In ancient times, it was quite difficult for ordinary people to see the emperor because the emperor basically did not leave the palace gate. Even if the emperor left the palace gate, he would not write the word "emperor" on his back. Even if they were summoned by the Emperor, they had to go through layers of search and tests to confirm that they were not assassins before they could see the Emperor.
Although Ding Huai was only twelve years old and was the son of a minister, he was no exception. After a series of troublesome and annoying procedures, Ding Huai finally met the legendary Emperor Ling of Han, the most licentious emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
The Spirit Monarch's name was Liu Hong, and he was very lascivious by nature. Whenever he saw a beautiful woman in the harem, he would pull her to bed and have sex with her. The palace women of the Han Dynasty were different from the later generations in that they all wore open-crotch pants. It sounded unbelievable, and they didn't wear anything inside the open-crotch pants. It was so that the emperor could visit them conveniently, and they didn't even need to take off their clothes.
The Spirit Emperor and many concubines were playing naked in the West Garden. In order to avoid the summer heat, he built a " Naked Tour Hall " and asked people to pick green moss to cover the steps. Water was drawn from the canal around the various doorsill and flowed around the entire Naked Tour Hall. He chose a jade-skinned, light-bodied singer to row the boat and sway it in the canal. In the hot summer, he ordered people to sink the boat into the water, watch the naked palace maids 'jade-like skin falling into the water, and then play the song "Seven Words of Merchants" to attract cool air.
The Spirit Monarch that Ding Huai saw was basically the same as what he had imagined. He had a round face, a square forehead, a wide face, and a jujube nose. He did look somewhat dignified like an emperor, but he was a little too drunk and had a slightly pale face. When the Spirit Monarch saw Ding Huai, he couldn't help but praise him in his heart. This child was indeed a character.
It turned out that although Ding Huai was only twelve years old, his physical development was more mature than children of the same age, almost like fifteen or sixteen years old. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, a man was considered an adult when he was fifteen or sixteen years old. This was because the lifespan of people at that time was not long. On average, they were only in their forties or fifties.
Moreover, Ding Huai was indeed good-looking. It could be said that he had inherited the good points of Ding Yuan and his wife, Madam Kong. Although he was not particularly handsome, his body was sturdy and burly. He had a dignified appearance, thick eyebrows, big eyes, and fair skin. His entire body emitted a masculine aura. Moreover, there was no lack of wisdom in his burly body, and he was elegant and heroic. No matter how one looked at him, he did not look like a twelve-year-old child. Instead, he looked like a man who had just grown up.
Not only did the Spirit Emperor secretly praise him, but even the officials in the court also praised him. Ding Jianyang was really blessed to have such a son. From his appearance alone, this child would become a great person sooner or later. Moreover, he also carried the title of Bingzhou's child prodigy. However, he did not know if he was really as talented as the rumors said.
When they arrived at the center of the court, Ding Huai knelt down unhurriedly, his hands on the ground, and knocked his head three times in a row. He shouted,"This commoner Ding Huai greets the Emperor."
This was the first time they had seen the Emperor in court, and he was actually so calm. What was even more valuable was that this kind of calm was actually displayed by a twelve year old child, which could not help but make everyone feel surprised.
The Spirit Monarch was also a little puzzled, but he didn't think too much about it and casually said,""Rise."
Ding Huai remembered his father's teachings and quickly continued,""Thank you, Emperor."
Ding Huai stood with his hands by his side after the gifts, waiting for the Spirit Monarch's questions.
As expected, the Spirit Emperor asked," Is the person standing below Ding Huai, the son of Bingzhou Governor Ding Yuan?”
Ding Huai found it funny in his heart. The emperor was indeed the emperor. This display of grandeur was really big. Wasn't this sentence asking the obvious? You don't know who I am, so why did you recruit me into the palace? However, even though he thought so, he did not dare to refuse. He replied,"Replying to the emperor, this commoner is Ding Huai.”
Why did Ding Huai call himself a commoner? Even though Ding Yuan was a provincial governor, Ding Huai was just a commoner. He did not have any official position, so he could only call himself a commoner.
At this moment, the Spirit Emperor said," I've heard that you build a house out of grass, dance with your sword when you hear the rooster, study hard in the middle of the night, and are talented in both civil and martial arts. Today's actions are evident." Moreover, I have read your three masterpieces. They are quite artistic. I didn't expect you to have such talent at such a young age. It's really the fortune of my Great Han Dynasty.”
