Six, conceal the bow

A single remark prompted the conclusion of the seven dances, and for a moment, the entire venue fell silent, with everyone exchanging glances at one another

I lowered my head with a smile, tears already filling my eyes, almost ready to spill over.

I am not surprised; I simply shift my attention to Dou Rong and Liang Tong. Liang Tong gazes at Dou Rong, while Dou Rong's eyes wander, eventually resting as he slowly leans down at the table

"Dance..." he pointed to the dancing geisha in the center of the stage, "the art of dance..."

A sound of "yiweng" echoed as the strings of the zither vibrated, followed by the harmonious performance of bells, chimes, and silk and bamboo instruments.

"This humble concubine, the shadowy lady, humbly presents herself..."

Another person emerged from below the steps, and it was General Jia Fu, who knelt beside Deng Yu and also presented his seal, saying in a clear voice, "I too request to submit the general's seal!"

With the performance reaching this point, what remains is merely the aftermath of lowering the curtain

I secretly adjusted my emotions, took a couple of deep breaths, and finally looked up with a smirk, saying, "I just thought you were complimenting me on my youth."

In an instant, the hall fell into an absolute silence, leaving only the heavy sounds of breathing.

That unusual gaze bore a heavy layer of confusion and melancholy, suddenly transporting me back over a decade, as if my breath had crystallized in that very moment

"When you first entered the hall, I was thinking..." Liu Xiu suddenly leaned closer, speaking in a soft, cotton-like voice. His voice was very low, yet it was not drowned out by the prolonged music, delicately piercing my ears, mingled with a tingling sensation.

I observed that on the left side sat Queen Guo Shengtong, while on the right side, although the seat on the couch was empty, it was arranged parallel to the seats of the Emperor and Empress

He smiled with his lips pressed together, like a child who has secretly eaten a piece of candy, filled with joy and delight, lost in the moment

"Hmm." Liu Yang retracted his smile, his expression calm, with only a hint of satisfaction in the corners of his eyes, "I will never let Father Emperor and Mother Empress down."

Liu Xiu sat upright on the couch, silent, with a calm expression, lost in thought and not speaking a word

As you wish

"Father Emperor." Seeing the ministers engaged in lively discussion, Crown Prince Liu Qiang rose from his seat and approached his father and mother, his face filled with excitement. "Father Emperor, you have mobilized troops to restore the Han, and your military strategy is so valiant. I have heard a little about it before, but I have never heard you mention it. Father Emperor, could you tell me more about it?"

Liu Xiu—come out!

"I possess martial valor and can serve as a guard, specifically tasked with apprehending thieves!" Upon hearing this, I turned my gaze and could not help but smile. The wine-addicted general Ma Wu, swaying unsteadily, rose from his seat and raised his cup in a gesture towards the emperor

Do you enjoy watching these seven dances

After the demise of General Geng Yan, those who were astute to the times immediately echoed this sentiment, and one after another submitted memorials requesting to surrender the seals of the Grand General and General.

The desolate hall suddenly resembled a drop of water falling into a pot of hot oil, causing the oil to splatter and pop.

The whispers buzzed and echoed throughout the spacious hall. I cast a cold gaze towards Geng Yan in the crowd. He trembled slightly and, under the watchful eyes of several members of the Geng family, slowly rose to walk up to the platform, hoarsely saying, "I too submit the official seal!"

"Puh—" The drink did not reach my throat and was unexpectedly sprayed out by me. I pressed my mouth tightly with a cloth to avoid losing my composure again, causing my face to turn red and I frequently coughed in a muffled manner

I took a deep breath, lightly moved my lotus steps, and walked inward. In the hall, over a hundred people were silent, only the sound of rustling garments could be heard, as they all knelt down, with those of lower rank avoiding their seats and prostrating on the ground

Liu Xiu smiled gently and said, "Catching thieves? Ma Zizhang, as long as you do not become a thief yourself and are not caught by the station chief, that would already be quite good."

At this moment, Liu Xiu suddenly raised his voice and laughed, asking, "If you all had not followed me to restore the foundation of the Han dynasty, what would you be doing now?"

