The wives of the concubines are empresses

Shangguan Wanjun, the Empress Dowager of the Eastern Palace, Concubine Wen - Bai Xuanyi and others, quietly listened to the guqin played by Concubine Hui - Feng Jinghan.

His bony, fair hands plucked the strings skillfully and flexibly.

There was no shortage of civil officials here, and there were also many military generals who admired his superb piano skills.

Noble Consort Wen, Bai Xuanyi, whispered to Shangguan Wanjun, "Your Majesty, Concubine Hui's zither skills are becoming more and more exquisite."

"really."

Looking at the two people whispering to each other, Huifei-Fengjinghan had some guesses in her mind. Are they discussing herself?

When the song "Feng Jing Han" by Concubine Hui ended, Shangguan Wanjun was the first to applaud, followed by the Empress Dowager of the Eastern Palace and Concubine Wen - Bai Xuanyi, who applauded enthusiastically.

"Good, Hui Fei's piano skills are getting better and better."

Concubine Hui - Feng Jinghan stood up and bowed: "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty."

Old Qu stroked his beard and laughed, "I've come to join in the fun."

Shangguan Wanjun smiled gently upon hearing this: "I wonder what Master is preparing."

The Right Prime Minister also looked curious: "Yes, Mr. Qu."

Everyone saw Mr. Qu take out three clappers from his body, and everyone looked at him curiously.

"I am here to perform a piece of poetry, a poem by Wang Wei called 'Lovesickness'."

Qu Lao changed his tone in his mellow and deep voice, "Red beans grow in the south, and in spring they sprout a few branches. I hope you will pick more, for this is the most nostalgic thing."

As he brought in the emotions, everyone seemed to have imagined that scene.

A clapper is a percussion instrument, also known as a tanban (sandalwood) or simply a ban (ban) because it is often made of sandalwood. It is also known as a tanban or chaoban (chaoban). It is made of several pieces of hardwood, strung together with a rope, with the lower end opening and closing freely for striking the notes.

In ancient times, clappers were introduced into the Central Plains from the northwest. They were used in Sanyue in the Tang Dynasty, in folk storytelling, folk instrumental music, Jiaofang music, and Mahou music in the Song Dynasty, in palace music and zaju in the Yuan Dynasty, and in palace and folk music in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The number of boards used in a clapperboard fluctuated over the centuries, depending on the purpose of use. Typically, it consisted of five or six boards, with the maximum number sometimes being nine and the minimum being three or four. During the Tang and Song dynasties, clapperboards consisted of six or nine boards, struck by two hands. Today, clapperboards often consist of three boards.

Seeing her master playing with passion, Shangguan Wanjun pursed her lips, raised her eyes and smiled.

"Well, I didn't expect that Master is such a versatile person."

Old Qu laughed heartily. "I've traveled all over the country, seen the beautiful mountains and rivers, and experienced the customs and ways of the world. I must learn something, to make my career worthwhile."

General Xuanwei laughed heartily, startling the ladies at the tables in front and behind him.

"Okay, Mr. Qu is right. Let's have a drink together someday and study your decision-making."

"Oh, General, you're interested? Why not? You can ask me out anytime, and I'll be there anytime, haha."

The two seemed like close friends regardless of age, and felt that they had met too late. Shangguan Wanjun looked down, smiled helplessly, and shook her head.

The Right Prime Minister saw that the two were chatting happily and felt a little jealous and pouted: When did General Xuanwei become so eloquent that he could steal the limelight?

Feng Mowen, the Minister of Personnel who has always been low-key, spoke to his wife in a friendly manner.

"Madam, our second son is becoming more and more outstanding."

Madam Feng looked at her son and smiled gently and dignifiedly: "Yes, Master."

Unfortunately, there are many concubines in the harem, and she doesn't know when her Han'er will be able to truly experience the joy of being a father.

While everyone was discussing, Concubine De, Mu Wennian, who had rarely appeared, came to the banquet center.

"Your Majesty, your husband, and your mother, your son-in-law, are here to see you."

