74 Chapter 74
◎Inspecting the troops◎
In the hundred years since the founding of the Great Qi Nation, conflicts with the Northern Desert Steppes have never ceased, but the main targets of conflict have always rotated.
Today, the Dada tribe is strong in both military and military power, and has the momentum to unify the grassland and drive troops southward. Therefore, every year during the Wanshou Festival, the envoys of the Dada tribe like to make trouble the most.
They are testing the bottom line of Emperor Daqi bit by bit.
This year, the emperor was given a fierce tiger. His words were full of self-praise and insults, and it was written on his face that I, the Khan of the grassland, am much braver and more powerful than you, the emperor of the Central Plains.
The same is true in previous years.
But he didn't say it explicitly, and the officials of Daqi couldn't refute him in person, so he felt very aggrieved.
Today, Princess Rong'an shot and killed a tiger in the palace, which really made people happy!
Seeing the frustrated expressions of Badan and others, everyone felt very happy.
Soon, guards carried out the dead tiger and palace maids cleaned up the blood.
The rest of the delegation also became exceptionally well-behaved, sending blessings and birthday gifts, and not daring to say a single word.
After the gift-giving was over, Xie Changfeng waved his hand and said, "Everyone, please take your seats. Let's serve the meal."
Birthday banquets are always accompanied by clinking of glasses. Ministers toasted the emperor one after another without even taking a bite of the dishes.
The dishes for the birthday banquet were jointly prepared by the Guanglu Temple and the Shangshenjian, and they also thoughtfully prepared local specialties for envoys from different regions.
But Prince Badan did not understand this intention.
He stared at the mutton on the plate, his eyes wandering between the seats opposite him, and he subconsciously paused for a few breaths every time he passed by Xie Mingzhuo.
I'm not willing to accept this. I really am not willing to accept this!
He originally wanted to see Qiren make a fool of himself, but who could have expected that the rumored arrogant and domineering Princess Rong'an was even more "arrogant" than he had imagined, and the musket in her hand was the latest firearm manufactured by the Qi Dynasty?
While their fellow tribesmen are shearing sheep in the northern desert, the craftsmen of the Qi Dynasty are researching firearms day and night. If this continues, can the great cause of the Khan be realized?
If only they could make firearms...
Li Si beside him suddenly hit his chest with his hand, as if he was choking on his food. Badan glanced at his plate, which was almost empty.
idiot.
He withdrew his gaze with contempt, and seeing that no one in the hall was toasting the emperor anymore, he picked up the wine cup again and stood up, the agate decoration on his ear swaying.
"Your Majesty, before I left, my father, the Khan, specifically told me that your country is full of talented people. If there is an opportunity, he would like me, the warriors of the grassland, to learn a few things."
Qi Chen looked helpless: Here we go again, isn't it boring to come here every year?
Xie Mingshuo leaned closer to Xie Mingzhuo and whispered, "It's a common cliché in time-travel novels. When describing foreign envoys paying tribute, there must be a competition segment, and then the protagonist gets slapped in the face."
"Yeah?"
Xie Mingzhuo chuckled. As the Celestial Empire, they should sit on the judges' bench instead of the contestants' bench.
But in this situation, not accepting the challenge will be seen as giving in, which will damage the reputation of a major country. Accepting the challenge will lower one's own status.
"Prince Badan." A cold voice descended from the imperial steps.
Badan's heart trembled. What was Princess Rong'an going to do? She had just shot a tiger, could she kill him in the palace?
"My father often tells me that the grassland warriors are exceptional in horsemanship, and the Korean warriors are exceptional in archery. I just don't know which is better: the grassland warriors' horse archery or the Korean warriors'."
Badan suddenly had a bad premonition. Li Si, who had been bowing his head, also looked up when he heard the words. His swollen and purple face was a sight to behold.
"Today is the Emperor's birthday banquet. If you warriors can fulfill even one of his wishes, he will reward you handsomely."
All the words are based on the principle of "I am the master and you are the subject". The grassland warriors are not qualified to compete with the Daqi soldiers. If they want to compete, they should compete with Goryeo. If the competition is exciting, His Majesty the Emperor will be pleased and can reward them with some money and property.
Dada Mission: “…”
Goryeo delegation: “…”
It's so insulting.
Badan was unwilling to give in and said dryly, "We just want to learn from the talents of your country."
"It's such a pity. I was thinking of helping Prince Badan to have a good start. If you win, I'll ask my father to reward you with an improved pistol." Xie Mingzhuo spoke without hesitation.
Badan: “…”
Although I know she said this on purpose, I still feel a little lost in my heart. What's going on?
It is undeniable that he really liked her pistol.
"But Prince Badan, don't despair. If you want to experience the skills of our Daqi soldiers, you will have plenty of opportunities later." Xie Mingzhuo looked around at everyone in the hall. "Today is our father's birthday. Our Daqi soldiers have prepared a unique gift for him. Are you willing to join us?"
What trap is Princess Qiguo digging again?
Badan frowned and could only follow the crowd and replied, "It is an honor for us."
