Joy of Life: I, a man, became the Queen of Northern Qi?

Chapter 85 Gift. (5.2k, please subscribe)

After Zhao Gao and Xu Chu finished their business and returned to the palace to pay their respects, Li An motioned them to wait on the side, then he smiled and said to the eldest princess: "My sister, please stay in the Yonghe Palace to tidy up for a while, and then we will go to the banquet venue." He naturally knew what the people outside the palace were like now, but he deliberately did not mention it, or point it out.

Zhan Qiaoqiao was thinking about something in her mind and heard Li Ang's words, but she was still in a daze and didn't react for a long time.

"Royal sister?" When Li An spoke again, he waved his hand in front of the eldest princess.

"Ok?"

Zhan Qiaoqiao was slightly stunned.

Her bright eyes came into focus, and she realized that perhaps things were irreversible. She grabbed Li Ang's hand and was about to speak anxiously, but she saw her good sister standing next to her looking at her with a smile.

Although his expression was very gentle, her heart trembled, and she closed her mouth again. The actions of her sister Defei just now came to her mind again.

She was filled with joy and anxiety, but even more fear. After hesitating for a moment, she timidly called out, "Thank you, sister."

Regarding her sister's actions, even killing those people, the eldest princess did not ask the reason, but forced a smile and comforted Li An: "I will take full responsibility for this matter! I will also explain to the mother for my sister."

Shaking his head slowly, Li An knew the behavior of those maids on weekdays. Although he did not tell Zhao Gao, the latter was always polite to him when walking in the palace, for fear of causing trouble for the empress and himself, and making the queen dowager unhappy.

But now that trouble has come, it is not his style not to respond.
Li An didn't believe that the Queen Mother didn't know anything about the actions of several people. But if the Queen Mother really didn't know, then the fault was on the other party. What did it have to do with him, Li An?

He has a very flexible bottom line. If no one offends me, I won't offend anyone. If something happens, he will really take action and he will really run away, but he will never let a girl with a mental age of only eleven years old bear it all alone.

"It's just a small matter, why should you ruin your mood? Today is my sister's birthday, we can't delay, let my maid help my sister to tidy up first."

Zhao Gao, who was standing by, understood and waved towards the door. A maid came in and touched up the eldest princess' makeup.

Zhan Qiaoqiao saw that something important was going on. Although her eyes were slightly red and she was worried, she still obediently let go of Li Ang's hand and sat up straight.

"Are you frightened, sister? Or do you think my sister's actions just now were too cold-blooded?"

"That's not the case!"

"Sister, I just think that my sister is very majestic and heroic in her words and deeds, just like the queen mother." She has always been like this. She ignored the maid who was still putting makeup on her and muttered, "It was my sister who caused the incident just now. It was my fault for causing trouble for my sister. I apologize to my sister again. I hope my sister will not mind."

No further response was given on this question.

Seeing that the eldest princess' makeup was appropriate, the timing device also gave a hint.

It's almost time
Li An then took the eldest princess' hand just as he did when she entered the palace, and went out of the palace with her to the banquet.

The temperature in Shangjing City in September is quite good, neither too cold nor too hot. Perhaps because of the atmosphere of today, the noise is getting closer and people's hearts are getting warmer.

Not long after the two of them walked towards the south of the palace, they saw the empress dowager and the little emperor walking towards them from another direction.

With a movement of her hand, the eldest princess subconsciously turned her head and wanted to go back.

Ha! You were ready to die just now, but you want to escape after just meeting me. Today is your birthday party, you are the protagonist, no one can be missing.

He exerted force with his hands and stopped the fleeing princess.

"Her Majesty, Your Majesty."

"Mother, Your Majesty."

"Hmm~"

Seeing the little emperor blinking at him vigorously, Li An curled his lips and asked, "Who is in Yonghe Palace? Why is he talking so much?"

Judging from the two people's appearance, especially the gloomy face of the Queen Mother, it is obvious that she already knows what happened in Yonghe Palace.
Li An chuckled and glanced at the little emperor from top to bottom. The little emperor seemed to have thought of something, and he covered his buttocks with one hand inconspicuously in a defensive posture, and his cheeks turned red.

Outsiders were unaware of the eye contact between the two.

