Chapter 90
There were thirteen countries in total, and the delegation was huge and quite spectacular at first glance.
Liu Ju stood on the Jiantai Terrace in the Weiyang Palace's pond garden, gazing through a telescope. He watched as a long procession entered the city gate, crossed the street, and entered the International Conference Hall.
The International Conference Hall was newly built in the past six months and is specifically used to receive diplomatic missions from the Western Regions.
This wasn't just for this occasion. The Han Dynasty was growing stronger, producing more and more unique things. It could be said to be "at the forefront of fashion, leading the world's trends." Its strength and prestige were immense. In the future, the number of people coming to pay their respects would undoubtedly be endless, and making preparations this morning was a precautionary measure.
Beside him, Liu Che asked softly, "The envoys from various countries have arrived, and you're just watching them here, not going to meet them?"
"Of course I must meet you, but there's no rush today." Liu Ju put down his telescope. "Our Han Dynasty is a great nation. We should be humble when we should be humble, and we should be arrogant when we should be arrogant. Father, you said I'm the crown prince. As the crown prince of the Han Dynasty, I must be reserved."
Liu Che paused: Is this how the word "reserved" is used?
"Your Majesty, rest assured. Although I haven't left yet, I've already made all the arrangements. I know my limits." Liu Ju handed the telescope to Liu Che. "Your Majesty, please take your time to admire it. I still need to leave the palace."
Liu Che was suspicious: "Leaving the palace, isn't it time to go out today?"
"I didn't say he was going to meet the envoys." Liu Ju smiled brightly. "Buzhi has returned. This was the first time our Han 'young general' launched an offensive, and the results were remarkable. It's said that Buzhi deserves the most credit. I've already arranged with my cousin Qubing to hold a celebration banquet for him at the Marquis of Guanjun's mansion."
"Marquis Guanjun's Mansion?" Liu Che was slightly surprised. "Why not at the General's Mansion? Could it be that your uncle wouldn't allow it?"
Liu Ju was speechless. "My uncle is just a bit cautious and behaves a bit too strictly, but he's not unreasonable. A tiger father will have a dog son. Bu Yi has quite a bit of his father's style, and my uncle is also happy.
"Even if he doesn't think highly of this achievement, he wouldn't even forbid the celebration banquet and insist on doing something so disgusting.
“The reason we chose the Champion Marquis’ Mansion is because we don’t intend to have you elders participate in this celebration banquet. We, the younger generation, will just entertain ourselves.
"At the General's Mansion, my uncle and Aunt Pingyang will definitely show up. Even though they won't do anything, it's still not fun with the elders around."
Liu Che raised an eyebrow. So, it was these elders who were getting in the way? No wonder they weren't in the palace either. At the General's Mansion, they were afraid Wei Qing would get involved with Pingyang; in the palace, they were afraid he would get involved.
"Okay, let's go."
Liu Che waved his hand, looking impatient, but secretly he felt a little jealous. Ju'er had been so obedient and adorable when he was little, wanting to drag his father along with him in everything, and now he actually despised him. Tsk.
He looked at his son again. He was growing taller and would catch up with him in two years.
When the child was young, Liu Che wanted him to grow up quickly and be able to stand on his own as soon as possible; but when the child really grew up and spread his wings like a young eagle, no longer needed his care and could soar on his own, Liu Che couldn't help feeling a little melancholy and a little lost.
Liu Ju knew nothing about his complicated mental journey. After getting Liu Che's approval, he happily set off for the Marquis of Guanjun's mansion, where he ate and drank with everyone, enjoying fine wine and delicious food, and was very happy.
What are you talking about, the embassy? Let them go wherever they want.
********
International Conference Hall.
This vast area is dotted with numerous courtyards. Each courtyard is closely connected yet independent and self-contained. While the interior layouts vary, the rockery and stone formations, pavilions, and carved ornaments are all exquisitely crafted. This unique charm, distinct from its Western roots, emanates from the East.
The envoys from various countries were very satisfied with the accommodation arrangements. They thanked the Grand Herald and asked tentatively, "Now that we have arrived in Chang'an, we should immediately pay our respects to His Majesty the Emperor of the Han Dynasty. We hope that the Grand Herald will guide us."
The Grand Herald Master did not respond, but simply said, "This matter is not urgent. You have all traveled a long way and are exhausted. Why not rest first?"
Just when everyone was about to say it was unnecessary, the Grand Herald smiled and said, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has prepared a small gift for you all."
