Chapter 4: The Grand New Year's Banquet

  Putting aside idle chatter, from this day on Yang Zhao settled down in the Daxing Palace, living a life as a grandson of the Sui dynasty emperor.

  When TV stations broadcast "My Fair Princess", seeing Xiaoyanzi and Er Kang, Ziwei and Yongqi every day in the palace, just playing and fooling around, being happy all day long, it seemed that they didn't need to work hard or study. This really made Yang Zhao, who was still in elementary school but already bent over by heavy homework, envy them so much. Sometimes during the day, she would also exclaim "If one day I become a prince, how great would that be!"

  Unfortunately, TV is just TV and reality is reality. It wasn't until he became the real Yang Zhao that he realized how far off he was. The truth is that the Sui Dynasty had only been established for about 20 years, and it was still in its vigorous youth, not like the Qing Dynasty in "The Return of the Pearl Princess" which had already stood for over a hundred years and enjoyed a long period of peace. The Yang family had always been strict and placed great emphasis on their children's education, never allowing any spoiled brats to appear in their household. Therefore, all five sons were well-versed in both literature and martial arts.

  As the emperor's grandson and the crown prince's son, Yang Zhao's education was of utmost importance. In literature, every morning, there were scholars from the Hanlin Academy who came to give him lectures for an hour and a half. After the lecture, they would assign homework, which usually consisted of writing large characters and reciting classics. After lunch, he would take a short rest before heading to the imperial palace's martial arts training ground in the afternoon to learn horseback riding, archery, and the eighteen types of military equipment, under the instruction of the famous Sui general, Wei Rong'er.

  Lai Hu Er was a skilled warrior who had made great contributions during the unification of the Great Sui. His family's secret technique, "Hutian San Shou", was also unmatched. Yang Zhao originally looked down on him, thinking that Zhuo Bu Fan, as a famous and talented supporting character, was far more important than Lai Hu Er, who was just a minor character. Having learned Zhuo Bu Fan's creation, the "Yi Jing Xuan Jian", although he couldn't defeat top masters like Mohe Ye or Chaoyang Tian Shi at present, he should still be able to beat Lai Hu Er, right?

  It was unexpected that the two had just exchanged blows, and Yang Zhao immediately suffered a crushing defeat. Whether it was internal strength, moves or experience, all were far from being a match for Lai Hu's skills. This blow also made Yang Zhao clearly understand that even if one is a transmigrator, they are not born with a protagonist halo. If one does not work hard and make an effort, they may still end up achieving nothing.

  It's also a good thing to recognize one's own shortcomings ahead of time. Yang Zhao thus put aside his pride and humbly asked Lai Hu for guidance. To say the least, although he had now merged the memories of two lifetimes, he was still primarily thinking with the mindset of that 21st-century university student. Therefore, even though he had acquired a set of martial arts skills, when it came to applying them, he needed to start from scratch and feel his way through. This is just like a newly installed computer operating system - no matter how well you've memorized the instruction manual, you still need to go through actual practice before you can master its use.

  Lai Hu's martial arts skills are not the best, but with his careful guidance and explanation of some basic martial concepts, Yang Zhao was able to avoid taking many detours.

  It is known that a hundred-foot tower rises from the ground, and the foundation is laid more firmly, the future achievements will be greater. Yang Zhao's family was not very good, and it was said that poor children had to take care of themselves early. He understood the principle of one point of hard work and one point of harvest very early. Moreover, in this world where personal martial arts are respected, the level of martial arts is related to whether one can live a safe life. Therefore, no matter how hard it is, Yang Zhao gritted his teeth and refused to be lazy.

  During this period, Yang Zhao also met with his cheap father many times. Feeling that Yang Guang was indeed crazy and not very clear-headed. Sometimes when he was normal, he seemed to be a genius, and Yang Zhao would ask him for advice. This cheap father's words were always sharp and to the point, but if he wasn't normal, he would speak nonsense, and his words wouldn't make sense at all. It made people who listened feel like they couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.

  Although the other party was only cheapening his father, Yang Zhao also couldn't help but feel sorry for Yang Guang. Not to mention Xiao and her husband's deep relationship, secretly shedding countless tears of sorrow.

  After dinner, Yang Zhao returned to his own courtyard and devoted himself to practicing the Yi Jing Xuan Jian.

  The power of Yi Jing Xuan Jian is indeed not outstanding. But after all, it is a genuine and orthodox martial art of the mysterious school. The progress of practice is slow, but the progress can be clearly felt. It's like playing online games, you can see that your experience value is increasing by tens of thousands. Even if upgrading one level requires tens of thousands of experience points, at least there is something to look forward to, right?

