Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 214: Celebrating Longevity (3)
"Hmm, let’s continue watching." He then turned to the side, watching various ministers offering their gifts; finally, it was the turn of several families to present their rare and valuable tributes. Though such items were rarely seen by the common people, they were still considered exceptional treasures.
After a full round, it was Jueqing Castle’s turn. Yingsu stepped forward, handing the Castle Lord a rectangular box made of purple sandalwood. Feng Xuxu whispered to her cousin, "Cousin, this is the Seven-Colored Lotus. Each petal is an ultimate treasure, and even its pistil is a sacred antidote."
Although Jueqing was puzzled about where his sister had acquired such a treasure, he still trusted her. Lifting his robe, he stood up from his seat and strode solemnly toward the front of the hall.
"Xuanyuan Jueqing wishes the Empress Dowager happiness as vast as the Eastern Sea and a lifespan as enduring as the Southern Mountains. With utmost respect, I offer the ultimate treasure of medicine, the Seven-Colored Lotus." The Empress Dowager was quite tired, sitting in her chair after seeing so many treasures, her interest waning; but upon hearing of a supreme medicinal treasure, she widened her eyes and signaled her maid with a glance. The maid promptly came forward to receive the purple sandalwood box from Jueqing’s hands.
The box was opened before the Empress Dowager, and in an instant, a cool chill wafted from the box, revealing a lotus with petals of seven colors lying on ice, still blooming quietly without a hint of wither, as fresh as if plucked moments ago.
"Young Master Jueqing, what effects does this lotus have?" The Empress Dowager, gazing at the delightful lotus, asked curiously.
"Replying to the Empress Dowager, every petal on this lotus is a sacred treasure. Consuming them individually could prolong one’s life, and even at the brink of death, using a single petal could extend one’s life for a year. Furthermore, the pistil is also a sacred antidote," Jueqing said, each word echoing solemnly. The silent hall erupted into varied statements and even debates because of his declaration.
"Impossible, where in the world is there such a medicine? Even the Snow Lotus is considered the pinnacle, this is just an illusion," Magistrate Zhang Yong stated incredulously from his seat.
"Why is it impossible? It’s just that we have not heard of it," a colleague, disapproving of Magistrate Zhang’s usual behavior, retorted deliberately.
"Humph, if such a lotus truly existed, then we wouldn’t have to fear death, and there would be no need for physicians," Zhang Yong sneered, glancing at Wang Youkun.
"How ridiculous, if there were so many lotuses, you wouldn’t need to be so shocked," Minister Wang scoffed.
"I say, Wang Youkun, I speak and you always have to answer back, what is your point?" Zhang Yong angrily turned and glared at Wang Youkun.
"What, am I not allowed to speak now? Calling you paranoid, did I wrong you in any way?" Wang Youkun retorted defiantly, staring back.
"Minister Wang, you..." Everyone in the hall gaped at the confrontation between Wang and Zhang.
"Enough, Little Lizi, summon the Chief Imperial Physician," the Emperor said, looking displeased at the two quarreling officials, waiting for the Imperial Physician’s arrival.
About the time of half an incense stick later, the Chief Imperial Physician arrived at the hall, hurrying.
"Your servant, Chief Imperial Physician Qian Jin, greets Your Majesty, wishing you peace and well-being," Qian Jin knelt and paid homage the moment he entered the hall.
Feng Xuxu, who was listening intently, suddenly heard the name Qian Jin and involuntarily spit out the wine in her mouth onto the ground. She quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth and turned around, looking around to see if anyone noticed her faux pas. However, upon looking at Dugu Chen, she saw Dugu Mo beside him, smiling at her. Feng Xuxu hastily turned her head away, choosing to look at her cousin instead of Dugu Mo’s inscrutable eyes. "Good, rise and come over to examine this Seven-Colored Lotus, to verify its value in prolonging life and its detoxifying properties," the Emperor ordered the Chief Imperial Physician Qian Jin with authority.
