After the festival, the prime ministers, ministers, generals of the imperial army and nobles toasted to the emperor and empress in turn, and the empress responded well. Liu Chengyou basically just tasted it briefly, and after a while, everyone drank to get the atmosphere, and just felt it was right. No one dared to drink more from him. Even so, after a few glasses of wine, he looked drunk.
Huaiyang King Liu Chengxun also took the initiative to come forward, first to pay respect to the Queen Mother, and then to Liu Chengyou and Dafu.
"Second brother, sister-in-law, I respect you all!"
It hasn't been long since the establishment of the government, but Liu Chengxun has changed a lot. After all, he has become "independent". He was in the stage of voice change, and his voice was a bit unpleasant, but his childish aura couldn't hide it.
Liu Chengyou gestured towards him. The two brothers drank together and put down their cups. Liu Chengyou still did not forget his teaching: "I allow you to leave the palace and open a mansion because I have high hopes for you. You should be good at studying and practice martial arts diligently. Li Song and the others are all great sages." Don’t take your talent lightly and act recklessly. I will take time to examine your academic performance!”
"yes!"
Because he had always been in awe of his elder brother, Liu Chengxun listened to Liu Chengyou's words very seriously and nodded in response. However, when he heard the last sentence, there was inevitably a bitter look on his face. During this period, he was under the supervision of Li Song and other assistants, and he was very sad. Although he was out of the palace, he was still more restrained than inside the palace.
But similarly, Liu Chengxun was not as out of place as when he was in the palace, which satisfied Liu Chengyou, who was secretly paying attention.
Beside, Mrs. Li saw this scene of "brothers, friends and brothers respectfully", and her kind face showed obvious relief.
"Erlang, I'm low on energy, so I'm going back to the palace first." Seeing that it was almost done, Mrs. Li took the initiative to say to Liu Chengyou.
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou looked at the Queen Mother and saw that she indeed looked like she was not very drunk. He respectfully presented her with a gift and ordered the chamberlain to take good care of her.
"Madam, come with me to offer a toast to all the ladies!" After the Queen Mother left, Liu Chengyou greeted Dafu.
Dafu was naturally happy, responded gracefully, and followed him with his cup in hand. Glancing at Mrs. Gao, the imperial concubine saw her. Although there was a smile on her jade face, it was not so natural. Normally, the feelings may not be so deep, but on such important occasions, the status gap between the queen and the concubines is undoubtedly obvious, even though Liu Chengyou usually treats both women equally.
Liu Chengyou, who was in high spirits, naturally did not care about the thoughts of his only concubine. Together with Da Fu, he paid tribute to her one by one, starting from the prime minister.
The first is Wang Zhang. This is the only minister in the entire court who is used as a tool by Liu Chengyou. He noticed the white bun on the temples under Wang Zhang's crown. Liu Chengyou said in a sincere tone: "Since Jinyang, Wang Qing has been I have been holding the wealth in my hands for several years without any waste. I have been able to deal with border troubles, quell internal rebellions, and support the army and the people. I also rely on your efforts in raising supplies. I take this cup to express my gratitude!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Saint!" Wang Zhang leaned forward and drank it all in one gulp, looking very moved.
"Yang Qing personally takes care of my orders and assists me in handling state affairs, appeasing people's hearts, and making things smooth and orderly. I will also bear in mind your hard work and hard work!" Liu Chengyou still looked kindly on Yang Yan.
Although Liu Chengyou had always hated Yang Bin's arrogance, ignorance of the general situation, and lack of superiority, he had no intention of denying his political achievements.
This was probably the first time Liu Chengyou praised him so frankly. Yang Bin was also a little surprised and noticed the grin on the emperor's lips. She didn't even look at the queen beside you, and stood there numbly for a while, then raised her glass a little slowly, still showing her reserve: "I have received the kindness of the late emperor, and all I have done is repay my duties with my due diligence."
Yang Bin's words had one meaning: he wanted to repay Liu Zhiyuan's kindness.
