bayedsolid Chapter 397 The Banquet Moves to the Imperial Garden
Chapter 397 The Banquet Moves to the Imperial Garden
In the center of the Imperial Garden, a clear pond shimmered under the moonlight, its surface resembling a giant mirror.
The reflection of the bright moon and twinkling stars in the sky makes it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion.
The water lilies in the pond close their petals, like sleeping fairies. The shadows of the lotus leaves and flowers sway in the water, like a lively ink painting.
Along the winding cobblestone path, palace lanterns cast a soft glow, complementing the moonlight.
Under the lamplight, colorful chrysanthemums bloomed freely, some as red as fire, some as white as snow, and some as pink as the sunset, adding a touch of vibrant color to the cool autumn night.
In the distance, artificial hills are scattered in a pleasing manner, their outlines appearing and disappearing under the moonlight, like mysterious mountain ranges.
The nobles and princes, dressed in magnificent attire, had jade pendants at their waists clinking together with each step, producing a crisp sound.
Holding wine glasses, they looked up at the moon, occasionally whispering to each other, their words filled with praise for the beautiful Mid-Autumn Festival.
The envoys from various countries were equally awestruck by the beautiful scenery, their eyes wandering throughout the garden, and they frequently exclaimed in their own languages.
Inside the Imperial Garden, various mooncakes are displayed like works of art on carved dining tables, exuding their unique charm.
The classic five-nut mooncake has an enticing sheen on its surface. With a gentle break, it releases a rich aroma of peanuts, melon seeds, almonds, peach kernels, and sesame seeds, instantly filling the air.
Each nut is plump and crunchy when you bite into it, with rich oils and sweetness blending together.
It has distinct layers of flavor, becoming more fragrant the more you chew, showcasing the rich and mellow traditional flavor.
Red bean paste mooncakes are like gentle beauties from Jiangnan. The delicate and smooth red bean paste filling seems to have been bathed in moonlight. It is sweet but not greasy and melts in your mouth.
With just a gentle sip, the red bean paste slowly unfolds on the tongue, smooth as silk, its sweetness reaching straight to the heart, bringing ultimate sensory comfort.
The exquisitely shaped fruit mooncakes resemble flowers blooming in the Imperial Garden, exuding a fresh and refined elegance.
Strawberry-flavored mooncakes are filled with sweet and sour strawberry pulp. The moment you bite into one, the aroma of strawberries bursts in your mouth, and the juice overflows.
Peach-flavored mooncakes, the sweet and sour taste of peaches is cleverly combined with the crust, resulting in a refreshing and palate-cleansing flavor.
It's as if the vitality and energy of the entire orchard have been incorporated into it, bringing a unique and refreshing taste.
The salted egg yolk and lotus seed paste mooncake is equally impressive, with a rich, savory aroma that blends perfectly with the delicate sweetness of the lotus seed paste.
The combination of sweet and salty is a match made in heaven, and every bite exudes a unique charm that is irresistible.
These mooncakes carry the profound cultural heritage of the festival, and every bite is a tribute to and respect for tradition.
The family quarters on the other side.
"I heard that these mooncakes are new pastries from Lingyun Pavilion."
“I’ve heard about it too. Princess Anhe said that this mooncake will be designated as a special Mid-Autumn Festival pastry from now on.”
"Ever since Lingyun Pavilion appeared in the capital, all sorts of new products have frequently appeared there."
"That's right, and there are also the zongzi for the Dragon Boat Festival in May. My family sometimes makes some too, but I always feel that they don't taste as good as the ones made in May."
"Alright, let's eat the mooncakes. I especially love the egg yolk ones."
"Yes, I like it too."
……
When the moonlight drapes the Imperial Garden in a silvery veil, there are also prominent fruits on the carved dining table.
Like dazzling stars, they radiate an alluring glow, telling the unique charm of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The plump grapes, like strings of purple gems, glistened under the gentle moonlight, each one full and translucent, radiating a dreamy halo.
With a gentle bite, the juice bursts forth between your teeth, a sweet flavor infused with a subtle fruity aroma that is truly delightful.
Changsun Che, holding a bunch of grapes, walked up to his cousin and asked, "Brother, are these grapes from the Imperial Estate?"
“No, the grapes at the Imperial Estate aren’t ripe yet,” Changsun Lan said with a wicked smile.
"Brother, did it come from Lingwu Village again?"
