Chapter 323
Chapter 323 Diplomatic Etiquette
"The Emperor is here?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. The old man could have chosen any time to arrive, but he had to come at this particular moment. There must be something more to it.
"Long live the Emperor!" Everyone in the great hall fell to their knees. The emissary from Goryeo got up and bowed deeply, refraining from kneeling in greeting. The nomad people’s emissary, Ashile, arrogantly tilted his nose skyward, grunting in response. Tsugumi Takeshita remained lying on the ground, unable to greet the Emperor.
The man who entered appeared to be in his fifties, of average build, his face reddish yet subtly tinged with an underlying pallor unnoticed by most. A faint smile lingered on his lips, while his eyes flashed with sharp radiance. Dressed in a robe adorned with a clustered dragon pattern, his slow yet dignified steps exuded authority. His gaze was intimidating, and no one dared to meet it. His imposing aura pressed down on the crowd without him uttering a word.
Though several months had passed, Lin Wanrong recognized him instantly. The man before him was indeed the Emperor of Great Hua, the one who had given him the golden badge outside Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou. It was indeed him, no wonder he purposely didn't summon him during the military review. He was an old acquaintance after all. Lin Wanrong was relieved. Now that this old acquaintance had become his father-in-law, he should not oppose his affair with Qingxuan, right?
"Rise!" The Emperor commanded, taking his seat on the dragon throne and lifting his hands in an imposing manner.
"Thank you, your Majesty!" Everyone rose, lining up on either side. The Emperor's gaze swept across the three large chairs in the hall, then he smiled and said, "Oh, are these the emissaries from various countries?"
Ashile arrogantly grunted in response. A cold gleam flashed in the Emperor's eyes, but he quickly returned to his normal expression. Pointing at Ashile, he asked, "This man, whose appearance greatly differs from our Great Hua, from which country's embassy does he come?"
Su Mubai, quick-witted as he was, sensed the tension and quickly stepped forward, "Your Majesty, this is the emissary from the Turkic Khanate, Lord Ashile."