10. National Book

Seeing the imposing figure that anyone would regard with trepidation, Xiao Zhendong forced himself to restrain his emotions and said angrily: "What does the person from Dayuan want to do? Why not speak plainly? Do you think that just because I don't understand your words, I am afraid of you?"

At the end of the national document, a patch of bright red appeared, and familiar handwriting suddenly came into view. Compared to the lengthy and verbose black ink of the national document, these few lines of red characters were quite brief, consisting of only a few sentences—"When the Great Garden was first established, how good was the relationship between our two nations. Even after a mere hundred years, the sun and moon still shine, and heaven and earth still exist. I only wish that the hearts of the people do not change, so that this fortunate garden may bring joy to the people of both nations, and harmony may be anticipated."

"Your Highness, do not be anxious." Guici came forward to stop Xiao Zhendong's violent outburst and continued, "There is also a completely opposite interpretation. This letter of state is verbose and filled with an air of pedantry. The people of Dayuan hope that we will look down upon them, believing them to be useless scholars. When we meet on the battlefield in the future, our arrogance will lead us to lose the first round."

Qing Tong is somewhat uneasy, fearing that these few sentences, along with the national document, will be archived by the people of Xi Zhan, tarnishing the reputation of Da Yuan. Hence, the writing is so grandiloquent. However, the phrase "The sun and moon still shine, and heaven and earth still exist" inevitably evokes thoughts of "Heaven and earth as witnesses, the sun and moon as witnesses," and coupled with the subsequent phrase "I only wish the hearts of people do not change," it becomes rather ambiguous for those with discerning eyes.

Ahem... it's a bit awkward for you to come here, "I didn't expect it to be nonsense again, please read the next paragraph."

The script of the Central Plains people is indeed peculiar, as it can be interpreted into vernacular yet still remain incomprehensible. Before the explanation from the esteemed official was uttered, everyone was still in a state of confusion. It was only after he spoke that they finally understood, and a wave of scornful voices immediately spread throughout the court. Xiao Tunan cast a glance over and noticed that the scribe was looking at him with an unusual expression, opening his mouth as if he had more to say.

You look around with pride and confidence. "Three, both soft and hard words are only half spoken. The people of Dayuan want to convey that they are not easy to bully, and if pushed too far, they will certainly fight back. As the scribe," he turned and said loudly, "Skip the middle part, start reading from the last two paragraphs. I suspect the real purpose lies here, everyone listen carefully.

Tian Ze inquired: "Prime Minister, do you think this is acceptable?"

Xiao Tunan fell silent, and after a moment, spoke in a low voice: "Present the imperial edict."

The imperial edict conveys only one message: the two nations have previously established correspondence and reconciled, and we should not be untrustworthy by seizing their provisions. As for the need to say things we do not understand... He glanced around and continued, "I deduce that there are three main purposes. First, to demonstrate that they are the legitimate heirs of the Huaxia civilization, a nation of propriety, aiming to showcase the culture of a great power to suppress us. If we cannot even comprehend the imperial edict, they will regard us as uncivilized barbarians.

How dare the people of Dayuan mock us

"Please reconsider the state letter to Xizhan. If there are no issues, we shall send it out at tomorrow's morning court session." Qing Tong, with his hands behind his back, paced back and forth in the main hall of Hongwen Palace. These individuals had debated the wording of this state letter for an entire afternoon. The younger ones were relatively fine, but Chu Xicai, who was already over seventy this year, appeared visibly exhausted.

This clearly refers to the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Two hundred years ago, Xizhan and Dayuan indeed had a very good relationship. The ruler of Dayuan wrote to the ruler of Xizhan, expressing the hope that both countries would work together to restore the conditions of the past, which is a reasonable expectation.

Just a few words, yet Xiao Tunan stared at them for a long time. He said in a very faint tone: "If you are to write to me, you may as well use a red seal."

The voice was not loud; in the midst of the bustling court, only Wu Ye, who was close at hand, could hear it. Listening to such an emotionless voice, Wu Ye suddenly felt as if he were in the wilderness, with the vastness of heaven and earth surrounding him, and only Xiao Tunan standing alone in melancholy, unable to express just how lonely he felt.

The governance of your country is such that I do not dare to be insincere; however, I often hear that those who are not like me are my teachers; those who are like me are my friends; those who flatter me are my enemies. A gentleman values his teachers and is close to his friends, in order to detest his enemies; he loves goodness without weariness, accepts admonition and is able to take heed, even if it is somewhat contrary, can he achieve this?

