After a brief discussion, Liu Hong and his ministers quickly drafted a treaty for mutual communication.
In fact, Liu Hong's enthusiasm for communicating with Rome was mainly aimed at the barbarians to the north of Rome, those blond-haired, blue-eyed fellows who were the ancestors of the Germanic, Gaulish, and Mi people of later generations.
Just as Liu Hong has been committed to developing Liaozhou and Yamatai, all threats, now and in the future, must be nipped in the bud.
Soon, guided by Cheng Yu, Yudeo and several Romans passed through Deyang Gate and arrived at the square in front of Deyang Palace.
Looking at the magnificent and imposing Deyang Palace, and the long steps leading up to it, the Romans were once again astonished.
The achievements of the current emperor are beyond doubt. In order to demonstrate the emperor's majesty, the officials have repeatedly submitted petitions to renovate and rebuild the Deyang Palace.
The steps are paved with smooth, white marble, and the front of the corridor is supported by dozens of round pillars that take four people to encircle. The five-clawed dragons carved on the pillars raise their heads upwards, as if they want to soar straight into the sky.
Today, Deyang Palace combines solemnity, grandeur, and magnificence, making it a highly representative building in the entire Han Dynasty.
In the eyes of these Romans, the residence of the Han emperor was larger and more awe-inspiring than the largest temple in Rome.
On both sides of the steps, the tall and upright Imperial Guards soldiers, dressed in magnificent armor and with red pheasant feathers on their heads, were even more awe-inspiring.
In their eyes, these Eastern warriors, based solely on their equipment and physique, far surpassed the Praetorian Guard around the Roman emperor, and their combat prowess was self-evident.
They simply couldn't imagine what kind of great person could live here, possess such powerful warriors, and rule such a vast country.
Yudeo and his group followed behind Cheng Yu, slowly moving forward up the steps, not daring to overstep their bounds in the slightest.
Upon entering Deyang Palace, Youdeo and his entourage dared not even breathe loudly, only looking down at the smooth, mirror-like ground.
"Your humble servant, Yudeo, pays homage to His Majesty the Great Emperor of the Han Dynasty. May the Han Dynasty live ten thousand years, and may His Majesty live ten thousand years! On behalf of all Romans, I salute you!"
After taking his place, Youdeo also followed the etiquette of the Han Dynasty and respectfully paid homage to the Emperor of Han, expressing his respect.
The officials on both sides of the hall looked on with satisfaction at the Roman's performance.
"No need for formalities, rise!"
A powerful and authoritative voice reached the ears of several Romans.
Upon hearing that familiar voice, Yudeo was startled and cautiously looked up.
Although Liu Hong's appearance was obscured by the twelve jade beads, making it difficult for anyone to see clearly, Yudeo still recognized him.
He never imagined that his impromptu decision at the restaurant would lead him to the Emperor of the Han Dynasty.
Yudeo couldn't help but recall the conversation he had with Cheng Yu about the connection between heaven and man.
After enduring countless hardships, they arrived in the Han Dynasty, only to find themselves in dire straits. However, they unexpectedly encountered the Han emperor, who was traveling incognito, and were thus saved from their predicament.
All of this seems to be the will of Heaven.
Could all of this truly be the will of Heaven?
Like the Han Dynasty, Rome was a polytheistic country, where Heaven was considered superior to all other gods.
Thinking of all this, Yudeo felt even more awe for the emperor, as described by the people of the Han Dynasty.
Looking at Yudeo in the hall, Liu Hong smiled warmly.
"Have you received those three silver coins?"
"Your Majesty, I have received it. It is the most precious gift I have ever received in my life!"
Yudeo replied respectfully that, in his view, the young Han emperor before him was a trustworthy, gentle, and respected monarch. Under his leadership, the future of the Han Dynasty was unimaginable, and Rome had to befriend the Han.
Liu Hong smiled and nodded: "I am already aware of your experiences in coming to the Han Dynasty. I greatly admire your spirit of not being afraid of hardships. The Han Dynasty is willing to have an equal dialogue with Rome."
"Thank you for your recognition, Your Majesty. It is an honor for all the people of Rome to be able to speak with the Great Han!"
Upon seeing that the Emperor of Han was willing to make contact with Rome, Yudeo was excited and, in accordance with Roman etiquette, knelt on one knee and bowed to Liu Hong again.
Liu Hong continued, "Although you have lost your emperor's letter of credence, I still recognize your status as envoys. You can now speak on behalf of your country!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Yudeo respectfully agreed, then his expression turned solemn. "Your Majesty the Emperor of the Great Han Dynasty, our Emperor wishes to establish friendly relations with your country and hopes that your country can send envoys and merchant caravans to our country. Our people will certainly welcome the distinguished guests of the Great Han Dynasty!"
"Of course, no problem. That's exactly what I was thinking!"
Liu Hong smiled and then said, "I think that in addition to exchanging envoys and engaging in trade, our two countries should conduct deeper communication."
Therefore, I intend to send people to reside permanently in Rome, and also dispatch missionaries and scholars there to build schools and academies, so that both sides can better learn from each other!
"Your Majesty is right. This will further enhance the understanding and friendship between our two countries!"
Yudeo not only didn't find Liu Hong's suggestion inappropriate, but actually welcomed it wholeheartedly.
In his view, this was simply a dialogue between two civilizations, East and West, and there was nothing wrong with it.
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