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince? That brilliant and extraordinary child prodigy?
Everyone was stunned and forgot to speak for a moment.
The Grand Herald waved his hand, and a group of servants came in in an orderly manner. Each of them held a box in their hands and gave it to the envoys from various countries one by one.
The box was made of ordinary wood, not precious, and the workmanship was ordinary. But inside it were two glass jars. The jars were transparent, with smooth, rounded edges, without a trace of impurities.
"It's glass. It's a famous Dahan product."
"But what's in here?"
"There's one that looks like snow mountain salt."
"Snow Mountain Salt? I know it's a new product from the Han Dynasty, introduced to our country only in the past six months. Our king, queen, and all the nobles love it. The taste is pure, without any bitterness or impurities, which is incomparable to the salt stone of the past. But the other jar..."
Everyone looked puzzled. The Grand Herald stepped forward and introduced: "This is crystal candy."
"Crystal candy? It looks as clear as water, and it lives up to its name."
To be honest, Liu Ju chose this name simply to give the candy a name that matched "white jade paper" and "snow mountain salt," and it doesn't have any special meaning. But if he were here, he wouldn't refute it. He would probably say with a smile: "That's fine, if you want to explain it that way."
The members of the delegation couldn't wait to take out some and put it in their mouths, filling their teeth with sweetness and fragrance.
"It's sugar. It's really sugar."
"How can there be such wonderful sugar in the world? I've never heard of it or seen it before."
"Think of white jade paper and snow mountain salt. Are there not many things the Han people have never heard of or seen?"
"The Han people... The Han people really are... what's that saying? I've heard the Han people mention it a few times. Oh, right, the land is rich in natural resources and has many talented people."
…
Everyone was talking about it, some were shocked, some were excited, some were happy, and of course some felt a little disappointed.
The Grand Herald took in everyone's expressions and said with a smile, "Our Han people value peace. If you all establish friendly relations with us, we can naturally open up trade and exchange what we have. Our Han people have always been lenient and benevolent towards their allies."
This is the case for friendly countries, but what about non-friendly countries?
No one present was stupid, and as the interpreter's words came to light, their expressions varied. Then he reflected on the reference to "open trade and exchange of what one has."
In recent years, merchants have been traveling back and forth and goods have been circulating. If one only wants to maintain the existing situation, there is no need for the Grand Herald to emphasize these eight words. The meaning is self-evident, and the goal is to do it on a larger scale.
He then looked down at the gift in his hand. Though it might seem like a small price, it was actually incredibly valuable. Salt and sugar were extremely important, especially such high-quality snow mountain salt and crystal sugar. Not to mention the Han Dynasty's many "unique items," they were all indispensable to them.
The envoys from various countries had different thoughts and were whispering to their own people.
The Grand Herald left at the right moment. When everyone came to their senses, where was he? Where was the Han Dynasty reception envoy?
Aside from the maids and servants, there was no one else in the entire World Trade Center. When they caught the maids and servants and questioned them, they only replied, "You envoys, you have traveled a long way and must have worked hard. Why don't you rest for a while and pack your belongings?"
As for the Grand Herald, he shook his head.
Asked the prince, shook his head.
When asked about His Majesty, he just shook his head.
The envoys from various countries had no choice but to return to their respective chambers. Fortunately, they did not have to wait too long, as Liu Ju arrived at the International Conference Hall the next day.
Smiles finally broke out on the faces of the envoys, some even glancing at Liu Ju with a touch of curiosity and anticipation. Almost two-thirds of them shared the same thought: let's see what the renowned Qilinzi of the Han Dynasty actually looks like.
The Wei family, both male and female, were all exceptionally good-looking. Liu Ju, possessing half the blood of the Wei family, could be said to have inherited the best qualities of both his parents. He had delicate features, eyes like stars, and a brow that had lost its childish innocence, now embodying the spirit of youth. He was handsome and vigorous, with a timeless demeanor.
Everyone nodded in agreement, and even though different countries had slightly different aesthetic tastes, they all had to admit that what a handsome young man he was.
Some were even more puzzled. How could he have created so many magical artifacts if he wasn't a supernatural being? They had only heard of such exceptionally gifted individuals in legends before, but now they had actually seen one in person.
Of course, after the initial excitement faded, everyone did not forget the business and asked one after another: When can we meet His Majesty?
When envoys from two countries go on a mission, meeting the emperor is the top priority.