At this moment, the entire capital city was plunged into a solemn atmosphere. Outside Chengtian Gate, on both sides of Chang'an Avenue, soldiers in armor and sharp weapons were lined up in neat rows, concentrating on their duty.
The phalanx troops stopped at the North Bridge of Yuhe River, waiting for the order to go to Chengtian Gate for inspection.
The people in the surrounding streets and towns stayed indoors, but those living on the street couldn't help their curiosity and quietly opened their windows to look outside.
"Dad, what are they doing?" A child from a family asked, pulling his father's clothes.
His father covered his mouth with his hand and said, "Keep your voice down! Don't let the soldiers hear you. They are doing something very important. Don't disturb them."
"I understand." The child stood on the bench, tiptoed and leaned on the windowsill, his clear big eyes reflecting the majestic soldiers under the bridge.
He didn't understand anything, but inexplicably a different emotion was growing in his heart, his chest felt sore and swollen, as if he was about to cry.
But he obviously didn't want to cry.
A flare suddenly shot up into the sky, echoing throughout the capital.
The review begins.
Xie Mingzhuo's family of five, along with a group of ministers, have already climbed up to the Chengtian Gate Tower.
The golden autumn sunlight envelopes this ancient and solemn city. Looking from a high vantage point, one can see prosperous markets scattered all over the city, with rows of flags fluttering in the wind on the walls.
A strong desire ignited in Badan's heart - to rule the Central Plains and control the vast and extremely rich rivers and mountains.
Suddenly, a loud noise shattered his overconfident ambitions.
The shrill sound caused by tinnitus had not yet dissipated when the city wall under his feet began to vibrate faintly. The majestic sound waves penetrated the solid and heavy earth, rushed up the towering and magnificent city wall, and hit his head directly from the soles of his feet.
A cannon shot sounded, as if signaling an attack, and the might of the subsequent artillery fire roared in from all directions.
"Dad, are there firecrackers?" the child covered his ears and shouted excitedly.
His father was afraid that he hadn't covered it tightly enough, so he covered it with his big hand. After the sound of the cannon had passed, he said proudly, "These are not firecrackers, but the sound of cannons coming from the nine gates of the capital."
"Why are you setting off cannons?"
"What day is today?"
"Wanshou Festival, the Emperor's birthday."
"Count again, how many times did it ring?"
"Every gate has six sounds."
The "six shots from nine gates" represents the simultaneous firing of nine cannons on the sixth day of September, which is the highest birthday gift for His Majesty the Emperor.
But to the envoys from various countries with ulterior motives, this was a naked threat and deterrence from the Qi Dynasty.
The officials of the Qi Dynasty all wore smiles, their hearts filled with pride. Looking at these pale-faced envoys, they felt extremely happy and satisfied.
It is said that this idea was proposed by Her Royal Highness the Princess. As expected of the princess of Daqi, she has won everyone's hearts with this wise plan.
The firing of the cannon is just the beginning.
When Jiang Ruohuayi's phalanx appeared at the Chengtian Gate, the war drums were beating, the trumpets were blaring, the infantry were wearing armor, and the Miao Dao in their hands were sharp and cold. They were like divine soldiers descending under the brilliant light.
They shouted "Long live" and their voices pierced the clouds and split the rocks, making people's eardrums roar and their hearts surge.
Bataan used his excellent eyesight to guarantee that this was definitely an elite force!
The governor of the Beijing Camp was replaced by Lu Ping, and the military strength was indeed far greater than before. Although Lu Ping had not been stationed at the border in recent years, his reputation in the Northern Desert Grassland remained as strong as before.
He looked as if he had swallowed a sour apricot, and his whole face was wrinkled. The Qi Kingdom had an endless supply of elite soldiers and generals, and its firearms were far ahead, so it was extremely difficult to move south.
If we act rashly, we might suffer a great loss at the hands of Qi Chao, and then Wala and Wuliangha will surely take advantage of the situation to rob us.
The move south will have to be done slowly.
The overwhelming momentum of the infantry had already made the envoys present extremely confused, and the following cavalry and the Shenji army completely crushed their covetous hearts at Chengtian Gate.
Someone murmured: "How did they do that?"
The two generals were dressed in armor and holding spears, riding side by side in the front. Behind them were fifty horses carrying fifty soldiers. Their steps were surprisingly consistent, even the stride was exactly the same.
The team was silent throughout the entire process, yet exuded an incomparably powerful sense of control. The sound of horseshoes hitting the bluestone slabs could be heard faintly, almost deafening.
Badan was a little surprised. Even he had to admit defeat at such a superb horse-riding skill.
Why are there so many talented people in Qi Kingdom?!
Not to mention the Shenji Army, the armor they wore was specially made to facilitate the operation of firearms, and each of them held a brand new musket in their hands, which was very different from the previous style.
Thinking of the exquisite pistol that killed the tiger, Bataan felt a surge of sourness in his heart.
If such a talent could serve the royal court, Dada would be able to unify the grassland!
Several phalanxes passed through the street outside Chengtian Gate one after another. The time was very short, but the shock they brought to the envoys lasted for a very long time.
