Chapter 91
International Conference Hall. Flower Hall.
Delegations from various countries gathered together and discussed the "miracle".
"The rumors make the 'miracle' sound incredibly mysterious, and even say it was a goddess scattering flowers. I don't know if it's true or not."
"Didn't the Princess of the Han Dynasty say that a miracle would reappear at the harem banquet in three days? Whether it's true or not, we'll know then."
"A miracle reappears? Do you really believe that there is someone in this world who can communicate with heaven and earth, speak with the gods, and have them perform miracles for them, just so we can see them?"
The tone of voice held these various implications. Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw the masked beauty. Along the way, everyone had witnessed the Loulan delegation treating her with great respect. They'd heard she was also from a royal family, a princess.
"I don't know if it's possible to communicate with heaven and earth, but the Han Dynasty made such a boast and hosted a special state banquet, so they certainly wouldn't contradict themselves. So this 'miracle' must happen. Doesn't Loulan believe so?"
Princess Loulan looked over. The person who spoke was the Dayuan envoy. Her lips curled slightly. "How can it be a miracle if it can be reproduced so easily?"
"Whether it's a natural disaster or a human act, if it can cause the sky to rain gold for the whole city to see, how can it not be considered a 'miracle'?"
After these words were spoken, most of the delegation nodded secretly.
"How do you know it's not a trick? It's just for show."
The Dayuan envoy shook his head, "That's not necessarily true. We have no idea how such a miracle was accomplished, or what supernatural means were used. How can we be sure it has no other function besides being a spectacle?"
"Hasn't the Han Dynasty created enough incredible things over the years? For example, if we hadn't demonstrated the various agricultural tools we've seen over the past two days, wouldn't they just be toys for us to look at, with no idea of their purpose?
"Take the Battle of Hexi a few years ago. If it hadn't really happened, who would have thought that humans could actually ascend to the heavens and borrow passage from the heavens?"
When they heard this, everyone's faces changed. Princess Loulan turned even paler, but fortunately she was hiding under her veil and no one else could see it.
"Not to mention borrowing a passage from heaven, you also saw the wave of Xiongnu soldiers we encountered on the way to Chang'an. The Han Dynasty sent out only twenty or so teenagers who had barely grown their hair, but they were able to defeat over a hundred strong men."
"They're more than just teenagers. I heard they're all noble children who just eat and drink. They're not real soldiers. They haven't even been to a military camp, let alone special training."
"We went to the Gewusi yesterday. The exhibits weren't just farm tools, they also had new bows and arrows. I looked at them carefully. I don't know the principles behind them, but they're definitely different from what we use today."
"The Han Dynasty demonstrated on the spot that a pampered princess could fire three arrows simultaneously, each hitting the bull's eye with unwavering accuracy. With such prowess, it's no wonder she was able to defeat the Xiongnu so many times, repeatedly defeating them."
"This itinerary is both for observation and for awe. Just like the Emperor of the Han Dynasty has been holding back these past few days. Do you really think the delay is to report to the gods and summon another miracle? This is to give us time to make our own judgment."
Everyone glanced at each other and spoke, understanding each other tacitly.
Within the diplomatic corps, each member of the delegation looked at the other, a quick glance then a sudden subdued expression, but the meaning was clear. Ultimately, they couldn't afford to offend the Xiongnu, and neither could the Han, so they simply avoided offending either side.
Although the Han and Xiongnu have maintained a truce for several years, this situation will not last long. Further action is inevitable. Let's see how the two sides will eventually react.
If they really had to choose, they would rather the Han Dynasty win. After all, the Han Dynasty was rich in resources and could bring them many good things, while the Xiongnu could not. Driven by profit, the Han Dynasty was superior to the Xiongnu.
Although Princess Loulan didn't express her feelings, she could not help but guess what everyone was thinking. Her heart grew colder. She glanced around, then fixed her gaze on Princess Wusun. She stood up and said, "I'm a little tired. I'd like to rest for a while. I won't be with you."
After she started talking, the envoys from various countries immediately found various excuses to leave.
Wusun.
The envoy followed behind the Wusun princess and asked, "What do you think, Princess?"
The princess scoffed, "You've already made your decision, so why should I care?"
"Of course it is important." The envoy frowned. "Princess, if Wusun wants to have absolute autonomy and completely break free from the Xiongnu's control, it must rely on the power of the Han. An alliance with the Han is a national priority. And marriage is the most convenient means of forming an alliance."
Princess Wusun snorted coldly: "So you want to sacrifice me?"
"If the princess is willing, that would be great. She has seen these days that the land and water of the Han Dynasty are better than those of the Wusun, with abundant resources and a prosperous life. The princess will enter the palace as an imperial consort, a position of high status. If she can gain the favor of the Han Emperor, she will have everything she desires.
"Even if you can't win the favor of the Han Emperor, given your status and your responsibility to maintain friendship between the two states, the Han will not treat you unfairly in your daily life. And with the resources and national strength of the Han, this fair treatment will ensure that your life is not worse than that of the Wusun, and will only be better."
