Chapter 389 Chapter 392
Chang He wondered: "Isn't that what Luoyang is like? In Chang'an, every New Year's Eve, a bonfire will be set up in the palace with agarwood and sandalwood, and it will be burned until dawn, and the whole city can smell the fragrance!"

Shen Mu said in shock: "Then it is necessary to burn a lot of fragrant wood?"

Mei Xun said with a smile: "It should be less than a hundred carts of spices."

Just looking at Mei Xun's engraved expression, one can tell that he has no doubts about himself.

Just now when he came out of the bathtub and went back to the inner room to change clothes, he had disappeared without a trace, and he didn't have a chance to ask her if she gave up his long sword.For Shen Mu, losing the long sword he was accustomed to was just a trivial matter compared to revealing his identity to others.

Two carriages joined the flow of vehicles heading for Suzaku's main palace gate. Since the guards guarding the gate had to examine the identities of the guests going to the banquet one by one, there was no haste.

Shen Mu asked Mei Xun, "What are the arrangements and programs for tonight's banquet?"

Mei Xun said smoothly: "Master Chang is more aware of this than younger brother."

Chang He said: "According to the practice of previous years, there should be a banquet first and then a dance. Banquets are the court banquets held in the Taiji Palace and the banquets held in the square. After all, the seats in the Taiji Palace are limited, and only qualified people can participate. Greet the rest of the guests. Frankly speaking, a tour banquet is much more interesting than a court banquet, not only relaxed and lively, but also accompanied by dancing and music."

Sha Chengcheng asked, "Does the dance refer to the Nuo dance for exorcising ghosts?"

Chang He said: "It's the Nuo dance. This dance begins at the time of Xu, and continues until the time of Zi. The dance of Nuo chases the epidemic out of the palace, and repeats it three times. Under the Yuema Bridge in Yong'an Canal, so that the plague ghosts will never turn over. At the same time, when they step into Zishi, two firecracker towers are lit, and the sound of firecrackers will spread throughout the city, and the flames and smoke will soar into the sky. The emperor drove out of the palace and circled the city to welcome the coming of New Year's Day."

Shen Mu was overjoyed when he heard that, as usual, why did he say that the banquet should end before the big Nuo dance at the time of Xu, when the palace was full of turmoil, without him, this fake genius doctor would not attract anyone's attention, as long as he is always there, why not look for him become.

He said in a low voice: "The villain loves to take advantage of the excitement, can you skip the court banquet in the palace? The villain is serious."

If it were Mei Xun who was inspecting Shen Mu's saber, he would be more suspicious because of this. At this moment, he only felt that he was honest and sincere, and said with a smile: "If Mr. Mo doesn't attend the court banquet, the Holy Majesty and the Empress will be disappointed."

Chang He nodded and said: "I can't afford this matter, brother Mo will do me a favor, as long as I show my face for a while, then I will try to excuse my husband."

Shen Mu's goal had been achieved, and he was immediately elated. He and Hou Xibai agreed to try their best to postpone the New Year's Eve dinner at Tongxing Society until after Xushi, so as long as they can get away from the banquet earlier, they will have plenty of time to deal with Yang Xuyan.

As for Xu Ziling's fight with Dazhi, he wasn't worried at all. No matter how powerful Dazhi was, he would never be able to compare with the "evil king" Shi Zhixuan. Xu Ziling should be able to deal with him with ease.

Shen Mu and the others waited to get off the car at the square behind Suzaku Gate, and walked to the crossing square while taking the car.

Shen Mu took the opportunity to ask Chang He, "What etiquette should be observed at the court banquet later? Will I sit beside you?"

Chang He smiled and said: "Don't worry! Even if your elder brother violates the etiquette, no one will dare to blame you. Eunuch Zheng was specially ordered to come to me in the morning and asked me to make you feel at home. This shows how much Mrs. Zhang is Take care of you. As soon as I tell Eunuch Zheng that your brother likes to go to the square to take advantage of the excitement, he will make arrangements for himself, there is no problem at all."

Shen Mu thought to himself that if Chang He was by his side, it would still be difficult for him to get away, and tentatively said: "I'll just go and join in the fun by myself, Brother Chang doesn't need to accompany me."

Chang He said: "How can this be done? Tonight we two brothers will have a carnival, and we will spend the festive season together without getting drunk or returning home."

Shen Mu secretly said something was wrong, so he took his leave and left, heading to the Tai Chi Hall.

Shen Mu stepped into the vast and magnificent space of the Tai Chi Hall, only to realize how popular he is in Chang'an, everyone, no matter whether he knows or not, scrambles to greet him and make friends with him.

When he was very busy, Mei Xun patted him on the shoulder and said: "Young brother will be excused! I will meet Mr. Mo for a drink and have fun later, and I will be my host."

