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After each enjoying a small plate of roasted venison, Li Jian Cheng personally poured wine, the amber liquid flowing into jade bowls, and then everyone exchanged smiles: "Cheers!"
"Cheers" is synonymous with raising a glass, and those in agreement included Cai, Eternity, Du Ju, and Cheers. At gatherings of scholars nowadays, they preferred to use "Ying" or "Qian Sui."
The wine was warm upon entry, not only smooth but also slightly sweet; this was the wine of the present day, and it was good wine.
If it were the usual Tavern's wine, it would be a pale green color, murky and unclear, with a layer of fine white floating objects resembling ants on top, known as Green Ant Wine or Muddy Wine.
Setting down the wine cup signaled the arrival of ten or so lightly dressed young ladies who appeared before the hall. Behind the screen, drums and string instruments began to play. A beauty with Nine-Immortal Buns, dressed in Peacock Green Garb and adorned with a Seven Treasures Necklace, gracefully entered while kneeling in greeting with a pipa in her arms.
Bai Xue Ning Qiong's beauty shone through; her lips were like pearls, her jade-like hands delicately plucking the strings of the instrument. Her eyes sparkled like water, radiating charm as she sang melodiously.
Behind her, dancers swayed their skirts like flowers and clouds, accompanied by wine, music, song, and dance.
As the performance concluded, Li Jian Cheng and others stood up to applaud. The beauty smiled and returned the gesture. According to current customs, satisfactory performances warranted additional rewards.
Li Jian Cheng waved his hand, and a servant brought forth a gilded silver cup with a hunting pattern from an ornate box to present to the lead dancer. Others also offered gifts—either silverware or silk—but all were careful not to overshadow Li Jian Cheng's generosity; this was proper etiquette for guests.
The gifts were taken away by one of the young ladies. The lead dancer then approached the hall to pour wine in thanks. After sharing a few cups together, she returned to sit behind a screen painted with mountains and flowing water as the tune of "The Eighteen Beats of the Hu Jia" began to play.
After drinking a few more cups, the selected lamb was served alongside pepper for seasoning. Upon tasting it was indeed incredibly delicious.
Following that came rabbit meat, wild boar meat, bear meat, snake meat, and civet meat; however, all were prepared in similar ways that made it hard to distinguish their flavors.
Fortunately, garlic sauce was provided to mix with the meats one enjoyed. Dipping pieces into garlic sauce and adding a bit of seasoning before wrapping them in golden flatbread sprinkled with sesame made for an immensely satisfying bite.
After enjoying a hearty meal, they watched the Dancer perform for a while. It was indeed a rare delight to see a golden-haired, blue-eyed Dancer dancing in this era.
A few of them loosened their waistbands and stepped out onto the flying bridge to admire the scenery. Meanwhile, dozens of maidservants hurriedly cleared the tables and opened the windows, replacing them with a Rosewood round couch. The lead dancer was assisted by the maidservants as she removed her shoes and gracefully ascended to the couch, where she began to brew tea, waiting for the noble guests to return and continue their discussions.
Leaning against the railing, they spotted several acquaintances engaged in poetry and composition, enjoying the lively atmosphere for a moment.
Once it seemed appropriate, they returned to the hall to remove their shoes and sit on the couch. With no outsiders present and among peers, they relaxed in their seating—some crossed their legs while others let their feet dangle at the edge of the couch.
Li Jian Cheng addressed the beautiful woman, saying, “Thank you for your efforts; please take a rest.”
“I wish Lord eternal happiness,” she replied, sitting gracefully across from Li Jian Cheng. As she bowed her head in respect, her neckline revealed a glimpse of her beauty.
The others smiled as they watched Li Jian Cheng, surprised at his calm demeanor; he didn’t even raise an eyebrow.
As she departed, leaving behind a lingering fragrance in the room, Yuan Shibin asked curiously, “Eldest Brother, have you secretly visited Pingkang Square? Or has the Duchess of Tang granted you a concubine?”
“Jian Cheng, you’re not being honest. Tell us, did you seek out any Dancer for amusement?” Yang Jishan chimed in eagerly.
