Chiwuxing

Chapter [-] - New Year's Eve Banquet Single Soldiers Dance with Swords, Royal Concubine's Birthday and Double Eunuchs Present Birds

On a snowy night and cold weather, from the palace gate to the main hall of the Jinluan Hall, red lanterns with red and gold patterns are hung. The endless lights burn all the way to the end of the palace road in the night, opening up bright colors in the snow-covered palace gate.

The vermilion lacquered palace gate opened, and two men in military uniforms came on horseback. The man in front was a brown military officer uniform, with a beard piled on his chin.Both of them have swords at their waists, they seem to be warriors pretending to be warriors.

Fu Chen dismounted in front of the east gate of the palace, and a guard immediately stepped forward to lead the horse.

Liao Hui turned his head and told Fu Chen who was behind him: "After entering the palace, follow this general."

Fu Chen nodded, looking at the far-reaching palace road behind the door, still a little dazed.

There was a little eunuch leading the way silently, maybe because the snow covered the human voice, the whole roadside was filled with silence and coldness.

Fu Chen felt strange, Liao Hui who was next to him noticed his expression, and said to him: "This is the side gate on the east side, usually there are no people there, and it is far away from the main palaces. Today is the New Year's Eve banquet, no one pays attention to us, Few people make trouble at festivals, so you don't have to be so restrained, just don't talk nonsense at the banquet for a while."

Liao Hui looked familiar, seeing that Fu Chen had been silent since returning to Beijing, he thought that this young man probably hadn't seen many scenes before, and was shocked by the bustling posture of the capital.So he smiled and said: "This time our class teacher came back low-key, so the previous canonization was privately bestowed by His Majesty. You have made great achievements in this battle, and the army will not lose you."

"Thank you, General, for your support." Fu Chen replied.

Liao Hui glanced at him again, and said: "You are also an outstanding soldier in this battle. If someone deliberately makes things difficult for you, you don't have to be polite to them. We have saved the country of Yan, so don't underestimate yourself."

Fu Chen nodded.

The snow on the soles of the boots makes a "creaking" sound on the road, which is even more abrupt in the snowy night.

Seeing that Fu Chen was still bored, Liao Hui also felt bored, and said, "You don't see timidity on the battlefield, why are you so bored in private?"

After defending against the enemy together outside Tongzhou City, Fu Chen clearly felt that Liao Hui was not as unkind to him as before after returning from this battle. Perhaps it was the friendship between them who sacrificed their lives for the enemy that brought their bond closer.

Fu Chen replied: "...Biao Xia is stupid, afraid of saying the wrong thing."

Liao Hui didn't believe it in his heart. Every time he asked the young man a question, although he always stumbled in his answer, he couldn't find anything wrong to criticize.There are unspeakable barbarians in the army all over the camp, if Fu Chen was not considered polite and gentle among them, otherwise he would not have picked him as a newcomer to enter the palace.

He shook his head, but he also admitted in his heart that after all, the army still doesn't need too many thoughtful people. With this young man's personality, with more experience in the future, he might be promoted to a lieutenant general to assist him.

After thinking about it, he arrived at the Golden Luan Hall. At this time, the court officials and concubines were seated one after another, and the main seat was left vacant.

The golden wall beams in the house are brightly lit, and the four corners of the hall are still burning with incense. The whole hall is filled with warm incense and fire, which adds rumble and joy to the coldness of the palace in winter nights.

As soon as Fu Chen just entered the hall, he felt a burst of heat hit his face, causing him to shiver suddenly.The temperature difference between inside and outside the hall is very large, like ice and fire.

The seats of military officials have always been below the long seats. Because His Majesty Enzhun Jia Yun is recuperating at home tonight, the seats originally reserved for military generals were suddenly downgraded to the last seat, behind low-rank civil servants.Even though Liao Hui was unhappy, seeing the timing, he suppressed his anger and entered the seat.

Fu Chen followed and sat in the last seat. Although it was a New Year's Eve banquet, it was a palace banquet after all, and everyone just chatted with the people around them in a low voice, without making any loud noises.

