The Visit of the Neighboring Country

At daybreak, the capital city was like a giant beast slowly waking up from a long winter slumber, gently roused by the first rays of dawn. The flagstone roads, caressed by the rising sun, seemed to have been carefully painted with golden paint by the magical artist of nature, giving off a warm golden sheen. The light swayed gently in the breeze, just like a group of lively and jumping elves dancing on these ancient streets. The street vendors were already bustling with activity. In front of the steaming breakfast stalls, the fragrant smell of steamed buns and the crispy aroma of fried dough sticks intertwined, filling the air like an olfactory feast. Usually, this alluring smell would be enough to attract numerous diners in droves, but today, no one stopped for it.

In the streets and alleys, people gathered in groups. Some huddled together on street corners, whispering to each other, their voices interweaving like fine threads. Others sat around in teahouses, engaging in passionate discussions, and the excited tones echoed in the teahouses. In everyone's eyes sparkled the light of curiosity and anticipation, and the topic they talked about was all centered around the upcoming visit of the envoys from the neighboring country.

According to the rumors, the precious medicinal herbs brought by the envoys could not only cure all kinds of difficult and complicated diseases, but also even those stubborn ailments that had been regarded as lingering and incurable diseases and had left countless renowned doctors at a loss could be completely cured. More importantly, these medicinal herbs carried the significant mission of medical exchanges and cultural integration between the two countries, as if they were a bridge connecting the friendship and progress of the two countries. This news spread like the spring breeze blowing across the land, quickly reaching every corner of the capital city. From the luxurious mansions with vermilion gates to the ordinary households in the urban alleys, everyone knew about it.

The children ran and shouted excitedly in the streets and alleys, "The envoys are coming! The envoys are coming!" Their clear laughter and shouts added a bit of liveliness and agility to this ancient city, just like the first blooming flowers in spring. The old people sat at the door, gently fanning themselves with palm-leaf fans, recollecting the past exchange stories between the two countries. On their faces, which had been seasoned by time, the wrinkles were filled with memories of the past. They speculated about what kind of changes this exchange would bring. In their eyes, there was both the nostalgia for the past friendly exchanges and the expectation for the development of the relations between the two countries in the future. That expectation was like the twinkling stars in the night sky, full of hope.

Li Yi stood tall and straight like a sturdy pine tree, proudly among the surging crowd. A brocade robe embroidered with intricate dark patterns fluttered gently in the breeze, and the silk threads at the corners of the robe glimmered with tiny lights, which were like the stars in the night sky, highlighting his extraordinary status in the court. His eyes were deep and bright, just like the cold stars twinkling in the night sky, always exuding calmness and wisdom, as if he could see through all the falsehoods in the world.

As a young and prominent strategist in the court, he had been well-versed in poetry and books since childhood, mastered all the classics, histories, masters' works, and collected writings, and was well-versed in the art of power. Those yellowed ancient books were the source of his wisdom, and years of hard study had enabled him to accumulate rich knowledge and strategies. Now, shouldering the mission of safeguarding national interests and dignity, he was well aware that the responsibility of receiving the envoys this time was as heavy as Mount Tai, but his spine straightened even more.

At this moment, with a solemn expression, he stared firmly into the distance, quietly waiting for the arrival of the envoy team. In his heart, there was both the expectation for the unknown, looking forward to what kind of sparks would be struck in the communication with the envoys, and the worry about the possible crises. After all, diplomatic affairs were full of uncertainties. However, years of experience had enabled him to calmly deal with everything. Deep in his heart, there was an indomitable force supporting him to face any challenge.

Lin Yue was dressed in a simple and elegant silk skirt, paired with a delicate and exquisite hair ornament. Every step she took was light and graceful, just like a lily gently swaying in the breeze, exuding both tenderness and competence. Since childhood, she had been accompanied by medical books. Her family had a vast collection of books, and those yellowed ancient books were her most precious treasures. Each page carried the wisdom of her predecessors.

Over the years, she had devoted herself to studying the principles of pharmacology. Often, she would study medical books late into the night by the flickering candlelight, and the dancing candle flames had witnessed her diligence and perseverance. She knew the characteristics of various medicinal herbs like the back of her hand and had made remarkable achievements in the medical field, already becoming a dazzling rising star.

Today, as a medical representative, with a solemn expression, she stood side by side with Li Yi at the forefront of the welcoming team. The two of their figures were elongated by the sunlight of the rising sun, just like the guardians of the capital city, safeguarding the fairness and peace of this exchange. In her heart, there was a full expectation for the medical exchange, which was like a new shoot breaking through the ground in spring, vigorous and enthusiastic. She longed to gain new inspiration from the medicinal herbs brought by the envoys of the neighboring country and contribute her own strength to the medical cause. In her eyes sparkled the eagerness for knowledge and the longing for the future.