Princess Wusun sneered, "If it's so good, why don't you go up yourself?"
I thought the envoy would reject my request, but he nodded. "The Han Dynasty is the Celestial Empire. If it is possible, I would certainly agree. But I am just a minister, without any extraordinary talent. What merits or virtues have I received that would warrant the Han Dynasty's approval to stay in the court?"
Princess Wusun paused and looked at him several times. Seeing that he looked serious and his eyes were full of longing, it was obvious that what he said was sincere. In an instant, her breath was blocked in her throat and she couldn't spit it out or swallow it.
The envoy continued, "If the princess is unwilling, then this matter will be dropped. When the mission is over, you can return home with me."
Princess Wusun was surprised: "Didn't you ask me to come here so that I could be given as a gift to His Majesty the Emperor of the Han Dynasty? Why don't you give me a gift anymore?"
"It depends on the princess's wishes."
Princess Wusun's expression shifted, and she sneered again. "My wishes are paramount? You're just worried that if I'm too resistant, I might show it on my face, or do something to anger His Majesty, and that would be detrimental to your alliance, not just harmful, right?"
Even if he bowed his head, he could not refute this point. The Wusun came here to make friends, not to make enemies.
Princess Wusun took a deep breath. It sounded nice, and she could return home. But as Kunmi's favorite princess, enjoying the people's tributes and all the honors, she was unwilling to sacrifice herself for Wusun.
How would others view her after she returned? Would Kunmi still treat her the same way? Would she still be the same aloof, graceful, and noble princess?
It's not that she was unwilling to sacrifice for Wusun, but she hated the feeling of being given as a gift to others. She hated even more the thought of being trapped in a palace for her entire life, especially in a palace in a foreign country. Looking around, there was no one who was her relative or old friend.
She couldn't even speak Chinese clearly, and could only understand a few sentences. Although the Han people were nice, everything about them was so strange.
Princess Wusun's hands trembled at her sides, then clenched again. She took a deep breath and said, "Don't worry, my lord. I promised my father before I left that I know what to do. Please go back to the courtyard. I want to walk around alone and have some peace and quiet."
The envoy thought she had figured it out, breathed a sigh of relief, and bowed to take his leave.
After he left, Princess Wusun looked back towards the Loulan courtyard and walked forward step by step.
********
Three days passed in a flash. The state banquet, which brought together more than a dozen countries, arrived.
In Liu Ju's opinion, there was not much difference from previous New Year's Palace banquets, and there were even fewer people.
After all, the New Year's Eve banquet was a feast for the emperor and his subjects, and anyone with a rank or title could attend, and they could bring their families. It was a huge crowd.
State banquets are different, with higher standards and fewer people allowed in. Therefore, the venue required is smaller, and it does not need to be held in a pond or garden; the palace can be used.
In the evening, the delegation entered the palace one by one and was led to their seats by officials from the Honglu Temple. They walked and looked along the way, feeling the charm of oriental palace architecture.
Every five steps there is a building, every ten steps there is a pavilion. The corridors are winding and the eaves are high. Each building is built on the terrain, and there are intrigues between them. ① Solemn and majestic, towering and magnificent.
After everyone arrived, Liu Che finally arrived. As soon as he showed up, everyone bowed to him.
Liu Che, without ceremony, offered them a seat and began to offer his greetings to the delegation. His remarks were mostly polite, asking if they had gotten used to the local climate in Chang'an and if they were satisfied with the itinerary arranged by the Crown Prince. The delegation responded one by one, naturally speaking positively.
After the pleasantries, the singing and dancing began. Whether they liked it or not, everyone behaved well and seemed to be in high spirits.
Only Liu Ju supported his chin and secretly closed his eyes to rest. When he was about to fall asleep, the singing and dancing came to an end.
The delegation stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, we have also prepared some performances to present to Your Majesty."
Liu Che naturally agreed. Liu Ju sat up straight and said, "Here it comes, the main film is finally here."
As he expected, the first to appear was the Wusun Princess. The dances of the Western Regions differed greatly from those of the Central Plains, and the music was also quite different. It was truly a refreshing experience, and I was captivated by it.
The lead dancer, Princess Wusun, was particularly stunning, a beauty whose beauty was unlike any other Central Plains woman. For Liu Che, this was like someone used to eating cooked food suddenly discovering that ingredients could be stir-fried.
Anyone who knows that feeling will understand.
The dance ended, but Liu Che was still not satisfied. Fortunately, the princess left and the princess of Loulan came on stage.
The dance of Loulan is different. Five or six dancers work together to make the princess the center of attention. With the help of the dancers, the princess becomes the focus, and her grace is highlighted everywhere.
She was truly graceful like a startled swan and elegant like a swimming dragon. Even because the princess was wearing a veil, she gave people a hazy beauty.
—Tsk, the Wusun Princess was already very beautiful just now. I haven't seen the real face of the Loulan Princess, but looking at her dancing posture and figure, I have already imagined what she looks like in my mind.
