Chapter 49

At occasions like the New Year’s banquet, although Tao Sheng could not be in the front, she was still involved in the whole process as a director in the back.

At the same time, she was fortunate enough to witness the entire process of Ji Yanming’s quarrel with others.

It has to be said that no matter in the original text or in the world she traveled to, Ji Yanming is always the kind of person who shines among the crowd.

Those present today are all relatives of the Great Zhou Dynasty and important officials of the court, and the lowest are officials of the fourth rank or above.

Ji Yanming was now only an eighth-rank official in the Hanlin Academy and was not among the guests at the banquet. He was called over by the emperor at this time. After completing the mission assigned by the emperor, he naturally left the hall.

At this time, the emperor saw that the clowns of Ling State were tired of jumping around, so he told all the ministers to eat and drink well and then left the hall.

This was the second time that Tao Sheng appeared here as part of the directing team. As the saying goes, the first time is new, the second time is familiar. Seeing that the time was almost up and the emperor had already left, Tao Sheng did not wait here but went to Liuyun Palace to eat something like last time.

As the New Year is approaching, the imperial kitchen may want to make a final push for performance. The snacks and soups prepared this time are more than a step up from the last time at the beginning of winter, which well demonstrates the extraordinary catering production level of the imperial kitchen.

Tao Sheng went out contentedly after having supper, only to see that it was snowing outside.

This wasn’t the first snowfall in Beijing, but because it happened during the New Year, it was seen as a good sign of a good harvest. So, it felt more special than usual.

At this moment, a young eunuch caught up and handed Tao Sheng an umbrella with both hands: “Although the snow is not heavy today, Miss Luo should still hold it to avoid getting cold in winter.”

Tao Sheng remembered him as the apprentice of Gao Zhen, the eunuch who served the emperor. He had come to give her an umbrella.

Tao Sheng took the umbrella, smiled at the young eunuch, and said, “Thank you, eunuch.”

The young eunuch was dazzled by her bright smile and repeatedly waved his hands, saying, “I don’t deserve it.”

“Lord Luo’s zither playing is unparalleled in the world. I have had the honor of hearing it several times when I served the emperor. It is truly like hearing heavenly music. It is my honor to bring an umbrella to the girl on behalf of my master.”

As Tao Sheng walked slowly along the palace road with the umbrella, she unexpectedly met her cousin Ji Yanming.

It seemed Ji Yanming had gone somewhere to rest or have a snack. It was common for people from the Hanlin Academy to be on night duty in the palace or unable to return due to urgent matters. They had special lounges and dining areas in the palace, but they were not near the Liuyun Hall, the fixed dining place of the Imperial Music Bureau.

When Ji Yanming saw Tao Sheng, he walked over and strolled beside her. He naturally took the umbrella from her hand and helped to open it, covering most of her body.

Tao Sheng couldn’t help but recall the time when he picked her up from Wenyuan Marquis’s Mansion and held an umbrella for her in the wind and rain.

But this time, her state of mind was completely different.

Another year had passed.

Ji Yanming spoke first and asked Tao Sheng where she was going.

Tao Sheng thought seriously: “We still have to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth tomorrow morning. I don’t know if something will happen later, and we will be called back by the Ministry of Rites. Lord Qiu said we probably can’t go back tonight.”

After all, today is New Year’s Eve and tomorrow is the first day of the new year. These are the most important festivals of the year, and mistakes cannot be made. They can relax a bit more than last time at the beginning of winter, and it’s okay to go back halfway.

Fortunately, after the first day of the new year tomorrow, there would be no more singing and dancing performances, only a simple New Year banquet, so Tao Sheng could go home to celebrate as usual.

After explaining her situation, Tao Sheng asked Ji Yanming again, “Where’s my cousin? Is he going back tonight?”

Ji Yanming replied, “Although it isn’t my turn to be on duty today, since His Majesty has called me here, I can’t go back.”

Tao Sheng smiled helplessly and said, “It’s not easy for aunt either. It’s Chinese New Year, and she has two children at home, but neither can go back to keep her company.”

“It’s okay,” Ji Yanming said. “Mother has always been open-minded. I think she will understand when she knows the situation.”

These things were normal for him, but he didn’t expect Tao Sheng’s job to be as busy as his.

He remembered the day his mother told Tao Sheng that she would be busy outside for a long time and wouldn’t be able to take care of her family.

Tao Sheng thought it was okay.

After they got together, it was hard to say who was neglecting the family.

Tao Sheng might be away from home more often in the future.

Just then, Chu Shen, the eunuch beside the King of Chu, called out to Ji Yanming and Tao Sheng from afar.

Tao Sheng had become familiar with Chu Shen these days. When she saw him, she smiled and wished him a happy new year.

Chu Shen smiled and said he was happy for her, then added, “His Royal Highness the King of Chu has arranged a palace for you two to rest. Please follow me.”

The King of Chu arranged a small palace in a remote and inconspicuous place. Although the place was small and out of the way, it had charcoal fire, hot water, and midnight snacks prepared, and even the bedding was refurbished. It was rare to have such accommodations in the palace during the New Year.

At that moment, a young eunuch walked in and whispered something in Chu Shen’s ear.

Chu Shen’s expression changed awkwardly, and he said to Tao Sheng with a stiff smile, “Originally, His Highness said that he would prepare rooms for both of you, but one of the two rooms that were to be prepared was occupied by someone else, so there is only this one room left. I’m afraid you will have to make do with it for now.”

“It’s okay,” Ji Yanming said to Chu Shen. “Thank you for your concern, eunuch.”