Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 129 The Polo Match is About to Be Held, A Glimpse into the Lives of People!

Early May.

With lush greenery and fading blossoms, and a cool breeze blowing, it is the perfect time for a gathering.

The Jinmingchi Polo Club was thus established.

The Kim Myung Chi Polo Club is usually held in June or July.

However, the second year of the Zhiping era was somewhat special, as it involved the "Diji" sacrifice.

The so-called "Di Cha" sacrifice, also known as the joint sacrifice, originated in the Western Zhou Dynasty.

Its main purpose was to jointly worship ancestors of all dynasties, thereby demonstrating the legitimacy of the imperial throne.

Among them, the ancestors worshipped together may even have committed some unspeakable and sordid acts.

Just like during the Zhou Dynasty, Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong were worshipped together under the "candlelight and axe shadow" ritual.

The act of holding a joint ancestral worship ceremony is tantamount to the descendants forcing their ancestors to "make peace," which is beneficial for uniting and appeasing the clan.

Throughout history, some dynasties continued the "Di Cha" sacrifice, while others did not perform the sacrifice.

During the Zhou Dynasty, the "Di Cha" sacrifice began in the first year of the Qingli era.

Emperor Zhao Zhen conducted the "Di Cha" sacrifice in the first year of the Qingli era. He first offered sacrifices to Emperor Taizu, and then to Emperors Taizong and Zhenzong in turn, in order to highlight Emperor Taizu's "sole supremacy" status and demonstrate "the continuation of Emperor Taizu's legacy".

The "Di Cha" sacrifice, held every five years, with Emperor Taizu as its central figure, gradually became a regular practice.

Now, it is the sixth Diqi sacrifice.

Compared to regular sacrificial rites, the "Di Cha" sacrifice is much more solemn and lasts until October.

The Jinmingchi Polo Club naturally had to make way for the "Dijia" sacrificial ceremony.

However, by October, the grass on the pasture has long since withered.

Therefore, the only option is to hold the event one or two months earlier.

Jiying Lane, Sheng Mansion.

Wei Ruixuan.

Sheng Rulan held a golden flower petal in her hand, gazing intently at it.

"Sister-in-law Hai is so kind; she even had someone specially send over these lifelike flowers," Sheng Rulan exclaimed in surprise.

So-called artificial flowers, also known as lifelike flowers, have a history dating back to the Han Dynasty.

Compared to fresh flowers that wither easily, exquisite lifelike flowers can be so realistic that they won't wither.

The specific cost depends on the materials used to create the lifelike flowers.

If it is paper or silk, the cost is lower and the production difficulty is not high.

If it is jade or gold thread, the cost will be much higher, and it will be a great test of the craftsman's skills.

The lifelike flower specially sent by Hai Chaoyun was woven with gold thread, and the texture of the petals and the gradual change in color were a great test of the craftsman's skill.

The fact that they sent such lifelike flowers so soon after the engagement is undoubtedly a sign of goodwill.

"The Hai family of Jiangning has been prominent for generations, so the young lady's upbringing is naturally first-rate." Wang Ruofu nodded, looking pleased.

In order to marry a good man, as soon as Sheng Changbai passed the imperial examination and became a junior official, he went to Jiangning with Sheng Hong to arrange a marriage proposal.

As expected, Hai Chaoyun and Sheng Changbai were both very satisfied with their meeting.

There was no way around it; Sheng Changbai was indeed handsome and had a face like jade!
In fact, the Sheng family has had three generations of exceptionally good looks.

This tactic of winning a woman's heart with his handsome face has been used three times across three generations.

There's no need to say more about Old Master Sheng. He was a third-place scholar in the imperial examinations. With his handsome appearance, he won the attention of the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi's family. She was so smitten that she fell head over heels in love and insisted on marrying him.

Sheng Hong also used this tactic.

Years ago, as soon as he passed the imperial examination, he was taken by Old Madam Sheng to ask for the hand of the eldest daughter of Grand Tutor Wang, and he succeeded in the end.

