Yunchao, the imperial palace of Dunyang City.
"I have received a letter from the Great Xuan Emperor. He is preparing to come to our court to exchange experiences on new policies. Which minister do you think is suitable to receive Emperor Zhao Yi?"
The civil and military officials looked at each other, and no one answered for a moment. After a while, Prime Minister Li Yuan slowly stepped forward, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I believe this matter is of utmost importance. We need to select a minister of high moral character and familiar with the affairs of both countries. I recommend Zhang Han, the Minister of Rites. He has always been good at diplomacy and has served as an envoy to Da Xuan, where he was deeply respected by the officials."
Zhao Zhi nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials. Seeing that no one had any further objections, he said, "Minister Zhang, are you willing to take on this important task?"
Zhang Han stepped forward, knelt respectfully, and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens and will certainly not fail your trust."
Zhao Zhi nodded in satisfaction. "Very good, Minister Zhang, I have confidence in you. You shall immediately begin preparations to welcome Emperor Zhao Yi. Make sure everything is arranged properly so that the Emperor of Da Xuan can feel the warm hospitality of Dunyang City."
After receiving the imperial decree, Zhang Han's mind was in turmoil, like a coiled web of silk threads.
He pondered that welcoming Emperor Zhao Yi of the Great Xuan Dynasty should be a grand spectacle that was both solemn and entertaining. After all, Dunyang City valued music within ritual and ritual within music.
The people in the Imperial Household Department were all as busy as ants on a hot plate, but you have to admit, the palace they decorated was incredibly exquisite!
Red silk and gold ornaments hung from the beams, jade plates of delicacies reflected the candlelight, and even the air was filled with the faint fragrance of jasmine. It was said that the purpose was to make the Emperor of the Great Xuan feel "at home and amazed" as soon as he stepped into the palace.
Zhang Han joked privately, "This isn't a palace, it's a walking 'visual feast' and 'olfactory extravaganza'!"
The Ministry of War was even more meticulous, almost comical. The soldiers, clad in gleaming armor, stood straighter than pine trees, their eyes sharp enough to pierce the clouds.
As Zhang Han passed by, he couldn't help but tease, "Brothers, are you planning to pave a red carpet for the Emperor of Da Xuan with your eyes?"
Upon hearing this, the soldiers' lips curled up slightly, but their eyes became even more determined, as if to say, "Rest assured, sir, we are more reliable than the city walls when it comes to security!"
As for the Ministry of Rites, it was practically a "joy-making machine." The banquets they prepared not only featured dishes so abundant that they could fill a Manchu-Han Imperial Feast, but also included various performances.
Upon hearing that there were sword dances, poetry recitations, and even magic tricks, Zhang Han thought to himself, "Now, the Emperor of Da Xuan will probably think he has traveled back to an 'ancient carnival'!" He chuckled to himself, filled with anticipation for the banquet.
Finally, the big day arrived. Zhang Han led a team of elite soldiers dressed in magnificent attire and carrying various ceremonial weapons, marching in a grand procession toward the border.
Along the way, people lined the streets to welcome him, and laughter, applause, and cheers filled the air. Zhang Han was overjoyed, as if he had successfully completed his mission.
He didn't forget to turn back to the young men in the group and say, "Look at this formation! We're not just welcoming the emperor, we're also advertising for Dunyang City! Remember to keep a smile on your face; we're all about that confident and humorous style!"
One month later.
The Emperor Xuan's entourage slowly entered Dunyang City.
Zhang Han stood outside the city gate, dressed in a court robe embroidered with cloud and water patterns. The honor guard stood on both sides, with red flags waving and drums and music playing, creating a magnificent scene.
His eyes were bright, and a gentle yet elegant smile played on his lips as he awaited the arrival of Emperor Zhao Yi.
As Emperor Zhao Yi's imperial carriage slowly approached, Zhang Han, leading his officials, walked steadily to the front of the carriage, bowed deeply, and spoke in a loud yet humble voice: "Your subject Zhang Han, on behalf of all the civil and military officials of Dunyang City, respectfully welcomes His Majesty the Emperor of Da Xuan. May His Majesty enjoy good health and longevity. Although Dunyang City is small, it is filled with sincerity, and we wish to use the scenery and sentiments of our city to jointly celebrate this grand event of friendship between our two nations."
Emperor Zhao Yi stepped slowly out of the imperial carriage, adorned in a dragon robe, exuding both majesty and warmth.
His gaze swept over Zhang Han, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Minister Zhang, you flatter me. Your arrangements are meticulous and thoughtful, which greatly pleases me."
I have long admired Minister Zhang's quick wit and exceptional intelligence, and meeting him today confirms that his reputation is well-deserved. Your humor is also truly remarkable. I look forward to discussing the current affairs with His Majesty, and even more so to engaging in lively discussions with you, pillars of the court, about new policies and working together for the well-being of the nation.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Han was secretly delighted, but his face remained impassive. He bowed again and said with a smile, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise. I am but a humble official, and it is only through Your Majesty's and the Emperor's favor that I have been granted this position."
My humor is nothing more than the colloquialisms of ordinary people, hardly worthy of serious consideration. However, since Your Majesty is in such a refined mood, I am willing to use my crude words to bring a smile to Your Majesty's face, thus making this trip worthwhile.”
After speaking, Zhang Han cleverly introduced several interesting folk tales, interspersed with his unique insights into the new policies of the two countries. He did so in a way that was both dignified and amused Emperor Zhao Yi, making the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant.
Seeing this, the surrounding officials also cast admiring glances, secretly praising Zhang Han's tact and humor, truly a master of diplomacy.
Under Zhang Han's guidance, Emperor Zhao Yi and his entourage arrived at the palace without incident.
Zhao Zhi personally went out of the palace to greet him, and when her gaze fell on the person next to Zhao Yi, her eyes immediately froze.
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