Novel East
Chapter 106.1
The Banquet of Ultimate Bliss was held in a vast palace.
Under the arrangement of Li Linfu, the place was transformed into a vision of splendor. Various silks and fine cloths hung from above like auspicious clouds. The lighting shone brilliantly, illuminating the area as bright as day.
In the center of the palace, a huge pool was constructed, but it was not filled with water; instead, it contained clear liquor. The rich aroma of the alcohol wafted through the air, making one feel slightly intoxicated and as if they were floating in a celestial realm.
Delicious food and fine wines were in abundance and arranged neatly around the pool for everyone to savor freely.
In addition, Li Linfu arranged many performances, including court music, dances, illusions, and fire shows
The entertainment was non-stop, leaving the guests with no moment of boredom.
That evening, everyone arrived in their finest attire, accompanied by their families. The air was filled with the clinking of glasses and lively chatter.
Suddenly, a piercing voice rang out: His Majesty has arrived! ππvπlπast.cππ
All heads turned as the crowd shouted in unison: We greet Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!
Lin Beifan, holding the hand of his Consort, approached slowly.
Taking a cup of wine from Eunuch Liu, he addressed the assembly of scholars and warriors with a loud voice: Tonight is the Banquet of Ultimate Bliss, where there is no distinction between sovereign and subject. Let everyone enjoy themselves to the fullest! I toast to you all, wishing everyone a prosperous New Year and success in all endeavors!
Thank you, Your Majesty! Everyone drained their cups in one gulp.
Lin Beifan took another cup of wine and declared loudly, I toast to everyone once more, wishing harmony in your families and success in every step!
Thank you, Your Majesty! Everyone drank up once again.
This final cup!
Lin Beifan said with emotion, To the Great Xia, may all nations come to pay tribute; may it prosper for all eternity!
To the Great Xia, may all nations come to pay tribute; may it prosper for all eternity! Everyone drank the third cup of wine.
Alright, with the three cups of wine passed, let the music play on and the dance continue!
Lin Beifan waved his hand, Please feel at ease, dont mind me!
As you wish, Your Majesty! the crowd responded.
Following that, Lin Beifan took the Consorts hand and ascended to the elevated royal throne to sit down.
Then, together with the officials, he enjoyed the performance.
The officials gradually became more relaxed after seeing that Lin Beifan paid them no heed.
Wine Sword Immortal and Ouyezi engaged in a drinking contest.
The Grand General and the Prime Minister, two old men, also competed in drinking, one using a bowl and the other a cup.
The several former Emperors watched the song and dance together, clapping and cheering.
Empty Hand Master roamed the entire venue, playfully stealing everyones belongings and then returning them.
The other officials sat casually, a scene of peace and prosperity filled with song and dance.
Your Majesty, this is the fine wine from Lanling, please enjoy it at your leisure!
Lin Beifan took the fine wine and couldnt help but recite aloud, Lanlings fine wine, fragrant as tulips, served in jade bowls with the glow of amber! If only the host can intoxicate the guests, then who cares where ones homeland lies!
Excellent! The crowd around him cheered in approval.
Lin Beifan smiled and asked, Whats so good about it?
Li Linfu immediately praised, Lanlings fine wine, fragrant as tulips, served in jade bowls with the glow of amber Your Majesty, with just a simple couplet, you have vividly brought out the luxurious beauty of the Lanling wine as if its leaping off the page! Without a profound mastery of poetry, one could not compose such verse! Only you, Your Majesty, could produce such poetry spontaneously, surpassing even the Immortal Poets!
Minister Li speaks the utmost truth!
Heshen took the cue from Li Linfu and continued to praise, The last two lines, If only the host can intoxicate the guests, then who cares where ones homeland lies, originally filled with a subtle sense of parting sorrow, but after His Majestys rendering, this sense of sorrow is diluted, making one linger in the fine wine, unable to extricate oneself!
Qin Hui took the third baton, This poem merges with both emotion and scenery, depicting the grand banquet while expressing His Majestys hospitality! Your Majesty, your talent is comparable to that of the immortals! With just a word, you bring forth the midst of a bountiful summer!
Lin Beifan, listening, was greatly pleased and burst into hearty laughter, Alright, enough with the flattery, I am well aware of my own measure! No matter how much you praise, I will not take it to heart!
The group of corrupt officials and treacherous courtiers became anxious, Your Majesty, we speak from our hearts. How dare we deceive you?
Lin Beifan couldnt help but shake his head.
This group of sycophantic and corrupt officials are too good at flattering!
Every day is spent either brown-nosing or on the way to brown-nose!
Even when hes going to the restroom, they squat nearby, ready to hand over toilet paper!
Lin Beifan waved his hand dismissively: Alright, you dont need to hover around me; I wish to spend some time alone with my beloved!