A poor scholar who easily won the heart of the Grand Tutor's daughter—who would believe it was because he lacked beauty?
This time, Sheng Changbai used the same trick.

The title "Shujishi" signifies exceptional talent and learning.

The act of inserting a hairpin into a marriage proposal allows the woman to see the man's beautiful face and demeanor up close.

His good looks and talent naturally pleased the woman greatly.

For Sheng Changbai, Hai Chaoyun, born into the prominent Hai family, was well-mannered and beautiful, making her a perfect match. Both sides were satisfied, and the marriage was arranged.

"In two days, it will be the famous Kim Myung Chi Polo Club."

Wang Ruofu glanced at his daughter: "There will be many sons of powerful and wealthy people there. Aren't you going to dress up?"

The requirements of the Kim Myung Chi Polo Club are higher than most people can imagine.

Given the Sheng family's social standing, they were not qualified to participate in the Jinmingchi Polo Club.

However, what can she do when she has a son-in-law who is a high-ranking official?
Sheng Rulan shook her head dismissively: "Does Mother think that dressing up a bit will make her outshine everyone else and attract the attention of the sons of the powerful and wealthy?"

Jinmingchi Polo Club is home to many children of top noble families, all of whom are of excellent character and appearance. Sheng Rulan does not believe she has a chance to stand out.

Lately, she has gradually lost her allure for the young master, but she has no desire to deliberately show it.

Wang Ruofu knew her daughter well and knew what her daughter cared about, so she slowly said, "Mo Lan is going too."

"You don't dress up, but Mo Lan dresses up with all her might."

"Ok?"

Sheng Rulan was startled and looked over, somewhat surprised: "Wasn't it the invitation sent by the eldest sister? How could that little bitch go?"

"Keep your voice down."

Wang Ruofu's expression changed, and she subconsciously glanced towards the door: "How can a young lady be so rude? If your father hears this, you'll definitely get a scolding."

Sheng Rulan hung her head, snorted, and didn't talk back.

"As the eldest sister, Hua'er should not be too biased and must be magnanimous."

"Just tell me if you want to dress up or not!" Wang Ruofu provoked. "I don't know if you can outshine everyone. But if you refuse to dress up, you'll definitely be overshadowed by Mo Lan."

In a moment of panic, Sheng Rulan wrinkled her delicate nose slightly: "Get dressed!"

……

Linqi Pavilion.

Sheng Molan changed into different ruqun (traditional Chinese dresses) one after another, while Lin Qinshuang offered her comments from time to time.

Since she comes from a respectable family and is the sister-in-law of a high-ranking official, she should make good use of this advantage and dress up as a lady of noble birth.

"Mo'er, there are many sons of powerful families at the polo match, so you must seize the opportunity," Lin Qinshuang instructed.

The Kim Myung Chi Polo Club is an absolutely rare and exceptional opportunity.

Among the sons of the powerful and wealthy who participate in polo matches are many legitimate sons of earls, marquises, and dukes. If they can attract the attention of a particular person, they can make a fortune.

Conversely, if it doesn't work, then things will be difficult.

Sheng Molan is already fifteen; at most, she'll have to wait another year.

If she couldn't find a wealthy husband, she would have no choice but to marry a poor scholar and live a miserable life.

Anyway, that's what Lin Qinshuang and Sheng Molan think.

Neither the mother nor the daughter was very satisfied with Sheng Hong's arrangements.

If you marry a poor scholar and are unlucky, he might not be ambitious and you'll have a miserable life.

Compared to that, marrying a nobleman's son is still the best option.

Once you marry into that family, you'll never lack wealth and status.

"Ah."

Sheng Molan nodded earnestly.

Lately, she has gradually lost her infatuation with the young master and realized that he seems to have feelings for Minglan.

Therefore, she could only temporarily find a son of a noble family as a candidate.

If you can't catch the young master, then catch the son of a noble family.

That night.

Jiang Zhao was summoned and hurriedly entered the palace.

(End of this chapter)