Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
After the singing and dancing concluded, Li Jian Cheng admired the bold dance of the Sui Dynasty nobles and ministers, a sight akin to a chaotic revelry. Seven or eight officials, including the Imperial Historian and Yang Xuangan, twirled and spun under the guidance of Yang Su, their sleeves swirling as they waved and beckoned.
As Yang Su approached closer, it became clear that this was a dance of invitation; the host would begin dancing at the banquet, moving towards the guests to encourage them to rise and join in the lively turns and gestures before inviting the next guest to dance.
Since they were at a feast, refusal was not an option. To decline would lead to an unpleasant parting at best; losing one’s position or even facing family annihilation due to grudges were not unheard of.
When they reached the table of the younger generation, Li Jian Cheng and Dou Dan Yuan Shibi stood up voluntarily, bursting into an enthusiastic dance. They clapped their arms, patted their chests, and struck their backs in rhythm—this was the latest trend in dance.
As they danced, it became apparent that several scholars were stripping off their clothes and running about wildly. Clearly under the influence of Five Stone Powder, they were swiftly escorted away by servants to a side hall for their antics.
Had this been during the Wei-Jin period, everyone would have enjoyed the spectacle together; it was best to stand up for such occasions. If one had to remain seated, it was customary to cover one’s mouth with a hand—an age-old piece of wisdom passed down through generations.
Of course, those with refined tastes could choose otherwise.
After a lively time, conversations began to form circles. The younger ones discussed archery and hunting dogs while the older ones exchanged tips on intimate matters.
As the saying goes, one should ride horses to enhance one’s skills and use elixirs for vitality. Gathering precious liquids from golden pools and enticing beauty from blossoming beams allowed one to maintain youthful allure throughout their natural lifespan.
The core principle lay in the method of drawing strength from weakness…
Li Jian Cheng had arrived early at a separate courtyard where Yang Jishan had already gone to invite Yang Yue over as previously arranged.
Before long, Yang Yue arrived. He bore some physical imperfections and preferred not to partake in banquets. His complexion was pale and handsome, but there was a hint of coldness in his eyes and demeanor.
Once seated, Yang Yue spoke directly: “Li Langjun, what is it you wish to discuss with me?”
Li Jian Cheng replied, “Someone entrusted me with a generous gift from Jiangnan for Yang Gong; I just wanted to know if you would like it.”
Yang Yue’s expression remained unchanged as he waved his hand dismissively. “Let’s not discuss mundane matters. You have always been close with my lord; if you can persuade him on my behalf, then you are like family. Just leave your name and position behind; I will do my utmost.”
Li Jian Cheng stated, “Shouzhou Governor Grand Minister Duke of Bao, Yuwen Shu.”
Yang Yue furrowed his brow upon hearing this. “My lord must be joking; rather than seeking me out, you might as well appeal to the Queen.”
Li Jian Cheng smiled but remained silent. Yang Yue quickly realized that Yuwen Shu had long since placed his bets on Prince Jin—a well-known fact among many.
“Then has your father accepted this gift?”
"Far more valuable than what is given to the Esteemed Residence, but it is indeed a generous gift."
"Does the Empress know?"
"Jian Cheng just visited the Empress early this morning."
Yang Yue fell silent, frowning in thought. Li Jian Cheng said, "The gift is still on its way. In a few days, please invite Yang Shaoqing to the banquet, and we can discuss it in detail then."
Everyone knew that the Crown Prince's position was unstable, and the current emperor was no longer in his prime. The achievements of the Dragon were coveted, and promotions were highly sought after.
Li Jian Cheng was about to leave when Yang Yue suddenly grabbed his arm and asked, "Where are you going, Jian Cheng?"
"On my mother's orders, I must visit the Divine Martial Duke's Residence to pay my respects to my elders and bring a few younger sisters back home."
"Oh, in a few days I may also need to visit several uncles' residences. It's best to maintain connections with relatives and old friends."
Yang Yue had already decided to board the ship but still needed to consult her brother. She smiled gently at Li Jian Cheng and said, "Jian Cheng, matters of marriage should be kept discreet; revealing them too early could lead to failure. It would be better for me to meet with the esteemed guests who have traveled from afar first before hosting a banquet to invite distinguished guests for discussion."
She was concerned that if they boarded too late, their influence would diminish.
Li Jian Cheng chuckled, "Yang Gong is joking. How could I dare to be negligent when serving noble individuals?"
"Then tomorrow I wish to pay my respects to the Empress; I just wonder if she has any free time."
Li Jian Cheng fell silent again. After a moment, he glanced outside and said, "It’s getting late; I must take my leave now."
In the past, it wouldn’t have been difficult to see the Queen, but now she no longer received court officials. Only this young man could come and go freely.
Yang Yue did not let go of his hand. "I heard about what happened at the banquet earlier. Jian Cheng, please do not misunderstand; it was truly my brother's appreciation for talent that led him to wish you well."
Li Jian Cheng showed no visible emotion, responding calmly, "I see. It seems I have let down Duke of Yue's good intentions."
Yang Yue felt somewhat troubled. Li Jian Cheng was not from some minor family; he could not be bought with silver. His official position now relied on the Queen and later on Prince Jin; as for his title, there was no need to mention it—he would inherit Duke of Tang in due course.
The two exchanged glances for a moment before Li Jian Cheng sighed and said, "The Empress should have some free time tomorrow."
Yang Yue smiled brightly as she personally escorted Li Jian Cheng out of the residence. Yang Jishan, who was waiting at the door, watched in astonishment; he hadn't seen Uncle smile like that in years. Could it be that Jian Cheng possessed some miraculous ability?
After leaving the Yang Residence, Li Jian Cheng rode towards Chongde Square. Today, he was indeed going to his uncle's house to bring back a few of his younger sisters.
When the Dou Family returned to the Villa to care for the Dugu Clan, they initially planned to take all their children with them. However, the eldest brother, Divine Martial Duke Dou Zhaoxian, felt sorry for his younger sisters and allowed his wife to bring their nieces to their home instead.
Originally, when the Dou Family returned to the capital, they intended to pick up their children from Divine Martial Duke's Residence. Unexpectedly, the sisters insisted on staying until Dou Family's younger sister finished celebrating her birthday before returning home. Dou Zhaoxian and his wife repeatedly urged them to leave, so they had no choice but to return empty-handed.
After celebrating the birthday yesterday, today they sent Li Jian Cheng to fetch them and pay a visit to his uncle and aunt.
Li Jian Cheng currently had five younger sisters; his third sister was a full sibling, while the other four were born from two maidservants of the Dou Family. These two women had been personally trained by Princess Xiangyang for her daughters and were well-behaved.
Thus, the Dou Family treated their illegitimate daughters without any harshness, and the sisters were quite close. Otherwise, they wouldn't dare insist on not returning home. Li Jian Cheng was also very good to them, though he favored his biological sisters a bit more.
Upon arriving at Shenwu Duke's Residence, Li Jian Cheng found several of his cousins lounging against the gate, seemingly having waited for quite some time. When they saw him finally arrive, they all sneered and surrounded him.
Li Jian Cheng jumped off his horse and raised his hands defensively. "Sorry for the delay! Please don’t get rough with me, brothers."
"Look at you! Now that you're back in the capital, you run straight to the palace without even saying hello to your brothers. You finally come back and still take your sweet time—let’s see what happens!"
The brothers playfully shoved each other at the gate for a while before stopping. After much effort, Li Jian Cheng finally entered the residence and saw his own sister and several cousins coming to greet him.
Comment 0 Comment Count