vrcanaries Chapter 1295 Southern Seal
Chapter 1295 Southern Seal
"Now that we're in the Western Regions, we definitely need to see Nanxi; it wouldn't be right not to. Let's go see Nanxi first..."
Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Gulimiza quickly said, "Your Highness, you mustn't say that. If you wish to visit me, it would be more appropriate for me to speak with Empress Nanxi and have her come to pay her respects to you..."
Seeing Gulimiza's reaction, Xiao Ce smiled helplessly and said, "You know I don't follow those rules... Let's go see Nan Xi..."
Gulimiza nodded when he saw what Xiao Ce said.
Xiao Ce then said to Gulimiza, "Come on, lead the way!"
Gulimiza nodded excitedly and then led them to a camel cart nearby.
Throughout the journey, Gulimiza held Yin Pan'er's hand the whole time.
The two people were talking and laughing.
This camel cart, just like a horse-drawn carriage, has a dedicated carriage compartment.
Yin Pan'er asked Gulimiza, "Miza, why don't we use those toy cars...?"
Gulimiza smiled at Yin Pan'er and then said, "For short distances, camel carts are more suitable..."
Gulimiza said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, although technology is advancing explosively, it will still take time for people here to accept it... Many are still conservative..."
Xiao Ce nodded: "This understanding... needs some time to process."
After a pause, Xiao Ce changed the subject, saying, "By the way, it was unexpected to see you at the entrance of the Commerce Bureau. Are you currently working at the Protectorate of the Western Regions? What exactly are your responsibilities?"
When Gulimiza heard Xiao Ce ask this, he smiled and then said, "Your Highness, have you misunderstood something?"
Xiao Ce didn't look for any other reasons. He nodded and then said to Gulimiza, "That's right. I want to see if Nanxi is deliberately making things difficult for you... or giving you a hard time, since you're representing me in the Western Regions."
Xiao Ce's words already carried a hint of a joke...
Gulimiza quickly waved his hand, then said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness...no...no...you didn't mean me any harm...I'm now the Director of Commerce of the Western Regions Protectorate, in charge of all trade in the Western Regions..."
Xiao Ce continued jokingly, "I thought we'd just get rid of you, a lowly employee..."
Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Gulimiza waved her hands repeatedly, "No...no...Your Highness, please don't overthink it. Empress Nanxi treats me very well and trusts me completely..."
When Yin Pan'er saw Gulimiza's expression, she smiled and said, "Your Highness is just joking with you... But what were you doing just now?"
After hearing Yin Pan'er's words, Gulimiza still gave Xiao Ce a coquettish look: "Your Highness, you're still so naughty..."
After saying that, he continued to explain, "Your Highness, Sister Pan'er, you have misunderstood. Today we were indeed handling official business, but it wasn't like you think, issuing orders from a high and mighty position."
A candid smile appeared on her face, tinged with a hint of pride: "I specially took a few of the newly arrived managers from the department to the largest bazaar in the East City for a clandestine visit."
"Oh?" Xiao Ce became interested.
"Yes, Sister Pan'er knows! The Prince used to say that knowledge gained from books is ultimately superficial, and one has no right to speak without investigation. If I, as the Director of the Commerce Department, sit in the seven-story warm pavilion of the Protectorate every day, looking at the documents and account books submitted from below, and listening to the reports from my subordinates that embellish the situation, how can I truly know whether the trade routes are smooth or not?"
Are the tax regulations reasonable? Are the tax officials outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, extorting money and favors? What are the actual difficulties faced by the merchants?
She paused, then continued seriously, "Just now, I was teaching that old man selling raisins to sing a folk song from the Central Plains to attract customers. This may seem like a small thing, but it reflects the level of acceptance that merchants from the Central Plains have of local vendors' communication methods."
Our Commerce Department is currently piloting a bilingual sales guide program, encouraging local vendors to learn basic Mandarin and Central Plains customs, and also encouraging Central Plains merchants to learn about the customs and trading practices of the Western Regions. Simply issuing official documents and holding training courses will have limited effect; I need to personally observe, listen, and even demonstrate to understand the difficulties in implementing this policy and its potential effectiveness.
Gulimiza added, "Moreover, a stroll through the bazaar allows you to hear the most authentic price fluctuations, discover newly emerging hot-selling or slow-moving goods, and also check the market order to see if there's any bullying, extortion, or forced buying and selling. These are things you can't hear from the ground up in the government offices. Your Highness, wouldn't you say this counts as what you often call 'going deep into the grassroots'?"
