Chapter 183 The envoy, facing difficulties and failure, chooses to leave.
Chapter 183 The envoy, facing difficulties and failure, chooses to leave.
After the young prince, Xiao Nanyi, solved the nine-linked rings puzzle, the new Japanese emperor's envoy, Yamamoto Ichiro, completely failed in his attempt to make things difficult for the Nanzhao Kingdom's court.
In the past few days, although Yamamoto Ichiro maintained a polite demeanor on the surface and dealt with the officials of Nanzhao, he was restless and anxious like a caged beast. He knew that this mission to Nanzhao had not only failed to achieve the expected deterrent effect, but had also made Nanzhao's prestige rise to a higher level invisibly.
Finally, Yamamoto Ichiro decided to leave the Nanzhao Kingdom. The news spread, and the entire palace was abuzz with activity. Minister of Rites Li was busy arranging the farewell ceremony, striving to maintain the grandeur of a great nation while conveying the Nanzhao Kingdom's attitude to the envoy.
At dawn that morning, as the sky began to lighten and a faint glimmer of white appeared on the horizon, the outline of the palace gradually became clear in the morning light. In front of the main gate of the palace, a row of officials dressed in neat court robes had been waiting for a long time. Their expressions were solemn, with a hint of barely perceptible ease on their faces.
Lord Li stood at the very front of the procession, dressed in a magnificent official robe, wearing a black gauze hat and a jade belt, looking every bit the spirited man. His gaze was fixed on the palace gates, awaiting the arrival of the envoy.
A short while later, Yamamoto Ichiro, surrounded by a group of attendants, slowly walked out of the palace. A stiff smile hung on his face, but his eyes revealed a hint of resentment and helplessness. His steps were no longer as arrogant as when he arrived, but rather slightly heavy.
"Lord Yamamoto, you must be tired from your journey. Our Nanzhao Kingdom has failed to provide adequate hospitality for your visit, and we hope you will forgive us," Lord Li said with a smile and cupped his hands in greeting.
Yamamoto Ichiro forced a smile and said, "Lord Li, you are too kind. I will remember the warm hospitality of the Nanzhao Kingdom. When I return to Japan, I will certainly report to His Majesty the Emperor what I saw and heard in the Nanzhao Kingdom."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Yamamoto Ichiro turned and walked towards his carriage. The carriage was extremely luxurious, its body made of the finest wood, carved with exquisite patterns, and its wheels inlaid with sparkling gems. Around the carriage stood a group of guards dressed in black, their expressions serious, their eyes scanning the surroundings warily.
Just as Yamamoto Ichiro was about to board the carriage, he suddenly heard a clear laugh. He turned around and saw Xiao Nanyi, accompanied by several palace maids, skipping and hopping towards him.
"Your Excellency, are you leaving?" Little Nan Yi looked up with an innocent smile on his face.
Yamamoto Ichiro looked at young Nan Yi, his heart filled with mixed emotions. This five-year-old child had used his intelligence to make him lose face in court. He nodded slightly and said, "Young prince, I must go back."
Xiao Nan Yi blinked and said, "Your Excellency, if you come to Nanzhao again, please don't bring such a difficult nine-linked rings. I'm tired of them."
Xiao Nanyi's words made those around him burst into laughter. Yamamoto Ichiro's face flushed red and then turned pale. He smiled awkwardly and said, "The young prince is exceptionally intelligent. Yamamoto admires him."
After speaking, Yamamoto Ichiro boarded the carriage. The carriage slowly started moving, its wheels rolling on the stone road with a dull thud. Through the carriage window, Yamamoto Ichiro watched the Nanzhao Kingdom's palace gradually disappear into the distance, thinking to himself, "This Nanzhao Kingdom seems peaceful, but it actually harbors hidden strength. I must be cautious in my future dealings with Nanzhao."
As the envoys departed, the officials in front of the palace gradually dispersed. Lord Li watched the envoys' retreating figures and breathed a slight sigh of relief. He knew that although the envoys' visit had been fraught with difficulties, it had ultimately ended without serious harm. The Nanzhao Kingdom had not only upheld its dignity but also demonstrated its strength to the Xinri Kingdom.
