Chapter 161 Yang Yuhuan's Dance, I Welcome Her Personally
Li Longji now directly called Yang Yuyao and others "Auntie", such as the first aunt, the third aunt, and the eighth aunt, to show closeness.

After the banquet began, Li Longji asked Li Xuan to sit next to him and presented the best wine and food in the palace.

This also brought Li Xuan close to Yang Yuhuan.

The three Yang sisters all knew that Li Longji doted on Li Xuan, so they all respected and gave way to Li Xuan.

If other officials bribed them to frame someone, they would definitely dare to do so.

But if they were asked to frame Li Xuan, they would definitely not do so because it would be impossible to succeed.

However, Yang Yuyao looked at Li Xuan with a rather obsessed look.

She now understood that Li Xuan was not tempted by her at all. He was like a eunuch and had no sexual desire in that aspect.

But every time Yang Yuyao saw Li Xuan's handsome and masculine face, she couldn't help herself.

In particular, when Yang Yuhuan told them about Li Xuan's bravery in facing the tiger, she was so excited.

The less you can get, the more you want.

Her heart felt like it was being tickled, and she vowed to find the right opportunity.

"Qilang, there is a new song in Li Guinianpu, you should listen to it..."

Li Longji said this and picked up the wine glass.

"When it comes to music, the Saint is unrivaled."

Li Xuan quickly raised his glass to toast Li Longji.

As they were talking, Li Guinian, the palace's top musician, began to play.

He doesn't need accompaniment, and when he plays the flute, the sound is melodious and graceful.

Although his skills are top-notch, every time Li Xuan sees Li Guinian, he thinks of "I meet you again in the season of falling flowers."

At this time, Li Guinian was the most powerful person in the palace, which made Li Xuan quite emotional.

Then, there were a few more songs and dances.

If Li Longji was happy, Li Xuan would toast to him.

At this time, a woman who was nearly thirty years old but quite charming was dancing at the banquet with a group of young and beautiful dancers.

This mature woman wore a high bun and wide skirt, and was dressed like a fairy.

The piece they were dancing to was the Lingbo Qu. Just like the Lingbo fairy, they were dancing gracefully to the sound of jade flutes, pipa and 羯鼓.

The dancing girl's graceful movements were like floating clouds in the sky or a clear stream on the water, like a fairy in the Dragon Palace, dancing in the waves...

"Qilang, this piece of music is called Lingboqu, and the lead dancer is Xie Aman, the best dancer in the palace. This piece of music was composed by a saint, and Xie Aman danced it with great spirit."

Yang Yuhuan introduced the dancer's identity and the origin of the song to Li Xuan.

"I've heard of her reputation."

When Li Xuan applauded, he was also surprised to thank A-man.

Because Xie Aman was very similar to the "stars" of later generations, his sister Li Yuying watched Xie Aman's performances and admired her very much.

Every time Xie A'man performed in a royal palace, Li Yuying would go to watch with the men and women.

He knew that Xie A'man was Li Longji's most favored dancer since the late Kaiyuan period.

Once the dance is over, it will attract a tide of enthusiasm from the men and women.

Like Li Guinian, although her name was on the "music register", she was listed in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and enjoyed the salary of a fifth-rank official.

Seeing that Li Xuan was watching in fascination, Yang Yuhuan clapped her hands from time to time and stopped talking, watching Xie Aman's performance quietly.

After the Lingbo dance was finished, Xie Aman bowed and left.

"Saint, Qilang is going to the border, and the banquet should not be so boring."

Yang Yuyao, who had the boldest personality, came to Li Longji and spoke to him in a tender voice.

"What does Third Aunt want?"

Li Longji asked Yang Yuyao with a smile.

He has been admiring this kind of singing and dancing for decades, and no matter how exquisite the skills are, one will get tired of it eventually.

So in recent years, he has been playing more games or watching polo matches, which can give him something to look forward to.

"The three of us sisters can play musical instruments. Shengsheng and Yuhuan are also proficient in music. Qilang plays the pipa very well. We play it ourselves."

Yang Yuyao said slowly that she wanted to let Li Xuan see her skills.

"That's right!"

Li Longji clapped his hands.

"Sage, I don't know many pieces of music, so I can't keep up with your rhythm and disturb your pleasure. I am willing to play a solo on the pipa with my inferior skills."

Li Xuan immediately told Li Longji.

He was originally an amateur player, while Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan were both masters among masters.

How can he compete with others for grace!
"Yes! Then I will also play the 羯鼓."

Li Longji did not force him, as he knew Li Xuan did not have the time to play musical instruments.

"I dare not ask the saint to play."

Li Xuan said with a cupped hand.

"This is a private banquet, there is no such restriction. I have played music at banquets many times."

