Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796.

Prince Qing was also very unhappy, after all, there were still Japanese pirates who dared to exploit the Qing Dynasty's vassal states in this way.

Although there were some things that weren't entirely ethical later on, that was all in the late Qing Dynasty.

At this time, the entire Qing court, from emperor to minister, still considered themselves the "Celestial Empire."

Solovyov was aware of this, and his mention of Japan was actually for a specific purpose.

That is, if Ryukyu could be liberated from the Japanese, the Ryukyu Islands, with their waters suitable for building good harbors, could naturally serve as transit points for trade.

Even for the Tokugawa shogunate, it may seem like they lost a piece of land, and the Satsuma Domain lost a vassal state, but if the shogunate were willing to open the country, they would still gain a lot of benefits.

At least in terms of trade, Japan is rich in gold and silver, yet as a maritime nation, it has always maintained a policy of national isolation.

If these gold and silver could circulate, that would naturally be a good thing.

Even in modern times, the Hishikari gold mine in Kyushu is still being mined, and there are still many copper, gold, and silver mines being mined.

For Russia, Japan is a natural dumping ground for arms; doing this kind of work is probably ingrained in the bones of the Slavs.

In addition, selling arms was much more legitimate than the British smuggling opium. Legitimate business was one aspect, but by doing so, powerful feudal domains could be weakened while the shogunate's power could be increased. What direction would Japan take in the future?

Anyway, that family in Kyoto is too clever; it's best not to let them out. Although the current emperor and emperor are decent people, they are just symbols now, and there are still a bunch of scoundrels under them. This could ruin the country.

If it were the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, the agricultural cooperative would probably have had to commit seppuku in the hundreds and behead dozens of people before the rice price would stabilize.

Furthermore, Solovyov also mentioned that the Tokugawa Shogunate repeatedly intervened to protect the Ryukyu Kingdom, and that the southwestern domains were relatively independent of the Japanese Shogunate.

There's something to be done here, but the Qing Dynasty only sent envoys to a few vassal states. The last time they sent envoys to Russia was during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng.

Even now, if you ask anyone in the Qing Dynasty who knows the steps of the coronation ceremony, they all have to look it up in books.

Because Emperor Qianlong reigned for so long, it is now the Bingzi year of the 21st year of Emperor Jiaqing's reign, more than 80 years have passed. The minor officials who carried the flag when Emperor Qianlong ascended the throne are no longer here.

As for Jiaqing, he ascended the throne after Qianlong abdicated.

A coronation ceremony? What is that? It doesn't exist. It was just a small-scale ceremony.

There's nothing we can do; Emperor Qianlong lived an incredibly long life.

Although the machine was somewhat rigid when he was in charge, as an experienced and petty emperor who stamped his seals, he was still able to keep the state apparatus running smoothly.

By the Jiaqing era, although the machine could still operate, problems arose with its parts, and it was leaking water from both the top and bottom, which made things quite troublesome.

Emperor Jiaqing's three brothers who were still alive—Prince Yi Yongxuan, Prince Cheng Yongxing, and Prince Qing Yonglin—were all quite unreliable.

His myna bird also malfunctioned, often messing things up when doing errands, especially when it was in charge of the Imperial Clan Court.

Prince Cheng is in a better position, but he is not young anymore, and he made a mistake while on official business a few years ago, so he has now gone home.

Yonglin, though unreliable most of the time, did a good job receiving the Russian envoy this time.

After all, Solovyov was just saying what he knew, and Yi Yu and Kemeng, who were standing next to him, were diligently taking notes.

That evening, Yonglin actually worked overtime, which greatly surprised Jiaqing, who always knew his unreliable younger brother.

However, it contains too much information, and even includes a copy of "Records of Affairs in Various Countries" given to Yonglin.

This is even more detailed than what was shown to Qingpu and Suleng'e, and it includes information on the situations in various countries.

Russia is listed first, and its political system is also mentioned here.

However, because of Solovyov's writing style, Jiaqing always thought that it was a modification of the Qing Dynasty's system.

For example, the Ministry of War was called the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice was called the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was divided into the Ministry of Rites and the Court of State Ceremonies, the Ministry of Finance became the Ministry of Revenue, and the other ministries were simply translated names.

It also mentions the backgrounds of the current "Ministers" of various departments, as well as the current personnel of the Russian royal family and their kinship ties with various countries.

In addition, Solovyov also mentioned the comparisons between these official titles.

"It does have some similarities with my Great Qing Dynasty."

