Children of Loulan

Chapter 137 New Year’s Eve

After hearing what his young lady said, Bayer was still very confused: "We have been driven here, why are they still unwilling to give up and force us?"

Seeing Bayer's indignant look, Hanguli couldn't help but smile and comforted him softly: "Forget it, things have come to this point, and it's useless to think too much. Now we just need to cherish our current life and be more careful in the future."

The next morning, warm sunlight poured into the room through the window. The three of them slept soundly until the sun was high in the sky. Bayer sat up from the bed, stretched out his arms, yawned deeply, and then looked at the sky outside the window, saying with emotion: "It has been a long time since I have slept so soundly and comfortably. It is wonderful to be able to sleep until I wake up naturally!"

Dahl also turned his head to look out the window, muttering to himself, "How could I sleep so long? I have to get up and prepare breakfast. The young lady must be starving."

Bayer seemed to suddenly remember something and exclaimed, "Yes, it's already this hour. Why didn't those three people come knocking on the door today? Could they have frozen to death last night?"

As she said that, she ran out nervously. Listening to the conversation between the two sisters, Hanguli also sat up: "They should have left!"

Dahl said, "Okay, miss, I'll go make breakfast first!" Then he turned and left.

At this time, the palace was busy preparing for the New Year's Eve banquet. Every year, a grand banquet was held on New Year's Eve. The palace not only had to carefully prepare meals for the guests, but also had to prepare some exquisite and unique gifts, because sometimes the nobles in the palace liked to give rewards to others on such occasions.

On the eve of the Chinese New Year, the palace was bustling with activity. Many princes, ministers and their families came to attend the palace banquet in their best attire. All concubines in the palace, regardless of their rank, could attend the palace banquet. This was the only opportunity for concubines of lower ranks to show themselves in front of everyone!

In Yuexijuli, Baier came back from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in high spirits. As soon as he entered the room, he couldn't wait to show Hanguli the good things he had received. The table was filled with various items, not only the best charcoal fire, but also several kilograms of attractive and fragrant beef and mutton, in addition to some essential items for the New Year. Baier introduced them with great excitement while carefully fiddling with these treasures, as if they were rare treasures.

Seeing Bayer's excitement, Hanguli felt a little uncomfortable. She knew how precious and hard-earned these things were to them, but she didn't want to spoil Bayer's mood, so she smiled and said, "Yes, this is good, we can finally have a good New Year!"

Bayer nodded repeatedly, with a satisfied smile on his face. Then, as if he remembered something, he suddenly leaned close to Hanguli's ear and whispered, "Miss, I heard a piece of news today! There will be a palace banquet in the evening, and no matter what your rank is, everyone can attend!"

Hanguli was slightly stunned and asked in confusion: "Why? Do you want to attend the palace banquet?"

Bayer waved his hands hurriedly and explained: "No, no, no, Miss, that's not what I meant. I just think that since everyone else has gone to the palace banquet, the palace should be a bit quiet. Miss, why don't you take this opportunity to go out for a walk and relax." He looked at Hanguli with concern, his eyes full of sincerity.

Dahl: "Yes, Miss. Think about it, there will be a palace banquet tonight, and the guards of all palaces and courtyards will definitely be gathered at the banquet. If you go out for a stroll at this time, you will definitely not attract other people's attention! Moreover, there is only such a rare opportunity tonight in the whole year! If you miss it, you will have to stay in this yard forever!"

Hanguli watched the two trying so hard to persuade her, and she knew that they were all out of concern and love for her. So, she smiled and said softly: "Well, since you both said so, let's go out for a walk together tonight!"

Hearing Hanguli's agreement, the two sisters cheered excitedly and said they must go with her. The three of them walked hand in hand, happily carrying the carefully selected ingredients, chatting and laughing all the way to the small kitchen, and began to prepare the sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner tonight.

At the palace banquet, the sound of stringed instruments was endless, and the dancers' graceful and graceful postures were like fluttering butterflies, which made people dazzled; the air was filled with the rich and mellow aroma of wine, which made people intoxicated. The spacious and bright hall was full of people from all walks of life, including princes and nobles, important officials in the court, and concubines in the harem. The queen mother, the king, and the queen sat on the main seat, with solemn and kind expressions. After a wonderful song and dance, everyone raised their glasses to celebrate the arrival of the Spring Festival.

In this joyful and peaceful atmosphere, a silent competition quietly unfolded. The guests present began to compete with each other. Some showed off their extraordinary talents, reciting poems and composing couplets, while others showed off their children, praising their intelligence and outstanding appearance. Seeing these vigorous and talented young people, the Queen Mother showed a satisfied smile on her face and felt very relieved.

At this time, Concubine Xian came forward with Xilin and toasted the Queen Mother, the King and the Queen. Although the Queen Mother disliked Concubine Xian, she would not deny her face in such a big occasion. She took a sip from the wine glass and looked at the concubine behind Concubine Xian whom she had never seen before!

She had a graceful figure and delicate makeup, but her eyes revealed a subtle nervousness and shyness. The queen mother looked at the concubine, a hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes, and asked softly: "This person looks unfamiliar, what should I call you?"

Xilin quickly bowed her head and replied, "I, your concubine, wish that the Queen Mother will be as luxuriant as the pines and cypresses, evergreen year after year, and as long-lived as the Nanshan Mountains, healthy and peaceful year after year. In the new year, I wish that the Queen Mother will have more blessings and wisdom, and always smile."

Hearing this, the Queen Mother smiled happily and couldn't help but exclaimed: "Haha, what a smile! The Western beauty's mouth is as sweet as honey! Come on, give me a reward!"

Upon hearing this, Lady Xi hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed to express her gratitude, with a clear and pleasant voice: "Thank you very much, Queen Mother, for your gift!"

Before she finished speaking, a palace maid came slowly with a tray on which was placed an exquisite jade ruyi. The Queen Mother smiled and explained, "This jade ruyi came from the Central Plains. I heard that it means peace and prosperity, and good luck in everything!"

When Xilin heard the Queen Mother's words, she knelt down again and kowtowed to express her gratitude: "Thank you, Queen Mother, for your kindness!"

After saying that, she stood up and tried to take the tray from the maid. However, the moment she reached out, an accident happened. When she stood up, she accidentally stepped on her skirt, her body suddenly leaned forward, and she stumbled forward. She happened to hit the tray with the jade ruyi. In an instant, the tray fell to the ground, and the jade ruyi broke into several pieces. Xilin and the maid also fell to the ground together.

Such a thing happened at the palace banquet, and the two of them were already panicking, and their bodies were shaking uncontrollably. However, when they caught a glimpse of the broken jade ruyi, fear instantly surged into their hearts, and they knelt down without hesitation and begged for mercy:

"Please have mercy, Queen Mother!"

"Please have mercy, Queen Mother!"