"Sit down and eat."

In this world where strict fathers and filial piety are valued, many heads of wealthy families have said these four words without a smile, which not only shows their majesty, but also reveals a hint of generosity.

However, this is not the back house of any mansion, but the Xingqing Hall where the emperor lived daily.

Not to mention being so close to a courtier, even the most favored eldest prince has never enjoyed such treatment. If Liu Xian were here at this moment, he would probably be shocked and dumbfounded, and then he would have questions like "Who is the real prince?"

Puzzled.

The palace ladies and eunuchs around were all watching with respectful and humble smiles on their faces. They were already frightened in their hearts. At the same time, they were full of envy and awe towards the Marquis of Zhongshan who was standing not far away.

Liu Bao, who knew from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, recalled the few words he heard in Liangyi Palace that day, and had a more intuitive understanding of Pei Yue's importance in Emperor Kaiping's heart. He couldn't help but secretly ridicule the fools outside who were just following the wind, and he was also grateful.

I didn't put on airs in front of Pei Yue outside the city before.

No wonder he dared to resist and disobey the decree...

Liu Bao first glanced at Emperor Kaiping's indifferent expression, then walked to Pei Yue and said respectfully: "Marquis of Zhongshan, please take a seat."

A variety of exquisite dishes are placed on the round table. There is a dish in the middle that is similar to the hot pot served by Pei Yue in his previous life. Daliang used to call it antique soup, which means that when food is put into the boiling soup base, it will make a "dong" sound.

Through the steaming heat, Pei Yue looked to the opposite side, but saw that Emperor Kaiping's face was slightly blurred, as if all his emotions were covered up under a calm and calm expression. On the other hand, Concubine Wu next to her was smiling and looking at him.

There is obvious appreciation and praise.

Although the royal family's strict demeanor is still there, it has created an atmosphere of a family banquet that is extremely rare. For a king like Kaiping who pays attention to the emperor's majesty, it is not easy to achieve this step. If it were replaced by those court elders who are full of knowledge,

Official, at this time, if you can't say anything, you will burst into tears and shout "Long Live the Mountain", and then give a long speech to praise the Holy Grace.

Time seems to have passed by for a long time, but in fact it is only a moment.

Pei Yue took a step forward, bowed politely, and said in a calm tone: "Your Majesty, Pei Yue, pay homage to your Majesty and see your empress."

He is still respectful and responsible, but even the maids can feel that compared to the sincerity that was evident in the past, there is a layer of hazy distance about the Marquis of Zhongshan today.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became solemn.

Emperor Kaiping looked across the round table at the top of Pei Yue's head, his slender eyes narrowed slightly.

Seeing this, Liu Bao couldn't help but swallow his saliva, his head lowered even more, and he didn't dare to express his anger.

"Giggle." Concubine Wu let out a charming smile, which instantly dispersed the gradually solidified atmosphere in the palace, and then said to Emperor Kaiping: "Your Majesty, although I am in the harem, I have heard some interesting stories about the Marquis of Zhongshan.

I thought it was just a far-fetched idea, but I didn’t expect it to be so when I saw it today.”

Emperor Kaiping withdrew his gaze and said calmly: "Pingshen."

Pei Yue straightened his back in silence.

After Emperor Kaiping was interrupted by Concubine Wu, the vague anger on his face had dissipated. Seeing that Pei Yue still looked like he was refusing to accept anything, he couldn't help scolding him: "You stupid thing, I want to invite you personally."

Can't you take the seat?"

Liu Bao hurriedly came forward to invite him. After Pei Yue sat down, a palace maid came to prepare dishes and pour wine.

Emperor Kaiping turned to look at Concubine Wu and asked gently: "What is the interesting story that Concubine Wu said?"

Concubine Wu covered her mouth and smiled softly: "It means that although the Marquis of Zhongshan is young, he is more polite and respectful than anyone else. He is in awe of His Majesty from the bottom of his heart no matter where he is. Even though he has held a high and powerful position in recent years,

He has never changed his original intention. He is obviously from a martial arts family, but he is like an old master who respects etiquette and observes integrity."