"Alright, even with so much delicious food, you still can't shut up. Don't let anything slip."
Quite a few people with ulterior motives came today, don't expose yourselves.
"I know, brother."
Changsun Lan reached out and picked up a pomegranate. Looking at the plump pomegranate, it resembled a red lantern, slightly blushing in the moonlight.
With his slender hands, he peeled back the outer skin, revealing pomegranate seeds that resembled agate, tightly intertwined and shimmering with a captivating light under the moonlight.
Put it in your mouth, take a gentle bite, and the juice bursts out, sweet with a hint of sourness, creating a rich and unforgettable taste.
Changsun Che's best friend, Duan Qingfeng, walked over and bowed to Changsun Lan: "Brother..."
Changsun Lan glanced at him and handed him the pomegranate in her hand: "Be more careful, especially with those inconspicuous people in the delegation."
Duan Qingfeng happily accepted the half pomegranate handed to him: "Yes, I guarantee I will complete the mission." After saying that, he pulled Changsun Che away.
The fruit was devoured by the others as soon as they arrived, so he had to muster up his courage to come here.
Hua Yunshu glanced sideways at the two people who had hurriedly left, then walked over in a nonchalant manner, picked up a plate of golden pears, and tossed them around in his hand a few times.
The pears, resembling golden gourds, gleamed softly in the moonlight.
He drew a dagger from his waist, peeled off the outer skin, revealing the white flesh, which looked fresh and juicy.
Take a bite, and the crisp sound echoes in the tranquil garden. The sweet juice slides down your lips, bringing a unique refreshing sensation.
Changsun Lan reached out to snatch the other half from his hand, but Hua Yunshu teased, "Sister Xiao Jin said that pears shouldn't be shared."
Changsun Lan glanced around and teased, "That girl didn't include me." The girl said that husbands and wives shouldn't "share pears."
She glanced at him sideways, snatched the half pear from his hand, took a bite, and started eating it with a "crunch crunch" sound.
Hua Yunshu glared at him, feeling somewhat aggrieved, but since she couldn't beat him, she looked at Apple beside her.
The rosy skin has an enticing sheen, like a baby's cheek, and exudes a faint fruity fragrance.
He picked one up, took a vicious bite, and started eating it with a "crunch crunch" sound.
The apple flesh is firm, with a sweet and crisp texture, and its rich aroma lingers in the mouth.
It truly lives up to its reputation as a fruit from that blessed land.
Didn't you see those envoys were so shocked they didn't say a word? Haha, awesome!
He glanced at Changsun Lan, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.
Changsun Lan scoffed and sat lazily in her chair, looking at everyone.
The banquet went well; look, those people have become much more well-behaved.
That girl is really great, she makes me proud!
I wonder where that girl got so much stuff. It looks like she's going to make those people bleed a lot this time.
Everyone was captivated by the fragrance of fruit and the moonlight, and the Imperial Tutor, dressed in a scholar's robe, was the first to look up.
His gaze was fixed on the bright moon, and his clear voice echoed through the Imperial Garden:
"The bright moon rises like a precious mirror in the sky, and the celestial music in the clouds is silent."
The full moon, its light equally divided by autumn colors, shines brightly for a thousand miles along the cloud-covered road.
The cunning rabbit falls from the bowstring in vain, and the monstrous toad should not appear before our eyes.
"We plan to ride the Spirit Raft together, awaiting the complete clearing of the Milky Way."
The verses echoed in the air, though the envoys from various countries may not have fully grasped their deeper meaning.
However, they were also captivated by the melodious music and the emperor's teacher's engrossed expression, and they all cast curious glances at him.
Duke Wen stroked his beard and nodded with one hand, holding a wine cup in the other, and exclaimed, "As expected of the Imperial Tutor, this poem perfectly captures the beauty of the Mid-Autumn Moon."
It made me feel as if I were seeing a fairyland in the moon.
In this imperial garden, facing this bright moon, reciting this poem is truly fitting for the occasion.
As soon as Duke Wen finished speaking, Duke Ding glanced intently at the members of the delegation.
He stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "What Duke Wen said is absolutely right!"
The Imperial Tutor's poem not only vividly depicts the magnificent moonlit scene, but also reveals his lofty ambition to dispel the clouds and see the sun.
Just like our Donglin, under His Majesty's wise rule, it will surely be as clear and full as the Mid-Autumn Moon, benefiting all directions.