My hotel is full of emperors throughout history.

Back in the Tang Dynasty, a few days later, on the post road outside Chang'an.

The chief envoy of the Japanese mission to Tang China, named Inugami Mitasuki, and the deputy envoy, Yakushi Ebisu, led a group of mission members dressed in Tang-style clothing to the outskirts of Chang'an.

They were nearly twenty days late compared to their original schedule.

As they traveled, Inugami Mitasuki's initial excitement and longing gradually gave way to unease and confusion.

The wealth and power of the Tang Dynasty were beyond doubt. The magnificence of the cities, the intensive cultivation of the farmland, and the ingenuity of the craftsmen they saw along the way far exceeded their imagination.

However, the level of hospitality differed from the grand occasions of "the Celestial Empire treating distant peoples with great respect" that I had heard about.

While there was no negligence, there was also absolutely no special enthusiasm.

In particular, the seemingly casual but actually frequent checks and inquiries, as well as the military towns he "happily" saw along the way and the news of naval exercises he heard, all made him feel an invisible pressure.

"Pharmacist-kun,"

In the carriage, Inu no Mitasuki spoke in a low voice to the deputy envoy in Japanese.

"The Tang Kingdom seems... to be particularly wary of us."

The pharmacist, Hui Ri, frowned and spoke in a low voice as well.

"What the envoy says is absolutely right. Compared to when I came here many years ago with the previous envoy to Sui, the atmosphere this time is quite different. His Majesty the Tang Emperor seems to have a different view of our Wa (Japan)."

"Is it because we've been coming too frequently? Or... is there something wrong with the official document?"

Inu no Mita no Hijiri was filled with worry.

They were tasked with learning advanced culture and technology, befriending powerful figures in the Tang Dynasty, and investigating the true nature of the Tang state. If they aroused suspicion from the outset, their mission would likely be fruitless.

"Let's go to Chang'an and see for ourselves."

"I am a pharmacist," said Hui Ri after a moment of contemplation.

"In any case, we must be more careful in our words and deeds, and be sure to show the utmost respect and sincerity. The Tang Dynasty is a celestial empire, and as long as we adhere to the proper etiquette of subjects and humbly seek knowledge, I believe... there will be no major problems."

Even so, the shadow in their hearts lingered.

When the delegation finally arrived in Chang'an and checked into the Sifangguan, this sense of unease intensified.

The official sent by the Court of State Ceremonial was courteous, yet his demeanor was distant.

The accommodations provided were clean, but far from luxurious.

What alarmed them even more was that patrols around the inn had been significantly increased, and all their personnel entering and leaving the inn were required to report and be recorded.

The welcoming banquet was held in the Sifang Pavilion and was hosted by the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, and was of a very modest scale.

During the banquet, Tang officials mostly discussed local customs and etiquette.

Whenever Inugami Mitasuki tentatively inquired about borrowing and copying classical texts or asking about craft techniques, the other party would always politely decline with a smile and phrases such as "it needs to be reported according to regulations" or "it needs to be approved."

"Your Majesty,"

After the banquet, a young Japanese exchange student anxiously spoke to Inugami Mitasuki.

"The students wanted to apply to study at the Imperial Academy, but the officials of the Court of State Ceremonies said that the Imperial Academy was full recently, and that students from outlying regions needed a special imperial decree to enroll. Our application has been put on hold."

Inugami Mitasuki's heart sank.

Learning is one of the most important purposes of their trip.

Soon after, even worse news arrived.

When the tribute they presented was received and inspected by the palace treasury, it was pointed out that "the gold was not pure enough and was suspected of being mixed with copper" and "some of the pearls were slightly different in size from those listed on the gift list".

Although the Tang officials did not reprimand them harshly, but only demanded a "re-verification," this was undoubtedly an insult and a sign of doubt.

Various pressures began to weigh on the minds of everyone in the Japanese delegation.

Inugami Mitasuki repeatedly requested an audience with higher-ranking Tang officials, even hoping to explain himself to the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies in person.

However, all of them were turned away with reasons such as "Your Excellency is too busy" or "According to custom, the Junior Minister can receive you."

Finally, Inugami Mitasuki received the notification: three days later, His Majesty the Emperor would hold a banquet at the Linde Hall to receive the Japanese delegation.

This might be the only chance.

Inugami Mitasuki and Yakushi Ebisu discussed the matter overnight and decided that at the banquet, they should try their best to appear more humble and sincere.

If necessary, they could even increase the tribute or make more specific requests that do not involve core secrets in exchange for some leniency and trust from the Tang state.

Three days later

Li Shimin sat high on his throne, receiving the greetings and praises from the Japanese envoys.

Crown Prince Li Chengqian and the officials sat in order, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

As the banquet reached its midpoint, as "arranged," a majestic chorus of drums, horns, and shouts resounded in the square outside the palace.

A palace attendant promptly reported this.

"Your Majesty, the guards on both sides are practicing military formations outside the palace to enhance the drinking experience."

Li Shimin nodded.

"allow."

Thus, through the open doors and windows of the Linde Hall, the Japanese delegation clearly saw the elite Tang army's array drills.

The blades gleamed like snow, the armor shone brightly, the steps were perfectly synchronized, and the commands were strict.

The overwhelming aura of killing intent and imposing military might caused Inugami Mitasuki and the others to turn pale, their hands trembling slightly as they held their wine glasses.

Their so-called "warriors" were nothing compared to the army before them.

Li Shimin chuckled and said casually.

"I've heard your country is mountainous. What about its mineral resources? Do you have gold or silver?"

Upon hearing this, Inugami Mitasuki was startled, remembering that the tribute had been criticized for being of insufficient quality. He immediately prostrated himself on the ground, touching his forehead to the mat.

"Your Majesty, please understand! Our country is located on a remote island with scarce resources, and mining gold and silver is especially difficult. This tribute has truly been presented to the best of our ability, with absolutely no intention of being negligent! If there are any shortcomings, it is due to our crude techniques, and we had no intention of deceiving you! We beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

Li Shimin smiled, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes, but his tone remained calm.

"Your Excellency need not be alarmed. I was merely asking casually. Our Celestial Empire is prosperous and its people are abundant; why would we care about the quality of a few tributes? Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!!!"