The Great Ming Demon Pill: Your Majesty, please address me as the Crown Prince!

at this time.

Inside the main banquet hall, Zhu Di, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, slowly ascended the throne, surrounded by Crown Prince Zhu Gaochi, Prince of Han Zhu Gaoxu, Prince of Zhao Zhu Gaosui, and a host of important officials.

In an instant, everyone in the Wenhua Hall, whether they were civil and military officials and envoys in the main hall or noblewomen and young men in the side seats, all rose from their seats, knelt down in unison, and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

Zhu Di's gaze swept over the assembled officials and foreign envoys in the hall, a dignified smile appearing on his face. He raised his hand in a gesture of sympathy, saying, "Rise, my lords. Today's banquet is twofold: first, to entertain the delegation from the Kingdom of Halie who have traveled from afar, and second, to celebrate this peaceful and prosperous era with you all. There is no need for formalities; please enjoy yourselves to the fullest."

Everyone thanked the emperor, rose, and returned to their seats.

The sound of string and wind instruments rang out at the right time, and palace maids filed in, offering delicacies and fine wines.

The banquet officially began, and the atmosphere inside the hall gradually became lively.

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

Then, Haji Muhammad, the chief envoy of the Khalid Kingdom, rose from his seat. Dressed in a magnificent brocade robe and wearing a headscarf, with a deep and profound expression, he walked steadily to the imperial steps, placed his right hand on his chest, and bowed to Zhu Di in a standard salute.

"Your Majesty the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty," Haji Muhammad said solemnly, "I, Haji Muhammad, by the command of my great sovereign, Sultan Shah Rukh of the Khalid Kingdom, have crossed thousands of miles of deserts and snow-capped mountains to extend to you my highest respect and sincerest blessings."

His voice was loud and clear, echoing in the now quiet hall.

"His Majesty Shah Rukh often said, 'Your Majesty's civil and military achievements surpass those of the Han and Tang dynasties, and all the world submits to you, with all nations coming to pay tribute. May Allah bless you with health and longevity, and may the fate of the Ming Dynasty be as enduring as the Kunlun Mountains and as everlasting as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.'"

These words of blessing caused everyone in the hall to nod slightly.

No matter how egregious Timur's actions were in his eastern expedition and the detention of the Ming delegation, if the two countries are willing to ease tensions now, the Ming Dynasty will naturally not deliberately antagonize them.

After Haji Mohammed finished speaking, he turned to the side to indicate that he was speaking.

Two attendants stepped forward, each carrying a tray covered with brocade.

He did not first unveil the brocade, but instead touched his chest and introduced it to Zhu Di:

"Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty, my sovereign Shah Rukh is well aware that the essence of relations between our two nations lies in mutual exchange and the pursuit of common prosperity. In addition to the letter of state and our respects, I have specially selected several of our country's specialties, all of which are excellent goods for merchants to travel with. I hope that Your Majesty and the distinguished guests of the Great Ming Dynasty will appreciate them."

He first lifted the brocade on the first tray, revealing several neatly folded fabric samples.

At the very top was a piece of fabric about two feet long and one foot wide, shimmering with a soft and unique metallic luster under the palace lantern.

"This item is called 'Samarkand Gold Brocade'," Haji Muhammad said, holding it up with both hands and having his attendant present it. "It is woven from a blend of gold thread and fine wool, with a complex craftsmanship and very limited production."

"Its patterns are beautiful, its texture is tough, and its luster is long-lasting. In our Western Regions and even Persia, it is treasured by princes and nobles and used for fine clothes, curtains or important decorations."

He then pointed to several brightly colored fabrics below: "These are samples of 'Bukhara carpets,' made with plant and mineral dyes unique to our Khali, resulting in bright and long-lasting colors. The weave is tight and the patterns are intricate. They can be used as floor coverings for warmth and moisture protection, or as wall hangings to add splendor. They are the finest for home and curtains."

Zhu Di took the sample of gold brocade handed over by the eunuch. It felt thicker and heavier than ordinary silk, but its luster was indeed dazzling.

He glanced again at the carpet sample, which was richly colored and had a beautifully symmetrical pattern, and nodded slightly.

The officials in the hall also glanced at him slightly.

Next, Haji Mohammed unveiled the second tray.

Above are several simple-looking pottery jars and glass bottles.

He first opened a ceramic jar, and a rich and unique aroma immediately wafted out.

"This is 'Khorasan Saffron Stamens,' harvested from the mountain peaks. Only three stamens are taken from each flower and dried. It is golden in color and has a rich aroma. It can be used as a precious spice to color and enhance the flavor of food," he paused, looking at Zhu Di on the throne, "and it is also a medicinal material cherished by physicians in our Western Regions, who believe it has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, relieving depression, and calming the mind. Using it in small amounts is beneficial to health."

He then picked up a small glass bottle containing a viscous, deep amber-colored liquid. "This is 'Karez Honey Paste,' made from wild nectar from the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains. It is concentrated and boiled using a special process, resulting in a sweet, rich flavor that is easy to preserve. It can be consumed as a beverage or served with food, and it is a prized delicacy for entertaining distinguished guests and for providing nourishment."

Finally, he pointed to a few small cloth bags in the corner of the tray: "These bags contain our local specialties, 'pistachios' and 'almonds.' These two fruits are drought-resistant, and their fruits are crisp, fragrant, and nutritious. They are delicious snacks, can be used in cooking, or have their milk extracted. They are also easy to carry and transport over long distances."

Zhu Di looked at these products from the Western Regions with great interest.

These things all have a certain commercial value.

The meaning of Harlequin's words was all too clear.

This is an attempt to establish trade relations with the Ming Dynasty.

