Three days later, Emperor Wen Xuan hosted a banquet at the Heavenly Star Stage.
The Heavenly Star Stage was located on a high platform in front of the palace. Further ahead was the ceremonial stage. Uto's envoy, Manin Bu, had entered the capital. His Majesty had agreed to Uto's request for reparations. On the surface, it was to show the magnanimity of the Da Wei's ruler, but in reality, it was to show the prestige of his country.
This was He Yan's first time attending such an event. Early in the morning, she changed into an official's robe. It was red with flowers and a black belt in the middle. She was not as tall as a man, so the robe was slightly oversized. However, because of her tall stature, it looked elegant in the robe.
Now that everyone in the imperial court knew that she was a woman, she did not need to disguise herself as a man. Qing Mei only lightly drew her eyebrows and applied a thin layer of powder. Her lips were soft and pink, so she did not use any lipstick. Her long hair was tied into a ponytail. It was neat and tidy.
He Yan looked at the woman in the mirror. She was handsome and elegant. She did not disguise herself as a man, nor was she overly delicate. This was the most pleasing to her eyes since her rebirth.
He Yan took a sip of tea from the table and said, "It's almost time. I'll go out first."
Qing Mei asked, "Miss, do you really not want this servant to accompany you?"
"I'm not going to a banquet. Why would I bring you along?" He Yan laughed. "You can wait for me in the residence."
She left the door and got into the carriage.
Xiao Jue did not come to pick him up today. Although they were going to get married soon, before they were married, He Yan was still Marquis Wu An before he became Xiao Jue's fiancée. He had to be clear about business and private matters. It was better not to be too casual on such an occasion.
She did not have any servants by her side. It was rare for someone to go to the Heavenly Star Stage alone like her. The carriage had been arranged yesterday. When they arrived near the Heavenly Star Stage, He Yan got off the carriage and walked towards the Heavenly Star Stage alone.
There were already some officials who had arrived first. Those who knew each other exchanged greetings and reminisced about the past. He Yan didn't know many people. As he stood there, suddenly someone's excited voice sounded: "Sister He!"
He Yan was stunned. He turned around and saw Lin Shuanghe running over.
He Yan was also dressed very formally today. If he didn't speak, he would look like a talented young man in the imperial court. He Yan asked curiously, "Brother Lin, why are you here? Isn't it said that only officials can be here … "
"My grandfather and father are both here," Lin Shuanghe said disapprovingly: "The Empress Dowager likes me, so she let me come and join in the fun."
Young Master Lin came in through the back door again.
Lin Shuanghe looked at He Yan from head to toe, his eyes sparkling. "Younger Sister He, this is the first time I've seen you in your official uniform. Beautiful! Our Huaijin is really lucky to have found such an outstanding beauty as his wife. "
This person always praised without thinking, regardless of whether the other person could accept it or not. He Yan interrupted his flattery. "I haven't seen Brother Lin in a long time. What has Brother Lin been busy with?"
"Don't say anymore," Lin Shuanghe said with a bitter face. "I've only left Shuo Jing for a year and a half, but there have been a lot of women coming to Shuo Jing to find me. Ever since I came back, I've been seeing patients every day. Did Sister He not notice that I'm so tired that I've lost weight? "
He Yan saw his energetic appearance and said: "That's not true. If you don't want to see a doctor, you can just close the door and not see them. Why force yourself like this? "
"They're all women," Lin Shuanghe said seriously: "A gentleman should have tender feelings for the fairer sex."
He Yan was speechless for a while, then said: "So that's why Brother Lin is so busy. That's why he completely forgot about helping me find a house."
Lin Shuanghe was stunned for a moment. He finally remembered something that he had long forgotten. He looked at He Yan strangely. "But aren't you and Huaijin getting married on the tenth of the year? Why are you buying another house? "
"It's not for me to live in." He Yan was helpless. "I want Father and Yunsheng to change houses." In the past, she had no choice but to be poor. Now, she had a proper official position. The money that Xiao Jue gave her last time was enough to build a new house in the capital. Although it wasn't as luxurious as a rich family's house, it was still much better than the one in front of her. He Yan thought about it. She would just treat it as borrowing Xiao Jue's house. After a year, she would pay him back.
