Chapter 415 Seating

After the sacrificial ceremony, everyone began to take their seats.

There were a total of 999 guests at the Chongyang banquet, excluding members of the royal family.

But the arrangement of seats was very particular.

First of all, the top seat was naturally occupied by Emperor Yongyuan.

In the Taiji Palace, Emperor Yongyuan and Empress Wu were at the top on the left and right.

And on both sides of them, there were nine seats each.

In other words, the Taiji Palace had 20 most important seats.

In addition to Emperor Yongyuan and Empress Wu, the other 18 people could be said to be the most powerful officials in Daxing.

All the doors of the Taiji Palace were removed in advance, so even if they sat in the hall, they could have an excellent view overlooking the entire banquet venue.

And the 99 tables in the banquet venue were also strictly divided into different levels.

The closer to the front of the round table, the fewer people sat, and the more people sat at the back.

But even if there were more people, it would not be crowded, it would just fill up the round table.

Li Xuan was on the roof of Taiji Palace, watching these people sitting down in an orderly manner, and he was also full of emotion.

"People, there are divisions of superiors and subordinates everywhere."

"It has been like this since ancient times, and it is still the same in Daxing."

"It seems that the root of this is still in 'people'."

Li Xuan looked at the scenery below and couldn't help but grin, finding it interesting.

Princess Ankang and other royal heirs were relatively close to the front, not far from Li Xuan.

But Li Xuan could only squint his eyes to see the rows of tables at the back of the venue.

Moreover, there were actually the most people sitting there.

But even so, those who could enter this banquet venue were not ordinary people.

Li Xuan saw that there were still many children here, who entered as family members.

The seats for family members were relatively far back, but they were also divided into different levels.

After these people sat down gracefully, they began to exchange pleasantries. Those who did not know each other would also greet and introduce themselves enthusiastically. It was a harmonious atmosphere.

At the Chongyang Banquet, Li Xuan estimated that there were more than a thousand people attending.

This was the first time that Li Xuan had witnessed such a large-scale aristocratic social occasion.

He and Axiang ate snacks and watched the lively scene below.

With the end of the sacrificial ceremony, some food and drinks were finally served, but it was not a full meal, just fruits and snacks, tea and cakes to fill the stomach.

But these were all special foods provided by the royal family. The nobles living in the palace were naturally accustomed to it, but it was a rare experience for these "nobles" outside the palace.

Fortunately, these foods were supplied in unlimited quantities today. As long as there was a shortage of any type of food on the table, a palace maid would replace it with a new plate, and there would never be an empty plate on the table.

Moreover, everyone present was a person of status, and they were very reserved when eating.

Even though they were obviously very hungry or greedy, they still managed to hold back and maintain their noble elegance.

Even the children did not act recklessly, and it was obvious that they had been warned before coming.

After all, if they were embarrassed in such an occasion, it would become news in the aristocratic circle of the capital the next day.

In this regard, our Eighteenth Prince should learn well.

At this time, the royal heirs seemed to be similar to usual days, after all, the food and the scene in front of them were not unfamiliar to them.

On the contrary, these guests were the most attractive to them.

Some were looking at the ministers at the tables in front, and some were looking at the families at the tables in the back.

They had different thoughts.

Li Xuan was looking at all of them, appreciating this rare scene.

Only the song and dance performance on the stage was not appreciated by many people.

After the sacrificial ceremony, everyone sat down, relieved their fatigue, and filled their stomachs with snacks.

It seems that the process of this banquet is not completely inhumane.

At the same time, the high altar was covered with a layer of yellow cloth, and many eunuchs in flowery clothes were busy below.

It seemed that the altar was to be dismantled and moved away, and a Cuju field and stands were to be set up on this open space.

Li Xuan had already seen the construction materials piled aside.

Speaking of which, the Ministry of Internal Affairs was also very smart. They had prepared these materials in advance and only needed to be spliced ​​on site.

The dismantling of the high platform was also carried out very quickly. After all, the eunuchs in flowery clothes who were working were all extraordinary warriors, with speed and strength far beyond ordinary people.

From this point of view, this human race's practice of cultivation was simply born for work.

"Your Majesty, there seems to be something special at today's Chongyang Banquet?"

Li Xuan was on the roof and heard the movement in the Taiji Palace.

"Oh? Is this voice the silver-haired old man who presided over the sacrifice before?"

