Read Novel Full Chapter 975 - 74: Losing to Great Zhou Is No Injustice (Part 2)
Chapter 975: Chapter 74: Losing to Great Zhou Is No Injustice (Part 2)
"My family’s fruits have sold for quite a bit of money."
Zhao Yao was pleased to hear the elders say they made money and their lives improved compared to before.
"I heard before that Prince Han organized a trade fair, inviting outsiders and foreigners here. I thought it was another scheme like those corrupt officials, coming to harm us. I never imagined that what His Highness did actually helped us make money."
"Didn’t His Highness say that the trade fair was to ensure we live better lives? Look at how our lives have improved now."
"Prince Han is like a deity coming to relieve suffering. I will support whatever he does in the future."
The elders spoke fervently, and others nearby joined in, praising Zhao Yao, Prince Han. They also spoke of their hopes for even better days ahead.
Hearing the praises, Zhao Yao was indifferent, not taking them to heart. However, he was most delighted that the people began to have hope for a better life.
After a while, it was Zhao Yao’s turn to receive a dumpling.
The elders urged Zhao Yao to quickly eat the dumpling to see if he could get a copper coin.
Zhao Yao was in luck; with just one bite, he got a copper coin.
The elders congratulated him on his first bite, saying he would have great fortune this year.
Zhao Yao handed the copper coin to an elder woman behind him, wishing to pass his good fortune to her and wishing her family prosperity and health this year.
The elder woman initially declined, saying fortune shouldn’t be given away, or it would be lost. Zhao Yao insisted, saying he was always fortunate, and giving away this fortune wouldn’t lessen his own.
Seeing Zhao Yao’s insistence, the elder woman accepted the coin. She offered Zhao Yao the dumpling she received, but unfortunately, it contained nothing.
Later, Zhao Yao was to receive foreign guests at the Han Prince Mansion. At noon, the mansion would host a Dragon Boat Festival luncheon, inviting members of foreign royal families. The Ministry of Rites would entertain the visiting merchants and foreign merchants.
Upon returning to the Han Prince Mansion, Tong Xi informed him that guests had already arrived with congratulations.
Zhao Yao quickly changed clothes and went to the reception hall to meet the esteemed guests.
In the days leading up to the Dragon Boat Festival, representatives from a dozen countries, including Annan, Johor, and Siam, had come to the Swamp Prefecture to participate in the festival and trade fair. Though the kings and queens or crown princes of these countries didn’t come, they had sent princes and princesses.
The princes and princesses from these countries were very respectful to Zhao Yao, without a hint of disdain. They came sincerely, bringing Zhao Yao many valuable gifts.
Before they came, their fathers and brothers repeatedly instructed them to establish good relations with Prince Han and never to offend him. If they did, they would be held accountable.
This time, the royal representatives could all speak the official language of the Great Zhou. This was a very thoughtful gesture.
When these foreign princes and princesses saw Zhao Yao arrive, they promptly stood up and greeted him.
Zhao Yao gestured for them to be seated. Then he had Tong Xi and others bring out special Dragon Boat Festival fruit plates, containing various flavored dumplings, Lingnan’s unique fruits, dried fruits, and jams.
Everyone then sat together, sipping tea and enjoying refreshments, chatting about the delicious and interesting attractions of Lingnan.
After chatting for a while, Zhao Yao invited the guests to the garden to watch performances related to the Dragon Boat Festival, showcasing plays unique to Lingnan, unlike those common in the capital.
The guests understood the Great Zhou’s official language but not the Lingnan dialect. However, not understanding the lyrics didn’t matter as long as the tunes were pleasing.
These foreigners were curious about everything related to the Great Zhou, especially its culture. They greatly admired and yearned for the Great Zhou’s culture, finding it mysterious and powerful.
Since their countries submitted to the Great Zhou, a wave of learning the Great Zhou’s customs surged in their lands, including clothing, dining, drinking tea, and various entertainment aspects.
Before Zhao Yao arrived at the Swamp Prefecture, officials had several flower boats built, which were very popular in countries like Annan and Johor. The main reason was the presence of Great Zhou girls on these boats.
Countries like Siam and Johor especially adored Great Zhou girls and revered Great Zhou scholars.
They not only sent people to study in the Great Zhou but also to learn singing and dancing. Once these individuals returned home proficient, they were highly sought after.