"So it's for Uncle and Younger Brother." Lin Shuanghe sighed in relief and patted He Yan's shoulder. "Don't worry. Leave this matter to me. I promise to help you settle it properly!"
He Yan: "Didn't you say that you're too busy to deal with this matter?"
"Ahem, I have time. I can squeeze in a little."
"So you deliberately didn't help me find a house before."
"Younger Sister He, how can you think of me like that?"
As they were talking and laughing, Lin Shuanghe suddenly waved behind He Yan. "Huaijin!"
He Yan turned around and saw Xiao Jue and Xiao Jing walking over from the other side.
The two brothers had outstanding looks. Walking among the young officials, they were like cranes in a flock of chickens. When they got closer, He Yan bowed to Xiao Jing. Xiao Jing smiled and said, "This is the first time I've come to the Heavenly Star Platform with a female official. Miss He is valiant and valiant. Women don't lose out to men."
He Yan replied courteously. Lin Shuanghe rubbed his chin and looked at He Yan and Xiao Jue for a while. He said, "I have to say, the two of you look really compatible."
He Yan looked at Xiao Jue. He was also wearing his official robe today. Coincidentally, the embroidered flower on his dark blue official robe matched the one on her official robe. There was also a belt around his waist. It made him look especially handsome and elegant.
"Younger Sister He," Lin Shuanghe said, "Say, if you get promoted a few more times, you can go to court with Huaijin. It's really convenient. In the whole of Da Wei, this is the first time the two of you are married. "
"Miss He is not married yet." Xiao Jing said softly, "Young Master Lin, please be careful with your words. If others hear you, it will damage Miss He's reputation."
He Yan looked at Xiao Jing. Everyone said that Young Master Xiao was a gentle and polite gentleman. Now that he had seen it for himself, he had to be so calculative over such a small matter. However, when he said it, it didn't sound pedantic. Instead, it felt that he was thoughtful. No wonder Song Taotao wanted to be Xiao Jue's sister-in-law. After all, it was hard to find someone like Xiao Jing in Da Wei.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a person suddenly appeared in front of her and blocked her view of Xiao Jing without revealing anything. He Yan looked up and met Xiao Jue's gaze. She seemed a little unhappy.
He Yan was quite protective of his elder brother. Was he afraid that he would have designs on Xiao Jing?
At this moment, someone called out Lin Shuanghe's name. It was probably Lin Shuanghe's friend. Lin Shuanghe followed the voice. Xiao Jing also walked a few steps forward and started talking with her colleagues.
He Yan finally had some time to be alone with Xiao Jue. She moved closer to Xiao Jue, opened her sleeves and asked, "What do you think? This is the new official uniform. It's my first time wearing it. Isn't it very romantic and full of murderous aura?"
The sun shone on the girl's face, making her fine eyelashes look even more distinct. Her eyes were bright and spirited, and when she smiled, there was a pure youthful spirit. The red official's robe made her look even more heroic, and it was a valiant aura that was completely different from other girls.
There were millions of girls in the world. She was the only one who was different.
Xiao Jue turned around and looked away.
He Yan saw her like this and pulled back her sleeves. She moved closer and asked, "Isn't it?"
"I don't see any murderous aura." Xiao Jue couldn't stand her pestering and looked down at her. Her eyes flashed with a hint of a smile. She purposely made her angry, "You're so silly."
He Yan gritted her teeth, "Why can't you say something nice?" She turned around and pretended to leave. However, when she turned around, she bumped into someone and almost fell into his arms.
Chu Zhao stood in front of her and looked at her, "Miss He."
"… Fourth Young Master Chu."
Xiao Jue pulled He Yan back to her side. Chu Zhao first looked at Xiao Jue, then his eyes fell on He Yan. He still had that familiar gentle smile, "I already know about Miss He's happy news. I congratulate you in advance."
"Same to you." He Yan smiled, "I also wish Fourth Young Master Chu and Miss Xu a happy marriage."
Chu Zhao heard this and his eyes trembled slightly. He seemed a little sad, but he still saluted He Yan and walked away.
He Yan looked at his back and felt that it was especially bleak. She couldn't help but say to Xiao Jue, "Xiao Jue, don't you think that Fourth Young Master Chu is quite pitiful?"
