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Chapter 493 "The First Dance of Life"
At the front of the hall, Emperor Augustine the 6th was sitting on a throne. The only difference from the previous Emperors was that there was another throne placed next to him. Naturally, this was the seat of the Regent of the Empire.
Shen was sitting right next to the old Emperor with a perfect smile on his face.
The royal band was on the left side of the hall behind a curtain. When Augustine the 6th stood up from his chair, the ceremonial officer beside him quickly waved his hand and the band immediately stopped playing.
In the hall, the previously cheerful atmosphere suddenly turned solemn again.
Soon, a palace attendant came in with two golden cups. Augustine the 6th and the Regent each took one. Everyone understood that this was the start of the toast ceremony.
"Long live the Empire."
Although the voice wasn't loud, everyone could tell that Augustine the 6th wasn't in a good mood. However, this was normal because everyone understood that this old man was now a mere figurehead.
However, no one dared to look directly at the tired and impatient expression of the old man. Therefore, everyone obediently picked up the wine cup next to them and raised it high. Hundreds of people responded in a loud voice: "Long live the Empire!"
Then, the Regent Prince Son also raised his cup. When he raised his cup, the hall immediately fell into absolute silence. Because everyone knows that this Regent is now the true ruler of the Empire!
"May the Empire prosper and the Thorned Flower flag fly forever on the continent." With a smile, the Regent raised his cup and touched his lips.
"Long live His Majesty the Emperor! Long live His Royal Highness the Regent! "Hundreds of people shouted. Regardless of gender, everyone drank the wine in their cup.
Du Wei was sitting on the left side of the Emperor's throne. This was also the seat closest to the Emperor and the Regent. From this order, it is enough to reflect the current status of the Duke of the Tulip Family in the Empire.
As for the rest, the Prime Minister Robscher could only sit on the right side of Du Wei.
When the toast is over, tonight's banquet will begin. The next step is much simpler.
As long as the old Emperor sat in his seat for a little while and pretended to be tired, he could return to the palace to rest. Tonight's matter would be over.
According to tradition, the first dance should be performed by both the Emperor and the Empress. However, the Emperor is already old and the Empress has already passed away. Therefore, since the coup three years ago, the first dance has been performed by Prince Son in place of the Emperor. After all, in everyone's heart, he is already the Emperor.
Amidst the melodious and gentle dance music, the Regent stood up with a calm smile.. Bowing slightly to the Queen sitting beside him, he elegantly extended his hand.
This was the first time Du Wei met the Queen. This queen is 28 years old this year, but she looks much younger than her actual age. Her appearance is gentle and moving, quiet and elegant. From her appearance and temperament, she has a bit of the graceful and elegant style of an empress. But only Du Wei knows, this woman will never be able to become an empress in her lifetime.
In fact, this Queen is also rumored to be a very gentle and virtuous woman. She married Prince Son at the age of 16 and gave birth to a son and a daughter for him. Moreover, she is said to have a kind and gentle personality without any ambition. She is a beautiful and well-behaved woman.
The only slight flaw is that as the wife of the Emperor, this Queen's family background is a bit shabby. Of course, this is only relatively speaking. She is not from a humble background. She is also from a noble family in the South. Her family has quite a bit of influence. But at best, it can only be regarded as a third-rate noble family in the Empire. Compared to the Rowling family, this family is far too lacking. These nobles in the South are often looked down upon by the other nobles in the Empire. They are considered as country bumpkins.
After Prince Son came to power, everyone thought he should marry a noble lady from the capital as his concubine. But to everyone's surprise, he chose another girl from a noble family in the south: Miss Daisy as his concubine. This move was immediately taken as a rather significant political signal by others!
Obviously, in addition to drawing in Audrey's family and creating a balanced political opponent for Du Wei, this move also has some other significance. Prince Son doesn't like the traditional nobles in the Imperial Capital having too much influence! Therefore, it seems he wants to support a few emerging forces to balance out the current power struggle in the Imperial Capital!
Therefore, in the past two years, there has been a sign of a "southern wind blowing" in the Imperial Capital.
Due to the strict court training they received since childhood, the Regent and Queen's court dance moves are very superb. Their skillful dance moves and various perfect skills were displayed incisively and vividly. Originally, the two were a combination of a handsome man and a beautiful woman. After the first dance, they immediately won a round of warm applause. Du Wei could tell that this applause came from the heart and not just out of respect for the status of the two dancers.
According to the custom, after the first dance was finished by the host of the palace, the Regent and Queen gracefully bowed to each other and then walked back to their seats hand in hand: "Well, everyone, I hope everyone has a good time tonight!"
Then, the second dance started … … But after the song started, no one moved!