  As time flies, Yang Zhao gradually adapted to his new identity and life in both physical and mental aspects. On the other hand, the weather is getting colder day by day, and it's almost New Year's Day without realizing it.

  Modern Chinese people celebrate the New Year by separating the Gregorian calendar's New Year's Day and the Lunar calendar's first day of the first month into two separate holidays, with the latter being much more important. However, during the Sui Dynasty, there was no such custom, and New Year's Day was just that. Therefore, the fervent atmosphere of celebrating the New Year was at least a hundred times thicker than in the 21st century.

  Yang Zhao used to rely on his grandfather, and during the New Year, he always felt cold and couldn't get into the spirit. But now that he has traveled through time, seeing everyone around him excitedly preparing for the New Year, he too gradually became infected and became equally enthusiastic. On New Year's Eve, the Daxing Palace was once again holding a grand New Year's banquet to show the emperor and the people sharing joy together. That day, the palace was decorated with lanterns and streamers, filled with a joyful atmosphere everywhere.

  At the time of Shen Zheng You Chu (around 5-7 pm), all civil and military officials above the fifth rank in the imperial court wore formal attire, entering through the Chengtian Gate, passing by the Double Queues to wait for an audience with the Emperor at the Taiji Hall. Yang Zhao followed Yang Guang, along with Xiao Shi, bringing his sister Princess Nanyang Yang Wei and younger brother Yang Ye, a family of five, to pay their respects to the Emperor in the inner hall first. Afterwards, it was the turn of the deposed Crown Prince Yang Yong's line, Qin Xian King Yang Jun's line, Shu King Yang Xiu's line, Han King Yang Bian's line, and several dozen people gathered together, addressing each other with great warmth.

  Unfortunately, Yang Zhao watched with a cold eye, but saw that these uncles and brothers were either frightened, or fearful, or flattering, or fawning, and not one of them was truly affectionate. Although it's said that the matter doesn't concern him, he still can't help but secretly sigh that indeed the imperial family has no father-son relationship, no wonder later generations say they'd rather be born in a humble life than in an imperial household.

  The members of the imperial family finished their mutual greetings, and with Emperor Yang Jian and Empress Dugu at the lead, they emerged from the Taiji Hall in a grand procession to meet with the officials. The ceremonial officer called out the names according to rank, starting with Yang Su and his son Yang Xuan, Yuwen Shu and his son Yuwen Huaji, Li Yuan and his son Li Jiancheng, as well as Gao Jiong, Pei Ju, Pei Yun, Xue Ju, Xiao Yu, Xue Shiying, Lai Hu'er, Yang Yicheng, Yu Jueluo, Wei Xuan, Zhou Fashang, Wang Ren'gong, Feng Xiaoci, and Tu Wanxu, all of whom were renowned ministers of the time. Each of them came forward to pay their respects and offer congratulations. It was truly a gathering of stars, with everyone shining brightly together. Yang Zhao was so excited that he couldn't contain himself.

  The civil and military officials finished their visit, and it was the turn of the envoys from the surrounding countries. At this time, it was the 21st year of Kaihuang, and the great Sui dynasty unified the world, with all four seas at peace. The national strength was unprecedentedly strong, and the army was invincible wherever they went, winning every battle and conquering every land. Therefore, these barbarian tribes were submissive, and envoys came from all directions to pay homage. Countries such as Dong, Xi Tu, Jie, Tie Le, Hui He, Xian Bei, Shi Wei, Mo He, Tujue, Bo La, Tuo Huo Luo, Gao Chang, Tubo, Liu Qiu, Qiuci, Yu Tian, Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje, and Wa all sent envoys to pay tribute. People of various ethnicities with blonde hair and blue eyes, high noses and deep eye sockets, curly beards and braided sideburns, dark skin and white skin, gathered together, kneeling down in unison towards the Son of Heaven of our great China, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" This scene made Yang Zhao's blood boil with excitement, and he was so moved that he could not contain himself.

  It was not easy for everyone to finish the ceremony, and the crowd took their seats. The eunuch Taigong Gong'e presented fine wine and delicacies. Yang Jian first raised his cup to toast, and the officials and envoys followed suit and drank up. Then Yang Guang again invited all the guests, and the officials drank another cup. Empress Dugu once again toasted everyone, and the guests finished their third cup. After three rounds of drinking, the soft music of silk and bamboo instruments sounded softly. What's more, sword swallowing, fire spitting, rolling iron boards, walking on hot coals, tightrope walking, and even white apes presenting fruit and cranes congratulating longevity were all nothing to be surprised about. The hundred arts were displayed in profusion, songs and dances rose to a crescendo, and indeed it was the great Sui dynasty's grand era, not at all ordinary.