Until they returned to Huitong Hall, the awe-inspiring majesty of the Qi State soldiers still appeared in their minds, and they could no longer harbor any rebellious thoughts for a short period of time.
The Wanshou Festival ended successfully.
The five members of the Xie family gathered in the Palace of Heavenly Purity and lay in a row on the soft couches in the living room.
Since family meetings became a routine, they placed five soft couches in the living room for rest, so that they didn't have to sit tensely at the table during meetings.
A plate of snacks and fruits is displayed next to the couch.
All the palace maids retreated and stood outside the hall.
"Haha, did you see their green faces?" Xie Changfeng couldn't contain his excitement and pride. "If we want to rule the Central Plains, we have to see if the firearms in our hands will allow us to do so!"
The musket on display today is an old version that was previously improved by the Armament Bureau. The new version of the musket is more convenient and faster, but it is still a secret.
If the steel quality of Qichao was not so poor, the Armory Bureau would be able to produce guns that are closer to modern ones.
Steel is an extremely critical part of industrial development. The mother and son have been intensively studying steel smelting technology in an attempt to break through existing technological barriers.
"Okay, we can only scare them temporarily," Meng Qi peeled an orange and gave two halves to each person. "We still have to enrich our country and strengthen our military, so that no one dares to bully us."
"My wife is right."
Xie Mingshuo said excitedly, "Tomorrow I will interview the residents of Chang'an Street, print the news in newspapers, and send them all over the country, so that the whole world will know about the military might of Daqi."
"Why hasn't Shao Shao spoken?" Xie Changfeng asked.
A few people turned around and saw Xie Mingzhuo lying on the couch with her eyes closed. Thinking she wanted to rest, they lowered their voices.
Xie Mingzhuo: "Don't worry about me, just talk about yourselves."
"Tiezhu, what are you thinking about?"
"I think people tend to let down their guard after a victory, and this letdown allows the enemy to take advantage."
They were so immersed in the joy of shocking their opponents that they almost forgot that their opponents were wolves, not sheep.
Xie Mingzhuo suddenly opened his eyes. "Bataan's ambition is written all over his face. What about Li Si?"
"What's wrong with Li Si?" Xie Mingshuo was surprised. "He's just an idiot."
Xie Mingzhuo slowly stood up: "Aren't there enough wolves in sheep's clothing?"
The four of them felt a chill in their hearts, their just-warm blood was instantly cooled, and a chill of fear crept up their backs.
There are indeed brainless cannon fodders in reality, but as an envoy to a superior country, Li Si is too stupid.
"So what do we do now?"
Xie Mingzhuo thought clearly and said, "That day, he had an argument with Song Qianqi on the street. After returning, he shut himself in and refused to see anyone. No one suspected anything. So, if he left Huitong Hall in a disguised identity, no one would care."
Huitong Hall received so many guests that the officials there were so busy that it was difficult for them to notice.
"Shao Shao, what makes you think of this?" Xie Mingxuan was puzzled. "Maybe Li Si really just hates Qi State and is destroying the image of Qi people."
"This method has too little impact. Even if no one sees through it, he's just one scumbag. Who can extend this to the entire Qi Kingdom?" Xie Mingzhuo said slowly. "But what makes me feel wrong is not this incident, but the fact that after I shot and killed the tiger in Fengtian Hall, Li Si couldn't help but look at my sleeve several times."
After being beaten by Badan, Li Si remained silent and lowered his head throughout the birthday party, as if he didn't want others to see his bruised and swollen face.
A light bulb went off in Meng Qi's head. "He's been keeping his presence low, yet he keeps looking at your sleeves. Could he be interested in the pistol?"
"There's a question," Xie Changfeng said. "If he deliberately caused the street clashes to show his 'stupidity,' what if no one could expose him at the time?"
"There are many ways. Fight with Song Qianqi and report him to the police, or say something Korean in a hurry. There will always be a chance to expose him."
Xie Mingxuan understood: "This way he has an excuse to stay indoors."
"So what does he want to do?" Xie Changfeng asked.
"Brother, does the Military Equipment Bureau have blueprints for the new musket?"
Xie Mingxuan shook his index finger. "No, not only the new version, but even the old version is missing. But I can't guarantee that the musket blueprints from before we came here are still in the hands of someone."
"Then we should prepare for both scenarios. Have someone keep an eye on him, and prepare another incorrect blueprint. We must make sure it's not left any trace."
"clear."
After the Wanshou Festival, envoys from all over the country will return home. Those who want to continue traveling or doing business can apply for permission to stay.
Meeting at the hotel late at night.
Li Si, with a face covered in bruises, cried out that he was hungry to the clerk in the hall. The clerk on duty happened to be a man of bad temper and would not tolerate Li Si's pretentiousness, so he did not respond to his request to open fire in the middle of the night.
The two men started arguing over this, and the noise was so loud that the rest of the delegation could hear it and laughed at them.
They were watching it for fun, but no one expected that Li Si would fall to the ground due to the clerk's pushing, hit his head, and lose consciousness.
Huitong Hall immediately became a pot of boiling water and became chaotic.
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