Dad, don't be greedy! My brother climbed into the emperor's bed, and I became famous overn

Along the banks of the Suhuai River, the sound of gongs and drums resounded.

A three-zhang-high altar was erected by the river, upon which were placed sacrificial offerings of grains and incense smoke.

The people surrounded the altar in layers, and the elders held bamboo baskets, throwing grains into the river while chanting incantations.

The sound of gongs and drums came from the other side of the riverbank, one beat after another, the vibrating drumbeats traveling from the soles of the feet all the way to the chest.

Children ran around the streets holding small rice dumplings woven from colorful silk threads.

Xiao Ye stood on the riverbank, his gaze sweeping over the bustling scene, his steps slow.

For so many years, he was emperor, and the Dragon Boat Festival in the palace was nothing more than bestowing rice dumplings and realgar wine, having officials kneel and bow, and the Ministry of Rites reading a long and tedious blessing.

It's the same every year, just going through the motions.

I've never seen such a lively and vivid ritual.

Gu Mingli moved closer to him and pointed with his folding fan at the old Taoist priest in a robe on the altar.

"This is called worshipping the water god. In ancient times, this area was prone to flooding, so the people would hold a sacrifice in midsummer to pray for good weather and abundant harvests."

He paused, then pointed to the five kinds of sacrificial animals arranged in a circle on the platform.

"See that bowl of millet? That's specially reserved old grain, meaning 'the old hardships are over, and the new grain is coming.'"

Xiao Ye looked in the direction he was pointing, nodded, and said with a touch of emotion.

"The people's wish is nothing more than four words: favorable weather and abundant harvests."

He spoke softly, his voice drowned out by the sound of gongs and drums.

But Gu Mingli heard it.

I glanced at him sideways.

Sunlight fell on Xiao Ye's profile, and the light blue brocade robe softened his features.

In modern times, that age would only be considered a young person who has just graduated from university.

In ancient times, he would have been a lonely emperor, burdened with the responsibility of governing the country and supporting the people.

Gu Mingli looked away and didn't reply.

The sound of gongs and drums rose again.

On the altar, a group of young men began to dance, their steps keeping time with the drumbeats, their robes fluttering, their masks both ferocious and passionate.

The onlookers clapped and cheered, creating an atmosphere as lively as during the Chinese New Year.

Wen Yanzhi squeezed through the crowd and got close to Gu Mingyue.

"Master, the pleasure boat is ready and is docked at the front pier. It's a large three-story boat with carved railings and painted beams, offering excellent views. I've also had some fruits and refreshments prepared."

Before Gu Mingyue could speak, Gu Mingli's eyes had already swept over the river.

The Pei family's three small boats were moored not too far from the painted boat.

Miss Pei sat at the bow of the boat, holding a bamboo flute in her hand, gazing gracefully at the shore.

She wore a very pale yellow dress and a velvet flower in her hair, deliberately dressed to look elegant and refined, making her stand out.

The other two boats carried the young master of the Pei family and several attendants, their positions perfectly enclosing the boarding gate of the pleasure boat.

Once you board the pleasure boat, you can't avoid the Pei family's ships.

Gu Mingli's gaze darkened, and he turned around almost without pausing, his tone decisive.

"I will not ride in a painted boat."

Wen Yanzhi was taken aback. "Ah? Why? That pleasure boat is the best in Peach Blossom Spring."

"The pleasure boat is too big and not down-to-earth enough."

Gu Mingli was talking nonsense with a straight face.

"Second Master is here today to experience folk customs. Only by riding in a small boat belonging to the common people can one truly appreciate the joy of boating and praying for blessings during the Dragon Boat Festival."

As he spoke, he glanced back at Xiao Ye, a genuine smile on his face.

"Don't you think so?"

Xiao Ye raised an eyebrow.

He knew perfectly well what Gu Mingli was up to.

He had also caught a glimpse of the Pei family's boats earlier.

In the past, he would have had the followers forcefully driven away.

But he's in a good mood today.

Besides, he was wearing Gu Mingli's light blue brocade robe, blending into the crowd without attracting the attention of his followers.

There was indeed a long-lost sense of freedom.

Xiao Ye said, "Then let's take a small boat."

Wen Yanzhi quickly made the arrangements.

Before long, a dozen small boats were moored at the dock, and the boatmen greeted them with smiles.

A river breeze blows by, carrying the fragrance of bamboo leaves and mugwort.

Willows droop along both banks, and the riverbank stretches all the way to the stone bridge in the distance.

Willow branches fall onto the water's surface, creating ripples that spread out in concentric circles.

There are already quite a few small boats on the river.

People sat in twos and threes at the bow of the boat, and a few young girls leaned over the gunwale to watch the fish underwater.

The sun shines on the river, making it sparkle.

Gu Mingli was the first to step onto the first boat, his feet resting on the gunwale, and the small boat immediately rocked twice.

After he regained his footing, he stretched out one hand.

"Second Master, be careful."

Xiao Ye glanced down at the narrow boat, then at Gu Mingli's outstretched hand.

Hmph, underestimating him?

He ignored Mingli's hand.

He lifted his foot and stepped onto it himself.

The movement was swift, but the boat lurched violently the moment the foot touched the ground.

Gu Mingli reacted quickly and steadied his arm.

"Don't rush to move, stand still first."

After Xiao Ye stopped, he subtly pulled his arm out of Gu Mingli's grasp.

"No rush, no need to help."

Gu Mingli rolled his eyes speechlessly. "Fine, fine, you're amazing."

He gave a few perfunctory words and then went to help King Qi.

Xiao Jue didn't hesitate and boarded the boat with Gu Mingli's arm.

Gu Mingyue followed closely behind, carefully supported by her brother.

Geng Zhi boarded the ship last, accompanied by a shadow guard.

Six people plus the boatman crammed the small four-person boat to capacity.

The boat sank a bit, and the river water almost overflowed the gunwale.

The boatman was an old man in his fifties, with a dark complexion and a wide, bright smile with a gap in his teeth.

"Guests, please be seated, we're about to set sail!"

With a gentle push of the bamboo pole, the small boat drifted leisurely into the heart of the river.

The weeping willows on both banks slowly receded, and the river breeze rushed towards us, carrying the coolness of the water vapor.

Colorful ribbons hung on the stone bridge in the distance, and small boats passed through the archway, their oars making a soft, rhythmic sound.

Gu Mingli sat diagonally opposite Xiao Ye and sized him up.

The emperor sat at the bow of the boat, his back ramrod straight, his hands resting on his knees.

Although he was dressed casually, his posture made him look like he was attending court.

"Second Master," Gu Mingli couldn't help but ask, "Is this your first time riding on a boat like this?"

Xiao Ye glanced at him indifferently.

"There are also small boats on the lake near the imperial palace."

"The palace's small boat?"

Gu Mingli chuckled.

"How can that be the same? The palace's boats were called 'fang'. What we're sitting on now are real small boats."

Xiao Ye didn't speak.

But Weiwei turned her face away slightly, clearly having been hit the nail on the head.

He rarely went out into the countryside.

I've never actually experienced the small boats that ordinary people ride in.

Gu Mingli leaned closer to the side of the boat and splashed some river water with his hand.

"There's one advantage to small boats. They're really fast when you row them, but they're also really capable of capsizing."

Xiao Ye: "..."

Xiao Jue: "..."