A bright moon hung high in the sky, and the stars were much dimmer in comparison. The night breeze was slightly cool. After all, it was not a bustling market, and the number of pedestrians on the street could be counted.
A carriage sped past, followed by a group of horses and horses. Only the sound of hooves could be heard in the silent night sky.
There was no noise from the flashy market. This area was equivalent to the high-class residential area in the east of the city, but it was currently filled with joy.
The originally majestic Prime Minister's Mansion was filled with lanterns, and the lights were bright. There was an endless stream of guests. Just the arrangements outside the door had already made the servants of the Prime Minister's Mansion busy, leading the horses and leading the way.
The guests got off their horses and greeted each other warmly before entering the residence.
The servants had just pulled the horses and parked the carriage, clearing out a small empty space at the entrance of the Prime Minister's residence. A few horses had already galloped over. After neighing for a while, they gradually quieted down and stomped their feet to the side as their master led them to the side. Then, a luxurious carriage and dozens of horses followed behind them, raising dust.
When the servants saw the sign on the carriage, they quickly put down their work and deftly opened a large space in the middle of the main door. Then, they knelt beside the carriage in unison. The other guests who were asking about their well-being came forward at the same time and bowed to the carriage that had just stopped."Seven Wangye is a thousand years old!"
These words were undoubtedly shocking. The other carriages that arrived at the same time as this luxurious carriage made a series of loud noises. The nobles who had originally planned to act cool and put on airs immediately rolled and crawled off the carriage, quickly crawling towards the carriage. This could only be blamed on their bad luck. This was the golden moment for them to accept the crowd, but they had run into a big shot. If those servants dared to ignore the distinguished guests and entertain dispensable guests, it would be more like they were blind than brainless. Facts speak louder than words. The servants of the Prime Minister's Residence still had their organs intact.
Huangfu Yifeng, who got out of the car, glanced at the people on the ground and said," No need to be polite." He then took the lead to enter the main door, leaving a group of servants who had enjoyed the sight to discuss excitedly.
In the Prime Minister's residence, under the silver veil of the moonlight, the eaves were high and the long corridor was spinning. In the night, one could vaguely see the angular outline of the figure. The shadows of the trees swayed, the clear water reflected the moon, and the graceful bearing of the courtyard. This hazy scene was more like a fairyland.
He was led by the servants across the exquisite white jade bridge, through the winding corridor, and through one door after another. The birthday of the master of the Prime Minister's residence was naturally held in a luxurious palace courtyard.
Along the way, the servants who were busy walking in and out would pass by hurriedly from time to time. However, they knew that they were important guests when they saw the situation. They politely stepped aside and bowed respectfully until Huangfu Yifeng and the others left. Only then did they continue to be busy with their previous matters. The huge Prime Minister's manor was decorated with festive lanterns. Servants and maids were busy setting up tables, preparing wine and serving dishes. It seemed that the banquet had not yet begun.
After walking for an unknown amount of time, Huangfu Yifeng and the others finally stopped in front of a tall and gorgeous doorway. Before anyone stepped in, the singing and dancing inside were already ready. The high-ranking officials were still wearing masks, smiling and flattering each other, greeting each other and scheming in secret. The madams and young ladies in the garden pretended to admire the flowers and the moon, discussing trivial matters at home, trying to compare themselves with each other. The younger generation had followed their parents 'footsteps and fought in the so-called officialdom…
As soon as Huangfu Yifeng entered the door, the guests near the door were in a commotion. They all came forward to bow, but they were nothing more than flattery.
"Welcome, Your Highness!"
"Wangye Qiansui!"
Huangfu Yifeng wore the usual smile of an official. It was distant and polite, but it also carried a sense of dignity and nobility that made people feel subservient. Even if it was a high-ranking official who was like a fish in water in the imperial court or a rich family's son, they would still feel his domineering and innate cold nobility in front of this person. Huangfu Yifeng politely nodded."Milords, there's no need to be so polite. Today is the Prime Minister's birthday banquet, so just focus on celebrating.”
