mtl008 Chapter 367: New Year's Oranges Placed in the Palace
Chapter 367: New Year's Oranges Placed in the Palace
Chapter 367: New Year's Oranges Placed in the Palace
Crown Prince Li Chengqian returned to the palace in a grand procession, carrying ten pots of oranges.
Along the way, palace servants cast curious glances at it. After all, this novel plant with alternating green and golden colors is rare in the palace.
Arriving outside Ganlu Palace, Li Chengqian straightened his clothes and announced loudly, "Your Majesty, I request to see you, Father."
"Come in." Li Shimin's calm voice came from the hall.
Li Chengqian stepped into the hall, followed by palace maids carrying New Year oranges.
Li Shimin put down the memorial in his hand and looked at the pots of oranges. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Cheng Qian, what did you bring back?"
Li Chengqian bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, these are New Year's oranges. I recently went to the Yuyu family's residence with Cheng Chumo, Qin Huaidao, and the others. Seeing these oranges, I was impressed by their fresh appearance and auspicious meaning, symbolizing great fortune. So, I thought of bringing them back to the palace to add some joy to the New Year."
Li Shimin stood up and approached the oranges, carefully examining their emerald green leaves and plump fruits. He nodded slightly and said, "They look quite nice, but what should I do with them? Do you have any ideas?"
Li Chengqian quickly said, "Your Highness dare not make the decision on your own. I hope your Majesty will make the final decision."
Li Shimin pondered for a moment, his gaze gazing out of the palace, his thoughts drifting away: "The Emperor Retired usually lives in seclusion, so since the oranges bring some joy this New Year, I'll send two pots to his palace so he can share in the New Year's joy."
"Your Majesty, this is a very good move. The Supreme Emperor will certainly be happy." Li Chengqian echoed.
"The Queen is in charge of the harem and has many complicated matters. There should be two pots of oranges placed in the Lizheng Hall. I wish her good health and good luck in the new year." Li Shimin continued.
Li Chengqian nodded and said, "Your Majesty, you are busy with all the affairs of the harem. It is your son's wish to have these oranges to accompany you."
Li Shimin looked at Li Chengqian again, his eyes full of kindness: "As the crown prince, you shoulder heavy responsibilities. I will also grant you two basins to place in the East Palace. I hope you will make progress in the new year."
Li Chengqian quickly knelt down to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your kindness, Father. I will definitely live up to your expectations."
"As for the remaining four basins," Li Shimin glanced around the hall, "Ganlu Hall is where I and my ministers hold daily meetings. Placing two basins here, I wish the Tang Dynasty good government and peace and prosperity."
Li Chengqian thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty is wise. Ganlu Hall is the core of the court. Placing the New Year oranges here will also inspire the ministers to be diligent and serve their officials."
"There are two more pots. Place them in the Taiji Hall," Li Shimin said slowly. "The Taiji Hall is where grand court meetings are held. Major celebrations are held here. Placing New Year's oranges here symbolizes the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and prays for the well-being of our people."
Li Chengqian sincerely admired: "Your Majesty, your father has been very thoughtful. The Taiji Hall, as the venue for national ceremonies, will be decorated with New Year's oranges, adding an auspicious atmosphere. In this way, the entire palace will be enveloped in this auspicious atmosphere. In the new year, the Tang Dynasty will surely enjoy good weather and prosperity."
Li Shimin nodded slightly, a pleased smile on his face: "Although these New Year's oranges are small, they carry beautiful expectations. Pass on my order to quickly send the New Year's oranges to all places."
"As you wish." After receiving the order, Li Chengqian immediately arranged for palace servants to deliver the New Year's oranges to the palace of the retired emperor, Lizheng Palace, East Palace, Ganlu Palace and Taiji Palace respectively.
The team carrying New Year's oranges shuttled through the corridors and palaces of the imperial palace. Wherever they went, the palace maids and eunuchs couldn't help but look sideways.
The young eunuchs who passed by were originally in a hurry, holding various things in their hands. When they saw the New Year oranges, they were stunned for a moment, and then their feet seemed to be nailed to the ground. Their eyes were fixed on the golden oranges and emerald green leaves, and they kept exclaiming: "Oh, these are New Year oranges, they are so beautiful!"
Several young palace maids were going together to deliver tea to various palaces. When they saw Nian Ju, they stopped and started whispering to each other.
One of the round-faced palace maids whispered, "This is the first time I've seen this thing. I've only heard of its auspicious meanings before, but I didn't expect it to be so beautiful."
Another palace maid with twin buns nodded gently: "Yes, it would definitely be very festive if displayed at home. I didn't expect that we could have one in our palace."
The ministers who were waiting to be summoned outside Ganlu Hall were also attracted by Nian Ju.
They usually hold court meetings, where all they see are serious official documents and solemn etiquette. The vibrant New Year oranges bring a bit of ease to their faces.
An old official stroked his beard and said with a smile, "Your Majesty's move has truly added a lot of new atmosphere to this New Year."
For a moment, the palace was extremely lively.
The palace servants carried the New Year oranges carefully, and wherever they went, they attracted crowds of onlookers and admiration.
In the palace of the retired emperor, Li Yuan looked at the New Year oranges that the palace servants had arranged, his eyes full of curiosity: "Are these the New Year oranges that Cheng Qian brought back? They are really something new."
The eunuch beside him quickly explained the meaning of the New Year oranges. Li Yuan nodded slightly and said, "Good, good. It looks festive. I hope that in the new year, the Tang Dynasty will continue to prosper and the people will live and work in peace and contentment."
In Lizheng Hall, Empress Zhangsun saw the New Year oranges and a gentle smile appeared on her face: "Your Majesty is thoughtful. These New Year oranges are placed in the hall, making the whole room bright and beautiful."
She ordered the palace servants to take good care of her, her eyes full of anticipation for the New Year.
In the Eastern Palace, Li Chengqian looked at the oranges placed in the study and bedroom, and secretly vowed in his heart that he would work harder in the new year and live up to his father's expectations.
In Ganlu Hall, ministers came to discuss government affairs, and when they saw the Nian oranges, they all showed surprised expressions.
Fang Xuanling was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, these oranges are quite unique. Placing them in the palace adds a bit of vitality to the court."
Li Shimin smiled and said, "This was brought back by the Crown Prince. It signifies great luck and good fortune. May all things go smoothly for the Great Tang in the new year, and may all your beloved ministers be successful in everything they do."
The ministers all agreed, and for a moment, the atmosphere in the hall was harmonious.
In the Taiji Hall, New Year oranges are placed in a prominent position.
During the grand court meeting, envoys from various countries and court ministers gathered here. When they saw the New Year oranges, they were all amazed at the prosperity and tolerance of the Tang Dynasty.
The arrival of New Year oranges immersed the entire palace in a festive and peaceful atmosphere.
The New Year’s bell is about to ring, and the people of the Tang Dynasty are also looking forward to the new year, which is as hopeful and auspicious as the New Year’s orange.
Inside the Lizheng Hall, the warm candlelight flickered gently, illuminating the surroundings.
Empress Changsun sat upright in front of a bronze mirror, and the maid beside her was carefully combing her hair with gentle and skillful movements.
After finishing her combing, the queen stood up and gently adjusted her gorgeous clothes, carefully smoothing out every wrinkle.
She walked slowly towards the two pots of oranges that had just been delivered, with an elegant posture and light steps.
The emerald green leaves of the New Year's oranges gleamed in the candlelight, and the golden fruits were plump and round, emitting a faint fragrance.
The queen's lips curled up slightly, her eyes filled with tenderness as she softly asked the maid beside her, "Look, how do these oranges look?"