Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 223 - 221

"The Emperor has arrived~" boomed a voice, so loud it echoed, ringing off the beams of the room.

The officials knelt down in unison, bowing their heads and chanting together, "Long live the Emperor, long may he live!"

The voices were perfectly harmonised, resonating throughout the highest heavens.

The Emperor took his seat on the dragon throne and allowed all to rise.

The officials then stepped forward to present their gifts.

As emissaries from other countries were present, the etiquette of allowing them to present their gifts first was naturally observed.

This time it was Zhuge Xin and Anyi from the Eastern Jin Dynasty who presented a half-human-sized jade statue of the god of longevity made from Hetian white jade. The jade was completely transparent and flawless, and the craftsmanship was superior. It was so lifelike that even Xiao’er, who was watching, couldn’t help but be envious.

A half-human-sized piece of Hetian white jade! How generous of Anyi’s husband! But it was said that the Eastern Jin Dynasty was rich in fine jade. Thinking about the gift her own family was about to present, her heart bled.

She resolved herself to visit the Eastern Jin Dynasty! She would buy lots of lower quality jade and nurture them in her own space! Xiao’er silently clenched her fist!

As for the gifts from other countries, they all showed distinctive local characteristics. Korea offered Korean celadon and Korean ginseng. Other nearby countries offered treasured horses or a variety of unique local gems, and even... women.

Xiao’er sneakily glanced at the Empress sitting next to the Emperor and noticed that she remained unaffected, still gently smiling.

Indeed, to be an Empress required a mind to match her standing.

Xiao’er still did not know that the only woman in the Emperor’s heart was the Empress. The Empress’s confidence was the result of years of reassurance from the Emperor.

When it was Japan’s turn to present their gift, they surprisingly offered an iron cannon!

Seeing this, Xiao’er’s expression darkened. This was indeed a provocation!

However, aside from Xiao’er, no one recognized what it was.

Xiao’er wondered where history had gone wrong, why Japan had an iron cannon now!

The iron cannon was a matchlock gun, a direct prototype of modern rifles. In her past life, the matchlock gun held a milestone significance in the history of firearms. The development of matchlock guns marked the shift from cold weapons to firearms!

But it was useless to worry about where history went astray. It was just a fledgling technology, and she wasn’t scared!

Shangguan Xuanyi’s attention was always on Xiao’er. When he noticed her shift in expression, he glanced at the gift in question and then raised an eyebrow. What was it?

"Your Majesty, this is a new weapon our country has recently developed called the iron cannon. To compare it to a bow and arrow - the killing distance of a bow and arrow is eighty meters, with an effective killing distance of forty meters. The iron cannon has a killing range of two hundred meters, with an effective kill distance of fifty meters. This thing’s power is extraordinary. Our Emperor specifically instructed me to bring this iron cannon as a birthday gift to Your Majesty. It is my understanding that your country does not yet possess such a powerful weapon! It has been brought as a gift for your appreciation, and we’re curious to know if Your Majesty likes our birthday gift?" The Japanese ambassador’s smile was genuine, but his words were insolent!

The faces of the civil and military officials at the main hall darkened after hearing this!

What did he mean by this! Here to celebrate the Emperor or to provoke them with their superior weaponry!

In the eyes of General Di’s father, this was a blatant challenge to battle! He slammed his hand down on the table in anger!

General Di was quick to calm his hot-tempered father: "Father, do not fret! The Emperor has not even said a word! Do not strike a smiling face."

The General harrumphed and sat back down.

Xiao’er watched this in disdain as their matchlock gun was slow and not practical in a fight. Before one could even fire it, the gunman might already have fallen. Therefore, it was not she considered valuable.

The Emperor only lightly commented: "Your country’s ruler is very thoughtful."

Then, the Minister of the Left, being perceptive, stepped forward to present their gift, followed closely by the other officials...

All sorts of rare treasures, exquisite ornaments, rare medicinal ingredients, and precious flowers were presented, leaving people’s heads spinning in awe.

Xiao’er watched as some of the court-appointed officials challenged each other with their eyes, a gesture of provocation, and secretly shook her head. She wondered if this was a case of two fish vying for power, only for the fisherman to benefit.

This Longevity Festival would surely add quite a bit to the Emperor’s coffers!

The Emperor, who was accustomed to seeing beautiful objects, and having just listened to the Japanese ambassador’s words, was not particularly surprised despite the many treasures.

It was not until Shen Chengyao stepped forward: "Your Majesty, this is a precious jade, the He Shi Bi. This humble servant wishes Your Majesty a long life that matches the heaven, and may the Minze Dynasty thrive and prosper in generations to come."

He Shi Bi! The He Shi Bi, whose value equals fifteen cities!

All those present, save Zhuge Xin and Anyi, had their expressions change.

Zhuge Xin and his spouse were unmoved because this He Shi Bi was something he had sold to Xiao’er when he still ran a junk shop.

How on earth was a commoner like Marquis Shengping in possession of such an artefact - a rare jade of legendary caliber, a treasure in all the world?

The imperial seal used by the Emperor himself is merely crafted from Lantian white jade.

The jade of Jing Mountain, the pearl of the spirit snake, such treasures are stumbled upon, not sought out.

The Emperor, holding the He Shi Bi, unconsciously blurted out:

"The pure essence of years, fallen onto Jing Mountain, transformed into jade, regarding it from the side the color is turquoise, looking at it straight the color is white... good, Marquis Shengping’s gift has won over my affection. Reward him! Generously rewarded!"

The Emperor burst into hearty laughter after speaking.

With this He Shi Bi from Shen Chengyao, the atmosphere became lively once again.

Japan is a small country, unlike the vast and resource-rich Minze Dynasty, it doesn’t have such precious treasures. All it could do was watch enviously from the sidelines. As its jealousy mounted, it seemed eager to spread the pain around to make others feel bad too.

The Emperor of Japan had even arranged for two warriors to intimidate them!

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has specially dispatched two warriors to bring joy to your Majesty. I wonder if your Majesty could select warriors from your own country to participate in an exciting fight with them?"

The Emperor glanced at the Japanese envoy. When did it become his turn to try to steal the show?

"There is no rush. You have come a long way. As guests, you should be treated to our hospitality first."

Upon saying this, the Emperor glanced at the eunuch behind him.

The old eunuch released a dust wisp into the air and called out melodically "Coulè~"

An unconventional sound of music resonated,

A large scroll slowly unfolded on the ground,

A melodious song began to play ~

Greeting another dawn bringing fresh air

The aroma remains unchanged, full of tea and friendship

The front door of my house is always open, awaiting you with open arms

...

Twenty women in flowing gauze skirts began to dance ~

...

No matter the distance, all are guests, please feel at ease

...

Following the elegant movements of the women, their dresses flitting, each corner of the dress that fell on the scroll caused a burst of multicolour ink to radiate on the white scroll.

...

Minze welcomes you and opens up a new world for you

...

Painting and poetry with a touch of laughter, all to wait for you

...

Everyone present was amazed by this spectacle. How was the painting made without brushes or ink? Was it only with the hint of color left by their clothing brushing lightly on the paper?