Ouchi Taming the Cat, starting with the Ten Tiger Forms!

Chapter 629 Dinner
Duke of Jiang Su Ding'an, Duke of Tan Zhao Dinghai, Duke of Wu Guo Xiaolai, and Duke of Chen Hou Zhongguo.

It was these four dukes who had lived in the capital for a long time who came together to attend tonight’s New Year’s Eve dinner.

They are also the most important guests of the nobles tonight.

Li Xuan heard that the other nine generals were stationed at the front lines and in local areas all year round and would only return to the capital once every few years.

When a duke returns to the capital to rest, another duke will take over his previous duties. This is a kind of rotation, a precautionary measure to prevent the dukes' personal influence from becoming too great.

However, in recent years, Duke Jiang Su Ding'an has been old and rarely leaves the capital to take up his post, so the position has been rotated among the remaining eight dukes.

If it were other dukes, they would have passed the title to their descendants and lived out their lives in peace. After all, what the nobles care about most is the military power in their hands.

If it is not my turn to hold military power, there will be no corresponding benefits. How can the family develop then?

But Duke Jiang Su Ding'an acted contrary to his usual behavior. Even though he was too old to leave Beijing for his new post, he never passed on his title.

What's even more bizarre is that the Su family had no objection to this and firmly supported Su Ding'an to continue to retain his title and serve as the head of the family.

This seemed extremely abnormal to other nobles.

With the arrival of the four dukes, the crowd crowded around Princess Ankang suddenly and quietly made way for them.

No one dared to stand in front of the four dukes, not even the civil servants who had clear flags in the court.

Although they quarreled in the court, they maintained their composure in private and were polite to each other when they met.

At the end of the day, work is just work.

"Your Highness, we meet again."

Su Dingan and the other three people bowed to Princess Ankang, and Princess Ankang immediately returned the greeting.

"Ankang has met several dukes."

When the four dukes saw so many people standing nearby, Zhao Dinghai immediately stepped forward, extended his hand to the side, and said to Princess Ankang:
"Your Highness, may I have a word with you?"

Zhao Dinghai said it was just a borrowing of one step, and in the end it was really just a borrowing of one step.

They just took Princess Ankang and moved a step to the side, and the crowd around them immediately dispersed tactfully, not daring to disturb their conversation.

Those who are invited to attend the banquet tonight are considered to have some status in Daxing, so they can understand this hint.

After a while, the crowd had dispersed, leaving only Princess Ankang and the four dukes still standing there.

When Li Xuan saw this situation, he remembered the previous conversation between the Eighth Prince and Princess Ankang, and knew that this topic would most likely continue.

He stopped spying secretly and ran directly to Princess Ankang's feet, then crawled into her arms.

Princess Ankang took it subconsciously and knew it was Li Xuan without even looking.

But in front of the four dukes, Princess Ankang did not say much. She just touched Li Xuan's soft fur, and the expression on her face became more calm and confident.

"Do the four dukes still want to continue the previous topic?" Princess Ankang asked proactively.

The four dukes looked at each other silently, with some surprise on their faces.

The last time they visited Jingyang Palace, they discovered that this little princess was no ordinary person. Not only was she knowledgeable and had a deep understanding of the world situation, but she could also immediately understand their hints during conversations and there were no obstacles to communication.

With such shrewdness and ability, it was hard for them to imagine that Princess Ankang was just a twelve-year-old child.

They had heard a lot of rumors before about Princess Ankang being secretly cultivated by Emperor Yongyuan, and now they are almost certain of it.

But compared with the last time, Princess Ankang's demeanor was obviously more stable, and her words and actions were more confident.

From the perspective of the younger generation, Princess Ankang's performance indeed made the four dukes very satisfied.

When they chose Princess Ankang as the spokesperson for the nobility, they considered more other factors.

Only after getting to know her did they discover that Princess Ankang herself was also a great surprise.

Apart from being unable to practice, Princess Ankang's overall qualities simply crushed the young men from their families.

"exactly."

The oldest one, Su Dingan, represented everyone in the conversation with Princess Ankang.

"I think the dukes have made up their minds?" Princess Ankang finally confirmed.

"I hope Your Highness the Princess can understand that we also have our own difficulties." Su Dingan smiled bitterly, but still nodded.

The other three dukes also acquiesced to this matter.

"Well, I will report to Father the Duke's request for reinforcements to the front line."

The four dukes heaved a sigh of relief after receiving Princess Ankang's affirmative response.

Princess Ankang had asked them to think carefully before, and she thought they would have to spend more time talking today.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Princess. Please convey our message properly and don't let His Majesty misunderstand us."

Su Dingan spoke politely to Princess Ankang.

Princess Ankang smiled slightly: "How could Father have misunderstood the Dukes?"

