Chapter 137 Why did you fall down before I even took action?
Drunk today.
The most eye-catching thing in the main hall of this restaurant is a huge circular stage.
More than a dozen beautiful orchids dance gracefully on it, showing off their enchanting figures and beautiful looks to the fullest.
If there are more people, the Hu Xuan dance requires more skills and coordination. Sometimes the guests will get drunk and jump on the stage to sing and dance with Hu Ji.
The most exaggerated thing is to drive Orchid away and jump on it yourself.
Of course, those overbearing guests are either rich or noble, and they are the guests who cannot be offended.
Inviting people to dance with people who had old grudges was something that often happened in the competitive Tang Dynasty.
But today no one dares to do that.
Because facing the stage is a huge semi-open box surrounded by exquisite screens.
This box occupies almost a quarter of the main hall, so that you can not only enjoy the dance, but also enjoy the party.
Those who can sit inside must be Chang'an's top noble disciples.
In fact, when Shi Siwen of the Hu Shang Association saw this situation, he initially wanted to invite other guests away, but was refused by Li Qiao.
It was precisely through the mouths of those guests that the news of Li Yuanfang's attendance at the banquet was conveyed. There was no outsider, but it was not beautiful.
At this time, he began to organize: "Let's follow the specifications of the Shaowei Banquet. It's more expensive than fine. Each dish must be the most meticulous. Do you understand?"
The tail-burning banquet is a grand banquet held when a new official takes office or when an official is promoted.
During the Zhongzong dynasty, the banquet was even officially regulated by the imperial court. At this time, it was still just a private banquet.
Zui Jin Chao’s two major signatures are the fine wine and the second is the banquet.
Li Qiao knew that Zuijin Dynasty's fine wine was famous, so he waved his hand and asked his servant to bring his own famous wine: "Let this wine be warmed for the distinguished guests."
Shi Siwen smelled the aroma of the wine and was very surprised: "With such a refreshing and mellow aroma, could it be Lanling? I heard that this wine is not only brewed with special water, but also contains concoctions of sandalwood, patchouli and clove, and honey.
Seasoned, no matter how drunk you are, you won’t have a headache or dry mouth. I’m really lucky to see you today!”
Li Qiao knew it wasn't that exaggerated, so he nodded slightly and said, "Get ready!"
Several other noble men were talking and laughing among themselves.
Especially the person sitting in the main seat, with an arrogant face and a slight composure.
After hearing this, he suddenly said: "Li Yuanfang was born in Liangzhou, so he probably likes grape wine. Can he taste Lanling?"
Li Qiao's face changed slightly, and he quickly waved his hand to ask Shi Siwen to step back, and then whispered: "Sichong, why are you doing this..."
Li Sichong said calmly: "You have been an official for a long time and are too cautious. The Liangzhou barbarian hasn't come yet. When he comes, I will give you some good looks."
The other people also laughed and said: "What Dalang said is true. I refused before, but now I'm not trying to curry favor, that's all."
"Others are fifteen-year-old fifth-rank officials, and the saints expect them to be generals and prime ministers. You are thirty-year-old, all relying on the family's influence, and none of you are fifth-rank, so what right do you have to laugh at them?"
Li Qiao sighed in his heart, regretting that he shouldn't have softened his ears and asked those incompetent brothers at home to follow him. He and Li Sichong were actually enough.
But he looked at Li Sichong again.
As for the others, Li Qiao really didn't understand why the prime minister's eldest son was still wandering around the sixth rank.
Logically speaking, after reaching the age of thirty, it is completely feasible to be promoted to the fifth level.
Oh, you said Li Sichong has never made any meritorious service?
This is not an internal guard with a clear promotion. In the normal official position system, no fault is regarded as merit.
If the prime minister's eldest son is not young and high-ranking, does he look down on the prime minister or the officials?
However, what Li Jingxuan did did made many people admire him very much, and many literati wrote poems and recited it.
This is a generation of wise prime ministers who will never be nepotistic.
Just as he was thinking about it, Li Sichong frowned and said, "You really arrived at the appointment on time. You asked me to wait for the Prime Minister. Wow, this person is as arrogant as ever!"
Li Yan indeed came in at the right moment.
There were no clocks in ancient times, but drums were played in Chang'an every hour.
Along with the sound of drums, he walked into Zui Jinchao dressed in casual clothes.
Li Qiao's face was overjoyed when he saw it, and he went up to greet her: "Yuanfang!"
Even though he was not an official at a private gathering, Li Yan also called him "Jushan!"
He came to the banquet and bowed his hands to everyone: "I'm late, please forgive me!"
Everyone had already stood up and returned the greetings one after another. Li Sichong smiled, completely different from before: "We have long been famous and can't wait to come here, haha!"
Other noble disciples also agreed, and for a while it was like meeting old friends and enjoying themselves.
