Chapter 1243: YeXi Dedicated gifts (2/2)
Gifting presents in this event had two situations. One was delivering the gift ahead of time, while the other was a “dedicated” gift. Delivering gifts was commoner protocol, while dedicating them was an etiquette of the imperial household. Of the 100 or so guests present, they were considered lower ranks who gave their gifts to the palace eunuchs long before entering the palace. Higher ranked members would present their gifts directly at the banquet. Typically speaking, gifts were only dedicated after the banquet began and three rounds of wine were drunken. Since it was Gu Beiyue who started the motion while everyone was still hungry, nobody brought up proper etiquette with him. There weren’t many dedicated gifts to begin with, so perhaps the emperor would start eating after they were done?
The guests were anticipating the Grand Tutor’s gift. Gu Beiyue ordered someone to bring over his present, which turned out to be none other than a huge map! He personally opened the map with his retainer to show the emperor, empress, crown prince, and courtiers. The entire thing was taller than he was and over two meters wide while depicting the entirety of Cloud Realm Continent.
“Your Highness Crown Prince, this subject spent three months to personally draw and include every prefecture, city, and town in Cloud Realm Continent. This subject also marked the locations prone to floods, droughts, fires, snowstorms, and other rarer disasters.”
Gu Beiyue paused to sigh, then continued, “This year, the Great Qin’s northern region has been constantly tormented by tribulations. Between famine, plague, and snow, the people have found it hard to survive. As Your Highness is now one years old, this subject offers this gift on behalf of the northern disaster victims as well as Great Qin citizens in hopes of inciting your pity. I wish that our Great Qin suffers no more tragedies.”
Rui’er couldn’t understand him, but he had long been enthralled by the giant map. He glanced at his imperial father, saw him nod, and hopped off his seat to walk in front of the offering. He was only one and already very small, but the giant map completely dwarfed him. Still, he wasn’t cowed by its size and folded his hands behind his back to look up and study every corner. Everyone stilled at the sight, including Long Feiye and Han Yunxi. They watched Rui’er look at the map with the same feelings in mind.
Time flies, and decades would pass by sooner or later. When Rui’er eventually grew up, he wouldn’t have to raise his head to study the map anymore. Instead, he would stand at Great Qin’s tallest point to watch half the kingdom below his feet! By then, Great Qin would definitely become a strong and prosperous country with no more wars or disasters!
To their eyes, this was the expectation Gu Beiyue held for little Rui’er. Unfortunately, many other people present thought differently. They only assumed that Gu Beiyue had mentioned the disaster victims at such a grand setting to remind the emperor of their plight and indirectly express his disapproval with the empress!
Baili Yuanlong stroked his beard thoughtfully. I respected the right man after all. Of all the people in Great Qin’s camp, he only acknowledged Gu Beiyue. Baili Lixiang only smiled slightly and began to study Gu Beiyue from the shadows. She couldn’t believe that the Medical Academy Head had married a woman who lost use of both legs!
Xiao Dong kept shooting looks at Xiao An. To him, it was clear that Gu Beiyue had already expressed his stance. Naturally, they had to strike while the iron was hot to make their voices known too. Yet Xiao An only silenced Xiao Dong with a glare of his own. It was still unclear who’d get the best of this show today!
As soon as Gu Beiyue returned to his seat, Gu Qishao went forth to hand over the title and deed to No. 7 Teahouse. Tang Li and Ning Jing gave a specialized hidden weapon toy. After the royal relations were finished their turn, it was time for the four Guogong’s dedicated gifts. Of the quartet, Baili Yuanlong was considered the head. This time he was the first to stand. As everyone looked on expectantly, Baili Yuanlong submitted a single pearl with both hands.
“Your Highness Crown Prince, this is the new white pearl from the East Sea this year. It’s a little token of my appreciation, please indulge it!”
Everyone exchanged looks of panic. After all, His Excellency Baili had only presented an extremely ordinary pearl despite his esteemed position. What did he mean by this? It was akin to provoking the crown prince and empress!
Rui’er didn’t get what was going on, but he could sense Baili Yuanlong’s unkind intentions and didn’t move. Baili Yuanlong maintained his posture of offering the gift. Very soon, Han Yunxi’s cold voice rang out. “Your Excellency Baili, why don’t you tell us about the particulars of this white pearl? Is it worth the indulgence of His Highness Crown Prince?”