Xiao Jue said coldly, "I don't think so."
"How can that be? I think that he … "He Yan said softly," Maybe he doesn't like Miss Xu. People's eyes can't lie. His gaze is very strange. When the marriage was mentioned, he didn't seem happy at all. He even seemed very sad. "
"You're quite observant."
"After all, I was blind once before. Of course I have to observe people more carefully now … Unfortunately, the imperial edict has been issued. He can only do this. Do you think he … Eh?" He Yan turned around and saw that Xiao Jue had already walked a distance away. She quickly chased after her, "Xiao Jue, wait for me!"
After a while.
"Xiao Jue, are you angry?"
"No."
The officials stood in the square on the Heavenly Star Stage.
He Yan's position was not enough to stand next to Xiao Jue. However, in the group of people she was with, most of them thought that she was Xiao Jue's fiancée and did not dare to do anything to her. Because she was small and afraid that she would not be able to see the scene on the stage, the first row was specially reserved for He Yan.
He Yan stood at the very front and looked at the emperor on the stage.
On the high seat, Emperor Wen Xuan smiled as he looked at the officials below the stage.
The officials were dressed in official robes and stood neatly. Just from their appearance, they looked very dignified. It was said that the Wu Tuo Kingdom was surrounded by mountains and there were very few plains. The palaces were not even half as big as Da Wei's palaces. It seemed that every time they held a sacrificial ceremony, the scene would be very shabby.
He was old. Although he did not have much achievements in politics, he still hoped to leave behind one or two praiseworthy achievements. Unfortunately, after so many years, he did not. Since ancient times, the emperors either had a good reputation or a bad reputation. He did not want to have a good reputation. Even Emperor Wen Xuan did not have the guts to face the saliva of his descendants. Therefore, ever since he ascended the throne, he had never done anything like building large buildings and temples. Only today's banquet on the Heavenly Star Stage allowed him to regain some of his pride as an emperor.
The princes sat on one side of the stage. Fifth Prince Guang Ji was still young. When he saw a beautiful pastry, he wanted to grab it, but he was stopped by Guang Shuo. Guang Shuo said softly, "Fifth Brother, sit properly. You represent Da Wei's face."
Guang Ji pursed his lips, but he behaved himself and did not dare to take the pastry again.
Guang Yan glanced at the two of them, his eyes full of contempt. Since Wen Xuandi had set up a banquet on the Heavenly Star Platform, he had expressed his sincerity in accepting the Wu Tuo Kingdom's request for peace. He was not in a hurry to open a market. He could plan it slowly in the future. As long as he could obtain Uto's help and eliminate Xiao Huaijin, the Fourth Prince and that bitch Concubine Lan would be his prisoners sooner or later.
He really couldn't wait to ascend to that position.
The Wu Tuo envoy, Ma Ningbu, stepped forward and knelt in front of Emperor Wen Xuan. He praised the emperor's benevolence and broad-mindedness. He was shocked by the prosperity and beauty of Da Wei. In the future, the Wu Tuo Kingdom was willing to be on good terms with Da Wei and even respect Da Wei.
Emperor Wen Xuandi was very pleased to hear that.
Among the officials below the stage, there were those who were as proud as the Crown Prince. There were also those who had righteous indignation written all over their faces like Wei Xuanzhang. Most of them were angry but did not dare to say anything. Everyone said that the current Da Wei's imperial court was no longer surnamed Song, but Xu. If that was the case, then that was fine. But what was with allowing outsiders to come to the Heavenly Star Platform openly? Since when had the Great Wei fallen to such a state?
Among the generals, He Rufei stood at the front with a relaxed expression. There was no hatred in his eyes when he looked at Uto. On the other hand, Yan He's eyes were filled with anger. His hands were already clenched into fists. If not for the fact that they were on the Heavenly Star Stage and the emperor was present, he might have rushed up to beat Ma Ningbu up.
