Sui Ning tenth year, the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month
Under the control of the Ministry of Rites, a banquet was held in the tower in the north of the city. In order to ensure the safety of those attending the banquet, the emperor specially ordered a pair of patrol battalion soldiers to station outside the building. The banquet was hosted by Chen Qi, the Minister of Rites.
At noon, all the invited people were seated. There was a wooden screen behind the main seat in the north of the hall. Luo Qingzhi also sat down, accompanied by Luo Chen.
There were thirty-five candidates who passed the preliminary examination of the Ministry of Rites. They were seated according to their family background. The two sons of the Jin family were seated at the left and right seats respectively. Gao Zhen was placed at the tail seat because he was the son of a poor merchant. Qin Shu was in the seat.
A seat above him.
Before the food was officially served, everyone after taking their seats also took the opportunity to look at the people around them. The ones who attracted the most attention were naturally the two sons of the Jin family who were sitting at the head table.
Chen Qi saw that there were no empty seats in the hall and said: "Serve."
Suddenly, the neatly organized waiters followed the order, and in just half a cup of tea, the banquet hall was filled with aroma.
"No need to restrain everyone, just use your chopsticks."
After receiving Chen Qi's instructions, everyone slowly took up their chopsticks. After drinking for three rounds, Qin Shu was still muttering in his heart, "Why haven't you started getting down to business yet?"
Jin Ziji winked at Jin Zijue, who understood, stood up, and first saluted Chen Qi, who was sitting in the seat, "Sir, I've been drinking for three rounds, and sitting like this is boring. Why don't you allow us to play a game?"
, have fun."
Chen Qi said: "Your Majesty's decree is that you can be more casual at the banquet. If Colonel Jin wants to play, then he can do it."
With Chen Qi's approval, Jin Zijue amplified his voice and said, "Everyone, we are here for the princess. However, there is only one position for this son-in-law. However, Zijue has been in Yizhou all year round, and this time he is also here."
It’s rare to see so many outstanding people of the same generation, and Zijue wants to make friends with you all.”
As soon as Jin Zijue finished speaking, someone at the table stood up, saluted, and said, "I'm Yang Zhao, the second son of the Xu family in Yangzhou. I really like what Mr. Jin said today."
Jin Zijue smiled, raised the wine glass in his hand, and said, "Brother Jingyang."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone at the table began to introduce themselves, starting the first round of greetings.
Yang Zhao opened his mouth and asked: "Master Jin, you just said that you want to play a game, what is it?"
Jin Zijue went to attend the case and came to the hall, "Why don't we compare our martial arts skills? In order to ensure our own safety, we will stop fighting within twenty moves, regardless of winning or losing."
The children of the aristocratic families responded one after another, as if they had agreed upon it from the beginning. However, there were only five children from poor families present. Except for Qin Shu and Gao Zhen, the other three did not appear to be highly skilled in martial arts.
With Jin Zijue's suggestion and Chen Qi's acquiescence, the competition finally began.
Jin Zijue and Yang Zhao started first. Both of them practiced hard internal martial arts. Neither of them gave in within ten moves. They were not in trouble at all, but they caused disaster to nearby tables and chairs.
Qin Shu came to Gao Zhen's side and said in a low voice: "Second Young Master, please pay attention. These two people are both strong in strength and kung fu. When fighting them, be sure not to confront them head-on."
"Then how to explain it?" Gao Zhen asked.
Qin Shu said: "Look, both of them have good skills, but their lower plate is unstable. You see, their steps are not stable when they exert force, so they must remember to move more to attack the lower plate."
While talking, Jin Zijue succeeded with a move and Yang Zhao was defeated.
Jin Zijue helped Yang Zhao up and said, "I admit it."
Several more people came on the field one after another, and Jin Zijue won one by one. However, in the successive battles, Jin Zijue seemed to be a little exhausted. Jin Ziji stood up and said: "Zijue has played several games. This time it is just a discussion, not a decisive decision."
One or two, why not, let me compare with everyone."
Jin Ziji was the Minister of Household Affairs and was a civil servant. He had almost never been seen taking action in the capital, and everyone present was a little curious.
Qin Shu whispered, "Last time Feng Zinan didn't have a chance, this time we have to find out."
Qin Shu walked out and said: "Qin Shu from Yuzhou, please give me some advice from Mr. Jin."
Jin Ziji raised his hand and saluted, "Please."
Because this was Qin Shu's appearance, Gao Zhen took a few steps forward, and Luo Qingzhi, who was behind the screen, was also paying attention.
Qin Shu was impatient and took the lead to take action. After several moves, he was all avoided by Jin Ziji.
"Can you see any way out?" Luo Qingzhi asked Luo Chen from behind the screen.
Luo Chen was a little surprised and said, "Impossible, this, how come the evasive movement of the eldest son of the Jin family is so like that of Master Yichan."
"Master Yichan? Didn't he pass away ten years ago?" Luo Qingzhi asked.
The twenty moves had arrived, but Qin Shu did not harm Jin Ziji at all. According to the prior agreement, he had no choice but to give up.
"Accept." Jin Ziji bowed his hands.
Qin Shu returned in despair. Gao Zhen comforted him and said, "It's okay."
Jin Ziji glanced at the guests in the hall and fixed his eyes on Gao Zhen.
"This gentleman, can you come forward and discuss things with me?"
Qin Shu held his hand and whispered: "Don't go."
Gao Zhen turned his head and looked at the screen, stepped forward and said, "Okay."
Behind the screen, Luo Qingzhi subconsciously clenched her hands, and then relaxed them.
