The exchange of gifts in this kind of diplomatic ceremony is more symbolic, such as the rosewood carving of Jesus' crucifixion and the Tridacna carving of Bible stories given by Governor Philip. On the one hand, the gift is valuable, but on the other hand, it also serves as a missionary. intention of. The novel of the sound of nature ww
And the porcelain vase that Xiao Letian returned is a decent national gift. Anyway, no one can fault the Chinese for giving them precious porcelain vases.
The gift returned by Emperor Tongzhi Zai Chun was a small white jade table screen, which was a scholar's study decoration. It was very elegant and white jade was rare as a gift, and it also reflected Chinese elements.
But just before the people preparing for the Fourth Birthday brought out the table and screen, Governor Philip's eyes were fixed on the purple clay pot in Er Mao's hand.
It is not accurate to say that the eyes were fixed on it. It should be said that the nose and eyes were all noticed, because the purple clay teapot was not only simple in style but also exuded a rich fragrance, which was very strange.
"Dear Your Majesty, I wonder if I can take a look at what this gentleman is holding...is this a pot, right? What is it made of?"
Anyone can see the greed in Governor Feili's eyes, but Zai Chun hesitated and looked at Er Mao, "Well... show the purple clay pot to Mr. Governor..."
Governor Philip was already fascinated by the purple clay pot and did not notice the strangeness at all. However, the Dutch Governor who was watching the ceremony was filled with confusion.
"Why does the Emperor of China have a feeling of fear towards this young man who is obviously an eunuch? The tone is actually a discussion, and the young eunuch is still a little reluctant? There is something wrong, there is something wrong here..."
Er Mao was really unwilling, because this pot was Yuan's collection, and it was also Xiao Letian's favorite one.
He looked at Xiao Letian tentatively and found that his godfather's face was very calm. He had no choice but to hand over the pot and said in fluent English, "Please be careful, this is a purple clay pot from the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty..."
Zisha teapots originated in the Ming Dynasty. In history, there were many famous teapot makers such as Shi Dabin and Xu Youquan, all masters of the Ming Dynasty. In the Qing Dynasty, there were Chen Hongshou, Yang Pengnian, etc.
But the pot in Ermao's hand is very strange. His name is not a specific person's name, but a place name with only four characters "Jinsha Temple Monk". This purple clay pot can be regarded as the originator of the purple clay pot. It has a long history and simple shape. It has extremely high literary and artistic value.
It is said that this pot was a gift from Hu Xueyan, the God of Wealth in Jiangnan, to Yuan Dynasty. It is of great commemorative significance.
Although Governor Philip doesn't play with purple clay teapots, he is still an antique collector. Even if you don't know him, you can smell the historical vicissitudes of things.
"Ming Dynasty! It's amazing... why does it smell so good? What kind of good tea did you make?" Governor Philip asked.
Er Mao smiled faintly, "There is no tea, it's just a pot of boiling water..."
"Boiling water? Pure boiled water? Impossible, it obviously has aroma..."
"You don't understand this. This is the secret of the purple clay pot..."
A truly good purple clay pot requires careful maintenance. New pots are not allowed to be touched by outsiders for two years. You have to use your own hands to touch and slowly play with the pot to make it delicate and moist.
Then you need to use good tea to make the purple clay pot have the flavor of tea. After that, it will be used for making tea for many years. As time goes by, the tea aroma will soak into the purple clay pot. When the time comes, there will be no tea left in the boiling water, and you can force it out. The aroma of tea that has existed for hundreds of years comes out. This is raising pots.
"This method of raising a pot is not the most exquisite. It is said that the tea leaves of this pot have not been changed since the day it was born. It has always brewed top-quality Longjing green tea. It has been nourished by only one kind of tea fragrance for hundreds of years. It is right Because there is no foreign smell, the fragrance now is pure enough..."
Governor Philip was dumbfounded. Although he played antiques, he had never heard of such a sophisticated way of playing. The key is that it has been 400 years since the Chenghua period. How could the Chinese spend 400 years playing this game? Things, and never change or discontinue. If it is true, then this perseverance is simply a miracle.
Governor Philip looked at Emperor Tongzhi excitedly, "Oh... Your great Majesty, please give me this pot as a gift... No, no, no, please give it to me. Please fulfill my humble wish. I Do not need anything……"
Come on, Chun Chun and the others were dumbfounded. The attendant holding the white jade table screen was also stunned, not knowing whether to move forward or back.
This kind of diplomatic situation is all about face. Zai Chunming knew that the thing was not his, but now he couldn't lose face. He didn't dare to look at the master and just smiled awkwardly and said, "It's just a pot. I'll reward you!" Ermao, please step back..."
But Ermao didn't move at all, just watching the governor quietly looking at the pot.
Zai Chun was a little embarrassed and said, "Er Mao... step down, I will give this pot to the governor..."
Er Mao was still unmoved, and now the British were also stunned. None of them expected that this little eunuch would be so tough. At this moment, Er Mao spoke, "Dear Governor, do you know how valuable this pot is?" ?Perhaps nothing in the Queen's collection at Buckingham Palace can surpass his..."
These words were stinging. Governor Philip's face turned pale at that time, and Er Mao's subtext was obvious. This pot is too precious and only kings are lucky enough to enjoy it. You don't seem to be qualified enough.
Having an Eastern eunuch speak so sarcastically made the British governor a bit embarrassed. He ignored Er Mao and just smiled and bowed to Zai Chun, "Thank you for your majesty's reward. Here I wish your majesty all the best..."
Before he finished speaking, Ermao suddenly interrupted his flattery, "Haha... This pot is actually not the best. Do you know where the best purple clay pot made by the monks of Jinsha Temple is?"
"Where?" Governor Philip asked subconsciously.
"It's in the Old Summer Palace! Only there is worthy of such a treasure..." Er Mao said quietly.
The atmosphere immediately became tense as soon as these words were spoken. This was a blatant insult, and there was no need to open the pot! Everyone knows that the British and French allied forces burned the Old Summer Palace. The three words "Old Summer Palace" are taboo in this kind of diplomatic situation, which can only make both sides more embarrassed.
The officers following the governor subconsciously grasped the hilts of their swords, while the Chinese officers also subconsciously took half a step forward, and the atmosphere became tense.
When Zai Chun saw that Er Mao was so disrespectful to him, his little face was livid, "You slave! If you still don't back down... do you have the right to speak here? Back off..."
But the Ermao still refuses to give up!
"Give me back my pot..." Looking at Governor Philip, Er Mao could only say this.
But how could Governor Feili be willing to give up such a treasure? How could a greedy robber give up the fat in his mouth? He looked at Zai Chun mockingly, "Your Majesty, the great Emperor of the Qing Dynasty? I really don't know who has the final say here." Well...does this gentleman have a higher status than you?"
"That's enough!" At this moment, Xiao Letian, who had been watching for a long time, suddenly said, "That's enough. I think we have wasted a little more time. Lord Governor, please prepare to send out the escort fleet!"
"Er Mao, step back..." Xiao Letian said. Er Mao smiled, nodded, and quietly stepped back, returning to his cabin.
Note: This is the third update today. I will give you more updates in the past few days.