"Your Highness, you're too kind. The Prime Minister would be overwhelmed by the unexpected favor of his highness.”The minister quickly cupped his hands and replied. Although there were now a few more forces in the dark, the Crown Prince's faction was still the most powerful. If nothing unexpected happened, the world would belong to the Crown Prince sooner or later. The Crown Prince had an extraordinary relationship with King Jing. Now that he had personally come to congratulate him on his birthday, it was as if the Crown Prince had come in person. It was obvious that he wanted to rope in the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister, who had always maintained his position, also joined the Crown Prince, then the situation would be settled.
"Minister, your words are wrong. Your Highness cherishes talent. How can this be the Prime Minister's blessing?”
"That's right! Your Highness is so considerate of the officials. This is the blessing of the officials and the people!”
"Milords, the fact that His Highness has come this time shows how much His Highness cares about the country's politics!”Under Li Fu's lead, everyone praised and flattered him.
It was still a cold and polite smile. Huangfu Yifeng did not like to be surrounded by a group of flatterers. However, just like a wild dog entering a wolf's den, Huangfu Yifeng, an iceberg, could easily disguise himself as the lush and intimate Mount Putuo.
However, the historical trend was that when a group of people mouthed the same words, there would often be a special sound, which was commonly known as the rat shit in a bowl of white rice porridge.
"It is the prime minister's fortune for your highness to come personally. However, I don't understand. Is Your Highness here to congratulate me on my birthday, or is he here for the Prime Minister?”A silent voice instantly cooled the originally lively atmosphere. A person slowly walked out of the crowd and bowed to Huangfu Yifeng. His face was beautiful and his eyes were clear, but his eyes could not hide the gloating look in his eyes.
Everyone looked at this brainless "rat excrement" who dared to challenge the imperial power in surprise. After thinking for a long time, they suddenly remembered that a group of people had just entered the Ministry of Revenue not long ago. No wonder they looked so unfamiliar.
Although the purpose of King Jing's visit this time was obvious, it was enough for everyone to know it in their hearts. However, this junior actually leaned towards the Tiger Mountain Journey, so it was reasonable for him to be killed by the tiger's palm. Therefore, it was said that being talented was a secret manual to enter the throne room, and changing the direction of the wind was the way to stay away from the temple of the King of Hell. If this young man survived, he still had a lot to learn!
"How can you completely distinguish whether it's to congratulate the emperor or to be the prime minister? If I ask you, are you here to congratulate me on my birthday or for the Prime Minister, what would you say?”Huangfu Yifeng's smile grew wider as he sized up the young man in front of him with his eyes that were as dark as night.
Ministry of Revenue? It seemed like he had missed a lot of blind spots…
The young man was stumped by Huangfu Yifeng and didn't know how to answer. He said that it was a birthday celebration, but wasn't it the Prime Minister's birthday banquet today? Wasn't he the prime minister? But if he was the prime minister, then wouldn't he lose face just now?
Everyone looked at the young man as if he was a kitten that was struggling to survive after being pinched by a tiger. It was the cat's fault for not having eyes. In the imperial court, even if they offended the emperor, they could not anger Huangfu Yifeng and Huangfu Zhuoqing. This was the way to survive.
However, no one would educate this ignorant young man at this time. Under the harsh conditions of survival of the fittest, he must not use the idiotic spirit of sharing resources. He must have more people to fall with him so that he would not fall too badly!
"As officials, we naturally have to support each other. It is only right for this king to come here to celebrate his birthday.”Therefore, his reason for coming here was just and aboveboard. Huangfu Yifeng instantly pushed away all suspicions of coming here. Although his purpose was obvious, he could pretend that he did not know what others were thinking. If he said it, he would use it as a warning to others.
When he met Huangfu Yifeng's deep black eyes, he felt distant and dangerous. The young man suddenly felt that it was a lazy leopard looking at its prey, looking at him in its hunting range. It struggled in panic. When it got tired of playing, it would be torn apart by its sharp claws, unable to resist.
