Fish swimming around the world

Jiang Fan turned his attention to the central high platform, which was a bluestone platform that was nine feet high and five feet wide, implying that this place was once the palace of the emperor. It was originally a place where sacrificial incense burners were placed, but today it was temporarily requisitioned as a venue. The countertop is small, but there are few people there, so it seems just right. There is a staircase on both the north and south sides that can be climbed, especially the front is very wide, enough to accommodate more than a dozen people walking side by side, avoiding the problem of the order of the monarchs of the five countries climbing to the top due to the narrowness.

Looking up, he couldn't see the scene on the high platform, and he didn't know whether the prince had arrived.

At this moment, a eunuch appeared above, leaned down and looked down and said in a long voice: "The Lord of the Five Kingdoms, please come on stage -"

Jiang Fan slowly walked up the steps with the empress, and soon arrived at the high platform.

As expected, the stage only covers an area of ​​a house. It is probably the smallest top-level venue in history. It is almost like a private tea party. The countertop is very flat and the furnishings are simpler, especially not in line with etiquette.

There are seven sets of seats arranged in a ring in the central open space, with only five steps between each set. Only the north side is raised by one foot. A soft couch faces south, and a low table is placed in front of it. This is probably the position of the prince. , others haven't arrived yet, there is only one eunuch standing next to the prince's desk. This design is very reasonable and completely avoids competition for seats.

Each of the other sets is a short futon, in line with the etiquette of kneeling in formal occasions in the Zhou Dynasty. There are two sets in each set. The front set is probably for the king, and the left and right sets are for the two followers. There are some simple refreshments placed on the table, and there are no maids or the like.

Jiang Fan observed it and found that there was a nameplate on the table. The Qin State was in the middle on the left hand. To Jiang Fan's surprise, the position at the top of the Qin State belonged to the Feng family, and the one at the bottom belonged to the Jin State. Without saying a word, he led the empress over.

After everyone took their seats, the eunuch didn't let everyone wait. He immediately asked for supervision secretly.

Everyone in the Five Kingdoms looked at each other. The use of the Anchao Supervisor was a bit strange. Although the Anchao was indeed responsible for monitoring the temple, the imperial court had never called it that.

However, the person who came out surprised most people. It was actually the current emperor of the An Dynasty, Feng Chen. Behind him were Wei Li and a guy who looked like a mummy wrapped in gray cloth.

Feng Chen was wearing a white cloak with gold trim and a cold and arrogant expression. He walked to his seat and sat down without saying a word.

Regarding Fengchen's arrival, the kings of the five kingdoms were very puzzled, and their eyes turned to this place one after another.

Jiang Fan also glanced at him a few times, but couldn't tell anything from Feng Chen's expression.

After a moment, the eunuch shouted loudly: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived——"

Immediately, the figure of the Crown Prince appeared from the stairs at the front and back. There was no formal ceremony for such an occasion, but he was wearing a yellow umbrella, but he was wearing formal court attire.

Jiang Fan took a look and saw that the cheap dad looked surprisingly good, his face was actually a little rosy, and he looked very energetic.

The Crown Prince walked to his seat and stood with a smile on his face. At this time, the kings of the five kingdoms had already stood up to pay their respects, and even Feng Chen stood up and nodded slightly. No matter how you put it, on the surface everyone respects the imperial court, and the prince supervising the country represents the emperor's presence. This kind of etiquette is not necessary and is not missing.

However, the etiquette is quite simple and not in the traditional sense.

The Crown Prince didn't mind this at all. He smiled and spread his arms lightly: "You will take your seats without courtesy."

After sitting down again, none of the five kings spoke, obviously waiting for the prince to speak first.

Ji Zongyi looked around, and after a moment, he spoke softly: "The Great Zhou Dynasty has been going through nine hundred and eighty spring and autumn years since Emperor Taizu, and has gone through eighteen generations of emperors. It has settled the world and created peace and stability for nearly a thousand years. Hundreds of millions of people lived in a prosperous and prosperous time, and their civil and martial arts were unparalleled throughout the ages. They attracted ministers from all over the world and attracted all nations to come to court. Over the course of thousands of years, there have been many heroes and heroes, many loyal ministers and good generals, and many good stories passed down from generation to generation. Every time Shaogu thinks about it, he is filled with emotions..."

His voice was neither fast nor slow, but it was steady and thick, containing ups and downs. It seemed as if a brilliant historical meaning was coming to his face, and it actually aroused the emotions of everyone present. For a moment, even the kings of the five kingdoms had something strange on their faces. His expression seemed to be in remembrance and sighing.

The prince raised the cup of tea in front of him and said with deep affection: "Gentlemen, today the lonely king is drinking tea instead of wine. The first cup is to honor my great Zhou Dynasty for thousands of years."

No one would refuse this drink. After all, although the Great Zhou Dynasty declined, it was still the Great Zhou Dynasty in the world, and it was the glorious dynasty that the five kingdoms once loyal to.

After finishing the cup of tea, Ji Zongyi slowly put down the cup with endless emotion on his face.

"For thousands of years, the dynasty has gone through ups and downs, but it has always stood firm. The waves have washed away the sand, and history has changed. Wei, Jin, Qin, Xia, and Chu have stood out and become the lords. They have determined the world for me, the Great Zhou Ding, and all the kings are honored as princes of the five countries. It is me. The white jade pillars of the Great Zhou Dynasty hold up the sky, and the purple gold beams frame the sea. Your majesty is very lucky to be here. "

He brought up a cup of tea with a smile: "This second cup is for me, the Great Zhou Zhushi, please."

The prince praised the five kingdoms with a sincere tone. Although the kings of the five kingdoms had their own thoughts, they had to respond politely.

"To Your Majesty, to the Prince."

Only Fengchen had an indifferent look in his eyes. He only tasted briefly and didn't make a sound.

The prince smiled slightly and actually took the initiative to add a third cup of tea.

"It has been more than a year since His Majesty ordered me to come to the court and supervise the country. I am ashamed to say that because of the busy schedule of state affairs, I have not yet gathered with my king on Friday to meet our heroes from all over the world. I have such a desire. It’s been a long time, but today I finally got what I wanted. This third one, I would like to pay tribute to the five heroes of this world.”

We couldn't remain indifferent to this. The kings of the five kingdoms all raised their teacups and said: "To the prince"

After three tea stops, Ji Zongyi looked around and suddenly smiled: "Haha... Okay, everyone, after the formalities, everyone should relax. I have nothing else to do today. The lonely king just wants to meet you and have tea with you. It’s just a casual conversation, no need to be formal.”

His sudden relaxed and casual attitude confused everyone, and no one spoke for a while.

Ji Zongyi was not in a hurry. He waved the eunuch aside and poured tea himself.

After more than a dozen breaths, Xiang Chen was the first to hold back and snorted: "Prince, Xiang is a warrior and is used to being straightforward. Please speak frankly about what happened today."

Jiang Fan couldn't help but shake his head. Brother Xiang was indeed the most impatient one.

However, as soon as he started, someone followed him, but he didn't expect that the person speaking was the always humble and cautious Xia King Jiang Chen.

"I am honored to be summoned by His Highness the Crown Prince today. I don't know what important matters the imperial court has to summon the five countries so suddenly. But if necessary, I can just ask His Highness the Crown Prince to give you instructions."

Jiang Chen still regarded himself as a minister of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and his every word and deed was full of etiquette and respectful.