Chapter 200 Dinner for the Royal Palace Executives
Chapter 200: Dinner Party for Royal Palace Executives
When Fang Yuan and Du Miaoyan returned to Chang'an City, the news of the battle report had not yet spread.
However, when the two of them just returned to the county government office, the palace brought the good news to the government office.
Good news: A great victory in the East Turkic War, and the army captured Jieli Khan alive.
"Victory!"
Du Miaoyan shouted excitedly.
The battle between the Tang Dynasty and the Eastern Turks finally came to an end.
For more than half a year, the senior officials of Datang have been worried about the war situation in the north.
It has a great influence, is related to the future of Datang, and is closely related to the interests of everyone in Datang.
"Fang Ling, Your Majesty asked you to publicize that the war is won."
The eunuch in the palace explained.
The war is won, and the court will publicize it.
In addition to the emperor's imperial edict being spread throughout the Tang Dynasty, county magistrates in various places also have to focus on publicity.
Fang Yuan is the magistrate of Chang'an and the parent official of the people of Chang'an County. He needs to publicize it together with the court. The bigger the publicity scale, the better.
So Fang Yuan ordered Zheng Mingzhu and others to write the news of the victory of the Tang Dynasty on the billboards of various workshops so that all the people could know.
Thanks to the propaganda from the imperial court and Chang'an County, the people of Chang'an City soon learned of the situation, and the whole city was excited, singing and dancing with excitement.
"Victory!"
"We, the Tang Dynasty, won!"
"Long live the Tang Dynasty, long live your Majesty!"
The Tang Dynasty won, and the people had a stronger sense of belonging to the Tang Dynasty, and they loved the current emperor Li Shimin more, and Li Shimin's prestige was higher.
In the afternoon, Fang Yuan received an invitation from the palace to have a palace dinner tonight.
In the evening, Fang Yuan entered the palace with an invitation letter in hand. After entering the Chengtian Gate, he was led by soldiers to the Imperial Study Room.
There was only Li Shimin in the Imperial Study Room. He was standing with his arm resting, his back facing Fang Yuan, and in front of him was a large map.
For example, the map Fang Yuan showed to Ju Zi and Zhou Shi at the county government office was more than two or three times larger.
"Your Majesty, Fangyuan, pays homage to His Majesty."
Fang Yuan glanced at the magnificent map and saluted respectfully.
This map not only covers all places in the Tang Dynasty, but also includes the East and West Turks, Xueyantuo, Tuyuhun and other countries.
"Fang Yuan, you're here!"
"Come and see the territory of our Datang Dynasty!"
Li Shimin turned around and waved excitedly to Fang Yuan.
The Tang Dynasty was victorious and the Eastern Turks were destroyed. From then on, the territory of the Eastern Turks belonged to the Tang Dynasty.
Looking at the huge map, Li Shimin was very excited, secretly sighing that he was the Mingjun of the Tang Dynasty who opened up new territories.
"Congratulations to Your Majesty for opening up new territories and becoming the first emperor of the Tang Dynasty to open up new territories for the country, setting an example for future generations."
Fang Yuan doesn't hesitate to flatter him.
The Tang Dynasty's war to destroy the Eastern Turks established the power of the Tang Dynasty.
From then on, the Tang Dynasty became the overlord of Asia, and Li Shimin was also honored as Tian Khan.
"Erect a banner for future generations?"
"Yes, yes, yes, Fang Yuan, you are right!"
Li Shimin murmured, and then said even more excitedly.
Because his superior position was unfair, Li Shimin always tried to improve his reputation.
Nowadays, the Tang Dynasty destroyed the Eastern Turks, and he became the first emperor to open up new territories in the Tang Dynasty, setting an example for future generations.
Then when future generations discuss their own merits, they will not only focus on the issue of their own unfairness in superior positions, but also have great achievements, which can even cover up the injustice of their superiors.
Fang Yuan smiled modestly and did not continue to flatter Li Shimin, as it would be better to avoid going too far.
"In your opinion, how should I plan this large territory?"
"Should it be divided into provinces, states and counties like now, or directly divided into the Protectorate?"
Li Shimin is still very excited.
He walked aside and pulled out his Emperor's Sword, pointing at the territory of the Eastern Turks and saying.
"The Protectorate."
Fang Yuan thought for a while and said.
Although the territory of the Eastern Turks was captured, the people of the Eastern Turks were not completely captured.
Considering the toughness of the nomadic people, the imperial court needed to set up a protective palace to suppress those places with strong military force.
"I think so too."
Li Shimin slowly returned to normal and nodded heavily.
But he was actually worried, that is, the power of the Protectorate was too great, combining military and political power.
He was not worried in the Tang Dynasty, but the Eastern Turkic territory was too far away from the central government, so he had to worry about being out of reach when setting up a protective palace there.
"But I also have a concern, that is, the excessive power of the Protectorate."
"If His Majesty is still alive and the imperial court is strong, then it will not be a problem no matter how excessive the power of the Protectorate is."
"But a hundred years from now, your Majesty, and several generations from now to the descendants of the Tang Dynasty, the excessive power of the Protectorate may lead to the separation of princes."
