In the ancient Tang Dynasty, banquet culture prevailed, whether it was a royal celebration or a literati gathering, it was inseparable from wine and food. And at these grand banquets, toasting and blocking wine often become the key to testing a person's wisdom and emotional intelligence.
In Chang'an City, there was a literati named Li Mo, who was talented and witty, especially good at using toasting formulas and drinking blocking techniques at banquets to resolve embarrassment and enhance friendship.
One day, the Tang Emperor held a banquet in the palace and invited many civil ministers and military generals. Li Mo was also invited. At the banquet, the staggered and singing were boiling. Emperor Tang was in high spirits and frequently raised his glass to toast everyone.
However, Li Mo found that General Zhang, the military general at the same table, seemed to be a little drunk, and his face was already slightly drunk. He knew that if General Zhang continued to drink, he was afraid that he would lose his temper and damage the royal face. So, he decided to use his wisdom to block the wine for General Zhang.
Li Mo stood up, raised his glass to Emperor Tang and said, "Your Majesty, the minister has a word, I don't know whether to say it or not." ”
Emperor Tang smiled: "Li Qing, but it doesn't hurt to say it. ”
Li Mo said: "The minister saw that General Zhang was brave and good at fighting, and he made great achievements for the Tang Dynasty, and he admired it in his heart. Seeing the general's demeanor today, I am even more excited. The minister wanted to take this opportunity to toast to the general, wishing the general good health and continuing to serve the Tang Dynasty. ”
Emperor Tang nodded and praised: "Li Qing's words are very good, come, let's toast General Zhang together." ”
Everyone raised their glasses, and General Zhang had to stand up and drink with Li Mo and Emperor Tang. However, Li Mo secretly covered the wine glass with his sleeve, so that most of the wine in his glass was spilled on the sleeve, while General Zhang's wine glass was only lightly sipped.
Although this move was subtle, it was seen by everyone at the same table. They all praised Li Mo's wit and emotional intelligence. And General Zhang also glanced at Li Mo gratefully, secretly glad in his heart to have such a witty friend.
However, just when everyone thought that the banquet was about to end, an envoy from the Western Regions suddenly stood up and toasted to the Tang Emperor: "Your Majesty, although I am far away from the Western Regions, I have admired the Tang culture for a long time. Seeing the demeanor of His Majesty and all the adults today, my heart is very happy. I would like to toast Your Majesty and wish the friendship between the two countries to last forever. ”
Seeing that the envoys were so enthusiastic, Emperor Tang couldn't refuse, so he had to raise a glass to greet him. However, Li Mo saw that this envoy had an extraordinary amount of alcohol, and if he let the Tang Emperor drink with him, he was afraid that he would get drunk and lose his temper. So, he stood up again and toasted the envoy: "The envoy has come from afar, and it has been hard. Although I, Li Mo, am not talented, I am also willing to have a drink with adults to show my respect. ”
Seeing that Li Mo was so bold, the envoy couldn't refuse, so he had to drink with him. However, Li Mo secretly used the toasting formula, first praising the envoy with words, which made the envoy happy; Then he used wine to cheer up, but he skillfully poured the wine into his sleeve, leaving only a little mouth.
After this operation, although the envoy drank a lot of wine, Li Mo was only slightly drunk. And Emperor Tang also saw Li Mo's intentions and appreciated him even more.
After the banquet, Emperor Tang specially left Li Mo behind, praising him for his wisdom and emotional intelligence at the banquet. Li Mo modestly said that he was just doing his duty as a courtier.
However, this banquet made Li Mo famous in the court. People praised him for his toasting formula and his ability to block drinks, and considered him a true wise man. And Li Mo also knows that these wisdom and words do not come out of thin air, but need to be continuously studied and practiced.
This story spread all over Chang'an City and became a topic of conversation after dinner. People learned how to use wisdom and emotional intelligence to resolve awkwardness and strengthen friendships at a banquet. And Li Mo has thus become a model and example in people's hearts.
In the end, Li Mo's status in the court rose day by day, and he became a respected minister. He used his wisdom and emotional intelligence to solve many thorny problems for the imperial court, and also contributed to the prosperity and stability of the Tang Dynasty. And his unique toasting formula and drinking blocking skills have also become a good story that people talk about.