Shen Mu asked in astonishment: "Where is Head Mei going?"

Chang He said with a smile: "Master Mei doesn't want to go somewhere, but each has a seat, let's break up for now!"

Mei Xun laughed and went on her own.

Chang He pulled Shen Mu and walked to the banquet close to the chairman, explaining: "Prince Jiancheng occupies eight seats, King Qin has six seats, and King Qi only has a quota of four seats, the seats are expensive, Mei Xun can only sit until all to the king's seat."

Shen Mu understood, and said, "Of course the younger brother will sit in the matching seat with the prince, right?"

Chang He laughed and said: "Your elder brother is a special guest, and he is sitting at the emperor's side seat, how come!"

Shen Mu followed him to the third seat outside the east seat, and the two senior officials stood up and said, "Mr. Mo, please sit down!"

Shen Mu calmed down and saw that it was Liu Zhenghui and Wen Yanbo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who had met in Sifanglou today, and hurriedly returned the greeting.

Liu Zhenghui personally introduced all the people at the table to him, all of whom were top officials from various ministries and provinces.

He sat between Liu Zhenghui and Chang He, and there were still two vacant seats.

After chatting and laughing, Shen Mu couldn't help but asked, "Who hasn't come yet?"

Liu Zhenghui said with a smile, "You have to ask Old Wen."

Wen Yanbo said: "One is an important foreign guest, of course we should wait for him in terms of politeness, instead of making him wait! My little brother will not accompany you for the time being."

Shen Mu didn't take it to heart, approached Chang He and said: "This kind of banquet can make people feel bored, when can we go outside to play?"

Chang He said in a difficult way: "I thought you were sitting in the side seat of His Highness the Crown Prince, and it wouldn't be so eye-catching when you slipped away. Now..."

Liu Zheng met them and whispered to each other, and asked curiously, "What's the matter?"

Shen Mu smiled wryly: "It's nothing, it's just that my travel plan is over."

Shen Mu couldn't help asking Liu Zhenghui about the ins and outs of the buildings around the Yuema Bridge, and when he was talking interestingly, all the people present suddenly stood up, not knowing what happened, but saw the beautiful Shang Xiufang who was in charge of the eunuch who was in charge of the court banquet tonight Eunuch Chen led the way and walked straight to the table.The people in the nearby seats all showed envious expressions.

Shen Mu woke up, and hurriedly stood up to greet her like the others, secretly thinking that Shang Xiufang was more attractive than any rich official or rich man.

Eunuch Chen personally opened a chair for Shang Xiufang and invited her to take a seat, unexpectedly Shang Xiufang said: "Xiufang has a heartfelt request, can she sit next to Mr. Mo instead, so that she can ask Mr. Mo some medical questions. "

If Shen Mu was a person with a romantic appearance like Pang Yu or Hou Xibai, everyone would guess that the goddess had a heart, but if Shen Mu was an ugly doctor, no one would suspect this aspect.

At that moment, Liu Zhenghui readily abdicated, and the other two young eunuchs came to move Shang Xiufang's seat, and when Shang Xiufang sat down next to Shen Mu safely, all the people returned to their seats one after another.

Chang He leaned close to Shen Mu's ear and said with a smile: "Be careful bro, your virginity will be lost."

Shen Mu could only return with a wry smile.

Shang Xiufang immediately became the target of public criticism, including Chang He, everyone scrambled to flatter her, and she was also eloquent and quarreling, she would never lose anyone.

Shen Mu, on the other hand, seemed to have become a mute, stealing glances at the gate of the palace from time to time, and saw Li Mi, Wang Bodang, Chao Gongcuo, Da Dazhi and others entering the arena.

When he saw Dongming princess Shan Wanjing and her appointed husband-in-law Shang Ming entering the arena, Shang Xiufang finally "leaved" everyone at the banquet, leaned into his ear and whispered: "Mr. Mo, do you know Xiufang?" Why did you arrange this seat?"

Shen Mu knew something was wrong, so he bit the bullet and whispered: "What is the reason?"

Everyone thought that they were discussing medical issues, so they didn't dare to disturb them, and chatted and laughed with each other.

Shang Xiufang said: "Because this is a special request from Xiufang. Alas! What about you! I was almost deceived by you."

Shen Mu's heart was shocked, and he looked at her in astonishment.

Shang Xiufang responded with a charming smile, and said nonchalantly, "When will Miracle Doctor Mo find time to treat Xiufang?"

Shen Mu still didn't understand the true meaning of her "almost being cheated", and said with a wry smile: "Miss Xiufang is destined, how dare the villain refuse to obey? Whenever the lady wants someone, the villain will report to the lady at that time."