Sometimes, I really don't know where Yang Bin's stubborn arrogance comes from when facing Liu Chengyou, or maybe it has become a habit and is difficult to change.
However, at this point, Liu Chengyou had simply ignored it, took a sip and left. On the other hand, the face of Da Fu who was following him changed slightly, and then he returned to his warm smile, but with phoenix eyes, he gave Yang Fang a cold look as he sat down slowly.
Calmly, Liu Chengyou walked up to Guo Wei and Wang Jun, and the two ministers stood up holding cups in response.
There were two chamberlains waiting beside him, and Zhang Dejun personally poured wine from a bottle of wine. Liu Chengyou looked at Guo and Wang: "In the recent army reorganization, I have been working hard and advancing it. Your mind is stable, your soldiers have no grudges, and you have made outstanding achievements. I would like to take this wine to thank you!"
"Your Majesty is serious!" Guo Wei maintained his humble posture as usual.
Wang Jun looked arrogant and accepted Liu Chengyou's praise calmly, but still gave him face and smiled.
Next came Feng Dao and other prime ministers, the bodyguards, the generals of the two departments in front of the palace, and those Jiedu. Others were not qualified to accept the emperor's personal toast, and Liu Chengyou did not have that much energy and drinking power.
Even so, Liu Chengyou and Dafu still toasted to the senior officers of the Forbidden Army at the banquet. This was regarded as preferential treatment and attention to the army.
Although the preparations for this winter solstice palace banquet took a long time, the main banquet did not last too long. Except for the emperor's speech, which was more important, it was nothing more than eating and drinking. Music and dancing were not something that most people could appreciate. Drinking, after all, was How can one be truly unbridled in the palace?
It took less than an hour and a half. At about the first quarter of Xushi, Liu Chengyou simply made a few concluding remarks and left the table with the empress and concubine. The first large-scale ceremony of the Han Dynasty in Qianyou years was held. The palace banquet was declared over. Under the guidance of the messengers and guards, they retired in an orderly manner.
The palace maids were lighting lanterns, the servants were accompanying them, and the armored men were guarding the guards. Liu Chengyou and Da Fu were walking in the corridors of the palace, leaning against each other. The wind howled so hard that he didn't speak for a while.
Looking outside the palace, Liu Chengyou's drunken face showed some confusion. He seemed to be able to hear the relaxed atmosphere in Tokyo where officials, soldiers and civilians were celebrating the solar terms. Even after tonight, the days of suffering will still have to go on.
"Your Majesty, the ministers have dispersed, and the uncle is sending people to clean up the remnants!" A eunuch hurriedly followed and whispered in Zhang Dejun's ear, and he reported.
"Yeah!" Liu Chengyou only responded softly.
Stopping, Liu Chengyou stretched and yawned, letting out a breath of white steam. Turning his head to look at the big talisman, the dim yellow light of the palace lantern seemed a bit ambiguous. It shone on his queen's face. The slight drunkenness made the beauty lose a bit of her usual dignity, and her smile gave birth to a bit of color. .
Liu Chengyou hugged Da Fu without hesitation, causing her to let out a soft cry, almost touching her face, and asked: "Why are you laughing?"
Dafu huddled in Liu Chengyou's arms and looked at him with watery eyes: "It's rare to see an official with a relieved smile like tonight."
"Oh?" Liu Chengyou was slightly surprised and subconsciously raised his hand to touch his cheek.
Smiling easily again, Liu Chengyou said: "Let's go to Kunming Hall!"
Liu Chengyou obviously planned to have an in-depth exchange with the queen, but Dafu shook his head: "Guan family, let's go to Yaohua Palace tonight."
After hearing this, Liu Chengyou let go of the big talisman and looked at her seriously, with curiosity in his eyes.
Da Fu smiled gracefully and said: "Tonight, I am satisfied to be with you in front of you."
Pushing the man away, Da Fu's virtuous appearance touched Liu Chengyou's heart even more. Is this what a virtuous empress is like...
