Chapter 120: Heh, Not a Chance (Second Update—Please Vote)

Upon hearing the news of the arrival of the Japanese envoy group to the Tang Dynasty, the citizens of Chang'an spontaneously began to beat drums and gongs, warmly expressing their welcome.

Li Shimin had dispatched a Tang court official, Zhang Yuxuan, to lead a delegation in person to receive them, demonstrating the importance the empire placed on this visit.

At noon that day, Zhang Yuxuan and his entourage of court officials waited early at the gates of Chang'an. The citizens of the city had lined up neatly in two rows on either side, as if parted by a divine hand, maintaining perfect order.

"The Japanese envoys will be entering the city shortly. Everyone, pull yourselves together and do not show the slightest sign of laziness!" Zhang Yuxuan glanced at his subordinates, frowning sternly as he cautioned them, "Do not let us down or lose face for the Tang people!"

"Rest assured, Official Zhang, everything is prepared," the officials nodded in unison, their expressions grave and serious.

"Good, that is exactly what I wanted to hear!" Satisfied with their upright posture and spirited appearance, Zhang Yuxuan nodded and turned his gaze toward the city gate.

At that moment, the envoy group, led by the Ambassador Inugami no Mitasuki and the Vice-Ambassador Yakushi no Enichi, slowly entered the city through the main gate of Chang'an.

"Clang, clang, dong... Clang, clang, dong..."
"Boom, boom, boom..."
"Welcome to the Japanese envoys visiting the Great Tang for learning and exchange..."

Sounds of enthusiastic welcome and percussion echoed from all corners of the city, creating a grand and festive atmosphere, as if the entire world were celebrating.

Upon entering the city and witnessing the festive welcome of the populace and the presence of the Tang officials waiting for them, Inugami no Mitasuki—a man with a short, cropped hairstyle and a stubbly beard—wore a broad smile on his square face and immediately stepped forward.

Mimicking the etiquette of the Tang, he bowed slightly before straightening up and speaking: "I am the Ambassador of Japan, Inugami no Mitasuki. I have come with my delegation to study and exchange in the Tang kingdom. I wish the Sage of the Tang a long and peaceful life."

Inugami no Mitasuki’s tone was extremely humble and respectful, his posture kept low. After all, the reputation of the Tang Dynasty had spread far beyond its borders, and the Tang Emperor Li Shimin held the title of "Heavenly Qaghan." Inugami knew well that their current Japan was no match for the Tang. Therefore, he did not allow a single hint of disrespect to show on his face.

Their purpose in coming to the Great Tang was to learn the Tang’s rites and scientific standards, so that they might take such knowledge back to strengthen their own nation. Biding their time and learning in silence was the most important task at hand. The members of the envoy group were clearly aware of the weight of their mission.

Following Inugami no Mitasuki’s words, the rest of the envoy group immediately followed suit, bowing and saying in unison, "We... wish the Sage of the Tang a long and peaceful life!"

"Haha!" Zhang Yuxuan smiled affably at the sight and returned the bow along with his fellow officials.

"Many thanks for the well-wishes from Ambassador Inugami and his party."

After expressing his thanks, Zhang Yuxuan bowed gracefully and said with a smile, "Ambassador Inugami, you must be exhausted from your long journey. Why not accompany me to the Sifang Pavilion to rest and settle in while we await a summons from His Majesty?"

Inugami no Mitasuki nodded politely and said with gratitude, "That would be perfect. Many thanks for the Emperor’s grace. Please, lead the way."

"You are most welcome." Zhang Yuxuan smiled, gestured with his hand to clear a path, and motioned to the side, "Ambassador Inugami, please, this way."

"Thank you for the trouble," Inugami replied with a nod.

Zhang Yuxuan and the other officials then led the Japanese envoys toward the Sifang Pavilion. The people of Chang'an continued to discuss the grand occasion among themselves.

However, they had not traveled far into the city when the group caught sight of the Zuixian Restaurant, where many patrons were drinking and dining. Outside the entrance, there was a long, winding queue.

Seeing this, Inugami no Mitasuki stopped in his tracks, his face filled with curiosity as he asked, "Official Zhang, what are they doing? Why is there such a long line in this bitter winter weather?"

Zhang Yuxuan paused, a faint smile appearing on his face. The officials behind him straightened their posture, looking on with pride.

"Ambassador Inugami, this Zuixian Restaurant is one of the most famous in Chang'an," Zhang Yuxuan explained in a leisurely tone, pointing toward the restaurant with pride. "The Orleans set meals and the Wuliangye liquor served here are absolutely peerless—truly rare delicacies in this world!"

"Indeed," the Vice-Official added with a nonchalant wave, "The people of our Chang'an are often waiting in queues like this. It is just an everyday occurrence; nothing to be surprised about."

"Ambassador Inugami, shall we continue?" Zhang Yuxuan asked with a smile.

However, Inugami no Mitasuki and his delegation were clearly unsettled by the remarks of the Tang officials. Their feet seemed rooted to the ground.

'The Tang people actually queue up like this outside a restaurant?'
'Does that not mean... the food here must be exceptionally delicious?'
'We must taste it and bring such exquisite craftsmanship back to our country!'

After exchanging glances, the group looked toward Inugami no Mitasuki, who had already made up his mind.

"Official Zhang," Inugami said after a brief pause, bowing with a face full of "sincerity," "we would like to taste these delicacies. Would you... be able to send someone to buy a few portions for us?"

Hearing this, Zhang Yuxuan felt a cold sneer rising in his heart. *You want us to go buy it for you? Who do you think you are? Ha, not a chance!*

Yet, Zhang Yuxuan’s expression remained calm and unchanged. He smiled and nodded, "Since Ambassador Inugami wishes to have a taste, by all means. You may simply send a few of your men to join the queue and make the purchase."

Inugami no Mitasuki froze, wondering if he had misheard. But seeing that neither Zhang Yuxuan nor the Tang officials showed any sign of moving, he realized he had heard correctly.

The members of the envoy group were also stunned. They stared at Zhang Yuxuan and the other Tang officials, a wave of anger rising within them. They had never expected that Zhang Yuxuan would refuse to send someone to purchase the food for them, instead telling them to do it themselves. In the past, whenever they visited the Tang, they were used to having everything done for them, and they had not expected this attitude from the Tang people.

Though they glared, Inugami no Mitasuki had not spoken, so they suppressed their frustration. After a long, tense silence, Inugami gritted his teeth in secret, but replied with a "beaming smile," "Very well. Someone, go buy a few portions for us to try."

"Yes, Ambassador." One of the Japanese men stepped forward, bowed, and headed toward the Zuixian Restaurant.