Chapter 448: The Present Arriving
These words weren’t easy to follow-up. No matter what one says, it could all possibly be wrong.
Of course, there were also those that were completely unaffected, simply not caring. For instance, Li Hong Yuan and Jing Wan both belonged to this type. In reality, if they truly wanted to coax Le Cheng Emperor, it was doable, but unfortunately, for this couple, one wasn’t in the mood, and one had no intention.
And for the others, even if wanting to coax, still unable to coax.
Le Cheng Emperor was greatly angered. That gaze was practically like hating that he can’t strangle this bunch of unfilial sons to death. However, these unfilial sons didn’t do anything either, so at most, it was just scolding a few words. It’s not like he can, because of being in a bad mood, just unreasonably have them severely punished. That way, he would be no different from a muddled ruler. Everything else aside, just those high ministers will all start having complaints towards him.
What originally should be a lively, cheerful, and festive new year’s eve dinner directly fell into an awkward silence at the start. Jing Wan wasn’t sure whether or not it was a first for this family. In any case, ever since coming to this world, this was a first time for her. In the past, even when back in Qi’an Fu, even if the great majority of the Luo family were all in the capital, she and her grandmother, as well as her fourth uncle’s family, were still able to have the night of the lunar new year’s eve celebrated comfortably and joyously. That’s why, the imperial family and whatnot, at certain times, sure enough was very annoying. Jing Wan felt, it would’ve been better to spend it with her own husband in their own manor. Even if it’s just the two of them, it would still be a hundred times better than this right now.
Jing Wan sat by Li Hong Yuan’s side. The pastries, nuts, and fruits on the table were varied and many, so one can actually leisurely pass the time. As for the surrounding atmosphere, just directly ignore.
Of course, the awkward silence won’t continue on forever. As long as Le Cheng Emperor doesn’t lash out, there will eventually be someone that will warm up the atmosphere slowly. Afterwards, it was just thinking of ways to build a good impression in front of Le Cheng Emperor. Of course, tonight, one will have to be especially careful, else one might leave a bad impression instead.
About halfway through the evening banquet, the atmosphere finally returned to normal. At least, on the surface, it appeared as such.
“Jin Wangfei is becoming increasingly pretty. This attire today further brings out the best of one, dazzling, charming, and festive.”
Jing Wan who was just eating suddenly heard these words, feeling strangely baffled. Looking over following the voice, it was Gong Qinwang’s birth mother, clearly smiling, yet those dark eyes clearly didn’t harbor any good intentions. Then again, with Gong Qinwang getting miserably sorted out by Jin Qinwang again and again, it can be said to have long become mortal enemies, so for her to come look for trouble, it wasn’t considered surprising.
Jing Wan rather unconcernedly smiled, waiting for the other party to make a move.
Of course, the others weren’t that calm, especially Gong Qinwang. After all, the psychological trauma Jin Qinwang gave him truly was a bit big. However, since his own mother already opened her mouth, it wasn’t good for him to say anything. As for the others, it was further having the mentality of watching a play. As long as it has nothing to do with them, others getting into a fight was just a happy matter. And if able to also have ‘both sides suffer losses’, then it would be even better, especially these two sides right now, both making one wish for them to get eliminated quickly. ——–Of course, it was just thinking about it.
“It’s just, this consort was thinking, the soldiers of the northeast border are currently soaked in blood, fighting bravely in battle, so dressing like this, isn’t it a bit inappropriate?” Gong Qinwang’s birth mother used the handkerchief to cover her mouth, seemingly covering up the smile on her lips.
These words really weren’t roundabout at all, but the damage was indeed a bit big. As a matter of fact, even Le Cheng Emperor all looked over. The others also very fitting made corresponding reactions.
Jing Wan’s mental fortitude was strong, not shaken in the slightest, even smiling, “How the war is in the northeast, I don’t know. These things naturally have imperial father as well as the court officials worrying over. I just thought that based on Qi Yuan’s national power, defeating the various tribes Zhennu Mountain is just a matter of time. Just, judging from the meaning in your Highness’s words, the battle seemingly isn’t too favorable? To the extent that even under the foot of the Emperor, people all need to avoid a little out of taboo? Also, since your Highness resides deep in the inner palace, where did one learn of this information?”
Gong Qinwang’s birth mother’s complexion instantly lost all blood, failing to nitpick, instead getting pinned with two big accusations in seconds. ‘Mourning’ Qi Yuan, and the inner palace interfering in politics, no matter which one gets solidified, all able to have her struck into the eighteenth layer of hell. She wasn’t the Empress, nor Noble Consort Su, nor Shu Consort Qin, neither a favored consort, nor having a strong background, so there was no need for her to balance any powers. If Le Cheng Emperor wants to deal with her, he practically won’t even need to consider. As such, how could she not be scared.
The other one that was frightened to the point of being drenched in cold sweat was just Gong Qinwang. Although his birth mother wasn’t able to provide for him too much assistance, but if something were to happen to her like this, the damage towards him will also be quite big.
“Your Majesty (imperial father)......” The mother and son duo practically opened their mouths at the same time, wanting to remedy the situation.
“Enough!” Le Cheng Emperor firmly placed down the cup, letting out loud bang. Turning his head, he coldly looked towards the woman that has similarly been by his side for many years, not having the slightest affection, “Put away that bit of thought of yours, if there’s a next time, absolutely won’t be forgiven easily.”
