Chapter 581 I have experience
Chapter 581 I have experience
The Tang Dynasty's Western Capital, a transportation hub connecting the Central Plains and the Western Regions, stands on the main route of the Silk Road, witnessing the prosperity of commerce.
When a train with billowing thick smoke slowly pulled into the platform, it announced that the Tang Dynasty delegation had finally arrived in this exotic land after a long journey of half a month.
Although the train journey saved everyone the hardship of trekking on foot, the bumpy ride for fifteen consecutive days filled the carriage with an atmosphere of fatigue and dullness.
The friction between the wheels and the rails is like a lullaby, but it can't really make people relax.
Everyone's backs ached, their legs were numb, and their faces were pale from the fatigue of the journey.
The moment I stepped out of the car, a dry breeze with a unique scent of spices blew in my face, blowing away some of my fatigue.
The sky in the Western Regions is exceptionally blue, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance shine with holy light under the sunlight. The architectural styles on the streets are very different, and the colorful decorations and unique shapes all demonstrate the unique charm of this land.
Everyone breathed in the fresh air greedily.
Qin Ruzhao looked at Crown Prince Li Jingyou, who was also looking tired and sighing beside him, and couldn't help but smile and said, "Your Highness, where have we come from?"
"Now with the help of trains, we can reach the Western Regions from the heart of the Tang Dynasty in just half a month."
"Think back when Emperor Taizong personally led his troops to attack the Western Regions. The soldiers had to march entirely on foot, crossing mountains and ridges, sleeping in the open air. Just traveling took them over half a year!"
"We are much luckier and have it much easier than our ancestors."
Qin Ruzhao recalled those difficult years of marching, and a hint of emotion flashed in his eyes.
In his mind, those days of forced marches were the real tests, while this train journey was just a relaxing trip.
Li Jingyou nodded slightly, his expression calm, and said steadily: "I understand." As the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, Li Jingyou exuded royal majesty in his every move.
Despite the fatigue of the journey, he still maintained his elegant demeanor, and his eyes revealed his anticipation for the unknown journey.
The news that the prince was about to go on a diplomatic mission to India had already spread throughout the Western Regions, attracting many people to come and watch.
After all, the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty is of noble status and represents the supreme dignity of the Tang Dynasty.
Under the careful organization of Wu Meiniang and Di Renjie, the outside of Xijing Railway Station was crowded with people and extremely lively.
There were merchants from the Western Regions wearing exquisite felt hats and with shrewd faces, there were people from ethnic minorities in colorful costumes and full of enthusiasm, and there was a group of children laughing and playing. They all stretched their necks, with curiosity shining in their eyes, wanting to catch a glimpse of the prince.
From time to time, whispers could be heard from the crowd: "What does this Tang prince look like?"
"Could it really be like the legend, with three heads and six arms, like a god?"
Everyone's faces were filled with anticipation, and the entire train station was packed with people.
As soon as the delegation members got out of the car, Wu Meiniang immediately directed the reception staff to greet them. Wu Meiniang was dressed in a gorgeous brocade robe, with a heroic look in her eyes and a capable demeanor in her every move.
Most of the members of the delegation were children of officials who lived a life of luxury and rarely experienced such a long and arduous journey.
This long journey is undoubtedly a huge challenge for them.
Therefore, she hopes that through thoughtful reception, everyone can recover their spirits as soon as possible.
Wang Wen stood quietly aside, completely different from the tiredness and excitement of the people around him.
There was novelty and amazement in his eyes, as if he was in a whole new world.
Having worked in the fields since he was a child, he has experienced the hardships of life. In his heart, nothing is more bitter than working hard in the fields.
During the train journey, the constantly changing scenery outside the window was like a flowing painting, which opened his eyes and made him very excited.
He took the water and refreshing Chinese medicine handed to him by the receptionist, a simple smile spread across his face, and he sincerely said thank you.
In that smile, there was only the purest gratitude.
Hearing that many people from the Western Regions were watching outside, the officials' sons instantly became excited and were eager to try.
For them, the opportunity to show themselves in front of the public is extremely precious. This is the moment for them to demonstrate their status.
They all bustled about, some carefully smoothing out the wrinkles on the corners of their clothes, striving to make their clothes look neater and more polished.
Some carefully fiddled with the accessories on their hats, trying to make themselves look more unique.
Some also help each other to fix their hair, hoping to show the most perfect image.
Their faces were filled with excitement. Isn't the purpose of life to have this moment of showing one's divinity before others?
Di Renjie walked steadily to Qin Ruzhao, clasped his hands together, and saluted respectfully: "General Qin, long time no see."
Di Renjie was dressed in official uniform, his face was serious, but his eyes were deep.
He served in the Western Regions for many years, handling many complex and difficult affairs, and was deeply respected and loved by the local people.
Qin Ruzhao quickly returned the greeting and said with a smile, "Huaiying, it's been a long time since we last met."
"You are in the westernmost part of the Tang Dynasty, and I am in the northernmost part. It is very difficult for us to see each other on weekdays."
"If you have time, you must come to the north and gallop on the prairie. That feeling is so refreshing and unique!"
Di Renjie nodded and replied, "General Qin, when you return from your mission, I will take you to experience the magnificent scenery of the Western Regions."
"The solitary smoke in the desert and the setting sun over the long river have a uniquely majestic and magnificent charm."
As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Wang Wen, who was standing alone to the side, concentrating on admiring the scenery. "But I'm a little curious, who is that person? He doesn't look like the son of an official."
Qin Ruzhao followed his gaze and said, "That man is a farmer's son who was personally nominated by His Majesty to join the delegation. I don't know the details of his situation."
Di Renjie nodded thoughtfully, pondering in his heart.
Your Majesty personally appointed a son of an ordinary citizen to be sent as an envoy to India. There must be a deep meaning behind this.
This person must have some extraordinary qualities, and perhaps he will play a key role in this mission.
There may be deeper strategic considerations behind this, and it is by no means as simple as it appears on the surface.
"General Qin, on this diplomatic mission to India, the safety of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is of paramount importance."
"India is a wild and barren land. The people there are unfamiliar with our etiquette and morals, and their ways of doing things are difficult to predict. We must not take them lightly."
Di Renjie gave the instructions in a serious tone, his eyes revealing his worry about this mission.
Qin Ruzhao patted Di Renjie on the shoulder and said confidently, "Don't worry, Huaiying. I have been fighting on the battlefield for so many years. What kind of enemy have I not seen?
"I will definitely do my best to protect His Royal Highness. Besides, I have experience dealing with those barbarians."
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