Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Fang Zheng Yi had been waiting for some time and felt a bit tired, but perked up at the reminder from someone nearby.

He cast his gaze into the distance and immediately spotted Ali Bai at the head of the group.

Turning to Chen Hong beside him, he asked, "Is that Ali Bai leading the group?"

Chen Hong nodded and said, "Indeed. Look at the ornaments on his mount; only nobles can use those. It should be him."

Upon hearing this, Fang Zheng Yi scrutinized him carefully.

His face was slightly pale, and his expression seemed somewhat listless, mainly giving off a sense of frailty.

With this appearance, he certainly wouldn't be popular among the nomadic people, especially within the royal family.

Shortly after, the main force of the delegation arrived at the city gate.

Ali Bai carefully examined Fang Zheng Yi for a moment, and Fang Zheng Yi's gaze happened to fall upon him as well.

They met eyes, but Fang Zheng Yi's gaze remained steady, filled only with curiosity.

Ali Bai, however, felt a bit nervous under the gaze and couldn't help but turn his head away.

How rude this person is!

Fang Zheng Yi retracted his gaze and chuckled inwardly.

Damn, he's a social awkward, how interesting.

Seeing this, Chen Hong quickly went to greet them, loudly asking, "May I ask if it is the Second Prince visiting? I am Chen Hong, Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, and this is Fang Zheng Yi, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. We have come to welcome you."

Ali Bai dismounted and walked up to Chen Hong, performing a standard cupped fist salute.

"Thank you, Lord Chen, for meeting us outside the city."

As soon as he spoke, both Chen Hong and Fang Zheng Yi were surprised.

This kid even knows foreign languages, and he's learned them quite well.

"This must be Lord Fang?" Ali Bai asked, looking at Fang Zheng Yi.

Fang Zheng Yi returned the greeting, saying, "Indeed, greetings, Second Prince. His Majesty knew of the delegation's arrival today and specifically ordered us to welcome you. After which, the Second Prince is invited to rest before entering the palace for an audience. Second Prince, you must be weary from your journey, please follow me to the Court of State Ceremonial for lodging."

Ali Bai said, "There's no need to trouble you. I'll enter the palace to meet His Majesty the Emperor now. I didn't expect Lord Fang to personally come out to welcome me today. I often hear the Imperial Preceptor mention you."

"Oh? The Imperial Preceptor remembers me? I'm truly honored. What did the Imperial Preceptor say about me?" Fang Zheng Yi said, gesturing towards the city with a 'please' gesture.

Then, he mounted his horse and rode into the city alongside Ali Bai.

Ali Bai lowered his head and thought for a moment, saying, "The Imperial Preceptor once said that Lord Fang is no ordinary man."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

After saying this, Ali Bai remained silent, focusing on riding his horse.

Does this kid even know how to talk? He's talented at ending conversations.

Fang Zheng Yi was a bit speechless. This Ali Bai really wasn't very likable and didn't like to talk much. It seemed he would have to find a way to start a conversation himself.

"Ah, Second Prince is fluent in our language, which shows that you usually study the culture of our Great Jing."

"Father Khan said that after trade begins, we will often deal with the Jing Kingdom, so he ordered everyone to study Jing culture. Not only can I speak it, but many people in the royal family can speak it as well." After speaking, Ali Bai fell silent again.

Three black lines appeared on Fang Zheng Yi's forehead.

Damn, this kid has some tricks up his sleeve, responding to all situations with the same unchanging attitude!

"Why aren't you talking, Second Prince? There's no need to be so nervous. Everyone in Great Jing is talented. Being here is like being at home. Feel free to ask anything you want."

"Oh, thank you, Lord Fang. I have nothing to ask. I just want to meet His Majesty first."

Ali Bai's heart tightened slightly.

The situation is unclear right now. The less I say, the better. Saying too much could lead to mistakes.

After all, he probably couldn't handle Fang Zheng Yi. If he messed things up, his father Khan would likely punish him.