Fu Chen couldn't help looking at the seat of honor. The five-clawed golden dragon was shining on the dragon chair, and it was still waiting for its owner. There was also an identical gold-inlaid wooden chair beside it, presumably it was the imperial concubine's seat.

The crown prince, Xinghuang Jinyi, was drinking alone at the side seat next to the superior, looking fixedly in one direction.Fu Chen followed his line of sight, and what he was looking at was right on Ni Xiang's seat, sitting opposite him on the right side with his relatives.Ni Congwen is sitting and talking with his son, sometimes laughing.

A eunuch in purple robes was sitting next to each other, with a greasy smile on his face, Fu Chen glanced at him, had met several times in private, presumably he still knew him, but at the moment there was another burst of disgust.Turning his eyes around, he happened to meet Ni Congwen's casual glance for a moment, and saw Ni Congwen pick up his wine glass, and when the young man looked back, he raised his sleeve and gave a sneaky look.

Fu Chen closed his eyes, and took a sip of the royal wine on the table.

The drinks are light, far less intoxicating than the spirits in the pubs on the street.

Fu Chen felt that the food was tasteless. Although the banquet in front of everyone had already been set, they didn't dare to speak before His Majesty arrived. For a while, there was only a faint chatter in the venue, and the maids who came and went stopped.

Liao Hui on the side drank the wine in a muffled voice, and soon the delicate and small jug ran out.

Fu Chen was sitting in the palace, but he was in an awkward position, he couldn't get in, and he couldn't get out either.Neither being able to come out nor willing to come out.

He looked around in the palace, the beautiful maidservant with rich nectar, the handsome eunuch with rouge, the skirts and skirts fluttering around him, all he could see was the joy of the New Year, and the extravagance was boundless.

He was very surprised, he heard that Jia Yun intentionally instructed the tribune general not to talk too much about the border war and chaos, so as not to disturb the panic in the court.But as far as he looked up and observed, there was no one who was worried. It seemed that he and Liao Hui had put up a special barrier for this small banquet.

"Your Majesty is here—"

A sharp announcement came from the palace gate.

Everyone stood up and saluted together. When they fell to the ground, they felt rustling sounds passing through the center. He raised his head quietly, and he could only see the bright yellow and begonia red robe corners passing by, walking slowly, quite dignified.

After a while, a voice came from above: "Be flat."

All the ministers stood up with their family members and saw that Zongzheng Qiu was having a banquet at the end of the year. It was rare for him to be happy for a long time, and his spirit was much better than usual. The state affairs are hard work, and the people of the Yan Kingdom are well-fed and happy. Naturally, you have the credit. This glass of wine, I respect you first—”

All the courtiers raised their glasses and drank together. Although Fu Chen was not familiar with the etiquette, he still smacked with his arms covered in sleeves and drank like a cat.

"Today, the internal and external ministers and family members of the court come to the banquet together. You don't need to be bound by etiquette, and you must return here to your heart's content."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."

Seeing the situation, the accompanying eunuch shouted: "Sing and dance—"

The sound of the orchestra rang suddenly, and the sound of silk and bamboo was no longer as elegant as usual. The tone was high and steady, and the chimes burst out, which was an image of a prosperous age.In the middle of the hall, a group of dancing girls in magenta dance skirts also stepped into the hall, with their heads swaying and their waists decorated with bells. When the lotus steps are lightly moved, you can hear the copper bells, which are crisp and melodious.

During the banquet, people's voices surged with the sound of singing and music. The ministers, waiters, concubines and princes were all talking and laughing, and some people passed the table.

Jiang Hua had just greeted an official who came to talk to him at the table, and before his smile faded, he whispered a few words to Zhang Rui who was beside him. Zhang Rui nodded and left for the back seat.

Concubine Ni Gui stood up from the seat beside her, her bright red cuffs swaying. Seeing her holding up the wine cup on the banquet table, she smiled at Zong Zhengqiu, "Your Majesty has worked hard for a year, and it is very hard work." , The ministers and concubines wish your Majesty a long life and a long life of virtue.”

After finishing speaking, he raised his sleeves and drank the wine in the glass.

