Acai's Sky

Chapter 445: The Mansion Gate is Majestic, Guests Are Like Clouds

Princess Yunyue's Mansion of the Yu Dynasty

Outside the palace gate, soldiers dressed in mighty armor and holding sharp spears were neatly arranged in square formations.

They were all in high spirits and morale, standing there like an indestructible wall of steel, exuding a solemn and dignified atmosphere, as if showing the world the old general's glorious military exploits in the past.

On both sides of the gate of the mansion, there is a pair of tall and mighty stone lions. They hold their heads high and chests puffed out, looking majestic and lifelike, as if telling people that the owner here has a lofty status and power.

The majestic figure seemed to be cheering for this grand celebration, adding a solemnity and festivity to the whole scene.

As time went on, more and more guests came.

They were all dressed in gorgeous clothes, some rode tall horses, and some rode in exquisite carriages, and they came to attend the banquet in a grand manner.

Among these people, there were important officials in the court, aristocratic children from prominent families, and some noble sons from humble backgrounds.

They all came with heavy gifts and the most sincere blessings, their faces filled with joy.

When the guests arrive at the mansion, the guards at the door will carefully check each invitation to ensure that there are no omissions.

Only those holding legal invitations are allowed to enter the mansion and attend this grand banquet.

This arrangement not only ensures the order of the banquet, but also makes all guests feel the respect they deserve.

Walking into the front yard atrium, what comes into view is a spacious and beautiful courtyard.

The courtyard was already filled with exquisite tables and chairs, covered with gorgeous silk embroidered with golden patterns, which looked particularly dazzling.

All of this is arranged so exquisitely that one can't help but be amazed.

The guests took their seats in order according to their status.

They greeted each other, talked and laughed, and the atmosphere was very warm.

At this time, the courtyard was filled with laughter and everyone was immersed in this joyful and peaceful atmosphere, celebrating this special day together.

In the center of the main hall, there is a huge longevity plaque hung high, on which are written the four characters "松鹤延年" (pine and crane prolong life) in flowing calligraphy, implying that the old general will have a long and blessed life, as tall as a pine tree and as leisurely as a crane.

The walls around are covered with birthday calligraphy and paintings sent by relatives, friends and court officials. Each one embodies admiration and blessings for the old general.

...

Prince Xian Sima Xian and his third brother Prince Rui Sima Hui were warmly greeting the guests who came to the banquet.

Sima Xian looked at the endless stream of people in front of him and couldn't help but frown and asked his third brother:

"Third brother, why do we feel like there are so many people here today? Do they all have invitations?"

As he spoke, he glanced at the young people who were talking to each other, and a hint of dissatisfaction appeared on his face.

Sima Hui followed Sima Xian's gaze and said with a contemptuous smile:

"These people are just drunkards with ulterior motives. They didn't come here for the banquet, they clearly came for our Yue'er.

Yue'er is now of marriageable age, and these people are just trying to get the upper hand over the swan! "

Hearing this, Sima Xian's eyebrows immediately rose, and he said with disdain:

"Humph, they are just wishful thinking! How could Yue'er possibly be interested in such a bunch of idiots like them?

She studies with Master Jiugong all day long and has very high standards, so how could she look down on these ordinary people?"

Upon hearing this, Prince Rui laughed heartily and nodded in agreement, "Indeed, our Yue'er is more like an immortal than you! These people don't stand a chance!"

When the two were talking animatedly, they suddenly saw Xiaodouzi leading Eunuch Qiao and his group into the yard.

Eunuch Qiao, smiling broadly, held up the imperial edict in his hand and said to the two princes, "Your Majesty, I am here today on the orders of the Emperor to deliver a gift to General Li.

The Emperor said that if he came in person, the officials would inevitably feel constrained, so he specially sent us to deliver some precious gifts to express his respect and blessings to General Li!

Prince Rui immediately ordered the prepared incense table to be set up and sent someone to invite General Li to come and receive the order.

It only takes ten minutes.

General Li came to the front yard with several other old generals. The incense table had been set up in the middle hall. They quickly washed their hands and prepared to receive the imperial edict.

When Eunuch Qiao saw General Li about to kneel to receive the decree, he quickly stopped him and said, "General, there's no need to kneel. The Emperor has told you not to kneel. Simply stand and receive the decree!"

General Li bowed in the direction of the imperial palace and said, "Thank you for your grace!"

When Eunuch Qiao saw that everyone had arrived, he quickly unfolded the imperial edict: "By the will of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims:

Today I heard that my old and trusted minister, General Li Misheng, is celebrating his 80th birthday. This is truly a blessing for the country and the people.

The old general has followed the late emperor in his campaigns since he was young, and has made great military achievements. His bravery is still in my heart.

As time goes by, although the old general is now in his 80s, he still has the same demeanor and is in good spirits. He is truly a role model for me and a pillar of the country.

Recalling the past, the old general galloped across the battlefield, wielding his sword like a rainbow, and made immortal contributions to the country and people of the Yu Dynasty.

Today is the old general's birthday, and I am very pleased. I specially give you a thousand taels of gold, a hundred pieces of brocade, and countless treasures to express my sincerity. I respectfully wish the old general a long life, good health, and a happy family.

The old general was loyal to the emperor and patriotic throughout his life, and cared about the people. His noble character was admired by the world.

I am well aware that although the old general is old, his heart is still with the country, and his concern for the country and the people has never diminished.

I hope the old general will take care of his health and continue to offer advice and suggestions for my country and work together on state affairs.

I also hope that everyone in the government and the country can take the old general as an example, learn from his spirit of loyalty, bravery, and selfless dedication, and work together to contribute to the Yu Dynasty and create brilliance.

I am issuing this decree today to show my respect and care for the old general.

May the old general live as long as the Southern Mountains, be as blessed as the East Sea, have many children and grandchildren, and live in happiness and health!

Admire this! "

General Li Misheng was so moved that he shouted, "I accept your order and thank you!"

He took the imperial edict from Eunuch Qiao and handed it to the attendant beside him, asking him to serve it.

Eunuch Qiao bowed and smiled, "I also wish you the best for General Li. May you be blessed with fortune as vast as the East Sea, a life as long as the Southern Mountains, and may the sun and moon be prosperous and the pine and crane live forever!"

General Li laughed heartily, "Thank you for your blessing, Eunuch Qiao. Come inside and have a few more drinks. Don't refuse today!"

Eunuch Qiao did not refuse. He came today on behalf of the emperor to accompany General Li to celebrate his birthday.

He followed General Li to the main hall, sat in his seat, and looked around.

"Are all the calligraphy and paintings given by the guests hung up here?" He asked curiously when he saw the walls on both sides were covered with calligraphy and paintings.

The eunuch Xiao Shitou, who had been following him, quickly came over and whispered, "Ah, the princess ordered this to be hung. She said it's a token of her appreciation, so wouldn't it be better to express it directly?"

The corners of Eunuch Qiao's mouth twitched. This Princess Yunyue was really good at everything and dared to do anything.

She was also a princess with a unique title in the Yu Dynasty, and the concubines who had never seen a princess in the harem were furious.

The princess born in our family doesn’t even have a title, but Sima Wanyue, an outsider, was not only given the surname Sima, but also a title!