mtl008 Chapter 117 The Prince Sends Birthday Gifts: Gold Silk Armor, Jade Ruyi, and a Glazed Pagoda with a
Chapter 117 The Prince Sends Birthday Gifts: Gold Silk Armor, Jade Ruyi, and a Glazed Pagoda with a
The concubines have finished giving their gifts, and now it’s the prince’s turn.
Amidst everyone's anticipation, a prince dressed in a gorgeous brocade robe, a purple gold crown on his head, and a jade belt around his waist strode into the hall.
He exuded an innate dignity and majesty, and was followed by a row of attendants, each holding or carrying an exquisite gift box in their hands.
The prince walked to the center of the hall, knelt gracefully on one knee, clasped his fists and said loudly: "Grandson respectfully wishes the Emperor a happy birthday. May the Emperor have a long and prosperous life and good health!"
His voice was loud and resonant, echoing in the hall, and every word was filled with sincere blessings.
The Emperor was sitting on the dragon throne. Seeing the prince coming, a relieved smile appeared on his face. He raised his hand and said, "Hurry up and get up. You are so thoughtful, kid."
The prince stood up, slightly turned sideways, and waved his hand. The attendants then neatly placed the gift boxes in the center of the hall.
He personally went forward and opened the first gift box, which contained a huge jade Ruyi.
This jade Ruyi is emerald green all over and flawless. Under the candlelight, it looks like a clear spring, emitting a charming luster.
The head of the Ruyi is carved with exquisite cloud patterns, which symbolize good luck and good fortune. The lines of the cloud patterns are smooth and natural, as if clouds from the sky are floating on this jade Ruyi.
The prince took the Ruyi and respectfully presented it to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, this jade Ruyi was specially brought to you from the far south. Jade is known to nourish the body, and the Ruyi symbolizes success. May Your Majesty, holding this Ruyi, enjoy everything you desire, a happy mood, and good health."
The Emperor took the Ruyi, examined it carefully, nodded in praise, and said, "This jade is of excellent quality and the carving is exquisite. Thank you for your hard work."
The prince then opened the second gift box, which contained a set of gorgeous gold armor.
Each strand of gold on the armor is as thin as a hair, yet incredibly strong, woven into intricate and exquisite patterns. Key areas of the armor are inlaid with dazzling gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. These gemstones shine with a myriad of colors under the light, making the entire armor look both majestic and luxurious.
The prince said, "Your Majesty, you have fought throughout your life and rendered invaluable service to our dynasty. This golden armor was meticulously crafted by your grandson. Although Your Majesty no longer needs to fight on the battlefield, it symbolizes your illustrious military exploits and fearlessness. May your name, like this armor, shine forever and bless our dynasty."
A trace of reminiscence flashed in the eyes of the retired emperor. He stroked the armor and said with emotion: "Seeing this armor reminds me of the days on the battlefield. You, child, always remind me of those passionate days."
Then, the prince opened the third gift box, revealing a huge scroll.
The scroll slowly unfolded, revealing a magnificent landscape of vast mountains and rivers. The artist, with delicate brushstrokes, depicted the majestic landscape: towering peaks shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland; and surging rivers, their waters so turbulent they seemed almost audible.
There are vast plains, fields thriving with crops, a scene of abundant harvest; and bustling cities, streets bustling with people. The colors in the painting are rich and harmonious, and every detail is handled just right.
The prince introduced, "Your Majesty, you have always cared deeply about the country and devoted your life to it. This vast landscape painting was commissioned by several renowned painters and took months to complete."
"It represents the splendid landscape of the Tang Dynasty and symbolizes the great achievements of the retired emperor. I hope that when the retired emperor looks at this scroll, he can feel the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. I also hope that the country will be forever strong and as beautiful as this scroll."
The retired emperor gazed at the scroll and exclaimed in admiration, "This painting is truly a masterpiece. It seems as if the entire country I have protected all my life is presented before my eyes. Wonderful!"
The prince opened another gift box, which contained a complete set of rare ancient books.
Some of these ancient books are long-lost copies, while others are classics that have been preserved for thousands of years.
The pages of ancient books are made of special paper, which is still well preserved despite its age. The cover of each book is bound with precious silk and embroidered with the title in a simple and elegant font.
The prince said respectfully, "Your Majesty, you have always valued culture and respected knowledge. These ancient books were collected by your grandson from various places, and I hope they will add to the royal collection. I hope Your Majesty will gain more wisdom and enjoyment from reading these ancient books, and I also hope that our dynasty will prosper culturally and produce more talented people."
The emperor took an ancient book, flipped through it gently, and said, "These ancient books are truly priceless treasures. You have done a good thing for the cultural heritage of our dynasty."
Next, the prince ordered his attendants to carry up a huge box. When it was opened, an exquisite glazed pagoda was revealed inside.
This glazed pagoda has seven stories, each one exquisitely crafted. The glass, a vibrant hue, is transparent and pure. Numerous Buddha images and scriptures are carved into the pagoda. The statues' expressions are solemn and reverent, and the text of the scriptures is legible. Atop the pagoda lies a massive night-shining pearl, emitting a soft yet luminous glow, like the all-pervading Buddha's light.
The prince said, "Your Majesty, this glazed pagoda symbolizes the prosperity and good fortune of our dynasty. The Buddhist scriptures say that pagodas ward off evil spirits and ensure peace. May this glazed pagoda bring good fortune to Your Majesty, and may our dynasty enjoy good weather, prosperity, and peace for the people."
The Emperor looked at the glazed pagoda with amazement in his eyes: "This pagoda is truly a masterpiece of art, so rare in the world!"
The prince continued to open other gift boxes, which contained spices tributed from the Western Regions, with a fragrant aroma that could calm the mind and refresh the brain; there were precious furs sent from the north, which were soft and comfortable and could keep out the cold and keep warm; there were also various rare treasures, each of which was priceless, and they were all birthday gifts carefully selected by the prince.
The prince bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, these gifts are all from my grandson's heart. May Your Majesty be happy every day in the new year, and may your health improve, so that you can continue to bear witness to the glory of our dynasty."
The entire hall was overwhelmed by the prince's birthday gift, and everyone felt the prince's deep respect and love for the emperor. In this joyful and peaceful atmosphere, the emperor's birthday celebration became even more grand and meaningful.