In the evening, before the sun sets, the Ruan Mansion's birthday banquet has already begun.
In the festively decorated lobby, a huge golden longevity character hangs high in the hall.
Ruan Ting, with a smile on her face, and Mrs. Ruan sat at the main seat to accept the congratulations from all the guests. At the front of the guest seats below were the regent and princess, General Luo and his wife, Prince Ning and his wife, Taifu Su's eldest son and his wife, and Princess Mu.
and Prince Mu'an and his wife, and then Bai Jingrong, Ji Rong and other guests who came to congratulate.
Bai Jingrong was not displeased because she was seated at the back, and sat down next to Princess Mu very calmly.
However, many of the guests present were a little absent-minded, and I really can’t blame them. After all, who would have thought that a prime minister’s birthday banquet would be able to see the two Dongling ladies who were famous in the world thirty years ago at the same time?
Although time has passed by, these two people have long lost their youthfulness, but they are still graceful and charming, which makes people fascinated.
Many little girls have just discovered that His Royal Highness the Regent, who was ranked number one on the Yongfeng Hualu not long ago, is somewhat similar to Princess Mu. No wonder His Royal Highness the Regent is so handsome, and her mother is a stunning beauty.
.
Luo Junyao sat next to Xie Yan, took a sip of the fruit wine on the table, and showed a bright smile to his father who was looking at him opposite.
Luo Yun and his wife arrived late today, and she didn't even have time to say a few words to her parents before the banquet started.
After everyone congratulated them on their birthday, Ruan Ting personally picked up the wine glass and smiled at the guests: "It's Ruan's birthday. Thank you all for coming. Ruan would like to toast you all. I hope you can have a good time tonight."
Prince Ning, who was sitting down, smiled and said: "Mr. Ruan, you are too polite. Today you are the longevity lord, so it is our turn to respect you."
Even so, everyone still picked up their wine glasses and drank with Ruan Ting.
Prince Ning and the Ruan family are considered in-laws, so naturally they speak more casually.
The banquet officially began, bamboo music played, and the enchanting dancer appeared and danced gracefully.
However, not many people paid attention to these dancers tonight, and many people still couldn't take their eyes away from Bai Jingrong and Princess Mu.
It's not just because of their beauty, but also because of their identities.
Bai Jingrong, Da Sheng's old enemy, and Princess Mu, who never attended banquets, arrived at the same time. Many people were already wondering if there might be some deeper meaning?
Luo Junyao held the light wine in his hand, his bright eyes moving around without trace.
"What are you looking at?" Xie Yan looked down at her and asked softly.
Luo Jun clicked his tongue and said: "The Dongling Shuangshu are indeed well-deserved. Even thirty years later, they will still attract attention no matter where they are."
Xie Yan glanced at Bai Jingrong opposite, but Bai Jingrong happened to be looking at them as well.
Bai Jingrong smiled and raised his glass to the two of them. Xie Yan turned away his eyes with a calm expression. Luo Junyao picked up the wine glass and smiled at Bai Jingrong. Bai Jingrong seemed to find it interesting, took a sip of the wine and chuckled.
Ji Rong, who was sitting next to her, heard the sound and glanced sideways at Bai Jingrong, but said nothing.
Bai Jingrong turned her head and looked at Ji Rong with a smile, "Are you angry with your mother?"
Ji Rong said calmly: "Mother misunderstood."
Bai Jingrong said: "I have been here for many days, but Ah Rong has only visited me twice. Isn't it because he is so cold and indifferent?"
Ji Rong put down her wine glass and said calmly: "I'm angry. How will mother treat me?"
Bai Jingrong sighed softly and said: "My mother has no way to help you come to Shangyong as a hostage. But don't worry, the Dasheng people will not make things difficult for you in the future. You are almost old, and my mother will marry you a good wife."
How is it?"
Ji Rong didn't answer. Bai Jingrong smiled and asked, "Look at the regent princess, isn't she interesting?"
Ji Rong glanced at Luo Junyao, who was raising his head and whispering to Xie Yan across the way, and then his eyes fell on Bai Jingrong, "What does mother want to do?"
Bai Jingrong said in surprise: "What do I want to do? Isn't it common sense to marry a wife and have children? Or...Arong also likes that little girl from the Luo family?"
Ji Rong's expression changed slightly, and she stared at Bai Jingrong intently. Bai Jingrong looked at him with a smile, and there was no emotion at all on her face.
"Mom was joking, this kind of joke is not allowed."
Bai Jingrong came closer and laughed in a low voice: "Arong, you tried to get close to the little girl of the Luo family as soon as you arrived at Shangyong. Do you think your mother doesn't know? What a pity...that little girl ignored you and just liked Xie Yan.
