Three days later.
The streets and alleys of the capital were filled with a solemn and warm atmosphere, and the empress enjoyed herself with the people.
The palace gates were wide open, and a red carpet stretched from the gates to the main hall. Palace maids lined the aisles, ready to welcome guests.
Outside the palace gate, colorful flags were flying and melodious music was playing.
The roadsides were crowded with onlookers, who were looking forward to it, their eyes full of curiosity and excitement.
Soldiers dressed in bright armor and holding spears stood majestically on both sides of the road to maintain order.
As the envoys approached the palace, the sound of drums and music grew more intense. Before the main hall, court dancers danced gracefully, their colorful robes fluttering, like fairies descending to earth.
Envoys from various countries, dressed in gorgeous costumes and carrying rare treasures, walked slowly under the guidance of the guard of honor.
Everyone's carriage could only be parked at the palace gate, and then enter on foot.
Shen Qing stood in the warehouse, looking at the various gifts they had sent, and his mood became better and better.
Master, she has made it!
She has wealth and glory!
The tribute presented by the envoys from the Western Regions was a horse ornament carved from fine jade, with the message "Leading the Way".
"It's very ugly." Shen Qing commented, "We can't sell it yet."
The huge rhinoceros horn given by the Nanman has a surface as smooth as jade and emits a mysterious luster.
"This thing is pretty good." Shen Qing looked at it, his eyes shining. "From now on, if anyone dares to disobey me, I can use this to hit them."
Qingge's smile paused.
There is also a samurai sword that was sent from an unknown country, and the quality seems to be average.
"This is not good. I'll serve him some rotten fruit later." Shen Qing threw it away in disgust.
It would be better for her to just pick up a dead branch, which is also something she can use.
Shen Qing looked at the gifts filling the warehouse and was very satisfied. "The purpose of this ceremony has been achieved. It can be concluded now."
"Ah? Your Majesty, don't joke." Qingge said helplessly.
"Change your clothes."
At the banquet.
The dragon throne is still empty.
Envoys from various countries gathered in groups of three or four, whispering to each other and talking in low voices.
A man from the Western Regions sat there quietly eating fruit. He was wearing a colorful robe, a wide golden belt around his waist with a bright ruby in the center, and a white felt hat on his head.
"Hey, do you know this new Emperor Dongli?" the man next to him asked, "I heard she rose to power through rebellion!"
"So what?" The Western Region man looked at the person calmly, "That's her ability."
Anyone who can sit on the throne is not an ordinary person.
"It's truly remarkable that a woman can have such courage and control the situation."
Another person came up and said, "Yes, I heard that she governs the country well and the country is prosperous. She should not be underestimated."
"The banquet is quite large, but the fruit isn't very fresh," complained a shifty-looking man.
The others glanced at him.
There is no pattern at all. Did you start eating fruits?
"However, for a woman to achieve such success, there must be someone capable behind her helping her."
"The fact that others are willing to help her ascend the throne speaks volumes about her abilities."
"Could it be because..."
The man from the Western Regions looked at the man with disdain. He disdained to talk to such a person.
Seeing that no one responded to him, the man could only touch his nose awkwardly.
"The Emperor has arrived!"
A moment later, Shen Qing came over with great grace. The arrogance between his brows made people unconsciously look away at first sight and dared not look directly at him.
She was dressed in a gorgeous dragon robe, stepped onto the dragon throne, and sat down in a casual yet noble manner.
"Long live the emperor."
"Stand up."
"I am delighted to have all these envoys come from such afar. Today, in this great hall of the Imperial Palace, we are welcoming guests from all nations. This is truly a great honor for our dynasty.
The world is vast, with countless nations, all seeking peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity. Our country opens its doors and treats you with courtesy, desiring to engage in frank exchanges and promote mutual development.
Throughout history, exchange has been the cornerstone of progress, and cooperation the foundation of prosperity. Today's gathering hopes to enhance mutual understanding and discuss the future direction. Whether it's business exchanges, cultural exchanges, or collaboration to defend against foreign aggression, we feel free to speak our minds.
I firmly believe that through this pilgrimage, the friendship between nations will deepen and the light of peace will shine upon the earth. I hope you will fully experience the friendship and hospitality of our dynasty and that your visit will be worthwhile.
After reciting this passage without any emotion, Shen Qing breathed a sigh of relief. She had recited it all night before and finally recited it fluently.
She told Jiang Zhuo not to write so long, but he still wrote half a page in a very eloquent way!
Although it is not easy to carry, it is quite comfortable.
"Let's eat."
As the music and singing began, Shen Qing sat crookedly on the dragon throne, observing the envoys around him inconspicuously.
Bai Runyi sat at a table further back, eating fruit and watching the singing and dancing.
"Miss, this banquet is really a bit boring, isn't it?" Chun Ye stood behind her, tugging at his guard uniform in dissatisfaction. "And this outfit is too uncomfortable."
Compared with Jiang Zhuo's clothes, it is far inferior.
"Boring, then go dance." Bai Runyi said without even turning his head. "Perform for Qingqing, after all, you didn't prepare any gifts."
Chunye curled his lips and sighed.
No wonder you can play with Shen Qing!
Chen Qing, Jiang Zhuo, and Bai Runyi, the three of them can't put together a good mouth.
In fact, Chunye was also cheap, but he took himself out of it.
"His clothes are so beautiful!" Bai Runyi looked at the Western envoy sitting in front of him.
Chunye followed her gaze, and when he saw his face clearly, his eyes trembled slightly.
"I think it's just okay."
Bai Runyi rolled his eyes and said, "What do you know?"
Chen Qing held a wine glass in his hand and raised it towards Jiang Zhuoyaoyao.
The last time she attended such a banquet was during the winter hunt, when she was still just a princess.
"Your Majesty Dongli, I offer you a toast." One of the envoys stood up and looked at Shen Qing with a smile. "Your Majesty is decisive and has a good way of governing the country. We admire you."
"Please." Shen Qing smiled and raised his glass.
"Today we have prepared a special gift for Your Majesty."
The man clapped his hands, and seven or eight men of various appearances walked in one after another from outside.
"I heard that Your Majesty has only one concubine in the harem. This is the beauty we carefully selected. I hope Your Majesty will accept her."
The banquet fell silent in an instant, and everyone's eyes shifted to Jiang Zhuo, but he was not very excited.
Shen Qing laughed.
"No wonder you can't become emperor. You only think about luxury and lust every day. You are definitely not ambitious. Are the people you picked worthy of being sent to my palace?"
The man didn't expect Shen Qing to leave him no face at all, and his face turned ugly in an instant.
"Emperor Dongli, are you being too harsh?"
"Is that too much? Then send your troops."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
