The Moon Over Tang Dynasty

Chapter 173 The Feast of the Wind in the City of Labyrinth

On the cliff that is thirty meters high, you can only vaguely see a few cornices. Looking closer, you can find that there is a clear gate on the east side of the high cliff. Among the tall double palaces standing opposite each other, there is a long gate. The steps lead directly to the valley at the bottom of the cliff. A canopy in the river valley and dozens of figures have been lined up to meet each other. People have to believe that Xizhou City, the most prosperous city in the Western Region of the Tang Dynasty, is located on this earth platform surrounded by cliffs.

As if smelling the breath of home, dozens of horses rushed down the river valley in a joyous manner. Some people in Xizhou's entourage were already making vulgar jokes in nonsense, and another maid laughed and cursed them back.

　　Although it was already mid-November, the cold weather along the road turned into a slightly hot scorching wind on this land. In the river valley, the water is still crystal clear and the vegetation is still green. The cavalry roared across a stone bridge. Within a few steps of getting off the bridge, the place where the horses' hooves stepped turned into a flat river bank covered with green grass. Liuli raised her head and looked around for a few times. The narrow cliff in front of her looked like a giant ship parked in the river valley - she didn't know how charming it was on the deck.

There were still dozens of steps away from the welcoming crowd, and everyone reined in and dismounted. Qu Chongyu led Pei Xingjian over quickly, and under the purple canopy, a man with half-white hair and beard also walked up slowly surrounded by everyone.

Liuli was more than ten steps behind, watching the group of men in front of them greeting each other and talking endlessly about the most necessary but least nutritious words in the world, but her eyes couldn't help but focus on the Lord of Xizhou, Qu Zhizhan. After walking around for several times, he had a round face that was hard to remember, and a beard that was half white and half black, which added a bit of happiness to this face. His body was obviously a little fatter, and there was a sense of humor in his movements. Trembling and slow.

She couldn't help but look at Prince Ko, who was standing next to him with a tall figure and an elegant smile. She couldn't help but have a bad idea of ​​gossiping in her heart.

Before she could think about it, several well-dressed women came towards Liuli with smiles in the crowd. Feng Piaopiao hurriedly smiled at Liuli and said, "These are the official women of the Protectorate. The one at the front is This is a lady, Mrs. Ru whom Qudu protects."

 Like Madam? Since I came with Qu Zhizhan to welcome guests, I thought it would definitely not be an ordinary side room. Liuli didn't dare to take the big one, so he hurried forward to meet him. Looking at this Mr. Zhi, who was in his early thirties, wearing a scarlet jacket and long skirt with small flowers, and with an extremely elegant appearance, he smiled and said to Liuli, "Chang Shi Madam, you have worked hard all the way." Liuli hurriedly bowed and said, "Thank you, madam."

At that time, several other ladies also came up to see the ceremony, Mrs. Guo from Yan Duwei's family, Mrs. Wei from Liang Qiwei's family, Mrs. Qu from Wang Mingfu's family... They all looked like authentic Han women, with etiquette, conversation, and dress. They are no different from the ladies of Chang'an. The youngest Mrs. Qu was extremely beautiful, with long eyebrows and slightly raised phoenix eyes. Liuli felt that she looked familiar. Seeing her nonchalant smile, she remembered that she was very similar to that Qu Yulang.

Seeing that all the officials had gathered around the Qu family and Pei Xingjian to climb the high steps, the lady also took Liuli's hand affectionately and went all the way up. But I saw that the steps were only five feet wide. I walked up dozens of steps before reaching the gates facing the two palaces. After entering, my eyes suddenly opened up. I saw a plain urn city about seven or eight feet long and about ten feet wide. Appearing behind the door, there are all kinds of defensive objects such as stone pits and watchtowers.

Through the Wengcheng, there is a road going up the slope. After walking up the avenue for more than a hundred steps, the road gradually became flat. Liuli originally thought she was still between the cliffs, but after walking a few steps, she suddenly discovered that she was already in a huge loess maze: there was clearly a straight road under her feet, and there were people dressed as civilians coming and going along the roadside. Often, someone would look curiously at his group, but on both sides of the road there were still tall earthen walls as solid as cliffs, making it difficult to tell whether he was walking on a deep street or a wide trench.

Probably seeing the confused expression on Liuli's face, Madam Zhi chuckled softly, "Mrs. Kudi laughed, this Xizhou City is the windiest, so most people have to dig into the ground when building houses. Governor Guo simply renovated it and dug down all the streets. Not to mention Mrs. Cudi, we were also shocked when we came back a few years ago. For many days, we couldn't find our way out. As soon as I came here, I really felt that I was less affected by the wind and sun, as you will know if you stay here for a long time.”

