"I'm not coming, I have something to do." Qiao Lian'er said, "How about this, I'll have someone send popcorn and some drinks to Miss Gu."
Gu Nianhe nodded hurriedly, "That's great, thank you."
"But I'm also a little reluctant to part with you."
Looking again at Qiao Lian'er, she had already gone out.
Gu Nianhe chased after him, but he could no longer see him; it was as if it were all a dream.
She looked down at the popcorn in her hand; there was still a little over half a bucket left.
"Was that just now not a hallucination?" she asked the maid.
"A young lady came, and the young lady and she were having a very pleasant conversation."
Qiao Lian'er went to the Court of State Ceremonial first. Lord Gu was giving Mu Xinghe instructions, and both of them had dark circles under their eyes.
"There are many steps involved, and they are very detailed. We must not make any mistakes. The envoys come from more than twenty different countries, and each country has different customs and totems. If we make even one mistake, it is disrespectful and offensive, and neither of us can afford to bear the blame."
Lord Gu handed a thick picture book to Mu Xinghe.
"Most of the tools have been prepared in advance. The ones marked with pen are new additions or changes. They were finalized after several confirmations, which is why we are making preparations in a hurry these days. The embroiderers and ceramic workers will have to work non-stop for days so that you and I can finish our work."
The furnishings that Lord Gu mentioned refer to the decorations and furnishings of the residences of foreign guests from various countries, such as the tableware on the tables and the carved patterns on the vases. Daze is a land of etiquette, and in terms of hospitality, we must do our best to reflect the thoughtfulness, meticulousness, prosperity, and flourishing of a great nation.
Mu Xinghe solemnly accepted the booklet and oversaw the completion of the furnishings; this was his primary task.
This is the content presented directly to foreign guests, which most intuitively reflects the richness and respect of a great power. It is related to the face of the entire country and the emperor, and cannot be neglected.
A short while later, Li Zanran also arrived. He was mainly in charge of etiquette and reception, and had prepared the procedures for Lord Gu's review.
Lord Gu glanced through the booklet and nodded: "The procedures have changed this year, showing greater respect for the guests. That's fine. Leave it to the Ministry of Rites. The officials will rehearse every afternoon. They will be in charge of that."
"Yes." Li Zanran was very respectful in front of Lord Gu.
Just as he was about to leave, he added, "We are short-handed this year, and you are exhausted, sir. My duties are not too heavy, so please assign me some more tasks, sir."
He then started coughing, as if he was having trouble breathing.
Lord Gu waved his hand: "You just corrected the booklet and are planning the etiquette process, which is not easy. You also have an old ailment. Just do your job well. It's okay to be busy now. Next year, with Lord Bai and Lord Zhao, and Xinghe being more skilled, the pressure will be much less. Just hang in there for now."
Li Zanran glanced at the booklet in Mu Xinghe's hand, said "yes" again, and then withdrew.
Qiao Lian'er looked at Li Zanran and saw that he was indeed radiant, just as Gu Nianhe had said. However, he seemed to have a blood and qi imbalance, so the flush on his face was understandable.
She followed Li Zanran out. Li Zanran stopped just before leaving the courtyard and turned back to look at Lord Gu's office.
His gaze was calm.
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