But Liu Ju still didn't let them have their way: "You have come from afar, and the Han Dynasty must naturally do its best to be a good host. You have heard of Chang'an, but you have never seen it with your own eyes.
"Today I will take you on a tour. You can see what the real Chang'an looks like, whether it is consistent with your imagination, and how it differs from your country."
"Come on, everyone, this way. Look at my flag, follow closely, and don't fall behind. Get on the bus in order. We're heading to the first stop of this journey, the famous Glass Street."
Liu Ju raised a small flag and instantly turned into a tour guide.
Zhu Yi, who was also serving as a translator, couldn't help laughing.
Arriving at the Glass Street, Liu Ju talked with everyone as they walked, from the glass sculptures on the street to the major shops, to the terraced greenhouses, and then to the mirror maze.
Every place was filled with exclamations of surprise, especially the mirror maze, which left many messengers dizzy, angry, anxious, and excited, some even asking to come again, and again...
He is both a novice and a playful person.
After touring the entire Liuli Street, everyone praised it again and again: It is truly a masterpiece of nature, worthy of its reputation, and it is something that cannot be found in this world.
After leaving Liuli Street, everyone's high spirits finally calmed down a little and they brought up business for the third time.
Liu Ju waved his hand. "How could the only wonder of Chang'an be Glazed Street? For example, aren't you all curious about the agricultural tools that have contributed to the Han Dynasty's bumper harvests in recent years? These things are most likely from the Gewusi. Would you like to visit the Gewusi?"
Everyone was stunned. Farm tools...
The land and water formations of the Western Regions vary greatly, and some of them have developed agriculture. Many rare commodities have flowed into the Western Regions in recent years, but agricultural tools are practically nonexistent, existing only in rumors. How could people not be curious?
They were especially curious about the Gewusi (Investigation of Things) Office. They had assumed it was an important Han government office and wouldn't be allowed in. But after hearing what the Han Crown Prince said, were all of this included in the itinerary?
Everyone instantly forgot about the meeting with the emperor. Suddenly, they said, "Of course, I'm curious. Your Highness, I wonder where we're going next."
Agricultural Tools, Gewusi, hurry up, hurry up, we can’t wait any longer.
Liu Ju chuckled, "No hurry, it's lunchtime, time to eat. Everyone, please return to the International Conference Hall. I have prepared delicious food for you all to enjoy. After dinner, you can rest in the hall."
Rest? Didn't you say you were going to see the Agricultural Instruments and the Gewusi?
"It's a rare opportunity for you all to come to Chang'an, so please stay a few days. Let's go to one place a day and take our time. There's no rush."
Everyone: ...If you're not going, what the hell are you talking about? Are you deliberately keeping us in suspense?
Just looking at a Liuli Street takes less than half a day, and that's considered tiring. Also, the Grand Herald says there's no rush, and you, the Crown Prince, say there's no rush either. So, is "no rush" a common motto among you Han people?
Liu Ju waved his hand, turned around and got into the car. Of course, he did not go to the International Conference Hall, but went directly back to the East Palace.
Everyone: ...
Well, it seems we can only wait until tomorrow.
But the next day, Liu Ju didn't show up at all. Only the Princess of Zhuyi and the Grand Herald accompanied him. The same thing happened on the third day, and the same thing happened on the fourth day.
Everyone had lost their temper and could only comfort themselves that fortunately the so-called visit to the Agricultural Tools and the Institute of Investigation was real.
The princess took them to the "Agricultural Tools Demonstration Village" and participated in the "Gewusi Open Day".
But...but!
After completing all the activities, it was time to get down to business. But no, the princess announced that the rest of the day would be "free time" and they could explore Chang'an on their own.
Everyone was speechless, even the emperor was speechless.
What's going on with you, Han people? You were the ones who approved our mission when the letter arrived. And yet, when we arrived, His Majesty the Emperor wasn't there, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince showed up briefly and then disappeared. Just ask what you mean!
East Palace.
Even Huo Qubing couldn't help but complain: "Your Majesty asked you to be in charge of the reception of the delegation, and this is how you do it? I've never seen a receptionist as free as you. So your reception is just to delegate all the work to others?"
"What else? A good ruler should be good at employing people and be brave enough to employ them. Father taught me that."
Huo Qubing: ...He was sure that His Majesty definitely did not teach him that way.
Liu Ju shrugged and spread his hands, his expression as if to say, "I'm just using it this way, what can you do to me?" But this was only one reason. The second point was, if he were present throughout the entire process, what would Third Sister have to do? Only when he wasn't around would the Honglu Temple treat Third Sister as the leader.