The Military Affairs Office arrived at work early in the morning. Dong Gao was really too old. Although they had met many people, he was always an elderly man and lacked energy.

He's currently dozing off against the wall, with a military secretary attending to him the whole time.

Emperor Jiaqing simply observed, but he was also waiting. If Dong Gao became more clear-headed, he would hold a meeting with the four members of the Grand Council.

"Zhang Xu".

"The minister is here."

"Which year did you pass the imperial examination for?"

"Your Majesty, I am a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) of the thirty-seven

"In your year, there was a man named Pan Youwei, from Fujian, who took the provincial examination in Guangdong. His father was the head merchant of the Thirteen Factories, and his younger brother, Pan Youdu, is also the head merchant of the Thirteen Factories. Is that true?"

“Your Majesty, that is indeed the case. Pan Yitang and I were born in the same year. When we were compiling the Siku Quanshu, many of us who were born in the same year were proofreading books in the library.”

"Yes, your list was truly 'a golden list of names,' with the top scholar named 'Zhuangyuan,' whose name is auspicious. But in terms of achievements, it's you, Zhang Xu, who is now the Minister of Rites, an Associate Grand Secretary, and a member of the Grand Council. A person's name may have some effect for a time, but the way of being an official and the way of being a person are things that must be learned over time. But I still can't understand the affairs of foreigners. Take the Governor-General of Huguang, Sun Yuting, for example. He told me that foreigners find it difficult to kneel because their trousers and socks are quite tight, making it hard to observe proper etiquette. But the British are foreigners, and the Russians are foreigners too. So how come when Qingpu and Suleng'e went on their missions, the Russians were able to observe proper etiquette this time?"

When Emperor Jiaqing spoke like that, the officials named wouldn't be in any trouble.

After all, what Sun Yuting said always seemed plausible, and was the result of external observation.

It's not wrong, but it's enough to fool people.

However, Suleng'e's statements were inconsistent. If he hadn't been quite capable in his duties at the Guangdong Customs and if his previous advice hadn't been considered insightful, he would have been dismissed and handed over to the Ministry for punishment long ago.

After all, what I said earlier was somewhat deceiving the emperor.

If it were the petty-minded Emperor Qianlong, he would probably have given her an exile to Xinjiang to serve under the Ili General, and that would have been the minimum.

If you accidentally cause a mess, you'll probably end up in a real-life show at the execution ground.

The common people living near the capital city loved watching this execution the most.

Now, instead of asking Zhang Xu, Jiaqing was going to ask Tuojin.

"Tojin, you tell us."

"Your Majesty, the Russians sent envoys to pay tribute during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, and Emperor Yongzheng also sent envoys to Russia during the reign of Emperor Jiaqing. They were not considered tributary states, but rather treated each other as equals, a great favor indeed. Naturally, the Russian envoys were extremely courteous. Although I have not met them, I have heard of their deeds and observed their documents; they are clearly well-read and knowledgeable in etiquette, and their manners were certainly impeccable." "That is true. However, I believe there is another point: Russia is not a small, insignificant country like England, and it has a long history of relations with our Great Qing. The fact that they could not fulfill their mission when sending envoys to offer congratulations in the tenth year of the Jiaqing reign was also due to certain reasons."

This was a rather awkward remark, and Tojin couldn't continue speaking.

Dong Gao's nap time had passed, and he had actually heard what the Emperor said.

"Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, there are some hidden meanings in the Russian envoy's documents."

"I wonder what insightful opinion Elder Yalen has?"

Because Dong Gao was old, Emperor Jiaqing always addressed him with some respect, after all, he was a veteran Grand Councilor for decades.

"This Russian envoy is only in his thirties. Although he is a military man, he is also somewhat literate and has a bit of literary talent. He has made it very clear here. Ahem, Your Majesty, please look. It says here that in the Russian court, 'Since the time of the late Peter the Great, French has been the language of the court, while the standard Russian language was not established until the time of the late Catherine the Great.' It also says, 'Those in the court who mostly learn French and do not know Russian are foreign officials from humble backgrounds.' There are some key points here."

"It's really interesting. As a Russian envoy, the last envoy who came was probably not as learned as Mr. Socrates, who was fluent in multiple languages."

After reading the contents, Emperor Jiaqing roughly understood the situation.

As for the content from different countries, he didn't pay too much attention to it.

However, the Grand Council also had to discuss when the Russian envoy should arrive in Korea for the final time.

A few days ago, the Minister of Rites, Man, died, and a new Minister has just taken office.

"Zhang Xu".

