Chapter 102: The Empress Dowager's Birthday Celebration

  "Oh, the azure jade is of no significance to me either. I won't fight with you for it. I wonder what's so precious about it to your sister?" Lin Xuan asked.

  Tang Gu Yan sighed and said, "When I first entered the palace with my sister, due to the urgency of the situation, Father did not have time to give us any token of his love. Now if we can get the Azure Jade, during our leisure time, we can look at it and think of our loved ones far away. Sister knows that this life may never be able to leave the palace again, so please help me once, sister!" As she said this, Tang Gu Yan's eyes were filled with tears.

  "Ah, I see!" Lin Xuan nodded and continued, "If the Azure Jade is that important to your sister, then I naturally won't compete with you for it. But how did you know the Emperor would definitely give away the Azure Jade?"

  "Because jade is specially worn by young women in the Xuan Yue Dynasty, the cyan jade is no exception. My sister has already told the Emperor about this matter. The Emperor cannot have a private heart, so he made such a rule. That's why my sister came to ask her sister."

  "In that case, both of us should pay attention to the birthday gift. If you get the jade, it's best. But if I get it, I'll give it to your sister instead. What do you think?"

  "Thank you, sister." Since things had already been said, Tang Guo Xi stood up to bid farewell: "Well, I'll take my leave first, little sister."

  "I won't send it," Lin Xuan said with a smile.

  "After Tang Guifei left, I muttered: 'I didn't expect that Tang Guifei was still such a homesick and patriotic person. It's really rare.'"

  Lin Xuan's face also slightly nodded: "The remaining time is already very little. This can be considered the last thing I can do for others."

  The two of them looked at each other and smiled.

  ……

  Three days later, the Empress Dowager's birthday

  The dancers danced elegantly, and the tables were filled with fine wine and delicacies. As soon as someone shouted "The Empress Dowager has arrived", everyone bowed and then took their seats.

  The Empress Dowager and the Emperor naturally sat in the main seat. Lin Xuan was next, but I didn't want to attract everyone's attention, so I stood behind her as a maid.

  Envoys from various countries presented their tributes.

  It's finally the turn of the Xuan Yue Dynasty.

  "This time, what our country has given is a national treasure - a dark blue jadeite."

  An attendant presented a brocade box beside him. As it slowly opened, soft yet dazzling green light gradually poured out of the box.

  Everyone present couldn't help but praise and admire.

  "This azure jade collects the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and the essence of the sun and moon. Young women use it to nourish their beauty and cultivate their body and mind. If Your Majesty uses it, you can pray for blessings and prolong your life."

  At this time, the emperor spoke up: "Empress Dowager, since blue jade is also suitable for young women to wear. Today is also your birthday, why not give it to the imperial concubine who gives you the most pleasing gift? It's also a good omen."

  "The emperor's suggestion is good. I agree."

  The moment the Empress Dowager spoke, the consorts' hearts rose to their throats. It was not just for the sake of the jade, but more importantly, they had gained the Empress Dowager's favor, and who knows, maybe they could leap to the top and regain the Emperor's affection through her!

  As the queen, Lin Xiangru was the first one to present birthday gifts.

  "Your Majesty Empress Dowager, what I have brought is a type of pastry called shaqima."

  I lifted the lid off the plate in my hand behind me.

  Everyone saw it as just a strange thing that was square and flat with a glittering golden light. They couldn't help but discuss it in hushed tones.

  Is this the birthday gift carefully prepared by the Queen?