Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 1622: Chapter 1619: Competition

The night was dark, rendering her expression indistinguishable; however, the Southern Border officials accompanying her to the banquet seemed somewhat displeased with her actions.

Closely following this were the tribute offerings from Beirong.

The Beirong Prince stepped forward, first performing a ceremonial gesture from Beirong, then waved his hand, prompting Beirong men to carry in numerous wooden chests.

The chests were opened, and an official from the Beirong envoy loudly recited the list of gifts.

Various animal furs, local specialties, and even some fresh meats, authentic hams, amber, and wine.

The Beirong region lies to the north, with severe cold dominating much of the year, hence wine has become an indispensable item for Beirong men.

Additionally, there were exquisite wooden lacquerware.

It appeared that the tributes brought by the Beirong Prince this time were not lacking in quality, many were even things that Great Chu did not possess.

The Beirong Prince meticulously introduced each item.

From just listening, one could tell Beirong was not a barren land; on the contrary, life in Beirong might not be as poor as perceived by the people of Great Chu. Of course, the authenticity of this perception remains open to debate, as it wouldn’t rule out the possibility that the Beirong Prince was deliberately testing the stance of Great Chu.

Emperor Xuanming maintained a smile that was difficult to decipher, an aura of imperial authority emanated from him, impossible to overlook.

“His Majesty of Great Chu, these are the tributes sent by Beirong, full of sincerity.” The Beirong Prince, who was tall and imposing, spoke loudly, finishing his statement with a confident and arrogant grin.

Indeed, in comparison with Beirong, the tributes from other smaller nations pale in value.

Emperor Xuanming rewarded the Beirong Prince with a cup of wine.

The Beirong Prince glanced at it, accepted it, yet did not return to his seat but continued, “Your Majesty, I heard that Great Chu now possesses a new type of fabric. Could it be possible to bring it forth for my Beirong warriors to admire?”

“Oh?” Emperor Xuanming feigned interest, pretending not to understand: “I am unsure which fabric Prince Zilun refers to. We have numerous fabrics in Great Chu that are difficult to discern.”

The officials below laughed quietly at this.

Not angered, the Beirong Prince calmly persisted, “Your Majesty, I refer to the cashmere cloth, similar to fabrics made by my Beirong people. Out of curiosity, I inquire.”

“The cashmere cloth was recommended to me by Lord Chu.”

The Beirong Prince directly looked towards Chu Heng seated further down, precisely identifying him, showing he had observed Chu Heng’s position beforehand; otherwise, he could not have located him so swiftly.

As Chu Heng was mentioned, many turned their gaze towards him.

Emperor Xuanming called out, summoning Chu Heng to respond.

Chu Heng arose methodically, walked forward, first paying his respects, then slowly spoke. Afterward, with Emperor Xuanming’s reply, he ordered the cashmere cloth to be brought into the hall.

The cashmere cloth was neatly placed on a shelf, clean and simple, with no excess patterns, showing no apparent distinctive features.

Yet, Hasi drew many eyes tightly fixating upon it.

“Indeed, this is the cashmere cloth.” The Beirong Prince evidently satisfied to see the cashmere cloth again, stepped forward, touched it, and then bowed to Emperor Xuanming, loudly stating, “Your Majesty, I have brought fabrics from Beirong as well, wishing to compare their qualities with your Great Chu’s cashmere cloth. Please, grant permission.”

There was a buzz of commotion below, all pondering, here it comes, Beirong will not simply pass the banquet quietly, surely something is bound to occur.