"..."
King Chakchin of the Wuhuan Kingdom stayed at the State Guest House.
That evening, Emperor Zhao Changheng hosted a state banquet for foreign guests.
The throne was set up in the Chengtian Hall and covered with a yellow banner.
The Crown Prince and princes were seated on the east side, while princes of the first rank were seated on the west side. Officials of the fifth rank and above were seated in the hall.
Twenty-four guards stood on either side.
The Jiaofangsi was responsible for singing, dancing, and music, while the Guanglusi was responsible for wine, food, and dishes.
The stewards, wine masters, and food masters, among other staff, moved back and forth in the hall to serve the guests.
Dressed in royal robes and a crown, Chakchin was led into the hall by officials from the Court of State Ceremonial and sat down.
The Guanglu Temple opened the goblet and poured wine, while the Jiaofangsi knelt and played the "Song of Affection for the Emperor Ming" and danced the "Dance of Pacifying the Four Barbarians".
As is customary, the toasting ceremony at a state banquet involves nine rounds of toasting.
After nine rounds of singing and dancing, it is time to pick up chopsticks and eat.
The emperor of the Great Gan and the monarch of the friendly nation immediately began a warm and friendly conversation.
"The King of Wuhuan mentioned in his letter that he wanted to form a marriage alliance with our country?"
Chakchin cupped his hands and said, “That’s right. I have just ascended the throne, and the position of queen is vacant. Moreover, I have always admired the culture of the Central Plains and wish to marry a talented and knowledgeable lady from the Central Plains to come to Wuhuan and become her queen.”
The civil and military officials at the banquet couldn't help but whisper among themselves upon hearing this.
Zhao Changheng was also in a dilemma.
He said apologetically, "Your Majesty, you may not know this, but all the women of marriageable age in my Daqian royal family are already married. There are no suitable girls available for you to marry right now. I'm afraid Your Majesty will have to leave disappointed."
Surprisingly, Chakchin did not show any disappointment when he heard him say that.
His expression remained one of unwavering confidence: "Your Majesty, I have no intention of marrying a daughter of your royal family."
"Oh, then which one does Your Majesty wish to marry?"
Chakchin slightly curled his lips, his gaze sweeping over the officials' seats as if by accident: "I heard that the mother of your Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion has been widowed for many years."
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