.”
As if she was talking about something interesting, she covered her lips and laughed softly.
The two spoke in such low voices that they were almost touching each other. The lobby was very noisy. Not only could outsiders not hear them, it was even difficult to read their lips. I just felt that the mother and son were too close.
However, there are some rumors that mother and son have a bad relationship.
Ji Rong lowered his eyes and said nothing, secretly clenching and relaxing his left hand on the other side, and said: "Mom is joking."
Bai Jingrong patted his arm lovingly and said, "Arong, mother doesn't like rebellious children."
Ji Rong said in a low voice: "I understand."
Luo Junyao dragged his chin and observed the entire banquet with some boredom. Banquets are always so boring.
Especially in ancient banquets, once you sit down, you basically have to sit until the banquet is over.
This boredom did not end until Eunuch Huang from the palace sent congratulatory gifts on behalf of the young emperor.
After Ruan Ting respectfully accepted the order and thanked His Majesty for the gift, and personally escorted Eunuch Huang out of the house, Xie Yancai said softly to Luo Junyao: "Shaoyao thinks it's boring, we can leave first."
Luo Junyao was a little surprised, "Can I leave first? Wouldn't it be bad?"
Xie Yan chuckled and said: "Your Majesty's congratulatory gift has been delivered, and the guests who are not close to each other should leave. If you don't believe it, you may want to take a look. My father-in-law and the Su family will leave soon."
Old Master Su did not come tonight. The person attending the banquet in his stead was the eldest son of the Su family, Su Rui's father and Su Xun's grandfather.
"Besides, if we don't leave, how can others have the nerve to leave?" Xie Yan said calmly.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Luo Junyao thought about it. People in high positions rarely sit at this kind of banquet from beginning to end. Not to mention that others will feel uncomfortable if you stay here, and you will not leave anyone with a lower status than you.
How can people have the nerve to leave?
Luo Junyao's eyes brightened slightly, "Then... let's go?"
Looking towards the opposite side, Su Shi nodded to Luo Junyao with a smile, then turned her head and whispered a few words to Luo Yun.
Luo Yun raised his head and looked over, and then glanced at Ruan Ting, who had just returned from seeing the guests off. He obviously had the same intention.
Xie Yan said: "Let someone go and talk to Ruan Xiang."
"Yeah." Luo Junyao nodded repeatedly. Xie Yan was about to turn his head to summon Duoying to give instructions when he heard a loud voice coming from outside, "Master Xueya of Mingyin Pavilion congratulates Prime Minister Ruan on his birthday by order of the Pavilion Master!"
There was a moment of silence in the originally noisy lobby, and many people turned to look at Ruan Ting, who had just returned and was about to sit down.
More people didn't know why and looked at Ruan Ting. For a moment, it seemed like everyone was staring at him.
Ruan Ting was also startled, obviously not expecting such a thing to happen.
In the lobby, someone didn't know who said: "I didn't expect Ruan Xiang to have a relationship with Mingyin Pavilion?" This tone was a bit strange, with some unspeakable meaning.
Mingyin Pavilion is a somewhat strange existence in Shangyong. Some people who know it are very afraid of it, some regard it as a simple gold-selling cave, and many more people have never heard of this name at all.
Or you may have vaguely heard of it but don’t know where it is.
As for Mr. Xueya, even people who have been to Mingyin Pavilion only know that he is a piano player. Apart from being good-looking and good at playing the piano, there is nothing special about him.
It's the prime minister's birthday. It's fine if the owner of Mingyin Pavilion doesn't come to celebrate his birthday himself. Instead, he sends a piano player?
Come and play birthday music for the Prime Minister?
People who know more about Mingyin Pavilion are suspicious. Could it be that this person named Ruan has something to do with Mingyin Pavilion?
People couldn't help but think of the legend that the backer behind Mingyin Pavilion was a high-ranking figure in the inner city.
Does Prime Minister Dasheng have a high position of authority?
Faced with all kinds of hidden probing and suspicious glances, Ruan Ting's expression remained unchanged but his eyes darkened a bit.
Prince Ning gave Ruan Ting a meaningful look and said with a smile: "Mr. Ruan, it is said that Mr. Xueya is a rare luthier. It is said that he is known as the best luthier in Dasheng. Why don't you invite us in?
Is it also an eye-opener?”
Ruan Ting naturally knew that it was impossible to drive people out directly even if they came to the door.
Then he laughed and said: "The visitor is a guest. Please come in, Master Xueya."
Little did Ruan Xiang know at this time that he would regret this decision very soon.
Luo Junyao didn't even say he was leaving. He grabbed Xie Yan's sleeves excitedly, but his eyes fell on Ruan Ting's face.