That's the cleverness of Princess Loulan. She creates an aura of mystery. Even before the veil is removed, you men are already tantalizingly attracted to her. But this tactic also has its risks. The danger is that if the imagery is too rosy, it will raise everyone's expectations, and once the veil is removed, the appearance may not meet expectations, and the whole thing will go wrong.
——It shouldn't be that case. After all, Zhuzhu is the emperor of the Han Dynasty. Loulan is not stupid enough to think that ordinary beauties can catch his eye. Since she has been given the title of the most beautiful woman, she should definitely deserve this title.
——I am waiting to receive the veil.
Liu Ju's eyes widened as he too waited for the veil to be taken. Even though he knew this was Loulan's trick, just to attract their attention and pique their interest, he still shamefully "fell for it."
However, after waiting for a long time, until the music faded and the dancing stopped, the veil of Princess Loulan was still on her face.
Liu Ju: ...She didn't even remove her veil during the dance. This princess doesn't play by the rules!
After the dance, Princess Wusun and Princess Loulan came forward together to pay their respects to Emperor Wu Che.
Liu Che clapped his hands and shouted "good" three times, then ordered the eunuchs to serve wine. He drank a cup with the two princesses from a distance, and said with a smile: "I heard that the princess has always worn a veil. She has been in Chang'an for so long, and no one in Chang'an has ever seen her true face. I wonder if I will have the honor today."
Princess Loulan bowed and apologized, "Your Majesty, I don't know that I don't wear a veil just for diplomatic missions. I've been a distinguished looker since I was young. After I turned ten, my appearance blossomed, and I became even more stunning.
"When I was twelve, walking outside the palace, I would often attract the attention of passersby. They would even fight just to see me, causing many absurd incidents. From then on, to avoid disputes, I covered my face with a veil and no longer showed my true appearance to others.
"I have sworn that I will never take off my veil unless I meet my husband and he takes it off for me."
Liu Ju: …???
The barrage is also a circle of question marks.
—I dare say you think you're Mu Wanqing. The veil can't be removed. Whoever removes it must marry you, right?
—How clever. Wasn't this a deliberate attempt to reveal that Liu Che had to remove the veil himself, so that only he could see her true appearance? Tsk tsk, so scheming. By doing this, the Wusun Princess was completely overshadowed, and she was no match for her.
—In the front, Zhao Gouyi clenched his fist, needing to meet his destined benefactor to release it; in the back, Princess Loulan covered her face with a veil, which could only be removed by her future husband. Okay, okay, you ancient people loved this, didn't you?
Liu Ju: ...No, I don’t like it, don’t count me in.
But looking up at his father, he didn't know whether he liked it or not, but at least he didn't dislike it. After all, if Princess Loulan had rejected him on the spot, Liu Che would have been angry. But with this rejection, Liu Che didn't show any anger on his face. He just gave Princess Loulan a deep look and let it go.
"I am delighted by the graceful dance of the two princesses. The envoys have presented gifts, and it is time for me to return the favor. How about a performance of 'Heavenly Maidens Scattering Flowers'?"
Here it comes, the "miracle" is coming.
Everyone in the delegation was concentrating, their bodies were trembling, their eyes were wide open, and they didn't blink at all, for fear of missing the wonderful moment by blinking.
Liu Che took in everyone's behavior, raised his lips, and winked at the eunuch beside him. The eunuch quietly withdrew. No one knew where he went.
Not long after, there was a loud bang, followed by a beam of light suddenly rising into the sky, blooming into countless stars.
Then, a series of whooshing and banging sounds erupted, and beams of light rose and exploded. Soon, a golden rain began to fall from the sky. Just as the rumors had said, it was as brilliant as flowers scattered by immortals.
"It's true. The rumors are actually true. It's a miracle. This is truly a miracle."
"How could it be...how on earth did they do that?"
"Could it be that the Emperor of Han can truly communicate with heaven and earth?"
…
Everyone was shocked, surprised, confused, and puzzled. But without exception, they were all deeply moved by this rain of fireworks. They unconsciously stood up and walked forward, as if this would bring them closer to the scattered flowers of the goddess, and perhaps they could detect a clue.
At this moment, with almost everyone's attention riveted by the rain of fireworks, something unexpected happened. Princess Loulan seized the opportunity to remove the hairpins and rings from her head and toss them aside. The hairpins and rings disintegrated, instantly transforming into three or four hidden weapons that flew towards Liu Che.
In the blink of an eye, Wei Qing threw a wine glass and knocked the hidden weapon down.
Princess Loulan was not surprised. Even though she took advantage of the gap created by the rain of fireworks to catch the enemy off guard, she did not expect to hit the target with one strike.
She did not stop moving. Almost as soon as the hairpins and rings were thrown out, she gave an order and reached to her waist together with several dancing maids. She took out the soft sword hidden in the belt, touched the ground with her toes, jumped up, and hit Liu Che in the face!
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