My back is straight, never before have I sat with such a standard, impeccable elegance and perfection. My hands rest on my knees, with long, slender fingers that are pale and delicate. I gaze at my carefully manicured long nails, painted in a vibrant red, exuding a compelling power that seems to spread through my fingertips to my entire body

The edict had actually been prepared long in advance, and Dai Ang pretended to be busy for a while before drafting and reading the edict. This time, the meritorious officials who were stripped of military power and had their fiefs increased numbered a total of three hundred sixty-five, among which there were forty-five who were either imperial relatives or members of the royal family.

I nodded slightly, reassuringly advising, "From now on, you must act with greater caution and discretion. Starting today, every pair of eyes in this palace will be watching your every word and action from behind."

I was engrossed in what I was watching when Liu Xiu asked me about it, so I nodded and casually remarked, "That woman has exceptional dancing skills and a beautiful face..."

A grand banquet between the monarch and his ministers concluded with a joyful celebration, marking a perfect ending.

Liu Xiu cleared his throat and said, "In that case... let us recall the seals of the various generals, and appoint Deng Yu as the Marquis of Gaomi, with a fief of four counties; Jia Fu as the Marquis of Jiaodong, and Li Tong as the Marquis of Gushi, with a fief of six counties each, all to be ranked as marquises and granted the title of Special Advisor, receiving court invitations..."

Liu Xiu asked with a faint smile: "In the past, Duke Ling of Wei asked Confucius about the matter of military formations, but Confucius did not respond. Do you know why?"

I cannot be like Lü Zhi, just as Liu Xiu cannot be like Liu Bang. Neither of us is a person devoid of feelings and righteousness, so it is imperative to seek a compromise and relinquish military power.

The attendant stepped aside and, without revealing any emotion, raised his voice to announce: "Lady Yin has arrived"

Liu Xiu gazed down from a high vantage point, while Guo Shengtong embraced her son's shoulders, her fingers pressing tightly. Liu Qiang felt a pang of pain and slightly shrugged his shoulders, casting a puzzled glance at his mother.

I felt a bit embarrassed, biting my lip and subtly nodding and smiling at him, but Deng Yu seemed to be lost in thought, staring at me from a distance of seven or eight zhang, his gaze fixed and unblinking. My ears turned hot, and I bit my lip hard enough to leave a mark, yet he remained as dazed as before. Li Yuelong, who was seated beside him, seemed to sense something, glancing at her husband a few times, but she did not dare to look my way; instead, she merely parted her lips and called out to Deng Yu.

I close my eyes, open them, and slowly raise my head, a confident smile curving at the corners of my mouth as I cast my gaze upon everyone present.

He babbled nonsensically, yet Liu Xiu remained unperturbed, instructing the eunuch Dai Ang beside him to assist Ma Wu back to his seat. Seizing the opportunity, I stole a glance at Guo Shengtong beside me. Although Liu Xiu blocked my view, making it difficult to discern her expression, I noticed her hand, which held the wine cup, trembling slightly. After a moment, she covered her sleeve and downed the wine in one go. Perhaps she drank too hastily, as she coughed twice, prompting a palace maid nearby to bring water for her to rinse her mouth.

As I walked past Dai Ang, I quietly said, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness"

I lowered my head and let out a long sigh, yet my heart began to feel a subtle unease.

During the Han Dynasty, there were a wide variety of dance forms, unrestricted by gender. In addition to the Long Sleeve Dance, Scarf Dance, Drum Dance, and Seven Plate Dance, there were also Sword Dance, Staff Dance, Knife Dance, Dry Dance, and Qiqi Dance, among others. I am not well-versed in music, so I naturally do not understand these dances. The only one I can perform is the "Taekwondo Dance," which incorporates Taekwondo movements into musical rhythms. In comparison, the movements of the "Taekwondo Dance" are strong and powerful, full of rhythm; while it may not be considered abrupt, it certainly cannot be described as graceful and lively.