In the distance, the envoy team came into view in a mighty manner, and the scene immediately attracted everyone's attention, as if a grand celebration was about to begin. One after another, the luxuriously decorated carriages moved forward slowly. The carriages were carved with exquisite exotic patterns all over. Every line was smooth and full of rhythm, as if whispering the long history and splendid culture of the neighboring country. Those patterns were like wordless historical books.

The inlaid gemstones sparkled with dazzling light in the sunlight, so blinding that people could hardly open their eyes. The light was as dazzling as the sun, and the common people couldn't help but utter bursts of amazement. The exclamations came one after another, like the waves crashing against the beach. Each carriage was piled high with boxes and cages of various sizes and shapes. These boxes and cages were wrapped in beautiful silk and tied with bright ribbons. The ribbons fluttered in the breeze, as if beckoning to people. This made the common people wonder what kind of rare treasures were hidden inside. Were they the miraculous medicines that could bring the dead back to life, or the invaluable rare treasures?

The envoy came striding forward with a beaming face and vigorous steps, his face beaming with a warm smile, just like the envoy of friendship between the two countries, coming with the mission of peace and friendship. First, he performed a grand ceremony with a strong foreign flavor. He leaned forward slightly, crossed his hands in front of his chest, and the movement was smooth and elegant, fully demonstrating the etiquette style of his country. Then he shook hands with Li Yi and Lin Yue one by one.

The strength of the handshake was neither too light nor too heavy, conveying both a sense of friendliness and secretly testing the other party's confidence, as if a silent contest was going on. Li Yi felt the powerful handshake and was secretly on guard in his heart, but he still maintained a warm smile on his face. In his eyes, there was a trace of imperceptible scrutiny, which was like a sharp blade, observing every move of the envoy. Lin Yue nodded gently and responded politely. 

In her eyes, there was a trace of curiosity. In her heart, she was full of expectation for the upcoming medical exchange, and that curiosity was like a little deer eager to explore a new world.

Immediately after, the envoy enthusiastically led everyone to the post station, walking in a hurry, unable to hide his eagerness. It seemed that he couldn't wait to display those precious medicinal herbs and let everyone see the treasures of the neighboring country.

As soon as they stepped into the post station, a quiet and solemn atmosphere came over them, as if time had slowed down. The interior of the post station was simply but elegantly decorated. Exquisite porcelain and simple and unsophisticated calligraphy and paintings were placed around. The patterns on the porcelain were delicate and beautiful, and the charm of the brushstrokes in the calligraphy and paintings was long-lasting, as if silently telling the past exchange history between the two countries. Those past stories were like a long river of time, flowing slowly.

The envoy walked up to a huge box, took a deep breath, and slowly opened the box cover with both hands. The movement was so gentle that it was as if he was uncovering a secret that had been sealed for thousands of years, and there were countless surprises and expectations hidden in that secret. In an instant, a rich and unique medicinal fragrance filled the air. The fragrance was mellow and long-lasting, penetrating deep into people's hearts, as if carrying the magical power of nature, the freshness of the mountains and forests, and the gift of the earth.

Inside the box, the ginseng roots were long and slender, like agile fairies, as if they would start dancing at any moment to show people their magical effects. The glossy ganoderma lucidum emitted a mysterious halo, as if containing endless life energy and being able to cure all the pain in the world. The snow lotus from Tian Shan Mountain was as white as jade, and there was still a trace of the biting cold air from the extremely cold place on its petals, like the spirit of the ice and snow world, pure and noble. Each medicinal herb was carefully cared for and neatly arranged, causing the people around to express heartfelt admiration, and the admiration was full of awe and respect.

Lin Yue had been obsessed with medicine since childhood. At this moment, there was a glimmer of excitement in her eyes, as if she had seen the most precious treasure in the world. That light was like the brightest star in the night sky. She couldn't help but move closer, gently picked up a ginseng, and gently stroked its delicate skin with her fingers, as if having a cordial conversation with a long-lost old friend, asking about its origin and efficacy.

She quickly engaged in a heated discussion with the envoy. From the origin of the medicinal herbs and the picking season to the processing method and the medicinal efficacy, the two of them exchanged views freely and talked with great enthusiasm, just like two warriors on the academic battlefield expressing their own opinions. The envoy introduced in detail the unique method of gathering medicinal herbs in the neighboring country, how they searched for rare medicinal herbs in the steep mountains, leaving their footprints on the steep peaks and in the dense jungles, and how they picked them at specific times to ensure the medicinal effects. Every detail was related to the quality of the medicinal herbs.

Lin Yue, on the other hand, shared her rich clinical experience over the years, telling the stories of how she used these medicinal herbs to cure patients. The smiles of those patients after recovery were her greatest achievements. The exchange between the two was like a wonderful medical feast, making the people around immerse themselves in it and feel intoxicated, as if they were in the palace of medicine.

