Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

"Japan?" Upon hearing this name, the prince revealed a knowing expression.

Over the years, Japan had been trying to win them over, hoping to unite them and annex some of the borderlands of Daihuai. However, their king had not given a clear answer. Now, hearing the beautiful young girl opposite them say that the translator was not from Daihuai, but sent by Japan, they understood some of the issues.

It seems the Japanese wanted to use the translator's position to manipulate things during the meeting, but this young girl from Daihuai saw through it.

Seeing that the other party understood, Xia Yu looked towards Grand Tutor Li and explained the matter clearly. Those who had just been inwardly criticizing Xia Yu for acting recklessly and lacking the demeanor of a great nation immediately changed their opinion of her after hearing her explanation.

'Yes, the Grand Tutor's granddaughter is quite capable; she's a woman who doesn't yield to men!'

"Your Highness, His Majesty the Emperor attaches great importance to this meeting with your delegation. This tutor, Li Taifu, is His Majesty's most respected teacher. There is a saying in our country, 'A teacher for a day is a father for life.' This shows how much His Majesty values ​​the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. The other officials also hold very important positions in the court. As for the matter of exchanging diplomatic missions that your country just mentioned, we need to report back to His Majesty the Emperor and await his decision." Xia Yu translated the conversation back into Russian.

"Oh my goodness, so that gentleman is actually His Majesty the Emperor's teacher. Such a noble status! We can feel how much Your Majesty values ​​us." After hearing Xia Yu's explanation, the Russian prince smiled broadly at Grand Tutor Li, took off his hat, and bowed to Grand Tutor Li to show his respect.

Although they took the initiative to befriend them this time, the fact that the other party was willing to send a teacher of such high status as an emperor's father showed how much they valued them, so how could they not be happy?

Although Grand Tutor Li didn't know why the prince would suddenly bow like that, he guessed it was a sign of respect. He clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to the prince.

For a moment, the atmosphere between the two sides was even better than at the beginning, because the tension caused by Xia Yu's sudden action had completely disappeared.

Zhang Haoran's Russian wasn't as good as Xia Yu's, but he still widened his eyes in surprise upon hearing her reinterpretation of Li Taifu's identity. Zhou Wenqing, standing beside him, couldn't understand what Xia Yu was saying to the other person, so he quietly nudged his arm and whispered, "..."

"Lord Zhang, what is that Miss Zhang saying in her tongue? Why does that Russian seem so happy?"

Zhang Haoran opened his mouth, wanting to translate Xia Yu's words to the officials around him, but unexpectedly met Xia Yu's gaze. He didn't believe she had seen him by accident; it was obvious she had heard what Lord Zhou had said to him.

A sudden chill ran through him, and he immediately shut his mouth. His mother had told him that this Miss Zhang was Xiao Cui's niece, and no matter what, he had to protect her. As for what she had said about Grand Tutor Li, he figured the Russians across from him could just listen and forget about it; he didn't want the people around him to know.

"Your Highness, this man is attempting to undermine diplomatic relations between our two countries. We would like to take him away for questioning. Is that permissible?" Xia Yu asked with a smile.

“Yes, of course. You can take him away for questioning. He tried to ruin our friendship, and we cannot forgive such behavior.” The prince readily agreed to Xia Yu’s request.

After receiving his affirmative answer, Xia Yu said to Murong Fu...

"Lord Murong, this man is a spy from Japan, attempting to sabotage the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Take him back and interrogate him thoroughly."

Upon learning that the man was a spy from another country, Murong Fu immediately understood the importance of this matter—for himself and for Da Huai. If he did well, he could be promoted again. If he didn't do well, it was impossible for him to fail! Murong Fu quickly banished another thought from his mind; that situation was impossible.

"Yes, I understand." He then waved to the two guards standing behind him.

"Take him away and keep a close watch on him. Don't let him die."

After the person was taken away, the two sides continued their discussion on what had just happened.

However, quite naturally, Xia Yu became the translator between the two parties.

Finally, Da Huai recorded all of Mao Zi Guo's requests. Prince Li Pu expressed great desire to visit Da Huai and asked Grand Tutor Li to convey his wishes to His Majesty the Emperor of Da Huai.

Prince Lip also showed great interest in Xia Yu. Throughout the conversation, Xia Yu's performance had amazed everyone present; her witty remarks made the meeting both formal and relaxed. Finally, Prince Lip sincerely said to Xia Yu…

“Beautiful lady, if possible, I hope to have the opportunity to invite you to our country in the future. It has beautiful scenery and delicious food that are different from your country. Moreover, I have a son who is about your age. He is very interested in the culture of Dahuai. I believe you will become good friends.”

"Thank you. I also hope that day will come, and I believe that with our joint efforts, that day will not be too far away." Xia Yu smiled and shook Prince Lip's outstretched right hand, briefly and gently shaking it with her fingers before withdrawing her hand.

Their actions widened the eyes of the officials on the Dahuai side; how could a woman so easily come into contact with other men?

On the carriage ride back, Grand Tutor Li asked Xia Yu why she touched the other person's hand at the end.

"Grandpa Li, that's a handshake. It's a social etiquette from Russia. It's a gesture of equality and respect between two parties, just like the greeting between peers in Dahuai," Xia Yu explained to Grandpa Li with a smile.

"Oh, I see. So if they reach out to shake my hand in the future, should I shake it like you do?" Grand Tutor Li stroked his beard, thought for a moment, and then asked Xia Yu.

"If it's a handshake between men, you can use a little more force to show your joy at seeing each other," Xia Yu explained to Li Taifu, giving him a brief overview of ancient Russian greeting etiquette. She didn't mention the cheek kisses and hugs, as she felt these might not be necessary for the meeting between the two countries at that time.