Fang Yuan said in a deep voice.
It was very wise to establish the Protectorate in the early Tang Dynasty, which made governance easier.
But with the emergence of the Jiedushi in the later period, the Duhu Mansion almost became a prince, and did not even listen to the central government's orders.
"You think so too?"
"Is there a solution?"
Li Shimin was stunned for a moment, then asked slightly.
It's rare that Fang Yuan actually goes in the same direction as he wants.
"Power distribution!"
"The Protectorate is divided into three parts, with military power, administrative power, and judicial power separated."
Fang Yuan thought for a while and put forward opinions based on his own ideas.
"Power distribution!"
Li Shimin nodded.
I understand what Fang Yuan said and feel it is necessary.
If power is too concentrated, it will easily lead to dictatorship and eventually corruption.
Li Shimin still wanted to have an in-depth discussion with Fang Yuan, but at this time eunuch Wang De came in to report.
"Your Majesty, the banquet has been prepared. All it takes is you and Fang Ling."
Wang Degong said.
He also nodded to Fang Yuan.
At the banquet, the emperor's relatives and ministers of humerus all arrived.
It's understandable that the emperor hasn't arrived yet, but Fang Yuan hasn't arrived either, and he's with the emperor, which shows how much the emperor values Fang Yuan.
As a eunuch beside the emperor, Wang De naturally understood the situation.
"Well... let's go have a drink first and talk about this topic later."
Li Shimin nodded slowly and invited Fang Yuan to come with him.
Fang Yuan followed, and not long after, he followed Li Shimin to the banquet place.
When he arrived at the palace, Fang Yuan's heart skipped a beat.
It’s not that the palace banquet is so luxurious, but that the people who come are all heavyweights.
The emperor, the queen, the prince, the prince, the princess, the prince, the heads of the three provinces and six ministries and other big shots.
After a cursory glance, Fang Yuan found that among everyone, his official rank was the lowest, which undoubtedly surprised him.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Not only was he surprised, everyone was also very surprised when they looked at Fang Yuan, and some of them even showed jealousy.
It would be strange not to be jealous of a small fifth-grade Chang'an Order who actually arrived with His Majesty and made them wait for a long time.
Among them, Du Ruhui did not come in person due to physical impairment, and his eldest son Du He attended the banquet instead.
Soon, Fang Yuan sat down at the end of the banquet.
"I'm so happy today, I'm so happy!"
"Father, everyone, please raise your glasses and wish the Tang Dynasty good luck!"
Li Shimin walked to the top center position.
He stood up together with Queen Changsun and toasted to everyone.
The Supreme Emperor Li Yuan is also here, one step below the emperor and empress, and one step above Prince Li Chengqian.
"Good luck to the Tang Dynasty!"
Everyone stood up one after another, raised their glasses and shouted.
The victory of the Tang Dynasty was a victory for the whole country and needs to be celebrated.
Tonight's banquet is a banquet for the Tang Dynasty's senior officials to celebrate the victory of the war.
During the banquet, Fang Yuan saw the beautiful dancing postures and moving singing voices of the palace ladies.
For Fang Yuan, who participated in a palace banquet for the first time, every program was very attractive.
Seeing the dazzling and elegant palace ladies dancing, Fang Yuan sighed that it was great to be the emperor.
No wonder there is a saying that kings don’t go to court early. Faced with so many charming beauties, it’s really rare for a king to go to court early.
During the dance, courtiers began to move around, seemingly exchanging feelings and so on.
Fang Yuan thought for a while and sat in his original position without moving.
Some of the ministers here know each other, but the relationship is not deep enough to make a toast.
While admiring the moving dance, the voice of Princess Xiangcheng suddenly sounded in my ears.
"Fang Yuan, are you stunned?"
Princess Xiangcheng said with a faint smile.
"Princess Xiangcheng!"
Fang Yuan smiled and stood up to salute Princess Xiangcheng.
This is the palace, and there are a lot of ministers here, so etiquette is indispensable.
"No need."
"Does it look good?"
Princess Xiangcheng waved her hands and continued to ask.
"Good-looking."
Fang Yuan said bluntly.
It's really good-looking. It turns out to be even more beautiful than the girls dancing at the White Tiger Club.
But the scale is not as big as that of the White Tiger Club, and many of the movements are restrained, and more are used to add to the fun.
Thinking of the White Tiger Club, Fang Yuan felt it was necessary to call Lu Chuchu and the others over.
Now that it is considered stable, Liaozhou’s foundation should slowly turn around.
"You, you come with me!"
Princess Xiangcheng rolled her eyes at Fang Yuan, with resentment in her eyes.
She snorted coldly and walked towards the place behind the banquet.
"Princess, can you leave the banquet?"
Fang Yuan looked at Princess Xiangcheng and then at the banquet, but did not catch up.
This is a palace banquet, so it would be inappropriate to leave like this.
"Just follow me, no one will care."
Princess Xiangcheng said without turning her head.
Fang Yuan wanted to call Princess Xiangcheng, but she had already left.
I have no choice but to keep up with Princess Xiangcheng.
