Chapter 28: Bestowing of Marriage at the Birthday Banque (1/2)
As the eunuch’s words left his mouth, everyone who was originally standing straight started to kowtow as they gave their greetings in unison. “Long live the Emperor for ten thousand years, long live the Empress Dowager for a thousand years, long live the Empress for a thousand years!”
Those bright yellow ceremonial robes representing the imperial clan appeared before everyone as the Emperor announced, “Today is the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet. All of my great officials need not be so polite. All of you may rise!” Finishing his statement, the Emperor waved his hand, indicating for everyone to be pardoned.
“We are grateful to His Majesty.”
The Emperor might have pardoned the courtesy, but how could these elites who were seasoned officials serving in the capital not understand that it was just civility? They who were officials, naturally had to conduct themselves thoroughly and with etiquette. It was only now that everyone crawled back up from the ground and allowed a eunuch to guide them to their seats.
As such, this birthday banquet officially started.
Of course, Bai Luochu wasn’t able to move about freely in the main hall due to the occasion. Since her objective wasn’t here yet, she stood silently beside Pei Qingfeng. If it was possible, Bai Luochu wanted to turn herself into an invisible person.
The birthday banquet had just started and the Emperor immediately gave a speech to everyone present. “Many thanks to all my great officials for offering their blessings. This Emperor shall offer a toast to everyone and also wish the Empress Dowager happiness as immense as the East Sea and has longevity as long as the South Mountains.”
“We wish the Empress Dowager happiness as immense as the East Sea and has longevity as long as the South Mountains.” Everyone echoed along before drinking the wine placed before them.
“This grandson specially made a trip to a faraway place to search for a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager. As the eldest grandson of the imperial clan, I naturally have to set an example for the younger brothers.”
The person who spoke had an extraordinary appearance. Even though he had a deep scar above his right eye, it wasn’t able to conceal his distinct and sharp features. The only flaw this person had was that his eyes looked too aggressive and would develop a subconscious feeling of fear after looking at him.
Eldest grandson? Wouldn’t that make him the First Prince? Wasn’t he the First Prince that bought her and provided her with preferential treatment?
When she thought about this, Bai Luochu couldn’t help but lower her head a little more. She might not have seen the First Prince before, but to prevent the First Prince from recognizing her, she better avoid him... just in case.
As the First Prince finished his statement, the manservant lifted the veil covering the gift.
One could see some colors scattered about within the crystal. It wasn’t considered completely transparent, but when one looked at it from a distance, the colors seemed like they were naturally formed to paint a picture of a pine and crane longevity painting. In the center of the crystal was the crystal clear painting. It was no wonder that the First Prince was in a hurry to present it, as it would probably overshadow all the other gifts.
“Great! This is truly a mystical stone! My good grandson is very considerate. Men! Bestow ten strings of east pearls!” Before the First Prince could even explain his gift, the Empress Dowager revealed a delighted expression and praised the First Prince before bestowing a reward upon him.
After the First Prince, the princes went up to offer their gifts in succession. But with the First Prince’s gift standing at such a height above the rest, all their gifts seemed mediocre at best. The only other gifts that could stand up to it were the Second Prince’s pine tree made with corals and the Third Prince’s spirit medicine which was meant for prolonging the human lifespan. In the end, most of them were just gifts of goodwill and the Empress Dowager didn’t behave ambiguously as she bestowed rewards to all of the grandsons that offered their gifts.