doctor knife in hand

No matter how worried the crown prince was, the emperor's birthday would still arrive two days later.

This kind of palace banquet is the highest level. The hall is spacious, but it is full of people. According to the rank, the positions are also arranged from top to bottom. If the rank is not enough, they have to sit outside the hall.

It stands to reason that Lu Jin, a fifth-rank sesame official, is not even qualified to sit outside the hall, but whoever let him have a boyfriend of a first-rank Duke, and the crown prince insisted, this position was moved to Song Heng's. At his side, anyway, the Englishman has no female relatives, so there was already a seat vacant on his low table.

When Lu Jin sat down, those who knew the inside story knew it tacitly, and those who didn't know had to ponder the deep meaning.

It's just that everyone knows that His Highness the Crown Prince is in good health, and the new medicine developed by the People's Hospital is indispensable. In addition, Lu Jin is Song Heng's subordinate, so it's unknown what kind of extra favor he has given.

On the dragon chair, Emperor Wen of Chu sat calmly, recruiting a concubine with a beautiful face to wait on him, but the concubine who had always been by his side sat next to him, followed by other high-ranking concubines.

After that came the royal family, the crown prince and King Qi at the front, followed by the young prince and princess, and then the prince, the eldest princess, the county king, and the princess. Among the princes.

King Cheng really didn't like to be seen. He sat at the banquet with the princess in obscurity, and didn't talk to the people around him. There was no smile on his face, and his expression was a little indifferent. It seemed that he was not here to celebrate, but to attend the funeral.

On the contrary, Concubine Cheng also had a few words with the concubines nearby, but not many, they were all casual greetings, meaningless.

Everyone knows that the current emperor hates them and always grabs their faults, so no one will hinder the emperor's eyes.

Since Lu Wan's death, Lu Jin and Prince Cheng's house have cut off contact. Although the death of her sister was caused by accident, the Prince Cheng's house cannot escape the relationship, so in Lu Jin's eyes, King Cheng is worse than a stranger. Rejected correspondents.

However, Lu Jin's ability to sit next to Song Heng caught King Cheng and Princess Cheng's glances, and there seemed to be a little more meaning in their eyes besides surprise.

After the imperial family, there are nobles and ministers, Dukes like Song Heng, and guests and envoys from other countries. Once they are all seated, the banquet will open.

The silk and bamboo music, enchanting singing and dancing, enlivened the atmosphere at the banquet.

The maids served wine, water, melons and fruits, and exquisite dishes one by one. Everyone ate while talking, and the scene warmed up after a while.

After listening to Song Heng's words, Lu Jin sat down in advance. Although the food in front of him was good, it was a pity that it was already cold and the taste was not good, so he picked up some dried fruits to eat.

Song Heng summoned the maid, asked for a cup of tea and hot water, and put it in front of Lu Jin.

This kind of thoughtfulness, although it comes naturally, is a bit eye-catching after all.

Fortunately, the prince on the other side was more caring. He not only brought a cup of hot water for the princess, but also removed the wine, and even replaced the cold dishes, which instantly attracted all eyes, even Emperor Wen of Chu. I also looked over several times.

In the eyes of those who care about it, it is unavoidable to be a little more suspicious and gloomy.

Especially the noble concubine, although she can't get any help in the East Palace, the records of the crown princess's menstrual affairs are all in the cleaning room.

At the end of a song and dance, the dancers bowed their heads and retreated.

Everyone stood up from their seats, walked to the center of the hall and saluted Emperor Wen of Chu, wishing the emperor a long live.

Emperor Wen of Chu nodded with a smile, raised his hand, and everyone fell flat.

Then he said a few opening words, and looked at the Qiang Rong envoy, who got up and said, "I wish your majesty a long life and a healthy life. My king first ascended the throne, so I sent me to celebrate your majesty's birthday, to show the sincerity of the two countries. , I wish the Great Chu and the Qiang Rong can coexist peacefully and prosper. My king originally wanted to come here in person, but the tribal affairs are complicated, and I can’t get away for a while. I, Wang Yanming, will come to visit His Majesty the Emperor in person when the grassland is stable."