  The night curtain falls, and the moon gradually reaches the middle of the sky. A group of lightly dressed palace dancers finish their dance, bowing and curtsying, and retreat with a flutter. The music played by the musicians in the hall suddenly changes from gentle to majestic and powerful. The sound of metal clashing and killing fills the air. Over 100 robust soldiers wearing armor and holding spears enter the hall in formation. Amidst the heroic drumbeat, all the soldiers sing in unison:

  "The champion approaches the vast ocean, with a long and mighty wind. Clouds are arrayed like a tiger's descent, embracing the dragon city's rainbow. Marching horizontally for ten thousand li, the barbarian army is exhausted after a hundred years. The soldiers' armor shines like stars, the war has ended under the empty moon wheel. The strict and stern night battle has ceased, the sound of bows has stopped. The northern wind whinnies like a horse, the barbarian frost cuts off the swan's path. When the dawn breaks on the great road, the desolate and remote regions are all brought into use. Just as I am about to arrive at the Long'an residence, I come to pay respects at the Jianzhang palace!"

  The singing and dancing soldiers formed a formation that was constantly changing, with the left and right sides alternating in a circular motion. The front and back rows were staggered, with some soldiers advancing and others retreating, like fish scales and geese flying in formation. The shields and spears were raised and lowered in unison, as if to demonstrate the shape of a battle array. As the music reached its climax, the voices rose and fell in a stirring rhythm, and the movements became even more vigorous and powerful. In the midst of changing formations, the soldiers brandished their spears and stabbed at the air, exuding an aura of ferocity that seemed to pierce the sky. Although there were only a hundred or so soldiers, their momentum was no less than that of ten thousand horses and soldiers. This was the elite army of the Sui dynasty, which had experienced countless battles and never been defeated, displaying its prowess in front of foreign envoys with an air of invincibility. It was as if they were showing off the majesty of the imperial court. How could all the descendants of the Chinese people not be deeply moved by this?

  The music of "Breaking the Formation" has ended, and the ministers' applause is thunderous, both proud and heroic. The envoys from various countries looked at each other in dismay, their eyes showing a hint of fear. Yang Jian stroked his beard with a smile, his heart greatly pleased. He couldn't help but stand up tall and say loudly: "Good, good, good! The song is good, the dance is good, and the people are even better! Today, our great Sui dynasty is prosperous and peaceful, all thanks to the merits of you brave warriors who have fought a hundred battles. Let us receive this cup of wine from me!" After finishing his speech, he raised his cup to toast the soldiers in the hall, then drained it in one gulp. The soldiers slammed their spears on the ground, and instantly the sound shook the earth.

  Yang Jian was overjoyed and loudly declared: "Summon the officials to proclaim my edict. To all the soldiers who performed the dance in the palace, each will be rewarded with one bolt of brocade, one string of copper coins. All military officers and soldiers within and outside the city of Daxing will be granted a piece of fine hemp cloth, a bottle of wine, and two catties of meat. This is to proclaim their merits and repay their labor!"

  The imperial edict was issued, and the eunuch in charge of the ceremony hastily waved his dustpan and loudly proclaimed it to the outside. In an instant, the palace city inside and out erupted in cheers and applause, with shouts of "Long live!" ringing in one's ears, truly shaking heaven and earth, resounding throughout the universe!

  Just as everyone was rejoicing, several people suddenly stood up from their seats. The first person turned around and faced the center, with Huatianzi bowing his fist and making a long salute, saying in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, please wait. I think that the imperial edict you just issued is not quite right. For the sake of future generations, I humbly request that Your Majesty retract the edict, lest we lose sight of the bigger picture due to a small mistake!" Although his tone was not loud, every word was clear and distinct, entering the ears of those in the palace, even drowning out the cheers of the three armies in the palace. The depth and richness of his inner power could be glimpsed from this.

  He spoke these words in this setting, and the four seats were shocked. The ministers and envoys looked at each other with suspicion, some astonished, some surprised, some congratulatory, some angry, some coldly smiling, or deeply sympathetic, but no one dared to speak out. In an instant, the Taiji Hall was silent, and a needle could be heard falling. Yang Jian, who was in high spirits, felt as if he had been poured a big bowl of cold water on his head, and was so angry that his hands trembled slightly. He calmed down and asked with a frown: "Who are you? Which country's envoy?"

  That man held his head high and attended, not kneeling to pay respects. He answered loudly: "Your humble servant Yizhi Wende is a domestic official of the great king Gao of the state of Goguryeo. I wish Your Majesty ten thousand years of life, ten thousand years of life, and ten million years of life!"