Through the voice, Li Xuan recognized its owner.

"It seems that this person has a high status. Not only can he preside over the sacrificial ceremony, but he can also sit in the Taiji Palace."

Li Xuan guessed the identity of this person.

Although the singing and dancing performances at the banquet were still going on, it did not prevent Li Xuan from hearing the movements in the palace.

Then, the voice of Emperor Yongyuan sounded, and he only laughed twice, and then replied:

"Haha, I just asked the princes and princesses to prepare some entertainment programs to save them from always being idle in the palace and doing nothing."

"Why, is the emperor interested?"

Hearing the address of Emperor Yongyuan, Li Xuan couldn't help but feel moved.

"Isn't it that Prince Zheng?"

At this time, other voices rang out in the palace:

"Haha, Your Majesty."

"Not to mention His Royal Highness Prince Zheng, even we are very curious."

"Your Majesty, we have heard a lot about the Imperial Garden Competition held this year. Previously, the princes and princesses went out of the palace to investigate cases. Now it is also a popular event in the capital."

"The stories of the princes have spread among the people."

"Your Majesty has made good efforts to let the princes go deep into the people and understand the people's sentiments. The people all praise it."

Li Xuan didn't expect that he would sit in the Taiji Palace and hold such a high position, but he still couldn't avoid flattering.

"It seems that some things are basic skills that must be practiced."

Li Xuan pricked up his ears and listened carefully to the conversation in the Taiji Palace.

It's a rare opportunity for all the big guys in Daxing to gather together. It must be right to listen to their conversation.

But after listening for a while, Li Xuan couldn't help frowning.

The people below were just flattering each other.

They were either praising the wisdom and bravery of Emperor Yongyuan or praising Daxing for its promising future.

Especially since Daxing was about to cross its 1,000th year and become a millennial dynasty.

Everyone was flattering Emperor Yongyuan, saying that he would definitely be remembered in history for this.

Emperor Yongyuan was polite, saying that there were still 25 years left and he might not be able to make it to that year.

The people below were naturally flattering him, saying that he was young and strong and there was absolutely no problem.

A group of meritorious officials and dignitaries said that it was a great honor to cross this special year under the leadership of Emperor Yongyuan.

Li Xuan listened for a while and found that this matter seemed to be quite meaningful to them, and the topic always revolved around this point.

During this period, the eunuchs in flowery clothes had completed the dismantling of the altar, and the Cuju field had basically taken shape.

"Meow, what efficiency!"

Li Xuan exclaimed.

At this time, the song and dance performance came to an end. After the guests sat down and had some snacks and tea, they also filled their stomachs a little.

"Wow, it seems that there will be a Cuju game."

The guests talked a lot and began to look forward to it.

Compared with the previous sacrifices and songs and dances, Cuju was obviously much more interesting, especially after they were no longer hungry, they obviously had a lot more interest.

Especially the young children, they were much more lively than before, after all, the first half of the banquet was still very boring.

Even the officials sitting at the front tables no longer had a stern face, but sat upright and showed an interested look.

Most of the people present had played Cuju when they were young.

Some people are still very enthusiastic about it now.

In the Taiji Palace, Emperor Yongyuan suddenly said:

"I remember that my uncle was also a good player of Cuju in the past. I wonder if he is still playing in recent years?"

"Why not take this opportunity to encourage the younger generation participating in the competition today?"

According to the seniority of Prince Zheng, Princess Ankang and others are all younger generations of grandchildren.

As a royal relative who is still active in the court, Prince Zheng has the highest seniority and status, so he is qualified.

But when Prince Zheng heard this, he immediately stood up from his seat, bowed and saluted, and said politely:

"Your Majesty really thinks highly of me."

"I am old now, how can I still play the game of young people?"

"Let's leave today's court to the real protagonists."

Emperor Yongyuan saw Prince Zheng stand up, and quickly raised his hand and pressed twice:

"Alas, why are you so restrained when you sit down to talk, uncle?"

"My children are not lucky enough to see my uncle's heroic figure."

Emperor Yongyuan spoke politely, with a kind smile on his face, just like two different people when he was alone in Ganlu Palace on weekdays.

Empress Wu sat aside, keeping a quiet smile on her face. Except when necessary, she didn't say a word, and was extremely low-key.

But although Empress Wu looked low-key, no one in Taiji Palace dared to underestimate her and the Wu family.

