People started to take their seats in the Immortal Contest Tower.
The second floor was filled with officials and nobles. They sat at a table in twos and threes, chatting and laughing with each other. They were all waiting for the Courtesan Selection to begin. After all, it was only held once every three years. It was a blessing to be able to catch such an auspicious day. The women who came to participate in the selection were carefully selected by the various prefectures and states. They would then be able to officially participate after their recommendations were sent to the Ministry of Rites for registration. Not everyone had such an opportunity, and the girls who were recommended to participate were all beauties.
Outstanding looks, gentle, and generous.
It was really a blessing to see so many beautiful women gathered in Yan Jing!
After all, there were only a few opportunities in a lifetime!
On the second floor that was spread out in a circle, other than the nobles sitting in front of the railings, there were many warm rooms behind them.
Three of the superior warm rooms were already filled.
The Imperial Astronomer and a few minor officials sat in one of them.
They all sat inside with solemn expressions. On the table in front of them was a list of candidates that they had taken from the Ministry of Rites. Several pieces of paper were stacked together. They were as tall as two fingers, and they were all densely packed with names.
A bearded old man looked out through the window and sighed heavily. He looked worriedly at the Imperial Astronomer and asked, "Sir, is the person we're looking for really in there?"
The Imperial Astronomer narrowed his eyes. "Since it's indicated by the astronomical phenomenon, there must be an arrangement."
"What if there's a mistake?"
"Old Wang, the selection hasn't even begun. Why are you saying such a thing?"
"Just in case!"
"There's no 'what if'. The Emperor has already agreed to use the Courtesan Queen as a sacrifice to the heavens. We have to be careful and not make any mistakes. Otherwise …" The Imperial Astronomer's gaze swept across the few people in front of him. "We can forget about living."
The few of them misspoke.
The Emperor was very concerned about the astronomical phenomenon. If there was an accident, it would affect many people.
The first was the Imperial Astronomer!
This was not a small matter. They couldn't be careless.
Right now, all of their heads were hanging off their necks, and they could be decapitated at any time.
The old man said in a low voice. He stroked his white beard and murmured to himself, "Sacrificing one's life to the heavens is unprecedented."
The atmosphere in the warm room was unusually solemn.
No one spoke again.
In the second warm room sat Grand Tutor Yi, Old General Wen, and Marquis Kangding.
Their expressions were grave and unsightly.
When the Imperial Astronomer proposed to use Hua Kui as a sacrifice to the heavens, they strongly opposed it, but the final decision was made by the emperor.
Everyone knew that the emperor believed in celestial phenomena.
Therefore, when it was finally decided that the Courtesan Belle would be sacrificed to the heavens, these ministers were not surprised at all.
What he felt the most was disappointment!
After all, offering sacrifices to the heavens required a human life.
Grand Tutor Yi sighed heavily. He slammed his hand on the table and frowned deeply. "If Your Majesty insists on doing this, I'm afraid it will cause unnecessary trouble in the end."
Old General Wen continued: "In the end, we are only officials and cannot interfere with the Emperor's decision."
"As officials, we are unable to make the right decision for His Majesty. We cannot escape the blame." "Grand Tutor Yi, if I were you, I wouldn't be sitting here right now. Instead, I would go to the palace to see the Emperor and try my best to persuade the Emperor to give up on this idea. That way, I can still avoid the unnecessary trouble you mentioned." Old General Wen said.
He looked at Grand Tutor Yi with eagle-like eyes and his tone was a little too harsh.
Grand Tutor Yi was a smart man and naturally understood the meaning behind his words.
In addition, the two of them were originally opposing each other in the imperial court, so they rarely interacted. It was only because of the matter of the Courtesan Belle sacrifice that they stood on the same front. "Old General Wen, I know what you mean. You're accusing me of not fulfilling my responsibility as the Grand Tutor and failing to advise the Emperor. But I've already said that we're just officials. We can assist the Emperor, but we can't sway him. You
You should be clear about this. Moreover, Old General Wen, your position in the imperial court is very important. If the Emperor doesn't even listen to you, why would he listen to me? "
Stepping on one foot and flattering the other!
Old General Wen was unable to respond. Marquis Kang Dinghou, who did not speak at the side, saw the two of them talking and the atmosphere becoming more and more awkward. He hurriedly said, "You should be concerned about the situation outside. Don't let the real purpose of the Courtesan Belle selection be known.
Otherwise, there will be a hundred mouths left. "
Old General Wen and Grand Tutor Yi were speechless.
If the purpose of the selection was really known by outsiders, the people of the world would probably rebel.
The final outcome could be seen how serious it would be!
No one would be able to bear the consequences!
The three of them sat in silence and waited.
The last person sitting in the warm room was none other than Su Ziluo.
He was one of the people who knew about the Emperor's order to sacrifice the Courtesan Belle to the heavens. But because he did not want to deal with Grand Tutor Yi and Old General Wen, he sat alone.
Qi 'er poured him a new cup of tea. "Young master, you have never come here before, nor do you participate in such events. Why are you here this year?"
In fact, Qi 'er had never asked about his affairs. But this time, she was too curious and could not help but ask.
Su Ziluo's distinct black and white eyes moved slightly. His expression was cold and solemn. He picked up the cup of tea in front of him and took a sip. After a moment of silence, he said, "When the time comes, we will know."
"Young master, what do you mean?"
"Don't ask anymore. Knowing too much is not good for you."
"Yes!"
Qi 'er silently retreated to the side.
Su Ziluo's fingertips gently pinched the teacup. His face was covered with an unfathomable emotion.
He was afraid that today's selection was a Feast at Hongmen!
Many people began to talk about it. Why did so many high-ranking officials from the imperial court come today?
Could it be that there was something special this year?
While everyone was discussing in private, Minister Zhu was also very curious.
Every year, he was the one in charge of the selection. General Wen, Grand Tutor Yi, and the others would never come, let alone Su Ziluo, who was a thousand li away. But this year, they all came!
Even the Imperial Astronomer came!
Minister Zhu also inquired about it but did not obtain any information.
In the end, he could only give up.
…
At this time, Li Shiyan had already arrived at the Immortal's Contest Tower. He knew that his father, Marquis of Kangding, was also here. After asking around at the entrance, he found out that his father was in the warm room.
He was seated on the third floor. Even if his father had clairvoyance, he would not be able to guess that he was sitting on top of his father's head.
While no one was paying attention, he quickly brought Xiao Luzi to the third floor.
Many people had already arrived on the third floor. When they saw Li Shiyan, they were stunned because they heard that he was not coming. It was said that he had fallen ill and was resting at home.
Why was he here again? But thinking about it, this brat was famous in Beijing for his love of joining in on the fun. How could he not be here?
.com。 Miao Shu Wu com.
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