Chapter 176: Competing in Splendor with Birthday Gifts

Although Lao Zhu did not know what Zhu Gaoxu was thinking, he had still managed to glean the potential profits from it.

Otherwise, he would never have bothered to open his mouth and ask a junior for any profits.

Seeing that he had already squeezed quite a few benefits out of the little monkey, and thinking that he would have to set off tomorrow, Zhu Yuanzhang could not help but say to Zhu Gaoxu: "You are leaving tomorrow; have you prepared everything?"

It stands to reason that there is quite a lot to prepare for a grand army setting out on an expedition.

Things like grain and fodder, supplies, military equipment, armor, and so on.

But this time, Zhu Gaoxu really had not prepared much of anything.

If one were to speak of it, it was truly thanks to Zhu Gaoxu having a good grandfather and a good maternal grandfather.

Regarding the supplies needed for Zhu Gaoxu's expedition, preparations had already begun a month ago.

For over two thousand people, it was organized according to the specifications for five thousand.

For all official documents concerning Zhu Gaoxu's army, Zhu Yuanzhang had given the green light all the way.

And Xu Da had also personally given orders that since his grandson was going out this time, there could not be the slightest mishap, and all necessary supplies had to be the best.

So in the end, Zhu Gaoxu did not have to worry about such things at all.

Once he finished speaking a few words to the soldiers under his command, he would simply strike the camp and head north.

So, hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's inquiry, Zhu Gaoxu nodded and said: "All thanks to Imperial Grandfather's care, Grandson has everything prepared."

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and did not continue to say anything more.

And when this moment arrived, seeing that Zhu Gaoxu was finally free.

The envoys from various countries rose one after another to come forward and offer toasts.

Although Zhu Gaoxu's seat was not as close to Lao Zhu as Ma Huanghou's and Crown Prince Zhu Biao's.

It was still not a place where just anyone could come forward.

These envoys could only offer a cup of wine to Zhu Gaoxu from below.

And Zhu Gaoxu would only take a shallow sip.

But soon, envoys from over a dozen vassal states were taking turns offering toasts to Zhu Gaoxu.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not expect that Zhu Gaoxu would be more popular than him.

He hadn't had anyone toast him for so long, yet this little monkey Zhu Gaoxu was guzzling it down here.

Even Zhu Biao, who was to the side, looked on with some jealousy.

No one would have thought that Zhu Gaoxu would be so well-liked.

And at this moment, even though Zhu Gaoxu only took a small sip each time.

After a dozen people, he had drunk quite a bit.

This wine was not ordinary wine, but the high-proof liquor he had procured.

Zhu Gaoxu's little face was already slightly flushed, and at this time, the most exciting part of the banquet began.

The birthday gifts from envoys of various countries, local officials, civil and military ministers, princes and grandsons, and concubines and beauties were about to be unveiled.

It could be said that countless people had racked their brains for this scene.

From top to bottom, from old to young, from men to women, from inside to out.

How many people had exhausted their efforts to select a satisfactory gift for Zhu Yuanzhang.

All just to make Zhu Yuanzhang happy for a moment.

It could be said that this was one of the most competitive events in ancient times.

And the effect was self-evident.

The variety of gifts was dazzling.

Each one was rarer than the last.

Whenever there was a gift that Zhu Yuanzhang liked, Lao Zhu would laugh heartily and shout: "Reward."

And the items rewarded were mostly of great value, all being solid, tangible things like real gold and silver.

Whenever someone presented a birthday gift, Eunuch Li would announce it aloud.

If Zhu Yuanzhang was interested, he would have it brought forward to take a look.

If he liked it, rewards were naturally inevitable.

"Prefect Liu of Shandong presents one century-old ginseng, along with one thousand premium pearls selected by the people of Shandong!"

"Minister of Revenue, Lord Zhao, presents a painting of 'A Hundred Beasts Bowing Their Heads'."

"Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, Lord Qin, presents a piece of fine Hetian jade."

"......"

After finishing the birthday gifts presented by the various ministers, the next part was the real event.

The infighting among the royal descendants.

This was also one of the favorite events for the ministers on the day of the Longevity Festival.

This was also why, apart from local officials, most of the officials in Jingcheng sent gifts that were unremarkable.

It was understandable for local officials; after all, if they wanted to climb higher, they certainly had to flatter Zhu Yuanzhang well.

But the reason these ministers in the capital were so casual was entirely to make room for these concubines and princes, allowing them to display their best.

And as it followed, just as they had expected, the opening item was extraordinary.

One could see a birthday peach carved from fine jade, resting atop a small mountain.

Immediately after, Eunuch Li's words were read out.

"Consort Li presents a 'Longevity as the Southern Mountain' jade sculpture."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and nodded at this time, then beckoned with his hand.

Eunuch Li understood the intent and immediately had people carry up the half-person-tall jade.

Stopping at a distance of two meters from Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Yuanzhang took a few steady looks and immediately said, "Reward!"

What Zhu Yuanzhang rewarded those concubines with, Zhu Gaoxu did not know.

It was probably nothing more than some money, jewelry, or the like.

And immediately following that, something even more excessive came.

One saw a blue and white Hundred Longevity pattern vase being brought up.

At first glance, this vase did not look dazzling, with blue characters on a white background.

But looking closely, one hundred "longevity" characters were written on it, and every single "longevity" character was different; there were circular ones, triangular ones, and some were drawn into the shape of flat peaches, while the upper part of some "longevity" characters were in the shape of small mountains, signifying longevity as high as the Southern Mountains, and there were also "longevity" characters with winding and complex lines, signifying a life that continues without end.

Hundred Longevity Vase!