Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

"I believe that the Emperor has devoted his entire life to the country and the people. This ancient book may provide him with some food for thought in his spare time, and it may also contribute to the development of the Tang Dynasty."

The Emperor looked at the bamboo slips with surprise in his eyes. "My dear minister, you are so thoughtful. These ancient books are truly treasures. I will study them carefully."

Then, Lord Chen came forward, dressed in a green official uniform and looking very high-spirited.

After paying his respects, he said, "Your Majesty, I wish Your Majesty a long and blessed life."

Then, the attendant presented a scroll, which unfolded to reveal a long scene depicting a prosperous era. The painting showed a bustling street, people living and working in peace and contentment, and numerous shops.

"Your Majesty, this painting was commissioned by several artists over several months, and it depicts the prosperity of our Tang Dynasty today. I hope that Your Majesty, upon seeing this painting, will be pleased with our dynasty's achievements, and that this prosperous era will last forever."

The Emperor smiled and nodded. "Yes, this painting vividly depicts the spirit of our dynasty. Very good."

Dressed in imposing armor, Cheng Yaojin strode to the center of the hall and saluted the retired emperor and the emperor with a majestic military salute. His voice was as loud as a bell: "Retired emperor, Your Majesty, I, Old Cheng, am here to congratulate the retired emperor on his birthday! I wish the retired emperor a long and prosperous life."

After saying that, he waved his hand, and two strong soldiers behind him came forward carrying an exquisite box.

Cheng Yaojin personally opened the box, and inside was a Hetian jade Buddha statue. The texture of this Hetian jade Buddha statue was warm and delicate, like mutton fat, and it exuded a soft and holy luster under the candlelight.

The Buddha statue has a kind face, with lowered eyebrows and eyes, as if overlooking all living beings, revealing a kind of tranquil and far-reaching charm.

The lines of the Buddha's sleeves are smooth and natural, as if swaying in the breeze, and every fold is carved in great detail.

Cheng Yaojin grinned and said, "Your Majesty, I spent a lot of effort to find this Hetian jade Buddha statue."

"This jade Buddha statue symbolizes good fortune and peace. I hope the emperor can be like this Buddha, free from worries and happy every day. With the Buddha's blessing, the emperor will surely live a long life, and our Tang Dynasty will also be prosperous and prosperous."

The Emperor looked at the Jade Buddha statue with joy in his eyes and said, "Lord Cheng, you are so thoughtful. This Jade Buddha statue is truly exquisite. I like it very much."

The emperor also nodded and praised: "General Cheng's gift shows your sincerity." Cheng Yaojin scratched his head, smiled foolishly and stepped aside.

Qin Qiong was dressed in solemn court robes, with an upright posture and steady steps as he walked towards the center of the hall.

He first bowed respectfully to the Retired Emperor and the Emperor, his expression solemn and sincere: "Retired Emperor, Your Majesty, your servant Qin Qiong respectfully wishes the Retired Emperor a happy birthday. May the Retired Emperor be blessed with longevity and good health."

After he finished speaking, he waved his hand and the servants brought up an exquisite gift box.

Qin Qiong stepped forward and opened the gift box, which contained a golden ruyi.

This golden Ruyi has an elegant and majestic shape, shining with golden light all over, and every detail shows exquisiteness.

The head of Ruyi is carved with intricate cloud patterns. The lines of the cloud patterns are smooth and graceful, giving a sense of agility, as if they really are auspicious clouds in the sky.

The handle of the Ruyi is engraved with cranes and green pines, symbols of longevity. The crane spreads its wings as if ready to fly with an elegant posture, while the green pines stand tall and vigorous, appearing lifelike.

Qin Qiong held up the golden ruyi with both hands and presented it to the emperor: "Your Majesty, this golden ruyi was carefully selected by me."

"Gold symbolizes nobility, and Ruyi signifies success and good fortune."

"I wish the Emperor's life to be like this golden ruyi, with everything going smoothly and everything going smoothly. I also wish the Emperor's longevity to be like this gold, never fading but always shining."

The Emperor, smiling, took the golden ruyi and examined it carefully. "My dear Minister Qin, you are always so attentive. This golden ruyi is extremely exquisite. I am very satisfied."

The emperor also nodded slightly: "General Qin's gift is indeed of excellent quality."

Qin Qiong bowed again and slowly retreated.

Wei Zheng, dressed in a plain official uniform, walked slowly and steadily to the center of the hall.

He bowed deeply to the Retired Emperor and the Emperor, his expression respectful and sincere: "Retired Emperor, Your Majesty, your humble servant Wei Zheng respectfully wishes Your Majesty great fortune and everlasting longevity. Today, I offer you this Hetian jade Longevity Star as a token of my appreciation."

After saying that, the attendant behind him carefully brought up a brocade box. Wei Zheng took the box and gently opened it. An exquisite Hetian jade longevity god appeared before everyone.

The texture of the Hetian jade is warm and delicate, like mutton fat. Under the candlelight in the hall, it emits a soft and holy luster, as if it carries an auspicious aura.

The God of Longevity is carved vividly, with a kind smile on his face and his eyes narrowed into slits, revealing kindness and peace, as if he knows all the joys in the world.

The hair on his head is clearly defined, and his long white beard falls down to his chest, each strand seeming to flutter gently in the breeze, showing his elegant demeanor.

He wears a loose robe, the folds of which are meticulously detailed, as if they sway gently with his movements.

In his hand, he was leaning on an exquisite dragon-headed cane, the dragon head of which was carved in a majestic manner, showing his extraordinary demeanor.

Wei Zheng held the jade Longevity God in both hands and presented it to the Emperor, saying slowly, "Your Majesty, this Hetian jade Longevity God symbolizes longevity and good health. I hope Your Majesty can be like this Longevity God."

"Blessed with profound blessings, and safe every year, I shall enjoy a long and prosperous life. May it continue to protect my Great Tang Dynasty, which will remain forever strong and prosperous."

The Emperor took the Jade Longevity God and examined it carefully, his eyes filled with joy as he nodded in praise, "My dear Minister Wei, you chose a great gift. This Jade Longevity God is truly a masterpiece of art. I like it very much, and it shows your sincerity."

The Emperor also echoed, "Lord Wei has always been thoughtful. This gift is indeed full of profound meaning."

Wei Zheng bowed humbly before slowly stepping back to his seat.

Lord Zhang was dressed in a gorgeous official robe with exquisite patterns embroidered with gold thread. He walked to the center of the hall with a respectful expression and performed a standard kneeling ceremony towards the retired emperor and the emperor.

"Your humble servant respectfully wishes His Majesty a happy birthday and continued blessings. Today, I offer you a special birthday gift."

After that, the attendants brought up an exquisite box. Lord Zhang stood up and opened the box, revealing a set of rare porcelain.

The porcelain bodies are delicate and white, as thin as eggshells, and seem to glow faintly under candlelight.

The porcelain is painted with exquisite landscape paintings, with green mountains, green waters and clouds and mist.

Lord Zhang respectfully introduced: "Your Majesty, this is a rare porcelain fired in the official kiln, which took countless efforts."

"This landscape symbolizes the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. I also wish the Emperor's mind to be as broad and tranquil as this landscape, and to enjoy a long and healthy life."

The Emperor smiled and nodded: "Master Zhang is thoughtful. This porcelain is truly exquisite."