When it comes to having fun, Li Longji has always been free and easy.

"It's not enough to just sing a song, I will just dance."

Yang Yuhuan said to Li Longji.

"Haha, I never get tired of watching Yuhuan's dance."

Li Longji laughed.

She liked watching Yang Yuhuan dance the "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Dress Dance" the most, but such a grand dance required a lot of preparation and was not suitable for a small banquet.

The Colorful Skirt and Feathered Robe Dance is a grand and majestic dance that showcases the spirit of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty.

"I'll come first!"

Yang Yuyao volunteered to be the first to perform the flute.

She has very good skills and must practice a lot.

After the song ended, although everyone was applauding, Yang Yuyao looked very discouraged and didn't seem to attract much attention from Li Xuan.

The lady from Korea played the piano, and the lady from Qin played the flute.

The Yang sisters are not only beautiful, but also multi-talented.

It was Li Xuan's turn to play the pipa.

He was familiar with several pieces of music, but he could not be said to have mastered them.

Li Xuan is currently studying "House of Flying Daggers".

This soul-stirring song did not exist in this era.

Li Xuan had only heard it in his previous life and didn't know the music score.

But that melody was hard for him to forget.

After becoming familiar with the melody, he was able to roughly deduce the tune of "House of Flying Daggers".

After returning, Li Xuan will find Changli to see if he can restore this famous pipa piece.

Li Xuan knew that his playing was not as good as that of the court musicians, but everyone was giving him face and applauding.

Including Li Longji, compared with Yang Yuyao, Yang Yuhuan is more reserved.

Next, Li Longji performed the 羯鼓.

Li Longji is indeed a master of music and has a bold manner.

When he beat the 羯鼓, when it was intense, it was like the roaring and surging Yellow River; when it was fast, it was as dense as raindrops; when it was gentle, it seemed as if one's heartbeat followed every beat of the drum.

When there is coherence, the rhythm of the Jiegu is brought to its fullest with Li Longji's gestures and eyes...

"The saint's voice is wonderful..."

After Li Longji finished beating the 羯鼓, Li Xuan stood up and congratulated him.

Li Longji's achievements in music are unmatched by any emperor, ancient or modern, even in the future.

Not only did he create many famous songs, but he was also proficient in various musical instruments and could write lyrics.

"Qi Lang should learn to play the 羯鼓 in the future. This is a man's instrument."

Li Longji took down the 羯鼓.

Among all musical instruments, he loved the 羯鼓 the most and was extremely good at controlling its rhythm.

He believed that he was an eternal emperor, and the 羯鼓 could highlight his boldness.

"I will definitely study in my spare time, but the saints' Jiegu has reached the pinnacle, which I will never be able to achieve in my entire life!"

While Li Xuan nodded, he did not forget to compliment Li Longji.

Li Longji benefited greatly from it and he also believed that his 羯鼓 was unmatched.

All the ministers who had the honor to see it were amazed.

Li Xuan presented Li Longji with fine wine, and they both drank from the same cup.

While Yang Yuhuan was changing her clothes, Li Longji chatted with Li Xuan: "Qi Lang was able to pray for Yuhuan and me at Zongsheng Temple. According to the letter from the master of Zongsheng Temple, Qi Lang prayed for blessings when the purple air came from the east. He was extremely pious. The purple air in the sky and earth that day was ten times that of the past. What does this phenomenon mean?"

"This must be a sign that the saint will be healthy and live a long life. Only a wise ruler like the saint can have such a phenomenon."

Li Xuan spoke to Li Longji quite emotionally.

He knew that this must have been something the abbot of Zongsheng Temple said to please Li Longji.

Even if there is purple energy from heaven and earth, it is impossible for it to soar tenfold when praying.

He did not say "Long live" but said "Be healthy and live a long life".

But it made Li Longji very comfortable.

Although Li Longji admired Taoism and longed for the "elixir of life", the Qin Emperor and Han Emperor had already proved to him that it could not be obtained in the world.

If he could live to be a hundred years old like this, even the gods in heaven would not be able to compare with him.

"Qi Lang, did you feel like writing poetry when you were in Zhongnan Mountain? It would be a pity if there were no poems left in such a fairy mountain."

Li Longji asked Li Xuan with interest.

"I admire the people who live without restraints in Mount Zhongnan, and want to find a hermit who is truly indifferent to fame and wealth, but unfortunately I didn't find one. So I wrote a poem called "I Can't Find the Hermit"."

Li Xuan clearly found Li Mi, but he said he did not find the "great hermit".

"Read it quickly."

Li Longji asked Li Xuan to read it out on the spot.