"My beloved concubine is exempt from the gift."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"What are you busy with today?" The other attendants had arrived long ago, but he had not yet arrived.

De Fei - Mu Wennian bowed and said: "Your Majesty, I have just finished researching the six-leaf fan."

Mo Youyan and Shuai Changzhao each brought a six-leaf fan, one large and one small. Shangguan Wanjun couldn't help but be stunned when she saw them. She stood up with curiosity and walked step by step to the front of Concubine De - Mu Wennian.

"This one is newly made. It's quite big."

"That's right, Your Majesty. I'll have someone try it out so you can feel the force of the wind."

Shangguan Wanjun nodded quickly upon hearing this: "Okay."

When the small six-blade fan started blowing, Shangguan Wanjun felt a slight chill, and at this time the Empress Dowager of the Eastern Palace just came in front of her.

"There's a cool breeze here, which is nice."

Concubine Wen, Bai Xuanyi, echoed, "It looks pretty good, but I don't know how long this wind will last."

Shuai Changzhao explained: "We've tested it, and it works for 25 minutes. The principle is to wrap the thread directly around the other side without any limit on the loop."

Mo Youyan continued, "There's also one that can last for half an hour, but it requires a lot of water. Cejun uses the windmill principle, and uses a six-bladed fan made of iron. As soon as the switch is pressed, wind will come out immediately."

After he reminded them, everyone realized that the large six-blade fan was made of iron.

Minister of War Hu Moying frowned slightly in thought: "But isn't iron too wasteful? Is there any other alternative?"

Iron was very precious in this era and was mostly used as cold weapons. It was only used in menus in ordinary households.

De Fei - Mu Wennian explained: "Indeed, but I am still researching, it just takes time."

Shangguan Wanjun couldn't let go and touched it, praising it generously.

"That's pretty good too. This is also a good thing that benefits the country and the people."

De Fei - Mu Wennian was startled and looked up: "Your Majesty, is it true?"

“Of course, its value is especially evident on hot summer days.”

Upon hearing this, Defei Mu Wennian smiled with satisfaction and relief.

"Good."

"You invented something that benefits the country and the people. I will reward you handsomely. Are you a fifth-rank official now?"

De Fei - Mu Wennian raised her eyes slightly: "That's right."

Minister of Revenue Mu Qinghai and Mrs. Mu smiled at each other. As parents, they were happy for their son's promotion and salary increase.

"Minister of Industry."

Minister of Works Lin Chenghao bowed and said, "I am here."

"What positions are vacant in your Ministry of Industry?"

Minister of Industry Lin Chenghao was stunned: "This... let me think about it."

"There is no vacancy at the moment, and there is no need for a replacement."

Shangguan Wanjun frowned: Why can't I find a reason to promote talented people?

Concubine De-Mu Wennian saw her displeasure and embarrassment, and didn't want him to worry about her affairs.

"Your Majesty, I have nothing to do. I am doing a good job in the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Civil Affairs."

Seeing that he was so considerate of her, the empress and his wife, Shangguan Wanjun wanted to give him a promotion and a raise, because he was a man of real talent and knowledge.

"From today on, you will be a fourth-rank official, still in charge of the Ministry of Works' Construction and Maintenance Division. I hope to see your department create more interesting and practical items in the future, to benefit our country and its people."

Hearing her heartfelt words, Concubine De-Mu Wennian hurriedly bowed respectfully.

"I thank the emperor." At this moment he was just a simple minister who was appreciated by his mentor, the emperor.

Shangguan Wanjun smiled with relief, then looked at the Minister of Works Lin Chenghao.

"You, the Ministry of Works, should go back and work hard to create this thing that will benefit the country and the people. It will be sold by the court and the funds will be raised from the Ministry of Revenue. If you do a good job, I will reward the entire Ministry of Works handsomely." There will always be brave men under a generous reward.

Similarly, there will always be talented people when there are great rewards.

She is looking forward to seeing how many talented people can be discovered this time.

"Yes, Your Majesty."