It is rare for Concubine Ni to be well-dressed, and she has another look under her body, Zong Zhengqiu watched: "Today happens to be your birthday, if you have any wishes, you can make them, and I will definitely agree to them."

The imperial concubine smiled: "The concubine has already enjoyed all the honors, and I dare not seek anything else. I only hope that your majesty will be in good health and that the people of Yan Kingdom will be safe."

"You pray for the people every year. If you say that every disaster in this country is turned into good luck, you also have a share of the credit."

"The concubine dare not take the credit," Ni Guifei said, "The concubine is just a woman who knows nothing about governing the country. Thanks to the hard work of all the ministers, there is peace today."

Zong Zhengqiu was very useful for what he said, the emperor and concubine drank together, and the scene was enjoyable.

The dancing girl in the center of the hall dances lightly, forming a curtain-ending ring with the gradually lowering string music, shaking the gauze fan in her hand.

With a wine glass in his hand, Jiang Hua walked to Zongzheng Qiu's banquet, smiling all over his face, and said: "Your Majesty, empress, this servant specially ordered Si Lefang to prepare a Hu dance for this evening banquet, calling the song 'Chiwu Breaks the Formation Song', The quotation is 'The Red Emperor should be in power and shines on Taixu', one is for His Majesty to celebrate the new year, and the other is for the empress's birthday."

Concubine Ni smiled and said, "The manager has a heart."

As soon as the voice fell, a piece of palace music began.

Immediately afterwards, there was a sudden sound of pipa strings, which aroused the hearts of the people in the field.Looking at the dancing girl on the field again, she transformed the folding fan just now into a soft sword with a flick of her arm, and she also carried a sassy and heroic spirit while dancing, with a sense of beauty that combines hardness and softness.

Fu Chen had nothing to do, so he watched it together.Hearing the admiration of the audience, he was also taken away by those beautiful women.

He stared blankly, his mind far away.

At the end of the song, there was endless admiration and discussion in the field.

During the banquet, a voice came out loudly, saying: "I heard that the Red Armor Army has recently promoted many rookies, all of them are young and promising men. What kind of demeanor should it be?"

Fu Chen was stunned at the table, turned his head to look at the official who spoke, a strange face, without any impression in his mind, feeling a little embarrassed in his heart, turned his head towards Liao Hui.

Liao Hui was also showing his hidden anger and disgust, there were traces of an outbreak between his brows, and he was about to get up to speak, when another person voiced his support: "... Soldiers on the battlefield are important for the defense of the country, how can you let you sing Playing profanity at the banquet!"

Fu Chen then turned his head, the person who spoke was also dressed as a noble eunuch, with a short body in ocher clothes, he recognized that this person was exactly the eunuch he mistakenly thought Jia Yun at first, except that he met in the Jingji camp at first, I haven't seen him since.

Fu Chen tilted his head and asked Liao Hui: "General, who is that talking?"

Liao Hui turned his head and glanced at him, and said, "Jin Duo, the Privy Councilor, the chief of the Privy Council...the eunuchs are first-class, so don't be contaminated."

Before Fu Chen could ask, Jiang Hua at the banquet in front of the palace laughed and said: "I have seen it in the history books. There was a general Miao under the king's seat who once danced swords while drunk at the banquet. The poem praises that "the viewer is as depressed as the mountains, and the sky and the earth are low for a long time. Huo Ruyi shoots nine sunsets, and he is like a dragon flying like a group of emperors." I planted cursive calligraphy and named it 'Miao Shu'. Your Majesty is proficient in writing and ink, so he must have understood this story. Now that there are young talents in the army present, why don't you reproduce the situation of that day and dance again, not for fun It's not for the purpose, but to show off the demeanor of our red-armored soldiers of the Yan Kingdom."

"...That's right, Meng Qian's giant cursive painting from back then is still stored in the palace," Zong Zhengqiu became interested when he heard the words, and said thoughtfully, "Shu Jun is arrogant, tactful and unrestrained, and his brushwork is wonderful..."