"I asked the boy under the pine tree, and he said that the master had gone to pick herbs. He is probably in this mountain, but the clouds are so deep that I don't know where he is." Li Xuan recited this short poem to Li Longji.

Li Longji frowned after hearing this. This poem admires hermits and expresses the desire to become a hermit himself!

How could Qilang become a hermit?

Such a great talent should serve the country!

"The country is thriving, Qilang must not have such thoughts!"

Li Longji said solemnly to Li Xuan.

"I see hermits are self-reliant and free, and I envy them very much. I think I will live in seclusion in the mountains in the future. But I have to wait until the saint is honored as the 'Heavenly Khan' by all countries."

Li Xuan implicitly suggested through a short poem that he could resign his official position and title at any time.

So that Li Longji would not be suspicious of him and would want to keep him.

Let Li Longji change psychologically.

"Qilang is a genius, he should have personality!"

Li Longji was delighted after hearing this and felt relieved.

He fantasized about the moment when Chidai Zhudan would take the lead and honor him as the "Heavenly Khan".

Although some tribes now called him "Tian Khan", those tribes were insignificant. He needed the recognition of the great country of Tubo.

"When I came back from the mountain, I met a man whom the saint had praised before!"

Li Xuan took the opportunity to tell Li Longji about his encounter with Li Mi.

This will save you from being used as an excuse in the future.

"Oh? Who is it?"

Li Longji asked.

"A child prodigy named Li Mi was summoned by the sage when he was seven years old. At that time, the sage and Master Zhang were playing chess."

Li Xuan replied.

"Now that I think of it, is he still as smart as before?"

Li Longji nodded. He had seen many child prodigies, but only a few of them could become successful.

Young people still have to stand the test. There has never been such a genius as Qilang in history.

That year, when Li Longji met Li Mi, he asked Zhang to tell him a question for the test.

Zhang Shuo wrote a fu with the title "Square, Round, Movement and Stillness".

At a young age, Li Mi already knew how to think, and asked, "I hope my husband can tell me the general idea."

Zhang Shuo said: "The square is like a chessboard, the circle is like chess pieces, movement is like live chess pieces, and stillness is like dead chess pieces."

Li Mi did not think for long before answering: "Square is like doing righteousness, round is like using wisdom, moving is like displaying talent, and still is like feeling satisfied."

He is truly a genius to understand these principles at such a young age.

"He is now a Taoist priest. I think he has some military talent, so I plan to let him follow me to attack Tubo. If he makes meritorious contributions, I will recommend him to be an official."

Li Xuan spoke to Li Longji in an evasive manner.

"Is there no more official position in the shogunate? You can just give him one."

Li Longji asked.

"Li Mi is young, and his ability has yet to be verified. It is not convenient to grant him an official position directly." Li Xuan replied.

"Shichiro is upright."

After Li Xuan said this, Li Longji was no longer interested in Li Mi.

He regarded Li Mi's childhood cleverness as a flash of inspiration.

While Li Xuan and Li Longji were talking, Yang Yuhuan appeared in a light red dress with wide sleeves.

Li Longji was immediately attracted by her beautiful face. He only said to Li Xuan: "Yuhuan's dance is unparalleled. Qilang must enjoy it."

Musicians carrying instruments such as chimes, flutes, zithers, pipes, and harps entered the banquet hall on both sides.

After Yang Yuhuan, dressed in her best, bowed in the direction of Li Longji, the music began to play.

"Zheng..."

"Yuhuan chose 'Que Tade Zhi'."

This was a very classical solo dance, and Li Longji was able to make the judgment just by listening to one note.

When the zither music ended and the flute sounded, Yang Yuhuan moved slightly and jumped up like a magpie.

She was as light as a snowflake and fell to the ground silently.

Her beautiful dress with wide sleeves fluttered like a butterfly, and her three thousand black hair danced as she turned lightly.

Such agile jumps made Li Longji applaud loudly.

Li Xuan just clapped lightly to congratulate.

After a climax in the Tang Dynasty song "Que Tade Zhi", the rotation of instruments changes to solo.

Yang Yuhuan would perform a dance for each solo of an instrument.

Under the low sound of the flute, her eyes were like water. She did not need words, but only body movements to express her joys and sorrows, happiness and anger, and sorrow.

Amid the sound of the guzheng, her movements were gentle and her delicate body became more agile, showing the hardness and softness of the dance to the fullest.

The sound of the flute is melodious, her jade fingers are like orchids, spinning and changing, her black hair falls like a waterfall, although her eyes are looking upwards, she is light and graceful, and her steps are like lotus.

The sound of the zither flows like a stream. With this background, Li Xuan seems to see every slender jade finger and even every strand of hair of Yang Yuhuan, which is subtle, yet charming and sexy, exuding unparalleled beauty...

Every song has to end.

