Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 115 The Emperor Presents a Hetian Jade Ruyi, and the Empress Presents a Five-Colored Glass T

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn and festive, as if the air had frozen. Everyone held their breath and focused their eyes on the center of the hall.

At this time, the emperor was wearing a bright yellow court robe embroidered with dragon patterns. The dragon patterns were embroidered with exquisite craftsmanship. Every dragon scale was shining brightly under the candlelight, as if a real dragon was perched on it.

Li Shimin wore a crown with beads hanging down from it, swaying gently with his movements, adding a bit of majesty to his appearance.

He stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his steps were steady and powerful, and every step carried the dignity of a royal family as he slowly walked to the center of the hall.

The emperor first respectfully bowed towards the main seat where the emperor emeritus was sitting. This etiquette was solemn and complicated. He lowered his body with his forehead almost touching the ground to show his supreme respect for the emperor emeritus.

Then the Emperor stood up, his resonant voice echoing through the hall, filled with reverence as he spoke: "Father, today is your birthday, a day of great joy. I have carefully prepared a small gift. May you live a long and blessed life, as green as the pines of the Southern Mountains and as flowing as the waves of the East China Sea, and may happiness and health always be with you."

After saying this, the emperor waved his hand. This wave showed his royal style and seemed to have an aura of control over the overall situation.

Immediately, servants came forward carrying several exquisite gift boxes with neat and light steps.

The attendants carefully opened the gift boxes, and one of the jade boxes was particularly eye-catching.

Inside the jade box is a very finely carved Hetian jade Ruyi.

The texture of the jade ruyi is soft and delicate, like mutton fat, and warm to the touch. It emits a soft luster under the candlelight in the hall, just like moonlight falling on a quiet lake.

The jade body is carefully engraved with auspicious cloud patterns and the word "longevity". The cloud patterns are elegant and seem to move with the wind, while the word "longevity" is strong and powerful yet round. Every stroke demonstrates the craftsman's superb skills. One can tell at a glance that it took a lot of effort from the skilled craftsmen.

The Emperor then introduced, "Father, this Hetian jade ruyi is made of the finest Hetian jade that I ordered to be sourced from thousands of miles away. It was then meticulously carved by the palace's most outstanding jade carving master."

"It symbolizes success and good fortune, just like the great achievements and blessings of my father's life. It's fitting for your birthday. I hope it will always be by your side, bringing you good fortune and longevity. May every day be smooth and fulfilling for you."

The retired emperor looked at the exquisite jade ruyi, his eyes filled with satisfaction. A kind smile appeared on his face, and he nodded slightly. Although the movement was light, it was full of recognition of the emperor's gift. He said, "Your Highness is thoughtful. I like this jade ruyi very much. From the jade quality to the carving, everything reflects your care. I can feel this deep affection."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor hurriedly bowed again, his posture lowered and his attitude more reverent. He said, "As long as Your Majesty is pleased, it is all well. As long as I can make Your Majesty happy, that is my greatest wish. Your happiness and well-being are what I value most in my heart. May Your Majesty always be as happy as you are today."

After the emperor finished presenting the gift and stepped aside, the hall fell silent as everyone waited for the next presenter.

At this time, the queen moved lightly with lotus steps, and each of her steps was as light and graceful as a butterfly dancing among flowers.

The queen walked forward slowly, wearing a phoenix robe, which was simply a peerless work of art.

It was embroidered with a gorgeous phoenix design in gold thread, which shone brightly in the candlelight, making it look as if it were alive.

Every feather of the phoenix is ​​clearly visible, colorful, with wings spread out as if ready to fly, lifelike, as if it will soar above the heavens in the next second. Its body is also embellished with dazzling jewels, pearls as round as the bright moon, and gems as bright as stars. It shines brightly under the candlelight, showing its noble and graceful demeanor.

The queen first bowed gracefully to the emperor, then squatted slightly and folded her hands on both sides of her waist.

Her movements were graceful and her voice was gentle and soft, yet it resounded clearly throughout the hall: "I, your concubine, respectfully wish the Supreme Emperor a long and blessed life, like the evergreen pine, impervious to the ravages of time; like the auspicious crane spreading its wings, its blessings lasting forever."

"Today is the Emperor's birthday, a grand occasion celebrated by all the world. I have carefully prepared a birthday gift, hoping it will add to the Emperor's birthday celebration."

After saying that, the palace maids beside her brought up an exquisite sandalwood box. The box exuded a faint sandalwood fragrance, which seemed to add a bit of mystery to the gift.

The palace maids gently opened the lid of the box, their movements as gentle as if they were caressing the most precious treasure in the world.

Inside was a set of extremely exquisite colorful glass tea sets.

The glass tea set is transparent and crystal clear, as if it was cast from the colorful clouds in the sky.

Each piece has delicate patterns, some are blooming flowers, the flowers are so gorgeous that the texture of the petals is clearly visible, and you can almost smell the fragrance of the flowers; some are lively flying birds, with their wings spread out, ready to fly, with graceful posture, as if they are about to fly away from the tea set at the next moment.

As the light penetrates, it reflects colorful light, like a dream. The light interweaves together, forming gorgeous light and shadow in the hall, which is very beautiful.

The Queen continued, "Your Majesty, this set of glass tea sets was meticulously crafted by my craftsmen who spent many days and nights to create."

"I know that the Emperor loves to drink tea. This exquisite tea set will surely make tea drinking even more enjoyable. Every time I brew tea, watching the colorful light blend with the tea, it's like gathering all the beauty of the world into one cup."

"I hope Your Majesty will accept this. I hope Your Majesty can feel my blessing while sipping tea."

The retired emperor looked at the glittering tea set with admiration in his eyes. He examined it carefully, as if he saw the queen's good intentions. He smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, queen. This glass tea set is truly exquisite. Every detail is handled just right."

"I can see that you put a lot of effort into this gift. It's rare for you to put so much thought into it. I'm very pleased."

Upon hearing this, the Empress smiled modestly and bowed again, saying, "As long as the Retired Emperor is satisfied, I wish him happiness and eternal health. His happiness is the happiness of the entire harem and the world. I hope he will always be so happy."

After saying this, he slowly stepped aside, stood beside the emperor, and waited with the emperor for the next presenter.

The entire hall was still immersed in this festive yet solemn atmosphere, and the excitement of the birthday ceremony continued.

After the Queen stepped aside, Concubine Wei, dressed in gorgeous palace attire, walked over gracefully.

Her palace dress had a lavender base and was embroidered with delicate floral patterns in silver thread.