HCB Chapter 175: Foreign Diplomat Visits
Chapter 175: Foreign Diplomat Visits
When a country is strong, other countries will naturally seek dependence on it.
When they learned that the envoy from Western Chu was about to come to the emperor for an audience, the Prince, the Crown Prince and the entire court became busy and began to carefully prepare for the reception.
The King of Chen summoned the ministers to discuss the standards and etiquette of the reception. In the grand palace, the ministers gathered together in a solemn and warm atmosphere.
Prince Chen sat on the intricately carved throne with a serious and dignified expression. He knew very well that this reception was no trivial matter. It not only concerned the diplomatic relations between the two countries, but would also affect the country's reputation and status in the outside world.
The ministers were like shining stars, each holding different opinions and speaking enthusiastically.
Those ministers who advocated a lavish reception passionately expounded their views.
They believed that the country was now prosperous and should show its strong national strength to Western Chu, just like showing a gorgeous painting.
Only by treating them with luxurious etiquette can Western Chu feel the strength and majesty of its country, just like a lion showing off its mane to make its opponents in awe.
Every link was decorated with the most luxurious decorations and the grandest ceremonies, making the envoys from Western Chu feel as if they were in a dreamlike and prosperous era, and making them dare not underestimate their country's strength.
Another group of ministers who advocated moderate etiquette also argued their case.
They feel that excessive luxury may be seen as ostentation or even a sign of guilt.
In diplomatic affairs, moderation is the wisest choice. We should show our country's calmness and restraint, neither being ostentatious nor showing off the demeanor of a great power.
Just like a sword with its edge hidden, although its sharpness is not revealed, people can still feel its inner power.
The Prince listened quietly to every opinion of the ministers, his eyes deep and wise.
He knew that both views had their rationality, and after careful consideration, he decided to adopt a reception plan that would both demonstrate his country's national strength and be modest. This plan is like a carefully blended fine wine, with a strong fragrance that demonstrates the country's prosperity and a light and elegant flavor that reflects the humility and cultivation of a great country.
The prince was responsible for arranging the envoys' accommodation and itinerary.
He is like a meticulous butler, devoting himself to every detail.
At his command, the most exquisite and secure inn in the city was quickly vacated for the envoys from Western Chu to stay.
The inn was already an exquisite building with carved beams and painted rafters. Now, under the careful arrangement of the prince, it looked even more luxurious.
The prince personally entered the inn to inspect the arrangements.
The rooms in the inn were beautifully redecorated, with fine silk curtains hanging down like flowing water. The silk was soft in texture and bright in color, as if it were cut from the colorful clouds in the sky.
Exquisite porcelain is placed everywhere, whether it is the delicate white porcelain or the colorful porcelain, they are like exquisite works of art.
The floor is covered with gorgeous carpets, every inch of the fur is exquisite, and stepping on it feels like walking on soft clouds.
The prince also arranged for someone to be in charge of the envoys' food.
He is well aware that food culture is also an important part of showcasing a country's charm, so he requires that the country's most distinctive cuisine be provided.
The officials in charge of food did not dare to slack off in the slightest. They carefully selected the ingredients, from the freshly caught seafood in the distant sea, where each fish sparkled with silver light, as if it had just jumped out of the embrace of the sea; to the exquisite pastries carefully made by the imperial chefs, whose shapes were like blooming flowers, exuding an alluring aroma; to the mellow wine, whose liquid ripples in the glass, emitting a rich fragrance, as if telling the story of the years; to the fragrant tea, whose tea leaves stretch in the water, releasing a faint fragrance, like a breeze blowing on your face through the mountains and forests.
Each dish is carefully selected and prepared, and every bite of food contains the unique flavor of this country.
The wife of the Prince of Chen, Shen Tangan, also participated in the reception preparations. She was like an elegant cultural ambassador, and she knew that cultural exchanges in diplomatic occasions were very important.
She summoned skilled craftsmen from the country to the palace, and the scene was extremely lively.
The craftsmen came with their most proud works, and Shen Tangan selected the most representative handicrafts from them.
In the exquisite embroidery works, the silk threads are like smart paintbrushes, embroidering vivid pictures one after another. Whether it is beautiful flowers or smart flying birds, they all seem to jump out of the embroidered cloth.
The delicate ceramic products have beautiful shapes and warm glaze colors, and every texture seems like a gift from nature.
The gorgeous gold and silver jewelry sparkles brightly in the sun, and the exquisite patterns are the crystallization of the craftsmen's wisdom and skills.
She carefully prepared these handicrafts in order to show them to the envoys from Western Chu at the appropriate time, allowing them to appreciate the cultural charm of their own country as if they were strolling in the cultural corridor of their own country.
At the same time, she also selected some artists who were good at singing, dancing and music and arranged for them to rehearse.
A quiet courtyard in the palace became their rehearsal venue, where the artists practiced day and night.
The dancers are as light as swallows, each movement has been repeatedly sculpted, and their sleeves flutter in the wind, as if they are colorful clouds in the sky.
The musicians played various instruments, with melodious piano sounds, graceful flute sounds and passionate drum beats. They cooperated well with each other, hoping to present a wonderful artistic performance for the envoys at the reception banquet, just like unfolding a colorful cultural picture scroll.
During this process, the young prince also actively learned about diplomatic etiquette.
Although he is still young, he is full of sense of responsibility for national affairs.
He understood that as a member of the royal family, he might also be involved in reception activities, so he tried to consult the court's etiquette officers.
In that quiet palace school, the etiquette officer patiently taught the young prince.
Starting from the way of greeting when meeting, every action must be precise and accurate.
The young master imitated carefully, practicing the angle of bending and the position of his hands over and over again, striving to achieve the most perfect state.
When it came to the standard wording used in conversation, he listened carefully to the etiquette officer's explanation and memorized the meaning of each word and the occasions when it was used.
He also put forward some unique ideas, such as preparing an exquisite gift book for the envoys of Western Chu that has the characteristics of the country and includes an introduction to its culture and history.
He personally participated in the production of the gift album, selecting representative landscape paintings of his country to insert into it. Each painting shows the magnificence of his country's mountains and rivers.
He also organized scholars to write beautiful articles to introduce the country's long history, splendid culture and great achievements. This gift book is like a key to open the country's cultural treasure house, allowing the envoys to better understand the country.