This is very nice to say, whether it is true or not, whether it is Emperor Wen of Chu or the ministers, they all have smiles on their faces.

Emperor Wen of Chu said, "King Qiang Rong has a heart, so I will wait for his arrival in this capital."

The envoy said respectfully, "Your servant will definitely convey His Majesty's expectations to the king. This time, to celebrate His Majesty's birthday, our king has prepared ten thousand horses and cattle and sheep to present to His Majesty."

As soon as the words fell, there were surprised looks around.

Even Song Heng frowned slightly, with a puzzled expression on his face.

Lu Jin was a little puzzled, and Song Heng said to him in a low voice, "Ten thousand horses, this amount is somewhat unexpected. Qiang Rong has always been ruthless, even if they surrendered after losing a battle, they would not give so many horses all at once."

This time it was only the emperor's birthday, so generous, it was unjustifiable.

And it's horses, Qiang Rong, the land is vast and sparsely populated, and there are patches of prairie. If it weren't for the powerful cavalry, why would Da Chu be so afraid of them.

Qiang Rong has always controlled the horses, even if smuggled, they rarely flow into Da Chu.

Lu Jin nodded and said, "Then there must be something else."

Seeing his serious appearance, Song Heng couldn't help teasing him, "Then what are you trying to do?"

Lu Jin gave him a look of contempt without hesitation, "You don't know, how would I know?" Politics has never been related to him.

Emperor Wen of Chu was surprised for only a moment, but soon calmed down, with a faint smile on his face, "King Qiang Rong has a heart."

The envoy said, "This is my king's wish, but he has another request, please allow His Majesty the Emperor."

Song Heng touched his chin, looked at the envoy and said, "Do you want to marry the princess?"

Lu Jin was startled, and said in her heart that she couldn't.

"My king has always admired the great Chu culture, and even more envied that the former King Huda could marry Princess He'an, bring peace and writing to the grassland, and free the Qiang and Rong from barbarism. Therefore, these ten thousand BMWs, cattle and sheep are even more gifts. Asking His Majesty the Emperor to marry the princess, my king will treat her like a pearl of eye, the most precious thing."

When the Qiang Rong envoy finished speaking again, there was an uproar all around.

Lu Jin looked at Song Heng, "You really hit the spot."

Song Heng smiled very lightly. He took a sip from his wine glass and said, "It has been like this since ancient times."

Lu Jin's eyes fell on the prince and the princesses behind the king of Qi. All of them were smiling and beautiful, but now they were panic-stricken, especially the one who was about to marry, her face was pale, her eyes were gray and red Eye.

A spoiled princess, who would want to go to such a wild place to wait for wolves all by herself.

Although this matter had nothing to do with Lu Jin, he was still uncomfortable. He said, "Will the emperor agree? In fact, instead of expecting a princess to marry to bring peace, I think a strong army and national power are more secure, otherwise I will marry ten princesses." Neither can the princess stop the invasion."

Song Heng nodded, "You are right, don't worry, the emperor will not agree."

Lu Jin was very puzzled to be so sure, because he saw that several ministers were about to move, and the eyes of these ministers were not rejection, but joy and willingness.

"The eighth princess has just made an appointment with her in-laws, and the remaining nine princesses of the right age are the daughters of the concubine Wang Guifei." As soon as Song Heng finished speaking, Emperor Wen of Chu said, "I have felt the sincerity of King Qiang Rong, but this is a major matter that needs to be considered separately. .” He raised his hand and pressed the other ministers who were about to play, and looked at the envoys from other countries.

Lu Jin asked, "What's the point?"

Song Heng said, "Since the emperor is interested in the crown prince, how could he let the king of Qi have such a sister-in-law?" What if jackals are introduced?

"If the eighth princess and the ninth princess change their identities, will they agree?" Lu Jin asked.

Song Heng fell silent and didn't answer, but this has already shown that the fact is sometimes so helpless.