"What on earth is this nonsense? Is it even human language? If it is, why can't I understand a single word?" Xiao Zhendong rudely interrupted the scribe. He had long been impatient and could no longer bear to listen. Irritated, he waved his hand and said, "What does this national document even mean? I fear only birds can understand it."

Xiao Tunan's eyes flashed with a hint of a smile. The official with the brush read aloud, "A fine steed can travel a thousand miles in a day, while a slow horse can also reach it in ten days..." He read the lengthy original text and tried to explain it simply, "This means that although a fine horse can run a thousand miles in a day, a poor horse can also arrive after ten days. Although a journey of a thousand miles is long, it is merely a matter of some moving slowly, some running quickly, some arriving earlier, and some arriving later. But why can’t we reach the destination? Even if the distance is short, if one does not walk, one cannot arrive; even if the task is small, if one does not act, one cannot succeed." Although a journey of a thousand miles is long, it is merely a matter of some moving slowly, some running quickly, some arriving earlier, and some arriving later. But why can’t we reach the destination? Even if the distance is short, if one does not walk, one cannot arrive; even if the task is small, if one does not act, one cannot succeed.

In the former imperial palace, the officials were reading aloud the national document sent from Dayuan. Considering that most of the people from Xizhan could not understand these words, he would explain a few sentences after reading.

The time for handling state affairs has passed, yet the Hongwen Hall remains busy. Seated in order on six chairs are the Prime Minister Xiao Se, the Minister of Finance Chu Xicai, the Left Chancellor of the Central Secretariat Zheng Dangshi, the Right Chancellor Tian Ze, the Minister of Personnel and concurrently the Grand Scholar of Hongwen Hall Zhao Ying, and the Councilor Lü Shenxing. These are the six ministers of Hongwen Hall, representing the highest authority in the Great Garden and participating in the decision-making of state affairs.

The national dignity is humiliated, and the losses are even greater!" Tian Ze retorted, turning to Xiao Se and asking, "Prime Minister, what are your thoughts on this?"

Qing Tong read it again in her hands, and in the end, she still picked up her pen to add a little content at the back before using the seal, thus officially finalizing it. Throughout this process, Xiao Se remained seated with a smile, as if he could not speak.

Lord Chu!" Tian Ze stood up and cupped his hands towards Chu Xicai, "It is the people of Xizhan who have unjustly seized our property. Since we are to send a letter of reprimand, if there are not even a few strong words, it would be better to swallow this grievance in silence.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone turned to look at Xiao Se. To their surprise, Xiao Se, who was seated in the front today, showed no reaction at all, sitting there quietly as if this matter had nothing to do with him. Not only at this moment, but throughout the day, Xiao Se's responses were very subdued; he sat in the Hongwen Hall for an entire afternoon without uttering a single word.

How ridiculous it is to hear their cold laughter. Their intention is to advise us to be honest and trustworthy gentlemen, to stop bothering them, and ultimately to learn the ways of their sages, so that we can be regarded as a nation of propriety like Dayuan, no longer seen as treacherous and barbaric outsiders. Hmph, it is merely a matter of speaking boldly; the people of Dayuan enjoy such empty noise. Ladies and gentlemen, do not pay attention to these words. They keep repeating that it is wrong for us to seize money, yet they do not dare to say what they will do to us. The people of Dayuan do not dare to provoke us; they only seek to save face.

Tian Ze, although that is the case, we are all aware of the current situation in the country. At this moment, provoking Xi Zhan would be unwise. Failing to assess the situation is not the behavior of a true gentleman

The official wiped his sweat, as the letter from Dayuan was filled with numerous terms, all pertaining to the matter of trust, yet the language was excessively formal and convoluted, making it quite difficult for him to explain. Seeing that there was still a long way to go, he gritted his teeth and continued, "To be a ruler, one must adhere to benevolence; to be a minister, one must adhere to respect; to be a son, one must adhere to filial piety; to be a father, one must adhere to kindness; in relations with the state, one must adhere to trust..." This sentence is similar to the previous one, simply put, it means... it means. "To be a ruler, one must adhere to benevolence; to be a minister, one must adhere to respect; to be a son, one must adhere to filial piety; to be a father, one must adhere to kindness; in relations with the state, one must adhere to trust..." This sentence is similar to the previous one, simply put, it means... it means... it still refers to some principles of conduct passed down from the sages of Dayuan." He looked around, and despite his repeated attempts to be straightforward, most of the dignitaries were still left bewildered. The following part was even more challenging; it was his duty, so he forced himself to read, "Through propriety, governance is achieved; without propriety, chaos ensues; through propriety, harmony is maintained; without propriety, conflict arises; through propriety..."