"Father is wise and brave. Even though he is in the capital, he is always concerned about the soldiers on the front line."

"After all, every soldier's family is waiting for the day when they return safely."

"But increasing the number of troops is not a trivial matter after all. I ask the Dukes to patiently wait for the decision of the Emperor."

"Ankang believes that father will not let everyone down."

The four dukes immediately followed suit with a smile: "Of course, of course..."

"The banquet is about to begin, so we won't disturb Your Highness."

After finishing their talk, the four dukes said goodbye to Princess Ankang and returned to their seats.

Princess Ankang stroked Li Xuan and stood there watching the four dukes leave.

This scene was noticed by many people at the banquet.

"She is so powerful now that even the Duke has to smile in front of her."

"Say less, times have changed, don't get yourself into trouble."

"Humph, what's so great about it? Isn't it all thanks to the grace of His Majesty?"

"It's incredible that she has been able to stay dormant in the cold palace for so many years without revealing any flaws."

"What can you do? I advise you to shut up, eat your meal, and watch your show. Apart from occasions like tonight, we will have less and less interactions with her in the future. It's better to be more careful and let yourself go."

"..."

Li Xuan could clearly hear various words, the most harsh of which were the sour words directed at Princess Ankang.

Now that Princess Ankang is in power in the palace, I wonder how many people will be jealous of her.

Especially on an occasion like tonight, seeing all the dignitaries outside the palace trying to curry favor with Princess Ankang, how uncomfortable would those evil spirits who originally looked down on Princess Ankang and even didn't take her seriously feel?
But as they said, times have changed and they only dare to say a few sour words behind others' backs, and they dare not even speak out loudly, for fear of being heard by the people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Who doesn’t know by now that Princess Ankang is favored by Emperor Yongyuan, and even the Ministry of Internal Affairs is particularly partial to Jingyang Palace?

On the other side, the dukes began to whisper after sitting down in their seats.

They didn't seem to think that anyone would eavesdrop on them in such an occasion, or perhaps they felt that what they were talking about was not a sensitive topic.

Anyway, Li Xuan heard every word they said clearly.

"Princess Ankang seems to have known Lao Qin's plan." Hou Zhongguo, the least distinctive person, said with a little worry.

"Her Royal Highness the Princess is indeed much better than we expected, but this is a good thing." Guo Xiaolai said with a smile, not seeming to be worried about the matter.

"Duke Wu is right. Her Highness is a smart person. She knows that we need to maintain a harmonious relationship between us and His Majesty." Su Dingan also nodded in agreement.

"If you ask me, it's all because Lao Qin's plan was too reckless." Zhao Dinghai snorted and continued, "Even a little girl could see through it. Who else is he trying to hide it from?"

"Do you have a better idea?" the other three dukes asked in unison.

Zhao Dinghai was suddenly asked this question and couldn't help but look embarrassed. His already fair face suddenly turned red.

Fortunately, there were big red lanterns hanging at the banquet, which could hide his presence a little. But the three sharp-eyed dukes saw it and couldn't help laughing.

"What are you laughing at? This was a stupid move!"

Zhao Dinghai seemed somewhat helpless and furious.

"Okay, okay." Su Dingan wiped his tears and comforted her.

"There is definitely nothing wrong with Duke Hu's thinking. Resolving internal conflicts through external pressure is the most useful and efficient way at the moment."

"Duke Hu proposed a solution and took the risk himself. What can we say?"

"Now all we can do is try to give him a better chance of winning, at least..."

"We cannot let His Majesty think that we are acting first and asking for permission later, and that we are threatening him in a treasonous way."

As Su Dingan spoke, he couldn't help but sigh to the sky.

They also knew that this was a last resort.

Moreover, Qin Zongyong had already made up his mind. He was doing it for the sake of Daxing and the nobles, and he occupied the position of righteousness. Therefore, he was able to gain the support of all other nobles. Even Zhao Dinghai, who had always been against him, could only complain behind his back.

But they are also very aware of the risks involved.

If Qin Zongyong fails, the Qin family will definitely go downhill in the future.

Even Qin Zongyong, the commander of the advance army, might have lost his life because of this.

Therefore, even though they knew that Qin Zongyong's plan might be a bit reckless, the other nobles all gave their full support.

Even if they lose, it will only be the Qin family's failure.

But if they win, it will be a victory for the nobles, and even a victory for Daxing.

Several dukes knew very well that Qin Zongyong took such a risk for the sake of his country and the people of the world.

As for what kind of name he would leave in history, he no longer cared.

"After so many years, the Qin family's family tradition is indeed good!"

Su Dingan couldn't help but sigh.

This time, even Zhao Dinghai did not refute.

The four of them were in heavy hearts. They had no joy in welcoming the New Year, but were filled with anxiety about the future.

