12dz Chapter 110 Autumn Banquet
Chapter 110 Autumn Banquet
The next day, the emperor held an autumn banquet to celebrate Xiao Mo's resurrection.
Because it was held for her, the entire banquet was centered around horseback riding and archery competitions.
In addition to all the military generals, civil officials above the third rank also attended the banquet, and only a few of the most favored concubines in the harem attended.
As soon as Qi Minxiu arrived, he pulled Xiao Mo to his side and looked at Qi Yue as if he was an enemy.
After Xiao Wenbo arrived, he walked towards Xiao Mo with a smile, asking about her health with concern.
After asking, he looked at Qi Yue meaningfully.
Qi Yue raised his eyes without looking at him, walked to his seat and sat down.
Qi Minxiu stared at Xiao Mo's profile with mixed emotions, and when he saw that the banquet was about to begin, he pulled her to her seat.
Halfway through the banquet, the emperor was in high spirits and said a lot of words praising Xiao Mo. After the banquet, he suddenly said that he wanted to see her dance with a sword.
Her heart skipped a beat, and the hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly.
Qi Minxiu frowned slightly, puzzled as to why she had such a reaction.
Qi Yue was afraid that she would show off her power, so he spoke for her before she could, "Father, General Xiao has just recovered from a serious injury and needs to rest. I'm afraid it's not appropriate for him to use force."
The emperor narrowed his eyes at him and smiled, "It's okay, it's okay, just playing around. General Xiao, go pick out a weapon you like."
Xiao Mo clenched her fists, glanced at everyone, and stood up reluctantly. As soon as she stood up, she felt a warmth on the back of her hands.
Qi Minxiu held her hand tightly and was about to stand up to help her when Qi Yue in front of him spoke again: "Father! Let General Xiao recover before he can show you his sword dance."
The emperor's expression changed slightly and he slowly stood up. Although there was a smile on his face, his eyes were cold and emotionless.
"I remember you used to praise General Xiao for his heroic swordplay and his unique beauty.
What's wrong today? The person involved hasn't even spoken yet and you're already objecting. Are you trying to spoil my fun?"
Although his voice was not loud, his tone was very intimidating, and the ministers who heard it quickly lowered their heads.
Qi Yue raised his head neither servile nor arrogant, showing no sign of backing down: "This son is only concerned about General Xiao's health."
Concubine Liang noticed the emperor's slight anger and quickly stood up to speak for him.
"Your Majesty, what Yue'er said is not without reason. Once General Xiao recovers, are you still worried that he won't have time to show you how to wield a sword or a spear?"
Seeing Qi Yue arguing with the emperor because of her, Xiao Mo lowered her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. She loosened her clenched fists, stood up and said, "I will go and choose weapons now."
Qi Minxiu had been observing Xiao Mo's movements. Seeing that she was a little nervous, he reached out and held her hand, then stood up.
"Father, I have been practicing martial arts diligently since my leg injury healed. Have you ever seen me wield a sword?
Today, let me, your son, demonstrate a set of sword techniques on behalf of General Xiao for everyone to see!"
As he said that, he pushed Xiao Mo to sit down, strode to the center of the ring, and picked up a soft sword when passing by the weapon rack.
Although he didn't know why Xiao Mo was afraid to dance with a sword in public today.
But he knew her. If she hadn't hidden any secrets, she would definitely be happy to perform for everyone.
Qi Minxiu's swordsmanship is very superb, but Xiao Mo always feels that he has not shown his true ability. Many of his moves have been modified by him just to make them look better.
Before he knew it, the emperor had put aside the unpleasantness that had just occurred, and everyone was attracted by Qi Minxiu's performance.
After the sword dance ended, Qi Minxiu, still unsatisfied, suggested to the emperor that he let the generals present who were skilled in riding and shooting compete with him in archery.
After one was finished, it was another one, and gradually they took control of the entire banquet.
He didn't win every competition, but he wouldn't get upset when he lost. He would just smile and say that he was lazy, and praise the other party.
He made the atmosphere of the whole banquet very lively.
His performance today sounded a wake-up call to the emperor. Now, Qi Yue is not the only capable prince.
Logically speaking, he hasn't touched a sword for three years, and now, having recovered for less than a year, he can perform such smooth and powerful sword techniques. If he practices diligently in the future, his ability will definitely not be inferior to Qi Yue.
After the banquet, it was already afternoon.
As soon as everyone dispersed, Xiao Mo took advantage of the time when Qi Yue and Qi Minxiu were arguing to go find the emperor.
Inside the hall, the emperor looked at her in confusion: "General Xiao, why didn't you tell me at the banquet just now if you had something to say?"
Xiao Mo glanced at him, lowered her head and knelt down: "I have concealed something from Your Majesty, please forgive me."
The emperor tilted his head and stared at her: "What's the matter?"
"Just now at the banquet, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince tried so hard to plead for me because he knew that my martial arts skills were completely destroyed.
I didn't want to make a fool of myself in public and disturb everyone's interest, so I tried my best to stop me from going on stage. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
When the emperor heard her words that her martial arts skills were completely wasted, his eyes changed.
He frowned at him, the regret on his face sincere and heartfelt: "You mean, you...why did you lose your martial arts?"
He was a little bit unbelieving, and walked up to her with a questioning look on his face and helped her up.
Xiao Mo stood up, took a step back, and said respectfully: "I fell from a cliff several hundred meters high, broke my leg, and suffered severe injuries to my tendons.
Fortunately, he was saved by a noble person. He was bedridden for more than half a year before he could barely get up and move.
However, my legs and feet are currently weak, and my hands cannot lift heavy objects. The Crown Prince noticed this and, fearing harm, he concealed this secret for me."
The emperor sighed, a trace of heartache flashing across his eyes. "Your medical skills are amazing. Is there any chance of recovery in the future?"
Xiao Mo shook her head. "There's no absolute cure for medical illness. It's hard to say. With careful care, it might recover in the future, but it might never recover."
"Come to the palace to get any medicine you need. Rest and recuperate. Regardless of whether you can still fight on the battlefield, you are still a great general of our dynasty."
Xiao Mo didn't expect him to say that. The corners of her mouth moved, and she smiled softly: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."