While they were talking, everyone turned from the side street to an extremely wide main road. There were still raw earth walls about ten feet high on both sides. One end of the road led to a huge temple, and the other to a densely populated market. In the middle of the road, Not far ahead is a very tall official building, which is the Xizhou Protectorate.

After entering the government office and going down the sloping steps, there was a wide underground courtyard. The men entered a living room in the backyard of the government office, while the lady took Liuli through the back door and walked along an alley for a few minutes. Ten steps later, I arrived at another courtyard. I saw that the courtyard is divided into three parts: inside and outside. All the houses are double-storey. There are a few scattered flowers and trees in the courtyard. The houses have wooden walls, although they are not as tall and majestic as the houses in the government office. , but it is a bit more refined. I think this is where the Qu family lives on weekdays.

Madam Zhi turned around and said with a smile, "Mrs. Kudi has been traveling all the way. If you don't mind the shabby accommodation, please take a bath and rest here for a while. We will pick up the wind and wash away the dust for Madam later."

Liuli felt uncomfortable with sweat and dust all over her body. She couldn't help but feel happy when she heard this. She thanked him with a smile, and her maid led their master and servant into the guest room. Entering the back room, behind a six-curved ladies screen, there was a cedar wood bathtub radiating heat, which almost made Liuli burst into tears.

Needless to say, along the way, the Dahai Channel is dripping with water like gold. Even the inn built in a water source does not have a bathtub. It is a luxury to be able to wash oneself with hot water, and the one in the Dashahai Inn The bathtub is not much bigger than the footbath, so how can it be compared with this one?

Taking off her clothes, Liuli walked into the bathtub step by step, held her breath and sank deeply into the water. She felt that her limbs and bones became warm, and small bubbles of happiness popped up in series on the water. .

　　When Liuli reluctantly came out of the tub, she put on a new set of clothes from the inside out, and felt that her whole body was lighter by at least seven or eight pounds. Without waiting for her hair to be wrung out, she sent Xiaotan and Ayan to take a bath. Even though she was a steady person like Ayan, she only hesitated briefly before following the Qu family's maid towards the clean room with a smile on her face. Looking at the figures of the two people, their heads and bodies were covered in darkness from behind. Thinking about her previous image, Liuli couldn't help but laugh.

In the upper room in the backyard of the Duhufu Office, Pei Xingjian and several officials from Xizhou talked about the weather in Chang'an City and the fruits in Liuzhong County. Liang Yanhuai, the chief clerk, said with a smile, "When Pei Changshi returns to Liuzhong, he must try their wine. When I was in Chang'an, I often drank Liuzhong tribute wine, but the flavor is definitely not as good as the local wine."

Pei Xingjian smiled and nodded, "I've been taught a lesson, I will taste it carefully next time." There was a bit of fatigue in his expression.

Qu Zhizhan glanced outside and cleared his throat, but Liang Yanhuai was talking about an imperial banquet in Chang'an, how the late emperor enjoyed the grape wine, and how the eldest grandson Taiwei was teased by others. pay attention to.

Qu Chongyu, who was sitting on the second seat, frowned and snorted softly. The hall suddenly became quiet. Liang Yanhuai said a few words, but suddenly felt something was wrong. He looked up and saw Qu Chongyu's eyes. His face couldn't help but change slightly, and he stopped talking hurriedly.

Then Qu Zhizhan chuckled and said, "Pei Changshi has traveled thousands of miles, and I'm afraid he is quite tired. It's better to wash away the dust first, and then go to the feast to welcome the wind."

Pei Xingjian bowed and said, "Thank you very much, Mr. Qu, for your understanding. I have a prince who has welcomed me all the way. I dare not talk about my hard work."

A slightly lazy smile appeared on Qu Chongyu's face again, "I dare not talk about the hard work of keeping the promise, but I can't stand the dirt all over my body."

Another chief clerk, Yan Hailong, laughed and said, "It's our fault. We were so happy to see Chang Shi, but we didn't wink at all." After that, everyone stood up and left.

Qu Zhizhan smiled and said, "You guys will come back in the evening." Then he turned to Qu Chongyu and said, "Yulang, why don't you take Chang Shi to bathe and change clothes."

Seeing the officials of Xizhou bowing to Qu Zhizhan and saying goodbye, and then solemnly saluting Qu Chongyu before turning and leaving, Pei Xingjian smiled and lowered his eyes, "Thank you very much, Mr. Qu."

