The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 136 Emperor's Birthday

Deep within the palace, preparations were underway for a grand and unprecedented celebration. Today was a very special day—the Emperor's birthday. The entire palace was adorned like a fairyland, with lights and decorations festooned, red silks fluttering, and a myriad of lanterns and ribbons interwoven, adorning the palace in a dazzling array of colors, permeating every corner with a festive and peaceful atmosphere.

The Empress, clad in a resplendent palace attire, personally oversaw the tedious preparations. Her graceful, beautiful face wore a gentle smile, like a flower blooming in spring, a breathtaking sight. Her eyes betrayed immense concern and attentiveness, with no detail overlooked. Under her meticulous direction, the palace maids and eunuchs, each performing their duties in an orderly and methodical manner, dared not slack off or neglect even the slightest bit.

"Be careful, that is the emperor's favorite blue and white porcelain vase, don't break it." The queen gently reminded the eunuchs who were carefully carrying the vase. Her voice was gentle and firm, full of deep affection and respect for the emperor.

"Yes, Your Majesty." The eunuchs responded tremblingly. They knew very well how important this blue and white porcelain vase was to the emperor, so they carried it even more carefully.

Elsewhere, within a magnificent palace, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue meticulously prepared a special gift for the Emperor's birthday. Sitting at her dressing table, her brows furrowed, she was lost in deep thought. Her eyes gleamed with wisdom, as she searched for the perfect gift to surprise the Emperor.

"Your Highness, what do you think of this pearl necklace?" The maid held up a string of crystal clear, dazzling pearls and softly asked Concubine Su Jingyue for her opinion. However, Concubine Su Jingyue just shook her head slightly, with a look of disappointment on her face.

"Pearls are beautiful, but too common. I wish to give His Majesty a unique gift," said Concubine Su Jingyue, her voice filled with determination and confidence. After careful consideration, she finally decided to personally embroider a picture of a hundred years of longevity, expressing her most sincere blessings and deep affection for the Emperor. She picked up her needle and thread, meticulously embroidering each stitch, each detail imbued with her heartfelt effort and love.

Finally, the Emperor's birthday arrived as planned. As night fell, the palace was ablaze with lights, as if it were daytime. Melodious music drifted through the night air, adding a touch of romance and mystery to the grand celebration. Ministers and concubines, dressed in their finest attire, arrived to celebrate the Emperor's birthday. Each wore an ingratiating smile, hoping to gain the Emperor's favor and recognition.

The Emperor, clad in a dragon robe and crown, entered the magnificent banquet hall, surrounded by a crowd. He was majestic and solemn, like a true emperor. The Empress and Consort Su Jingyue stood on either side, bowing to the Emperor. Sweet smiles graced their faces, their eyes filled with respect, love, and blessings for the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, I respectfully wish you a happy birthday, good health, and long live!" said the Queen, her voice gentle and solemn, like the sound of nature.

"I also wish the emperor good health, longevity, good luck and happiness." Concubine Su Jingyue said immediately, her voice sweet and crisp, as pleasant as a clear mountain spring.

The emperor smiled and nodded, his face filled with joy. "Everyone, please stand up. There is no need to be restrained today. Enjoy yourself." His voice was full of majesty and kindness, making everyone present feel extremely warm and at ease.

The banquet officially began, and the palace maids presented exquisite dishes one after another. The roast suckling pig was golden and fragrant; the steamed fish was tender and delicious, with a rich broth; and the braised lion's head was even more tender and flavorful. These dishes were mouth-watering, and I couldn't help but want to devour them. The musicians played cheerful music, and the dancers, dressed in gorgeous costumes, danced gracefully, like a group of beautiful fairies flying in the night sky. The entire banquet hall was filled with laughter and joy, and the atmosphere was warm and cheerful.

Midway through the banquet, the Empress stood up and addressed the Emperor, "Your Majesty, I have prepared a special gift for you." Clapping her hands, she signaled the eunuchs to bring up a large chest. Gently opening the lid, the Empress revealed a statue of the God of Longevity, crafted from pure gold. The statue was lifelike and radiant, as if it were alive. Its face wore a kind smile, and in its hands, it held a large peach, symbolizing good fortune, health, and a long life.

"Your Majesty, this is something I ordered our craftsmen to meticulously craft. I hope it will bring you longevity and health," the Queen said, her voice filled with affection and anticipation. The Emperor, delighted, praised her repeatedly, "Your Majesty, you are so thoughtful. I love it."