Immediately below, another official flattered and instigated: "Your Majesty's calligraphy and painting are also unique in the world, and they will never lose to the predecessors. It is precisely because of the ingenuity of Miao's sword that Meng Qian only left that masterpiece. Spiritual telepathy. If I take the opportunity to see how the soldiers wield their swords today, maybe we can recreate the grand scene of the past."

Zong Zhengqiu pondered for a moment, his thoughts were affected by his words, and he said: "The memorial reported earlier mentioned several soldiers who made outstanding achievements in this battle. I wonder which one is here today?"

Seeing that Fu Chen's eyes were all turned towards him, he felt rather cramped. At a loss, Liao Hui tilted his head beside him, motioning for him to answer quickly.Fu Chen got up quickly, cupped his fists and saluted, "Return to Your Majesty, Fu Chen is loyal to the country, and dare not claim his military exploits."

"Fu Chen..." Zong Zhengqiu recited the name in a low voice, and recalled, "I remember you, I have promoted you to be the captain of the assault school, I heard that you have made a lot of military achievements this time, even King Yu Did you participate in the guarantee?"

"Fu Chen didn't dare to take the credit, it's all due to His Majesty's grace and protection."

Zong Zhengqiu saw that although his words were tense, his expression and attitude were loose, and he obviously didn't care much about this matter, so he said: "In that case, why not just practice your usual sword skills, don't be nervous."

Fu Chen could still hear the creaking sound of the person next to him secretly gritting his teeth.

The young man squinted his eyes, muttered "Reassure the general" in a low voice, then stood up and looked around at the people in the hall. When he came up with an idea, all kinds of human expressions flew towards him at once, he lowered his head, avoided those faces, and said with his hands behind his back:

"...obey the order."

Jiang Hua, who was at the side, heard the words, and interjected with a smile: "I don't know what song and music accompaniment Captain Fu needs?"

Fu Chen didn't look at the direction of the voice, but secretly turned his attitude cold, clenched the hilt of the sword at his waist, and said, "Just... that song just now."

Jiang Hua gave Zhang Rui a wink, and Zhang Rui understood, and gestured to the musician behind him.

Fu Chen walked through the banquet in silence and came to the center of the hall. The dancing girls just retreated to the entrance of the hall one after another, leaving a large empty space in the hall for him.The huge Hu carpet is nested in a series of complicated patterns, like a rich and noble peony with countless petals falling.

Just now after the banquet, they couldn't see clearly, but now under the bronze candle lamp, everyone recognized the young man's appearance clearly.

The young man is tall and thin, but full of strength.In the resplendent and resplendent palace, there is only a tea color suit on his body, and there are no other decorations.The long hair is tied behind him, but the slightly curved shape of the hair can still be seen, the cheeks are hidden in the shadows, and he can't see clearly, only the cold and white ear and neck muscles are tough and stiff, and there is no feast that should be on the banquet. Drunk state.Just standing here is incompatible with the banquet scene of the Golden Palace.

At this time, his slightly bowed back and drooping face made them think that he might not be willing to be humiliated by the court, or maybe he just doesn't care because he speaks lightly, but these have nothing to do with their state of mind at this time.The spectators on their side have always been greedy for this momentary pleasure, as well as the pleasure of going against the wishes of others.A warrior is lowly, in his eyes, how can he be any different from a dancing girl?

It was the sound of the pipa just now, the strings stinging, and the musician's flexible five fingers slid across the strings.

The young man draws his sword and lightly touches the ground.

Perhaps it was because the people in the palace changed from a charming dancer to a real soldier returning from the bloody battlefield. Everyone felt a chill in their hearts.

Fu Chen whirled his sword around, he didn't know the melody, and he couldn't remember how those women followed the sound to form their shapes just now, but as the drum beat quickened, the sword in his hand also flew faster, as if he had heard it before the battle. Horn, come with the enemy army.

Fu Chen kept holding the sword in his hand, and the noise from the outside world was indistinct in his ears, only the vocal music seemed to be in his ears.At this moment, he recalled meeting on the battlefield the month before last, knife and sword, blood and light.

The zither, zither, and sheng pipe were played together, and the majestic momentum was obvious, and the sound of strings was mixed and broken, like the chaos of horseshoes kicking and marching on the battlefield.