Now the most popular family in the court is the Wu family.

Especially the promotion of the female emperor to the throne pushed the Wu family to the forefront and attracted a lot of criticism.

But Empress Wu and the Wu family have remained as calm as a mountain, which shows their means.

Emperor Yongyuan looked up and found that the Cuju field had been prepared. The Cuju game could start as long as the stands were set up.

The Taiji Palace was located on a higher ground, and there were long jade steps in front of the palace.

Therefore, even if Emperor Yongyuan and others were sitting in the Taiji Palace, they could have a clear view of the Cuju field.

They will watch the game here later, and will not go to the stands.

The stands are for guests.

"This scene is much bigger than yesterday."

Li Xuan muttered silently on the roof, then turned around and meowed to A Xiang in the bamboo basket:

"Meow, woo? (A Xiang, are you nervous?)"

A Xiang didn't understand, just blinked and shook his head.

Not to mention, it's pretty cute.

When A Xiang was flying in the air and stretching his body, he was really majestic and handsome.

But at this time, A Xiang hid his body in the bamboo basket, only showing his head, which was a bit cute.

And in the seat where the royal heirs were sitting, Princess Ankang couldn't help but feel a little nervous before the big game.

"Ankang, the first game is you and the third brother, right?"

The fifth prince and others came over and asked.

Princess Ankang nodded.

"The third prince relies on his high level of cultivation, but his ball path is actually very rough. He is a wild way to make miracles happen with great force. Don't be afraid."

The fifth prince, who had lost to the third prince, commented like this.

"But you should also remember to avoid the third prince's shots. Although he has not yet reached the level of controlling qi, his cultivation method is very disgusting and can achieve short-term attachment."

The fifth prince shared his experience, looked around, and secretly rolled up one of his trouser legs under the table.

The fifth prince's calves were extremely white, with smooth skin and few leg hairs.

Only on one leg, there was a fist-sized red mark. It can be seen that ointment has been applied on it, but it is still far from being healed.

"Wow, fifth brother, your legs are so white!"

Princess Yuan An suddenly exclaimed on the side.

The fifth prince blushed and said angrily:

"Yuan An, don't mess around, is this the point?"

"This is the point!"

The fifth prince pointed to the burn mark on his leg.

"Be careful that the third prince will attach his true energy to the ball to attack. You can't see it by looking at the ball, but you have to look at the third prince's movements. There are always signs that he mobilizes his true energy."

"If you get hit, you won't be able to hold on for long, just like me yesterday."

It's true that the fifth prince's experience of defeat is quite useful.

It can be seen that he actually played very seriously in the game yesterday.

Princess Ankang kept the words of the fifth prince in her heart and nodded repeatedly like a chicken pecking at rice.

"Ankang, you have to work hard. You can't let the third prince, that bastard, get the limelight in front of so many people."

The fifth prince was even more nervous than when he played in the last game. It seemed that the third prince's victory was more uncomfortable than his life.

Princess Ankang nodded obediently.

"With Ah Xuan here, my sister will definitely win!"

Princess Yuan An said confidently.

The Seventh Princess was lying on the table, half asleep, murmuring in her sleep to cheer for Princess Ankang.

Although no one heard what the Seventh Princess said, let's just say it.

At this time, Zhao Feng appeared on the Cuju field that had been built, and then said loudly:

"Dear guests."

"Hmm???"

Li Xuan heard this familiar opening speech on the roof, and his tail almost bent into a question mark.

"Shouldn't you say 'Dear leader' first?"

"It seems that old Zhao still has a lot to learn."

Li Xuan joked.

Zhao Feng's voice then rang in everyone's ears:

"Your Majesty has arranged three Cuju matches for the Chongyang Banquet today."

"The four contestants are the eldest prince, the third prince, the eighth prince..."

"And, the Thirteenth Princess!"

"The Thirteenth Princess!"

As soon as Zhao Feng introduced the four contestants today, the banquet hall began to whisper.

Compared with the previous three princes, many people did not know the Thirteenth Princess, so they were very curious.

And those who knew who the Thirteenth Princess was, reacted even more violently.

With eyes of various emotions, they immediately cast their gazes to the seat where the royal heirs were sitting, looking for the figure of Princess Ankang.

And a few eyes soon locked on Princess Ankang.

"That is..."

"Is it Concubine Xiao's child!?"