Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 917 All Nations Pay Tribute!

At the Wei River wharf, the masts of the boats were as dense as a forest, and the sails covered half of the sky.

Cargo ships from all over the country crowded the waterways, with people unloading and loading cargo. The shouts and calls of the ships rang out from morning till night without ever stopping.

Inside the newly established Maritime Trade Office, the clerks and runners were scrambling to keep up, registering goods, collecting taxes, and mediating disputes. Looking at the silver and copper coins flowing into the treasury like water, and the towering piles of account books, even the usually composed Maritime Trade Commissioner couldn't help but mutter to his subordinates, "I've worn this official uniform for thirty years, and I've never seen anything like this! The taxes collected in one day are equivalent to half a year's income for a top-tier prefecture in the past!"

While the food festival in Xianyang city is still in full swing, reportedly lasting for a month, the second round of Xianyang's opening battle has quietly begun, attracting everyone's attention with delicacies from all over the country.

Xianyang, known as the "Number One City Under Heaven," was built by tens of thousands of people at a cost of nearly 200 million taels of silver over almost ten years. Now it is a benchmark city in the Central Plains. The last time Xianyang was this glorious was when the emperor on the dragon throne was Qin Shi Huang, Ying Zheng.

The forty-mile stretch between Chang'an and Xianyang offers two distinct charms.

Xianyang is a large city with little urban space. The urgent task now is to quickly enrich this place. The food festival is one part of it, and this second round of massive commodity exhibitions is another.

Xia Lin had used this method before in Fuliang and Jinling, and it worked very well. It's not surprising that he's using it again now. The only difference is that this time it's on a larger scale, with more participants, and the overall environment is much better.

The focus here is on the participation of the Western Regions Construction Corps. To put it simply, the expansion speed of the Western Regions Construction Corps has reached a level that is visible to the naked eye. Boheng sent envoys to visit various countries and tribes to participate in this grand event. Some small countries and tribes simply surrendered directly and were incorporated into the sphere of influence of the Construction Corps without saying a word.

It's like the envoy is running ahead, and the border is chasing after him; if you're even a little slow, the border will catch up...

Some major powers were naturally unwilling to submit, as they had their own interests to pursue. However, before they could even blink, the next day they woke up to find their territory surrounded by the Production and Construction Corps. The tribes and small countries that had previously been subordinate to them hastily raised their red flags and joined the corps.

Sending troops means facing the shovels of construction engineers; not sending troops means helplessly watching oneself be surrounded and slaughtered like pigs. And this situation is far more terrifying than an army besieging the city, because the people under one's rule have legs; they will flee on their own…

The problem in the Western Regions now is that it's difficult to take action against the remote area controlled by the Abbasid Caliphate, and that area already has vested interests with the Abbasid Caliphate. Most of the other territory is already under the actual control of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

Han Chinese are naturally gifted at farming and raising chickens. In a short period of time, cotton textiles, poultry farming, fruits, wheat and other products from the Western Regions have almost reached the top of the national rankings. Xia Lin's personal motivation for this large-scale trade fair is to promote the various products from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

Of course, there is some favoritism, but not much. Now the whole of East Asia has been mobilized, from the frigid far north to the sandy deserts of the west. Food is just the beginning; the real excitement is yet to come.

The railway in Jiangnan was extended to Xiangyang, reducing transportation costs by 70%. After that, the sound of explosives blasting mountains could be heard throughout the Lingnan region. They were very anxious because if things continued like this, the entire Lingnan route would be ruined. Meanwhile, goods from the Maritime Silk Road were arriving in large quantities from Persia. After all, Persia had been short of money in recent years. Their money had been squeezed dry by exquisite porcelain, handicrafts, daily necessities, and some basic industrial products. The things they were so proud of were becoming increasingly worthless. So this time, the Persians were really determined to transport goods by land and sea, and they were even willing to sell Persian princesses to make money.

Unfortunately, because of Charin's decree, which banned the money-making method of transporting foreign slaves to China, Persia has now become the largest slave exporter and importer. Those Japanese slaves were transported to Rome as servants and were even highly praised. After all, the Romans extremely disliked those stupid redheads, and these black-haired servants were much smarter than those fools.

Now, taking advantage of the food festival atmosphere, they've solved the problem of attracting crowds all at once.

"Commander Xia, the caravan is 70% complete and is waiting outside Xianyang City for the city to open."