The original trembling momentum of this song was dripping on Fu Chenjian, everyone was so focused that they even forgot to breathe.

The Red Emperor is in power and glory to Taixu, drunk and carefree at the end of his life.

The bells sounded vigorously nearby, and the flags and drums outside the venue died down.

The young man bowed his waist and pointed his sword at the sky.

The sound of the strings also fell, but the sound of the bell reverberated and lingered for a long time.

All the people at the banquet did not move for a long time, apparently not recovering from the impromptu performance just now.Only those who have truly seen the bloody wind on the battlefield can get this unique temperament, which is probably difficult for a palace dancer to imitate in her lifetime.

Zong Zhengqiu stared at the young man in the hall, and his hair fluttered down with the wind of the sword. He saw him standing in the hall again with a restrained expression. Although he couldn't see his eyebrows clearly, the reddish brown clothes always added a bit of gentleness.He couldn't help being a little dazed, that inexplicable attraction also made him forget his words.

"Your Majesty," Concubine Ni Gui saw that the performance had ended and Zong Zhengqiu was still staring at the young man without saying a word, so she tilted her head and whispered, "...Your Majesty?"

Zong Zhengqiu just came back to his senses, and said: "The swordsmanship is sharp and fast, not inferior to Miao's demeanor, very good, reward!"

Fu Chen bowed and responded, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Miao family was He Fengzi back then, so people who were present had no chance to see him, but seeing that this young man was praised by His Majesty, it was inevitable that everyone would rush to praise him first.Jiang Hua snorted softly and turned his head to the side.

Just as he was about to step down, someone asked: "Lieutenant Fu looks like this...but does he have Nanban blood?"

Fu Chen raised his eyes to look at the speaker, the little eunuch who was standing beside Jiang Hua was as gorgeous as his master.He suppressed his emotions and replied, "Yes, my mother is a barbarian."

Hearing this, the surrounding officials all looked strange and couldn't help looking at his face. He has curly hair and a high nose, and a tall, slender figure, which indeed has the characteristics of a Southern barbarian.

If you don't look carefully, no one will pay attention to it alone.Some barbarians in exile in Yandi were eventually excluded in various ways in the country. They were either slaves or maidservants among the people.Even if you know it well, how can you put it on the table?Everyone knows that King Yu has been treated coldly by the emperor all year round because his mother is a lowly barbarian girl. All the grievances and grievances between Yan and barbarians also surfaced in front of everyone's eyes.

Zhang Ruide and Jiang Huayi clicked until the point was reached, and the latter picked up a mouthful of chicken claw meat with his orchid fingers and slowly passed it into his mouth.

Fu Chen avoided the gaze around him and went straight back to his seat.

The scene suddenly became quiet, Zhang Rui was alert and shook his head towards the end of the hall when he saw the opportunity behind him.After hearing the order, the dancers returned to the palace, and the sound of silk music gradually heated up the scene.

After singing and dancing, offerings and gifts were offered everywhere.

Concubine Ni has been worshiping Buddha for many years, and they received each other at Jinguang Temple outside the city of Xiangcheng. The temple has received royal incense for many years.This year, Zen master Zhiyue Haiyin, the abbot of Zhongzhen Temple in his temple, came to write a Buddhist post in person, and came with a string of red sandalwood beads to pay tribute. The noble concubine smiled and thanked him.

Immediately afterwards, envoys from the Hu and Qiang tribes in the north came.Hudi used to be Huren, Qiangren, Xiren and other ethnic groups living together. Dozens of tribes were divided and ruled by them. Among them, the Hu people were the leader. Because the ancestor of the Yan State put down the chaos, Hu Qiang and the wolf were appointed to rule Hudi. The matter is the same as that of the court prince.According to the annual employment practice, this year, the envoys were sent to present a red fox cloak, the coat color is glossy and shiny, and it is very bright.Scarlet fox fur is rare and rare, and such a color is even rarer.The emperor was delighted, so he rewarded the noble concubine for joy.

Immediately afterwards, there were still courtiers who took the initiative to present their talents and gifts, and those who had made their mark took the initiative to show themselves after the banquet.

