The Crown Princess is busy fishing

After many twists and turns, the long-awaited foreign coastline finally slowly emerged before everyone's eyes.

Everyone was excited, and Lin Yuge's eyes shone with anticipation.

However, as the fleet sailed in a grand procession approached the coast of Xingluo Kingdom.

Before they could even properly take in this unfamiliar land, chaos erupted on the shore.

In an instant, shouts rose and fell, and the crowd scattered and fled like a swarm of startled ants.

The soldiers hastily formed ranks, holding long spears and swords, their expressions tense and flustered.

On the city wall, archers quickly took their positions, their arrows all aimed at the fleet, creating a tense atmosphere.

Xiao Yunqing's heart sank, and he hurriedly ordered his men to raise the white flag, which symbolized a peace mission.

The signal was given to the fleet to slow down and approach slowly while maintaining a safe distance.

At the same time, he ordered the interpreter to stand at the bow of the ship and shout loudly in the local language of Xingluo:

"We are the Great Qian delegation, sent by the Emperor to cross the ocean to establish friendly trade relations. We have no ill intentions whatsoever!"

The sound carried far and wide with the help of the sea breeze, but the people on the shore remained suspicious and on guard.

Lin Yuge was extremely anxious. After a moment's thought, she turned to Xiao Yunqing and said:

“Yun Qing, such a long-distance call will not dispel their doubts.”

We must send a small boat with generous gifts to land first to show our sincerity.

Having heard that Xingluo Kingdom reveres Buddhism, I have specially prepared a beautiful white jade Buddha statue, along with several volumes of Buddhist scriptures, which may serve as a stepping stone.

Xiao Yunqing nodded in agreement and immediately arranged for Mo Nan to lead a small team to escort the gifts on a small boat as it sailed away.

As the small boat approached the shore, the crowd on the bank grew increasingly agitated, aiming their arrows as if a battle was about to erupt.

Mo Nan remained calm and composed, taking the lead in stepping out of the small boat, holding the gifts high with both hands. The interpreter followed closely behind, loudly explaining the purpose of their visit.

A man who appeared to be a general from the Xingluo Kingdom stepped forward and examined him.

He carefully examined the gifts, and his expression softened slightly when his gaze fell upon the warm and gentle Buddha statue and the ancient books.

He turned around and whispered a few words to the people behind him.

After a long while, the tense atmosphere seemed to ease.

Xiao Yunqing and Lin Yuge led everyone ashore.

Other officials from Xingluo Kingdom rushed over, their expressions still somewhat reserved, but their tone much more polite:

"Honored guests have come from afar and must be tired from your journey. However, the incident happened suddenly and caused much disturbance. We hope you can forgive us."

Our king is already waiting in the palace; please proceed.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, straightened their clothes, and followed the welcoming procession toward the palace.

Along the way, one can see numerous temples in Xingluo Kingdom, and the streets and alleys are filled with the rich aroma of sacrificial incense.

Ke Lin Yuge keenly sensed that there was a hidden unease and probing in the eyes of the people on the street as they looked at them.

She whispered to Xiao Yunqing:

"It seems that to secure the trade agreement, we not only need to persuade the court, but also find a way to appease the people and dispel their fear of our foreign fleet."

Xiao Yunqing nodded slightly, her gaze firm:

"Since we're here, let's make the best of it. There's bound to be a way to turn hostility into friendship."

At this moment, the palace gates slowly opened before them.

An aura of solemnity and reverence emanated from the room.

Xiao Yunqing and Lin Yuge exchanged a glance, then stepped across the threshold first, followed closely by the rest of the delegation.

Upon entering the palace, one is greeted by its resplendent interior, with carved beams and painted rafters showcasing the unique artistic style of the Xingluo Kingdom.

The courtiers stood on either side, all their eyes fixed on him.

The King of Xingluo Kingdom sat high on his throne, wearing a crown inlaid with huge gemstones. His expression was majestic, but he could not hide a sense of solemnity.

Xiao Yunqing stepped forward, cupped his hands in a deep bow, and said loudly:

"Your Majesty, I am Xiao Yunqing, the envoy of the Great Qian Kingdom."

