Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 212: Celebrating Longevity (1)

"Grandmother, I have here a pair of Bodhi bracelets that have been blessed by Master Zhihui of Hanshan Temple. I present them to you now, wishing you good fortune and wellbeing." Crown Prince Dugu Han, holding a brocade box, handed it to the eunuch beside him, who eventually passed it to the hands of the Empress Dowager.

As soon as the Empress Dowager heard they were blessed by Master Zhihui, she eagerly opened the box to look inside. A strong scent of sandalwood mixed with the distinct fragrance of the Bodhi seeds rushed towards her. Upon closer inspection, she saw a pale yellow, glossy pair of bracelets peacefully lying inside the brocade box. Extending her jade finger, she happily picked them up to admire them and discovered that each Bodhi seed was exquisitely engraved with a lotus flower design. The Empress Dowager was so delighted that she put them on immediately, and her gaze towards the Crown Prince lacked its usual sharpness.

"The Empress Dowager is very fond of the gift from the Crown Prince." The Empress Dowager nodded at the Crown Prince, indicating her approval of the gift.

"As long as Grandmother likes them, my efforts have not been wasted in acquiring these bracelets," the Crown Prince said with a smile.

"The Crown Prince is truly thoughtful." Her gaze lightly swept towards Dugu Chen standing beside the Crown Prince. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Grandmother, your grandson has also obtained a treasure today, which I specially present to you," Dugu Chen said, rising from his seat at the table and striding to the center of the hall.

"Oh? Chen’er, what kind of treasure is it?" The Empress Dowager’s interest was piqued as she looked at Dugu Chen.

"It’s outside the hall." He clapped his hands towards the back, prompting several people to struggle into the hall, carrying a large object. After placing it down, they bowed and exited the hall.

"Second Brother, why is it still covered with a red silk cloth? Unveil it so we can all have a look," Prince Dugu Hai said, unable to contain his impatience.

Dugu Mo, seated at the front, hearing Dugu Hai’s words, turned and glared at him. Seeing the unfriendly look in Prince Mo’s eyes, Dugu Hai quieted down and drank from the wine on the table by himself.

"Hehehe, Fourth Brother, there will be plenty of time for you to see after Grandmother has taken a look," Dugu Chen said with a strained smile, looking at Dugu Hai.

"Second Brother, Fourth Brother is just headstrong and impatient, as you well know. He simply wants to satisfy his curiosity at Grandmother’s banquet," Dugu Mo said with a suppressed smile.

"Chen’er, what exactly is it? Open it and let us see, so that I too can feast my eyes," the Empress Dowager said, casting a displeased look at Prince Dugu Hai.

"As you wish, Grandmother." With both hands, he lifted the large red silk cloth to reveal a large, tightly-clustered dark blue coral in the center of the great hall, its blue light shimmering brightly.

As soon as the red silk was lifted, the court officials began to discuss animatedly.

"It’s really beautiful. Corals are usually red, how come there’s a blue one?" Minister of Personnel Xun Jianzhong remarked to Minister of Revenue Li Yuhang beside him.

"Indeed, it’s my first time seeing one as well. And truth be told, it’s much more beautiful than the red ones," Li Yuhang responded, equally perplexed.

"Brother Xun, Brother Li, if you ask me, Prince Chen is truly considerate. Such a thing is rare to see even once in a hundred years. Today, we have truly broadened our horizons," Zhennan King Fo Huiquan said, leaning back in the Taishi Chair behind him, turning to talk to Li Yuhang and Xun Jianzhong.

"The King’s words are most true," the two men behind him nodded and agreed.

Feng Xuxu, sitting at the back, was also surprised by the sight of the blue coral. She knew that coral came from the sea, and in this ancient era, it was extremely difficult to harvest.

"Sister, who would have thought that Dugu Chen, when he makes a move, does so in a truly astounding manner," Jueqing remarked at her side.

"Shh, look," Feng Xuxu gestured with her chin, raising her eyebrows toward the Empress Dowager in the distance.

It was the first time in her life that the Empress Dowager had seen such a large coral, and a blue one at that. She was so excited that she got up from her seat, leaning on her cane to walk forward, and began caressing the coral with her hand.