Ruan Ting's expression was calm, showing no emotion or anger.
Xie Yan looked down at the slender hand holding his sleeve, stretched out his hand to hold it gently and asked: "Shake, aren't you leaving?"
Luo Junyao said: "After all, it's the Prime Minister's birthday banquet. It's not appropriate for us to leave so early. We'd better wait."
Xie Yan looked at her with deep eyes, "Really? I thought Yao Yao wanted to see what Young Master Xue Ya looks like?"
Luo Junyao laughed dryly, "How could that happen?"
After a while, the steward of the Ruan family came in with several people.
The man at the head was tall and tall, with black hair in snow-clad clothes, and his appearance was as handsome as the cold snow in early winter. Regardless of their status, the guests here all wore brocade clothes and tied their hair, and they were well-dressed. He was the only one who only wore a snow-colored coat and one hair.
With her hair half tied up and her long black hair hanging behind her back, she feels a bit like an immortal.
It's just...this really doesn't look like a birthday celebration.
To put it more harshly, in the eyes of Shangyong dignitaries and ordinary people, disheveled hair is not even a good dress for formal occasions.
Not only Prime Minister Ruan, but also the faces of everyone in the Ruan family immediately became gloomy.
We can also understand why the steward of the Ruan family who brought them in looked embarrassed and worried. He obviously also knew that this person's clothes were a bit inappropriate.
The atmosphere in the lobby seemed inexplicably awkward for a moment.
There were several people following Mr. Xueya, one of them was holding a brocade box as a birthday gift, while the other was holding a lyre.
"Xue Ya, by order of the Pavilion Master, congratulates the Prime Minister on his birthday." Mr. Xue Ya said calmly, but his birthday message was also very careless.
Many ladies who were infatuated with Mr. Xueya's beauty also came to their senses instantly and exchanged a few glances with their close friends.
There seems to be some bad people coming to Mingyin Pavilion.
Ruan Ting's face didn't look good either. This person from Mingyin Pavilion didn't look like he was here to celebrate his birthday, but rather to cause trouble.
Ruan Yuelou, who was standing behind Ruan Ting, smiled and said: "Thank you, Master of Mingyin Pavilion. Mr. Xueya is a guest. Please sit down and have a glass of wine." After saying that, he waved his hand to the steward next to him to pick up Mr. Xueya.
Gifts sent.
Young Master Xue Ya then glanced at Ruan Yuelou and said with a faint smile: "Master Ruan, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"You're welcome." Ruan Yuelou frowned slightly. It was his first time meeting Mr. Xueya, and he always felt that the man looked at him in a strange way. "Master Xueya, please."
Mr. Xueya said: "I came here under orders, and I have to go back to get my orders back. I'm afraid I won't be able to enjoy the banquet at the Prime Minister's Mansion. I'm really sorry. I would like to play a song for the Prime Minister and everyone here to celebrate the Prime Minister's birthday."
Without waiting for Ruan Yuelou to reply, Ruan Ting said in a deep voice: "No need. Since Mr. Xueyaya is busy, Ruan will not stay much. Please go ahead."
Some people are dissatisfied, "Master Xueya's song is worth a thousand gold, what's the harm in the Prime Minister listening to it?"
Ruan Ting's eyes sharpened, and he suddenly shot towards the source of the voice. For a moment, he was unable to find out who said this among the guests in the hall.
With someone taking the lead, people will naturally follow suit.
It's not that these people couldn't detect Ruan Ting's attitude because they were so discerning, they knew that Ruan Ting didn't want to hear Mr. Xue Ya playing the piano, so they started to make noises.
In other words, they want to see the Prime Minister's jokes.
Ruan Ting's face was a little cold, and his eyes fell on Master Xue Ya.
After a long while, he slowly said: "Since Master Xueya wants to play, then let's play."
Mr. Xueya chuckled lightly, and did not feel embarrassed. He took the piano held by the attendant beside him, turned around and sat on the floor, and touched the strings with his slender fingers.
The simple sound of the piano flowed out from the fingertips, and the lobby, which was originally a little noisy, soon became quiet.
The sound of the piano is clanging, and the music is simple and solemn.
Xueya Gongzi’s reputation as a great piano player is indeed true. He played the song "Yu Funeral" so well...
Well, those who heard what kind of music it was opened their eyes wide and looked at Mr. Xue Ya who was sitting in the lobby.
Mr. Xueya is indeed an expert at playing the piano. This ancient piece has a very simple melody and is not easy to play well. Under his fingers, not only does it have the simplicity and solemnity of the ancient piece, it also makes people faintly feel like crying.
feel.
