Jiang Guogong Su Ding'an, Tan Guogong Zhao Dinghai, Wu Guogong Guo Xiaolai, Chen Guogong Hou Zhongguo.

These four princes, who have lived in the capital for a long time, came together to attend tonight's New Year dinner.

They are also the most important guests of the distinguished party tonight.

Li Xuan heard that the other nine generals of Zhuguo were stationed on the front lines and in other places all year round, and would only return to the capital for several years.

When a prince returns to the capital to rest, another prince will be responsible for continuing to assume the previous responsibilities. It is a kind of rotation to prevent the personal influence of the princes from being too great in one place.

However, in recent years, Jiang Guogong, Su Ding'an, has become very old and rarely leaves the capital to take up posts. He is always replaced by the remaining eight Dukes.

If it were placed on other princes, I am afraid that the title would have been passed on to the heirs below, and they could live in peace and contentment. After all, what the nobles care about most is the military power in their hands.

If it is not his turn to take charge of the military, there will be no corresponding benefits. How can the family develop in this way?

However, Jiang Guogong Su Ding'an was uncharacteristically uncharacteristic. Even though he was too old to leave Beijing to take up his post, he never passed on the title.

What's even more bizarre is that the Su family has no objections to this and firmly supports Su Ding'an to continue to retain the title and become the head of the family.

This is extremely abnormal in the eyes of other nobles.

With the arrival of the four princes, the crowd crowded around Princess Ankang suddenly parted a road quietly.

No one dared to stand in front of the four princes, not even the civil servants who had a clear-cut stance in the court.

They were noisy in the court, but in private they remained restrained, and they would always bow politely when they met.

After all, work is work.

"Your Highness, we meet again."

Su Ding'an and the other three people saluted Princess Ankang, and Princess Ankang returned the gift immediately.

"Ankang has met several princes."

When the four princes saw so many people standing nearby, Zhao Dinghai immediately stepped forward, stretched out his hand to the side, and said to Princess Ankang:

"Your Highness Princess, could you please take a moment to speak."

Zhao Dinghai said it was a borrowed step, but it turned out that it was really just a borrowed step.

They just took Princess Ankang and moved a step to the side. As a result, the surrounding crowd immediately dispersed, not daring to disturb their conversation.

Everyone who can be invited to tonight's banquet can be regarded as someone with some status in Daxing, and this hint can still be understood.

After a while, the crowd dispersed, leaving only Princess Ankang and the four princes standing there.

As soon as Li Xuan saw this posture, he remembered the previous conversation between the Eighth Prince and Princess Ankang, and knew that this topic was likely to be continued.

He stopped peeping in the dark, ran directly to Princess Ankang's feet, and then got into Princess Ankang's arms.

Princess Ankang took it subconsciously and knew it was Li Xuan without even looking.

But in front of the four princes, Princess Ankang didn't say much. She just touched Li Xuan's soft fur, and the expression on her face became more calm and confident.

"Do the four princes still want to continue the previous topic?" Princess Ankang asked proactively.

The four princes looked at each other silently, with a look of surprise on their faces.

When they visited Jingyang Palace last time, they found that this little princess was not simple. She was not only knowledgeable and had a profound understanding of the world situation, but she could also immediately understand their hints during conversations, and there was no obstacle to communication.

With such a palace and ability, it was hard for them to imagine that Princess Ankang was just a twelve-year-old child.

They had heard many rumors before that Princess Ankang was secretly cultivated by Emperor Yongyuan, but now they are convinced of it.

But compared with the last time, Princess Ankang's demeanor is obviously more calm, and her speech and behavior are also more confident.

From a purely junior perspective, Princess Ankang's performance really satisfied the four princes.

When they chose Princess Ankang as their spokesperson, they looked more at other factors.

Only after getting in touch did they discover that Princess Ankang herself was also a huge surprise.

In addition to being unable to practice, Princess Ankang's overall quality simply crushed the younger generations of their families.

"Exactly."

The eldest Su Ding'an communicated with Princess Ankang on behalf of everyone.

"Have you decided on how many princes will come?" Princess Ankang finally confirmed.

"I hope Her Majesty the Princess can understand that we also have our own reasons." Su Ding'an smiled bitterly, but nodded.

The other three princes also acquiesced in this matter.

"Well, I will report to my father the request of several princes to send more troops to the front."

After receiving Princess Ankang's affirmative reply, the four princes also breathed a sigh of relief.

Princess Ankang asked them to think carefully before, thinking that today they would have to waste more words.

"Then please forgive me, Your Majesty, Princess. Please convey it properly and don't let Your Majesty misunderstand us."

Su Ding'an said to Princess Ankang politely.

