I Rely on Beauty to Stabilize the Country - Chap 80
A locust plague struck the northern region of Da Heng. The Emperor wished to cancel the festival, but all the preparations had already been made in advance. Envoys from various foreign courts had arrived in the capital. Whether it was for the sake of appearances or substance, courtiers took turns persuading the Emperor to proceed with the festival as planned.
The news of Emperor Gu Yuanbai dispatching troops and supplies to the northern border couldn’t be concealed from the foreign envoys who had already arrived in the capital. So, he straightforwardly invited these envoys to witness the departure of Da Heng’s forces in person, allowing them to see the military preparations firsthand.
These envoys were brought to the top of the city wall, where they gazed down upon the countless troops below. Unbeknownst to them, a faint chill ran down their spines as they looked upon this vast sea of soldiers and horses.
From above, the number of soldiers and horses seemed endless, marching forward in perfect order along with the supplies. The sea of banners covered the sky, exuding a formidable and imposing aura.
For many years, Da Heng had refrained from engaging in warfare. Although it remained large and formidable, neighboring countries had detected signs of its gradual decline. The rulers of Da Heng appeared hesitant, allowing nomadic tribes to wreak havoc along the borders. As a result, neighboring nations began to consider testing the strength of the once-mighty empire.
But now.
As these envoys gazed upon the densely-packed soldiers of Da Heng beneath their feet, and observed each soldier’s well-equipped attire and robust physique, they found it hard to believe. How could the soldiers of Da Heng be so spirited?
Their horses were robust, their soldiers full of vitality. And what about those countless carts of provisions? Did the Emperor of Da Heng take out all the grain from the granaries?!
Weren’t they afraid that depleting all these provisions now would leave them vulnerable to natural disasters and misfortune, leading to the downfall of Da Heng?
The envoys couldn’t fathom it.
No matter how much doubt or disbelief they held, they still engraved this astonishing scene in their memories. The spectacle was so overwhelming that their scalps tingled, legs stiffened, and they found themselves immobilized.
It wasn’t until the army disappeared from their view that a eunuch beside them reminded them, shaking them from their trance.
A nearby officer of the Imperial Guards chuckled modestly and said, “These soldiers are merely a small fraction of the Imperial Guards. Please forgive us for the inconvenience.”
An interpreter from the Honglu Temple accompanied them and respectfully translated the officer’s words to the foreign envoys, with an air of utmost humility.
The foreign envoys wore strange expressions. Was this humility? It seemed more like a display of power!
Among these envoys, there was no trace of the envoy from Western Xia. They were still confined within the Ming Sheng Inn, learning the ways of Da Heng. As long as they hadn’t mastered these ways, they weren’t allowed to leave.
These envoys didn’t bother to inquire about the whereabouts of the envoy from Western Xia.
Before witnessing today’s scene, these foreign envoys might have harbored some suspicions regarding Da Heng’s condition after the locust plague. However, after witnessing the spectacle today, their doubts dissipated.
Even the most devastating locust plague wouldn’t have consumed all the provisions to the point that soldiers could only survive for three months. The northern locust plague hadn’t posed a significant threat to Da Heng. Furthermore, seeing the officials and citizens in the capital city celebrating the Emperor’s birthday with such enthusiasm, they couldn’t help but feel that Da Heng hadn’t yet reached a point of food scarcity.
These envoys racked their brains, hoping to find traces of Da Heng pretending to be strong despite adversity. However, no matter how they looked at it, all they saw were the exuberant citizens preparing for the upcoming Wanshou Festival.
The Emperor of Da Heng was by no means a plunderer, and he did not use this as a reason to ask foreign envoys to contribute to the relief efforts in the northern region afflicted by locusts. After showcasing the might of his forces, he courteously released the envoys, even sending eloquent officials to accompany them on a tour of the capital city.
While strolling through the city, the envoys occasionally pointed to wooden structures guarded by officials on the roadside, asking, “What is this?”
A Da Heng official glanced at them and casually replied, “Oh, this is the foot-operated fan cart.”
Foot-operated fan cart?
The envoys inquired further, “Is this different from the previous fan carts?”
“There’s no difference from the previous fan carts,” the official explained, “except that they are foot-operated now, which makes it easier and more efficient. It helps clean the bran and dust from the grain more effectively.”
The envoys observed as citizens lined up before the fan carts. After each cleaning, they paid a small portion of their grain as a usage fee, based on the weight of the husks removed, or handed over the separated bran.
The quantities were meager. Even the least prosperous citizens had the resources to come for husking. Not only on the roadside, but groups of people also pushed larger fan carts with great effort further away.
“These are the larger fan carts,” the official explained, “usually kept in government offices. If citizens need them, they can apply together based on their households and rent the fan carts from the government.”