But... no matter how well you play it, it can't change the fact that this is a funeral song?!
"How outrageous!" Some people couldn't help but started to slap the case, and said angrily: "Why don't we capture this crazy and rebellious person!" Playing a funeral song at the Prime Minister's birthday banquet can indeed be called a crazy and rebellious person.
The servants of the Prime Minister's Mansion who were guarding the door were not familiar with music, and this ancient funeral song was of little use nowadays. They had no idea what was going on.
He had no choice but to look at Ruan Ting at the master's seat with some helplessness, waiting for his master's instructions.
The Prime Minister's face finally fell completely, and tonight's birthday banquet can be said to be a complete regret. No matter what they do, the Prime Minister's Mansion will be a joke in Yonghuang City for a long time to come.
Ruan Ting held down Ruan Yuelou who was about to come forward to speak, and said in a deep voice: "I don't know what happened to the master of Mingyin Pavilion?"
Only then did everyone react.
Yes, Mr. Xueya is from Mingyin Pavilion. Mingyin Pavilion sent people to do this today, obviously he has a grudge against the Ruan family.
But this method is too damaging.
In addition, how tough is the backstage of Mingyin Pavilion? Do you still want to live a good life after offending the prime minister like this in the Yonghuang City?
The ancient song "Yu Funeral" is very short. The last note passed by Mr. Xueya's fingertips. Mr. Xueya lowered his eyebrows while pressing the piano, and said with a soft smile: "The Prime Minister is overly worried. There is no grievance between Mingyin Pavilion and the Prime Minister."
No grudges.”
Ruan Ting sneered and said: "So, Mr. Xueya has a grudge against me?" It was embarrassing anyway, and Ruan Ting no longer wanted to maintain his gentle appearance.
This person obviously did it on purpose. If he just let it go, everyone would want to step on the Ruan family in the future.
Mr. Xueya stood up, glanced at the guests in the lobby, and said, "This song was not originally played for Mr. Ruan. I just wanted to borrow a place to play an elegy for my mother."
On the other hand, Ruan Fu, whose round face turned red with anger, said angrily: "You are going to the Ruan family's place for your mother's funeral? I think you are clearly here to bring bad luck to someone! Come here, take him down for me.
!”
With the order from their young master, the servants of the Ruan family did not dare to delay any longer and immediately rushed into the hall.
The two guards who were following Master Xueya took a step forward and blocked him back.
There were also military generals or martial arts practitioners among the guests. Some wanted to see the Ruan family’s jokes, while others wanted to make friends with the Ruan family. Immediately, some people stood up and geared up to help take down Young Master Xueya, “How dare you act wild in the Prime Minister’s Mansion.
, and you won’t be captured without hesitation!”
In any case, it would be too much to play a funeral song at someone else's birthday banquet. Even though the Xueya Master was extremely handsome and graceful, no one would intercede for him.
Seeing that he had become the target of public criticism, Young Master Xueya was not frightened. He chuckled lightly, raised his eyes and looked at Ruan Ting and said, "Father, do you really not recognize me? Ah Shuo is back."
"..." The hall fell into silence again. Some people wondered if they had had a few too many drinks tonight and had something wrong with their ears.
Ashuo? Who is Ashuo?
Whoosh!
The sound of wind broke through the air, and Ruan Fu hurriedly caught the things that were thrown at him.
"What the hell is this?"
It was a jade pendant. It was not a precious jade. The carving was fine but not outstanding.
The jade pendant looks quite old, but it is very warm and fresh. It is obvious that someone often plays with it or wears it for a long time.
But as the most favored young master in the Prime Minister's Palace, Ruan Fu did not like this jade pendant.
People who were close to Ruan Fu leaned over and saw the word Ruan engraved on the jade pendant.
The hall once again fell into irresolvable embarrassment and dead silence.
At Ruan Ting's fiftieth birthday party, someone brought a jade pendant suspected to be the Ruan family's to recognize him.
And this son who wanted to recognize his mother played a funeral elegy for his own mother at his "father's" birthday party.
"By the way...was the young master who died young in Ruan Xiang's name called As Shuo?" Some people couldn't help but think of some old things.
In the early years, Ruan Ting would often mention his deceased wife and children, but in recent years, as the young masters of the Ruan family grew older, they gradually stopped mentioning it. But the only people who can sit in this hall, except for the sons and daughters of various families, wouldn’t it be?
Most of them are colleagues or even relatives and friends of Ruan Ting?
Of course someone will remember it.
Just looking at the faces of the Ruan family, everyone swallowed their words in unison and just thought about it in their hearts.
Didn't the eldest son die in a robber encounter with his wife? How could he come to recognize his father with a jade pendant twenty years later?
