met free Chapter 281 Couplets Are a Hit in Xianyang
Chapter 281 Couplets Are a Hit in Xianyang
On New Year's Eve, before dawn, Ying Wuyou impatiently ordered his men to quickly prepare red paper. At his command, the many servants sprang into action, each performing their duties with great enthusiasm.
Having gained valuable experience from the previous successful production of red paper, Shangfang had been researching the manufacture of colored paper for some time. During this period, they had already produced a considerable quantity of colored paper.
Just then, news arrived: Princess Jiayang urgently needed a large amount of red paper! Upon learning of this, the official in charge handed over the stacks of red paper that had already been made and neatly piled up to the guards sent by Ying Wuyou without hesitation.
The guard steadily accepted the red papers with both hands, and without a moment's delay, returned to Chaohua Palace.
Looking at the newly delivered batch of red paper, Ying Wuyou's eyes flashed with delight. After careful examination and comparison, she found that this batch of red paper was significantly superior to the previous batch, both in terms of the vibrancy of the color and the fine texture of the paper. This made Ying Wuyou feel very gratified and satisfied.
Seeing that the time was almost up, Ying Wuyou methodically directed the maids and eunuchs around her to get to work. The group carefully lifted the thick, heavy stack of red paper and followed Ying Wuyou towards Zhangtai Palace. Along the way, their steps were hurried yet steady, as if afraid of causing any mishap that might damage the precious red paper.
When Ying Wuyou arrived at the Muzhangtai Palace, he found several ministers discussing important matters inside. Ying Wuyou glanced around and saw Wang Wan, Feng Quji, Meng Tian, Li Si, and other important officials among them.
Upon seeing Ying Wuyou's sudden appearance, everyone was surprised. However, Ying Wuyou paid no attention to their expressions. Instead, she respectfully bowed to the King of Qin and carefully had the stack of red paper gently placed on the table. Then, she methodically directed the eunuchs beside her to pick up tools and begin cutting the red paper.
Seeing this, everyone became even more puzzled, but dared not ask rashly. King Qin, seeing that the matter had been discussed sufficiently, stopped talking to the others and instead watched Ying Wuyou cut the red paper. A short while later, Ying Wuyou handed several sheets of red paper to King Qin. King Qin then took the paper, dipped his brush in ink, and began to write with flowing, elegant strokes.
Seeing this, everyone curiously gathered around, their eyes following the movement of the brush in the King of Qin's hand. Wang Wan couldn't help but exclaim first, "Your Majesty's calligraphy is vigorous and powerful, like dragons and phoenixes playing in the air. It seems as if the brush moves with divine assistance. It is truly a rare and excellent piece of calligraphy!"
Feng Quji quickly chimed in, "Your Majesty's calligraphy is not only vigorous and powerful, but also exudes a kingly aura, as if a thousand troops are hidden between the brushstrokes."
Meng Tian stroked his beard, his eyes full of admiration: "Your Majesty, the structure of this character is rigorous, and every stroke is just right."
Li Si bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Your Majesty's calligraphy is as majestic as a high mountain, which we can only look up to. By looking at this calligraphy, we can see that Your Majesty has the world in your heart and will surely achieve a great and lasting dynasty."
As the King of Qin listened to the praise from his ministers, a slight smile appeared on his lips. His brush continued to write large characters. Ying Wuyou stood to the side, a faint smile on his face. After the King finished writing, Ying Wuyou ordered a young eunuch to carefully dry the characters and put them away.
The King of Qin gazed with a smile at the couplet he had just completed with his brush, his eyes brimming with a sense of accomplishment and joy. He nodded slightly, indicating his satisfaction with the work.
Just then, Meng Tian, who was standing to the side, stepped forward with a puzzled look on his face and asked curiously, "Your Majesty, what exactly is this you have written?" The others also looked at the King of Qin with curiosity.
Upon hearing this, the King of Qin burst into laughter, then explained with great interest, "This is a couplet! Yesterday, I saw Jia Yang posting these throughout the palace; the scene was truly lively and festive! I found this couplet quite interesting and its meaning auspicious, so I personally wrote one to display at the entrance of Zhangtai Palace, to add to the festive atmosphere." With that, the King of Qin turned to Ying Wuyou beside him, gesturing for her to take the couplet and post it.
Ying Wuyou nodded knowingly, carefully took the couplets, turned around and quickly walked outside to start posting them. Wang Wan and the other ministers, seeing this, were also filled with curiosity and gathered around, eager to find out what was going on.
Seeing this, the King of Qin was in high spirits and said generously, "Later, each of you may take some red paper home and write couplets in my style and post them in your homes. The black characters on the red paper will be eye-catching and bring good fortune." The ministers exchanged smiles and replied in unison, "We will obey Your Majesty's command."
Then, the King of Qin seemed to have yet to finish, his inspiration flowing like a spring. He picked up his brush again and continued writing furiously, soon creating several more exquisite couplets. Some of these couplets were majestic and powerful, while others were delicate and graceful, but all of them contained auspicious and beautiful blessings.
The King of Qin carefully selected some of the couplets and ordered his men to post them in various corners of the Zhangtai Palace; he also specially gave one to Ying Wuyou, saying, "Jiayang, this couplet is bestowed upon you. I suppose your Chaohua Palace is in dire need of such a decoration! I hope that next year you will live up to my expectations and that everything will go smoothly and get better and better!"
Ying Wuyou accepted the couplet with great joy and replied with tears of gratitude, "Thank you for your kindness, Father! Your son will do his utmost and will never let you down!"
The King of Qin laughed heartily, and several ministers also received gifts from him. They received exquisite couplets from the King with beaming faces. They carefully held the red paper and the King's calligraphy, as if they were holding priceless treasures. Each person's face was radiant with smiles as they slowly departed, filled with joy.
It was soon afternoon, and sunlight streamed into the streets and alleys of Xianyang. Many observant people were surprised to find that several high-ranking officials had bright red decorations pasted on their doors. These red items stood out starkly in the winter wind, attracting the curious glances of many passersby.
People stopped to watch, whispering and gossiping among themselves, all trying to figure out what these red objects were. Finally, someone with inside information revealed that they were couplets bestowed upon the ministers by the King of Qin! This novel explanation spread quickly, becoming the talk of the town.
Whether it was passersby who happened to hear about it or busybodies who deliberately spread the word, on this special day of Lunar New Year's Eve, the unfamiliar yet captivating term "couplets" swept through the entire city of Xianyang like a whirlwind. The city's residents were filled with curiosity and longing, and word spread quickly, with more and more people learning about the beautiful meanings behind pasting couplets—joy, auspiciousness, and liveliness. Thus, a wave of couplet-painting fever quietly arose, adding even more festive joy and peace to the already brightly decorated city of Xianyang.