After listening, Xiao Ce's eyes revealed sincere approval.
The Gulimiza before us has long since shed her youthful naiveté and impulsiveness, becoming calm, pragmatic, thoughtful, and methodical.
She not only rose to a high position, but also knew how to use power and how to serve the people.
This growth made him feel gratified, and even somewhat surprised.
"Well done, Miza." Xiao Ce nodded, not holding back his praise!
"Though holding a high position, you do not forget your roots; you understand the weight of power and responsibility and act accordingly. You are a competent Director of the Commerce Department. Nanxi has a good eye for talent."
Gulimiza was a little embarrassed by Xiao Ce's straightforward praise. Two red clouds rose on her wheat-colored cheeks, and she quickly waved her hand: "Your Highness is too kind! I learned it all from you, and also from Empress Nanxi's excellent teaching."
Her tone was full of respect when she mentioned Nanxi.
Yin Pan'er laughed from the side, "Miss Miza is quite something now, she's a famous 'Bazaar Goddess' in our Western Regions! Merchants all say that Director Guli knows the market best, is fair in his dealings, and never puts on airs."
"Sister Pan'er, you're making fun of me again!" Gulimiza playfully nudged Yin Pan'er, making the atmosphere in the carriage even more harmonious.
After hearing Yin Pan'er's words, Xiao Ce asked, "Pan'er, how did you know?"
Yin Pan'er said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, your attention was completely focused on Gulimiza just now. I heard the praise from everyone around us... Your soul was completely captivated by Gulimiza, of course you didn't hear it..."
Xiao Ce felt somewhat embarrassed after Yin Pan'er said that.
Gulimiza blushed and didn't respond.
As they spoke, the camel cart slowed down noticeably.
Gulimiza lifted the curtain of the front window and glanced inside. Then she turned around and said, "Your Highness, Sister Pan'er, we're almost there."
Xiao Ce and Yin Pan'er also looked out the car window.
The sun had completely sunk below the horizon, and dusk was falling, but the scene before us was even more breathtaking than during the day.
The seven-story Protectorate of the Western Regions, built against the mountain, resembled a divine palace descended to earth under the illumination of countless meticulously designed light strips, radiating a dazzling and majestic light.
The massive stone base appears even more solid and imposing under the lights, like the spine of the earth, steadily supporting the magnificent building above.
The unique style of the perfect fusion of eaves and brackets with the dome arch is now vividly highlighted by the lights.
The glazed tile roof, illuminated by countless beams of light, no longer reflects the warm glow of the setting sun, but bursts forth with a rainbow of colors, almost dreamlike, dazzling and mesmerizing.
The main building is seven stories high, and each floor is brightly lit.
Warm and bright light shone through the huge arched windows, like countless eyes of a giant beast opening its eyes, majestically overlooking the brightly lit Sanguandao City.
As you ascend the mountain, layers of lights rise majestically, piercing the dark blue sky as if they were connected with the stars.
Its grandeur and magnificence are ten times greater than when viewed from a distance!
Even a close look at it is breathtaking!
In front of the Protectorate General's residence was a huge square paved with white jade.
In the square, huge gas lamps stood like guards, illuminating the entire square as bright as day.
Squads of soldiers, dressed in brand-new dark blue woolen uniforms and carrying short guns at their waists, patrolled and guarded the square and the mansion. Their steps were uniform and their metal buckles reflected a cold luster under the lights. The atmosphere was solemn and imposing, demonstrating the inviolable authority of this place.
Their clothing is the same as that of the Xiao Kingdom's army.
According to Gulimiza, the Grand Marshal here is also one of General Handa's most trusted comrades.
The camel carts stopped in the designated area at the edge of the square.
Attendants dressed in uniform and with efficient movements quickly came to greet us.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, please get out of the carriage."
Gulimiza got out of the car first and personally lifted the curtain for Xiao Ce and Yin Pan'er.
Xiao Ce stepped off the camel cart and onto the solid, warm white jade slab.
The evening breeze carried the dry coolness unique to the Western Regions, mixed with the hustle and bustle of the distant market and the fragrance of the nearby pines and cypresses.