The Queen Mother saw that the two had arrived on time. She was not sure what she was thinking or whether she was quite cunning. She glared at the Princess and said, "After today, you will be an adult. You can no longer act according to your temper as you did in the past. You must put Da Qi first in everything and not lose the dignity of the royal family."

Seeing the Queen Mother's expression, the eldest princess seemed not to blame her, so she hurriedly said, "Mother, I know I was wrong."

The Queen Mother hummed and walked forward.

From beginning to end, he didn't even look at Li Ang, as if he was air.
I felt warmth in my hands. It was the eldest princess paying attention to my mood and subconsciously making a comforting gesture.

He nodded, and the two of them walked forward.
Looking at the backs of the mother and daughter walking in front of him, Li An's sight gradually shifted to the bottom. You're walking fast. It's amazing. It shows that you have fast speed and good physical strength. These two shaking and twisting moves below are really impossible for ordinary people.
Seeing that his heart, which had just been put at ease, was lifted again.
-
Several people walked into the banquet hall one after another.

I saw that this place was very spacious, with a huge attic stage standing on the artificial river that meandered through the palace and connected to another large lake. More than a hundred actors and artists were practicing singing and fighting: some held tall bowl towers on their heads, holding utensils in their left and right hands to perform difficult movements; some danced with iron chains and breathed fire; others stood on piles of debris to keep their balance.

During the performance, there are acrobatics, singing, dancing, pitching pots, stacking people, and various folk juggling skills, which are all available and spectacular!
There are also many charming and beautiful dancers in thin and bright clothes dancing gracefully and flying on the high platform with seductive postures, which make the audience's heart beat fast!

These are Ang Lee's arrangements.

No matter whether it is appropriate or not, what stands out is that it appeals to both the elite and the masses and is lively and exciting!

A eunuch shouted loudly: "His Majesty has arrived."

As the most distinguished group of people from Northern Qi entered the venue, all the ministers stood up and bowed. No matter what they had in mind before, they were all replaced by this solemn feeling.

The rules for today's birthday party for the eldest princess are not very strict. More emphasis is placed on details, and it's fine as long as it looks acceptable in general.

The young emperor first helped the empress dowager to sit down, then he glanced at the ministers and said gently: "Everyone, please stand up. Just be casual tonight."

The ceremony was over and the noise started again.

Afterwards, the eldest princess stepped out, and during the Queen Mother's speech, all the ministers' attention was focused on Zhan Qiaoqiao. Those who were capable and successful privately reminded their own sons and nephews to be careful about their words and actions and not to lose their manners.

After the Queen Mother finished speaking, all the ministers came out one after another, bringing with them their young talents, and sang praises and best wishes to the eldest princess before retreating.

Well, this is just like a fashion show, it is meant for the Queen Mother to select, and the eldest princess can also take a look.

Otherwise, they are all people of status?
This set is also so elegant
The little emperor smiled slightly and whispered in Li An's ear: "How is it? Has it broadened your horizons?" The emperor and the concubine were whispering on the side, but amid the singing and dancing, no one could hear what they were saying.

Li An cooperated with a decent smile, but asked: "It looks very good. Your Majesty, are you going to select concubines in the same way in a few days~"

Whoa, whoa, whoa!
The little emperor quickly put his mouth to the teacup, glanced at the empress dowager in an imperceptible manner, and then snorted: "You know the specific situation! It's because of the prime minister that I'm in trouble here."

If it's difficult, then don't do it!
Li An had already figured out Zhan Doudou's background.

Of course, she wouldn't mention people with average looks, but if she looked like Si Lili, the little emperor would be tempted! If she didn't leak secrets, she would be a ruthless character who could attract both men and women!

Li An smiled and said, "Since Your Majesty finds it difficult to handle, then let me help you. I will simply agree to the Prime Minister's words, but the number of people must be controlled."

"Well, well, it's natural!"

Listen to the little emperor's nonsense, which is true and false, and he makes it sound so convincing.
Looking at the little emperor with a ferocious look and giving her a look that told her to wish her well tonight, Li Ang said nothing more and just watched the male model talent show, giving his comments in his mind from time to time.

If there were any disagreement between Northern Qi and Southern Qing and the situation changed, the eldest princess would not have to marry into the enemy country.

Naturally, her lover for the rest of her life would be chosen from among these people. Therefore, not only was the Queen Mother watching carefully, but he was also making comparisons in his heart.