Princess Ankang smiled slightly: "How could my father misunderstand the princes?"

"My father is wise and powerful. Even if he is in the capital, he still cares about the soldiers on the front line."

"After all, every soldier's family is waiting for the day they return safely."

"But increasing troops is not a trivial matter after all. I would like to ask the princes to wait patiently for my father's decision."

"Ankang believes that my father will not let everyone down."

The four princes immediately laughed and said, "That's natural, that's natural..."

"The banquet is about to begin, so we won't disturb Your Highness."

After finishing speaking, the four princes said goodbye to Princess Ankang and returned to their seats.

Princess Ankang stroked Li Xuan and stood there watching the four princes leave.

This scene was noticed by many people at the banquet.

"She is so great now that even the Duke of Guo has to laugh in front of her."

"Say less. Things are different now. Don't get yourself into trouble."

"Humph, what's so great about it? Isn't it because of His Majesty's favor?"

"It's hard to believe that she has been able to lurk in the cold palace for so many years without showing any flaws."

"Then what can you do? I advise you to shut up, eat your food, and watch your performances. Except for tonight, our interactions with her will only become less and less in the future. It's okay to take it easy. Own."

"..."

Various words came clearly to Li Xuan's ears, the most harsh of which were the harsh words towards Princess Ankang.

Now that Princess Ankang is gaining power in the palace, many people will lose their teeth.

Especially on an occasion like tonight, seeing all the dignitaries outside the palace trying to curry favor with Princess Ankang, how uncomfortable would it be for those monsters who originally looked down on Princess Ankang and didn't even take her seriously?

But as they said, today is different from the past. They only dare to say a few slanderous words behind their backs, and they don't even dare to say it loudly for fear of being heard by people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Now who doesn't know that Princess Ankang is deeply favored by Emperor Yongyuan, and even the Ministry of Internal Affairs is particularly partial to Jingyang Palace?

On the other side, after the princes sat down in their seats, they also started whispering.

They didn't seem to feel that anyone would eavesdrop on them on such an occasion, and perhaps they felt that what they were talking about was not a sensitive topic.

Anyway, Li Xuan heard what they said word for word.

"Princess Ankang seems to have known about Lao Qin's plan." Hou Zhongguo, the most unremarkable person, said slightly worriedly.

"Her Royal Highness is indeed much better than we expected, but this is a good thing." Guo Xiaolai said with a smile, seemingly not worried about this matter.

"Wu Guogong is right. Your Highness is a smart person. She knows that we need to maintain a harmonious relationship with His Majesty." Su Ding'an also nodded in agreement.

"If you ask me, it's all Lao Qin's plan that is too reckless." Zhao Dinghai snorted and continued: "You can even see a little girl in the film, who else is he trying to hide?"

"Then do you have a better way?" the other three princes asked in unison.

Zhao Dinghai couldn't help but look embarrassed when he was suddenly asked this question, and his already pale face suddenly turned red.

Fortunately, the banquet was hung with red lanterns, which could give him some cover. But the three sharp-eyed princes saw it and couldn't help laughing.

"Why are you laughing? This was just a blind move!"

Zhao Dinghai seemed a little helpless and angry.

"Okay, okay." Su Ding'an comforted while wiping away tears.

"There is definitely no problem with Hu Guogong's thinking. Solving internal conflicts through external pressure is the most useful and efficient way at the moment."

"Hu Guogong proposed a solution and took the risk himself. What can we say?"

"Now we can only try to find ways to give him more chances of winning, at least..."

"We cannot let His Majesty think that we are attacking first and then attacking, and are making threats in a treacherous way."

As Su Ding'an spoke, he couldn't help but look up to the sky and sigh.

They also know very well that there is no solution.

Moreover, Qin Zongyong had made up his mind, and it was for the sake of great prosperity and nobles that he occupied the rightful position, so he could get the support of all other nobles. Even Zhao Dinghai, who had always been wrong, could only complain behind his back.

But they are also very aware of the risks involved.

If Qin Zongyong fails, the Qin family will definitely go downhill in the future.

It is even possible that Qin Zongyong, the commander of the advance army, lost his life because of this.

Therefore, even though they knew that Qin Zongyong's plan might be a bit reckless, other nobles also fully supported it.

Even if they lose, it will only be the Qin family's failure.

But if we win, it will be a victory for Xungui, and even a victory for Daxing.

Several princes knew very well that Qin Zongyong took such risks for the sake of the country, the country, and the people of the world.

As for what kind of name he will leave in history, he no longer cares.

"After all these years, the Qin family's family tradition is indeed good!"

Su Ding'an couldn't help but sigh.

This time, even Zhao Dinghai did not refute.

