Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 213: Celebrating Longevity (2)
"Grandmother, according to Buddhist disciples, coral is the embodiment of rice, and it has functions such as driving away heat and acting as a talisman," Dugu Chen said, lifting the corners of his lips slightly as his gaze swept toward Dugu Mo.
Dugu Mo hadn’t expected his second brother to be so pressing right from the start. Comparing his own treasure, he felt it was cast dozens of miles away, a trace of fracture showing on his gloomy face.
"Good, good, good, ah, your brotherly affection is noted," the Empress Dowager said, repeating ’good’ three times, and then turned to return to her seat.
Sitting to the side, the Empress wore a pleased smile on her face, yet the handkerchief in her hand was twisted into a knot, as she forced a cheerful appearance.
"Your Majesty, Prince Chen has really taken great pains. To obtain such an item indeed surpasses last year’s Glass Honor, it truly is eye-opening. It shows that heaven blesses our dynasty, which prospers in all things," the Empress said to the Emperor with an ingratiating smile.
After the Empress’s remarks, the Emperor suddenly remembered that last year on his birthday, Dugu Chen had presented him with a glass honor that came from overseas. Compared with this piece of coral, it was far inferior. And now, because of the rare blue coral Dugu Chen had obtained, was this a sign from heaven for him to ascend the throne? His heart became even more guarded against Dugu Chen, and the look he gave him was no longer kind but revealed a sharp brilliance.
"Indeed, not bad, Prince Chen has shown great consideration," he acknowledged with a wave of his hand. A few guards stepped forward and removed the coral, which was taller than a man.
Dugu Mo watched his mother’s lips curve upwards, her face transforming from gloom to a warmth like the sun in March. He took a long, rectangular brocade box that seemed somewhat difficult to handle from behind one of the guards, lifted his robe, and strode forward. "Grandmother, my gift is not as precious as my second brother’s, but it is also my sincere heart," he said as he opened the brocade box. Inside lay a glittering Jade Honor, which he presented before the Empress Dowager for her admiration.
"Ah, Momo, your thoughtful gesture is appreciated. I will indeed enshrine this item before the altar to sincerely worship the Bodhisattva," she said, looking kindly at Dugu Mo.
"Well done, Momo, for finding such an item. Come, reward him with a thousand taels of gold, a box of Eastern Pearls, a box each of gems and agate, and a pair of Jade Ruyis," the Emperor commanded.
Dugu Mo knelt and kowtowed: "Thank you, Father Emperor, for your reward."
"Rise," the Emperor said cheerfully.
In a dark corner, Feng Xuxu watched the Emperor and Empress Dowager obviously favoring Dugu Mo. Could it be that the old Emperor was considering deposing the Crown Prince? She turned her worried gaze toward Dugu Chen.
Dugu Chen, as if sensing Feng Xuxu’s concerned gaze, followed the line of sight from behind him and found his beloved girl looking at him, and he returned a reassuring smile.
Seeing his second brother Dugu Chen glance toward the hall, Dugu Mo also looked over but saw nothing out of the ordinary. However, he noticed a petite figure sitting in a corner. If that wasn’t the girl from the Plum Forest, then who could it be? His lips curved in a plan, as he began to think about how he could approach the beauty and take her into his household.
Feng Xuxu then withdrew her gaze and looked toward the wine cup before her. At that moment, she heard a gentle voice behind her: "Brother, what is the Emperor doing..."
Duanmu Yuanji turned his head toward his sister, who had left her sentence unfinished. Looking at the princes in front of the throne, his brows showed confusion. It seemed the battle for the position of crown heir among the princes wasn’t far off. The key issue was that the strength among the princes was comparable. He wondered which side he should stand on. It appeared a bloody and turbulent struggle was imminent. "Brother, just stay true to oneself," Duanmu Yiyun whispered to her brother.