Ding Huai was pleased with himself when he heard the Spirit Monarch's praise, but he kept saying that he didn't dare to.
The Spirit Monarch seemed to admire Ding Huai's modesty at such a young age. He nodded and said,""Today, I will order you to perform a sword dance and compose a poem. I wonder if you can do it?”
When Ding Huai heard the Spirit Monarch's words, he understood in his heart that the Emperor did not trust him and wanted to test him on the spot. Hence, he bowed and said,""I am willing to give it a try."
At this moment, the Spirit Monarch waved his hand and a eunuch came down to hand over a sword.
Ding Huai took it with both hands and pulled it out of its sheath. He felt a gust of cold air rush towards him. Upon a closer look, he saw that the sword was sparkling and shiny, and its blade was sharp. Ding Huai could not help but praise it in his heart. Good sword.
The Spirit Monarch saw that Ding Huai seemed to appreciate this sword and said,""If you can dance with the sword and shock the hall with your poems, and satisfy me and the officials, I will give you this sword.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the officials were shocked. Even Zhang Rang and the others were shocked. It turned out that this sword was an ancient sword called: Taia Sword. During the reign of Emperor Jing, this sword was once used as a treasured sword. Until today, it could be said to be one of the national treasures.
Today, the Spirit Monarch actually wanted to bestow this sword to Ding Huai as soon as he opened his mouth. According to the Spirit Monarch's usual stingy personality, it could not help but be surprising, although he still did not know if Ding Huai's performance would satisfy the Spirit Monarch.
In fact, the Spirit Monarch immediately regretted his words. The Spirit Monarch had always been good at scheming. He had never lost anything when he sold his official position and land. Moreover, the Spirit Monarch had rarely rewarded meritorious officials. The rewards he gave were not rare treasures. He had never been as generous as he was today.
However, a ruler was not joking. Since the words had already been said, it was impossible to take them back. The Spirit Monarch could only hope that Ding Huai's performance would not satisfy him and the officials.
Ding Huai did not know that the Spirit Monarch had so many thoughts in his mind. After thanking him, he took three steps back and stood with his sword raised. He had the momentum to swallow mountains and rivers.
The generals in the court nodded secretly. It seemed that this young man had indeed received guidance from an expert. Ding Yuan saw his son's performance among the officials and felt even more gratified. Today, he had made a big show of himself. At the same time, he was worried whether his son could produce a masterpiece that satisfied the Emperor and the officials in such a short time.
Actually, it didn't matter to Ding Yuan whether he wanted the sword or not. To a high-ranking official like Ding Yuan, the issue of face was of utmost importance. More importantly, if Ding Huai really could not compose a poem on the spot, it was very likely that the Emperor would think that he was deliberately deceiving him. Although there was no danger of being beheaded, he would not be trusted by the Emperor in the future. For a loyal official like Ding Yuan, losing the Emperor's trust was more terrifying than losing his life. Thus, Ding Yuan's forehead was already covered in sweat, and his clothes were completely soaked.
At this moment, Ding Huai also began to slowly retreat step by step. At the same time, dozens of ancient poems had already flashed through his mind. When he retreated to the fifth step, Ding Huai chose a song, which was Li Bai's " Journey of the Chivalrous." The five steps were also deliberately chosen by Ding Huai. During the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Zhi wrote a poem in seven steps, but he only used five steps, which was two steps short.
Thus, Ding Huai performed a sword dance and sang a poem." Zhao's guests wore unadorned Hu tassel, Wu hook frost snow bright. The silver saddle shone on the white horse, rustling like a meteor. Kill a person every ten steps, leave no trace for a thousand miles. When the matter is over, I will brush my clothes and leave. I will hide in a deep place and tell my name. When he passed Xinling to drink, he took off his sword and put it on his knees. Prepare to roast meat to eat Zhu Hai, holding a cup to persuade Hou Ying. Three cups of wine, spit out the promise, the five mountains fall to the light. Dazzled and hot, the mood is always bright. Rescue Zhao with a golden hammer, Handan first shocked. Two strong men in Qianqiu City were famous in Daliang City. Even if he died, he would not be ashamed of the heroes of the world. Who can write the following, white head Taixuan Sutra.
When Ding Huai finished reciting the last line of the White-headed Supreme Mystery Scripture, this round of sword dance had just ended. Ding Huai put away his sword and stood, waiting for the cheers and applause of the entire hall.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。