Qu Chongyu's residence is located in Chang'anfang, where the Duhufu government office is located. There is a road leading to the Duhufu. Pei Xingjian felt something strange as soon as he entered the house. The house was full of handsome young men, and he walked straight in. In the inner courtyard, a few beautiful maids came out before going to the room, but they bowed without saying a word and then stepped aside.

Qu Chongyu said calmly, "Take Pei Changshi to take a bath and take good care of him!"

Pei Xingjian shook his head and said with a smile, "No, I can just take a bath myself. Why should Yulang be so polite?"

Qu Chongyu glanced at him with a smile, "Don't worry about keeping your promise. I hate women who are talkative and unruly. Although these maids are not stunningly beautiful, they will never be as verbose as the other women. He is even more polite when getting up."

Pei Xingjian still wanted to politely refuse, but Qu Chongyu raised his eyebrows with a smile, "Could it be that you are like me when it comes to keeping promises, and like to have a young man take care of you when you take a bath? Anyway, here comes someone..."

Pei Xingjian was startled, and waved his hand with a wry smile, "Don't joke, Yulang. Just keep your promise and obey your orders." Qu Chongyu laughed loudly, waved his hand gently, and saw Pei Xingjian helplessly shaking his head and smiling, and then turned around with the four maids. After entering the clean room, a strange smile slowly appeared on his face.

　　…………

More than an hour later, the courtyard of the Anxi Protectorate was already filled with bright lights and melodious music. Two curtains were set up in the courtyard. Officials from the Xizhou Prefecture were sitting in the western curtain, and ten officials were sitting in the eastern curtain. Here comes the female family members. There is a long table with high legs in the curtain, and a wide bench on each side. There is a lacquered food table in front of each person. Inside is a variety of exquisite snacks, which look similar to the ones in the table. Dunhuang's banquet snacks are 70% to 80% similar.

Liuli sat next to the smiling and smiling wife, quietly listening to the chatter and banter of the women around her, and only smiled and said a few words when asked by chance.

Even though she had only sat there for more than a quarter of an hour, she had already clearly felt that the female relatives of officials from Xizhou seemed to value family background more than the people of Chang'an. During the conversation, he casually brought up things like how our Dunhuang Zhi family is doing, how your Xiping Guo family is doing, and how Wuwei Meng family actually asked Dunhuang Zhang family to marry their legitimate daughter... Liuli immediately felt a little dizzy.

Mrs. Guo opposite was talking about an anecdote about the Pingxi Zhi family. Liuli became a little absent-minded and glanced outside. She secretly wondered why Pei Xingjian, as the host and guest, hadn't shown up yet. She heard the Zhi family next to her laugh and say, "Kudi Madam, I wonder what kind of makeup is popular in Chang’an now?”

Liuli came back to her senses and replied with a smile, "The most fashionable nowadays is probably the emerald color with heavy eyebrows, and the slanting red should be painted thinner, but everyone likes the raindrop shape with gold strands."

Everyone immediately became interested. Some asked whether the skirt had seven or eight embroideries, and some asked if there were any new styles of buns. Liuli answered them one by one in detail, and after thinking for a while, she added, "Speaking of the embroidery on the skirt." In this way, when I was making embroidery patterns for Zhaoyi in the palace, everyone in the palace liked to use pairs of birds and cranes, but I liked to use broken branches and flowers to pierce butterflies. Nowadays, the style of piercing butterflies is more fashionable. I don’t know what is fashionable here in Xizhou. What is it?”

Everyone's faces showed surprise, and some looked at each other privately. Zhi Shi smiled and said, "My favorite here is still the animal pattern. It is said that Mrs. Kudi is famous for her skillful hands and wisdom in Chang'an. I have made dresses for the queen and concubines!”

Liuli was a little surprised, so she could only smile and said, "Mrs. Zhi's praise, Liuli only served once by chance." Those in the curtain who originally heard that Liuli was the Huayang Kudi family became somewhat contemptuous. The gaze suddenly became passionate again. Liuli sighed secretly. These official wives were the ones she disliked socializing the least, but now she couldn't let them look down upon them too much.

Madam Qu, who was sitting opposite Liuli, was still indifferent. She glanced at Liuli up and down and smiled softly, "Since this double-browed gold diamond is fashionable, I wonder why Mrs. Kudi doesn't use it? It will open our eyes to others."