Even though Li Xuan was still not satisfied, he adjusted his posture and clapped slowly.

Yang Yuhuan bowed to Li Longji again, looked back, and went back to change her clothes.

"Today's Yuhuan Dance seems to have reached a new level of skill!"

Li Longji wanted to drink, but found the cup was empty. Li Xuan immediately filled his jade cup with wine.

"The imperial concubine is naturally beautiful and has superb dancing skills."

Li Xuan praised in formal terms.

No wonder Li Longji was so obsessed with Yang Yuhuan. In addition to her stunning appearance, her dancing skills were like a goddess descending to earth.

Although Xie Aman, the first dancer in the palace, also performed "Lingbo Qu" at the top level, her dancing skills could not compare with Yang Yuhuan's.

It is said that Yang Yuhuan was best at the "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Dress Dance", and Li Xuan was looking forward to watching it.

But that kind of grand dance was destined to be seen only by the king.

……

After Yang Yuhuan changed into her regular clothes and came back, the banquet continued.

The game of Chupu was played again at the banquet. Even though Li Xuan won, he could only pretend to be happy.

It was not until the afternoon that Li Longji ordered Gao Lishi to personally escort Li Xuan out of Xingqing Palace.

"Qi Lang is going on this expedition and I'm afraid he won't be back until next year. Take care!"

On the way out of Xingqing Palace, Gao Lishi said something to Li Xuan.

"If I don't take down Jiuqu for the Saint this time, I will never come back to see the Saint."

Li Xuan pretended to be willful and said to Gao Lishi.

It was as if he would be unworthy of Li Longji's trust if he couldn't conquer Jiuqu.

"The situation on the battlefield is ever-changing, and there are always unexpected events. Don't be so confident. Qilang is young, so look for opportunities when they are available, and wait when they are not. I am here!"

Gao Lishi patted Li Xuan on the shoulder.

"Thank you, Mr. Gao. There are still many opportunities. When I come back next time, I will definitely bring you a gift."

With Gao Lishi around, Li Xuan felt relieved.

Li Xuan was not afraid of Li Linfu messing with him, but he was afraid of Li Linfu messing with his family.

After all, Li Linfu had previously been involved with Pei Kuan's grandson.

With Gao Lishi's help, Li Linfu also had to think twice.

"It's all right as long as Shichiro has the intention."

There were so many officials and nobles who gave him gold and silver, but he didn't care about them at all.

He only wanted to promote woodblock printing and movable type to the counties during his lifetime, besides serving the saint.

After leaving Xingqing Palace, Li Xuan bid farewell to Gao Lishi.

The fifty woodblock printing and movable type printing craftsmen previously approved by Gao Lishi had already reported to Guzang City in advance.

Li Xuan wrote a letter to Lu Sigong, who was now the Chief of Wuwei, asking him to set up the printing house as soon as possible and enter the trial stage.

Before leaving, uncle and nephew Pei Huang and Pei Zhou, who had recovered from their injuries, came to greet Li Xuan.

Pei Huang also said that if he had the chance he would join the army in Hexi.

Li Xuan didn't let Pei Huang come for the time being, as he still needed to practice more.

In late May, the sun is scorching.

In such weather, Li Xuan, Li Mi and Yan Zhenqing left Chang'an City together.

Originally, Li Shizhi and Li Qian were going to send Li Xuan away, but Li Longji sent the eunuch Lin Zhaoyin to escort Li Xuan a hundred miles away.

This makes it quite ugly.

"Qilang, don't forget the defeat at Dayichuan. Be careful, be careful!"

Li Shizhi held Li Xuan's hand and reminded him.

He also knew that Li Xuan might have a major conflict with Tubo, a bigger battle than the Battle of Li River.

Back then, the disastrous defeat at Dayichuan ruined the reputation of the great hero Xue Rengui in his later years.

How ambitious was Xue Rengui when he conquered Tianshan with three arrows. If he could have achieved the victory at Dayuechuan, he would have been one of the best generals since the founding of the Tang Dynasty.

"It would be foolish for me to repeat the mistakes made by my predecessors. If the opportunity comes, I will definitely win and make my father proud of me."

Li Xuan shook Li Shizhi's hand again and said firmly.

He also made up his mind that he could only win and not lose.

My father and his brothers were walking and talking along the way. Just a dozen miles away from the Jinguang Gate in Chang'an, a team of imperial guards led by another eunuch came to deliver an oral message: "General, the saint tells you that when you defeat Tubo and return to the capital to report on your work next year, the saint will personally meet you ten miles outside the Mingde Gate."

"Thank you, Saint. I will live up to your expectations!"

Li Xuan immediately dismounted and bowed in the direction of Chang'an City.

(End of this chapter)