Shang Xiufang smiled coquettishly with a "Puchi", her soul-stirring pair of Jianshui pupils twitched on his ugly face, she moved closer and lowered her voice to an undeniable low, but her words were still clear, and her breath was as loud as ever. Lan Di said softly: "It's the Spring Festival, how about the young commander come to Shanglinyuan to accompany Xiufang to celebrate the New Year? Don't miss the appointment this time!"

Shen Mu's scalp was numb immediately, and he didn't know where to show his flaws. He actually saw through his false face for her, and said dejectedly, "How dare a villain disobey his orders?"

At this time Wen Yanbo came back, and the foreign guest he led was Mo Heer, the envoy sent by East Turkic for trade.

The drums sounded.

When the emperor of the Tang Dynasty arrived, nearly a thousand guests in the main hall stood up to welcome him.

Shen Mu couldn't leave Li Xiuning's eyes after she entered the hall, until the members of the Li Clan sat down in Chairman Liuwei, and the officials and guests in the hall, under the leadership of Li Yuan's two closest ministers, Liu Wenjing and Pei Ji, toasted Li Yuan three times , making the atmosphere in the hall suddenly warm.

After Li Yuan said again that everyone should enjoy the festive season without restraint, under the leadership of Ji Qian, more than a hundred kabuki danced like butterflies from the back hall doors on both sides of the chairman, singing and dancing to the melodious sound of drums.

Ji Qian, who is the backup dancer, is extraordinarily charming. Against the backdrop of many kabuki, her outstanding and graceful posture can be seen.All the girls sang, she sang and danced gracefully, her voice was sweet, although it was not as good as Shang Xiufang's unique and outstanding style, she still had a charming charm, no wonder she became the most popular famous performer in Chang'an.

Seeing the tumbling skirts, fluttering long sleeves, Ji Qian's melodious singing voice, and the gorgeous dancing posture that can look at Qingcheng and Qingguo again, even Li Yuan can't take his eyes off her.

Shen Mushang saw Ji Qian for the first time, and he couldn't help but put aside the melancholy and melancholy caused by Li Xiuning for a while, and was fascinated by watching, when Shang Xiufang's soft voice suddenly sounded next to his ear, "Is Mr. Mo moved?"

Shen Mu woke up with a start, his nose was filled with the fragrance of this beauty, he couldn't help but counterattack casually: "Only for Miss Xiufang, my little brother will be tempted."

Shang Xiufang was slightly taken aback, her pretty face turned hot, she gave him a glance and said in a low voice, "You're lying again!"

This time it was Shen Mu's turn to be startled, wondering if Shang Xiufang had taken a fancy to him, otherwise how could this daughter have such a coquettish demeanor and talk to him in such a tone.

The others were engrossed in enjoying the song and dance, and did not pay attention to the little episode that happened between the man and woman.

Just listen to Ji Qian leading the singing:

The rain and dew are fresh in front of the Calyx Building, and there are Taiping people in Chang'an City.

The dragon holds the fiery tree with thousands of flames, and the chicken steps on the lotus for a long live spring.

The emperor's palace plays on the spring platform three to five times, and the rain and wind are not to be jealous.

Thousands of Shadow Trees in the Western Regions Lantern Wheels, Donghua Golden Que Wan reopened.

After the song was over, the lights dimmed, and suddenly a colorful lantern appeared in the hands of the women as if by magic, and the rays of light hit the hundreds of lanterns dancing together, changing thousands of patterns woven by the dancing lights in the space of the hall , everyone was dazzled and amazed.

When the lights in the hall were turned on again, all the maikos had already exited the hall from the original way.

The applause shook the hall.

Gao Shilian, another minister at Shen Mu's table, applauded, and said to Shang Xiufang: "The dance music composed by everyone in Xiufang is really wonderful and admirable."

Only then did Shen Mu understand why Shang Xiufang lived in Shanglinyuan, it turned out that it was to train Kabuki for this performance.

Shang Xiufang hastily yielded.

At this time, Gong'e brought delicacies to the table like flowing water, which was another round of excitement.

It was Li Yuan's turn to toast to everyone, creating another harmonious atmosphere where the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves.

Xu Ziling on the other side felt something in his heart, and thought to himself that if it weren't for the great power of the Tang Dynasty, the atmosphere of the banquet tonight would never be as high-spirited as it is now.If it weren't for the factions in the court who were constantly fighting, there would indeed be no one in the Tang Dynasty who could compete with them.

After drinking for three rounds, [-] guards of the imperial guards wearing battle armor entered from the main hall gate, lined up in various formations, held knives and grabbed swords and shields, performing a "soldier formation" full of mechanical beauty.

Compared with the beautiful maiko just now, it is another full of masculine taste, which is also exciting.