Zong Zhengyi brought wine to the banquet, raised his glass to the two emperors and concubines, and said:

"It's the time of the new year, and my son and minister wish my father and emperor good health and prosperity, and my mother and concubine a happy life and a healthy life."

Concubine Ni showed relief, she looked at the child in front of her, and said, "Yi'er has a heart, and I will share your father's worries more in the future."

Zong Zhengyi responded, said something, and then walked towards Cheng to get along.

"Uncle is in charge of state affairs, and this year has been hard."

Ni Congwen said with a smile: "These are all the duties of a minister, and he should do his best."

Zong Zhengyi's eyes glanced back while talking, and Ni Congwen noticed it, so he continued to laugh and said, "If your Highness is fine, you can also chat with Zhi'er and Xin'er. It is difficult for you cousins ​​to see each other all the year round. Good to tell stories."

Seeing that his mind had been seen through, Zongzheng smiled shyly and said, "Uncle should pay more attention to his body in the coming year. He works hard in the Chinese government on weekdays, so we can't lose the foundation because of this."

Ni Congwen nodded with a smile, seeing the prince walking towards the back seat.

"cousin."

Ni Chengxin turned his head, saw that Zongzheng Yi had arrived, and the smile from just now dropped a bit, and said, "Cousin Prince."

Seeing this, the maid on the side also stood up and took a few steps back.

Zong Zhengyi raised his glass and smiled: "Cousin, Happy New Year."

After Ni Chengxin and his congratulatory drink, Zong Zhengyi felt a slight sense of lack in his heart, and turned his head to talk to Ni Chengzhi on the other side.

Mu Lan, the maid who had just stepped back, came forward again and whispered to Ni Chengxin, "Miss, why does that young man in the chestnut-colored martial arts look so familiar? Have you seen him before? Just now, I saw him dancing sword so savagely!"

Seeing that it was Fu Chen, Ni Chengxin remained calm and said with a smile: "Why, if you like it, I'll introduce him to you. Anyway, he has made great achievements in the army, so if he asks you to go, he won't wrong you."

Ni Chengxin straightened up and looked over, the young man opposite seemed to feel her gaze, and also raised his head to meet her.She raised her glass and nodded at him.

The maid Mu Lan smiled and said: "Miss, don't be joking, this servant is watching for you, I know that Miss likes such high martial arts, why bring this on the servant!"

Ni Chengxin said sadly: "I'm not in a hurry to get married..."

Mu Lan knew that the young lady of his family still had trouble thinking about King Yu's matter, so she didn't say much here, and moved on to other topics.

Ni Chengxin lowered his eyes and picked up the silver chopsticks, picked a mouthful of vegetables, and chewed.

Concubine Ni looked at the drunken face of the emperor who had turned blushing, and gently advised: "If your majesty is tired, you might as well go back to the palace to rest for now."

Zong Zhengqiu reacted for a while, nodded and said: "Okay, today... I am really a little drunk, so I won't go back to your palace."

Disappointment flashed in Ni Guifei's eyes, and she said immediately: "It's important for your Majesty to rest, let's go back to Yugan Palace, and the concubine can take care of today's situation by herself."

"The color of your clothes suits you very well today," Zong Zhengqiu smiled, grabbed Concubine Ni Gui's hand, and said gently, "Today is your birthday, so go back and have an early rest."

Concubine Ni smiled and watched Zong Zhengqiu leave.

As the time got late, a banquet ended in wine, food, singing and dancing, and the host and guest returned.

It was almost noon when Concubine Ni returned to the palace, big and small birthday gifts were delivered to the gate of the palace, and the eunuchs in the palace were carrying all kinds of gifts, all of them looked happy.

Sanskrit held a roster in his hand, and was also counting the congratulatory gifts sent by the empresses and princes of the palaces.

Concubine Ni Gui warmed herself up by hugging Mrs. Tang, sitting aside, looking at the piles of birthday presents on the table, her face pale.

"Second Miss is also very thoughtful. She inserted snow plums with her own hands, and the ink bottle with white plums is also very fresh and elegant." Sanskrit pointed to the porcelain vase on the ground.