Liu Qiang was perplexed and confused, and Liu Xiu patted his head, adding with an indifferent expression, "This matter is beyond your reach"

The youthful face, full of vitality, reflects an immense sense of reverence and hope, gazing up at his father with rosy cheeks.

The sound was faint and inaudible, he quickly turned his head, and I was filled with sorrow, struggling to hold back tears that almost surged forth uncontrollably

With graceful drumming at the side, the snake-like dance in the crimson courtyard, seven plates are presented in succession, sleeves fluttering and feet dancing, light and agile as a feather

Under the watchful eyes of the multitude, Deng Yu calmly and composedly approached the center of the hall, bowed his head in reverence, and his clear, cold voice drowned out all the noise, resonating throughout the entire hall

The graceful movements of the geisha are outstanding, with long sleeves swirling like flowing clouds and water, dancing elegantly and swaying gently. As she dances, beads of sweat form on her forehead, and her charming face is as radiant as blooming peaches and plums, exuding a captivating allure, frequently casting flirtatious glances, embodying a mesmerizing expression that seems to hint at unspoken words.

The esteemed old ministers present were all engaged in a lively exchange, each sharing their potential contributions and reminiscing about the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia. As I observed closely, I noticed that only the generals from Hexi remained silent, which was rather awkward. Seated at the head of the table, Dou Rong maintained a demeanor of humility and composure, his eyes lowered in contemplation, seemingly lost in thought. These individuals were not the emperor's old loyal subjects; now that they had arrived in Luoyang, their official ranks were not inferior to those of the illustrious meritorious officials, which naturally led to feelings of unease.

"Now that the country has been restored and peace reigns across the land, I humbly request Your Majesty to reclaim the general's seal, disband the armored troops, and promote Confucian scholarship." He took the seal of the Right General from his sleeve, held it aloft, and bowed in reverence.

I could clearly see his final silent sigh, his expression grave and numb, and then he rose from his seat, adjusting his attire. Throughout this, his wife, Li Yuelong, remained by his side—when he stood, she stood as well; when he adjusted his clothing, she reached out to smooth out the creases, their cooperation so skillful and so natural.

I let out a scoff, and after laughing, I slowly began to savor the deeper meaning within, my eyes involuntarily becoming moist.

I gradually became engrossed, and the excitement within me quickly settled down. At this moment, Liu Xiu first raised the bell and moved the chopsticks, allowing the ministers below to dare to begin drinking and feasting.

"What... is there something wrong with my face?" I instinctively reached up to wipe my face, but he grabbed my wrist.

Deng Yu and Jia Fu both hailed from Nanyang, and these two can be regarded as the left and right arms of the emperor, loyal ministers and meritorious subjects who accompanied the sovereign through life and death. As for Geng Yan, since the passing of his father Geng Kuang and the Marquis of Le Guang, Geng Chun, the majority of the gentry in Hebei have looked to him as their leader.

His face is handsome and slender, with fine lines at the corners of his eyes. His gaze is as clear as water, the surface calm like a mirror, yet beneath it lies an indescribable undercurrent. He is rarely seen without a smile, but it is also uncommon to see him smile so broadly that the undercurrent in his eyes ripples with joy.

He withdrew his hand and continued to engage in casual conversation with the ministers as if nothing had happened. Guo Shengtong's face turned pale, and her expression was complex and ever-changing, filled with resentment and hatred. In an instant, she heard a light cough behind her, prompting her to hurriedly compose herself and pull her still bewildered son to her side, gently comforting him.

He smiled gently and said, "Duke Ling inquired about Chen, and Confucius did not respond; this alludes to a passage from the Analects."

"Yes." He replied, then rose to pay his respects to the Emperor and Empress, serving wine and distributing meat, demonstrating his humility and filial piety without question

The various generals from Nanyang all bore a hint of a smile on their faces, while the generals from Hebei appeared displeased, with some even glaring at me in anger. I chose to ignore it; as I surveyed the hundreds of people gathered, I noticed that many were deep in thought, lost in contemplation.