After the "soldier dance", Li Jiancheng led Li Shimin, Li Yuanji and other princes and nobles to toast Li Yuan, setting off another climax.

The feast continued until the sun went down, and the sky gradually dimmed. Every household in Chang'an City was decorated with lanterns and festoons, and the sound of firecrackers continued.

When Shen Mu and Xu Ziling left the palace, they both had the relaxed feeling of the dragon returning to the sea and the tiger returning to the forest.

Squeezing into the flow of people on the street, you can feel the lively atmosphere of New Year's Eve even more.The two largest Lantern Night Markets are held in the East and West cities respectively, and most of the people on the street are destined for the two cities.Boys and girls hang out in groups and enjoy themselves.

Shen Mu laughed and said, "Our two brothers will finally be able to walk side by side on Chang'an Avenue in a big way. There is nothing more unpredictable than this."

Xu Ziling smiled and said: "There is still half an hour before the agreed meeting with Mr. Hou, so genius doctor Mo may be interested in enjoying the local attractions."

Knowing that he was not just sightseeing, Shen Mu happily said, "How dare a villain not follow?"

Xu Ziling led him towards the direction of the Yuema Bridge. In the "Bang Bang" group, no one pointed the fireworks in the air, bursting a series of gorgeous colorful awn patterns, as fantastic as a dream.

Shen Mu sighed: "There is a strong feeling of Chinese New Year tonight."

Xu Ziling smiled and said, "Do you think of your Zhizhi?"

Shen Mu said dejectedly: "I'll let you see through again. The last time my little brother was tortured by lovesickness was on the night of the full moon in the Mid-Autumn Festival, which made me abandon everything and go to Lingnan to find her. I wonder if the festive season will make people miss her?"

Recalling the moving scene of meeting Shi Qingxuan in Chengdu at that festival, Xu Ziling couldn't help sighing.

Shen Mu put his hands on his broad shoulders, and said in a low voice: "Who do you think of?"

Xu Ziling changed the topic and said, "Everyone's past is just a heavy burden, it's better not to mention it."

As he spoke, he stopped suddenly and said, "It's here!"

Shen Mu glanced around and found that he was just outside the gate of a temple.The temple is not large in scale, but it is obviously full of incense. At this time, the middle gate is wide open, and there are many people who come to make wishes and pray for blessings.

Shen Mu was startled and said, "This is the Wulou Temple, which was built in the eighth year of Emperor Kaihuang's reign. Could it be related to the treasure house?"

Xu Ziling pulled him into the gate of the temple, and said: "From the ingenious structure and layout of the temple, I feel that this temple is most likely designed by Master Lu. If my younger brother's eyes are correct, the entrance to Duke Yang's treasury should be somewhere in the temple. "

Shen Mu's spirit was lifted, and he sighed again: "I only regret that I can't move an inch now, and we will come to explore the road tomorrow night."

Xu Ziling also agreed that in the current situation, it is absolutely impossible to find a tunnel, and said with a smile: "I won't say that I am not enough brothers!"

Shen Mu smiled apologetically, "How dare little brother."

At this moment, the two of them arrived at the foot of the white stone steps of the Daxiong Palace, and the sound of fanchant came from inside the hall, it should be that the ceremony was going on.

Shen Mu said: "Would you like to go to the hall to feel the internal structure of the building, and see if it is really Master Lu's style with your insightful eyes?"

Xu Ziling smiled and said, "My little brother has exactly that intention."

After a lot of hard work, the two of them squeezed close to the gate of the hall, and looked into the hall at the same time, only to see a group of monks, facing the Buddhist altar with their backs, knocking on the chime to chant Buddha.

The abbot of the monastery should preside over the dharma. Facing the monks, he clasped his hands together and looked at his nose and heart while reciting sutras.

Xu Ziling suddenly trembled, pulled Shen Mu back and left.

Shen Mu was surprised and said, "What's the matter?"

Xu Ziling said in a low voice: "The host is 'Evil King' Shi Zhixuan."

Shen Mu lost his voice: "What?"

Xu Ziling said with certainty: "Then the host is Shi Zhixuan. Although he has a beard glued on, I can still recognize him when he turns to ashes."

Shen Mu was overjoyed and said: "Your sharp eyes can't go wrong. And it's a matter of course. Didn't Shi Zhixuan worship two of the four great monks and secretly learn the art of Buddhism? Pretending to be an eminent monk, etc. If we go back to his profession. Ha! We are traveling to the tip of our toes this time, if we don’t hold rituals, we won’t have the chance to meet him.”

The two finally squeezed out of the temple gate and walked towards the Yuema Bridge, feeling the festive atmosphere of the whole city even more.Although pedestrians bump into each other, no one will complain and get angry because of it.

(End of this chapter)

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like