Looking at these ugly guys, dressed like beasts in human clothing, but not even one tenth of my handsomeness and ability, they are still flirting and showing off their charm. It's almost autumn, and this is also the north. You guys are waving your folding fans, don't you feel cold? How dare you bear the great karma of such a beautiful woman?
Madness!

Bold!

Even if he's not half as good as me, he should be at least as good as the Crown Prince of Nanqing, right?

The people on the field stayed for different lengths of time. Those who stayed longer were naturally the ones with strength and background, and whose fathers were "Li Gang". Among them was the son of He Ningkun, the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

Seeing the Queen Mother nodding from time to time, I don't know what kind of magic potion the other party has given her, or whether the eldest princess is not the Queen Mother's biological daughter. Is she really going to choose with her eyes closed?

It seems that the royal family cares more about strength.

Li An didn't care about other people, but if he and the little emperor had a son or daughter in the future, he couldn't do that.
The show was a fashion show, but there was also a gift reading session. They were all rare and precious things that were hard to come by. Although the eldest princess had a smile on her face, she seemed a little absent-minded.

The Queen Mother smiled faintly and said a few words to He Ningkun's son, thus ending this first session.

The banquet had begun, and the ministers had achieved their goals, so they began to eat and drink.

Li An and the eldest princess were about to leave. As "female relatives", they were not supposed to attend the banquet here. The relatives from other houses were still waiting. Just as they were about to leave, they heard a person from the audience speak loudly. It was the prime minister who was in the limelight today: "Queen Mother, Your Majesty! The grandness of tonight's banquet is rare. It was all organized by Concubine De with great care. We are delighted. Why not take this opportunity to toast Concubine De with a glass to express our gratitude?"

"What does Concubine De think?" The Queen Mother took a sip of wine, glanced in Li An's direction, and asked softly.

As soon as Li Ang's eyes met, she retreated away, not daring to look at him any longer. Her face was blank and no one knew what she was thinking.

Li An smiled and said, "It's all right with me."

The Queen Mother nodded and waved her hand, and a palace maid beside her brought a glass of wine for Li An to hold.

"Your Majesty, thank you!"

Prime Minister Jin Weixian sang loudly, and all the ministers stood up and followed suit to pay respect to Li An, saying, "Your Highness, thank you, Madam Defei!"

After saying that, they all drank it in one gulp.

No one could see the fleeting smile that flashed across Jin Weixian's face while he was drinking.

Helplessly, Li Ang also had a drink with them.

After drinking, he put down the wine glass and wanted to leave, but unexpectedly, the matter was not over yet. He saw the prime minister took a few steps, walked to the platform, scanned the faces of the ministers at the banquet, and handed his gift of jade ruyi to the eunuch beside him to present it on his behalf.

After hearing the eunuch loudly announce the Prime Minister's gift, Jin Weixian said:

"I have heard that Your Majesty has put a lot of effort into organizing this banquet, which shows how much love Your Majesty has for the eldest princess. Today is the princess' coming-of-age ceremony, and I believe Your Majesty has also prepared a gift for it. I am curious about what kind of rare item it is."

"Forgive me for being so rude, could you please show us a demonstration to broaden our horizons?"

Jin Weixian led the conversation one after another, obviously with ulterior motives. The Queen Mother did not say anything to stop him, and it was unknown what she was thinking.

Seeing that the other party had bad intentions, Li An could not get angry in such an occasion. He just smiled reluctantly and said, "I dare not hide it from you gentlemen. I just prepared a painting, which is not as valuable as the gift from the Prime Minister."

Jin Weixian has sinister intentions and is also hinting at his background.

This was because they knew that he came from a humble background and had no background. They also anticipated that they had only raided the homes of some ministers some time ago and obtained a large amount of gold and silver. They could not come up with a gift that was in line with their status, so they wanted to embarrass him. If they took out the jewelry and paintings they had obtained from the raids, these people would not say much on their faces, but would laugh at them in their hearts.

By then, no matter how ruthless Li Ang acts, he will still be looked down upon by others.

Thinking of this, he lowered his voice and pretended to hesitate before adding: "This painting was created by me. I wanted to give it to the princess privately as a token of my appreciation. I never thought that the Prime Minister would ask about it."

