On the night when the Moscow army arrived, Kiev held a grand banquet, not only to welcome the arrival of the northern army, but also to perform the final ceremony for the expedition.
Now that the northern army has arrived and the last piece of the army's expedition has been filled, it's time to go on the expedition!
At the banquet, dialects from all over Russia were played together, forming a grand event that could be called a Russian dialect concert. The main subject of the discussion was none other than victory. Everyone thought that their total number reached 30,000 (externally).
The army claimed that) will definitely win a comprehensive victory, and the defeat of the Polotsk people is inevitable.
However, the Prince of Moscow was not interested in these claims of victory. He was tired of hearing them during this period.
The banquet was very sumptuous. People from all over Russia gathered here, and naturally there were delicacies from all over the country. Platefuls of sumptuous food were served, ranging from fish from the Black Sea to white bears from the north. Moldavia’s high-quality wines were even more available.
use.
Rostislav had not seen such a grand banquet for a long time. The uncle, who was always regarded as stingy by everyone, was really generous this time. Everyone was very happy about the banquet.
After the meal, everyone naturally began to move around on their own. In the hall, drunk nobles often started dancing, while other people were talking to each other, and children were running around. For them, this was a big party.
arcade.
The Grand Duke of Kiev has a very optimistic attitude towards the war. In Izyaslav's view, victory is inevitable, and he is drinking like a wolf now.
However, Rostislav noticed that his two adult sons, Yaropolk and Mstislav, were still awake, standing behind the Grand Duke like guards, and the atmosphere between them was one that everyone could see.
It comes out subtle.
The uncle's third son, also his youngest son, was sitting alone in the corner, looking very quiet.
However, Rostislav did not take the initiative to join in, and just continued to drink on his own.
Due to the Novgorod incident, the atmosphere between him and his uncle was a bit awkward after all, so they didn't communicate much after the customary meeting.
On the other side, the second uncle and the third uncle were discussing something. They were very excited about it. Rostislav even went over to listen. It turned out that what these two people were talking about was actually theology, and the level of discussion was...
It's quite high, and it's at a high level even in the imperial capital.
This left Rostislav quite speechless. Although his theological level was not low, he really didn't like theological discussions.
He only learned this thing for necessary social interaction. In this era, he really couldn't socialize in aristocratic circles without theology, but he definitely didn't like communication, he just found it troublesome.
The Svyatoslavichs were chatting near them. These young men were as strong as their fathers, and they were obviously excellent warriors at first sight. The topic was also about the battle formation, which was what Rostislav felt.
Interesting kind.
It's just that Rostislav doesn't want to talk to them. After all, his relationship with their father... is too delicate. It's better to keep a distance from Sviatoslavich and the others.
There is no way, the prince of Moscow can only drink in the corner alone, but even if he drinks alone, he can't be content. People keep coming to drink with Rostislav. As a prince with a martial name throughout Russia, there are always people who want him.
Know him.
Naturally, Rostislav could not refuse these people. The banquet was attended by powerful people from all over Russia. He could only endure the embarrassment and introduce each other to groups of strangers, and then drink.
But drinking with these people is not all bad. He can learn about the situation in various places from these lords in Russia, as well as their views on their own rulers, which is also worthwhile.
This can also bring people closer to the middle- and lower-class nobles. After all, no matter where they are, being close to the rulers of the lower classes is always welcome.
In such an environment, the only ones who felt happy were the children of the Rurik family. The Yaroslav descendants all brought their children, including Rostislav, let alone the nobles.
When the adults are still scheming, they still see it as play. There are so many people of the same age here, and such opportunities are rare.
Rurik Rostislavich Rurik couldn't help but look a little confused in this noisy scene.
This was the first time he had seen such a scene, and he couldn't help but feel a little scared. It was not that little Rurik had never seen a banquet before, but this was the first time he had seen such a large scale.
The mother was talking to the wives of her uncles, especially the third uncle's wife Irina. The two Greek women had a common language. The mother was very happy because there were few women in Northeastern Rus' who had the same language as her. Liuli
It's rare to see her like this.
The two younger brothers were playing by themselves, and they even invited a few children of nobles and even servants to play with them. From the bottom of his heart, he wanted to play with his younger brothers, but as the eldest son of the Prince of Moscow, his status restricted it.
he.
However, Rurik's face did not show any dissatisfaction or slackness. He knew that his father brought him here to let him see the market. How could he embarrass his father?
So Rurik sat in his seat with his back straight, showing maturity that was different from his age, but it also put off the children who wanted to play with him.
But this leads to another problem. He really looks like a fool and is regarded as a weirdo by other children.
However, someone was still willing to connect him. Just as Rurik straightened his back, a slightly flirtatious voice sounded behind him. The voice sounded like an expert in pranks.
"This is cousin Rostislav's son? Why are you standing here?"
"Oleg, be nice to our relatives and stop being so playful."
Another voice sounded, this one much calmer.
Rurik looked at the source of the sound, and then he saw two boys of the same age as him. One was tall and strong, while the other was a little thin. The frivolous voice came from him.
"Vladimir Vsevodovich, you can call me Monomakh."
The child with a steady voice announced his name, which Rurik knew. He was the eldest son of Uncle Vsevolod, and everyone called him Monomakh - this was what the Bishop of Luca had taught him.
"Oleg Svyatoslavich."
A frivolous voice also sounded, and Rurik knew that it was the son of Uncle Sviatoslav, the youngest son of that uncle.
"My kin, I have seen you here alone for a while. Do you want to go out and practice your sword?"
Monomakh said, expressing as much kindness as possible. He had seen his cousin Rostislav before. The Prince of Moscow was indeed a talented man, but it was a pity that Monomakh could not squeeze through. Moreover, he felt that a young boy like him would not be able to do it in the past.
Pay attention to.
So he could only find another way to establish a relationship with Rostislav's son, get to know the prince, and then get a recommendation, but he did not expect that Oleg would get involved next.
Naturally, Monomach couldn't push this relative out, so he could only let him follow.
Facing Monomakh and Oleg, Rurik was so nervous that he could not speak. This was the first time he communicated with his Rurik relatives, but fortunately he reacted quickly.
Rurik was happy in his heart. Although the two men in front of him looked older than him, at least they were willing to play with him and practice swordsmanship with him instead of just staying here bored all the time.
"Okay, okay."
Then they walked out of the banquet hall. Rurik was a little restrained at first, but he was a child after all. He quickly let go amid Oleg's teasing, while Monomakh still looked so calm.
Rostislav accidentally saw this scene. He knew the two children and knew their future. The prince of Moscow suddenly wanted to do something, but in the end he stopped.
What was he thinking? Now that the historical line has changed a lot, why are he still so worried? Just let these children play, and don't bother him without being sensible. What the future of these children will be like remains to be seen.
How can they leave on their own?
The Prince of Moscow thought this way, and at this moment, another man came over holding a glass of wine. Naturally, Rostislav immediately put on a smiling face and went to talk to people.