That night, Emperor Murakami deliberately held a banquet in an intact hall within Heian Palace.
He celebrated China's exchange delegation for their complete victory in the martial exchange, praising the profundity and wondrous mysteries of China's methods.
He also stated that, if Ling Qing and the others did not mind, he was willing to send the nation's outstanding students to study under them.
And if they were willing to remain in the Reed Plain Middle Kingdom and establish a sect, that would be even better.
Shi Fan could only modestly say that they themselves still needed to continue advancing.
He also tactfully conveyed that the Reed Plain Middle Kingdom was somewhat disappointing and not worth their staying.
If there was nothing worthy of their attention, they would take their leave in a few days.
For Ling Qing, he generally would not express such sentiments. Even if he had to, he would say them bluntly and directly.
Yet from Shi Fan's mouth, not a single sentence revealed the slightest discourtesy, while every sentence conveyed precisely what he meant.
That sincerity, with its disdain hidden so deeply one had to savor it carefully to taste it, left the Japanese people both pleased and indignant.
They even found themselves feeling ashamed.
Ling Qing only realized what had happened after seeing the reactions of the Japanese people.
He could only sigh inwardly. Sure enough, every trade had its specialty. He himself had no hope of mastering such verbal artistry.
Emperor Murakami did not bring up anything else afterward, merely asking the exchange delegation to remain.
So that everyone could witness the true strength of the Reed Plain Middle Kingdom.
Shi Fan naturally agreed without hesitation.
After the banquet ended, Ling Qing and the others left Heian Palace and returned to the University Bureau.
This