Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 118 The Prince and the Princess Send Birthday Gifts

Li Chengqian was wearing a gorgeous brocade robe, which was embroidered with auspicious dragon patterns in gold thread. The dragon was coiled with its fangs and claws bared, demonstrating the majesty of the royal family.

He walked to the center of the hall with great dignity, each step was steady and powerful, and he carried the confidence of a man chosen by heaven.

Li Chengqian bowed respectfully to the Emperor, his posture low and full of respect: "Grandfather, I wish you a long and healthy life. This is the birthday gift I prepared for you."

After saying that, the servants behind him brought up an exquisite box. The box was made of sandalwood and exuded a faint wood fragrance. It was carved with exquisite cloud patterns, which made it even more exquisite.

Li Chengqian opened the box, revealing a precious sword. The scabbard was inlaid with gemstones, some as bright as blood, some as deep as the ocean. They shone brightly in the candlelight, complementing each other brilliantly.

The blade shone with a chilling gleam, as if it could sever all darkness. It was engraved with exquisite patterns that resembled ancient runes, mysterious and solemn. "Grandfather, this sword is called 'Po Lu'. I ordered a skilled craftsman to forge it from top-grade iron, and it went through 81 steps to complete it."

"This sword represents my grandson's admiration for my royal grandfather. I hope it can symbolize his bravery. You have fought throughout your life, expanding the territory of the Tang Dynasty. Just like this sword, you have cut through thorns and are invincible."

"May your majesty endure forever, and no treacherous villains be able to approach you, just like the sharp edge of this sword, which deters the scoundrels."

The Emperor took the sword and drew it from its sheath. A flash of cold light flashed, and the sound of a dragon's roar echoed through the hall. He smiled and praised, "Cheng Qian is thoughtful. This sword is very good. I like it very much."

Li Tai stepped forward next. He was wearing a purple brocade robe embroidered with a Qilin pattern. The Qilin held its head high, looking very imposing.

He held an exquisite sandalwood box in his hand, which exuded a faint fragrance. The surface of the box was carved with intricate patterns, including plum, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum and other patterns that symbolized noble qualities.

"Grandfather Emperor, your grandson wishes you a long and healthy life." As he said this, he gently opened the box, revealing a small model of a golden jade seal.

Although this jade seal model is small, it is carved with incredible precision. Every corner is perfectly defined, and the dragon pattern on it is lifelike, as if it is swimming. "Grandfather, although this jade seal model is small, it represents the authority of our Great Tang."

"You spent your life laying the foundation for the Tang Dynasty, building this great dynasty from the flames of war. Every decision you made affected its rise and fall. I, your grandson, hope this will remind you of the glorious past, those days of war and battle."

"May your blessings continue, just like the imperial power symbolized by the jade seal, forever enduring and protecting our Tang Dynasty for thousands of years."

The Emperor nodded, his eyes filled with satisfaction. He looked at Li Tai, as if he saw hope for the future of the Tang Dynasty. "I accept this kind gesture from Tai'er. You are very thoughtful."

Princess Changle was wearing a pink palace dress, which was as gorgeous as the clouds in the sky. The pink satin was as soft as a dream, and it was embroidered with exquisite flower patterns with silk thread. Each flower was so beautiful that it seemed to have a fragrant smell.

Her figure was graceful, like a blooming flower. She bowed gracefully, her movements light and elegant. "Grandfather, your granddaughter wishes you a happy birthday and may you be blessed with blessings as vast as the East Sea."

Then, the palace maid presented a brocade box wrapped in silk and embroidered with colorful butterflies. The butterflies were lifelike, as if they were dancing.

Princess Changle opened the brocade box, revealing an exquisitely embroidered handkerchief.

There is a picture of the birthday star embroidered on the handkerchief. The birthday star has a kind and amiable expression, and the wrinkles on his face are clearly visible, each of which looks like a mark of wisdom left by the years.

There are children surrounding the handkerchief, laughing and playing. Some of them hold longevity peaches, some hold ruyi (Ruyi), and their innocent looks are vividly portrayed on the handkerchief.

Pine trees and cranes stood beside him, the cranes spreading their wings, graceful as if ready to take flight. Pine trees stood tall and vigorous, their needles distinct. "Grandfather, this handkerchief was embroidered by your granddaughter herself. Every stitch carries my best wishes for you. I worked on it for a long time, hoping to add a touch of thoughtfulness to your birthday celebration."

"May you live a long and happy life like this birthday star, and be happy and carefree every day."

The Emperor took the handkerchief, looked at Princess Changle lovingly, and gently stroked her head: "My Changle is really clever and skillful. I will treasure this handkerchief."

Another princess, accompanied by her attendants, brought a large chest adorned with colorful silk ribbons. She wore a pale yellow palace dress with delicate lace embroidered around the collar and cuffs, making her look even more charming and adorable. "Grandfather, your granddaughter greets you. May you enjoy a long and prosperous life."

When the box was opened, a set of exquisite tea sets was revealed. The porcelain was delicate and white, as smooth as mutton-fat jade.

The tea set is painted with exquisite peony patterns. The peonies are in full bloom, with layers of petals in bright colors. The red peonies are as passionate as fire, the pink peonies are as shy as a girl, and the white peonies are as pure as snow.

"Grandfather, you love to drink tea in your spare time, and I know you're quite particular about your tea sets. I specially found this set, selecting it from among many others, hoping it will add a touch of elegance to your tea-drinking pleasures."

"When you drink tea with this tea set, you can feel the blessing of your granddaughter. I wish you peace and good health for many years, and may you be as prosperous and wealthy as this peony."

The Emperor smiled and said, "Xincheng is very thoughtful. I really like this tea set. It will surely make tea drinking more enjoyable in the future."

The emperor laughed out loud: "Hahahaha"

The emperor stepped forward and said, "There are still these ministers who have not presented their gifts."

The Emperor gave a hearty laugh, which echoed throughout the hall. "Today is truly bustling and lively. I am delighted. Well, let's see what gifts the ministers have prepared."

The emperor nodded slightly and said to the ministers below, "My dear ministers, it is now your turn to present gifts to the Emperor. I hope you can demonstrate your loyalty and sincerity."

The Emperor gave a hearty laugh, which echoed throughout the hall. "Today is truly bustling and lively. I am delighted. Well, let's see what gifts the ministers have prepared."

The emperor nodded slightly and said to the ministers below, "My dear ministers, it is now your turn to present gifts to the Emperor. I hope you can demonstrate your loyalty and sincerity."

Upon hearing this, the ministers stepped forward one after another.

An old official in purple official uniform walked slowly but his eyes were determined.

Lord Fang walked to the center of the hall and respectfully knelt before the Emperor and the Retired Emperor, saying, "I respectfully wish the Retired Emperor a long life as great as the Southern Mountains and blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea. I offer this gift to the Retired Emperor, wishing him good health and prosperity for the country."

After saying that, the servant behind him carried up an ancient box.

Lord Fang opened the box, revealing a set of ancient bamboo slips. He said slowly, "Your Majesty, these bamboo slips are from the pre-Qin period, and I came across them by chance."