Xia Lin opened her eyes and turned to the Empress and several prime ministers beside her, saying, "Your Majesty, gentlemen, please."

As the group stepped out of their resting place, the sun pierced through the clouds, and the first rays of golden light shone upon the majestic city towers of Xianyang New City.

The heavy iron city gate slowly opened with the dull thud of the winch turning, revealing the central avenue behind it, wide enough for eight carriages to travel side by side.

The moment the city gates opened, a deep and majestic melody resounded from the city walls. It was not the usual ceremonial music, but the chime bells!

Nine sets, each containing forty-nine bronze bells, are suspended in three tiers on a specially made, massive wooden frame, their sizes and shapes arranged according to specifications. The bells gleam with a bright golden light in the morning sun. More than ten musicians, dressed in formal attire, hold wooden mallets and strike the bells solemnly and precisely according to ancient scores.

The bell tolled at first, deep and resonant, like the pulse of the earth, then gradually intensified, becoming grand and solemn. Each note seemed to carry the weight and majesty of the central land, until it pierced the clouds and resonated in the hearts of everyone present.

Those foreign delegations and caravans that had been waiting outside the city overnight, stretching for miles without end, involuntarily held their breath under this unprecedentedly magnificent heavenly sound.

The bustling crowd instantly quieted down. Whether it was the Persian merchants wrapped in gorgeous headscarves, the dashing chieftains of the northern tribes, or the dark-skinned islanders of the South China Sea, all were awestruck by the magnificent music and the open, imposing city.

"Playing the 'Cloud Gate Grand Scroll,' welcoming guests from all over the world..."

Led by the Sasanian Persian delegation, the procession began to move slowly.

Elephant-drawn carriages adorned with ivory and jewels moved with steady steps, the camel bells jingling and the horses' hooves clattering. Faces of all skin colors and all sorts of exotic clothing, along with carts laden with spices, jewels, rare treasures, and exotic animals, poured into the gates of Xianyang.
The streets were already packed with people from Chang'an and Xianyang. They stood on tiptoe, craning their necks to see this unprecedented spectacle.

On the city wall, Fang Xuanling's beard trembled with excitement as he murmured, "Having lived for sixty years, only today have I witnessed all nations paying tribute..."

The wide streets paved with red bricks were swept clean, and the glass shop windows facing the street gleamed in the sunlight.

What surprised outsiders even more were the soldiers standing solemnly every hundred paces along both sides of the street. Their postures were as upright as pine trees, their faces stern, their gazes fixed straight ahead, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding noise and strange attire, exuding an aura of unyielding and inviolable ferocity. This was the first time the newly trained Northern Army had appeared on such a stage, and their equipment and spirit, so different from ordinary troops, silently testified to the innovation and strength of the Li Tang military.

The procession proceeded to the central square. The square was paved with cement, smooth as a mirror, and several tall "water towers" stood along its edges, further highlighting the city's unique urban planning. At this moment, a bright yellow viewing platform, three zhang high, had been erected on the north side of the square, its top adorned with a canopy like clouds and fluttering banners.

Xia Lin had changed into a purple robe and jade belt, a rare sight for him. Although he still stood somewhat loosely, his eyes, which usually carried a hint of laziness, were now sharp as an eagle as he scanned the envoys from all nations slowly gathering below.

Li Zhi and Li Chengqian stood slightly behind him on either side, both dressed in formal attire. Although they couldn't move around too much at this moment, their eyes still held a hint of excitement.

Even the usually unruly Tuoba Shang was much more well-behaved at this moment, though his eyes were still darting around restlessly, sizing up the strangely shaped envoys. He turned to the beautiful Cui Yan beside him and said with a smile, "I heard that these black devils all have big things. I wonder if you like them, Miss Cui. If you do, I'll secretly get you a couple later."

"Shut your stinking mouth, how disgusting!" Jia Ye stomped on his second brother's instep. "You always spout such vulgarities. Next time you meet Uncle Tuoba, see how I complain to him."

"Go ahead and sue! He can't possibly come and beat me up himself, can he? I'm a hostage of the Li Tang dynasty now."

At this moment, Douyazi was also dressed in formal princely attire, standing a little further away. Hearing her daughter's commotion, she tilted her head slightly and looked at her daughter: "Quiet down, everyone!"

Following the instructions, the delegation lined up in the designated area in the center of the square. The sound of the chime bells gradually faded, but its lingering resonance still echoed in the air.