Li Qiao began to introduce them one by one. Li Yan didn't even take his name to heart, but instead looked at Li Sichong.
This is the eldest son of Li Jingxuan who participated in the Jinglong coup in history but failed and was killed.
The Jinglong Coup was initiated by Li Xian's crown prince Li Chongjun, and ended with everyone being killed at the Xuanwu Gate, but failed because of Li Xian's intervention.
In addition, Li Sichong also participated in the Shenlong coup that overthrew Wu Zetian and was awarded the title of Minister of the Ministry of Industry and General Zuo Yulin.
He participated in the two coups before and after, without any specific credit. He succeeded and failed, and his life and family were ruined.
This is one of the few historical records about this person.
Of course, those things are too far away from now. At this time, Li Sichong was still in his early thirties, which was also his peak period.
Because his father, Li Jingxuan, was at the peak of his power.
Being able to welcome Li Yan like this was indeed a great honor, and Li Qiao felt relieved a little.
Originally, the social activities of high-ranking scholars were all about superficial brothers, hypocritical dealings, and carrying people in fancy sedan chairs.
Move around more, and things will be easier when your interests are connected in the future!
Li Yan took his seat and served wine and food.
Lan Ling served it and Li Yan tasted it. It was really delicious and he couldn't help but nodded.
Everyone talked about the situation, and seeing that Li Yan was neither cold nor enthusiastic, a distinguished disciple who did not want to be named rolled his eyes and suggested with a smile: "Drinking so much makes you drunk easily and tasteless, why not follow the drinking order? Yuan Fang felt
how?"
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! It was a habit in the Tang Dynasty that people would often follow a drinking order when drinking, which is to set a rule and ask everyone present to do things according to the rules in turn, and cheer for those who do it right.
, if you don't do fine wine, it will heat up the atmosphere. Literati usually like to drink wine when they are socializing, and it is the most important test for their knowledge and quick wit.
Li Yan smiled modestly: "Literary writing is not my strong point. I also read "Fanglin Yaolan", "Chen Gui" and "Yaoshan Jade Color" at home on weekdays, so I won't show off my shame here."
The distinguished disciple sneered: "What are those things worth reading? Let me tell you..."
"Ahem!!"
Li Qiao coughed wildly and interrupted directly: "Yuanfang is eager to learn and diligent in studying the books given by the saint, the queen, and the prince. She is indeed a role model for our generation!"
If your level is not good enough, please stop talking nonsense, okay? You almost choked me to death just now!
Distinguished disciples: "..."
Li Yan eats vegetables.
Another noble disciple who did not want to be named looked at Hu Ji dancing enthusiastically on the round stage and said with a smile: "In this situation, it is difficult to find a close friend. Yuan Fang has no literary talent, so you and I dance together and sing a song."
how?"
The atmosphere of the times was such that even though the Shandong gentry claimed to have a strict family style, they still had to master vocal and dance skills, otherwise they would be regarded as lonely people.
But as soon as he finished speaking, Li Qiao coughed again and said: "Yuanfang danced to congratulate and congratulate the saint. He showed the joy of the country and has always been praised by the public."
Isn't it good for everyone to eat, drink, chat and warm up their feelings, but why do they want to show off in front of the King of Dance?
Distinguished disciples: "..."
Li Yan eats vegetables.
Some people still refused to give up, and the third distinguished disciple, who did not want to be named, called to Hu Ji: "Come on, bring up the wine-making Hu."
Not long after, a naive drunkard appeared in the middle of the table.
It was a porcelain statue like a roly-poly, very delicately made, with one hand pointing forward.
At an educated party, people sing and drink, but at an uneducated party, people become drunkards. It all depends on luck.
The bottom of this porcelain statue has the effect of a turntable. Turn the base and whoever points your finger at the end will drink.
The noble disciples looked at Guanjiu Hu and smiled.
You have nothing to do now, right?
Li Yan also laughed.
Sure enough, Hu kept turning around, and everyone drank one glass of wine after another, but no matter how many times they turned, they couldn't turn to him.
Even Li Qiao was surprised this time.
How?
12 o'clock luck, what's going on with you?
Distinguished disciples: "..."
Li Yan eats vegetables.
Why did you fall down before I even took action?
Anyway, enjoy the delicious food.
Anyway, we are all sitting alone, and those people can't spit here. The roasted tail banquet is really delicious.
You can order takeout in the future and have Zui Jinchen deliver it to your door.
Seeing that Li Yan was almost finished eating, Li Sichong finally couldn't hold it in any longer, raised his glass and said with a smile: "Famous is not as good as meeting. Yuan Fang is a strange person, I respect you!"
Li Yan then put down his chopsticks and picked up his wine glass again: "Brother Sichong, please!"