Marrying a princess is not just about seeking peace, because there are also dowry attendants, food towns, and troops accompanying the princess. It is an excellent opportunity for all kinds of people to break into the interior of the Qiang Rong, listen to the movements of all parties, and send back messages at any time. Great Chu capital.

In political situations, there will always be sacrifices.

People like Lu Jin can't play.

The meaning of Emperor Wen of Chu was very clear, and the envoy of Qiang Rong was a little disappointed.

After the other small countries sent special gifts one by one, King Qi stood up and said, "Father and emperor have worked hard for many years, and the world can be peaceful, the country is peaceful and the people are safe. This is the blessing of the country and the country. Inspired by the merits of the father. A colorful bird flew into the courtyard of the son Yueqian, very much like the legendary phoenix. It cannot be driven away by people, and it is not afraid of seeing people. It holds its head up, proud and noble, and sings like a flute. The father was born Right in front of her eyes, she must have inspired her father to come here, and dedicated it to her father."

As King Qi said, a beautiful brocade bird with colorful feathers and a long tail flew over from the gate of the hall. It raised its head and chirped, just like the sound of flute.She was indeed not afraid of people, she raised her footsteps and walked into the hall, all the way in, she reached His Majesty Dan.

Seeing everyone looking over in amazement, it dismissed it and raised its head towards the current emperor.

It was so amazing that Emperor Wen of Chu was so excited, he kept saying good words, if he didn't want to hold the majesty of the dragon face, otherwise he would have to take a closer look.

King Qi smiled proudly and said, "Phoenix is ​​auspicious, this is God's affirmation of Father, congratulations to Father."

Regardless of whether it is true or not, all officials congratulated in unison.

"Prince Qi must have spent a lot of thought." Lu Jin asked in a low voice.

Song Heng nodded, "I heard that I bought it from an animal trainer in the Western Regions. It cost a lot of money and I trained for more than half a year."

Although Song Heng looked down on this kind of noisy means to win favor, but the birthday banquet was indeed full of excitement.

Whether Emperor Chu Wen believed it or not, this kind of thought made him very happy, and he was very rewarded.

The minister below praised Qi Wang Renxiao, and he also nodded in praise.

With this pearl and jade in front, it will be difficult for the prince to do so.

He was going to perform, but now he is very nervous because everyone is looking at him.

The imperial palace is only this big, although I can't find out exactly what the eastern palace is doing, but I can get a general idea of ​​the people coming and going.

Especially Emperor Wen of Chu, he can be said to know the East Palace very well, but he hasn't asked about it once in the past few months, so it can be seen that he wants to get a surprise today.

Emperor Wen of Chu waved his hand, asking people to invite the "Phoenix Bird" out, then looked at the prince, and said directly, "Today, the prince has a congratulatory gift for me."

This is discussed face to face.

The princess gave the prince a slight push, but the latter was so nervous that there were so many people

Song Heng sneered and turned his face away, unable to look at it.

Lu Jin kicked him and glared at him, that's your nephew

Song Heng spread his hands, with an innocent expression on his face, and said in his heart that I really can't help such a cowardly problem, if I can, I can go up on his behalf.

These two people are flirting, and the prince can see it, because Lu Jin said that when he was nervous, he stared at one person, and it turned out to be a pig teammate who couldn't explain it in words.

The prince was stunned, and at last he stood up, swallowed hard, took a deep breath and said, "My son, I don't have the phoenix of King Qi, and there are no rare treasures. My father is worried about my health. Fortunately, now that I have received new medicine and strengthened my body, I am no different from ordinary people. My son is not talented. I would like Caiyi Entertainment to present a piece of Taijiquan to my father, so as to fight my father Smile."

His voice was trembling at first, and even Emperor Wen of Chu couldn't help sweating for him. When the prince finished speaking, he immediately said, "Shan, I am very pleased that the prince has such a heart."

Catch the ducks has been put on the shelf, the prince has no choice but to go according to the original arrangement, it is really a bitter tear.

"Father, please wait for a while, and wait for the minister to change his clothes."