Yes, Your Majesty! The crowd dispersed one after another.
Yet, they couldnt help but cast lingering glances towards Lin Beifan.
Whenever Lin Beifan needed something, they would immediately pounce to assist.
At that moment, Chai Yuxin approached and sat beside Lin Beifan, her features twisted in distress as she said, For the sake of hosting this extravagant Banquet of Ultimate Bliss, youve squandered so much of the peoples hard-earned wealth! Do you realize how many common people could have been helped if this money had been spent on practical deeds for them? Or how many capable and battle-ready soldiers could have been trained with it?
Having said that, she looked at Lin Beifan with disappointment: Your Majesty, youve changed. Youre no longer the person you used to be. No wonder people call you the foolish emperor!
Lin Beifan drank his wine expressionlessly: 50,000 taels of silver, is that enough?
can you give a bit more?
Chai Yuxin pleaded eagerly: You know, to raise the combat effectiveness of this troop of female soldiers, Ive spent countless medicinal materials, and the money has long been used up!
Another 50,000 taels, not a tael more! Lin Beifan declared.
Chai Yuxins face lit up with a smile: Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness!
Now, have I changed or not? Lin Beifan asked.
You havent changed! Youre still that same boy who spends money like water, not a single bit different!
Lin Beifan:
Got the money, Im outta here!
Chai Yuxin blinked and was gone without a trace.
At that moment, a shrill voice came from outside the door.
General of the Nation, An Lushan, returns to court to pay respects to Your Majesty!
All the music and dancing came to an abrupt halt, and everyone couldnt help but look towards the entrance, only to see a corpulent figure with a fierce demeanor striding in with his head held high.
After several months of absence, everyone noticed that An Lushan had changed a lot.
Firstly, his size had increased significantly; he had become much more corpulent.
Originally around 300 pounds, he now weighed at least 400 pounds, resembling a small behemoth.
Additionally, his aura had intensified. He walked with a fierce and commanding presence, exuding an overwhelming murderous air that made it difficult for others to look him in the eye.
Ignoring everyone around him, he approached Lin Beifan, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, and shouted loudly, I, An Lushan, your humble general, pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!
Lin Beifan smiled slightly and said, General An, please rise! You were supposed to be guarding the northern borders; what brings you back to the capital?
An Lushan said anxiously, Having not seen you for several months, I have missed Your Majesty immensely, to the point of sleepless nights! During the joyous festival of the New Year, I couldnt resist returning to pay my respects to Your Majesty. I beg for your forgiveness!
Lin Beifan laughed heartily, You have me in your heart, and your loyalty is commendable. Youve disobeyed military orders to return to the court, but what crime is there in that? How are things in the north? Has the recruitment of troops been going smoothly?
Reporting to Your Majesty, the northern frontier is now very stable! The Great Yues military forces are insufficient, so they dare not harass us. Faced with our Northern Defense Army, they retreat a good distance, which is why I dared to return to pay my respects to you! Additionally, the recruitment for the Northern Defense Army is going very smoothly! In another two months, I will surely be able to train a powerful army capable of fighting well for you!
Lin Beifans face lit up with joy, Excellent! General An has rendered great service to the court. Bring wine as a reward!
Someone brought over a jar of fine wine, and An Lushan drained it in one go, showing great boldness.
Your Majesty, I returned in such a hurry that I did not prepare any gifts, which was remiss of me! How about I perform a dance from the Hu people to liven up the mood?
Lin Beifan declared loudly, Granted! General An, since you have such refined tastes, why dont I play the drum for you?
Your Majesty, arent you tormenting this humble general?
The Minister worries too much. Today is the Banquet of Ultimate Bliss, where ranks and hierarchies dont matter. Bring the drum!
And so, An Lushan danced the foreign dance while Lin Beifan played the drum.
An Lushan, holding a sharp curved saber, rhythmically patted his round belly while his body vibrated with rhythm.
Lin Beifan struck the drum with both hands, equally adept.
The first time the two collaborated, they surprisingly worked together in perfect harmony.
Excellent! Everyone clapped their hands in applause.
Lin Beifan, caught up in the excitement, leaped down from the throne, beating the drum while engaging in a dance-off with An Lushan.
The two moved close to each other, then apart again.
At the closest point, An Lushans curved saber was less than a foot away from Lin Beifan.
Observing the defenseless Lin Beifan, An Lushans eyes sharpened with the thought of slashing him with his blade, knowing that such an act could lead to a change of dynasty.
But he quickly concealed the murderous intent in his heart.
The time was not yet right!
If Lin Beifan is killed now, he wont be able to get out, and there will be no talking of imperial conquests!
Just wait a little longer, it will soon be done!
The dance ended quickly, and the audience once again applauded and cheered.
***
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