Liuli shook her head and smiled, "I have a reputation for self-knowledge. I have heavy eyebrows, which is worthy of being born rich. If I dress up like this, I'm afraid I will only have a pair of eyebrows on my face. Delicious food first, if you teach me Isn’t it my fault that you ladies have lost your appetite?”

Everyone in the room laughed, Zhi laughed loudly, shook his head and sighed, "Mrs. Kudi, what are you talking about? If your appearance is still off-putting, wouldn't we be able to show up at the banquet?" ?”

While they were talking and laughing, they saw figures moving at the side door of the yard. Pei Xingjian and Qu Chongyu walked in one after another. Qu Chongyu wore a scarlet robe, Gu Panshenfei, while Pei Xingjian wore a sapphire blue round robe. He was wearing a robe. I wonder if the color of the robe was too bright. His face looked a bit paler than usual, and his expression was not as calm as usual.

Liuli's heart tightened slightly when she heard someone from the west laughing loudly, "Yu Lang is late today, so he should be punished with a drink!" Qu Chongyu raised his eyebrows and smiled, walked over unhurriedly, picked up the wine bottle and filled a glass , raised his head and drank it, and there was a sudden burst of applause.

Someone on the side of the female family members laughed and said, "Ms. Mirror, your husband dares to drink wine for such a prince!"

Qu Jingniang still smiled faintly, but there was a hint of joy in the corners of her eyebrows and eyes.

After a while, Qu Zhizhan also walked out from the backyard. After some polite greetings, the banquet started, and all kinds of delicacies were delivered to the table in front of everyone. The Orchid in the courtyard danced gracefully, and everyone in the tent exchanged glasses. For a while, there was endless singing and laughter, until the full moon rose in the sky.

Liuli had something on her mind, so she finally waited until the banquet was over. Just when she was about to ask, a maid hurried over and whispered something back to the lady.

Mrs. Zhi looked at Liuli apologetically: "Mrs. Kudi, Chang Shi drank too much just now and has been helped to the guest room to rest."

 Did he drink too much? Liuli suddenly stood up. She knew a little about Pei Xingjian's drinking capacity. He was by no means someone who drank too much easily. How could he drink too much suddenly... She was about to speak when a slender, crimson figure appeared at the door of the curtain. He walked in unsteadily, "Mrs. Cudi, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, today is all my fault."

Qu Chongyu stretched out his hand to support the table, raised his head and looked at Liuli with a smile. The fair face was stained with wine, and it actually seemed to be as beautiful as a peach blossom. "Chongyu originally thought about letting me keep my promise tonight." Those who were resting over there were holding candles, talking, and sleeping with their legs crossed, but now it’s not very convenient.”

 Sleep with him? Liuli said to Amitabha in her heart, and only smiled lightly on her face, "Your Majesty, you're welcome. It's the same as staying in the guest room here to rest."

Qu Chongyu laughed heartily, "Madam, what you said is wrong! How can the two sides be the same? How can the maids in the guest room here be half as good as those in my room? They are just vulgar and pink...but the maids in my room are... They are the best at serving people. Today I asked them to take good care of me and keep my promise to take a bath. Keeping my promise will be unforgettable for a lifetime!" As he spoke, his eyes glanced at Liuli's face. Seeing her stern expression, she smiled even more happily. "Ma'am, there's no need to thank me. Suiyu and I hit it off right away. As long as he likes anything, I will never... be grudge!"

Mrs. Zhi hurriedly said, "Yulang, you have drunk too much today. Stop talking nonsense and go back and rest!"

Qu Chongyu opened his eyes wide, "Why have I ever said nonsense? This matter is also nonsense? Mrs. Kudi will know when she goes back and asks about keeping the promise!"

Liuli glanced at him coldly. Pei Xingjian was definitely not the kind of person who would lose control in front of a few strange maids. But thinking of his face when he came in today, she was still a little confused. She could only turn around and look. Mrs. Xiangzhi said, "Madam, I want to go there..."

Madam Zhi smiled and said, "That's right. I'll take you there right now." She raised her voice again and said, "Someone, help the prince go back and rest."

Liuli followed Mrs. Zhi out of the courtyard without looking back, but behind her, Qu Chongyu's triumphant laughter still reached her ears.

Xizhou in the Tang Dynasty is the ancient city of Jiaohe in Turpan, and its ruins are still preserved today. If you are interested in children's shoes, you can download pictures from Baidu. A unique city dug out on a high platform of loess.

Today’s update will be 5,000, and tomorrow it will be 6,000. Well, please be pink, because I am hanging on the tail of the monthly vote list and will fall off at any time...

 (End of this chapter)