This is the third sister's stage, a good opportunity for her to show herself. Why would he want to steal the third sister's spotlight?
However, Liu Ju kept his original promise and kept this thought secret, not telling anyone.
While the two were bickering, Zhu Yi walked in.
Liu Ju came forward happily, bringing water and rubbing his shoulders, and was so attentive that Huo Qubing couldn't bear to watch.
Zhuyi held him down, made him sit down, and began to talk about business: "The envoys from thirteen countries are all prominent in their own countries and hold important positions in the current government. Three of them are princes, from Dayuan, Cheshi, and Qiemi."
"It's also worth noting that there are two other women. One is the Wusun Princess, who is gorgeous and quite exotic. The other is said to be the most beautiful woman in Loulan."
It is said?
Liu Ju raised his eyebrows.
"She wore a veil the entire time and never revealed her true face."
Huo Qubing recalled: "When I went to meet the delegation, I indeed found this person among them. He always covered his face with a veil and never took it off in front of others."
Zhu Yi pursed his lips and continued, "From what I heard from them, these two came for a marriage alliance."
Liu Ju's eyes flickered, and he immediately understood something: "Are you finally making your appearance after much anticipation? Do you want to keep it a secret and amaze everyone until the very end?"
Mrs. Li had used this trick before, but unfortunately it failed.
She traveled thousands of miles and insisted on wearing a veil all the way, just for the sense of mystery, which is quite enduring.
Liu Ju scoffed, "Loulan is a small country with a population of less than 20,000. Choosing the most beautiful woman among those 20,000? Tsk, I want to see how beautiful she can be."
He then fell into deep thought: "Dayuan is quite far from both the Xiongnu and the Han, and its national strength is strong and independent. It is unlikely that they would collude with the Xiongnu.
"Although the Wusun had some ties to the Xiongnu, they have now become disloyal and have long since refused to submit to Xiongnu rule. For the Xiongnu, they are somewhere between controllable and uncontrollable. Cheshi, Qiemi, and Loulan are all adjacent to the Xiongnu and are completely under their control."
This means that the latter several missions may have obeyed the Xiongnu's orders and hidden Xiongnu's handwriting. Of course, this is not the only issue. Those that did not send royal envoys or offer beauties may not be without problems.
Zhu Yi's expression was solemn. "When visiting the Agricultural Tools and the Bureau of Investigation, these envoys more or less showed some strange feelings, but it's not obvious from their expressions alone."
Liu Ju wasn't surprised. It was just a test, so failure was fine. The Xiongnu wouldn't be so superficial. If one could detect it simply by observing their expressions, the Xiongnu would have been destroyed long ago.
Huo Qubing raised his eyebrows: "Just be on guard against them all. One or two is a precaution, three or four is a precaution, five or six is not much of a difference."
He believed that in the face of overwhelming power, all conspiracies were mere paper tigers. He wasn't even afraid of the Hun army, so how could he take these envoys seriously?
Liu Ju tapped his fingers lightly. "Father has decided to host a dinner for the delegation in three days, and has also prepared a song and dance performance. If Wusun and Loulan are interested in a 'marriage alliance', this is the perfect occasion to express it."
After a pause, he asked Zhu Yi, "Did Third Sister tell you that I was planning to recreate the 'Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers' at the banquet?"
"Yes. You specifically asked me to, so why wouldn't I mention it?" Zhu Yi curled his lips. "I took the initiative to talk about the miracle and asked the envoys from various countries if this was their main concern during this mission."
Huo Qubing chuckled: "I guess they wanted to slowly explore and test the waters, but you finally pointed it out. Their expressions must have been very interesting at that time."
Zhu Yi nodded. It was indeed wonderful, and several people were almost shocked.
She looked at Liu Ju and said, "According to what you said, the Han Dynasty is protected by the gods, and my father is the chosen ruler of the country, with divine right, and the ability to communicate with heaven and earth.
"It was not easy for the delegation to come to the capital. In order to ensure that everyone's wish is fulfilled and the trip is worthwhile, the emperor specially reported to the gods, and with their permission, they promised to perform another miracle. This is also the reason why the emperor has not received an audience these days."
The envoys from various countries may not believe this statement, but it is precisely because they do not believe it that it will be more interesting to see the "miracle" when the time comes.
Everything is ready. If the Agricultural Instruments and Objects Bureau couldn't catch any fish, this banquet would definitely do the trick.
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