Chapter 870: 798 A Chance Encounter_2 Chapter 870: 798 A Chance Encounter_2 Chang’an’s train station actually had a “VIP passage” due to practical needs. This passage allowed direct access to one’s awaiting car, eliminating the need to use the exit commoners utilized.
After all, if Tang Mo, His Majesty The Emperor, took the train back to the Imperial Capital, having to use the public exit would truly be a joke.
Besides Tang Mo himself, who was soon to be Emperor, others using the VIP passage were still subject to checks. Even the princes of Chu Country were allowed only one armed attendant, and the station strictly prohibited dangerous explosives and toxic drugs.
Having handed over all his luggage for detailed inspection by the station staff, the prince from Chu Country finally saw the diplomatic service vehicle from Tang Country that had come to receive him.
He was then moved almost to tears by the warm hospitality of Tang Country: it was his first time seeing such a luxurious car, his first time seeing a car’s paint gleaming like a mirror.
Just by the size of the wheel hubs, one could tell how opulent the car was; when the driver opened the door, the prince thrilled to its muffled sound.
The weighty sound of the door and the luxurious leather interior made the prince, who had never before seen a Rolls-Royce from Tang Country, inexplicably excited.
He was truly touched to be regarded with such importance even as a hostage in this foreign country.
But what he did not know was that in the Rolls-Royce lineup of Tang Country’s luxurious brands, this car was not considered top-tier, it was just a standard vehicle for receiving foreign guests. In fact, the representative from Shireck had ridden in a similar car just a few days before. The treatment of the prince from Chu Country was nothing special.
“Wow! Who do we have here?” Just as the prince from Chu Country was about to get into the car, a voice rang out behind him, filled with derision.
Everyone turned around to see a young man dressed in the attire of the Dahua Empire, flanked by a crowd, approaching: “Isn’t that Xiong Xiao? Our First Prince from Chu Country, who was quite adept at barking like a dog back in the Imperial Capital.”
“Zhao Yu! You—” The First Prince of Chu Country, named Xiong Xiao, felt trouble coming on seeing the person approaching, and sure enough, the man’s words immediately infuriated him.
Back when he was alone and powerless in Dahua’s Imperial Capital, also being a hostage, he naturally kept a low profile and endured in silence. Bullied and powerless to complain, he resorted to barking like a dog to beg for mercy when pushed too far.
“What are you talking about? Haven’t had enough of being a dog in the Dahua Empire, and now you run here to act like one? You truly are a good dog.” The middle-aged man called Zhao Yu continued to mock, sneering.
He was a prince of the Dahua Empire, though not the Crown Prince, here in Chang’an to attend the ceremony as a representative of the Dahua Empire.
Dahua Empire was indeed quite displeased with Tang Country’s elevation to an empire, but defeat was a fact, as was their promise to support the Tang King’s claim to the throne—none of this could be changed.
Thus, the Dahua Empire sent Prince Zhao Yu as their representative, as a gesture of their stance.
Clearly, even in defeat, Dahua Empire still considered itself a notch above Chu Country. Zhao Kai did not shamelessly call Tang Mo “big brother”, nor did he send hostages or similar to stay long-term in Chang’an.
Zhao Yu was here only to attend the parade and would return to his country afterward. Hence, his demeanor here was much more arrogant than Xiong Xiao’s.
Before coming here, his father Zhao Kai had merely warned him not to provoke the Tang People on a whim, nor to break Tang Country’s laws. He had not been cautioned against antagonizing the people of Chu Country.
In Zhao Yu’s eyes, the people of Chu Country were like soft persimmons, ants that could be easily crushed.
This was why he called out to Xiong Xiao, who was about to get into the car, and why he appeared so arrogantly at this place.
“Who might this be…?” The Tang Country diplomat accompanying Xiong Xiao looked questioningly at his colleague who had just rushed over in embarrassment.
“This is Prince Zhao Yu, the Second Prince of the Dahua Empire,” the belatedly-arrived Tang diplomat replied, somewhat awkwardly.
After hearing his colleague’s response, the accompanying diplomat for Xiong Xiao nodded slightly. Amidst the prince’s surprised gaze, he issued a warning to Zhao Yu, “I do not know what this Chu Country prince has previously experienced. As of now, Chu Country is a vassal to our nation, and this prince is our distinguished guest.”
He snorted disdainfully, “In terms of relationships, Chu Country shares a profound affinity with ours, and our bilateral relations are of a higher caliber than those with Great Tang.”
Having said that, he paused and then continued in the face of Zhao Yu’s shocked expression, “What’s more, this Prince Xiong Xiao should call His Majesty The Emperor ‘uncle’. What are you trying to achieve by troubling the son and nephew of our nation’s sovereign here?”
Such is the benefit of a powerful country—speaking with authority! Yes, what are you trying to do, bullying my great nephew here?
For some reason, although it seemed he was on the losing end, Xiong Xiao still felt an unprecedented sensation of relief.
It was indescribably delightful, almost giving him an illusion of elation. How long had it been since he had seen a Dahua prince suffer such a setback in front of him?
“Prince, please get in the car first!” Turning around, the diplomat from Great Tang didn’t seem to intend to offer the other a chance to speak, and directly suggested to Xiong Xiao.