The young man's palms gradually broke out in cold sweat. He began to be afraid. Did he eat the heart of a bear or the heart of a leopard? Why did he dare to step forward and contradict this dangerous beast? Just his eyes alone had such a terrifying aura. If he was really determined to deal with him, then…he didn't dare to think about it anymore…
"Your Highness is right. We will definitely use Your Highness as a board and do our best to help each other and discuss the country.”The young man raised the white flag and surrendered without any backbone. He put on a fawning smile and nodded repeatedly.
When everyone heard this, their sympathy and schadenfreude instantly turned into hatred as if their entire family had been exterminated. This young man probably didn't understand what 'mutual support' meant! If he didn't know anything, why did he pretend to know? It was fine if he was stupid enough to be kidnapped, but he actually sold them all! They didn't want to form a clique, alright? Although the current situation seemed to be that the Crown Prince would definitely win, it was better for them to remain on the sidelines before things were decided. Otherwise, if the Emperor who came to power later changed, their family would really be wiped out!
"Hahahaha! I didn't know that your highness would come personally. This old man didn't entertain you well. I'm really ashamed. I hope your highness will forgive me!”Just as everyone was about to pick up the stupid cat and pluck its fur, a bright and clear laughter scattered the dark clouds that were gradually gathering here. This energetic voice did not seem old at all. Everyone present was familiar with it. Immediately, they lost the mood to train the cat and looked at the source of the sound.
Huangfu Yifeng's eyes flashed with a bright light. He then put on his usual smile and looked at the approaching group of people. Compared to playing with cats, he preferred to step on the tail of a fox that had become a spirit. It was endless fun!
The newcomer was dressed in brocade and had a jade crown. His face was radiant. Although he was already over seventy years old, he did not look old at all. His body was lean, his steps were steady, and his laughter was as loud as a bell. His elite eyes were full of vigor. If one looked into his eyes, one would have the illusion that they were seen through.
To be able to sit in the position of prime minister, one naturally had to be scheming and kind. However, the smile on his face hid his shrewd side. He was friendly and approachable, like an old man next door. Many people had been deceived by this face.
Just like Huangfu Yifeng, he had a natural aura and sharp eyes that could see through people's hearts. His intelligence and strategy were both top-notch. However, Huangfu Yifeng was cold and wise. Although he was extremely handsome and always had a polite and distant smile on his face, his aura could make people feel intimidated and respectful. On the other hand, Prime Minister Hong Kuang had an amiable and amiable appearance that made people unable to help but trust him.
"Your Highness has personally come to my residence, this subject is extremely terrified!”The old man, who had always hated fancy clothes, was also dressed in a banquet dress today. His head, which had turned half white, was carefully tied up by a servant. He cupped his hands and bowed to Huangfu Yifeng. The prime minister's wife and the side wife behind him also bowed to the king.
"Prime Minister Hong, you're too kind. How can I not attend the Prime Minister's birthday? There's no need for the Prime Minister to be so polite, and there's no need for the ladies to be so reserved.”Huangfu Yifeng stopped Hong Kuang, who was about to bow." It's rare to have a good time tonight. Don't waste it on such a complicated matter."”
"Your Highness is right. " I can't hold up your interest." Hong Kuang saw that the wine and dishes were almost ready." Please take a seat. I've prepared some light wine and dishes and invited a few groups of dancers. I hope you won't mind. Wangye, please!" He gestured to Huangfu Yifeng and led him to a table in the courtyard with a good seat for the performance.
"Today is a good time. This king can sit beside you. Prime Minister, please!”Huangfu Yifeng politely followed Hong Kuang and said.
When everyone saw that the two main characters had taken their seats, they also found a seat and sat down. They chatted with people they were familiar with, and it was very happy. When the musicians saw that the guests had all sat down, they began to play a festive tune. The atmosphere gradually warmed up again.
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