The banquet was sumptuous and prosperous.
Ever since Pei Chong beca disabled and Mada Pei passed away, the Pei Family has not held a banquet. In the mory of many old nobles and officials, the last ti was when Pei Yao got married.
For a mont, the battle that took place many years ago was once again ntioned. Both the new and old parties temporarily set aside their grudges to drink rrily.
The couple, Feng Jingyao and his wife, were also among the invitees.
During the feast, he stood up with his cup and addressed Emperor Wenzhi at the head of the table: "Since the alliance was established at Mingquan, Jin and Qi countries have coexisted peacefully, sharing weal and woe, enabling their people to live and work in contentnt, rchants to flock here and all trades to flourish. On my journey from Qi to Jin, I witnessed forr battlefields transford into mulberry fields, farrs happily plowing and shepherds playing flutes, painting a picture of a golden age that truly stirs the heart."
He then raised his sleeve, lifted his cup high, and bowed towards Emperor Wenzhi and the assembled nobles.
"Today, I would like to toast with the fine wine provided by the Prince of Yonghuai, and wish for Jin and Qi to be friends for generations. May all beings under heaven forever enjoy peace and hope for a lasting golden era of tranquility, together forging a monunt to millennia."
Feng Jingyao was widely read and scholarly, and possessed a silver tongue that was just as effective in the court of Qi Country as it was in Jin.
The courtiers nodded repeatedly after listening.
Even Emperor Wenzhi was sowhat moved.
He laughed heartily and raised his cup.
"My dear courtiers, and the esteed envoy from Qi, on this joyful thousand-year celebration of the Prince of Yonghuai, I propose a toast to the hope that our two countries may collaboratively paint a picture of peace and showcase the splendor of this golden age," he said.
The courtiers rose and drank together.
A scene of harmonious joy ensued, as if the sharp confrontations that often occurred in the Imperial Court had never existed, and nobody even ntioned Changn.
Feng Yun smiled lightly.
Others refrained from ntioning it out of respect for the Prince of Yonghuai, but she would bring it up.
Feng Yun took a wine jug, filled Pei Jue’s cup to the brim, then gradually poured herself a full cup. She bowed to the Emperor and all the nobles with a smile:
"I hope all the distinguished guests eat and drink well, and please forgive us for any shortcomings in our hospitality."
Today she was dressed dignified and imposingly; her hair was elegantly coiffed with jewels and beads, and her wide-sleeve robe and skirt exuded regal grace. Her movents were unhurried and relaxed, and her voice was as refreshing as a spring breeze, radiant as a blooming peony...
Indeed, a splendid bloom worthy of the world...
...and only the Prince of Yonghuai could match her.
Praise ensued from those at the banquet.
Ao Zheng, in particular, drank a toast heartily and declared loudly:
"The Princess is far too modest. This wine is rich and full-bodied, akin to nectar and ambrosia; the dishes are exquisite, truly the best of the best. Even the cups, bowls, and dishes on the banquet table are quite unique—Ao has never seen such elsewhere..."
Having said this, he looked around at everyone with a smile: "Do not fault Ao for speaking bluntly after drinking too much. In this land of Xijing, perhaps no one else could match this feast’s uniqueness."
Ao Zheng was very complintary.
And it was precisely to Feng Yun’s liking.
She glanced warmly and cordially at Pei Jue: "I am flattered by Pri Minister Ao’s praise."
Then, rising from her seat, she smiled gently.
"Since it has co to this, allow to offer my humble contribution."
With delicate hands holding the jug, she gave a light smile.
"This wine is nad ’Hexiong Dew,’ originating from the Changn of Andu, using Jieqiu Water and Huaxi Grain, with the fragrance of a thousand miles of lotus, ticulously brewed."
She took a delicate sip of the wine, toasting everyone.
Then she said: "The cups and porcelain bowls used at the banquet also co from the Long Kiln of Huaxi. Speaking of which, there is a story to it..."
Her gaze swept lightly over the assembly, her smile unfading.
"In the past, Emperor Tianshou once stayed in Huaxi. On a whim, he personally visited the kiln, stoking the fire with his own hands. Perhaps nourished by the dragon’s aura, that batch of porcelain erged from the kiln with a lustrous glaze, fine bones, bright and clean, elegant and beautiful, each piece a rare treasure of this world... The kiln workers were amazed and imdiately prostrated themselves, shouting long live. Thereafter, it was renad the Long Kiln of Huaxi..."
She pointed to the tableware in front of everyone.
"The porcelain you all use today cos from the Long Kiln of Huaxi. And moreover..."
She smiled again, introducing each of the dishes on the table, her voice warm and courteous, like orioles singing in the valley.
"Today’s dishes are the ’Nine Great Bowls’ from the birthday banquets that have beco very popular in Andu in recent years, also originating from Changn."
It was silent all around.
The dishes were excellent.
But the atmosphere was a bit odd.
Recently, the Imperial Court had not been silent about the move to abolish Changn.
But this was the birthday feast of the Prince of Yonghuai, and the Princess, with a smile, was explaining the fine food and wine to the guests, and no one wanted to be rude on the spot.
Eating soone’s food can leave you short of words.
And so the situation was... rather awkward.
Feng Yun looked at their expressions, understanding perfectly well, yet she showed no sign of embarrassnt.
She introduced Changn to everyone in such a manner, alluding that Changn focused on improving the livelihood of the people, making their days better, not worse...
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