Chapter 425: Perceptual Error
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Mu Yangling nodded vigorously. She was probably the most relaxed among everyone. To her, it was just a palace banquet. When a group of women got together, they would at most gossip. Wouldnt it be fine as long as she ate quietly?
However, when they set off in the afternoon, Qi Haorans words shattered her dream. Mu Yangling asked loudly, What did you say? The Emperor is going to ask us questions? Why would the Emperor ask us a question?
Qi Haoran patiently explained, The Emperor might not necessarily ask you questions, but its always good to be prepared. After all, he specially called us back. He has already seen me and might ask you a few questions. So be careful and dont say anything you shouldnt.
Mu Yangling heaved a sigh of relief. I thought we had to pay our respects to the Emperor. Isnt he busy during the New Year? He definitely wont have time to specially summon us, right?
This time, it was Qi Haorans turn to be surprised. He said blankly, Who said that the Emperor would specially summon you?
B0xo.comMu Yangling glanced at him. Didnt you say that just now?
Wait. Qi Haoran stopped in his tracks and said seriously, I only said that His Majesty might ask you questions, but I didnt say that he would specially summon you?
How can he ask questions if he doesnt summon us?
Arent we going to the palace banquet? If anything comes to the Emperors mind, he might just ask a few questions. Itll be in front of so many people, thats why I asked you to be more cautious.
Mu Yangling hesitated before saying, Perhaps I misunderstood at the beginning. Arent the palace banquets separated? Shouldnt the Empress be the one hosting our side? Will the Emperor also come to the womens side?
Qi Haoran looked at Mu Yangling for a long time before grabbing her hand and turning to walk back. Forget it. rd better tell them that youre sick and cant attend. Sister-in-law and I will just go by ourselves.
Mu Yangling stood still and pulled him back. Explain clearly. Whats going on?
The palace banquet of the Great Zhou Dynasty has never been separated. Do you think its the previous dynasty? Isnt this common knowledge? Even everyone in the residence of a seventh-grade county magistrate knows about this. As the wife of a fourth-grade assistant commander, shouldnt you be well aware? Qi Haoran accused.
Mu Yangling was stunned. Then, she jumped up and said, How would I know when no one told me about it? Besides, arent you guys particular about men and women staying an appropriate distance from each other? Why are men and women attending a palace banquet together?
In the end, Qi Haoran still dragged Mu Yangling into the carriage. He really wanted to leave Mu Yangling behind, but she refused no matter what. It was rare to have a chance to witness a historical palace banquet, so why should she give up such an opportunity?
Qi Haoran could only equip her with a lot of general knowledge at the last minute in the carriage.
Actually, the palace banquets of the past dynasties were not very strict. Other than those banquets that were specially held for the court, the harem, officials, and their family members would join in the celebration during major festivals.
Not to mention the current dynasty, the Tang Dynasty, the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and the Western Jin Dynasty were much more open than the Great Zhou Dynasty with regards to their annual palace banquets. If a scholar accidentally met a princess in the imperial garden, it would not be a big deal for him to tease her. Of course, that was during the Former Tang Dynasty and the middle period of the Tang Dynasty. In the Later Tang Dynasty, it was much stricter such that men and women were separated at the palace banquet. Even if it was jointly held in the same garden, there would be a screen between the two genders.
During the Great Zhou Dynasty, things had been restrained for the past few decades. It was said that during Emperor Shizongs time, everyone entered the garden in the morning. Food would be served separately as the guests arrive in succession, so everyone just ate when they were hungry. Men and women enjoyed various little games at the same venue. Sometimes, Emperor Shizong would even change into casual clothes and have fun with the ministers. It was lively until nighttime. Once everyone sat down, they would watch the song and dance performances before returning home to observe the tradition of staying up all night to see the new year in. At that time, the palace banquet was still held on Chinese New Years Eve.
When Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, he changed the date to one day before Chinese New Years Eve. From then on, this date was fixed. There were also more performances added which varied in scale.
When it came to Emperor Jingyans time, although he loved to play, he had always observed the rules during the New Years banquet. He would never do anything that the imperial censors could use against him.
Qi Haoran whispered all sorts of rules in Mu Yanglings ear. He only relaxed after she repeatedly promised to follow him and her sister-in-law closely.
Qi Haoran hugged his wife and sighed. I dont know if bringing you into the palace is right or wrong.
Of course its right. Mu Yangling immediately said, I can protect Sister-in-law at all times. A man like you cant very well follow Sister-in-law at all times, right?
Qi Haoran pursed his lips. Isnt it just Sister-in-law taking the carriage by herself now?
-Thats because you dragged me over. If it werent for you, I would have been in the same carriage as Sister-in-law.
Yes. Qi Haoran said slowly, I shouldnt have dragged you here to teach you those rules
Mu Yangling immediately massaged his shoulders ingratiatingly. Qi Haoran immediately spread his legs like a rich young master and said, Dont just massage the shoulders. Massage the legs, too.