Their eyes involuntarily turned to the three empty seats in front of them.

At this time, the owner of one of the seats arrived late.

"Your Highness Prince Zheng."

Along the way, many people stood up and saluted King Zheng, and King Zheng also returned the salutes with a smile, without any airs.

Prince Zheng glanced at the nobles and met the eyes of the four dukes.

They smiled and nodded to each other. Prince Zheng walked to his seat and sat down. The four dukes did not stand up to salute, but just nodded in greeting.

Prince Zheng sat on the last position left by the royal family, which was also the most important one.

As a result, there were only two seats left vacant in the entire banquet hall.

Everyone knows who owns these two positions.

At this moment, drum beats suddenly sounded in the banquet hall.

"Boom, boom, boom."

The heavy drumbeats attracted everyone's attention, and everyone stood up and straightened their bodies tacitly.

"Welcome to the Holy Emperor——"

Zhao Feng's voice resounded throughout the venue.

Emperor Yongyuan and Empress Wu walked slowly into the aisle where the red carpet had already been laid.

"Welcome to our Emperor."

"Long live!"

"Long live!!"

"Long live!!!"

Everyone bowed deeply and sang together like a tsunami.

Kneeling ceremonies are not performed often in Daxing. People usually just kneel to the sky, the earth, and their ancestors.

Other situations where kneeling is performed usually occur because of a sin.

Otherwise, kneeling is generally not required.

Therefore, even in such a grand occasion, everyone just bowed and saluted to the emperor and empress.

Emperor Yongyuan and Empress Wu walked to their seats together, and then they heard a voice:
"Everyone is safe."

Then I heard Emperor Yongyuan announce the start of tonight's banquet:
"New Year's Eve, welcome the new year."

As Emperor Yongyuan finished his words, fireworks were set off in the banquet hall, lighting up the entire night sky and opening the curtain for the New Year's Eve dinner.

Emperor Yongyuan gave a brief speech and then began the New Year's Eve dinner program.

This time, the princes and princesses did not need to go up and play Cuju to perform, as there were many programs that had been prepared long ago.

Not only did talented people from the palace perform, but there were also programs carefully prepared by other affiliated foreign states.

Li Xuan lay in Princess Ankang's arms, watching the lively show, which really felt a bit like the Spring Festival Gala.

While watching the show, delicious dishes will be served continuously on the table in front of them.

This evening they will be ensured that there is a variety of food arranged on the table in front of them.

If it’s cold, just take it away and replace it. If there’s something you particularly like, you can just tell them and they’ll send you an extra portion.

Anyway, the main focus of this banquet is delicious food and fun.

These princes and princesses are themselves mascots, so they just need to relax and enjoy themselves today.

And I heard from the Eighth Prince that there will be an hour's break in the middle of the show, and this is the time for everyone to socialize freely.

There will be a show afterwards, but it will not be so formal. You don’t have to sit and watch it all the time. You can move freely in the banquet hall.

Emperor Yongyuan and Empress Wu temporarily left the stage after the first segment and would hold the New Year blessing ceremony tomorrow morning.

The more important the person is, the earlier they will leave. The dukes and other important figures will not stay in the banquet venue all the time. Sufficient rest rooms have been prepared in the Southern Court of the Imperial City. If you are tired at the banquet, you can go there to rest first and leave the palace after the New Year's blessing ceremony is over tomorrow morning.

The Spring Festival dinner has become an annual custom in Daxing, so all the procedures have been completed long ago.

Princess Ankang held Li Xuan in her arms as they ate delicious food and watched the show, with the Eighth Prince introducing the show to the audience. It was quite a comfortable experience.

It’s just a pity that Yu’er couldn’t eat and drink with them in such an occasion and could only watch from the side.

But Yu'er didn't have to worry about going hungry, because Li Xuan and Princess Ankang were eating and taking things at the same time, putting a lot of delicious food into their respective storage magic weapons, and they would wait until they found the small room together to fill Yu'er's stomach.

They were just eating and taking, which resulted in the speed at which the dishes were served on the table being extremely alarming. A few more eunuchs were assigned to be responsible for serving the dishes, for fear that there would be no food left for Princess Ankang.

"There will be an even grander fireworks show at midnight, and those at the beginning are just an appetizer."

"And I heard that the emperor and the ministers did not just leave to rest, but held a closed-door meeting every year to summarize the situation, which would last all night long..."

The Eighth Prince was talking excitedly, but he could no longer ignore the huge noise made by Li Xuan and Princess Ankang when they were eating, and couldn't help but complain:
"Are you two the reincarnations of starving ghosts?"

"Can't you just listen to what I have to say first!"

"Or have you not eaten all day in preparation for today's banquet?"

Li Xuan and Princess Ankang were stunned, looked at each other, and then nodded repeatedly.

(End of this chapter)