Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 116: Pine and Crane Longevity Picture, Chess, Golden Buddha and Rosewood Penholder Embroider

Concubine Wei's collar and cuffs were inlaid with a circle of white pearls. As she walked, the pearls shimmered with a soft luster, contrasting with the pearls and jade on her head.

She walked to the center of the hall and bowed to the Retired Emperor, performing a standard and graceful ceremony. She said in a delicate voice, "I respectfully wish the Retired Emperor happiness as vast as the East Sea and a life as long as the Southern Mountains. Today I offer you a small gift. May the Retired Emperor be in good health and live a long and prosperous life."

After saying that, two young eunuchs came forward carrying an exquisite box, gently placed it on the ground and opened it.

In the box was a carefully framed scroll. As the scroll slowly unfolded, a magnificent painting of "Pine and Crane Longevity" came into view.

In the picture, several pine trees stand tall from the ground, their needles clearly visible, like steel needles, revealing an indomitable spirit.

On the branches of the pine trees, several cranes are flying high with their wings spread, singing with their necks stretched out, or perching leisurely, each with its own unique posture, looking lifelike.

The cranes' feathers are depicted with delicate brushstrokes, and you can almost see the soft texture of the feathers, and each one looks like it is about to fly out of the painting.

The background of the picture is misty mountains, which appear and disappear, adding a mysterious atmosphere.

The concubine smiled and introduced, "Your Majesty, this painting, 'Pine and Crane Prolonging Life,' was created by a palace painter at my request, after months of painstaking effort. The pine symbolizes longevity and resilience, while the crane represents auspiciousness and elegance, perfectly suiting your noble status and the celebration of your birthday."

"I hope this painting will add a touch of color to the Emperor's birthday. I also wish him eternal youth, happiness and longevity, like the pine and crane trees."

The Emperor carefully observed the scroll, his eyes showing surprise. He nodded in praise and said, "You are thoughtful. This painting is truly exquisite. Both the composition and the brushwork are of the highest quality."

Upon hearing this, the concubine showed joy on her face and kowtowed again, saying, "It is my blessing that the Supreme Emperor likes it. I hope the Supreme Emperor can be in a good mood every day and enjoy the happiness of family." After saying this, she slowly stood up and stepped aside.

Concubine Yan De was dressed in a gorgeous palace dress with fluttering sleeves. The exquisite embroidery on it sparkled in the candlelight.

She walked gracefully to the center of the hall, bowed gracefully to the Emperor, and said softly, "Your Highness, I pay my respects to you and wish you a long birthday. I have come to offer you a birthday gift. May you be blessed with great fortune and a long life."

After saying this, the palace maid behind him came forward holding an exquisite brocade box and gently opened it. Inside was a pair of chess pieces carved from mutton-fat jade.

Every chess piece was round and smooth, without any flaws. The jade was as pure as snow, and it glowed softly under the light.

The characters on the chess pieces, whether they are "general", "soldier", "elephant", "chariot", "horse", "cannon", etc., are all carved vigorously and powerfully, and the strokes are exquisite.

The chessboard is made of precious sandalwood and is inlaid with fine gold and silver threads, outlining complex and exquisite chessboard patterns.

Concubine Yan De smiled and introduced, "Your Majesty, this chess set was carefully prepared by me. I heard that Your Majesty enjoys playing chess in his spare time. This mutton-fat jade chess set will not only add elegance to your game, but the jade's soft texture also nourishes the body and mind. May Your Majesty always find joy in playing chess and live a long and healthy life."

The Emperor looked at the exquisite chess set with admiration in his eyes. He smiled and said, "De Fei is very thoughtful. This chess set is truly a rare treasure in the world."

Concubine Yan De bowed again and said respectfully: "It is my honor that the Supreme Emperor likes me. I wish the Supreme Emperor happiness every year, just like this jade, pure and flawless, and longevity." After saying this, she slowly retreated.

As Concubine Yan De stepped down, another concubine slowly stepped forward.

The Yin concubine was wearing a pink palace dress with delicate butterfly patterns embroidered on it with silk thread. The hem of her skirt fluttered as if a breeze was blowing.

She lightly walked to the center of the hall and gracefully bowed to the Emperor, her voice clear and melodious: "I respectfully wish the Emperor a long life and great blessings. Today I offer you a small gift. May the Emperor always be filled with joy and live a long and healthy life."

After that, two young eunuchs came forward carrying an exquisitely carved box, gently opened the lid, and inside was an exquisite golden Buddha.

This golden Buddha has an elegant shape, sitting cross-legged, with a compassionate and peaceful face, as if overlooking all living beings.

The golden Buddha is shining with golden light all over, and every detail is carved in great detail, whether it is the folds on the Buddha's robes or the magical instruments in his hands, they are all lifelike.

Its eyes seem to contain the light of wisdom, giving people a sense of tranquility and far-sightedness.

The concubine smiled and said, "Your Majesty, this golden Buddha was specially crafted by skilled craftsmen. The Buddha is an auspicious object that can bless Your Majesty with good health and peace of mind."

"I hope that the Emperor will be blessed by the Buddha's light every day, just like this golden Buddha, forever shining with brilliance, and living as long as the evergreen pines on the southern mountains."

The Emperor looked at the golden Buddha and nodded in praise, "My beloved concubine, I accept this kind gesture from you. It is truly well-intentioned."

Then, another concubine came forward. She was wearing a sky-blue palace dress with white fur on the collar and cuffs, which made her look more noble.

Concubine Yang bowed to the Emperor Retired and said gently, "I respectfully wish the Emperor Retired a happy birthday, and may the years pass by like spring. I have a birthday gift to present to you."

Afterwards, the palace maids brought in a large tray covered with red brocade. The concubine uncovered the brocade and revealed a set of exquisite four treasures of the study.

The brush holder is made of precious rosewood and inlaid with tiny gems. The brush head has soft and tough hair, made of the finest wolf hair.

The ink stick has a delicate fragrance and a fine texture, which is obviously the best Huizhou ink. The rice paper is as thin as a cicada's wing, but tough and unbreakable, with a uniform texture.

The inkstone is a Duan inkstone, the stone is warm and delicate, and it is carved with exquisite landscape patterns, with gurgling water and mountains shrouded in clouds and mist.

The concubine introduced, "Your Majesty, you have always loved calligraphy. These four treasures of the study will surely help you create more masterpieces. May your talent be as free and unrestrained as these brushes and ink, leaving behind stories that will be passed down through the ages. I also wish you good health and happiness, and may you enjoy the leisurely pleasure of writing with brush and ink."

The Emperor smiled and said, "My beloved concubine understands me. I like this gift very much."

Then, a concubine dressed in goose yellow palace dress appeared.

She walked to the center of the hall, bowed, and said, "I wish the Supreme Emperor great blessings and a long life. I present this birthday gift to you." Then, attendants carried up a huge screen. On it was a beautifully embroidered painting.

The concubine whispered, "Your Majesty, this screen symbolizes the prosperity of the royal family. May Your Majesty feel warmth and happiness in this beautiful scene, and enjoy a long and blessed life."

The Emperor looked at the screen, his eyes full of smiles: "My beloved concubine, this gift is truly unique. I am very pleased."