This mission, led by the delegation, has traveled across the ocean specifically to promote friendship between the two countries and to discuss important trade matters.

May Xingluo and Daqian join hands to usher in a new chapter of prosperity.

Lin Yuge also curtsied, his demeanor dignified.

The king nodded slightly, but his words were tinged with doubt:

"Your fleet has come in a grand manner, which has truly startled our nation."

Although it is said to be for trade, who knows if there are other intentions behind it?

My Xingluo Kingdom is situated in a remote corner of the world, and all I desire is peace and stability.

Xiao Yunqing was prepared and replied calmly:

"Your Majesty, our country's sincerity is evident."

Look at the many twists and turns we've encountered along the way. If it were only for conquest, why go through all these hardships?

Moreover, Daqian is rich in resources, with exquisite porcelain, smooth silk, and fragrant tea.

If these fine goods were to enter Xingluo, they would surely enrich the lives of the people and replenish the national treasury.

The rare treasures and unique spices of Xingluo were highly sought after in Daqian, leading to mutual benefit through trade.

As she spoke, Lin Yuge presented several exquisite porcelain pieces and a piece of shimmering silk, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

After his explanation, the king's expression softened slightly, but he did not relent.

He said they would discuss it later, and then ordered someone to arrange for them to rest at the guesthouse.

The group bowed and took their leave, and were then led to the embassy.

As soon as Lin Yuge entered the room, she sat down wearily and gently rubbed her temples.

Xiao Yunqing poured a cup of tea and handed it over, saying gently:

"Today's response was good, don't worry, there's still room for maneuver."

We've heard that the night market in Xingluo Kingdom is very lively, so we'll disguise ourselves and go out later.

Feel the local customs and experience this exotic culture.

Lin Yuge took the tea, took a sip, and nodded emphatically.

Their eyes were full of anticipation, wondering what good things might be found here.

As night fell, the two changed into local clothing and blended into the bustling night market.

The street was lined with a dazzling array of goods, and the vendors were constantly calling out their wares.

Wandering through the bustling crowd, the exotic atmosphere is palpable.

Yu Ge looked around curiously, stopping to examine each stall.

Xiao Yunqing followed behind her with a faint smile, keeping a close eye on their surroundings.

Suddenly, a rich and mellow sweet fragrance wafted over, and Lin Yuge followed the scent.

An old woman was skillfully flipping the soft, glutinous pastries on the hot plate. The pastries had an enticing golden hue, and the candied fruit garnishing them was crystal clear.

"This is a specialty of our Xingluo Kingdom, sweet lotus root cake. Girl, try it, it's refreshingly sweet and not greasy!"

The old woman warmly offered her a small piece.

Lin Yuge took a small bite, and the soft, sweet flavor exploded on her tongue. Her eyes lit up, and she exclaimed, "Delicious!"

He turned to look at Xiao Yunqing and saw him nod in agreement.

He then took out a few copper coins and bought several pieces.

Along the way, they stopped frequently and tasted the savory and spicy grilled skewers and the refreshing and cool cheese.

They also played with the exquisitely carved folding fan and the hand-woven colorful rope.

While we were strolling around, a commotion suddenly broke out not far away, and the crowd scattered in panic.

Xiao Yunqing quickly shielded Lin Yuge behind her, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

A group of fierce-looking, burly men were seen openly robbing the stall owners of their belongings, while the stall owners dared not speak out against them.

Xiao Yunqing stopped an old man who was fleeing and asked him questions.

The old man said, trembling:

"These are pirates from the sea who have come to rob us on land again!"

They have been entrenched in the surrounding waters for years, and they come ashore to plunder from time to time.

Our Xingluo Kingdom has suffered greatly. Our army has repeatedly attempted to quell the rebellion, but all our efforts have failed. Alas, our people have suffered terribly!

Lin Yuge and Xiao Yunqing exchanged a glance, and a sudden realization dawned on them.

No wonder the Star Luo Kingdom was so wary of their fleet; they were in a state of panic because of the pirates.

After the pirates left triumphantly, the market was left in a mess.

The two lost interest in strolling around and hurriedly returned to the embassy.