In the noble circle of the Roland Empire, traditional etiquette is still very important.
Because in this circle, everything is run according to "status and rank"! The first dance belongs to the Emperor. Then, when the second dance begins, although everyone is allowed to dance. But there is another very subtle "tradition".
There is an unwritten convention here: After the second dance, the person with the highest status must be the first to enter the dance floor except for His Majesty the Emperor. Only after this person moves can the others enter the dance floor. Otherwise, it will be considered a rude and arrogant act!
And tonight, in this kind of occasion, except for the Emperor and the Regent, there are only two people with the highest status. One is the Empire's Grand Duke of the Tulip Family, Du Wei, and the other is the Prime Minister of the Empire who has been in the officialdom for many years.
If the two of them sit still and the others enter the dance floor first … … then it is very likely that people will misunderstand: Do you think your status is more noble than the Grand Duke of the Tulip Family and the Prime Minister?
The prelude to the dance has already ended, but Du Wei and the Prime Minister did not move. And everyone knows that the Prime Minister's health has been deteriorating in recent years. Dancing is no longer suitable for him.
In the past, he would not participate in this kind of banquet if he could. And Du Wei is also in the Northwest all year round. In the past, in this kind of occasion, except for the Regent, the first person to enter the dance floor is usually the Minister of Finance of the Empire or the Marquis of the other two or three noble families. Sometimes, Count Biliaibuer would also enter the dance floor first.
But today, the Prime Minister and the Grand Duke of the Tulip Family are both present! In this case, who would dare to move first?
Is it a competition of nobility? Du Wei is a Duke! It can be said that outside of the Imperial Family, a Duke is the highest title! (Only the Imperial Family can be granted the title of Prince).
Is it a competition of official position? He is already a General of the Empire! He is also the Northwest Military Minister! Also, during a court meeting, the Regent deliberately arranged for Du Wei to sit in the "bottom left first" position. It was a clear signal that Du Wei will become the Prime Minister of the Empire in the future!
The news of that meeting has already spread through various channels.
Right now, this illustrious first year official of the Empire was sitting there. At this time, if anyone were to make the first move, it would be a clear provocation to the Tulip Family, who had tens of thousands of soldiers and the richest family in the world!!
The nobles below are eagerly waiting for Du Wei to make the first move. In addition to the men, almost all the young noble girls are also waiting with a face full of expectation!
Why?
Waiting for me to accept the Tulip Family's invitation as a dance partner!
Tonight, Du Wei did not bring a dance partner. As everyone knows, his fiancee is far away in the Northwest!
Although the news of Du Wei's engagement has blocked the Imperial Family's marriage channel, but with his current prestige and power, who would believe that the future First Minister of the Empire will only marry one wife?
Although the real noble families will not marry their daughters to Du Wei as a concubine (in their view, this kind of behavior is too shameful. Marrying the Emperor or the Regent as a concubine is more appropriate). But some of the second and third rate noble families are absolutely willing to marry their daughters to Du Wei! Even if it is a concubine!
After learning of Du Wei's attendance at tonight's banquet, many noble girls spent all of their time and energy trying to make themselves as beautiful as possible. At this moment in the main hall, countless beautiful and charming girls were staring at Du Wei with sparkling eyes. If looks could eat people, then I'm afraid our young Duke would've already been eaten to the point where there wouldn't even be any bones left in him.
Du Wei's heart is a little difficult.
He knows this kind of traditional etiquette, but … … Looking at the expectant faces of the noble girls, he felt a little scared. In fact, if it was in his normal state, he would have a very good choice. For example, he could invite a princess to dance!
This is very good because in terms of status, this is a respect to the Imperial Family. But in terms of private matters, it is impossible for him to marry a princess as a concubine. This will put an end to a lot of unnecessary fanciful thoughts.
But unfortunately, the most suitable person to be Du Wei's dance partner, Princess Louise, is now far away in the Northwest Anglia City, playing the role of a nurse to take care of the brave Knight in her heart.
Du Wei's eyes rolled around, then he suddenly smiled and stood up. Under the eyes of everyone, he held his head high and walked towards the lower right side of the Regent's seat … …
For a moment, this action immediately caused ripples in the hearts of the noble girls nearby. Some of them were so excited that their faces turned red.
But then, Du-Wei quickly arrived in front of his "target". Showing the most elegant and charming smile on his face, he leaned forward and spoke with a voice as gentle as the spring breeze: "May I, Your Highness?"
This one sentence almost shattered the confidence of the countless noble girls present. Even the men stared at Du Wei in disbelief!
Because the "Her Highness" sitting in front of Du Wei is the eight year old daughter of the Regent, Princess Carina!