The two of them played around all the way to the entrance of the palace. After the guards checked their tokens, they got off the carriage. At this moment, there were already many people waiting outside the palace. Some of them had white hair and were holding crutches as they were helped in by their juniors. Mu Yangling sighed when she saw this. Goodness. To think these men had to rush over to attend the palace banquet at such an old age.
Following her gaze, Qi Haoran said, Thats a noble family. Some of them are matriarchs, while others are the wives of the family heads. The wives of the ministers of the six departments, who arent young anymore, will also come. What about the mothers of the six ministers? Mu Yangling asked curiously. Those who are healthy will naturally come, and those who are not will take leave. However, they will usually choose to attend. After all, this is an honor. Although there were many people who were entering the palace, they were all cultured people. The young would give in to the old, and the junior officials would give in to the high officials. There would not be many people left outside.
Although the Qi family was entering the palace with Qi Xiuyuans title as a Grade 2A official, Qi Feng tactfully gave in and entered the palace with the other Grade 3A officials.
Mu Yangling walked beside Li Jinghua and followed Madam Wu and the others to Eternal Joy Palace, where the palace banquet was held.
Although Mu Yangling did not look around, she would occasionally turn her head to look at the scenery on the road. She was much more relaxed than the others on the road. Madam Wu, who was at the side, was already so nervous that her forehead was sweating. She walked behind Qi Feng without looking sideways and had no time to care about Li Jinghua and Mu Yangling. Naturally, she did not notice Mu Yanglings relaxed state.
At first, Li Jinghua was also a little nervous, but with a large group of people walking together, she was no longer nervous. Only then did she have the time to look at Mu Yangling beside her. Seeing that her eyes were shining as she admired the architectural scenery in the palace, she secretly pinched her hand.
Mu Yangling turned around and smiled. She said in a low voice, Sister-in-law, dont worry. Im not looking around in an embarrassing manner.
I know youre not being an embarrassment, but you should act a little nervous. Its not wrong to follow the crowd.
Mu Yangling thought about it and agreed. She immediately followed everyones example and lowered her head slightly to focus on a spot three inches in front of her feet. Sometimes, she would reach out to support Li Jinghua and massage her waist. Li Jinghua was shocked and felt a gentle and warm airflow spread around her waist. The stagnant soreness from before instantly disappeared.
Li Jinghua was relieved. Then, her face turned slightly red and she whispered, Thank you.
Qi Haoran walked in front and looked back at them with concern from time to time. Seeing this, he couldnt help but frown. He stopped in his tracks and walked over.. Why dont I ask the young eunuch for a carriage?
Chapter 425: Perceptual Error
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Mu Yangling nodded vigorously. She was probably the most relaxed among everyone. To her, it was just a palace banquet. When a group of women got together, they would at most gossip. Wouldnt it be fine as long as she ate quietly?
However, when they set off in the afternoon, Qi Haorans words shattered her dream. Mu Yangling asked loudly, What did you say? The Emperor is going to ask us questions? Why would the Emperor ask us a question?
Qi Haoran patiently explained, The Emperor might not necessarily ask you questions, but its always good to be prepared. After all, he specially called us back. He has already seen me and might ask you a few questions. So be careful and dont say anything you shouldnt.
Mu Yangling heaved a sigh of relief. I thought we had to pay our respects to the Emperor. Isnt he busy during the New Year? He definitely wont have time to specially summon us, right?
This time, it was Qi Haorans turn to be surprised. He said blankly, Who said that the Emperor would specially summon you?
B0xo.comMu Yangling glanced at him. Didnt you say that just now?
Wait. Qi Haoran stopped in his tracks and said seriously, I only said that His Majesty might ask you questions, but I didnt say that he would specially summon you?
How can he ask questions if he doesnt summon us?
Arent we going to the palace banquet? If anything comes to the Emperors mind, he might just ask a few questions. Itll be in front of so many people, thats why I asked you to be more cautious.
Mu Yangling hesitated before saying, Perhaps I misunderstood at the beginning. Arent the palace banquets separated? Shouldnt the Empress be the one hosting our side? Will the Emperor also come to the womens side?
Qi Haoran looked at Mu Yangling for a long time before grabbing her hand and turning to walk back. Forget it. rd better tell them that youre sick and cant attend. Sister-in-law and I will just go by ourselves.
Mu Yangling stood still and pulled him back. Explain clearly. Whats going on?
The palace banquet of the Great Zhou Dynasty has never been separated. Do you think its the previous dynasty? Isnt this common knowledge? Even everyone in the residence of a seventh-grade county magistrate knows about this. As the wife of a fourth-grade assistant commander, shouldnt you be well aware? Qi Haoran accused.
Mu Yangling was stunned. Then, she jumped up and said, How would I know when no one told me about it? Besides, arent you guys particular about men and women staying an appropriate distance from each other? Why are men and women attending a palace banquet together?
In the end, Qi Haoran still dragged Mu Yangling into the carriage. He really wanted to leave Mu Yangling behind, but she refused no matter what. It was rare to have a chance to witness a historical palace banquet, so why should she give up such an opportunity?