Fang Zheng Yi's face fell, and he stopped talking, staring straight ahead and silently riding his horse.

Chen Hong, standing to the side, sighed inwardly.

Why did the Jin Kingdom send such a dullard? He couldn't even say a proper sentence, and even the chatterbox Fang Zheng Yi was stumped.

They rode in silence. After passing the Court of State Ceremonial, Chen Hong arranged for the rest of the group to settle in and received the list of gifts.

Fang Zheng Yi then led Ali Bai straight into the palace.

They went directly to the Hall of Diligent Governance, where Emperor Jing was already waiting, reviewing memorials.

It wasn't until Fang Zheng Yi and Ali Bai entered the hall together that Ali Bai spoke again.

"Jin Kingdom's envoy, Ali Bai, greets Your Majesty."

Emperor Jing first quickly sized him up, then waved his hand and said, "I have long heard of you. As expected of Wutu's Second Prince, truly a young talent. Take a seat."

Talent? Father-in-law's lies are even better than mine.

Fang Zheng Yi muttered inwardly and followed suit, taking a seat.

Before Ali Bai could speak, Emperor Jing asked, "You must be tired from your long journey. I have already ordered people to prepare rooms in the Court of State Ceremonial. It wouldn't hurt to rest before seeing me."

Ali Bai pursed his lips and said, "Thank you for Your Majesty's hospitality, but I am entrusted with an important mission and dare not delay. To be honest, the dispatch of this delegation was rather rushed. Please forgive us."

Emperor Jing asked curiously, "I happen to have the same question. What important matter requires you to send a delegation so urgently?"

"Your Majesty, to be honest, Jin Kingdom suffered a major disaster the year before last, which damaged many granaries and supplies. Our country lacks many essential materials, and the turnaround time is quite long. For the sake of the people's livelihood, the fastest way is undoubtedly to strengthen trade and barter with the Jing Kingdom. In addition, many people in my court are dissatisfied with this matter, and some have suggested recklessly starting a war to plunder border towns. Father Khan and the Imperial Preceptor discussed this matter. In order to maintain the brotherly friendship between the two countries, we sent a delegation as soon as possible to resolve this matter and quell the public's dissent."

Emperor Jing clapped his hands and said, "Good, the friendship between the two countries is hard-won. Since your country has such sincerity, then my Great Jing has no reason to be inhospitable."

"What goods are to be traded? You may discuss them with the Ministry of Revenue."

Ali Bai's forehead was slightly sweaty. He was really not good at dealing with people.

He had practiced the words given by the Imperial Preceptor all the way, fearing that he would say something wrong. Fortunately, he was now quite familiar with them.

"Returning to Your Majesty, because the value of the goods involved this time is huge, it is difficult to organize and we came in a hurry, so we were unable to prepare everything properly."

"So this time, we only came to present gifts. As for the specific negotiations, we would like to invite someone to our country to discuss them in detail."

"Before departing, the Imperial Preceptor instructed that he had a very pleasant conversation with Lord Fang when he visited Great Jing and knew that he understood business matters, so he specifically recommended Lord Fang to Father Khan, one to discuss trade and the other to reminisce about old times."

Fang Zheng Yi nodded inwardly.

That's right, no wonder it felt so awkward before, rushing to come here.

It turned out that something had happened in the country, and Wutu didn't want to fight a war.

The people in the country were unstable, and it seemed that there were still many political enemies.

Moreover, Great Jing was at the height of its power, and plundering the border might not be as cost-effective as before.

Emperor Jing pondered and nodded slightly.

Since that's the case, then it makes sense...

"Well... that's good. I was just about to send someone to return the gifts. This time, let Fang Qing lead the team back to the Jin Kingdom with you to discuss matters. But since you've come, why not stay in the capital for a few days and see more of the scenery of my Great Jing?"

Ali Bai clenched his fist hard.

It's stable! It really is the same as the Imperial Preceptor said!

"Your subject thanks Your Majesty."

......