"The gift from Shah Rukh Khan shows great thoughtfulness." Zhu Di handed a sample of the gold brocade to his crown prince Zhu Gaochi beside him and said loudly, "These products are indeed quite different from those of our Great Ming."

He glanced at the assembled officials in the hall and said with a smile, "Today, let all of you broaden your horizons. These specialties of Hali can be distributed to each table for viewing and tasting, so that we can see if the people of our Great Ming Dynasty will enjoy these flavors from the Western Regions."

As ordered, the eunuchs distributed fabric samples, small portions of saffron, honey paste, and dried fruit to each table, immediately sparking curious discussions and evaluations.

Seeing the interest shown by the Ming emperor and nobles in these specialties, Haji Muhammad bowed again and said, "Your Majesty is wise. Our Khalid Kingdom is located at the crossroads of East and West, and we still have many such products."

"Our country is willing to reopen trade routes and engage in trade with the Ming Dynasty."

"If Your Majesty permits, our merchant caravans can transport these specialties to the Ming Dynasty year-round. We also hope to purchase precious goods such as silk, porcelain, and tea from the Ming Dynasty, so that trade between the two countries can continue uninterrupted and the people can share in the benefits."

Zhu Di stroked his beard and pondered, not answering immediately, but instead turning his gaze to Yang Rong.

Yang Rong understood.

"What your esteemed envoy has said is a mutually beneficial move."

"The exchange of goods and services has always been the foundation of business."

"The specific trade regulations, tax rules, and locations of trade can be discussed in detail with your delegation by the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Revenue, together with officials from the Maritime Trade Office, to draft the terms and conditions, which will then be submitted to His Majesty for approval."

Upon hearing this, Haji Muhammad bowed respectfully.

"Therefore, on behalf of His Majesty Shah Rukh and the people of Khalid, I, your humble servant, thank His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Ming for his great favor! May trade between our two nations be successful and our friendship last forever!"

Zhu Di smiled slightly.

The banquet then continued.

However, whether they were seated at the main table or the side table, everyone knew about the possibility of trade between the two countries and there was much discussion about it.

Halfway through the banquet, a group of ladies gracefully entered the hall, their wide sleeves fluttering, instantly enlivening the atmosphere.

After the dance ended, applause erupted.

Zhu Di smiled and said to Haji Muhammad, "This is the 'Rainbow Feather Garment Dance' of the Ming Dynasty court, which is said to have originated from a dream of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and was revised by our court musicians. What do you think, Your Excellency?"

Haji Muhammad exclaimed, patting his chest, "Exquisitely beautiful, like celestial music. I have heard that the songs and dances of the Tang Dynasty were unparalleled in the world, but today, witnessing the elegance of the Ming Dynasty, I truly understand the profoundness of Eastern culture."

Upon hearing this, the courtiers all smiled.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the harmonious atmosphere, a young man who had been sitting quietly at the Harleigh delegation's table suddenly stood up.

He was about seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in the white robe embroidered with gold that was often worn by the nobles of Harleigh, and wearing a jade-inlaid turban on his head. Although his face still had some of the delicate features of a young man, there was already a sense of composure in his eyes.

This man was none other than Ulugh Beg, the deputy envoy of the Khari Kingdom and the eldest son of Shah Rukh.

Holding a golden cup, Ulugh Beg walked steadily to the imperial steps, bowed to Zhu Di, and spoke in fluent but slightly foreign-accented Chinese:

"Your Majesty the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty, your humble servant Wulubo, has long admired the profound and extensive culture of the Celestial Empire and the abundance of talented individuals it has produced."

"Today, witnessing this grand feast, I am even more impressed by the abundance of resources and the outstanding people of the Ming Dynasty."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials in the hall, and continued, "From a young age, I have loved Buddhism and also have a fondness for metalwork and stone carving."

"Some time ago, I commissioned skilled craftsmen in the country to cast a golden Buddha statue, with a solemn and beautiful appearance."

"However, after the golden Buddha was cast, a question lingered in my mind: Did the craftsmen mix silver with gold during the casting process, thus stealing some of the gold?"

"This Buddha statue is something I sincerely worship. If the materials used are not pure, it would be disrespectful to the Buddha."

"I have been racking my brains for many days but have not found a good way to verify it. I do not know how to determine whether silver has been added to the golden Buddha without damaging it."

Ulugh Beg raised his wine cup, his tone earnest: "Today I am honored to see all the wise men of the Ming Dynasty gathered here, each one a dragon among men."

"Your humble servant is taking this opportunity of this grand banquet to seek Your Majesty's and your learned advisors' advice: Is there any ingenious method that can detect whether silver has been added to the golden Buddha statue without damaging it?"

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent for a moment.

The civil and military officials exchanged glances, their brows slightly furrowed.

This problem seems simple, but it's actually not that easy.

Gold and silver are different in texture, but when they are melted together, they look the same. If they are not allowed to be cut or melted, how can one know their internal composition?

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di maintained his smile on his face, but inwardly cursed these barbarians for their cunning.

Since Timur's time, the Khalid Kingdom has been at odds with the Ming Dynasty.

They're now clearly trying to gain some cultural superiority.

Zhu Di put down his wine cup and said slowly, "The Prince of Wulubo is devoted to Buddhism and values ​​the integrity of craftsmen so much; his sentiments are commendable."

"Since the prince is so sincere in seeking advice, I will grant you your request. Among the ministers in the palace, who has a good plan to resolve the prince's doubts?"

As soon as the emperor finished speaking, the officials in the hall began to whisper among themselves.

The civil officials were well-versed in classics and history, but they were not proficient in such crafts as metalwork and stone carving.

The military officers looked at each other in bewilderment. They could arrange troops and formations, but distinguishing the authenticity of the golden Buddha was just a pipe dream.

For a moment, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, and no one answered.