Volume One, Chapter 16: The Envoy's First Arrival in Chang'an, Proudly Challenging the Majesty of the Celestial Empire

He slowly parted his lips.

“Though this state banquet ostensibly welcomes the English envoys, in truth it serves as a touchstone for the dignity and spirit of our great Tang court.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Su Chan’er beside him.

A faint, almost imperceptible tenderness flickered in his eyes.

“Li Tai, Li Yuanchang? Hmph. They seek to use this opportunity to trouble me, but I fear they will only lose their composure and falter first.”

Though Su Chan’er was unfamiliar with the intricacies of political maneuvering, she could sense the hidden sharpness beneath her husband’s cold tone.

In a soft voice, she gently asked, “Since you have already seen through their schemes, you must have a plan in mind. What strategy do you intend to employ?”

“An incoming army is met with generals, and flowing water is stopped by earth. If they wish to see me embarrassed, then let them watch closely and see who is truly foolish.”

The next morning, as the golden sun rose, the English envoy officially entered Chang’an.

Beneath the Xuanwu Tower, a dense crowd gathered. The common folk of Chang’an stopped in their tracks, eyes alight with anticipation.

The envoy’s procession was grand and imposing, drawn by eight magnificent, exotic steeds.

The carriage was adorned with intricate and exquisite patterns, a testament to the wealth of their distant land.

Mahmud, the English envoy, wore a long robe embroidered with golden threads.

A round hat studded with dazzling pearls crowned his head, and he tightly grasped a scepter symbolizing power, his demeanor radiating an unyielding arrogance.

Behind him followed his attendants, carrying several heavy chests rumored to be filled with treasures as offerings to the Tang emperor.

“Look at the bearing of these English envoys—no ordinary matter. Yet, such pomp seems excessively ostentatious,” murmured an elderly man, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

“Hmph, a mere insignificant nation dares to be so brazen!” retorted a younger man indignantly.

That evening, the Honglu Temple was ablaze with light, and the music of silk and bamboo instruments wafted melodiously through the air.

At the head of the hall stood the imposing dragon throne. Emperor Li Shimin, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat with sovereign dignity, flanked by his ministers.

Li Chengqian, Li Tai, and Li Yuanchang took their seats below, each harboring their own thoughts.

The ceremonial official loudly proclaimed, “The English envoys present themselves before the Son of Heaven of the Great Tang!”

Outside the hall’s gates, steady footsteps approached.

The leader strode in confidently—the English envoy, Mahmud.

Under all eyes, Mahmud showed no sign of respect.

He lifted his eyes slightly, surveying the hall’s interior with a faint trace of mockery around his brows.

He stopped at the center without performing any ceremony and lightly waved his scepter as he spoke aloud.

“Your Majesty!”

His voice was loud and clear, respectful in address but utterly devoid of etiquette.

He merely gave a slight nod, foregoing even the slightest bow, then stood upright and motioned to his attendants behind him.

The hall fell into complete silence, every sound sharply audible.

The entire assembly of officials fixed their gazes on this envoy, though none understood his foreign tongue, they could feel the haughty arrogance emanating from him.

The Tang Empire, the Celestial Empire, had long been renowned for its propriety and ritual, treating all visitors with utmost courtesy.

All envoys, regardless of rank, were required to perform the kowtow.

Mahmud’s behavior was not only grossly disrespectful but trampled upon the sacred rites of the Tang, treating them with utter contempt.

At this moment, the Minister of Rites could no longer contain himself and stepped forward to speak.

“Your Majesty, this envoy’s conduct is improper and violates the customs of our Celestial Empire. Should we not require him to perform the kowtow to uphold order?”

Li Shimin did not answer directly, but said calmly,

“Let us first hear what he has to say, then decide.”

Mahmud, puzzled by this, repeated his words with a tone laced in derision, speaking in English.

“I’ve heard much about the so-called greatest empire in the East. But this… hall, this court, it’s disappointing. Surely, the famed Tang Empire can do better than this?”

At his words, astonishment swept across the assembled officials.

Though they did not understand English, the blatant provocation was unmistakable.

If no one could translate this contemptuous speech, wouldn’t that be a great embarrassment?

Were there any scholars from the Imperial Academy of the Hundred Schools present who could interpret this arrogance?

Seizing the moment, Li Tai rose immediately, adopting a respectful posture.

“Your Majesty, such trivial matters are hardly worth concern. Though England lies across the vast sea, it is but a minor nation. Our Tang boasts abundant talent; surely there are capable men who can interpret this speech. Your humble son will relieve Your Majesty of this burden.”

Li Tai stepped forward with a hint of self-satisfaction in his eyes.

Li Chengqian watched him with amused interest.

He understood no English himself but deliberately stepped forward to show off, hoping to win his father’s favor.

Moreover, he harbored another plan, a hidden stratagem.

Even if he could not translate, Crown Prince Li Chengqian was no match for him.

Raising his hand toward Mahmud, he said,

“Esteemed envoy, would you kindly repeat your words for the benefit of all present?”

Mahmud obliged, repeating the sentence in English, even quickening his pace with a hint of smugness, as if purposely making it difficult.

“The great Tang Empire, they say, surpasses all in wisdom and culture. But, truth be told, we’ve seen better advancements in our land. Surely your scholars can explain this?”

Li Tai was momentarily taken aback; he understood nothing but masked it with feigned composure, babbling nonsense.

“Esteemed envoy, your wit and humor truly show your admiration and high regard for our great Tang culture!”

As he spoke, he discreetly glanced at Li Shimin, gauging the emperor’s reaction.

Li Chengqian’s lips twitched into a faint smile, a soft chuckle barely audible.

“Does Prince Wei truly grasp the deeper meaning?” he murmured.

Li Tai’s expression soured; he turned coldly toward Li Chengqian.

“Elder brother laughs so heartily—could it be that you also understand this barbarian tongue?”

At once, all eyes in the hall turned to Li Chengqian.

The Crown Prince had long been regarded as a prodigal, indulging in wine and women. Recently, he had even been confined for misconduct, his reputation in tatters.

How dared he laugh openly in such a solemn occasion? Was it mockery directed at Li Tai?

Yet Li Chengqian remained composed, lifting his head with a calm expression and leisurely tone.

“Since Prince Wei claims to understand, he should report the meaning to the Son of Heaven. Why then does he question me instead?”

Li Shimin’s brows knitted tightly, displeasure evident on his majestic face.

At this crucial moment, the brothers should stand united against their adversaries, not bicker openly in the imperial hall.

Where was the dignity of the Tang? Would they not become the laughingstock of foreign peoples?