Xiao Huaishi intended to make things difficult for the envoy. With a faint, teasing smile, he continued, "If that's the case, and your Western Yue Kingdom is also so magnificent and luxurious, why don't you tell me which one is better, the palace of your country or mine? I'd like to judge if your answer satisfies me."
The envoy sensed that Xiao Huaishi was deliberately making things hard for him. He never expected the emperor to be so difficult to deal with. If he said the Western Yue Palace was better, Xiao Huaishi would surely be unhappy and might even find an excuse to punish him. But if he said it was worse, he would lose face for his own country in front of the enemy.
Thinking of the implications, the envoy subconsciously raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat that had appeared on his forehead. "Your Majesty... I'm just a dull official. Although the Western Yue Kingdom is vast and rich in resources, and has many talents, I've always served the people with diligence. I'm not capable of evaluating the palaces of our two countries. They both have their own unique charm. I hope Your Majesty can judge for yourself."
Xiao Huaishi raised his eyebrows slightly. "Oh? Are you suggesting that I'm making things difficult for you? But there's no war between our two countries. You came today representing the Western Yue Kingdom to seek friendship. We are friends, aren't we? As friends, why would I make things hard for you?"
The envoy knelt on the ground, sweating profusely. He looked up at the emperor of the Eastern Ling Kingdom. Xiao Huaishi had thick black eyebrows and a well - defined nose. He looked to be in his middle age and didn't seem like a glib person at first glance, but in fact, he was a tough nut to crack. The envoy became even more cautious in his speech. "Your Majesty, you're joking. The Western Yue Kingdom has always been on good terms with the Eastern Ling Kingdom. As an envoy from the Western Yue Kingdom, how could I ever think that Your Majesty is making things difficult for me? Perhaps Your Majesty is just curious about the grandeur of our Western Yue Palace and wants me to share something about it for comparison."
This was the first time the Western Yue envoy had met the emperor of the Eastern Ling Kingdom. He carried the unique arrogance and wildness of the Western Yue people and showed it without reservation in front of Xiao Huaishi. Naturally, this didn't escape Xiao Huaishi's notice. After all, the king of the Western Yue Kingdom had not given an explanation regarding the private salt incident, and the spies had escaped. If the Western Yue Kingdom refused to admit it, the Eastern Ling Kingdom would have to swallow this bitter pill. This incident was like a thorn in Xiao Huaishi's heart. He hadn't even gone to the Western Yue people to settle the score, but they actually came to him on their own initiative.
Xiao Huaishi squinted at the envoy. He thought the envoy was very smart and eloquent, and could always defuse crises. With a still - present smile, he continued, "I've never been to the Western Yue Kingdom, nor have I seen its palace. But I have no urge to see it. In my opinion, the palace of our own country is already perfect. Our country is the best in my heart, unmatched by any other country. I wonder if your country has brought any token of sincerity to prove your friendship when you claim to seek friendship with our country?"
The Western Yue envoy understood what Xiao Huaishi meant. He stopped sweating and thought that as long as there was room for negotiation, his life would be safe. So he replied with a smile, "The Western Yue Kingdom regards the Eastern Ling Kingdom as a good friend. Of course, we've brought gifts. But as the saying goes, 'Isn't it a pleasure to have friends come from afar?' I wonder if Your Majesty has made proper preparations to welcome us?"
Xiao Huaishi's face darkened a bit. Was this envoy blaming him for not going to welcome them? How dare a mere envoy expect him to do so? With a forced smile, he said, "I wonder if the envoy would like to be a king? I also wonder what your king thinks about this. Envoy, don't stand. Xiaodezi, bring a seat for the envoy!"
Right after he finished speaking, Eunuch Li outside the hall quickly brought in a stool and motioned for the Western Yue envoy to sit. The envoy was startled by Xiao Huaishi's words and quickly pushed the stool away, saying in a panic, "Your Majesty, I think you've misunderstood. I've always served the people with diligence, which means I have no ambition to be a king. Everything I do is just my duty. I would never overstep my bounds. I hope Your Majesty won't joke like this, or the king of the Western Yue Kingdom might misunderstand."
Xiao Huaishi waved his hand and pointed at the chair. "Sit. I tell you to sit, so sit. Isn't this a high - level reception etiquette for you to sit on an equal footing with me? I'm sure the king of the Western Yue Kingdom would be happy to see this."
The Western Yue envoy was almost scared to fall to the ground. Sit on an equal footing with the emperor? And the king of the Western Yue Kingdom would be happy to see this? He thought that if the king of his country knew about this, his life would probably be in danger. So he stepped back quickly, motioning for the eunuch to remove the stool.
Then he bowed to Xiao Huaishi again. "Your Majesty, you've really misunderstood. Please remove this stool. I don't dare to sit on an equal footing with Your Majesty. I just think that as I represent the Western Yue Kingdom, there should be a proper reception etiquette. Otherwise, does it mean that Your Majesty doesn't welcome us from the Western Yue Kingdom? It might even make me think that Your Majesty doesn't welcome envoys from other countries either. After all, you didn't have a reception etiquette for them. Does Your Majesty not want to be on good terms with other countries? Do you want to be overbearing?"
Xiao Huaishi squinted his eyes, his pupils dilating as he stared at the Western Yue envoy. He thought that the envoy had just thrown a big accusation at him. There was no need for him to be polite with this envoy anymore, since the envoy had started to act unreasonably.
So Xiao Huaishi said with a fake smile, "Overbearing? But I'm already overbearing. Our country is full of talents, and I'm the supreme ruler. Am I not overbearing enough? Does the envoy from the Western Yue Kingdom look down on our country and want to start a conflict?"
The Western Yue envoy quickly waved his hands. "No, Your Majesty. The Eastern Ling Kingdom is indeed full of talents."
Xiao Huaishi continued, "Then sit. Just because you've praised our country so much, and this is our country's special reception etiquette. You're the only one in history to enjoy this. So sit quickly."
Cold sweat started to pour out of the Western Yue envoy again. He didn't expect Xiao Huaishi to insist on him sitting. He felt that it was really painful to argue with Xiao Huaishi. So he said in a deep voice, "I'm just a humble envoy. How dare I enjoy such treatment? I think standing is just fine... just fine."
Xiao Huaishi raised his eyebrows. "Didn't you just ask for proper etiquette? Hmm?"
The Western Yue envoy pretended to wipe the non - existent cold sweat on his forehead and said with an obsequious smile, "No, Your Majesty. I was just blind before. Your Majesty's etiquette is very appropriate. I can feel the enthusiasm of your country. Indeed, our two countries are good friends."
Xiao Huaishi smiled. "Oh? Since the Western Yue Kingdom wants to be on good terms with our country, and you've felt our enthusiasm, I wonder if you can show me your sincerity?"