GBP Chapter 369 The Imperial Palace is Decorated for the New Year
Chapter 369 The Imperial Palace is Decorated for the New Year
Chapter 369 The Imperial Palace is Decorated for the New Year
Li Shimin sighed slightly, putting the forgotten thing behind him for the time being, his eyes fell on the tangerines again, and his thoughts drifted to the upcoming New Year.
He turned to look at Empress Zhangsun, his eyes full of anticipation for the New Year, and said, "Empress, the New Year is almost here, and it's time to decorate the palace."
Empress Changsun nodded slightly, a hint of a smile flickering in her eyes as she gently replied, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. In previous years, the Imperial Palace was decorated with lanterns and was incredibly lively. This year, with the added splendor of these mandarin oranges, it's sure to be even more spectacular than in previous years."
Li Shimin nodded gently, his eyes revealing memories of the lively New Year scenes of the past: "I still remember the New Years of the past. Red lanterns were hung everywhere in the palace, festive couplets were posted, and ministers brought their families to the palace to pay their respects, and there was laughter and joy everywhere."
Empress Zhangsun took over the conversation, "Yes, the children are all wearing new clothes and playing and laughing in the palace. The scene is full of the festive atmosphere of the New Year. This year, we must start preparing early."
Li Shimin said excitedly: "In addition to the red lanterns and spring couplets, I am thinking of placing more New Year oranges throughout the palace to let this auspicious atmosphere permeate the entire palace."
Empress Changsun smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, this is a great idea. New Year's oranges symbolize good fortune. Placing a few pots will not only bring joy but also good luck for the new year."
Li Shimin paused for a moment before continuing, "Also, this year's New Year's Eve dinner must be carefully prepared. Have the imperial kitchen prepare some new and unusual dishes that are not only delicious but also auspicious."
Empress Changsun thought for a moment and added, "Your Majesty, I think we could have the musicians choreograph some new songs and dances to perform at the New Year's Eve banquet, adding even more joy to the festival."
Li Shimin's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands in praise, "The Queen has been very thoughtful. This way, this year's New Year will surely be extraordinarily lively, allowing the entire court, both civil and military officials, and the common people to feel the prosperity, peace, and joy of the Tang Dynasty."
The two of them chatted with each other, carefully planning the preparations for the New Year, their eyes full of anticipation for the New Year.
After a detailed discussion with Empress Changsun, Li Shimin had a clear plan in mind for preparations for the New Year.
He looked at the Queen, his eyes full of trust and relief, and said, "Queen, I'm grateful for your concern for the palace's New Year preparations. I will go and arrange matters at court."
Empress Changsun bowed slightly and said with a gentle smile, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will make every effort to prepare and live up to your trust."
Li Shimin nodded gently, turned, and walked out of the Lizheng Hall. Outside, sunlight shone on the white marble steps, making them sparkle. He looked up at the vast imperial palace, took a deep breath, and called out loudly, "Someone come!"
After a while, the personal eunuch hurried over and knelt respectfully, "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"
Li Shimin looked dignified and spoke methodically, "Pass on my decree. Order the Minister of Rites to come to the palace immediately to see me to discuss matters related to the New Year's Grand Court Assembly. The ceremony must be arranged solemnly and grandly."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" After receiving the order, the eunuch quickly retreated and trotted all the way to convey the decree.
Li Shimin turned to look at another young eunuch and said, "Go inform the Ministry of Works and order them to prepare the red lanterns, spring couplets and other decorations needed for the New Year as soon as possible. They must ensure that the workmanship is fine and the style is novel."
The young eunuch quickly agreed and left.
Li Shimin thought for a moment and spoke again, "Tell the kitchen steward again. I want him to carefully prepare the New Year's Eve dinner. The dishes must be both sumptuous and delicious, and in line with the meaning of the New Year. Submit a memorial in three days for my review."
One decree after another came out of Li Shimin's mouth, and the palace instantly became busy.
Eunuchs ran between the palaces, conveying the emperor's orders.
After receiving the imperial edict, the ministers took action and began to prepare for various matters concerning the New Year.
Li Shimin stood in front of the hall, looking at the busy scene, his heart full of anticipation for the New Year.
He knew very well that the New Year was not only a time for family reunions, but also an opportunity to show the world the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
As Li Shimin's will was conveyed layer by layer, the entire palace seemed to be injected with a vibrant spring and instantly boiled over.
The palace maids and eunuchs shuttled between the palaces and corridors, their steps hurried but orderly.
The eunuchs of the Imperial Household Department were the first to bear the brunt of the work. They rushed into the warehouse, rummaged through boxes and cabinets to find samples of red lanterns from previous years, and then carefully compared and selected them based on the new style drawings sent by the Ministry of Works.
As they were choosing, they discussed with each other: "The styles of the lanterns this year are really novel. The Emperor and Empress must have put a lot of thought into them."
"Of course not! With this new style, the palace will definitely look more magnificent."
After selecting the lanterns, he quickly arranged for people to deliver them to the Ministry of Works and urged the craftsmen to make them as quickly as possible.
At the same time, the eunuchs in charge of the Spring Festival couplets were also busy.
They respectfully invited the Hanlin scholar who was good at calligraphy in the palace and prepared pens, ink, paper and inkstone.
The scholars wrote with their pens, and auspicious spring couplets appeared on the paper.
The eunuchs stood by, carefully drying and arranging them, muttering to themselves, "This calligraphy is so beautifully written, it exudes a sense of joy. It will definitely look good when hung up."
The palace maids were also busy.
Some were in the Imperial Garden, following the Queen's instructions, carefully selecting flowers suitable for New Year decorations, and preparing to arrange them with oranges, making the palace full of vitality.
Holding flower baskets, they shuttled among the flowers, whispering to each other: "These pots of daffodils are in full bloom, with a delicate and elegant fragrance. Placing them in the hall will definitely add a touch of elegance."
"Well, add a few pots of red plum blossoms. The red flowers and green leaves will make it look festive."
Some palace maids were busy in various palaces, removing old decorations, wiping tables, chairs and ornaments to make room for new decorations.
They meticulously wiped every corner, not leaving out any speck of dust. As they did so, they envisioned the lively New Year scene: "Once it's decorated, it's sure to be extraordinarily beautiful. There will be dinners and singing and dancing. Just thinking about it makes me happy."
In the imperial kitchen, after receiving the order, the chefs immediately gathered together to discuss the menu for the New Year's Eve dinner.
They looked through old recipes and, incorporating current seasonal ingredients, had a lively discussion: "This 'Dragon and Phoenix Bring Good Luck' dish, using chicken and fish, needs to be more elaborately presented, with a better meaning."
"As for this 'Continuous Abundance' dish, we need to be innovative in how we cook the fish. It should be both visually appealing and delicious."
The young eunuchs were busy taking notes and then rushed to purchase the necessary ingredients.
The entire palace was immersed in a busy and cheerful atmosphere. The palace maids and eunuchs each performed their duties and went all out to welcome the arrival of the New Year. Everyone was looking forward to decorating the palace beautifully on the occasion of the New Year and adding luster to the Tang Dynasty's New Year celebrations.