Su Jingyue then stepped forward and presented the Emperor with her own gift. She gently unfolded her embroidery, a delicate longevity painting, before the audience. This painting, composed of various exquisite patterns and auspicious characters, formed a large "Shou" character, symbolizing blessings as vast as the East Sea and a longevity as long as the Southern Mountains. Every stitch and thread embodied Concubine Su Jingyue's deep affection and blessings for the Emperor.

The emperor took the Hundred Longevity Painting, admired it carefully, and praised it repeatedly, saying, "The imperial concubine's craftsmanship is becoming more and more exquisite. I like this gift very much." His voice was full of joy and gratitude.

At this moment, a minister stood up and suggested to the emperor, "Your Majesty, today is your birthday. We have specially prepared a wonderful performance to entertain you." The emperor readily agreed. A group of jugglers dressed in colorful costumes entered the banquet hall. They performed a variety of thrilling and exciting performances, which attracted cheers and applause from the crowd.

The banquet lasted until late at night, and the emperor, slightly tipsy and blushing, was escorted back to his chambers by the Empress and Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue. They gently soothed him, encouraging him to sleep peacefully.

"Your Majesty, are you happy today?" the queen asked softly, her voice full of concern and tenderness.

The emperor nodded and said with a smile, "I am naturally happy to have you by my side." His voice was full of happiness and satisfaction.

Su Jingyue gently covered the emperor with a quilt and said softly, "Your Majesty, please have a good rest. You still have to deal with state affairs tomorrow." Her voice was as warm as a spring breeze, making the emperor feel extremely at ease and comfortable.

The Emperor held Su Jingyue's hand and whispered, "You should get some rest early too." His voice was filled with gratitude and love. The Empress and Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue left the bedroom. They smiled at each other, their hearts filled with love and blessings for the Emperor.

On this special day, the palace was filled with warmth and happiness. Every corner was overflowing with joy and happiness. This beautiful moment will forever remain in people's hearts, becoming an eternal and unforgettable memory.

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced the mist, gently brushing across the clouds like a fine thread, finally scattering tenderly on the glazed tiles of the Imperial Palace, this ancient building, steeped in countless historical stories, was instantly bathed in a dazzling golden glow, as if reborn. The Emperor slowly awoke in the morning light, feeling an unprecedented surge of fresh air flooding his heart and spleen, invigorating his spirits and making him feel exceptionally relaxed, as if the fatigue of the past few days had dissipated with the sunlight.

After dressing, the Emperor walked briskly into the Imperial Garden. The scene within was breathtakingly beautiful. Flowers of every hue competed for beauty: fiery red, rosy pink, and white as snow. They blossomed in a silent beauty pageant, each showcasing its most captivating beauty to greet the Emperor. The Emperor strolled through this vibrant sea of blossoms, each step scented with fragrance, each breath inhaling the sweetness of nature. His heart was filled with an unprecedented tranquility and joy, as if the entire world had become soft and beautiful.

At that moment, the Empress and Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue also gracefully entered the Imperial Garden. Dressed in magnificent palace attire, they resembled two blossoming peonies, adding a touch of nobility and elegance to the garden. The Empress gently inquired about the Emperor's sleep, her words filled with concern and tenderness. Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue, meanwhile, meticulously poured tea and water for the Emperor, each gesture revealing her deep respect and meticulous care for him. The three of them sat amidst the flowers, sipping tea and admiring the blossoms, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility and harmony.

To add to the joy, the Emperor suddenly decided to hold an archery competition, a display of his martial prowess and majesty. Donning a striking suit of armor and armed with a bow, he stood at the center of the shooting range, resembling a warrior about to embark on a campaign. The Empress, Imperial Concubine Su Jingyue, and the ministers gathered around him, their gazes filled with anticipation and admiration. Cheers echoed throughout the Imperial Garden.

The emperor took a deep breath, aimed at the bull's eye, and released his arrow. The arrow streaked across the sky like a meteor, finally piercing the bull's eye, drawing applause and cheers from the crowd. The emperor smiled triumphantly, his eyes gleaming with confidence and strength, as if, in that moment, he felt the authority and glory of his position as ruler.

After the competition, the emperor returned to the banquet hall with everyone. He announced that a grand banquet would be held to celebrate his birthday and the prosperity of the country. Upon hearing this, the ministers and concubines cheered with joy, their faces filled with joy and anticipation, as if they had already seen the splendor and excitement of the banquet.

In the days that followed, the palace was filled with laughter and a lively atmosphere. The Emperor, Empress, Concubine Su Jingyue, and ministers enjoyed a feast of delicious food, melodious music, and graceful dancing. They toasted together, talked and laughed, and spent one unforgettable and wonderful night after another. This birthday celebration not only made the Emperor feel the respect and blessings of his subjects, but also made him deeply realize the importance of being a national leader.