The two of them didn't notice that after the two left, Princess Changle, who was paying attention to Fang Yuan, also secretly left the banquet.
The night is dark, and the palace is very big, but there are lights in most places, illuminating the road brightly, so you can see the palace clearly.
Fang Yuan and Princess Xiangcheng walked side by side on the cobblestone road. Their silhouettes were very long in the candlelight. When they met, they looked like a couple in love.
"Fang Yuan, I heard Miaoyan say that you are getting married?"
Princess Xiangcheng said softly.
Her expression was a little complicated, half sad and half happy.
"Yes, let's wait for Prime Minister Du to have a good time."
Fang Yuan was stunned for a moment, then nodded.
Du Miaoyan and Princess Xiangcheng have such a good relationship, they found out so soon.
"Why wait for Prime Minister Du to find a better life?"
"Don't you have any plans for choosing a day?"
Princess Xiangcheng stopped and turned to look at Fang Yuan.
"I don't have any plans. Let's see what time she chooses first."
Fang Yuan shook his head and said.
He is just an orphan and has no idea about choosing a day. He just decides on an auspicious day.
Of course, if Juzi wants to take care of it, Fang Yuan can let him contact Du Ruhui.
But according to Fang Yuan's understanding of Juzi, Juzi is also the kind of person who dislikes trouble, and he probably doesn't want to take care of it.
"So casual?"
"What are your feelings for Miaoyan?"
Princess Xiangcheng frowned and said.
Her beautiful eyes looked at Fang Yuan, looking complicated and deep in the darkness.
"I just don't have any relatives, so I don't have much idea about choosing a day, but I am sincere about Miaoyan."
Fang Yuan frowned slightly, his attitude towards Princess Xiangcheng was a bit strange.
As the person involved, Du Miaoyan didn't even ask so many questions. Was Princess Changcheng too concerned?
"What about me?"
Princess Xiangcheng took a step forward and asked.
Fang Yuan was stunned for a moment, then fell silent, not knowing what to say for a moment.
Princess Xiangcheng was also stunned, and then her face changed drastically. She was shocked that she had asked such a question just now.
Neither of them spoke, and the surroundings became even quieter. The wind blew across their cheeks, and an ambiguous atmosphere slowly rose in the air.
"I, I didn't say anything just now."
Princess Xiangcheng came back to her senses, her face became redder and her eyes became panicked.
She turned around in panic, wanting to escape from here.
"You are mine too."
Fang Yuan stood there for a moment, then quickly stepped forward and took Princess Xiangcheng's hand.
Princess Xiangcheng's expression froze, and her eyes became more complicated for a while.
Because she didn't want to marry Xiao Rui, she set up a trap to make him not a man, and because Xiao Rui was not a man, she didn't want to be a widow for the rest of her life, so she chose Fang Yuan as her lover.
Originally she only wanted to be an underground lover, but after learning that Fang Yuan and Du Miaoyan were going to get married, she felt uncomfortable.
After all, he is his first man and his only man.
"You are so domineering."
"I am a princess, not anyone else's."
Princess Xiangcheng snorted and said arrogantly.
"I am indeed domineering."
"The woman who is mine can only be mine. If one day Hongxing cheats on you, don't look for me again."
Fang Yuan frowned slightly and said in a deep voice.
"You...you bastard."
Princess Xiangcheng was so angry.
If he is just being arrogant, Fang Yuan is serious.
But seeing that Fang Yuan was serious, Princess Xiangcheng didn't say anything excessive in the end.
Although Princess Xiangcheng is a princess, she has also lived a hard life, and she has been required to set a good example for her younger siblings since she was a child, so she is not an unruly princess.
"It's good to know."
Fang Yuan smiled slightly.
Pulling Princess Xiangcheng towards Fang Yuan, a garden without lights.
"No, no, we can't leave for too long."
Princess Xiangcheng's face turned red again, and after walking a few steps with Fang Yuan, she stopped and pulled Fang Yuan.
She subconsciously thought of the two times she had been romantically involved with Fang Yuan, thinking that Fang Yuan had that aspect in mind.
But there is still a palace banquet being held. Although I and others can leave, they cannot leave for too long. Fang Yuan has taken too long.
"Okay, let's go back."
Fang Yuan sighed in his heart and did not continue walking.
It's already inappropriate to leave after attending a palace banquet for the first time, and it would be even more inappropriate to go back too late.
"Okay."
"By the way, Miaoyan must not let Miaoyan know about our relationship. I don't want her to feel sad."
Princess Xiangcheng nodded meekly.
Then she thought that Fang Yuan and Du Miaoyan were about to get married, and she quickly reminded her.
Although she has that kind of relationship with Fang Yuan, Princess Xiangcheng does not want to affect her relationship with Du Miaoyan.
"That's for sure."
Fang Yuan glanced at Princess Xiangcheng and smiled.
It is definitely good not to expose it, Fang Yuan is also worried that Du Miaoyan will be sad if he knows about it.
Not long after, Fang Yuan and Du Miaoyan returned to the banquet one after another.
After a while, Princess Changle also returned to her place.
Not long after, Shouchun County Lord and Yang Yuzhi came towards Fang Yuan.