Zhao Jun said with a serious expression, "If this arms trade and other normal commercial transactions are successful, it will be enough for our Song Dynasty to eat for several years. Besides, the soldiers are also suffering from the cold in the wind."
"It was just a joke. I know how important they are to our Song Dynasty."
Han Qi quickly adjusted his state and changed the subject, saying, "It is said that the Abbasid Dynasty alone brought 500,000 to 600,000 kilograms of goods. I wonder how long it would take for the train to transport them."
"Although the cargo capacity of a train is not as good as that of a seagoing vessel, it is still possible for each carriage to carry several thousand kilograms. A train with more than 20 carriages can easily carry 300,000 kilograms, not to mention that it can run multiple times a day."
Wen Yanbo had previously worked at the Ministry of Railways, so he was naturally well-informed about the details involved. He smiled and said, "Even though there are many countries coming, even if the gifts and the goods they bring weigh tens of millions of pounds, it will take seven or eight days to transport them all, and we'll be able to make it in time for the New Year celebrations."
"That's good. I was worried that the train wouldn't be able to finish its journey."
"You still underestimate the power of trains. Our Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Railways are currently stepping up nationwide railway construction. Several lines designated by the Constitutional Yuan will soon be open to traffic in the next two years, which will greatly promote domestic trade."
"It would be a blessing to be able to see such a scene in my lifetime. Unfortunately, my father passed away a few years ago. It would be a wonderful thing if I could take a train."
As they chatted, the topic turned to state affairs.
In the past 17 years of the Song Dynasty, the changes are comparable to those from 2000 to 2017.
certainly.
What is referred to here is change, not the improvement of national strength and productivity.
If we take national strength and productivity into account, the total improvement of the Song Dynasty in these 17 years is not as good as the progress of my country from 2000 to 2001.
After all, although our country was backward before the millennium, it had already laid the foundation for industry. Whether it was heavy industry or light industry, it was already ranked among the top in the world at that time. All that was left was to go at full speed.
The Song Dynasty can be said to have started from scratch. It was not easy for Bianliang to have the changes it has today. Naturally, it was impossible for it to catch up with the pace of my country's reform and opening up in just seventeen years.
But that is compared with myself a thousand years later. In the world a thousand years ago, the changes in the Song Dynasty were a leap forward, and no country in the world can compare with it.
No matter how backward the Song Dynasty was, it had barely become the only industrial country in the world and possessed a certain industrial capacity, which crushed other countries in the world.
Everyone was chatting when a few minutes later the train stopped with a "whoosh" sound and the exit in the distance became noisy and bustling with people.
The main envoys of the delegation, Tan Wenxue and Zhang Youwei, walked at the front of the team, followed by sixty or seventy people.
These people are messengers and translators of their countries.
Basically there are only two people from each country, equivalent to an ambassador with an interpreter.
As for other members, such as deputy envoys, counselors, and attendants, they are not even qualified to be here.
Some were picked up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through other channels, while others were taken away by the next, next, and next channel.
"Master, I am glad that you and I have fulfilled your mission."
When Tan Wenxue and Zhang Youwei saw Zhao Jun and the others waiting at the exit, they hurried over and bowed to them.
"Well, you did a great job. I also heard about what happened in Baghdad. You restored order for the Abbasid Caliphate, defeating tens of thousands with only a few thousand men. You truly shocked the West."
Zhao Jun said with a smile.
"It was the Supreme Court that gave us the power to act at our own convenience. The Seljuks insulted us when we invited them. We dare not insult the dignity of the state."
The two said modestly.
"You are the pride of the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On this mission, the country shares the honor and disgrace with you."
"Thank you, Master."
The three of them exchanged a few pleasantries.
Then they introduced the country they were visiting to everyone.
"Minister of Finance, Minister of Literature, Minister of Korea, this is Pradeep, the envoy from the Chola Kingdom."
"These are the four prime ministers of our Song Dynasty. This one is the chancellor, and this one is..."
"Hello."
Zhao Jun and others shook hands with each other and nodded in greeting.
This was the etiquette that the Constitutional Council asked the Ministry of Rites to formulate when the diplomatic delegation set out.
Because the handshake etiquette in later generations is a customary etiquette based on international rules, there is no need for countries to teach, everyone knows how to do it.
But it certainly wasn’t possible in ancient times.
Every country has its own unique etiquette. Some bow by placing the right hand on the chest, some bow by clasping both hands in front of the chest, and some simply hold the other person's hand and kiss.
It would be too troublesome if each country had its own etiquette.
The Song Dynasty's bowing gesture was fine for a few people, but when dealing with such a large delegation of envoys, with more than 30 countries each having to bow and clasp their hands together, their arms would be very sore.
So after discussion, it was decided that the Song Dynasty should formulate the international order and uniformly adopt a handshake etiquette to reduce diplomatic red tape.
After these people arrived in the Song Dynasty, people from the Ministry of Rites would teach them a series of etiquette to adapt to local customs.
When meeting high-ranking officials of the Song Dynasty, the main form of greeting should be a handshake or a bow. When meeting the emperor at a celebration, the etiquette of one's own country should be used.
certainly.
The etiquette of some countries is definitely not acceptable. For example, kissing Zhao Zhen's hand or forehead is not acceptable. If there is no such distant etiquette, you can also replace it with the Song Dynasty's bowing gesture.
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