The letter of state is a necessity, yet Qing Tong does not wish to engage in battle. She is uncertain whether the people of Xizhan would rise in arms upon reading this, so she resorted to a little trick, hoping to soften Xiao Tunan's emotions with warmth. By employing this method, she could avoid leaving any incriminating evidence; even if it were publicly read, it would merely be regarded as a supplement to the state letter, and Xiao Tunan would be unjustly burdened with suspicion on her behalf.

Tian Ze shook his head and said: "To be overly humble and not assertive is not the behavior of a true man. The national document is something that both countries must archive and preserve forever. If even the national document is phrased with humility, how can Dayuan hold its head high in front of Xizhan in the future"

By following propriety, governance is smooth; without propriety, chaos ensues. By adhering to propriety, harmony and moderation are achieved; without propriety, one falls into traps. By following propriety, one is refined; without propriety, one becomes coarse and deviates from the norm, common and uncultured. Therefore, without propriety, people do not thrive; without propriety, affairs do not succeed; without propriety, a nation does not find peace. This is what is meant. "Your Highness, it is not that you do not understand, but rather that it is not only birds that can comprehend."

Your Majesty," Chu Xicai bowed and said, "The old minister has a slight opinion. The wording of this letter of state is somewhat too strong, and I am concerned it may provoke displeasure among the Xizhan people. It would be better to appropriately express our intentions and refrain from including the later request for their commitment to cease plundering.

Xiao Tunan furrowed his brows and said, "What’s wrong? Just continue reading; it doesn’t matter what is said. If the people of Dayuan dare to write it, why wouldn’t the people of Xizhan dare to listen?"

Among the six ministers of Hongwen Hall, Chu Xicai, Zheng Dangshi, Zhao Ying, and Lü Shenxing are all veteran officials with many years of service, while only Tian Ze is a rising star promoted by Qing Tong. Everyone knows that the emperor's most trusted person is the Prime Minister, and in the past, whenever there was a dispute, they would refer to Xiao Se's opinion. Since their views differ, Tian Ze decided to inquire about Xiao Se.

The official cleared his throat and said: "No... it's just that at the end of the national letter, there is an additional piece of paper that reads 'A letter from the Great Yuan Emperor to King Zhenye of the West', meant for the prince. Should I read it?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone fell silent in astonishment, and even Xiao Tunan's gaze towards Gui Qilai held an extra hint of surprise. In this court, half of the people, upon hearing the national letter, secretly looked down upon the Dayuan, regarding it with disdain. If the purpose of the Dayuan's national letter was indeed this, then it would have been achieved.

Virtue is never solitary; it must have neighbors. A person without trustworthiness does not know what can be achieved

If we were to resort to military action due to the Western gaze, our losses would not merely amount to three hundred thousand taels of silver

Several high-ranking officials exchanged glances, all feeling that something was amiss, and they became cautious in their discussions. They deliberated until just before dawn, and only then did they manage to reach a consensus, producing a state document. Chen Wenyuan, the lecturer at Hongwen Hall, meticulously transcribed it in small script onto the official state document.

Wu Ye quickly stepped forward to take the state letter and presented it. The expressions of those in the hall varied; since it was placed in the state letter, it should pertain to matters between the two countries. Seeing that he was unwilling to read it aloud in public, it was inevitable that the others would begin to harbor suspicions about King Zhenye.

The audience had been drowsy while reading the previous state document, but at this moment, they all perked up, straining to listen. The scribe responded and followed the lengthy document to find the last two paragraphs, reading aloud: "The act of theft is called robbery, concealment is termed deception, to speak in vague terms is to utter falsehoods, the pursuit of pleasure without constancy is referred to as impermanence, and forsaking righteousness for profit is known as the utmost treachery..."

This is a polite expression. The people of Dayuan say that regarding the national affairs of our Western Zhan, we should not interfere. However, I once heard a sage say, 'The one who points out my mistakes is my teacher, the one who acknowledges my correct actions is my friend, and the one who only flatters me is my enemy.' A gentleman should respect his teacher, be close to his friends, and distance himself from his enemies. Being advised allows one to correct mistakes, and although it may be somewhat unpalatable, does it not lead to greater benefits?

Xiao Se still smiled without answering

Tian Ze still wanted to ask further, but Qing Tong lightly interjected, "You may discuss it among yourselves. The Prime Minister is unwell and wishes to rest, so let him rest." After saying this, she cast a sideways glance at Xiao Se. Xiao Se smiled at her, and in an instant, anger flared in Qing Tong's eyes, yet she turned her gaze elsewhere, refusing to meet his eyes.