This kind of call was affectionate with a hint of respect. After hearing this, Li Sichong's face softened and his smile became a little more sincere: "Please!"
Little did he know that Li Yan just thought his nickname was funny and also meant to obtain information.
After drinking a full glass, Li Yan asked: "I wonder what position Brother Sichong holds now?"
Li Sichong's tone suddenly softened: "I take the post of Fu Baolang."
Fu Baolang, from the sixth rank, belongs to the Inspection Department in front of the palace, and holds precious seals or gold and silver medals. He is a very marginal official.
The key point is that if Li Sichong was a member of the Ministry of Justice six years ago, then his rank has not changed at all in the past six years and the power in his hands is still small.
Li Yan's eyes flashed.
Li Jingxuan is definitely not that kind of person. If he arranges such a position for his son...
His thoughts were turning, but he still had to say what he wanted to say: "Serving in front of the palace, and being tempered by the affairs, it is evident that Li Shilang has worked hard."
Li Sichong had heard this kind of talk so much that he developed a rebellious mentality, and a trace of impatience flashed between his brows.
Unexpectedly, what Li Yan said next was very different from those clichés: "But in my humble opinion, with Brother Sichong's heroic appearance, it would be an underachievement to hold this position!"
Not many people dared to say this, so Li Sichong's eyes lit up slightly: "Yuan Fang really thinks so?"
Li Yan said with a smile: "Brother Sichong is from a well-educated family and has a lot of talent. He should be virtuous and talented. How can he be ranked as a mere Fu Baolang? Although Li Shilang has good intentions, he has really wronged brother Sichong!"
Li Sichong laughed and became really happy: "That's too much praise! It's too much praise!"
Different people praise, and the effect is different. He has heard too many flattery words from the noble disciples around him, and has no feeling at all.
But this person, who has always been honest, could take the risk of offending the prime minister of the dynasty and say this, which is really pleasant to the ears.
Li Sichong felt that this Liangzhou barbarian had become quite pleasing to his eyes, so he stood up and invited him: "Yuanfang, how about we dance together?"
Li Yan: "..."
Misstep!
Li Yan has integrated into the times and is completely used to dancing alone, but when dancing with a grown man, he is still respectful and insensitive.
This is also the reason why he doesn't like to socialize with these noble children, and he always makes comments.
Fortunately, at this moment, Hu Ji on the high platform stepped down, and several actors came on stage and began to perform a small play.
After the song and dance program, there will be theatrical performances, which is why Zuijin's business is booming, it is equivalent to having a party every night.
The little play on stage tells the story of a filial son who tasted feces for his father during the Southern Dynasties.
An official in the Southern Dynasties felt flustered and uncomfortable less than ten days after becoming a county magistrate. He felt that something was going on at home, so he immediately resigned and went home.
When I got home, I found out, as expected, that my father was sick.
The doctor told him that if he wanted to know whether his father's condition was serious or not, he could only taste the feces. If it was bitter, it would be no big deal. But when he tasted it, he found that it was sweet, and he felt like the sky was falling. Sure enough,
Soon after, my father died of illness.
Let’s not talk about the shortcomings. At this time, the performance was on stage, and everyone in the audience looked at it with very solemn expressions. The barbarians stopped drinking and did not dare to say anything.
Especially when the actor reached the climax of his performance and tasted the sweetness, Li Sicheng's eyes suddenly turned red, he covered his eyes with his hands and his shoulders trembled.
But he still couldn't seem to suppress the pain in his heart, and big tears fell down his cheeks.
Li Yan was stunned: "This is...?"
Is Li Jingxuan dead? Why didn’t he know? He hasn’t even eaten yet!
Li Qiao quickly explained: "Sichong Cixiao, this is because I miss my mother so much again!"
Other distinguished disciples also spoke out one after another.
Some praised Li Sichong for his pure filial piety, some started beating their chests and crying, and some wished they could rush on stage to perform together.
"The legacy of the Northern and Southern Dynasties..."
Li Yan was very speechless.
There is no way, this is also the main theme of society, performing filial piety.
It doesn't work for you to simply be filial and silently support your parents. You must show it. The more exaggerated the form, the better.
Li Zhi is the best example. How did Da Ci'en Temple come to be? He cried when he heard the name of Queen Wende.
When Li Shimin was seriously ill, he stayed up all night to serve. Although he also did some other things, it was not important.
"Wait a minute!"
At this moment, Li Yan's eyes moved and he suddenly asked Li Qiao who was sitting next to him: "How long has it been since Brother Sichong's mother passed away and she is still so sad?"
Although the question was a bit abrupt, Li Qiao did not doubt that he was there. After all, the longer the time went by, the more filial he seemed to remain so sad, and he said: "Five years..."
"Five years ago?"
Li Yan's eyes turned cold: "I see, he is really filial!"