Chapter 9 Drinking on a Snowy Night

Leng Yi hurriedly handed over his hand and said that the prince has come to pay New Year's greetings to Beizhong, but he doesn't dare to accept it! Since the prince and his wife are invited to the family banquet tomorrow, there is no reason not to go. I will definitely bother you."

Zhao Tingmei nodded and smiled, saying that it's settled."

After chatting for a few more words, Zhao Tingmei got up and left.

After sending Zhao Tingmei away, Leng Yi was puzzled. He, the majestic prince, wanted to visit one of his subordinates in person to pay New Year's greetings, and also personally invited him and his wife to his family banquet. Could it be that he was seeking something from himself? If so, then

Is he asking for help? Does he have a difficult case that he wants to solve? This possibility is unlikely, because he is the prosecutor responsible for case detection and trial. If there is a difficult case, he can just give the order directly, without visiting the door in person.

Let's talk about it. Is it because he is good at painting realistic figures and wants to help him paint a painting? But if that's the case, he doesn't seem to need to come in person.

It seems that Zhao Tingmei's visit must have a deeper meaning. However, this deeper meaning cannot be grasped yet, and it is not for what purpose. Now, we can only take one step at a time to see.

The next day, Leng Yi went into the palace to observe the embroidery work of the embroiderers, and worked with them to study how to use eye colors to produce realistic eyes. Each embroiderer used a method to test, until he found the

I figured out the most suitable thread and stitching techniques, and finally expressed the eyes realistically.

This is how they overcame one difficulty after another. Every time they overcame a difficulty, they were one step closer to success. Now, they have overcome most of the difficulties, leaving only some small details. It seems that the moment of success is just around the corner.

Leng Yi was very happy. Seeing that it was getting late, he left the palace and returned to his mansion.

When he learned that Leng Yi was going to attend a banquet at Prince Qi's Mansion, Mr. Dong whispered to Leng Yi that Dong Weng could wear the golden belt gifted by the official. This is Dong Weng's honor and respect for the steward."

In fact, Master Dong was worried that Leng Yi, a little official, would be too humble in front of the King of Qi and lose face, so he specially reminded him to wear the golden belt awarded by the emperor. No matter who it is, seeing the golden belt is like seeing the emperor.

Naturally, I dare not neglect it.

Leng Yi asked Zhuo Qiaoniang to take out the golden belt and tie it around her waist. Then she put on a tiger skin cloak, took her servants, and carried a large box of heavy gifts to the palace of Qi King Zhao Tingmei for the banquet.

After recuperating these days, Zhuo Qiaoniang can walk normally, but she should not be too tired. Leng Yi and Zhuo Qiaoniang took separate sedans, and under the protection of Taoist Wu Mei and other guards, they went to Zhao Tingmei's Prince Qi's Mansion.

Zhao Tingmei and Prince Qi's Mansion are not far away from Leng Yi's Mansion, and it only takes a meal or two to walk there.

Master Diao personally greeted him at the door of the prince's mansion. When he saw Leng Yi and Zhuo Qiaoniang getting off the sedan, he quickly stepped forward and bowed to Lord Leng. "Leng. You two are here. I'm really sorry. The prince is receiving an important guest in the palace and it's inconvenient to come out to greet him."

, so I specially asked the little one to wait at the door."

"It doesn't matter!" Leng Yi smiled and said, who else did the prince invite?"

"There are only Mr. and Mrs. Longxi, Mr. Leng and you two, and no one else. Our prince doesn't like to be too noisy, so we usually treat guests to the closest people."

When Leng Yi heard what he said, he obviously took it into consideration. He couldn't help but smile and thought, this Zhao Tingmei will be tortured to death by Emperor Zhao Guangyi in the near future. If she gets too close to him, it may not be a good thing. She must be careful with him in the future.

keep distance.

Leng Yi and his wife stepped into the Prince's Mansion. The guards could only wait in the guard room and were not allowed to follow. However, Prince Qi's Mansion was heavily guarded, so there was no need to worry about assassins.

It has been snowing for the past few days. Both sides of the courtyard and corridor are piled with cleared snow. The trees, roofs, and rockeries everywhere have turned silver.

Zhuo Qiao Niang was already wearing thick clothes, but she still shivered smartly. Leng Yi stretched out his hand to take her hand to warm her, but Zhuo Qiao Niang blushed and avoided his hand, glanced at Zhao Tingmei in front of her, and rushed

He smiled at Leng Yi, meaning don't be like this, there are outsiders.

Leng Yi also smiled. There is no such thing as holding hands in modern times, but in ancient times, it would make people look at him. He had to take back his hand and follow him to the lobby. A thick red carpet curtain was hung at the entrance of the main hall. There was an attendant next to him.

Sing loudly that Lord Leng Yi, the official of Kaifeng Prefecture, has arrived——!"

After a while, a man and a woman came out of the lobby. The smiling man was none other than Zhao Tingmei. He said, "Master Leng is here. I didn't go out to greet you. I'm rude!"

