After the New Year had passed, the imperial capital's paved roads were packed with people and exceptionally lively.
Besides Han Chinese, many foreigners from various ethnic groups could also be seen here.
These foreigners had come from neighboring countries and even lands farther away.
Ming Dynasty's expansion last year had made more nations aware of the existence of this Eastern empire.
Even some countries that did not border Ming Dynasty had taken notice of it.
Thus.
These foreign nations had dispatched envoys to offer tribute.
In addition, merchants from these foreign nations had come to Ming Dynasty to make money, engaging in trade and business.
That was why there were now so many foreigners in the imperial capital.
When the Han Chinese commoners saw these foreigners, they naturally found them quite novel.
Even.
In the eyes of the Han Chinese commoners, these hairy foreigners looked like monkeys.
"Strange. Why have so many foreign merchants suddenly appeared these past few days?"
"What's strange about that? Ming Dynasty is so powerful now. Those foreign merchants must have come to do business!"
"But honestly, those merchants look really weird. Blond hair, blue eyes—they're rather frightening!"
"Yeah, and foreigners have such a strong sweat smell. I don't even want to get near them!"
"I saw those merchants visiting the workshops before. It seems they're very interested in Ming Dynasty's steam engines too!"
"I heard quite a few foreign officials have come to offer tribute. Ming Dynasty is powerful now, and those foreigners all fear our military might!"
"We used to see this so-called tribute from all nations only in history books, but now Ming Dynasty has truly achieved it!"
"Hmph, these foreigners are not our kind. It's better not to have any contact with them!"
"I heard the Western countries are especially fond of