Concubine Ni smiled lightly and said, "Just put it over the window."

Several young eunuchs ordered the plum blossoms to be moved to the window.

Fanyin continued to count: "His Royal Highness sent the Jade Buddha, and the Xiangye also gave the Avalokitesvara statue, and the concubines in the palace also gave more sandalwood Buddha statues and the like... Although it is what they like, it is too simple. , it’s nothing new to send them like this every year.”

Concubine Ni Gui didn't speak.

Sanskrit at the side leaned over, brought out a cage from under the table, and said with a smile: "However, Director Jiang and Admiral Jia have a tacit understanding, and they have sent birds over this year. There are flowers and birds, so it looks more vivid. As for falling into the cliché."

Concubine Ni gradually became interested and looked at the birdcage.

Fanyin put the birdcage on the table, pointed to the two birds inside, and said, "Your Majesty, look, the one with the short tail on the left is the oriole given by Director Jiang, the Supervisor of Ceremonies. It is black and blue. Its feathers are shiny and strong, but it is a rare treasure among the orioles. After being domesticated for a period of time, its cry is so loud that other orioles cannot catch up. When the slaves were young, they were called "the general among the orioles". .”

Concubine Ni looked sideways at the bird on the left.

The Sanskrit voice laughed again: "However, in terms of hard work, the servants still think Jia Tidu, the Kasyapa bird, is the most pleasing to the empress. The Kasyapa bird's song sounds like saying "Tui Tun" and "chanting Amitabha". Therefore, it is also called "Buddha-chanting bird." ’, Didn’t the empress want to ask for one when she went to Jinguang Temple earlier, and now it’s all set.”

"The admiral is indeed interested," Concubine Ni said with a smile, "Take out this Kasyapa bird quickly and let me have a look."

Sanskrit obeyed and opened the cage door, and stretched his hand in. The oriole flew away in fright, but the Kasyapa bird was sitting upright like a Buddha. Sanskrit held it in his hand, and the bird remained motionless like an old monk in meditation.

Sanskrit laughed: "Look, ma'am, this bird tainted with Buddha's aura is really extraordinary."

Concubine Ni took it with her hand, stroking the feathers on the bird's neck with her right hand, her smile rippling slightly.

Seeing that the imperial concubine was happy, Sanskrit was also delighted, but also afraid that the oriole in the cage would take the opportunity to fly away, so he turned his back and locked the cage.

When she turned around, she didn't see that the left hand of the noble concubine was holding the bird's body, and the slender armor inlaid with gold and emeralds on the ring finger slowly penetrated into the light-colored tender belly of the Kasyapa bird, and the elixir flowing down the armor just happened to drip. On the dark red palace dress she was wearing today, it was like a deep pistil revealed at dusk.

Sanskrit closed the birdcage tightly, turned his head and said: "Your Majesty, this servant ordered a few servants to carry all these birthday presents to the storeroom."

Ni Guifei nodded with a smile in her eyes: "Okay."

"...Then this oriole?"

"If you talk about sending birds, it's not Jiang Huahan's doing. A few months ago, the elder brother said in the family letter that Jiang Hua had sent the birds for fun in private. It seems that Jiang Hua had the intention of appreciating these birds and beasts, and he only talked about his intentions. In the end, Jia Yun is in line with the palace's wishes," Ni Guifei said with a smile, "the birds are noisy, so there is no need to have too many birds. Just give Jiang Hua's one to the Xiangfu."

Fanyin hesitated: "Can I explain the reason to Xiangye?"

"That's natural," Ni Guifei laughed, "It's my palace borrowing flowers to offer Buddha, my brother will definitely understand my palace's intention."

"Yes."

Seeing the rare joy of the empress on her birthday today, Sanskrit lifted the cage and walked out of the palace gate in great relief.

Concubine Ni's smile remained unchanged, and her right hand still maintained the stroking movement. She was silent for a moment in the hall, enjoying the loneliness of the already familiar solitude.

After a long time, he slightly lowered his head and tilted his head. With his thumb and forefinger, he lightly raised the bird's shrugging head in his hand.

I saw its closed eyes.

As if sleeping for a long time.