Xiao Jue stood beside him. Yan He could not help but whisper, "What is this shortie talking about? Who is he trying to fool? The Wu Tuo Kingdom wants to be on good terms with Da Wei? I will go to the Wu Tuo Kingdom and kill 10,000 of their citizens first. Moreover, will their king believe that Da Wei is willing to be on good terms with the Wu Tuo Kingdom? "
Seeing that Xiao Jue did not reply, Yan He was even angrier. He turned his head and mocked, "Aren't you General Fengyun? Are you going to watch Uto behave so atrociously in the Heavenly Star Stage? "
Xiao Jue calmly said, "Aren't you the Lieutenant General of Gui De? If you want to teach them a lesson, why don't you do it yourself?"
Yan He was speechless. He snorted and did not speak.
On the other side, Emperor Wen Xuan accepted the flattery and gifts from the Wu Tuo Kingdom's emissary. Ma Ningbu said, "The warriors of the Wu Tuo Kingdom are best at wrestling. They usually perform wrestling competitions for the king during ceremonies and banquets. Today, they are willing to perform for Your Majesty. "
Yan He said, "Showing off in front of an expert."
Actually, Emperor Wen Xuan himself did not really like these things. After he ascended the throne, the imperial court emphasized civil matters more than military matters. However, since the emissary of the Wu Tuo Kingdom suggested it himself, he could not reject it to show Da Wei's magnanimity and magnanimity. Thus, he calmly waved his hand. "Allow."
Ma Ningbu turned around. Two burly men walked out from the group of Uto's emissaries. These two men looked different from the short stature of the Wu Tuo Kingdom. They were exceptionally tall and muscular. Their hair was tied into a thin braid behind their heads.
Ma Ningbu said, "Your Majesty, these are the two best warriors of the Wu Tuo Kingdom, Nada Duo and Hu Yunmu. They are willing to perform for Your Majesty."
The two burly Wu Tuo men walked to the empty space in the middle of the square and took off their outer clothes. In the cold weather, they were bare-chested. After shouting twice, they hugged each other and wrestled.
He Yan stood among the officials and heard the officials behind him whispering, "This is indeed a barbarian land. The way they hugged each other is too indecent. Very indecent."
He Yan did not feel that it was indecent. He only felt that this wrestling was actually a competition of skill and not brute force. Bystanders only saw them hugging each other and trying to wrestle each other. In reality, it was not the case. Tripping, back wrestling, mentality, and speed were all things that needed to be paid attention to. These two Uto were indeed not to be underestimated.
This wrestling match took a long time to determine the winner. Da Wei's officials and the emperor were actually bored out of their minds. This was because the match was not exciting enough. After the match, they had to go against their conscience and praise them.
Emperor Wen Xuan rewarded the two warriors with a plate of silver each. After Ma Ningbu expressed his gratitude, he said, "I heard that Da Wei's army is filled with talents and has more warriors than the Wu Tuo Kingdom. Since all of you are here today, would Your Majesty be so kind as to broaden the horizons of the Wu Tuo warriors?"
Was this a competition?
Emperor Wen Xuan's heart skipped a beat and he suddenly became excited.
In the past, it was recorded that when a certain kingdom received foreign ambassadors, the princess of the foreign ambassadors had provoked them. In the end, she was severely humiliated by the daughter of a military general with her archery skills, greatly increasing the face of the kingdom. Although he did not know whether this was true or not, this face-slapping was really wonderful.
Da Wei had a vast territory and many people. Today, there were so many talents in the square. No matter what, the two Uto would be able to defeat them. Moreover, Da Wei had more people. They were thin and upright. Compared to the barbarians, they were pleasing to the eye. For example, Fei Hong and Feng Yun were both first-class handsome men. When they fought, they would definitely make the Uto feel inferior.
Emperor Wen Xuan thought about this and said happily, "This is not difficult. The men of Da Wei never shrink back. If you choose one of the generals, they will naturally fight. "
Emperor Wen Xuan was not worried that any of the generals would not be able to defeat the Uto. Firstly, these two Uto did not even use their weapons and only knew how to use brute force. It was obvious that they were not very skilled. Secondly, if the Uto were smart, they would not dare to win in front of so many people.
After all, the Uto still wanted to open a market in Da Wei.
Ma Ningbu smiled and said, "I heard that Your Majesty bestowed the first female Marquis to Da Wei."
Everyone present was stunned.