I smiled with satisfaction as I made my way through the nobles, and before I reached the emperor, Liu Xiu had already risen from the high couch

"Yes," he affirmed, "I remember that year when the spring was cold and steep. You drew well water to wash your clothes, rolled up your trousers high, stood in the wooden basin, barefoot splashing water, humming and dancing... I find that kind of dance far more graceful and lively than these seven plates of dance."

"No, not at all." He suddenly lowered his head and chuckled, pulling my hand and gesturing for me to sit beside him

The court singers performed a solo, and as the song concluded, the palace attendants systematically brought forth various food tables and arranged them in front of each person. A quick glance revealed that the dishes on the Emperor and Empress's tables were identical to those before me, with no differences. Each of the three food tables was crafted from lacquered wood, alternating in red and black colors, adorned with an array of exquisite dishes, both meat and vegetarian, showcasing a hundred flavors of delicacies. The Chief of the Imperial Kitchen had evidently put in great effort, arranging the dishes according to ceremonial standards with meticulous attention—on the left side were the beverages and some bone-in meats; on the right side were soups, millet wine, and sliced pure meat; above the food tables were finely cut and roasted meats, with condiments such as vinegar and sauces placed nearby, while accompaniments like scallions and peppers were set aside. Additionally, there were some dried meats and beef jerky, which the Chief of the Imperial Kitchen had also arranged separately, with the curved pieces on the left and the straight ones on the right.

"Is that so?" he chuckled lightly, "I remember... your dancing skills are also quite remarkable"

I felt a flush on my face, my cheeks turning red as I stood there in a daze. How long ago was this old memory? Why does it seem like I remember it, yet at the same time, I feel like I do not recall such an event ever happening?

After several rounds of drinks, the lords and their ladies noticed that the Emperor displayed no airs at all, which gradually encouraged them to relax and engage in light-hearted conversation, no longer as restrained as they had been at the beginning of the banquet

He smiled silently, with an indescribable affection on his face. After a long while, he let out a deep sigh: "Having known each other for nearly 20 years, I find that I owe you so much..."

It has been over ten years since that incident. If it were not for having met Your Majesty, a ruler of such wisdom, I would now only be reduced to continuing as a thief... At that time, at that time... Your Majesty even fought with us to save you. Ha ha... ha ha... what a sin it is..." He knelt at the steps, raised the wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp, shaking his head and speaking freely without any restraint, "However, Your Majesty and the noble ones should not blame me any further. After all, I have contributed to a heroic tale of saving a beauty. If it were not for this..."

"Oh?" Liu Xiu smiled and said, "You are a descendant of the Deng family, with commendable aspirations and conduct. What is there to worry about in achieving the position of a clerk? The words of the Right General are indeed overly modest"

I smiled knowingly; today's banquet has truly become increasingly interesting

In order to conceal my flushed cheeks, I lifted the wine cup and pretended to drink. Behind me, two palace maids held feather fans, gently fanning the air. Finding the breeze too weak, I turned back to signal them to exert a bit more effort.

The smile in his eyes grew more intense, like a vast ocean rising with thick mist. He quietly took my hand, the wide sleeves of his garment concealing this intimate gesture

As the singing and dancing come to an end, and the banquet is about to disperse, I can no longer contain myself and secretly cast my gaze towards Deng Yu

I hope that today's plan will not encounter any mistakes

I seemed to be lost in thought as I brought a piece of meat to my mouth and said, "Yang'er, do you understand what Father Emperor asked about your Crown Prince brother?"

"Martial arts?" I asked him in confusion, wondering how he could possibly bring up my martial arts skills.

A clear and bright voice resonated within me, and I silently mouthed the words to him, articulating each syllable with precision.

"I did not ask this." I chewed the meat thoroughly and swallowed it slowly. If Liu Xiu's intention was merely to verify the Analects with the Crown Prince, it would not have caused Guo Shengtong to turn pale.