One envoy was certain, “That must be expensive.”
The official remained composed, saying, “Not at all. Each household only needs to pay a hundred wen. With such a large fan cart, it takes at most two to three days to finish husking. If someone is diligent and thrifty, they could forgo eating and drinking and complete the task in a day.”
Five households formed a group, and for a larger fan cart, it was five hundred wen per day, which was equivalent to a couple of silver coins over two days. When divided among the citizens, it was an affordable amount. A hundred wen per household per day wasn’t really expensive.
The envoys entertained various thoughts, and the official quickly changed the subject, leading their focus to the colorful paintings and bright fabrics on the streets.
After returning to the palace, Emperor Gu placed an order to issue new titles for the two ladies of the Xue residence.
The senior and junior madams of the Xue family were both granted higher titles. With the men of the Xue residence having already departed, only some inconspicuous and inconsequential members remained. Emperor Gu had to make it clear that the Xue family should not be trifled with.
Once these matters were settled, Emperor Gu finally breathed a sigh of relief. He kicked the two wolves lying next to the documents and instructed the palace attendants, “Ensure they’re well-fed daily. Don’t let them starve and stare at me on an empty stomach.”
Tian Fusheng advised, “Your Majesty, wolves are naturally fierce creatures. It’s not advisable to keep them by your side.”
Emperor Gu smirked, “I like it.”
He had engaged in many dangerous and thrilling activities, but amusingly, he hadn’t yet kept two adult wolves by his side.
His inherent nature was stirring; even though he knew it was dangerous, he couldn’t resist the itch in his heart and hands.
After some thought, Emperor Gu instructed, “Find a few experts in animal training to assess how well these two wolves have been tamed.”
Tian Fusheng acknowledged and left to find suitable individuals.
“Wolves,” Emperor Gu murmured several times. He suddenly heard a few inhales of breath and turned to see the two gray wolves that had been lying in the corner. They had heard his voice and stood up, walking to his side.
Though their appearance was intimidating, at the moment they were whimpering softly, behaving as if they were inviting his favor.
Xue Yuan had truly trained them well.
Emperor Gu extended his hand, and one of the wolves approached, nuzzling against his hand. Its crimson tongue licked across sharp teeth and its snout, brushing against Emperor Gu’s hand.
As he scratched the wolf, Emperor Gu also retrieved a discourse delivered by Kong Yilin some time ago and slowly began reading it.
This discourse by Kong Yilin was over five thousand characters long. If translated into plain language, it would likely be around twenty thousand characters. Emperor Gu read it slowly because only by doing so could he fully grasp and understand the meanings within it, and then internalize them as his own.
By the time he had read more than half of the discourse, darkness had fallen outside. Dinner was served, and Emperor Gu sat at the table with the discourse in hand. After a few bites, he realized that there were some “simplified characters” within the text.
“Folk characters” referred to modern simplified Chinese characters. Chinese characters had been categorized as simplified or traditional since ancient times. In the text, whenever there were complicated characters with numerous strokes, Kong Yilin had used simplified characters for convenience.
Looking at these characters, Emperor Gu felt a sense of familiarity. Sometimes, upon seeing them, he would simply smile, feeling a deep sense of warmth.
The flickering lamp light illuminated the room as the night deepened. Before retiring to his palace, a report arrived from the Supervisory office.
“Your Majesty, the newly appointed county magistrate of Huangpu City has discovered a peculiar-looking fruit in the local area,” the report stated. “This fruit is bright red all over and charmingly small. The locals refer to it as the ‘Red Lantern Fruit.'”
Emperor Gu suddenly lifted his head, his eyes gleaming.
“The county magistrate of Huangpu City was moved by Your Majesty’s birthday and also remembered the anti-corruption efforts. He believed that this was a divine fruit bestowed by heaven, so he reported it and hastily transported it to the capital. However, this ‘Red Lantern Fruit’ is brightly colored, as red as fire, and may be highly toxic.”
This should be referring to tomatoes.
Although tomatoes originated in South America, there have been instances where experts found tomato seeds in a Han Dynasty tomb in 1983. However, it couldn’t be ascertained whether these were preserved since the Han Dynasty or were accidentally introduced through tomb robbing or transportation. Thus, Emperor Gu had no hope of tasting tomatoes in his lifetime.
Now, suddenly learning that tomatoes might have been found, Emperor Gu suppressed his joy and excitement and immediately ordered, “Bring it here for me to see.”
