival!" The little eunuch who was driving the car in front started to speak at this time.
"My father-in-law is right!" Duan Wenjun said with a smile, "I have wanted to visit Wenfeng Terrace for a long time, but I have just arrived in the capital for a few days and I have been busy with mundane affairs, so I have never found the time. I originally wanted to go and see it today. , no, I was summoned into the palace by the eldest prince again."
"Master Duan is joking, these things of yours can't be regarded as mundane affairs!" Unexpectedly, the little eunuch was actually very articulate. He smiled and said, "Those things you are busy with are all big things. In this capital, there are some I want to do a few mundane things like the ones you mentioned, Lord Duan, in my life, but I never get the chance."
"My father-in-law is joking." Duan Wenjun replied with a smile.
However, he was surprised in his heart. This little eunuch acted very cleverly and seemed to have something in his words.
At this time, the young eunuch's words rang out again, "But Lord Duan, there is no need to regret it. The emperor held the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet in Wanfeng Pavilion this time just to have fun with the people. When the time comes, he will stand on Wanfeng Pavilion. , you can see the entire Yingyue Lake and Wenfeng Terrace.”
Hearing this, Duan Wenjun and Mo Shoucheng couldn't help but look at each other.
In particular, Mo Shoucheng took the little eunuch's words seriously.
In previous years, the Mid-Autumn Festival banquets were held deep in the palace. Emperor Shun set it in Wanfeng Pavilion at the south gate this time. What is the significance of it?
"It is said that this year's Mid-Autumn Festival banquet will be a little different from previous years, and the two princes of the Mo Kingdom will also participate." The little eunuch's words rang out again, "Just say that yesterday, the fifth prince Yelu Wenqing of the Mo Kingdom also went to a banquet. I went to the Chinese Academy of Sciences and had a poetry competition with the students of the Chinese Academy of Sciences..."
When he said this, the young eunuch suddenly pulled the carriage and stopped at the gate of Nangong. "Master Duan, Eunuch Li is already waiting for you at the gate. Hero Mo and I can only send you here!"
Duan Wenjun looked up and saw a crowd surging at the entrance of Nangong Gate. Eunuch Li stood on tiptoe and craned his neck to look over.