The oil pot has finally come to a boil

With her captivating gaze and graceful eyes sweeping across the assembly, she had already taken in the various expressions of the crowd. Apart from the three high-ranking officials, the ministers of Nanyang, led by Deng Yu, were all prostrate on the ground. The generals from Hebei either knelt or lay down; Geng Yan first knelt and then retreated from his seat, slowly bowing his body to pay his respects.

Deng Yu curled his lips in a smile that was neither fully a smile nor a frown, his expression quite peculiar, yet his eyes were filled with an extreme sense of sorrow. The atmosphere in the hall was somewhat strange, my eyelids twitched uncontrollably, and the unease in my heart grew even stronger.

I turned my head and found that Liu Yang had somehow arrived at my side, kneeling comfortably beneath the couch, skillfully taking a knife from the food table and deftly slicing the meat. After he finished dividing the meat, he respectfully presented the bowl to me and gently called out, "Mother, please enjoy."

I hazily feel that you are still that charming and innocent woman perched on the window railing, it seems that I... heard you calling, Liu Xiu, come out... when I finally understood, I actually stood up just as I did back then

What is Your Majesty thinking? After waiting for a while, seeing that he did not continue speaking, I could not help but raise my head to look at him

I paused for a moment, glanced sideways at Liu Xiu, who squinted his eyes as if he were oblivious, calmly turning his head to whisper softly to the Empress. I took a deep breath, finally stepped forward, lifted my skirt, and sat down.

He knelt down in front of me with a smile, and I hurriedly got up from the couch, bending down to extend my hand in a gesture of support, saying, "No need for that, General, please rise quickly"

Ma Wuxian was clearly drunk, staring with a pair of bloodshot eyes, glancing at Liu Xiu and then at me, suddenly shouting: "Oh—my lord, I understand now, Your Majesty is mocking me, still remembering the grievances of the past. I... I will apologize to Lady Yin right away..." He scooped wine from the wine vessel with a spoon, swaying unsteadily as he approached me. "Lady Yin, I am here to apologize to you. Back then, I was forced to become a bandit, blinded by greed, and in a moment of temptation, I... I kidnapped you..."

I remain silent, pretending to appreciate the song and dance as if nothing is amiss. The drums in the hall strike, their sound resonating yet orderly. In the open space of the courtyard, seven plates are arranged, and a tall dancer, dressed in a long-sleeved robe, sways gracefully with a supple waist. Accompanied by the rhythm of the drums, her toes lightly leap among the seven plates, sometimes fluttering her sleeves, at other times twisting her waist.

Liu Xiu stroked his beard and smiled; no one understands his thoughts better than I do. If he were not completely confident, would today's banquet not be in vain? As the saying goes, when the rabbit dies, the hound is cooked, and when the birds are gone, the bow is hidden. Now that the rabbit is dead and the birds are gone, if the meritorious officials do not wish to become like Han Xin, Peng Yue, or Ying Bu, it is time for them to understand the need for some restraint.

As the ceremony was only halfway through, Liu Xiu suddenly took a quick step forward and supported my arm

After a considerable amount of time, someone at the table replied with neither humility nor arrogance: "In my youth, I studied and sought knowledge, and now I am qualified to serve as a county literary doctor."

I raised my head in suspicion, only to unexpectedly find that pair of clear, water-like eyes shining brightly as they gazed at me

"Oh—" he elongated the sound, suddenly realizing that he was referring to my dancing skills, and couldn't help but wonder, "When have I ever danced?"

I believe that Liu Xiu is not a heartless and unfeeling person, but in life, how often do we encounter situations beyond our control? Liu Xiu, despite his benevolence, is after all an emperor; if imperial power were to wane and others were to interfere, would it not be a case of the ruler not being a ruler and the minister not being a minister

As I glanced around, just about to look away, I suddenly felt an unusual gaze fixed sharply upon me from my side. I raised my eyes to look, but was momentarily taken aback.

To my surprise, Deng Yu had been watching this way all along, and for a moment our eyes met, causing me to tremble. His expression was so heavy, as if it were a thousand-pound cauldron, capable of suffocating a person. Yet I could not avoid it; I gazed directly at him, took a deep breath, and resolutely met his gaze.