Li An had just finished speaking when he saw those people who had been caught in the prime minister's gaze jumped out one after another. They echoed the prime minister's words and said things like "the gift may be small but the sentiment is great" and "it must be a masterpiece written by the queen herself", in order to interrupt the queen's words.

Seeing that his beloved concubine was in trouble, the young emperor was ready to speak out to suppress the matter, even though he didn't know when he had painted a picture and had never heard him mention that he had such a talent.

Whether the painting is good or bad is still uncertain. What if it is not good?
I must not let my beloved concubine embarrass herself or lose face.
"Everyone."

"His Majesty!"

The little emperor looked at the queen mother in surprise, not understanding why she interrupted him.

"Your Majesty, why don't you let Concubine De show it? Today is for the people to have fun together. Even if Concubine De's painting is not good, it is her love for your sister. People present will only admire Concubine De's good intentions and thoughts, and will not look down on her."

The Queen Mother smiled, but did not look at the little emperor. Instead, she kept watching Li An's expression. "Even I am curious about the work of Concubine De."

Hahahaha, the Queen Mother took action!
It was because Concubine De was too outgoing that the Queen Mother was dissatisfied! It seemed that the Queen Mother might make a big move in the future, and the ministers thought that they should pay attention to the direction of the wind in the court.

Although he felt that there was something strange in the Queen Mother's words, the little emperor still insisted on speaking.

In the past, she could always follow her mother's wishes, but today she could not let her beloved concubine spread negative comments; not to mention her, even the eldest princess beside her seemed very anxious at this moment, and wanted to speak up for her good sister.
"His Majesty."

"My beloved?" The meaning in the little emperor's eyes was obvious. If Li An didn't want to show his paintings, then she must have a way to suppress the matter.

"Today, you all gather here to congratulate the eldest princess. Not only does it comfort the Queen Mother and Your Majesty, but I, too, feel very happy."

"After all, this gift is not a competition, and there is no prize. As long as the princess likes it, I will be satisfied!"

As soon as Li An said this, the eyes of all the ministers became eager.

They had complicated thoughts. After the prime minister's pulling, half of them wanted to laugh at Concubine De, but the other half became curious. Their anticipation was very high. It was just a painting, but they could draw a flower?

The upper limit is there, but the lower limit is bottomless.

We have to see how bad it can be to make His Majesty so worried. They don’t know that Zhan Doudou has never seen this painting.

Zhan Qiaoqiao couldn't help it at this moment. She looked at the Prime Minister angrily and said forcefully, "Sister Defei, don't let them force you to show it. No matter what you give me, I like it!"

The queen mother's expression changed, she glared at her and said, "Don't talk nonsense!"

Zhan Qiaoqiao saw the empress dowager's gloomy face and felt a sense of fear in her heart, but she still said stubbornly in a low voice: "My daughter is talking nonsense."

The eldest princess's words would not embarrass the ministers. She was just pointing out the matter. As long as they appeared friendly, her words would not really hurt them.

The little emperor smiled gently, waved his sleeves, drew everyone's attention to himself, and said loudly: "My dear ministers, the eldest princess has a pure heart, I hope you will not be offended!"

Even the emperor's younger brother said so. Zhan Qiaoqiao realized that she was doing more harm than good. She looked at Li An embarrassedly, but saw that he was drinking tea indifferently. She then breathed a sigh of relief.

Upon hearing this, the ministers dared not blame him and said they dared not, but their eyes were looking at Li An.

Seeing this, he let these natives see for themselves the shocking China from the 21st century. Before crossing over, he was in charge of design and sales in the company. A mere realistic figure painting was nothing to worry about!
With the help of various characteristics brought by the copy, Ang Lee was very satisfied with this handwriting.

Seeing that Empress Defei was unusually calm, Zhao Gao, who knew the Empress best, knew what she was thinking, and immediately trotted to the back. A moment later, he returned to the scene holding a scroll in his hands.

"Open it."

　There is one more chapter to be sent before 7 o'clock.

　　I don't know what happened in the first two chapters, but everyone's comments and analysis of the plot made the author a little upset, but there was nothing strange about the writing.
　　Yesterday I wrote a total of 2.2 words for the new and old books, which delayed me because I couldn’t sleep well today.

　　The old book will be finished soon, and I will have more time after that, and the update schedule will be stable. (The main reason is that I don’t have the experience of publishing 10,000 pages a day, and the author is trying to adapt.)
　　
　
(End of this chapter)