The four of them had heavy thoughts, no joy in welcoming the New Year, and full of anxiety about the future.

Their eyes couldn't help but cast their eyes on the three empty seats in front of them.

At this time, the owner of one of the seats arrived late.

"His Royal Highness Prince Zheng."

Along the way, many people stood up and saluted King Zheng, and King Zheng returned the salutes one by one with a smile, without any pretense.

King Zheng's eyes glanced over to Xungui, and he met the eyes of the four princes.

They smiled and nodded to each other. King Zheng walked to his seat and sat down. The four princes did not stand up to salute, but just nodded in greeting.

King Zheng took the last position left by the royal relatives, and it was also the most important position.

As a result, only two seats in the entire banquet hall were still empty.

Everyone knows who owns these two positions.

At this moment, drumbeats suddenly sounded in the banquet hall.

"Dong, Dong, Dong."

The heavy drum beats attracted everyone's attention, and everyone stood up in unison.

"Welcome to the Holy Emperor——"

Zhao Feng's voice resounded throughout the venue.

Emperor Yongyuan and Empress Wu slowly walked in from the aisle where the red carpet had been laid.

"Welcome to our emperor."

"Long live!"

"Long live!!"

"Long live!!!"

Everyone bowed deeply and sang in unison like a tsunami.

There were not many kneeling ceremonies in Daxing, and they usually only kneeled to the sky, the earth, and the ancestors.

Other kneeling ceremonies were usually because of a crime.

Otherwise, kneeling was not required.

So even in such a solemn situation, everyone only bowed to the emperor and empress.

Emperor Yongyuan and Empress Wu walked to their seats together, and then heard a voice:

"All the ministers, please stand up."

Then Emperor Yongyuan announced the start of the banquet tonight:

"New Year's Eve, welcome the New Year."

As Emperor Yongyuan finished speaking, fireworks were set off in the banquet hall, lighting up the entire night sky and opening the curtain for the New Year's dinner.

Emperor Yongyuan made a brief speech, and then began the New Year's dinner program.

This time, the princes and princesses did not need to go up to play Cuju to perform, and most of the programs were prepared long ago.

Not only did the talented people in the palace perform, but also the programs carefully prepared by other affiliated foreign countries.

Li Xuan lay in the arms of Princess Ankang, watching the lively program, which really had some meaning of the Spring Festival Gala.

While watching the program, exquisite dishes would be served on the table in front of them, and they would be served continuously.

All night, they would ensure that there were all kinds of food arranged on the table in front of them.

If it was cold, they could just take it away and replace it. If there was something they particularly liked, they could also give an order and an extra portion would be sent.

Anyway, the main point of this banquet is to have fun and eat.

These princes and princesses are mascots, so just relax and enjoy yourself today.

And I heard from the Eighth Prince that there will be an hour of rest time in the middle of the program, and this is the time for everyone to socialize freely.

There will be more programs later, but they are not so formal. You don’t have to sit and watch all the time, and you can move freely in the banquet hall.

Emperor Yongyuan and Empress Wu will temporarily leave after the first program ends, and wait until tomorrow morning to perform the New Year blessing ceremony.

The more important people are, the earlier they will leave. For example, the dukes and other important officials will not stay in the banquet venue all the time. The South Court of the Imperial City has also prepared sufficient rest rooms. If you are tired at the banquet, you can go to rest first and wait until the New Year blessing is over tomorrow morning before leaving the palace.

The New Year dinner has become an annual custom in Daxing, so all the procedures have been completed.

Princess Ankang hugged Li Xuan and ate delicious food together, watched the program, and the Eighth Prince introduced it to the side, which was quite comfortable.

It was just that Yu'er couldn't eat and drink with them in such an occasion, and could only watch from the side.

But Yu'er didn't have to worry about starving, because Li Xuan and Princess Ankang were eating and taking food at the same time, and put a lot of delicious food into their respective storage magic treasures, waiting to find a small room together to fill Yu'er's stomach later.

It was just that eating and taking food made the speed of the dishes on their table particularly amazing, and a few more eunuchs in charge of serving the dishes were sent, for fear that Princess Ankang would run out of food.

"There will be an even grander fireworks show at midnight, and the opening ones just now are just appetizers."

"And I heard that the emperor and the ministers did not leave to rest directly, but had a summary closed-door meeting every year, which would last all night..."

The eighth prince was talking excitedly, but he could no longer ignore the huge noise when Li Xuan and Princess Ankang were eating, and he couldn't help but complain:

"Are you two reincarnated ghosts who died of starvation?"

"Can't you listen to me carefully first!"

"Or did you not eat all day for today's banquet?"

Li Xuan and Princess Ankang were stunned, looked at each other, and then nodded repeatedly.

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