Leng Yi quickly raised his hand and said, "Don't take it seriously!" Then he introduced Zhuo Qiao Niang and said this is Zhuo Jing Zhuo."

Zhuo Qiao Niang, hurry up and meet the prince!"

Zhao Tingmei also returned the courtesy and introduced the woman next to her, saying, "This is my princess Li."

Leng Yi and his wife hurried to greet each other again. Princess Li returned the courtesy, came forward to support Zhuo Qiao Niang's hand affectionately, and said, "Oh, I heard that you were ill when you came to the capital. It happened that I was busy here and didn't have time to visit." Then

I heard that Doctor Hua has cured your illness, so I feel at ease. How do you feel now?"

Zhuo Qiao Niang is not good at sociability. She thinks she is a royal princess, but she is not. She is very frightened, her face turns red to her neck, but Nuonuo said it's okay, it's okay, thank you princess for caring."

Princess Li took her arm affectionately and walked inside. It's freezing outside. You're recovering from a serious illness, but there's no cold wind. Go in and I'll introduce you to a beautiful woman." Princess Li said, Okay.

As if she and Zhuo Qiao had been best friends for many years, she entered the room affectionately.

Zhao Tingmei and Leng Yi smiled at each other and followed them into the lobby.

It's cold and windy outside, but it's as warm as spring in the lobby, not only because there are steaming braziers placed in the four corners of the lobby, but mainly because on the fluffy carpet in the lobby, a stunning beauty with black eyebrows and phoenix eyes is leaning crookedly.

She has a beautiful nose and red lips, with snow-white skin and a graceful figure. She is wearing a long, form-fitting dress. She is holding a glass of scarlet wine with her slender fingers and is slowly sipping it. When she hears a human voice, her beautiful eyes look around, and her eyes wander.

It makes people feel as comfortable as the spring breeze blowing on their face.

Seeing such a beauty, if it weren't for Leng Yi's low interest, I would have been stunned.

This stunning beauty is, of course, Empress Xiao Zhou, the queen of Li Yu, the lord of the Southern Tang Dynasty!

When Zhuo Qiaoniang saw her, she was stunned. This beauty was as good as Bai Hong, but there were two kinds of beauty. Bai Hong was heroic and brave, but this one was delicate and charming. She couldn't help taking a look, but she saw that his expression was indifferent, and he even had a look.

With a trace of disdain, Fang Fang couldn't help but secretly rejoice, and then she blamed herself, why did she worry about Zhong Yi when she saw a beautiful woman? This kind of jealousy is not a woman's virtue.

Xiao Zhouhou glanced at Leng Yi, then changed her gaze to look at a lonely middle-aged man next to her, her eyes full of tenderness, as if she wanted to cuddle up in his arms and act coquettishly.

The middle-aged man's face was somewhat handsome, but his figure was thin, and his face showed an indescribable melancholy. Holding a glass of wine, he followed the voice and saw Leng Yi, nodding slightly in greeting.

Zhao Tingmei laughed and said, Master Leng, I will introduce you to a good friend, "Pointing to the lonely middle-aged man, he said this is Duke Li Yu of Longxi." He then introduced Xiao Zhou Hou and said that this is Duke Li's Zheng State.

"Immediately, Leng Yi and his wife were introduced.

Originally, the person sitting with Little Empress Zhou like this must be her famous Empress of the Southern Tang Dynasty, Li Yu. However, after Zhao Tingmei introduced him, Leng Yi was still a little surprised. After all, Li Yu's name was too loud.

Leng Yi handed over his hand and said that he was humble enough to meet Mr. Li!" Zhuo Qiao Niang also followed Fu Li, but her face was red with embarrassment and she should not address him.

Li Yu stood up, returned the gift and said, "You're welcome, Lord Leng, please sit down!"

The wooden floor in the lobby is covered with a thick velvet carpet. There is a small table in the middle with a few dishes and a jug of wine. The jug is very exquisite and the wine cup is antique. Next to it, there is a Yao Qin, tilted

It was placed on the pillow, as if it had been played before and had not been put back on the piano table.

The maid brought two thick futons and placed them next to the small table. Leng Yi and Zhuo Qiaoniang sat cross-legged while the maid poured them wine. Zhao Tingmei and his wife sat on both sides of the table.

Leng Yi thought that Zhao Tingmei's family banquet should be a formal round-table meal, but he did not expect that it would be such an elegant drink and drink, which was very suitable for his taste. He smiled and said that Mr. Li and Prince Qi were in great spirits. It's such a harsh winter.

In the twelfth month of the lunar month, I abandon the mundane world and exchange my frivolous reputation for singing in a low voice."

Leng Yi used the famous words of Liu Yong, a famous poet, and praised them. Liu Yong was not born yet, so his words naturally had no one. This was just right, and it immediately attracted Li Yu's side glances, and Xiao Zhou also squinted.

Looking at him and listening to these words, Mr. Li has a lot of knowledge in poetry, right?"