Emperor Wen Xuan was also stunned and said, "That's right."
"We Uto have heard of that female Marquis' fame. I heard that she followed General Fengyun to the battlefield and is very brave and intelligent. Is she here today? "
Emperor Wen Xuan frowned slightly. He did not expect that Ma Ningbu would choose He Yan. In this court full of civil and military officials, the Uto had chosen a woman. How could a woman's physical strength compare to a man's? Although he had heard of He Yan's achievements on the battlefield, he had also seen it with his own eyes. She was just a thin and weak woman. Compared to the two Uto, they were like a lamb and a black bear.
"She is a woman."
"But she is not an ordinary woman." Ma Ningbu smiled and said, "We also have women who know martial arts, but we have never had a woman enter the court as an official. Since she was brought by General Fengyun, she must be different from ordinary women. Your Majesty, "he bowed and said," please let that female Marquis fight with our Uto. "
Guang shuo shook his head. These Uto were clearly bullying women, or perhaps they were using their position to avenge private wrongs. However, Guang shuo knew his father's temperament very well. He placed his face above all else. Since he had agreed, he would not go back on his word.
Emperor Wen Xuan was silent for a moment and said, "Marquis Wu An."
He Yan stepped forward and bowed. "This subject is here."
"You can compete with their warriors."
There was a moment of silence, then whispers gradually sounded.
Lin Shuanghe hurriedly asked his father, "Father, how can you let a woman compete?"
Lin Mu said, "Shut up."
Xiao Jing was also worried. Yan He nudged Xiao Jue beside him and could not help but say, "Hey, your wife is being forced to do something beyond her ability. How can you still be so calm? Xiao Huaijin, you are truly heartless. "
Xiao Jue ignored him.
He Yan stood up and did not respond to the emperor's words. Instead, he looked at Maninbu and asked, "Envoy Maninbu, what do you think of the two great generals of Da Wei?"
Maninbu looked at the woman in front of him. Before coming to Da Wei, He Yan's name had already spread throughout the Uto Kingdom. This woman had fought side by side with Xiao Jue in Jiyang City. During the Rundu City War, she had single-handedly caused Huyate to suffer a loss. Even the spy that had been sent into the Liang Zhou Guards had been discovered by her in the beginning. Xiao Huaijin was indeed terrifying, but this woman who had appeared out of nowhere was not simple either.
She was just like General Feihong He Rufei back in the day. She always had the ability to turn the tide. He Rufei, the mighty eagle, had his wings broken with great difficulty. Was another powerful enemy of the Uto Kingdom about to appear?
Even if she was just a woman.
A woman who could kill on the battlefield was no longer a woman. In some ways, she had the right to compete with men.
Maninbu said, "General Fengyun and General Feihong are both admirable heroes. They are talents that only appear once in a hundred years, no, a thousand years. "
"What a coincidence. This one thinks so too." He Yan smiled. "Just like the warriors of the Uto Kingdom come to Da Wei and want to spar with the heroes they meet, He Yan also has heroes that he admires. If you just want to see my skills, there is no need to spar with me, Lord Maninbu. "She said," I specialize in the sword. I cannot display my full strength in wrestling. We can only spar with the sword. I will not spar with you. "
Emperor Wenxuan's eyes lit up.
He Yan meant that she wanted to spar with Xiao Jue? This was good. She and Xiao Jue were about to become husband and wife. If she won, it could be said that Xiao Jue went easy on her. If she lost, she would lose to her own people and would not embarrass Da Wei.
Thinking of this, Emperor Wenxuan immediately said, "I approve. I want to see Marquis Wu An's skills and choose the category that Marquis Wu An specialises in. Marquis Wu An, who do you want to spar with? "
The people who were holding their breaths for He Yan heaved a sigh of relief. Emperor Wenxuan said this to give He Yan a way out. The officials who were watching the show were also disappointed. He Yan naturally chose Xiao Jue. A spar between husband and wife could easily produce any result they wanted.
Just as everyone was thinking this, He Yan walked in front of the generals. She did not stop beside Xiao Jue. She walked in front of He Rufei and looked at him.
"General Feihong." She smiled brightly with a hint of sarcasm. "I want to see your sword."
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