"The minister is here."

"You are both a Grand Councilor and the Minister of Rites. This is the system in all six ministries, with one Manchu and one Han minister. When on official business, one is always in court while the other is on duty in the Grand Council. My sending you this time, with the Grand Secretary and Grand Councilor in charge of delivering the imperial edict, is a great favor to the Russian envoy. I also want to show the British and other nations that the Qing Dynasty treats those who are respectful and courteous with great courtesy. Those foreigners who lack manners and are inflexible will naturally not be summoned, and will be severely reprimanded. Furthermore, issue an edict to the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, Jiang Youxian, instructing him to strictly guard the ports and forts of Guangdong and Guangxi according to the edict of August 17th. The British might use this as an excuse to commit treasonous acts."

Emperor Jiaqing also issued orders, and his precautions against the British were largely based on the same approach Emperor Qianlong used to deal with Lord Macartney.

As for the courteous treatment given to the Russian and French envoys, it also had its political purposes.

Their attitude was very clear: what they said to the Amherst mission before was just polite talk, but when it came to implementation, it meant that coastal areas would be on high alert.

"Yaoqing, draft another imperial edict for Prince Qing, Yonglin."

“Your Majesty, Prince Qing is nearby. He can simply send me to deliver the imperial edict.”

"No, an imperial edict must still be drafted. Prince Qing, Yonglin, has rendered meritorious service in receiving the tribute envoys. He shall be rewarded with double the salary of a prince and be granted a jade ruyi."

These are still brothers. Although he wasn't promoted to prince, he had his salary reduced to half for a minor mistake, but now it's all been increased back.

It was merely a matter of food and drink; the Russian envoy and his family had moved into his palace, where they were treated to good food and drink, and in return, they received double pay.

Furthermore, Solovyov kept talking non-stop. Even when Jiaqing was drafting the imperial edict with the Grand Councilors, he was still talking, and the two members of the imperial clan were still taking notes.

"General So has talked too much."

"That's alright, the scenery in this palace is quite nice. As an official outside the capital, I rarely get to see such a sight."

"If the general is willing to come, it is also in the Emperor's decree that the Russian envoy shall stay at my residence during his stay in the capital and shall be treated with the utmost hospitality."

"That would be too much of a bother."

Solovyov returned the greeting, and after breakfast, he went back to his room to read.

At this moment, Grand Councilor Zhang Xu arrived and first read the imperial edict to Prince Qing, Yonglin.

The reward came rather easily, but it was something Yonglin deserved.

He happened to be the most unpretentious of all the Qing Dynasty princes, while his fifth uncle, who was more approachable and unassuming, still maintained some of the airs of a prince.

Therefore, Solovyov thought he was a good person and talked more about him.

In any case, most of this intelligence has nothing to do with Russia, and it won't reveal their own secrets.

It's possible that there will be some changes in the ministers within the country at this time.

But when it comes to the details of other countries, they know everything.

Just as he was about to read his book, he saw Yonglin arrive with a high-ranking official from the imperial court.

"What brings Your Highness here? And who is this gentleman?"

"General Suo, let me introduce you. This is Zhang Xuzhang, the Grand Secretary, Minister of Rites, and Grand Councilor of the current dynasty."

"So it's Lord Yaoqing. I was a guest at the Pan family's house when I was in Guangzhou, and I've heard of you before."

Zhang Xu found it strange that a foreigner would be so polite.

It's obvious that they did some work on the Pan family's side.

"I have come here to deliver His Majesty's decree. In a few days, General Suo will be able to enter the palace to meet the Emperor."

"I wonder when?"

"Three days later, we will receive the envoys from Russia and France, as well as the tribute envoys from six other countries, at the Hall of Supreme Harmony."

"I must also thank His Majesty for his great kindness. Although I am an official outside the capital, I still know some etiquette."

"General, you must remain respectful before His Majesty."

"Indeed, we mustn't act like the British. They simply don't understand etiquette, which is why they messed up the mission. I wonder which personnel should be sent?"

"Only the chief envoy, deputy envoy, and accompanying personnel are required. Please arrange them as you see fit, General. Once you have prepared a list, please submit it to Prince Qing so that the prince can forward it to you."

"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Zhang."

He also brought out a pocket watch, which Zhang Xu knew was a token of his respect.

Although it wasn't particularly valuable, it was useful nonetheless.

It's quite interesting how he made good use of these outdated customs.

It will probably be quite interesting to have the opportunity to enter the palace and meet the Emperor. (End of Chapter)