Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
As they walked along the road, they could always find a small performance in every scenic spot, whether it was music, recitation, or even lion dancing. Sang Qingxiao's spirits were lifted by these joyful sights.
At first, Qi Xiaomian pulled her along, but soon it became Sang Qingxiao who was leading Qi Xiaomian, occasionally running a few steps ahead. Their lively movements set them apart from others, making them a spectacle in the eyes of onlookers.
More and more people began to whisper about the two of them. A glance from Qi Xiaomian silenced the murmurs; he didn’t rush Sang Qingxiao, wanting her to enjoy herself fully.
It wasn't until a eunuch came to summon them that they became the last pair to enter the palace. Standing on the steps, Sang Qingxiao glanced back one last time at the countless round tables filled with guests. She had heard that many were invited but hadn’t expected such a large turnout.
Seeing Sang Qingxiao seemingly counting the guests, Qi Xiaomian informed her that there were ninety-nine tables with nine people each. That meant nearly ten thousand people! Sang Qingxiao's eyes widened in disbelief.
A cold wind blew, and she anxiously looked down the steps. Qi Xiaomian reassured her that everyone entering the palace had been given a new set of cotton clothes. Although their meals weren’t as exquisite as those inside the palace, they were all served hot pots filled with meat, and there was always more available if needed. Additionally, there were charcoal fires under the tables to keep everyone warm. Not to mention, there was good wine to warm their spirits.
This grand banquet must have cost quite a bit; it seemed rather extravagant.
"Have you forgotten about that gold mine? After we hid some away, most of it went to His Majesty. The Ministry of Revenue only got a small portion, which just eased our immediate finances."
"During this grand banquet, the Minister of Revenue has been coming to the palace daily to lament his lack of funds, staying for half the day each time. No matter how much he was urged to leave, he wouldn’t budge until His Majesty finally grew impatient and opened the private treasury."
The Ministry of Revenue claimed that ninety percent of the expenses came from His Majesty. Given the Minister's frugal nature, it was likely that not a single coin came from him; he probably even pocketed some of what was given by His Majesty.
"What a talent," Qi Xiaomian remarked as he pointed out Minister Shang Sibian to Sang Qingxiao. With his goat-like beard and thin frame, he wore a troubled expression. His small eyes darted around like beads, seemingly pleased with his ability to save money.
Noticing Sang Qingxiao’s keen interest in him, Qi Xiaomian felt uneasy. "He wouldn’t have any issues too, would he?"
"No," she replied.
"Oh, that's good then. Among the officials, I may dislike asking the Ministry of Revenue for money the most, but I have the best impression of him."
Sang Qingxiao smiled mischievously; while this man seemed fine, there were still concerns about the Ministry of Revenue.
When Emperor Xuande saw that everyone was seated, he stood up and passionately began his lengthy speech. Everyone had to listen respectfully and respond at appropriate moments, occasionally shouting praises for His Majesty. As both monarch and subjects became excited, kneeling began anew throughout the grand hall.
Even if Sang Qingxiao was reluctant, she couldn’t stand out as an oddity; she obediently bowed several times. When she didn’t have to bow anymore, she took advantage of Qi Xiaomian’s cover and dozed off beside him.
The speech lasted for more than half an hour, and after a thunderous applause and cheers erupted, various performances finally began.
Comment 0 Comment Count