Upon returning to the palace, Lord Li immediately went to the Imperial Study to report to Xiao Jingchuan about the envoy's departure.
Inside the imperial study, Xiao Jingchuan sat at his desk, reviewing memorials. He wore a long black robe embroidered with golden dragon patterns, which made him appear solemn and dignified.
Upon hearing Lord Li's report, he nodded slightly and said, "Although the envoy's visit this time was ill-intentioned, it also made us see the ambitions of the new Japan. We must strengthen our vigilance and not let our guard down."
Lord Li cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty is absolutely right. This time, the young prince cleverly solved the Nine Linked Rings puzzle, which allowed the envoy from the New Sun Kingdom to witness the talents of our Nanzhao Kingdom and also brought glory to our Nanzhao Kingdom.”
Xiao Jingchuan recalled Xiao Nanyi's performance in court and a gratified smile appeared on his face: "Although Yi'er is young, he is exceptionally intelligent and will surely become a pillar of our Nanzhao Kingdom in the future."
After discussing matters concerning strengthening border defenses and domestic governance with Xiao Jingchuan, Lord Li withdrew.
At this moment, in the palace garden, Xiao Nanyi was playing with his younger sister, Xiao Nanyao. Xiao Nanyao held Xiao Nanyi's hand and said, "Brother, you were so amazing today! You even defeated that envoy."
Xiao Nanyi smiled smugly and said, "Of course, I am the Crown Prince of Nanzhao Kingdom. I will protect Nanzhao Kingdom, and protect you, Father, and Mother in the future."
Xiao Nanyao looked at Xiao Nanyi with eyes full of admiration: "Brother, I want to be as amazing as you in the future."
The laughter of the two children echoed in the garden, full of life and energy. Elsewhere in the palace, the maids and eunuchs resumed their usual busy work, as if the disturbance caused by the envoy's visit had never happened.
However, Xiao Jingchuan knew that this was only a temporary respite. The ambitions of the Xinri Kingdom would not be extinguished, and the Nanzhao Kingdom would face even greater challenges in the future. He had to plan ahead, strengthen the nation's power, and cultivate more talent to remain invincible in the ever-changing political landscape.
In the days that followed, Xiao Jingchuan began to reorganize the army and strengthen border defenses. He personally selected generals, trained soldiers, and improved the army's combat effectiveness. At the same time, he encouraged his ministers to offer advice and implement a series of policies beneficial to the country's development, including agriculture and commerce, to improve the people's living standards.
In the imperial court, the ministers were more united, working together to devise strategies for the development of the Nanzhao Kingdom. They deeply understood that only when the country was strong could it resist foreign invasion and maintain peace and tranquility.
Meanwhile, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao grew up happily in the palace. Under Xiao Jing Chuan's tutelage, Xiao Nan Yi began to learn the ways of governing a country and military strategy; his intelligence and diligence earned him high praise from his teachers. Xiao Nan Yao, on the other hand, learned music, chess, calligraphy, and painting under Gu Liu Li's care; her gentleness, kindness, and cleverness also won her the affection of everyone.
Time flies, and several years have passed in the blink of an eye. Under Xiao Jingchuan's rule, the Nanzhao Kingdom has become even more prosperous. The army is strong, the people live in peace and contentment, and there is a scene of harmony. Meanwhile, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao have grown up and become the pride of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
On this day, Xiao Jingchuan brought Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao to the top of the palace tower, overlooking the entire capital city. Inside the capital, the streets were bustling with people, shops lined the streets, and the atmosphere was lively and vibrant.
"Yi'er, Yao'er, look, this is our Nanzhao Kingdom." Xiao Jingchuan pointed to the capital city, his eyes filled with pride.
Looking at the scene before them, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao were filled with love for the Nanzhao Kingdom. Xiao Nan Yi said firmly, "Father, I will definitely study hard and inherit your throne in the future, so that the Nanzhao Kingdom can become more prosperous and powerful."
Xiao Nanyao also said, "I also want to contribute to the Nanzhao Kingdom so that everyone can be happy."
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