Li Yi, with his arms crossed, stood aside. His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, not missing any slightest movement of the envoy. His gaze shifted back and forth between the medicinal herbs 

and the envoy. He always felt that there was occasionally a trace of imperceptible cunning flashing in the envoy's eyes. This strange moment made the alarm bells ring in his heart, as if an alarm suddenly went off in the dark.

He secretly thought to himself that the envoy's performance was too enthusiastic, and there must be a deeper purpose hidden behind it. This medical exchange might just be a cover, and the real contest was yet to come. He began to silently calculate the countermeasures in his heart, thinking about how to safeguard national interests in this complex political game. His brain was like a precise instrument, running at high speed and analyzing every possible situation.

As night fell quietly, the capital city was like a dreamy city illuminated by starlight under the glow of the lanterns. In the imperial palace, a grand dinner party was being held. The court musicians played melodious music, and the sound of silk and bamboo instruments echoed leisurely in the palace. The melody was like a clear spring flowing in people's hearts, as if telling the majesty and glory of the royal family. The dancers, dressed in gorgeous costumes, danced gracefully. Their colorful sleeves fluttered, just like a group of agile butterflies, showing their beautiful dancing postures on this magnificent stage.

The envoy sat in the main guest seat. After drinking three rounds of wine, his face turned slightly red. He put down his wine glass, cleared his throat, and changed the subject, seemingly casually mentioning the commercial and trade issues at the border between the two countries.

With a gentle smile on his face, the envoy said slowly, "Your country is vast and rich in resources. During our journey here, what we have seen and heard makes us deeply feel that there is still a vast space for improvement in the trade exchanges between our two countries. If we can expand the scope of trade and give certain tax preferences, and exchange what we have for what we lack, it will surely benefit the people of both countries and enhance the friendship between our two countries." The envoy's tone was sincere, and his words were full of beautiful visions of the cooperation between the two countries, as if he had painted a beautiful picture of the prosperity of the two countries.

However, Li Yi keenly detected that there were unknown interests behind this. He knew very well that once these conditions were easily agreed to, it might pose a potential threat to the country's economy and sovereignty, just like opening Pandora's box, bringing endless hidden dangers.

Li Yi's heart tightened. He had long expected that the envoy would not come just for the medical exchange, and the political purpose behind it finally emerged. But he still maintained a gentle smile on his face. Without haste, he picked up the wine glass, took a sip, and after thinking for a moment, he replied, "What the envoy said is very true. The trade exchanges between our two countries are indeed of great significance and are related to the prosperity of our two countries. However, this matter involves all aspects of the national economy and people's livelihood. From the planning of trade routes, the supervision of goods to the adjustment of tax policies, none of them is a simple matter, and many interest groups are involved. We need to have in-depth discussions with the ministers in the court, weigh the pros and cons, and then we can give an appropriate reply."

Li Yi's answer neither bluntly refused nor easily promised. He skillfully avoided the envoy's edge and left room for future negotiations, just like reining in a galloping horse on the edge of a cliff. He secretly rejoiced in his heart that he had been well-prepared and was able to remain calm and give an appropriate response at the critical moment. His calmness and wisdom were a solid defense line for the country.

Lin Yue also keenly sensed the change in the atmosphere. She secretly gave Li Yi a meaningful look, and the look was full of tacit understanding and trust, as if a ray of light was being transmitted in the dark. In the following conversation, they skillfully changed the topic, sometimes mentioning the local customs and practices of the two countries.

Li Yi vividly described the traditional festivals of his own country. From the bustling Spring Festival celebration, where people decorated the streets with lanterns and colored streamers, dragon and lion dances were performed, and the sound of firecrackers was heard one after another, making the lively scene seem right in front of them, to the poetic Mid-Autumn Festival when the family sat together, tasted mooncakes, admired the bright moon, and the laughter and conversation echoed in the night sky, making the warm picture intoxicating. The envoy listened with great interest and often gave heartfelt exclamations, as if he had been brought into a whole new world.

Sometimes they talked about the gains from the medical exchange. Lin Yue shared the new inspiration she had gained from these rare medicinal herbs and how to apply this knowledge to clinical practice. The envoy also nodded frequently to show his approval, and the nodding gesture was an acknowledgment of Lin Yue's knowledge.

In this complex cultural exchange and political game, they carefully maneuvered. Every word was carefully considered, and every expression was just right, leaving no chance for the other party. They were like two warriors fighting side by side on the battlefield, safeguarding the national interests.

After the dinner party ended, Li Yi and Lin Yue walked out of the palace. The moonlight shone on them, casting long shadows. The two of them looked at each other. Without a word, they both understood that this war without gunpowder smoke had just begun.

They were well aware that in the days to come, they would face more challenges and tests, but they were not afraid at all. Because they were shouldering the mission of the country and had the responsibility for the country and the people in their hearts. They were determined to use their wisdom and courage to strive for the greatest interests of the country in this complex political game and safeguard the peace and prosperity of the country. Their figures in the moonlight looked extremely firm, just like the giants guarding the country.