Soon, escorted by a group of Han soldiers, the group entered the city and headed towards the guesthouse where foreign envoys were received.

Walking along the bustling street, in the middle of the procession, the curtain of a carriage was opened, revealing a small, delicate face with a pair of big, round eyes watching the crowds and various vendors and shops on the street with great interest.

This person was none other than Yuwen Rong, who was known as the Pearl of the Grasslands.

Looking at the smiling faces of the people on the street, and the various unheard-of and dazzling goods, Yuwen Rong was overwhelmed and couldn't help but sigh.

She grew up on the grasslands, where her only companions were the vast green grass, horses, cattle, sheep, and her apathetic tribespeople. Even the flowers she saw were only a few colors.

But after entering the Han Dynasty, she discovered that clothes could come in so many colors, food could be so varied, and people could laugh so happily.

Compared to the grasslands, the Han people seemed like a paradise existing only in fantasy.

Because there were so many pedestrians on the street, the delegation's procession moved very slowly.

Yuwen Rong also took this time to carefully observe this bustling city.

Thinking about how she would be living in this place in the future, the sorrow of being far from her homeland dissipated considerably.

The local people did not show much interest in the arrival of this delegation.

In the eyes of the common people of the Han Dynasty today, the arrival of foreign envoys no longer seems to be something to be happy about; with so many foreigners coming, they have become accustomed to it.

After the delegation entered Luoyang, someone notified the Ministry of Rites to take charge of receiving them.

In front of the Ministry of Rites, apart from two soldiers on duty, a few people stood waiting for the arrival of the Yuwen delegation.

The leading official was named Liu Qian, a member of the imperial family, who served as a principal officer in the Ministry of Rites, a rank equivalent to the sixth grade.

In the past, whenever a foreign delegation visited, even if the Minister of Rites did not appear in person, he would send an official of the third rank or above to greet them, in order to demonstrate China's status as a nation of etiquette.

But things are different now. Influenced by the current social atmosphere, all the officials in the court are very pragmatic.

In their eyes, the grand gestures of some great powers that are all show and no substance and offer no real benefit have become nothing more than extravagant pampering, utterly worthless.

The days when a small neighboring country or tribe could easily swindle huge rewards from the Han Dynasty by sending some people and bringing some junk, saying a few nice words, are over.

There's a saying these days: "If friends come from afar, even if they are far away, we will surely punish them."

You've come all this way, and if you don't bring anything good with you, you're disrespecting my Han people. Anyone who looks down on my Han people will be beaten up by me.

Therefore, for a small grassland tribe to send a sixth-rank official to greet them was already a great honor.

"Are these guys tortoises? How can they move so slowly?"

Liu Qian, who had been waiting for a long time in front of the Ministry of Rites, looked up at the street corner and a hint of impatience appeared on his face.

An official following behind said, "Sir Liu, do you think we should send someone to take a look?"

Liu Qian frowned, then waved his hand: "No need, let's wait a little longer. If they still haven't arrived, then let them come again tomorrow!"

"Hmph, they've kept me waiting for so long, they'll have to learn what it's like to wait!"

For Liu Qian, who values ​​efficiency in everything, the Yuwen tribe delegation, which he had been waiting for for so long, had already aroused his disgust, and he decided to teach them a lesson.

Then, Liu Qian closed his eyes and began to silently count down in his mind.

About fifteen minutes later, the Yuwen delegation finally appeared at the street corner.

An official said, "Sir Liu, they've arrived!"

Upon hearing his subordinate's reminder, Liu Qian opened his eyes, glanced at the approaching delegation, and nodded silently.

Before long, the Yuwen delegation stopped in front of the Ministry of Rites. Yuwen Qi, who was leading the delegation, hurriedly stepped forward and bowed to Liu Qian in accordance with the etiquette of the Han Dynasty.

"My name is Yuwen Qi. I am delayed because Luoyang is too bustling and lively. I hope you will forgive me. May I ask your surname?"

Yuwen Qi first explained why he was late, and then asked Liu Qian's name, showing a very humble attitude.

"My name is Liu Qian, and I am a Principal Officer of the Ministry of Rites of the Han Dynasty. Has your esteemed envoy ever visited the Han Dynasty?"

Upon hearing Yuwen Qi's explanation, and seeing the scholarly air about him in his actions and words, Liu Qian's expression softened, and he couldn't help but ask a question that was unrelated to the main topic.

Yuwen Qi laughed and said, "This is my first time stepping onto the territory of the Han Dynasty. I have only entered the territory because I have admired the culture of the Han Dynasty since I was a child and have read a lot of books!"

"I see. Our Han culture is ancient, profound, and extensive. Your presence here is a great honor to learn from you!"

Upon learning that Yuwen Qi had always been loyal to the Han Dynasty, Liu Qian's initial displeasure dissipated, and his tone softened considerably.

Yuwen Qi laughed and said, "Of course!"

Liu Qian nodded, then looked at the delegation behind Yuwen Qi.

"Your Excellency and your entourage have endured a long and arduous journey to the Han Dynasty. Please come with me to the government office first to register and report your companions and belongings, and then stay at the inn for a good rest!"

As he spoke, Liu Qian turned to the side and gestured for Yuwen Qi to proceed.

"Thank you for your trouble, Manager Liu!"

Yuwen Qi cupped his hands in thanks, then began to beckon the entire delegation to gather in this direction.

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