Hou Mailong, Liao Chengyuan, and Luo Yousong returned to their respective rooms to rest for a while, and the palace attendants soon came to report.
“Your Majesties, please proceed to the dining hall for your meal.”
The three of them met at the entrance of the dining hall, each with a question in their minds: How could the Great Han Kingdom prepare so many dishes without repetition? And how would they arrange so many dishes appropriately when three monarchs dined together?
Upon entering the dining hall, they were taken aback by the dining table in the center. They had never seen such a table before— it was a large round table with four layers of rotating tabletops, increasing in size from top to bottom. The bottom layer was fixed and held the utensils, while the three upper layers could be rotated. Each layer was neatly arranged with various dishes and with a quick glance, they confirmed that they were indeed the dishes they had ordered.
Zhang Yongfu approached and said, “Please be seated, Your Majesties. This table can rotate, and if you feel that our service is not attentive enough, you can rotate the tabletops yourselves to select the dishes you prefer.”
This round table made Liao Chengyuan and Luo Yousong feel comfortable. Although the power of the Mai Kingdom was slightly stronger than theirs, as fellow monarchs, none of them wanted to be subordinate to another. The Eight Immortals table had a distinction between upper and lower seats, but this round table allowed the three monarchs to sit on an equal footing.
“This table is quite interesting,” Luo Yousong chuckled. “Your Majesties, please be seated. After more than a month of traveling, we can finally have a good meal today.”
“Please.”
“Please.”
After lunch, they sat for a while, but thinking about the recent series of changes in the Great Han Kingdom, they couldn’t sit still and decided to go out for a walk.
The Ministry of Rites arranged for Official Zheng and Zhu, officials of the Main Office of Historical Records, to accompany them.
The group soon arrived at the bustling streets. They had already experienced various specialty foods during lunch, so there was no need to elaborate. They marveled at the unique attire worn by the people of the Great Han Kingdom, the advertise boards, the pulleys used to transport heavy goods on the roadside, the parasols held by graceful women, the footballs kicked around by children… The intoxicating aroma of the Drunken Immortal Inn, the fragrance of wine emanating from the winery, the lively amusement park, the scholarly atmosphere of the Chongwen Hall, the bustling entertainment city, the cheering football stadium, the uniform architectural style of the pedestrian street, the four or five-story residential areas… everything astonished the three monarchs. They even glanced at the public toilets that were cleaned spotlessly and had flowers planted nearby to reduce odors.
Of course, the most commendable aspect was the streets of the capital. Every street in the capital was now paved with concrete-they were all spacious, smooth, and clean. Even if there was nothing to be happy about, their moods improved while walking on the streets.
Official Zheng said, “There are still three days until the New Dynasty Day. If Your Majesties don’t mind, I can arrange the itinerary for these three days. What do you think?”
“Very well,” Liao Chengyuan said. “We are interested in visiting the Chongwen Hall, the entertainment city, the amusement park, and more.”
“His Majesty has already instructed us to treat the three esteemed monarchs well. We will do our best to ensure that Your Majesties have a delightful time,” Official Zheng replied.
Hou Mailong said, “By the way, ’Nanyi’ Company has gained widespread fame, and even I who is far away in the Mai Kingdom have heard of it. I wonder if the three of us have the honor of visiting it?”
Official Zheng maintained his composure and smiled, “While ‘Nanyi’ Company is well-known, it is actually just an ordinary quadrangle courtyard. Tonight, Your Majesties can rest well and relax. Tomorrow morning, I will first take you to the Chongwen Hall and then to the entertainment city. How does that sound to Your Majesties?”
He evaded the subject of the First Company, and not wanting to push it, Hou Mailong and the others nodded in agreement.
After a long and tiring journey, they strolled for a while before returning to their accommodations.
Qingsong Courtyard
Hou Mailong sat silently in his chair, his face gloomy. Grand Tutor He Buyan was also speechless.
After a while, Hou Mailong slammed the table and said in a deep voice, “I heard that most of the significant changes in the Great Han Kingdom are related to Yan Caiqing. It’s a pity that such a person was not born in my Mai Kingdom or married into my Mai Kingdom!”
After Hu Mailong had ventes his anger, He Buyan spoke, “Your Majesty, His Majesty Liao and His Majesty Luo brought beautiful princesses with them on this trip. They said it is for sightseeing, but I’m afraid they have ulterior motives.”
Hou Mailong sneered, “We have used the beauty trap before, but it was ineffective. It shows that it is only a mediocre strategy.”
Aomei Courtyard
Liao Chengyuan looked at his beautiful and graceful sixth daughter, Liao Xueyin, and said, “My child, you have seen the city of the capital, haven’t you?”
“Yes, Father,” Liao Xueyin replied, her voice as melodious as a warbler, which was particularly pleasant to the ear.
Liao Chengyuan said, “During the New Dynasty Day ceremony, I will have you perform a dance. Make sure to seize the heart of the Emperor of the Great Han Kingdom on this occasion.”
Liao Xueyin gently shook her head. “Father, I have heard you mention that the Emperor of the Great Han Kingdom has a deep affection for Yan Caiqing. I’m afraid…”
“What do you mean?” Liao Chengyuan sensed her implication.
