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墨書 Inktalez
For the first time, Liu Qingxi knocked on the neighbor's door. A burly man in his thirties opened it and spoke in a simple, straightforward manner, "Who are you looking for?"
"Hello, sir. My name is Liu Qingxi. I just moved in across the street and haven't had the chance to visit yet. Since it's the Mid-Autumn Festival today, I made some mooncakes at home and brought some over for you to try."
The young girl, with a sweet smile, presented the gift. No matter how cold-hearted someone might be, it was hard to refuse such a gesture, especially since the man, despite his tough exterior, was warm-hearted inside.
"Thank you!"
"It’s my pleasure. You go ahead and take care of your business, I’ll visit others." This was Liu Qingxi's first time in the capital, and she had already become familiar with the neighbors.
The last stop was at Zheng Hao's house at the end of the street. Compared to those she hadn’t met much before, she was closest to Zhou. Besides being her guide during their first outing, their families had exchanged visits frequently over the past few days.
"What are you doing spending so much? You should be the one receiving mooncakes from me."
"Aunt, why are you being so polite with me?"
Just as Zhou was awkwardly trying to decline, two children rushed out from inside. Upon seeing Liu Qingxi, their eyes lit up. "Sister Qingxi!"
The two kids ran over and hugged Liu Qingxi's legs.
Children know best who treats them well and who does not; clearly, Liu Qingxi belonged to the former category.
"Sister Qingxi, what delicious food do you have today?" asked a three-year-old girl with two pigtails in a sweet voice.
"Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, so of course I brought mooncakes for you! Look, there are flavors that both you and your brother like."
"Hee hee hee!" The girl swallowed hard and clapped her hands excitedly as she spun around in place. "Thank you, Sister Qingxi."
"You two." Zhou was so angry that she didn't know what to do, but since the two children liked it, she stopped refusing.
"Aunt, what I send you is for you. If you don't like it, let the kids eat it, right, Jiao'er?" Liu Qingxi joked with Zhou while half-squatting and pinching the girl's cheek.
Jiao'er softly replied, "Yes!"
The adorable voice melted Zhou's heart; she wished she could bring her best offerings right in front of her.
"Alright, Aunt, I won't stay any longer. You all carry on." After that, she left with the two maids, their basket now empty.
Watching them leave, Zhou felt grateful and said, " Miss Liu is truly a good person, so down-to-earth."
Zheng Hao also seemed thoughtful and nodded in agreement with Zhou's perspective.
"Here we have Lord Yang, a Fifth Rank official, yet both families are so humble. This is what true public servants should be like."
In their view, those officials always acted high and mighty, as if they were above the common people.
Yang Yichen and Liu Qingxi were indeed rare examples of being grounded.
"A match made in heaven; they make a lovely pair. I hope they end up together and live happily ever after."
That evening, the Wen Family and Liu Qingxi became one family. At Liu Qingxi's place, a long table was set up with plates of mooncakes and clear tea.
The round moon gradually rose, its bright light illuminating the earth and everything before them. The candle flames swayed gently in the breeze, casting flickering shadows on their faces as time flew by.
In the Imperial Garden, officials from all sides had already gathered, and the palace attendants, stage, and performances were all prepared.
Accompanied by the sharp voice of the Chief Eunuch, "The Emperor has arrived! The Empress has arrived!"
A man dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe entered alongside a stunningly noble woman, exuding an inherent dominance that made everyone tremble. The civil and military officials, along with their families, knelt in unison.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"
The voices echoed throughout the Imperial Garden, reverberating back in waves.
"All you esteemed ministers, rise!" Dugu Han lightly cleared his throat. "Today is the annual Mid-Autumn Festival. You and your wives should relax and enjoy yourselves without distinction between ruler and subjects."
"I won't say much more; let the banquet begin!" Dugu Han intended to say a few more words, but a sudden discomfort pressed against his chest silenced him, forcing him to avoid this part.
Even though his expression was subtle, Queen Wang, who was closest to him, noticed it clearly and raised her lips in a barely perceptible smile.
She was well aware of the reasons behind everything happening.
With the Emperor's command, nine women dressed in light white gauze skirts gracefully stepped onto the stage. The leading woman wore a white skirt adorned with fiery red flowers, resembling a demoness blooming on a white lotus.
Her water-snake waist twisted elegantly as the thin gauze flowed with their slender arms, drawing perfect arcs in the air before gently falling to cover their delicate skin.
With a gentle spin, her skirt billowed up slowly, creating a perfect 360-degree arc that captivated the audience, leaving them entranced and unable to pull away for a long time.
As the dance concluded, the men present remained dazed. Dugu Han clapped his hands while seated at the head of the table. "Good, very good! Go down and receive your rewards!"
As he began, the officials below responded one after another, "So beautiful, Your Majesty is wise!"
Thus, it turned into an event of flattery.
This opening act achieved an unexpected effect. Dugu Hanlong smiled broadly and said, "Alright, the banquet officially begins. I believe all of you ministers know that our Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, besides the performances, also creates wonderful stories. Now, which lady would like to be the first to take the stage?"
This was a rare opportunity to shine at a royal banquet, a supreme honor.
The ladies were eager to try but lacked the courage to be the first.
After a moment, a woman sitting closest to the Queen slowly stood up. "Your Majesty, this humble servant is Wang Yuru, and I would like to perform a piece for everyone."
The woman wore a pink long skirt, her stunning features bore a resemblance to Queen Wang, especially her enchanting eyes that seemed exclusive to the Royal Family.
This woman was named Wang Yuru, the daughter of Wang Wenyuan. Due to her resemblance to Queen Wang, she was deeply favored and often entered the palace, leaving a strong impression on Dugu Han.
"Yurou, you can be the first!" Dugu Han said kindly to his beloved niece.
Wang Yuru slowly walked forward as palace attendants brought her the instruments she needed.
She extended her delicate white hands and sat behind the ancient Guqin. As she gently plucked the strings, the music flowed gracefully. In the finale of the piece, joyful melodies complemented the full moon above, expressing the joy of the festival while also conveying beautiful wishes for the future.
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