Qi Haoran could only equip her with a lot of general knowledge at the last minute in the carriage.
Actually, the palace banquets of the past dynasties were not very strict. Other than those banquets that were specially held for the court, the harem, officials, and their family members would join in the celebration during major festivals.
Not to mention the current dynasty, the Tang Dynasty, the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and the Western Jin Dynasty were much more open than the Great Zhou Dynasty with regards to their annual palace banquets. If a scholar accidentally met a princess in the imperial garden, it would not be a big deal for him to tease her. Of course, that was during the Former Tang Dynasty and the middle period of the Tang Dynasty. In the Later Tang Dynasty, it was much stricter such that men and women were separated at the palace banquet. Even if it was jointly held in the same garden, there would be a screen between the two genders.
During the Great Zhou Dynasty, things had been restrained for the past few decades. It was said that during Emperor Shizongs time, everyone entered the garden in the morning. Food would be served separately as the guests arrive in succession, so everyone just ate when they were hungry. Men and women enjoyed various little games at the same venue. Sometimes, Emperor Shizong would even change into casual clothes and have fun with the ministers. It was lively until nighttime. Once everyone sat down, they would watch the song and dance performances before returning home to observe the tradition of staying up all night to see the new year in. At that time, the palace banquet was still held on Chinese New Years Eve.
When Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, he changed the date to one day before Chinese New Years Eve. From then on, this date was fixed. There were also more performances added which varied in scale.
When it came to Emperor Jingyans time, although he loved to play, he had always observed the rules during the New Years banquet. He would never do anything that the imperial censors could use against him.
Qi Haoran whispered all sorts of rules in Mu Yanglings ear. He only relaxed after she repeatedly promised to follow him and her sister-in-law closely.
Qi Haoran hugged his wife and sighed. I dont know if bringing you into the palace is right or wrong.
Of course its right. Mu Yangling immediately said, I can protect Sister-in-law at all times. A man like you cant very well follow Sister-in-law at all times, right?
Qi Haoran pursed his lips. Isnt it just Sister-in-law taking the carriage by herself now?
-Thats because you dragged me over. If it werent for you, I would have been in the same carriage as Sister-in-law.
Yes. Qi Haoran said slowly, I shouldnt have dragged you here to teach you those rules
Mu Yangling immediately massaged his shoulders ingratiatingly. Qi Haoran immediately spread his legs like a rich young master and said, Dont just massage the shoulders. Massage the legs, too.
The two of them played around all the way to the entrance of the palace. After the guards checked their tokens, they got off the carriage. At this moment, there were already many people waiting outside the palace. Some of them had white hair and were holding crutches as they were helped in by their juniors. Mu Yangling sighed when she saw this. Goodness. To think these men had to rush over to attend the palace banquet at such an old age.
Following her gaze, Qi Haoran said, Thats a noble family. Some of them are matriarchs, while others are the wives of the family heads. The wives of the ministers of the six departments, who arent young anymore, will also come. What about the mothers of the six ministers? Mu Yangling asked curiously. Those who are healthy will naturally come, and those who are not will take leave. However, they will usually choose to attend. After all, this is an honor. Although there were many people who were entering the palace, they were all cultured people. The young would give in to the old, and the junior officials would give in to the high officials. There would not be many people left outside.
Although the Qi family was entering the palace with Qi Xiuyuans title as a Grade 2A official, Qi Feng tactfully gave in and entered the palace with the other Grade 3A officials.
Mu Yangling walked beside Li Jinghua and followed Madam Wu and the others to Eternal Joy Palace, where the palace banquet was held.
Although Mu Yangling did not look around, she would occasionally turn her head to look at the scenery on the road. She was much more relaxed than the others on the road. Madam Wu, who was at the side, was already so nervous that her forehead was sweating. She walked behind Qi Feng without looking sideways and had no time to care about Li Jinghua and Mu Yangling. Naturally, she did not notice Mu Yanglings relaxed state.
At first, Li Jinghua was also a little nervous, but with a large group of people walking together, she was no longer nervous. Only then did she have the time to look at Mu Yangling beside her. Seeing that her eyes were shining as she admired the architectural scenery in the palace, she secretly pinched her hand.
Mu Yangling turned around and smiled. She said in a low voice, Sister-in-law, dont worry. Im not looking around in an embarrassing manner.
I know youre not being an embarrassment, but you should act a little nervous. Its not wrong to follow the crowd.
Mu Yangling thought about it and agreed. She immediately followed everyones example and lowered her head slightly to focus on a spot three inches in front of her feet. Sometimes, she would reach out to support Li Jinghua and massage her waist. Li Jinghua was shocked and felt a gentle and warm airflow spread around her waist. The stagnant soreness from before instantly disappeared.
Li Jinghua was relieved. Then, her face turned slightly red and she whispered, Thank you.
Qi Haoran walked in front and looked back at them with concern from time to time. Seeing this, he couldnt help but frown. He stopped in his tracks and walked over.. Why dont I ask the young eunuch for a carriage?