Leng Yi thought to himself, you are claiming to be a romantic here, but you don't know that I have clearly seen the ugly behavior of you and Zhao Guangyi. Since you are facing such **, there is no need to be polite. He smiled faintly and said, "Young man"

I don’t know the feeling of sorrow, so I force myself to talk about sorrow in order to compose new words. It’s ridiculous.”

Leng Yi quoted a famous line from Xin Qiji of the Southern Song Dynasty, which even surprised Li Yu and Zhao Tingmei. Xiao Zhouhou's originally squinted eyes also opened a lot. She looked Leng Yi up and down, smiled and said seriously.

I can’t believe that this little promotion official has such talent.”

Leng Yi picked up the wine glass, drank it down without waiting for Zhao Tingmei to persuade him to drink, and praised the wine. Then he said that in front of Mr. Li, how could Leng dare to say even half a word of talent? Mr. Leng's words were already his favorite.

"Jiu, I'm really lucky to see you today." After saying that, he raised his hands and paid tribute to Li Yu.

Zhao Tingmei said happily, it turns out that you also admire Chongguang's words, you should become a close friend!"

"Chongguang" is Li Yu's character. Xiao Zhouhou's long eyelashes fluttered twice, then closed again, and the lingering tone was a gentle sigh: "High mountains and flowing water, it's hard to find a true friend."

Leng Yi felt a little uncomfortable when he heard her words implying that she was not worthy of being Li Yu's close friend. Although he could not compose poetry, he had always been very interested in poetry and had memorized many Song poems, especially those by famous writers in the Song Dynasty. Among them, he liked it the most

Of the two, one was Liu Yong and the other was Li Yu. He could memorize all of Li Yu's poems, and he also knew the taste of them. He didn't want to be looked down upon by her, so he said, "I walk on the fragrant steps in shorts and carry gold-laced shoes."

'——My father-in-law's lyrics are so well written!"

Xiao Zhouhou was stunned for a moment, then became furious and said, "How dare you ridicule me?!"

This sentence was written by Li Yu when Li Yu had an affair with Xiao Zhouhou. It describes how Xiao Zhouhou was afraid that others would find out, carrying his shoes, wearing socks, and with his heart beating wildly, he secretly ran to have a tryst with Li Yu.

Zhuo Qiaoniang didn't understand poetry and couldn't understand what they said. When she saw Zheng Guo getting angry, she couldn't help but panic. She hurriedly smiled and said that my officials didn't mean that, they had misunderstood..."

"It's none of your business!" Xiao Zhouhou spoke like ice. She didn't even look at Zhuo Qiaoniang, but stared directly at Leng Yi, "Whose power are you relying on to be so rude?"

When Leng Yi saw her scolding Zhuo Qiao Niang, he also got angry. He smiled faintly and said, "I just recited Mr. Li's famous lines and praised them for writing well. I am a small official, so how can I dare to rely on someone else's power?"

What a joke. - It's really hot in this room." As he said that, Leng Yi took off the tiger skin cloak he was wearing. The maid next to him quickly took it and put it on the screen by the door.

As soon as Leng Yi took off his cloak, he revealed the golden belt tied around his waist that was rewarded by Emperor Zhao Guangyi. This belt was made of pieces of jade wrapped in gold and inlaid with countless pearls and agate gems.

It's really golden and dazzling.

What Li Yu was most afraid of was Zhao Guangyi. After Zhao Guangyi succeeded to the throne, he often ridiculed Li Yu. Li Yu, who was cowardly by nature, did not dare to contradict him even a word. Now, when he suddenly saw Emperor Zhao Guangyi's golden belt tied around Leng Yi's waist, he was shocked.

I was so busy that I got up and knelt down to kowtow.

Xiao Zhouhou also lost her beauty. Zhao Guangyi rewarded Leng Yi with a golden belt. The couple did not agree. Although she and Zhao Guangyi were indifferent, she knew very well in her heart that Zhao Guangyi just wanted to use sex to humiliate her. Since she could not resist, so

Simply catering to her would prevent Zhao Guangyi from succeeding, and at the same time, she could gain mercy from Zhao Guangyi's opponents. She knew very well that in Zhao Guangyi's heart, she was not a lover at all, but just a tool to humiliate the enemy, so she had no status at all.

Now that she saw Leng Yi showing off this treasure, she thought that he was Zhao Guangyi's man. It turned out that this official relied on the emperor's power to dare to say that. She secretly regretted that her words were too reckless. What if this official said this in front of the emperor?

Wouldn't it be a big trouble if he spoke ill of him? He was frightened and quickly knelt down and kowtowed.

Leng Yi was not as afraid of Zhao Guangyi as the two of them. He regretted wearing this golden belt and hurriedly helped Li Yu to get him up!" Zhuo Qiao Niang also stood up and helped the little empress Zhou.

Li Yu and his wife just stood up, Li Yu raised his hands and said in fear that he was drunk and said something rash, please forgive me Mr. Li!"

Chapter 9 Drinking on a Snowy Night
Chapter completed!