The ones that wanted to speak instantly became mute, no longer daring to rashly open their mouth. After all, to be able to be let off was already extremely fortunate.
Of course, because of this matter, the atmosphere naturally dropped again. This kind of atmosphere will inevitably feel suffocating. There were also those that blamed Gong Qinwang’s birth mother for causing trouble out of nothing, not even settling down for the new year. While clearly knowing that his Majesty was in a bad mood, and clearly knowing that his Majesty was unreasonably biased, yet still insisting on going forward to provoke, never mind picking up the rock and smashing one’s own foot, one even spread the damage to others.
The people’s attitude was precisely like so!
historical
However, some even swept the living Enma a glance. Perhaps one should be glad that this one didn’t lash out.
Li Hong Yuan was indeed very calm, as if what happened had nothing to do with him. Just, when Gong Qinwang inadvertently met his gaze, it was just like getting targeted by something extremely terrifying, the hairs all over his body instantly standing on its end. A burst of cold air directly crept up from the bottom of his feet. Gong Qinwang once again regretted, why didn’t he stop his own mother?
Gong Qinwang definitely was beaten scared by Li Hong Yuan, but because of this, the hatred and desire for revenge just grew deeper and deeper. Whenever catching the opportunity, he would just want to retaliate back, yet every time, never mind failing, he would even fall on his head.
Seeing that it was seemingly going to be stifling to the end, Jing Wan nevertheless poured a cup of wine at this time, raising the wine cup towards Le Cheng Emperor, “Imperial father, this daughter-in-law toasts you a cup.......” Shortly after, it was just saying a few auspicious words, “Imperial father worries over the affairs of the nation, so should take extra care of the imperial body. General He’s renowned name, even a back manor woman like this daughter-in-law has all heard of before, so imperial father should rest assured. Perhaps tomorrow, one will be able to hear the news of victory. As for other matters, as the saying goes, ‘when surrounded by layers of mountains and winding water, doubting that there’s no path, the willow trees make the shade and the flowers give light[1]‘. Today’s dilemma perhaps will just be able to be resolved tomorrow. The body is one’s asset. Only when the body is well can one take care of those things, no? Moreover, perhaps........is currently watching you.”
Le Cheng Emperor blanked, and shortly after, like as if coming to realization, smiled, “Old six’s wife is right. ——–This new year’s celebration should ought to be lively and festive, yet how come it’s so cold and cheerless today?”
The eunuch serving by the side was also perceptive, immediately arranging the music and dance. The atmosphere naturally warmed up again very quickly.
Li Hong Yuan poured a cup of wine for himself, and then poured half a cup for Jing Wan, “Why are you bothering with him?”
Jing Wan smiled, “Just don’t like this kind of heavy feeling, that’s all.”
The wine cup that had already reached Li Hong Yuan’s lips paused, “True, in the Luo family, the atmosphere should be pretty good.”
“En.” Towards this bit, Jing Wan didn’t deny in the slightest.
Li Hong Yuan grasped Jing Wan’s hand, “Just endure for another year or two.” Downing the cup of wine, his tone was exceptionally indifferent.
In public, under numerous eyes, to dare say this kind of blasphemous words, it was also just Li Hong Yuan.
Jing Wan made out the deeper meaning within, yet didn’t show it in the slightest, instead admiring the beautiful dancers’ figure.
Li Hong Yuan glanced at Jing Wan, absentmindedly admiring the dance. Speaking of which, his wife also had the ability of ‘foresight’. After all, at the northeast borders, today will be the battle that will determine ‘fate’.
According to the news, General He and them have already determined who the inside traitor was, but they didn’t have the person dragged out, instead deciding to make use of their scheme. That’s why, the time of the event will still be tonight. Although unable to obtain a report of victory tomorrow, but if things go smoothly, it’ll probably just be another two three days. As for the matters regarding the Imperial Noble Consort, it has all been arranged. Tonight, there will also be a ‘shift in trend’.
When it hit midnight, the bell upon the high tower continuously sounded. In the skies above the capital city, the sound of firecrackers shook the skies.
The imperial family members have already moved to the outside of the hall, watching the ignited roaring flames of prosperity, endlessly echoing the faint cracking sounds. Many people hoped that the prosperity can really fill the skies, continuing to be thriving and prosperous.
Suddenly, the ground lightly shook. Although it wasn’t intense, nor lasting for long, those that should sense it, for the most part, all sensed it. Many people immediately changed face, purely because this feeling was very much like an earthquake.
Just as the new year started, for such a thing to happen, no matter who, all would be in a bad mood.
Le Cheng Emperor suppressed his anger, “Go investigate.”
Jing Wan, however, seamlessly shared a glance with Li Hong Yuan
————The present has arrived.
[1] These two lines are quoted from the Southern Song poet, Lu You’s poem ‘Touring Shanxi Village’. I slightly altered them to fit into the translation better. The line itself is both describing the scenery and environment of Shanxi Village, and also expressing a philosophical view. The meaning is basically when trapped in a predicament, there is usually limitless hope. It describes the feeling of losing one’s way in the mountains, yet when changing one’s path, there’s also the feeling of joy from seeing a new scenery.