The emotions that Pei Yue had just shown deliberately were covered up in the joke.

Emperor Kaiping snorted softly, looked back at Pei Yue who lowered his head and said: "This guy still knows how to respect etiquette and observe integrity? Concubine, don't be deceived by those rumors. Look at what he has done over the years, he dared to be unfilial when he first entered the court.

Because of his reputation, Pei Rong was sent to Shanglin Prison without saying a word.

He knocked out all the teeth in Wei Guogong's grandson's mouth. The noble martial arts disciple can't even speak in full now. Not to mention that he dared to pick a fight with me at the slightest displeasure. At such a young age, he would beg for his life and resign.

Sir, how do these things look like they were done by a minister?"

Concubine Wu was not afraid, and said gently: "Doesn't this just show that His Majesty is a wise and kindhearted person, and that the Marquis of Zhongshan has a sincere heart? If it were someone like that who was so scheming, how could he speak out in front of His Majesty?"

"It's just that I've always been too indulgent towards him."

Emperor Kaiping slightly accentuated his tone and continued to reprimand: "It's also because there is no sensible person in the Pei family and they didn't teach him well since he was a child. Although he didn't grow crooked in the end, he was a bit withdrawn. When the imperial concubine fell in love with Pei's daughter, she was originally a child.

A good marriage, this family

Instead of thanking the heavenly family for their care, I went to the Pei family to make a big fuss. Pei Rong is just a fool. Pei Yun was the second best person in the imperial examination, and he was slapped so hard by you that he couldn't see anyone. If he hadn't been thinking about it,

Considering your young age, I will not forgive you lightly."

The last sentence was directed at Pei Yue.

Pei Yue finally raised his head. This was the first time that the emperor and his ministers looked at each other after he entered the Xingqing Palace.

Concubine Wu did not interrupt this time, because she knew when to speak out to ease the atmosphere, and when to quietly listen to the emperor beating his ministers.

Pei Yue said calmly: "Your Majesty, these dishes will be cold in a while."

The people in the palace nearby were all puzzled, thinking that the Marquis of Zhongshan was really courageous and behaved very humanly.

However, Emperor Kaiping saw a deep look of exhaustion in the young man's eyes, so he stopped talking about old things and said calmly: "Why don't you use your chopsticks if you're hungry? Do I still hold you back?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Pei Yue's tone was a little softer, and then he picked up his chopsticks and attacked the exquisite and delicious food in front of him.

Concubine Wu couldn't help but sigh inwardly when she saw this.

The relationship between this pair of monarchs and ministers is so complicated. In the heart of Emperor Kaiping, Pei Yue is by no means comparable to ordinary ministers, and he is even more valued than Wang Pingzhang at the time. As the most favored member of the harem of Emperor Kaiping, Concubine Wu knew this very well.

The Supreme around me has quietly undergone some changes in the past two years. Compared with the decisive killing of the past, it seems to have a bit more softness.

Turning her head to look at Pei Yue who was enjoying his meal, Concubine Wu gradually understood Emperor Kaiping's dilemma.

Pei Yue's eating appearance is definitely not rude, and the etiquette at the banquet is not inferior to that of the royal family. However, his appetite is far beyond that of ordinary dudes. He seems to be doing it lightly and without a trace of fireworks, but he has already eaten three meals without knowing it.

Bowl of tribute rice.

The two emperors and concubines just used a few chopsticks casually, and then simply watched Pei Yue's unpretentious actions.

Liu Bao stood respectfully beside him, but he couldn't laugh or cry in his heart.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, it would be hard for him to imagine that any minister would be so casual in front of His Majesty, swallowing bowl after bowl of food like a starving ghost reincarnated.

Perhaps a few years later, when he is too old to walk, he will tell this incident as an anecdote to the younger generations of the family.

But at this moment, this eunuch who has been carefully walking in the palace for decades has to admit that Pei Yue's performance made this family banquet have the meaning it should have.

No longer hanging in the clouds, it seems like a corner of the world.

It would be great if it lasted a long time.
Chapter completed!