Li Jian Cheng shook his head and replied, “Of course not. This is the way of a gentleman—eyes straight ahead, do not gaze upon what is inappropriate.”
Yuan Shibin laughed, “It’s clear you kept your eyes straight ahead, but whether you refrained from looking at what’s inappropriate is something only you would know.”
Under normal circumstances, they would be happy to have a few beauties stay behind to chat. However, with Li Jian Cheng having taken up the role of Thousand Cattle Guard, today’s conversation would likely turn to topics from within the palace—matters that were best kept from outsiders.
Leaning against the railing, Dou Dan said, "Jian Cheng is still young, and his marriage hasn't been settled yet. He shouldn't go to such places for pleasure. And when you go out, don't speak carelessly."
After a moment of laughter, the group grew serious. Yang Jishan whispered, "You’re asking for trouble at the wrong time. We can’t even find a place to hide for a while."
The others also looked troubled, especially Dugu Kaiyuan, who grumbled, "The Emperor should have acted sooner if that was his intention. If he wanted to take concubines, he could have done so years ago. Why wait until now?"
Dou Dan turned to Li Jian Cheng and asked, "Have you heard anything outside the palace?"
Li Jian Cheng nodded. "I've heard a bit, but I don't know what's true."
Yuan Shibin sighed. "It's true. Although we can't usually accompany His Majesty into the inner palace, we are often by his side. He has indeed taken a liking to a palace maid, and she's the daughter of the disgraced General Wei Chi Hui."
A heavy silence fell over them. While they weren't sure how this would affect them directly, no one liked such sudden changes. The Empress's power was too great; if she and the Emperor were to clash openly, it would stir up turmoil in the court.
Yuan Shibin took a sip of tea and shook his head. "In my opinion, it's best not to get involved. You know how it is; the Empress is not an ordinary woman. She will surely make His Majesty reconsider."
Dugu Kaiyuan said gloomily, "The Empress and I are not close. Even if I wanted to intervene, I couldn't. I know she is extraordinary; nothing could sway her heart easily. But this matter... it must be more significant to her than anything else."
Dou Dan changed the subject. "Jian Cheng, after you enter the palace, there's no need to visit the Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince is not in a good state right now; don’t get dragged into any disputes."
Yang Jishan perked up and asked eagerly, "So who do you think will end up with that position in the end?"
"That’s something we should be asking you," Yuan Shibin replied, looking at Yang Jishan. "Currently in court, aside from the Duke of Qi, the Duke of Chu is the most powerful. Surely His Majesty will discuss this with your father."
Yang Jishan said, "This matter is too significant. My father is discussing it with the family, as well as with Uncle and my elder brother. I wouldn't have heard anything about it. If there were any news, how could I not mention it to you?"
"You, you are not being honest. Tonight was a waste of drinking," Yuan Shibin pointed at Yang Jishan and said, "Jian Cheng, from now on, there's no need to invite him for drinks. Next time, I'll call Gao Rui; he always speaks freely and openly."
Dugu Kaiyuan also expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, "With just us here, you still refuse to speak the truth."
Seeing that he had angered everyone, Yang Jishan could only reluctantly sit down with his hands raised. "Alright, alright, it's my fault. Prince Jin, my family privately supports Prince Jin for the throne, but we haven't made any contact yet; after all, such matters cannot be easily interfered with."
"Hmph, next time you host the banquet."
"Not a problem."
Dugu Kaiyuan said, "Prince Jin is intelligent and wise, known for treating the worthy with respect. The Empress also favors him more."
Dou Dan remarked, "Prince Jin is virtuous and simple, but it seems His Majesty loves Han Wang more. The Empress might also have some hesitation since Han Wang is the youngest son."
Dugu Kaiyuan nodded. "Han Wang's reputation in the court is not as good as Prince Jin's, but his temperament resembles that of His Majesty in his youth. Both the Emperor and Empress dote on him. As for Shu Wang, there is little hope."
Although these individuals were not very old or high-ranking, they accompanied the Emperor and were familiar with court affairs through their families. They had heard and seen much and naturally understood more.
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