ushernet Chapter 62 The Banquet
Chapter 62 The Banquet
As everyone took their seats, a group of graceful palace maids entered in single file, carrying exquisite dishes. The dishes were dazzling: braised pork belly as translucent as agate, twice-cooked pork as tempting as amber, large, succulent pork hock as white as jade, celery stir-fried with pork as emerald green as jade, fried pork belly as glittering as gold, stir-fried pork intestines as vibrant as gemstones, cold-dressed pig's head meat as round as pearls, and sweet and sour pork as fiery as flames. The vegetarian dishes were equally impressive: stir-fried sunflower leaves, like a refreshing breeze caressing the tongue; cold lotus root slices, like a beautiful woman with fair skin dancing gracefully; and bean sprouts, like tender seedlings blooming in spring, full of vitality and life.
Gazing at the unprecedented delicacies, everyone's eyes widened, their curiosity surging like a tidal wave, yet no one dared to be the first to touch their chopsticks. All eyes turned to the King of Qin, who smiled slightly and said, "Gentlemen, please begin!" The crowd remained motionless. Then, to everyone's surprise, Princess Jiayang, seated below the King, had already begun to eat. She gracefully extended her jade chopsticks and picked up a piece of meat, its color as vibrant as a ruby. Seeing this, everyone followed suit, picking up the dish and putting it in their mouths. The soft, tender texture was like a sweet dream, instantly conquering everyone's taste buds. Then, unable to contain themselves any longer, they began to savor each of these delicious dishes.
Looking at the delicious dishes on the table, Li Yanran secretly marveled at the exquisite nature of the imperial cuisine. She picked up the first dish Princess Jiayang had chosen and savored it carefully. Li Yanran quickly grew to love it; its aroma was irresistible, the meat delicate, and it melted in her mouth. Next, Li Yanran added another dish. This one had a rich flavor, with perfectly balanced slices of lean and fatty meat, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Then, Li Yanran tried other dishes, each offering a different taste experience.
Li Yanran felt a pang of longing, like a kitten's claws scratching at her heart. She desperately wanted to ask what kind of meat it was, that it tasted so delicious and that she had never tasted it before. But the words caught in her throat, and she swallowed them back. After everyone had taken a few bites, Li Yanran saw a group of dancers gracefully enter and begin their performance.
As the musicians played their melodious tunes, the dancers began to move gracefully, their movements as light as swallows, like fairies descending to earth. Li Yanran was irresistibly drawn to the beautiful dance, her gaze fixed intently on the stage.
The music gradually became more rousing, and the dancers' movements became increasingly vigorous, as if they were releasing all the passion deep within their hearts. Li Yanran watched with bated breath, her heart pounding, and her emotions running high.
As the music abruptly ended, the spectacular performance came to a close. Next to take the stage was a group of guards clad in imposing armor. Their synchronized steps and powerful movements created a solemn and dignified atmosphere, inspiring awe. Li Yanran was deeply impressed by this rigorous yet powerful performance.
As the program unfolded, Li Yanran watched with great interest. But what captivated her most was the woman who danced gracefully alone on the drum. Light as a feather, she twirled and leaped across the drum like a beautiful butterfly. Her dance was graceful and moving, every movement brimming with power and beauty, drawing cheers from the audience.
As the rhythm quickened, the woman's dance steps became increasingly rapid, and Li Yanran's heart pounded accordingly, so tense she could barely breathe. Only when the music gradually subsided did she let out a long sigh of relief, as if she had just survived a thrilling battle and successfully escaped a predicament. The shock and emotion this performance evoked in her were indescribable, leaving her deeply immersed in it for a long time.
After the woman finished her performance, the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause, praising her wonderful performance.
Li Yanran also clapped along, her heart filled with admiration and respect for the woman. This performance had broadened her horizons.
During the final song, Li Yanran saw a group of people dressed in coarse linen clothes—men and women, young and old—they were thin but their eyes were firm. They were singing a tune from the ancient Qin people. The collective singing of dozens of people resounded throughout the hall, conveying the boldness and simplicity of the Qin people. Li Yanran was deeply moved by the song, as if she were on the land of Qin, witnessing the hard work and perseverance of the Qin people. A strong sense of patriotism welled up within her.
As the last note faded, the performance ended. Li Yanran remained immersed in the atmosphere, her emotions unable to settle for a long time.
As the last piece ended, the entire hall fell silent. The previous laughter and ease had vanished from everyone's faces, replaced by a deep sense of awe and contemplation. The final piece seemed like a clear spring, washing away the dust from the depths of their souls and allowing them to experience an indescribable power.
Most of those present were Qin people, and they deeply understood how their ancestors had built the glorious Qin Dynasty through hardship and adversity. This piece, with its stirring melody and heartfelt performance, evoked a profound sense of reverence for their ancestors within them. Each note was like a witness to history, recounting the struggles and sacrifices of the Qin people.
At that moment, they seemed to see their ancestors bravely fighting on the battlefield and expanding their territory; they heard the panting and sweat dripping from their predecessors' hard work; they felt the efforts and dedication their forefathers made for the prosperity of the country and the nation. These images intertwined in their minds to form a magnificent picture, moving them deeply.
This was more than just a banquet; it was a spiritual baptism. It allowed people to rediscover their roots and history, inspiring a sense of responsibility and mission for the future. In that moment, they understood that only by inheriting and carrying forward the spirit of their ancestors could they continue to write the glorious chapters of the Qin Dynasty.
As the program concluded, King Ying Zheng of Qin slowly rose to his feet, his piercing eyes sweeping over everyone present. His face radiated confidence and determination. Raising his wine cup high, he spoke with fervor: "My beloved ministers! My Great Qin has grown from a small borderland to what it is today, and the hardships we have endured are beyond words. Now, I have only one wish—to unify the six kingdoms! Are you all willing to follow me?"
Upon hearing this, everyone raised their cups and responded in unison, "We are willing to obey. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, and may the Great Qin Dynasty live ten thousand years!" Ying Zheng nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes. He drained his cup and said in a deep voice, "In that case, I will join hands with you all to unify the six kingdoms!" With that, he waved his hand, and everyone in the hall raised their cups and drank them down in one gulp.
In the days that followed, the entire Qin state united in its efforts to prepare for war. Ying Zheng dispatched envoys to negotiate with other states while simultaneously mobilizing a large army to prepare for battle. The soldiers were in high spirits, and the people responded enthusiastically, contributing their strength to the impending war.