The Prince of Travelers
Chapter 057: Departure of the Delegation
“Most of the khanate population are nomadic people,” Yun Jili explained after the official meeting with the ministers, “They move places every certain seasons.”
“Nomadic people, yes?” Li An stroked his chin. He was quite curious about the order of life in the neighboring country. According to the news he heard, they were strong agile people.
“Prince, the trip this time is clearly different from before,” Yun Jili reminded. If Li An had been sent as an expert scholar who moved under the Fourth Prince, this time the Eighth Prince himself was the chief ambassador of his honor. He is in full charge of the entire diplomatic party to the Tarkan Khaganate.
“The geographical condition is also much different from the Northern Region,” added Yun Jili, “Most of the khanate are deserts and steep rocky mountains. The weather there is hot, unlike the cold Northern Region.”
“I understand,” Li An nodded in understanding, “We have to prepare a lot of things.”
Preparation takes less than a week. During that time, Li An had many discussions with the people who joined his entourage. They consisted of ministerial representatives from distinguished nobles, expert scholars, and military officers, as well as special advisers. Their average age was far above that of the prince. You could say, Li An himself is the youngest member and head in his delegation.
The Cenangkas Brigade led by Wang Hongli was responsible for the security of the delegation. They are the best people directly chosen by the swordsman from the famous universities. Their abilities need not be doubted. Although they were not as numerous as the military battalion troops of other princes, they were still respected as one of the strongest elite forces in the empire. The strength of individuals and their group cooperation is very well known, even to other countries.
“Greetings, His Eighth Prince Royal Highness,” greet a handsome young man who has a charming smile on his lips, “Xiao Chyou facing His Highness the Prince. It's an honor to meet you.”
“Happy to meet you, Mr. Chyou,” reply Li An formal. This was his final examination schedule. The next day, his entourage had to go to the Tarkan Khaganate. He has to make sure that all his preparations are running smoothly.
“Your Highness, let me report the logistics status of the entourage,” pinta Xiao Chyou politely. After Li An nodded briefly, then he continued, “Logistics has been prepared carefully. The best food, rides, and trains, as well as other needs are complete. The gifts to be given to the khanate have also been secured. We are ready to leave tomorrow according to the predetermined schedule.”
“Good,” Li An appreciates it briefly, “Thank you for working hard well, Mr. Chyou.”
“It has become the duty of the servant to carry it out as best as possible, Your Majesty,” Xiao Chyou smiled kindly, showing the best possible impression, “You do not need to worry about anything as long as I take care of it. All tasks must be completed.”
Xiao Chyou secretly gulped. As a person familiar with the government and palace environment, he had a good sensitivity to capture the hidden intent of the sweet sayings of the nobles. So were the kind words spoken by people of high status and education like the Eighth Prince. As for the purpose of the prince's words is, “Do not until there is the slightest problem. Make sure your words are not nonsense.”
“Hais ...,” Xiao Chyou sighed softly as soon as Li An left him, “I never expected to start my career under the supervision of that young prince.”
Xiao Chyou watched as his master walked away. In his head, there was a myriad of expressions that could not be expressed. He was curious, in disbelief, and amazed at the Eighth Prince's ability to organize delegates. Thanks to the young prince's thoroughness, not a single thing was missed.
“Well, at least he deserves to be followed,” Xiao Chyou got rid of all his prejudices. He had to go back to work on a few more things before returning home. As he was about to continue his work, someone patted him on the shoulder.
“Mr Chyou,” call the person who patted it, “Can we chat for a while?”
Xiao Chyou looked over. He found a man dressed formally as an imperial official. From his clothes, he could tell that the man was not an indiscriminate person. Xiao Chyou also showed respect, then said, “You—”
***
Li An and his entourage greeted Emperor Yung Wei formally before leaving. Ministers, commanders, and other relatives of the emperor witnessed it with wisdom. However, among them there are those who are narrow-eyed and dirty-hearted. Behind their captivating looks covered in clothes of honor, there was a heart disease that rotted the mind.
Envy, spiteful, and arrogant. The diseases seem to settle into one so as to produce inappropriate and hypocritical behavior. They even expected an accident for the Eighth Prince.
Without much tedious ado, Emperor Yung Wei released a delegation led by his eighth son. He stared at Li An's motorcade which ran down the wide streets of the capital from his palace. His eyes soon stared at the Eighth Prince's entourage. He immediately turned away after looking satisfied.
Minister Liu who was accompanying him stared reverently. Although he was old, he could see a faint haru engraved on the emperor's face. He knew how regretful Emperor Yung Wei was to the Eighth Prince. Therefore, he tried as much as possible so that his family did not trouble the prince, especially after the tragedy that befell Empress Eminen of the Liu Family. Unfortunately, he did not have the power to keep an eye on all his relatives.