Carina was dressed up for the occasion. At the age of eight, this is the first time she is attending a formal banquet like this. This eight year old girl inherited the handsomeness of Prince Son and her mother's beauty. At such a young age, she was already born with delicate features. She is definitely a future beauty.
Although Duwei's action made her shocked, the eight year old little princess didn't expect that the Duke would invite her … …
However, having undergone strict royal etiquette training, she quickly calmed down. Coughing lightly, she hurriedly stood up, and with a flustered look in her eyes, she replied nervously with a tender voice, "That would be my honor …" After hesitating for a moment, the little princess added, "… teacher!"
Du Wei froze for a moment, then immediately remembered that he has the task of being the tutor of Prince Son's children. With a smile, he took the little girl's hand and slowly walked down the dance floor … …
There were obvious sighs of helplessness coming from the crowd. But no one dared to say anything. Even though Karina was very young, she was still the real princess of the kingdom!
With Du Wei taking the lead, the other guests finally dared to move. When Du Wei held Princess Carina in his arms and started to dance, the surrounding nobles began to invite their dance partners to the dance floor.
The little girl's figure hasn't grown up yet, so Du-Wei bent down slightly to accommodate the height difference between the two. With one hand, he easily carried the weight of Princess Karina. Holding the child in his arms, he gently spun her around to the rhythm of the dance.
Princess Carina was obviously very excited. Her little face was flushed red, and under the nervousness, she even forgot about the dance steps that were strictly trained. Several times, she almost stepped on Du Wei's feet.
"Ah! Sorry, teacher … … "Carina felt like she was looking for a hole to hide in.
Du Wei smiled very calmly: "There is no need to apologize, Your Highness. In fact, you have done me a big favor. "
Carina's eyes turned, and she immediately understood Du Wei's meaning. As expected of a child of the royal family.
"Teacher … …" Carina suddenly leaned over and whispered in Du Wei's ear: "Do you know? This is the first dance of my life. "
Du Wei laughed and looked at the cute little girl. He resisted the urge to pinch her cute nose and said with a gentle smile: "That would be my honor, Your Highness."
•
After the dance, Du Wei held Carina's hand and sent her back to her seat. He nodded and left. Carina's eyes revealed a trace of disappointment. Sitting next to her was the ten-year-old Prince Charlie.
Charlie looked at his sister and suddenly smiled: "Dear, I heard that he will be staying in the capital for a few more days this time. I think I can go to father tomorrow and ask the teacher to officially start lessons for us. What do you think? "
Karina immediately looked at her brother in surprise. Then, she suppressed her excitement and said, "Okay! Thank you so much! "
Prince Charlie smiled faintly and looked at Du Wei in the distance: "No need to thank me … … because I am also looking forward to the Grand Duke of the Tulip Family's lessons! He is now the most famous genius in the continent! Alas, I really want to ask him to teach me how to ride a broom that can fly in the sky, fly in a hot air balloon, and … … "
Carina smiled and looked at her brother's excited expression. The little girl couldn't help but think of the first volume of the that fell into her hands!
In the past year, Carina had read all of Du Wei's notes. Although there were many things that she couldn't understand, little Carina was undoubtedly very fascinated by them.
She subconsciously looked at her toes – fortunately, in order to prepare for tonight's ball, she chose a new pair of dancing shoes that she liked the most! Carina decided that when she returned, she would properly treasure this pair of dancing shoes.
•
Not long after the end of the first dance, when the second dance began, Prince Son gave Du Wei a wink. The two looked at each other and understood what the other meant: It's about time.
According to the plan, after the end of the second dance, they would announce that His Majesty had left due to mental exhaustion. Then, everyone would respectfully send His Majesty back to rest. In recent years, it had always been like this in public appearances.
At this moment, the performance of the "old emperor" can be said to be perfect. He didn't reveal any flaws. Sitting on the throne, his mind was somewhat distracted, and there was even a hint of impatience and boredom. This performance is also very much in line with the usual performance of the real Augustine the 6th.
Finally, when the second dance ended, both Prince Son and Du Wei let out a sigh of relief: Tonight's test has finally been passed.
Prince Son was about to stand up and announce, but at this time … …
Outside the hall, a rumbling sound of drums sounded, followed by the horn of the honor guard – This means that a very high status VIP has arrived!
Sure enough, a loud and clear voice came from outside the hall. It was the ceremonial officer standing outside the hall:
"His Majesty the Continental Light Shrines, Pope Paul XVI has arrived!!"
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(Today, I can only update these 5000 words. I have to accompany my wife back home to visit my in-laws and have dinner together. So I'm missing 3000 words today. I will remember and make up for it in the future ~!)
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