Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 109 Qin Qiong went to the storehouse to select the golden Ruyi, while Wei Mansion selected t

Qin Qiong was sitting in the study. There were several objects on the table in front of him. He frowned slightly and looked at these things back and forth.

A servant beside him whispered, "Master, what do you think of this sword? It's the one you used on the battlefield. It's of great significance. It's the perfect birthday gift for the Emperor."

Qin Qiong shook his head slightly, stroked the sword with his hand, and said slowly: "Although this sword carries many memories of the past, it is ultimately a weapon for killing enemies. Using it as a birthday gift is probably not very appropriate."

After saying that, he put the sword aside and picked up an exquisite porcelain vase, which was painted with exquisite flowers and birds, with bright colors and elegance.

Qin Qiong examined it for a while and muttered to himself, "This porcelain vase is indeed exquisite, but I always feel that it lacks some uniqueness. I'm afraid it won't be able to show my thoughtfulness among so many other birthday gifts."

He put down the porcelain vase and continued to think, trying to pick out a gift that would best express his feelings and be suitable for the birthday of the emperor.

Qin Qiong was just scowling when his wife came over, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Master, you've been agonizing over this for so long without any idea. Why don't you go to the storehouse and have a look? Maybe there's something suitable there."

"I've collected some rare things over the years, and maybe I can pick out a satisfactory one as a birthday gift."

Qin Qiong's eyes lit up when he heard this. He stood up, took his wife's hand and said, "Madam, you are right. I hadn't thought of the storehouse at the moment. Let's go and take a look. I hope we can find something good."

The two of them walked quickly to the front of the warehouse. Qin Qiong walked forward and pushed open the heavy door. With a creak, the door opened and the light inside was dim.

As Qin Qiong walked in, he said to his wife, "Madam, I haven't searched this storehouse properly for a long time. I don't know if I can find something that suits my taste. I'm really unsure."

The lady smiled and replied, "Don't worry, sir. We'll keep searching and we'll eventually find something suitable. Who knows, there might be a treasure hidden somewhere, just waiting for us to take it to the Emperor's birthday celebration."

Qin Qiong nodded, his eyes scanning the rows of shelves, looking at the various items piled on them, and then he said, "I hope so. This birthday gift for the retired emperor can't be casual. We must show our sincerity."

As he spoke, he walked towards a shelf filled with brocade boxes, ready to open them one by one and take a look.

The lady took a few quick steps and came to a corner. She picked up a dusty box from the bottom shelf, blew away the dust on it, and called out to Qin Qiong, "Master, look at this."

Qin Qiong hurried over, and the lady slowly opened the box, revealing a small but exquisitely carved golden Ruyi statue inside. The head of the Ruyi was shaped like auspicious clouds, and every texture was clearly visible. It also had a faint luster in the dim light, as if it carried an auspicious aura.

The lady continued, "Master, this ruyi symbolizes good fortune and happiness, and it would be perfect for celebrating the emperor's birthday. What do you think?"

Qin Qiong's eyes lit up. He reached out and picked up the Ruyi, examined it carefully, and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Madam, this item is indeed quite good. It has a good meaning and is exquisitely designed. It's perfect for this auspicious occasion. I think this is it!"

After saying this, the sadness on his face dissipated a little, and he looked at the golden ruyi in his hand with joy.

At this moment, Wei Zheng was also worrying about choosing a birthday gift for the retired emperor at his own home.

He paced back and forth in the room, his hands behind his back, his eyes constantly examining the various objects placed there. The butler beside him whispered, "Sir, why not choose that set of rare ancient books? You love to study, and the Emperor is also well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge. I'm sure he'll be interested in these books."

Wei Zheng frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then shook his head: "Although ancient books are precious, the Emperor's collection must be extremely rich. I'm afraid ours will hardly catch his eye."

As they were talking, Madam Wei came in, holding a brocade box. She smiled and said, "Master, please take a look at this. A few days ago, a friend from another place brought it to us. I think it's quite special. Maybe it can be used as a birthday gift."

Wei Zheng took it in a hurry, opened the brocade box and saw that inside was a God of Longevity ornament carved from mutton-fat jade. The God of Longevity had a sweet smile and a lifelike expression, and his body was engraved with patterns symbolizing longevity, which was very beautiful.

Wei Zheng studied it for a long time and said slowly, "Well, this item is appropriate for the occasion and has a good meaning, but I'm not sure if it's substantial enough. I need to think it over."

After saying this, he fell into deep thought again, trying to pick out a birthday gift that would best satisfy the emperor.

Wei Shuyu walked in with brisk steps. He had a tall and straight figure and wore a moon-white robe with delicate cloud patterns embroidered on the corners. He had a dark blue belt around his waist with a warm jade pendant hanging from it.

He wore a jade crown, his hair was neatly tied up, his eyebrows were sharp and his eyes were bright. His face showed the youthful vigor and there was a confident smile on the corner of his mouth.

He saw his father and mother examining the birthday gifts, so he said, "Dad, Mom, are you looking at this birthday ornament? I think it's quite nice. Look at the fine jade and the exquisite carving."

Wei Zheng looked at the mutton-fat jade and said, "Son, do you think it's good too?"

Wei Shuyu smiled and stepped forward, bowing slightly before saying, "Dad, Mom, I really think this item is quite good. Look at this mutton-fat jade, it's warm and delicate, and it even glows softly in the light. You can tell at a glance that it's top-quality material."

"Look at the carving of this birthday god. The smile between his eyebrows and eyes, and every detail of his body, are all carved to lifelike quality. Such an exquisite ornament that symbolizes longevity is just right to be given to the retired emperor as a birthday gift."

"Besides, such a unique item would surely stand out among all the other birthday gifts."

After saying that, he moved closer and looked at the birthday statue carefully, his eyes full of admiration.

After hearing what Wei Shuyu said, Wei Zheng carefully examined the birthday statuette, nodded slightly, and a look of satisfaction appeared on his face. He said loudly, "Okay, this is it. This ornament is indeed rare and has a good meaning. It can be used to celebrate the birthday of the retired emperor. It is a good thing."

Madam Wei also laughed, her eyes filled with relief, and said, "Now that it's settled, we have to keep it well and make sure nothing goes wrong."

Wei Shuyu quickly responded, "Don't worry, mother. I will go find a proper box to put it in and wrap it carefully. I will definitely not let it get lost." As he said that, he carefully picked up the ornament and turned around.