Liao Xueyin said in a soft voice, “If I forcefully stay by the side of the Emperor of the Great Han Kingdom, not only would it make him and Yan Caiqing annoyed, but it could also raise suspicions. I’ve heard that the Emperor of the Great Han Kingdom shares a close bond with his half-brother, Prince Dai, who was born to the same mother. So, instead of choosing the Emperor of the Great Han Kingdom, it might be better to adopt an indirect approach and get closer to Prince Dai.”
Liao Chengyuan pondered for a moment and nodded, “You make a valid point, my child…”
Yazhu Courtyard
Sixteen-year-old Luo Luoluo saw that Luo Yousong had returned, and she ran up to him while holding her skirt, also eating without stopping.
“Father, you’re back.”
“Luo’er, didn’t I tell you not to talk with food in your mouth?” Luo Yousong rubbed his forehead, feeling helpless.
“Father, I can’t help it,” Luo Luoluo continued eating. “You said that we might return to our kingdom once the celebration is over. There are so many delicious foods in the Great Han Kingdom, and I’m afraid I won’t have enough time to taste them all. That’s why I’m putting in so much effort.”
Luo Yousong looked at his daughter’s plump figure and felt a bit worried. If he had known, he wouldn’t have brought her along.
On the ninth day of the third month, the visiting monarchs arrived one after another. In the evening, Prime Minister Wen and other high-ranking officials warmly invited them to the lodging and informed them of the arrangements for the following day’s grand ceremony.
On the tenth day of the third month, the palace ignited dazzling fireworks at dawn, illuminating the sky above the capital. The common people of the capital knelt piously, bowing in the direction of the palace.
The fireworks lasted for a quarter of an hour before subsiding, and it was as if a signal had been given as the people began setting off firecrackers they had prepared in advance. The sound of firecrackers echoed one after another, creating a festive atmosphere like that of the Lunar New Year.
The celebratory ceremony within the palace officially began, with all members of the royal family and civil and military officials gathering in the square of Taihe Palace
The Emperor first paid homage to the heavens and his ancestors, just as during the New Year celebrations. Then, he personally recited a eulogy, and after its completion, the members of the royal family, including the consorts, all knelt in unison.
After the kneeling ceremony, the consorts exited the scene and returned to the harem.
Next, the Grand Historian recited a eulogy to commemorate the glorious achievements of the ancestors and praises the Emperor’s accomplishments.
Huangfu Yuchen made a humble summary and outlined future plans, concluding the New Dynasty Day ceremony.
The ceremonial official shouted, “His Majesty of the Mai Kingdom has traveled a long way to congratulate—His Majesty of the Liao Kingdom has traveled a long way to congratulate—His Majesty of the Wei Kingdom has traveled a long way to congratulate—”
After the announcements, the festive sound of gongs and drums filled the air.
The monarchs, accompanied by their entourages, appeared one by one and stood on the square, looking towards the young Emperor in the bright yellow imperial robe on the throne. They all spoke in unison, “We congratulate the Huangfu Dynasty on its 680th anniversary!”
Huangfu Yuchen announced, “To the esteemed monarchs who have traveled from afar, your hardships and sincerity are deeply appreciated. Please, Your Majesties and distinguished envoys, take your seats!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Perform the song and dance,” Huangfu Yuchen instructed Deng Mande.
Deng Mande shouted, “Perform the song and dance—”
The sound of strings and flutes resounded, and a group of beautiful women entered, dancing gracefully and joyfully.
Hou Mailong looked up at the high platform where only Huangfu Yuchen and the dignified Empress were present, and the eunuchs and palace maidens who were accompanying them.
“The Emperor of the Great Han Kingdom didn’t invite his beloved consort, Yan Caiqing, to attend such an important occasion?” Hou Mailong whispered.
Next to him was the emperor of the Wei Kingdom, Hei Zhentian, who was in his forties and exuded an aura of majesty. He replied, “I also noticed just now. It seems that Yan Caiqing is not present.”
Luo Yousong who was at the head of the group guessed, “Perhaps he attended but left right after the New Dynasty Day grand ceremony ended.”
A few enchanting and pleasant laughter caught their attention, and they finally realized that the song and dance had finished. Two groups of women wearing dresses with different colors flooded into the square, each group stunningly beautiful and with impressive figures. In addition, there were two peculiar-looking net gates added on both ends of the square.
Luo Yousong saw a rolling bamboo ball in the square and wondered, “Could it be a game of…?”
Before the words could fully leave his mouth, the sound of different rhythms from the qin and flute instruments rang out simultaneously, sometimes high, sometimes low. The women in the field followed the music, using their feet to kick the ball. With the fast-paced music, the movements of the women in red clothing became quick—running and dancing gracefully. With slow-paced music, the movements of the women in purple clothing became slow—twisting their waists, stretching their arms, lifting their legs—a seductive yet not frivolous posture. It was lively and playful.
Gradually, everyone became fascinated and understood the idea. The women in red and purple clothing followed the cues of the qin and flute instruments, perfectly combining the game of football and dance, providing a delightful spectacle.
A couple of days ago, these monarchs had also visited the football field out of curiosity to watch a football match. The intense competition and seamless coordination between the players easily stirred their emotions. Men’s football showcased masculinity and strength, while women’s football displayed agility and grace. It allowed them to experience a completely different kind of pleasure, and they immersed themselves in it completely.
Obrigada pela tradução ☺️