He looked up, gazing once more at the seven-story behemoth bathed in brilliant lights, feeling its imposing presence and supreme majesty. He couldn't help but admire Nanxi's skill and ambition once more...
This is not only a symbol of power, but also a declaration of civilization, order, and strength.
To be honest, compared to this building, Kyoto's government buildings really do look rather shabby...
The little mudskipper was already stunned by the magnificent and splendid scene before him, which was even more spectacular than a dream. His mouth was wide open, big enough to fit an egg. He clutched his little bundle and followed closely behind Yin Pan'er, not daring to breathe too loudly, for fear of defiling this heavenly place.
As soon as they arrived, they heard a gentle voice: "Director Miza."
Following the sound, they saw a middle-aged man dressed in the robes of a high-ranking civil official, with a calm demeanor, hurrying out of the mansion gate. Upon seeing Gulimiza, he immediately bowed respectfully.
As he approached, his gaze fell upon Xiao Ce, and his eyes instantly flashed with immense shock and disbelief.
His mouth gaped open, and he remained speechless for a long time...
He didn't dare to speak for a long time.
Seeing his surprised expression and noticing his Central Plains features...
I knew he was from the state of Xiao.
Since he's from the Xiao Kingdom, he must know him...
Xiao Ce smiled at him.
The middle-aged man had just recovered his senses, but his good manners allowed him to quickly control his emotions. He bowed deeply and said, "This humble servant, Zhou Huai'an, the Chief Secretary of the Protectorate, pays his respects to Prince Xiao! Pays his respects to the Princess! I was unaware of Your Highness and Princess's arrival and have failed to greet you properly. I deserve to die!" His voice trembled slightly with excitement.
Xiao Ce then stepped forward to help him up, saying, "Chief Secretary Zhou, there's no need for such formalities. I'm keeping a low profile on this trip, so there's no need to disturb others."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Zhou Huai'an replied hastily, but the excitement and respect on his face remained undiminished.
He quickly stepped aside to make way, gesturing for her to proceed: "Your Highness, Your Majesty, please! Her Majesty the Empress is currently handling state affairs at the Star-Gazing Pavilion. I will go and inform her immediately!"
"There's no need to inform them."
A clear, melodious, yet undeniably authoritative female voice, like the striking of a jade chime, suddenly emanated from within the grand gates of the mansion.
Everyone followed the sound.
Under the bright lights of the tall porch, a tall and slender woman dressed in a bright yellow dragon-patterned robe stood.
Her jet-black hair was styled into a bun, adorned only with a simple yet exquisite white jade phoenix hairpin, with no other ornaments.
Her face was exquisitely beautiful, her skin as white as snow, her eyebrows like distant mountains shrouded in mist, her eyes like autumn waters frozen in frost, her nose straight, and her lips as pale as newly blossoming cherry petals. Her beauty was a transcendent, near-perfect existence, carrying an innate nobility and aloofness.
At this moment, those clear, cold phoenix eyes, as cold as a deep pool, seemed to have been struck by a hot stone the instant they met Xiao Ce's figure, instantly creating violent ripples!
The calm ice surface shattered, and a huge, hidden surprise, disbelief, and some complex emotions that had been suppressed for too long surged out like a flood, making those eyes, which should have been deep and calm, shine brightly in an instant!
It was none other than the Empress of the Western Regions, Nanxi!
Yin Weiyong had actually informed Xiao Ce in advance that he was coming, but when would Xiao Ce arrive?
How did it come about?
Yin Weiyong didn't reveal a single detail...
However, Nanxi has many informants on those steam trains and all over the place.
Therefore, Nan Xi already knew as soon as Xiao Ce landed...
However, even if she knew, it wasn't too far in advance.
He had clearly rushed over upon hearing the news, not even having had time to change his outer robe, and was only wearing his usual attire for handling state affairs. Her steps maintained the composure of an emperor, but upon closer inspection, they were a few paces faster than usual, revealing her inner urgency.
"Your Highness...it's been a long time!" Nanxi's voice rang out again, his clear tone carrying a slight, barely suppressed tremor, as if confirming the authenticity of the person before him.
She walked quickly down the steps and came straight to Xiao Ce, her gaze fixed on him as if she wanted to etch every detail of his appearance into her heart.
"Nanxi".
Looking at the peerless empress who ruled the vast Western Regions, and seeing the almost burning excitement in her eyes, Xiao Ce felt a warm current surge in his heart, followed by some doubts...