Third Sister stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the crowd below with their varied expressions. Immediately, someone stepped forward to help her turn on the microphone, and the large loudspeakers on both sides crackled a few times:

"Thank you all for coming from afar. You must be tired."

There were no red tape or formalities; they got straight to the point.

"I have invited you all here today for two reasons: first, to sample the delicacies of the world, and second, to exchange goods. You have likely already seen some of the products of the Central Plains along your journeys. Silk, porcelain, tea, paper, and even the bricks and tiles, glass and cement of this new city you see here—all are available for trade." She paused, her voice carrying a heavy weight: "Our Great Tang Dynasty is willing to trade with all benevolent and friendly nations. Our caravans can carry goods westward beyond Yangguan Pass, reaching as far as Persia, and even further west. Similarly, we welcome your caravans, carrying your products, across the grasslands and the vast seas, to come to Chang'an, to Xianyang."

As soon as she finished speaking, dozens of eunuchs carried a huge scroll to the front of the stage, where it was unfurled with a whoosh. It was a rough but expansive world map, clearly marking the names and general outlines of the Tang Dynasty, the Wei Kingdom, Tibet, Persia, India, and even some other countries she had heard of further afield.

Many of the envoys, especially those from the far west, were astonished to see their homelands featured on the map.

"The way of trade lies in fairness and mutual benefit." Third Sister's finger traced across the map: "May we both cultivate prosperity in all things."

After a brief silence, the Persian envoy stepped forward first, placed his right hand on his chest, bowed deeply, and said in fluent Mandarin: "Your Majesty the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty, your heart is as vast as the sky. Sassanid Persia wishes to establish lasting friendship and trade with the Eastern Empire."

Xia Lin stood next to San Niang and whispered in her ear, "How does he know whether you have a broad mind or not? Shouldn't I be the only one who knows this? I'll check later to see if it's really that broad."

With an arrogant smile on her face, San Niang used her heel to press and grind Xia Lin's little finger back and forth.

At this moment, the Persian envoy's entourage carried out several jewel-encrusted boxes, filled with pearls, agate, glassware, and bundles of exquisite Persian carpets.

With the leader setting an example, other delegations followed suit. The Uyghur tribe of the northern deserts presented a thousand fine horses and countless furs. Envoys from India brought ivory, spices, and Buddhist scriptures. Countries of the South China Sea offered pearls, coral, rhinoceros horns, and rare woods. There were even a few envoys with extremely fair skin from the far west who presented exquisite gold and silver artifacts, stained glass, and woolen fabrics, drawing gasps of wonder from everyone present.

The tributes were piled high, exuding a rich exotic atmosphere. However, what truly captivated these envoys were the samples that Tang and Wei had displayed for "mutual trade."

Porcelain, cotton cloth, silk, tea, paper, glassware, cement samples, and even various exquisitely designed looms, waterwheel models, greenhouses, and water tower structures... all of these challenged their understanding and aroused their most primal desire for trade.

Some seasoned Persian traders even wanted to rush up right then and there and throw money at the staff's faces, yelling, "Take your dirty money and stay away from my goods!"

The chime bells rang out again, this time playing "King Wen's Melody," a piece of music that was dignified and peaceful, symbolizing the flourishing of rites and music. Amidst the solemn and dignified music, envoys from all nations stepped forward in turn to present their credentials, expressing their intention to engage in friendly trade.

The scene was grand yet orderly, all because the invisible divine power permeated every chime, every glance, and every ceremonial exchange.

Looking down at the unprecedented gathering of various forces below, and seeing the undisguised shock and longing in their eyes, Li Zhi felt a surge of pride. This feeling of looking down upon the world was truly wonderful.

The Tang Dynasty is awesome! Hmm... Dad is even more awesome.

He glanced at his father, but Xia Lin merely raised his chin slightly, gesturing for him to notice the whispers among the envoys, and said in a low voice, "Do you understand? Battle reports can lie, but money can't."

Meanwhile, in an inconspicuous corner on the outskirts of the bustling crowd, Emperor Jingtai, Tuoba Jing, disguised, squinted, munching on a roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) while peering through binoculars at Xia Lin, who was enjoying a moment of glory on the reviewing stand, and his good-for-nothing son. He mumbled an indistinct curse: "Damn it, that bastard got away with it again... He deserves to die!"

(End of this chapter)