Gao Zhen went to the court and announced his family name, "Yizhou Luo family, Luo Jinchao."
The surname Luo is not common, but at such a banquet, the surname Luo is more likely to remind people of Luo Qingzhi.
After a period of silence, Jin Ziji raised his hand and said, "Please."
When he was fighting Qin Shu just now, Jin Ziji just dodged without making any moves. He thought it would be the same this time, but as soon as Gao Zhen stood still, Jin Ziji started to move, so fast that most of the people present were stunned.
After reacting, let alone Gao Zhen, who was just starting out, he was naturally knocked to the ground.
Luo Chen behind the screen was very surprised, "It seems that last time Feng went from the south to test, he was well prepared and had been hiding his strength." He looked at Gao Zhen again, sighed deeply and said, "Second Young Master is going to suffer.
..."
Just as Gao Zhen got up, he was knocked down by another blow. Blood was already flowing from the corner of his mouth. It was only two moves and he couldn't get up. Although it was not a formal competition, since he agreed to play, he would not regret it.
measures.
Qin Shu was a little anxious on the side, but it was not convenient to step forward to stop him.
Gao Zhen got up again with difficulty. At this time, Jin Ziji did not make a move. Instead, he said with some unbearable words, "Luo Langjun, just admit defeat."
"No." Gao Zhen wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his hand, "Since I promised to play, I won't back down. Come."
Luo Qingzhi behind the screen smiled, but couldn't help but continue to worry.
Jin Ziji struck again, and Gao Zhen recalled what Feng Zinan and Luo Chen had taught him: when the enemy advances, we retreat, and look for breakthroughs sideways. This time, he dodged a move and punched sideways, but the opponent also dodged it.
Steady pace, step back, take a step, and hide again.
Luo Chen, who was behind the screen, was also a little pleased, "The second young master is quite good."
After going back and forth, the two of them passed ten more moves. Although it was still very difficult to perform at a high altitude, they did not fall down again.
Behind the screen, Luo Qingzhi coughed a few times, and Chen Qi, who was sitting upright, understood.
"alright."
When Chen Qi spoke up, Jin Ziji and Gao Zhen stopped.
"That's it."
"Yes." Everyone said in unison.
People in the hall left one after another, and Luo Qingzhi finally saw Su Yan in the corner. He stared at the screen, obviously unable to see anyone, but he bowed respectfully before turning around and leaving.
Luo Chen was surprised and asked: "Master, has he seen you?"
"She is smart." Luo Qingzhi said lightly.
After all the guests had left, Luo Qingzhi came out from behind the screen.
Chen Qi saluted, "Princess Princess."
Luo Qingzhi raised her hand, "Sir, there is no need to be polite. The banquet is over, so I will go back."
"Princess, walk slowly."
Opening the curtain of the carriage, Luo Qingzhi met Gao Zhen's aggrieved eyes.
Luo Qingzhi sat down, looked at the corners of his mouth, and asked, "Does it hurt?"
Gao Zhen shook his head, feeling a little lonely, "Am I embarrassed?"
While the bicycle was in motion, Luo Qingzhi said, "You are very brave."
Gao Zhen lowered his head and said in a lonely tone, "I know you are comforting me. I am really bad."
Luo Qingzhi asked: "Do you know who Jin Ziji is?"
"I've heard of it," Gao Zhen thought about it, "when I was in the palace, I heard them say that the eldest son of the Jin family was enlightened at the age of three, memorized poetry at the age of five, could compose poetry at the age of thirteen, and
Take, to become an official at the age of eighteen..."
Luo Qingzhi continued: "Then why do you think he has such achievements?"
"...Because someone taught me?"
Luo Qingzhi nodded, "He comes from a famous family. He studied at home and was taught by famous teachers since he was a child. After the provincial examination, he entered the Imperial College. After becoming an official, he was promoted by his seniors all the way. You are just starting out. If you can pass ten moves, you are already
Awesome."
Gao Zhen thought about it, and it seemed to be the same. However, he still couldn't help but sigh, "There is a ten-year gap between me and them..."
Luo Qingzhi touched his shoulder, used a slight force to make him raise his head, and said in a gentle but firm tone: "Erlang, in everything, mentality is the most important thing. Stage fright before you go on stage is a taboo for military strategists."
Gao Zhen said: "Aluo, do you believe I will win?"
Luo Qingzhi smiled, "Whether you can win depends on your own efforts, not my belief, but... I hope you win."
Gao Zhen smiled and then asked: "Aluo, no one has given me a nickname since I became an adult. Please give me one."
"Is there no confession?" Luo Qingzhi was actually surprised, but she didn't ask too much. She thought about it and said, "You can't forget what happened yesterday, because you will be bright and bright in the future, um...I promise you
, the word shows permission, and a gentleman who shows permission must always be virtuous."
Gao Zhen silently thought about "Xian Yun" and his second son, his heart was burning. He hoped that he would live up to Luo Qingzhi.
"Yes, I remember." Gao Zhen smiled.
"Then, does Aluo have a cousin name?" Gao Zhen asked.
Luo Qingzhi shook her head, "Father, you didn't have time to tell me."
When Luo Qingzhi was fifteen years old, she lost Luo Huaiyi after she got married. Sometimes, she herself wondered what words her father would give her.
Gao Zhen said sorry and was about to change the subject when Luo Qingzhi spoke again, "I don't have a nickname, but my family calls me by my nickname, Qingqing."
"Qing Qing..." Gao Zhen thought, and then asked: "Can I call you that?"
Luo Qingzhi hesitated, but when she saw Gao Zhen's eyes, she couldn't say any words of rejection and could only nod.