Chapter 6: The Grand Banquet of the Zhou Dynasty to Enfeoff the Ministers

Before the banquet, "the officials prepared a mountain pavilion in the palace courtyard, arranged for the procession of celestial beings, the six tributes, and the appearance of nine dragons and five phoenixes, with the celestial rooster crowing beside it."

As the music concludes, the strings and bamboo instruments continue to play before the steps. One can truly savor the delicacies above, worth a thousand gold pieces; the banquet unfolds in the treasure hall, indeed filling the space before the abbot. Regardless of the noble lords and dukes, it cannot compare to the wealth and honor of the Wang family

At this moment, all the ministers stood up from their seats and together congratulated, "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Zhou!" They then drank in one gulp and returned to their respective positions to sit down

Let it be so! Zhao Hongyin and Zhao Kuangyin were both silently murmuring in their hearts

The emperor has newly appointed a group of civil and military officials

Meanwhile, despite the turmoil of the Later Han dynasty and the changes of dynasties, the city of Tokyo remained extraordinarily lively, with the entire city celebrating the birth of the new dynasty

At this moment, Guo Wei stood up from the dragon throne with a smile on his face

Guo Wei bestowed a banquet for the officials to celebrate the meritorious subjects

Moreover, all the ministers in the grand hall were completely intoxicated by the exquisite wine, beautiful women, and sumptuous delicacies... The melodious music lingered in the air, echoing endlessly

It is said: "In times of peace, banquets are held to honor the Emperor for not forgetting his meritorious subjects; upon returning victorious to the capital, the military generals display their loyalty to the country."

Once again, exquisite dishes are prepared, with the crimson lips of the carp and the tail arranged elegantly on the banquet; the unique cuts of fresh meat are cooked, and the hooves of the qilin and the camel's feet are piled high on the table. Silken strands are loosely tied, while the golden pot reflects the red of the coral; delicate hands hold aloft, as the jade bowl glimmers with amber. As emeralds come and pearls go, the array of treasures on the table dazzles the eyes.

Zhao Hongyin continued to serve as the Commander of the Sacred Capital, and in order to demonstrate the emperor's immense grace, he received numerous rewards in the form of wealth and valuables. His son, Zhao Kuangyin, was appointed as an officer in the Imperial Guard, receiving a promotion and becoming a bodyguard to the emperor.

The grand hall was adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, and opulent brocade curtains were draped, creating a scene of great luxury. The civil and military officials, along with foreign guests, were seated according to their ranks in the main hall (the main chamber), the side hall (the side chamber), and the corridors on both sides, all arranged on either side of the emperor, sitting upright and with great decorum, not daring to show any signs of impropriety.

... ...

This banquet is exceedingly grand, as the ancients said, "Delicacies of a hundred flavors, fine liquor by the thousand jars. Exquisite jellies and rich creams, brocade and sumptuous dishes." However, on this occasion of the national banquet, the entire realm of the Great Zhou celebrates the establishment of the new dynasty and the bestowal of rewards.

Zhao Hongyin, the Protector of the Sacred Capital and Commander under Emperor Guo Wei, along with his beloved son Zhao Kuangyin, are attending a banquet in the imperial palace

During the wine pouring period, there is a series of performances, including vocal mimicry, music, and dance, showcasing a variety of styles. Once the drinking begins, each cup of wine is accompanied by a performance of music, dance, or acrobatics.

The state banquet has commenced, and the first order of business is to pour the imperial wine

Guo Wei claimed to be a descendant of Guo Shu from the Zhou Dynasty, adopting "Zhou" as the state name, historically referred to as "Later Zhou" to distinguish it from other regimes that also used Zhou as their state name. Additionally, based on Guo Wei's surname, it was also referred to as "Guo Zhou." On the day of Dingmao in the first month of the year 951, Guo Wei ascended to the throne, known as Emperor Taizu. He changed the state name to Zhou, historically referred to as Later Zhou. The era name was changed to Guangshun, and the capital remained in Kaifeng.

Then the ministers shouted in unison: "Long live our Emperor, long live, long live, long live forever!"

Only after the third cup of wine was served did the dishes begin to be presented. Before the ministers lay a feast of exquisite delicacies, and within the grand hall, the clinking of goblets mingled with a riot of colors from the food and drink. The ministers savored the fine wines, all thoroughly indulging in the experience.

Feng Fan served as the Deputy Minister of War and the Deputy Chief of the Secret Police

At the establishment of the new dynasty, the emperor primarily rewarded a group of loyal subjects who had fought valiantly and battled fiercely to seize the realm. Following this, it was time for the rewards to be bestowed, and all the ministers were eagerly anticipating the emperor's grants.

Father, today I do not know why, my eyelids have been twitching continuously. Counting the days, it has been ten months since He Niang. I wonder if she has given birth in these few days? This is He Niang's second child! Zhao Kuangyin said, suddenly recalling the past, and he was overwhelmed with sorrow. (Because historical records and illustrations state that Zhao Kuangyin's eldest son died young. Initially unnamed, he was later given the name Zhao Dexiu during the reign of Huizong and was granted the title of Prince of Teng. Despite searching through numerous books, Haoyue could not find when he died young.)

Esteemed ministers, tonight is a day worthy of celebration, celebrating the birth of the Great Zhou

Thank you, Your Majesty! Upon hearing the Emperor's commendation, a minister rose from his seat and bowed.

All male and female participants in the performance are dressed in red scarves and colorful garments. Subsequently, on the central stage, the beautiful dancers are showcasing their captivating and enchanting dance moves, their skirts flowing gracefully, and their eyes revealing various charms, each more extraordinary than the last. Beside them, the musicians, with their spirited fingers, are playing ethereal melodies, filling the entire hall with delightful music

In order to celebrate the establishment of the new dynasty and to reward a group of loyal civil and military officials, Guo Wei held a state banquet at the Jiying Hall

Wei Renpu served as the Chief Secretary of the Privy Council

The banquet finally came to a lively end, and all the ministers were preparing to return home to rest. The Zhao father and son arrived at the palace gate, boarded their carriage, and hurriedly made their way to the Zhao residence in Tokyo, only to hear the continuous sound of hooves on the street

My child, do not worry so much. You are now an officer of the Imperial Guard, a person close to the Emperor. In all matters, you must remain calm and not rush! Both of us are in this imperial city, and we must be cautious in everything. The correspondence between Luoyang and Tokyo will take about two to three days. Even if we are anxious, there is nothing we can do; we should wait quietly for good news. May Heaven bless He Niang and the child in her womb to be safe and sound! May it bless the Zhao family with prosperity! Let the past be the past; do not dwell on it any longer. Heaven will not hold a grudge against our Zhao family.

Zhao Hongyin was unaware that He Niang had safely given birth to the child, and at this very moment, the guard delivering the news was still on the way, hurrying towards the direction of Dongjing.

During the entire banquet, it is customary to serve nine toasts.

Indeed, the finest things in the world are found within the imperial palace, where all the princes and ministers have indulged their eyes and palates.

Wang Pu served as the Left Censorate Grand Minister and the Direct Scholar of the Privy Council

... ...