Another guard came to report, "Your Majesty, the large troop has returned. They've hunted down three bears. They must be the overlords of this mountain. They're extremely large."
"Three?!"
"Unprecedented!"
Indeed, in the past, the best hunting spoils were at most one bear, one tiger, or one lion. There had never been a case of three.
Gu Weifeng showed a bit of a smile. "Bring them up."
When they were brought up, six guards struggled to carry one bear. The great hall, which was originally quite spacious, seemed rather crowded with these three bears. The vice - minister of the Ministry of Rites quickly sent someone to move the tables backward.
"Who hunted them?" Gu Weifeng asked with great interest. He even got off his dragon throne to take a look at the three bears. "I'm very satisfied."
The guard replied, "Your Majesty, it was the Marquis's heir, General Lin, and the heir of the Northwest who hunted them together."
"Oh?" Yi Junshi became interested. "How did they hunt them together?"
"Your Excellency, late autumn is the breeding season for beasts. Originally, this male bear, no, this male bear," the guard pointed after searching around in a daze, "and that female bear were mating. Then this stronger male bear came, and the two male bears fought. General Lin and the Marquis's heir dealt with these two male bears. That female bear was just watching at first. But when she saw the situation was wrong, she came to attack the Marquis's heir. It was the heir of the Northwest who held back this female bear, so they managed to hunt all three."
The guard's story was as amusing as a cross - talk in the market. Strangely enough, he explained it very clearly. He was really a talent.
Yi Zhici nodded. He must make friends with this guard some day.
Gu Weifeng was very happy. "I originally wanted to bestow the残月 Bow, but now it's not possible. Bring my fur cloak."
Some ministers sitting nearby with sharp ears immediately sat up straight and stared with wide eyes, eager to see.
This fur cloak was a rare item. It not only represented the emperor's favor but also signified high status. In case of necessity, it could even be used like the imperial yellow robe. Moreover, this cloak could be passed down through generations. It was by no means just an ordinary piece of clothing.
Even the late emperor had only bestowed a few of them. But today, three were given out at once.
Among the three who received the reward, at least Lin Yuan from Guyue and Hou Chen were already of extremely high status. Now their status in Guyue far exceeded that of their peers, and even the older generation had to treat them politely.
Gu Weifeng then said, "Yuyang, go and dance to liven things up."
Yi Zhici, who was just happy for Lin Yuan, quickly lowered her head obediently when she heard Gu Weifeng's words. "Yes."
She was wearing a long water - sleeve pleated dress that trailed on the ground, with a satin - woven embroidered outer robe. Her hair was styled in a crescent - moon bun, adorned with a celestial phoenix hairpin. Her deer - like clear eyes sparkled with tiny stars. Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, like a pair of affectionate butterflies. Her cherry - like lips and fair cheeks had shallow dimples, as if filled with mellow wine. Her slender waist was so thin that it seemed it could be held in one's hand, making her look extremely graceful and charming.
Zhong Qing's makeup was undoubtedly of the highest quality. Today, it didn't highlight Yi Zhici's sweet appearance. Instead, with just a touch of rouge and upturned eyelashes, she looked quite heroic.
The water - sleeve dress was so light that it wafted a delicate fragrance as she walked.
She was incredibly beautiful.
The great hall fell silent instantly.
Ye Cong'an played the zither beside, and Yan Sijin blew the sheng. Yi Zhici walked to the center of the great hall and arranged her water sleeves.
The first string laments, laments the falling flowers. The gentle breeze caresses lightly. The delicate red is flawless. The fallen petals on the ground are like a painting. Whose home does the strummed string reach?
The second string laments, laments the gentle elegance. The charm is real. The beauty's story spreads far. Thinking of the fair lady's face, I try to let go of my yearning.
The third string laments, laments having no home. Wandering the world, free from worries. Where can I find her in this life? A crescent moon hangs in the sky.
The fourth string laments, laments the elegant charm. The white - clothed figure is like a painting. Standing upright with black hair fluttering. After traveling through mountains, reining in the horse, I can't shake off my desolation.
The fifth string laments, laments the solemn killing. The north wind blows through the branches. Frost covers the black tiles. After returning from the snowy journey, the hooves startle the crows on the way.
The sixth string laments, laments the fleeting moment. In the ancient temple with the dim lamp, the person wears a cassock. Her name is written stroke by stroke. No one answers in the mortal world.
The seventh string laments, laments the silence. Fate is hard to calculate. The curtain hangs in green silk. For whom do I warm the wine and make the tea? In the end, I sing softly in the evening glow.
Her dance was light and graceful, and her singing was clear and pleasant. For a moment, everyone was too stunned to speak.
It should be known that although Yi Zhici held the title of Princess Yuyang, she had actually rarely shown herself in front of the ministers. Even Aunt Xie who sold steamed buns in the East Market had seen Yi Zhici more often than these ministers. Not to mention that Yi Zhici had never performed for them.
At the chrysanthemum - viewing banquet last time, almost all the young ladies from noble families took the stage to perform their talents, but Yi Zhici didn't. She had even gone to hide in the back garden early.
So there were rumors in the market that Princess Yuyang was just a pretty face, relying on her father, the number - one young master in the capital. In fact, she was a fool, which was why she rarely showed up in public.
Today, it was a complete slap in the face of those who spread the rumors.
Only Lin Yuan looked rather cold and slightly displeased.