The Supervisory office personnel presented four or five Red Lantern Fruits. Emperor Gu recognized at a glance that these must be tomatoes. An attendant put on gloves for him, and Emperor Gu picked up a tomato, feeling its texture. These fruits had been carefully selected – their skin was smooth, and they were vibrant red. He had a bowl brought over, applied some pressure, and the tomato burst open, revealing its tender flesh and tangy juices. The aroma was rich, and the slightly sour taste made his mouth water involuntarily.
These tomatoes were a bit smaller in appearance than modern ones, but their taste seemed unchanged.
After setting the tomato down, Emperor Gu instructed, “Half of these Red Lantern Fruits will be preserved for planting seeds, and the other half will be sent to the Imperial Medical Institute for toxicity testing. Once confirmed safe for consumption, report back to me immediately.”
The Surveillance Bureau personnel nodded in agreement.
Emperor Gu washed his hands and looked at the damaged tomato and its juice in the bowl. He sighed softly, “Just dispose of it.”
This surprise was truly the biggest he had received in recent days.
While they couldn’t be consumed now for safety reasons, Emperor Gu knew in his heart that these fruits were likely harmless. Once confirmed, these tangy and delicious items, suitable for both soups and dishes, would quickly grace the tables of commoners if the production could keep up.
Tomatoes truly were the biggest gift he had received for his birthday this year.
*
The Emperor received the auspicious red fruits, while Prince He, two days later around noon, received a unique apology gift brought by the envoy from Western Xia.
A beautiful woman from Western Xia.
Women from Western Xia were renowned for their beauty, their allure celebrated in many writings and poems. The woman brought to Prince He’s residence was exceptionally stunning, adorned with hairpins and delicate makeup, her rosy cheeks rivaling blooming flowers.
She was brought by Mr. Wang, a retainer in Prince He’s residence, who explained, “The envoy from Western Xia said this is an apology gift for Prince He.”
Prince He’s expression remained stern as he sat on his high seat.
The woman from Western Xia raised her gaze to observe his appearance, performed a courtesy, and stood up gracefully with supple movements.
“An apology gift for me?” Prince He questioned, “Why does he need to offer me an apology gift?”
Mr. Wang spoke softly, “It’s said that the envoy from Western Xia once collided with Your Highness, and he felt concerned about it. Therefore, he specially came to offer this gift as an apology.”
Hearing this, Prince He’s brow furrowed involuntarily.
Why hadn’t he known that the Western Xia envoy had collided with him?
“Take it back. I’m not interested,” Prince He said and stood up, his tone agitated. “Tell those Western Xia envoys not to meddle with what they shouldn’t. Offering a woman to bribe me, what do they want me to do?”
“If there was truly a collision, then he should bring the gift in person and explain the reasons to me,” Prince He sneered, “What kind of man hides behind a woman? Leave. Mr. Wang, you better come to your senses. Don’t agree to everything or bring anyone to me. If you can’t resist the charms of a woman, then you should enjoy those charms yourself!”
With that, Prince He waved his sleeve and left the hall with large strides.
Mr. Wang’s expression remained unchanged. He smiled slightly, turned to the Western Xia woman, and said, “Please go back.”
*
This morning, the Western Xia envoys finally grasped the customs of Da Heng and were able to freely enter and leave the inn. However, in the evening, the Western Xia woman they had just sent was sneakily returned. For the proud Western Xia people, who had always taken pride in the beauty of their women, this humiliation was more intense than learning the customs of Da Heng.
Li Angshun sat by the table with an unsettled expression. “Prince He kept me here for more than ten days, and now he’s completely forgotten about me?”
The Western Xia woman kept her head lowered, not daring to speak.
The more Li Angshun thought about it, the darker his expression became. He clenched his fist and sneered, “So, you remember the appearance of Prince He?”
The Western Xia woman replied, “Prince He has a handsome and exceptionally refined appearance.”
Li Angshun’s expression shifted slightly. “Exceptionally refined?”
He recalled the sight of half a chin he had glimpsed in the carriage and the fingers that lifted the curtain. Could that appearance truly be called “handsome” and “exceptionally refined”?
If she had mentioned “handsome,” he might have believed her, but looking at the woman’s choice of words, he could only discern a sense of determination and courage, without anything else.
During the days Li Angshun had been confined in the inn, forcibly learning the customs, he often found himself thinking repeatedly about the person who had looked down on him from above in the carriage. Just the thought of it was like enduring hardship for the sake of a greater goal, allowing him to endure the discomfort and humiliation while continuing to learn the customs.
Whenever he couldn’t bear it any longer, he would think about how, after leaving this place, he could humiliate Prince He face-to-face, making Prince He feel as uncomfortable as he did now. Yet, who would have thought that Prince He wouldn’t even remember him?
The Western Xia prince’s face darkened under the candlelight. “He wanted me to come and apologize in person with a gift. Then, I will personally go there tomorrow.”
