Preparations for the mission to Japan have come to an end.
The Japanese royal family members in Chang'an also agreed very much after hearing the news.
It is extremely rare for the Tang Dynasty to send envoys to visit foreign countries. For neighboring countries, this is undoubtedly a matter that brings glory to their faces.
Although it is only a small imperial merchant team, this is still something worth publicizing.
Escorting the royal merchant team to Japan was a great achievement for the royal family members.
When the Japanese royal family learns the news, they will be personally accompanied by the third prince, as well as the Miss Yoshiko whom they met before.
There are royal representatives from Japan, as well as several guides and a dozen carefully selected guards.
Together with hundreds of people from the Tang Emperor's team, they formed a massive caravan and headed for Japan.
The team approached the Yellow River ferry from Chang'an, went down the river through Luoshui, Bianzhou, Weizhou, and finally went out to sea from Qingzhou.
The plan for this trip is to visit Pyongyang City via Goryeo, then visit Ungjin City in Baekje, and finally arrive in Japan.
The journey alone will take more than two months, and it can be regarded as the most bumpy journey since the Bai Song Dynasty.
After half a month of preparation, the team finally set off in early November after winter entered.
Although it is cold when you choose to travel in winter, considering the long-term waterway, winter voyages will be more stable and safer.
The team set out from Chang'an and brought a cargo of goods.
But there are still more than a dozen cargo ships waiting at the naval station in Qingzhou.
The Bai Song Dynasty had high hopes for this trip. It hoped that through this trip, it would establish a new expansion template for the Tang Dynasty, use means other than war to achieve effects that war could not achieve, and hope that the Tang Dynasty and Han culture could spread further.
, influence more people, assimilate more people, and accelerate the integration of various ethnic groups.
And Bai Song himself could sit back and relax in such a world. He only had to worry about the jealousy of his wives every day and no longer had to worry about family and country affairs. That would be complete.
November 11th was no different for the people of the Tang Dynasty.
But Li Chengqian heard from his husband that in the far west, some people call today "Singles' Day", which is a day to encourage single people to express their feelings to the people they like.
Li Chengqian has never felt as complicated as he does today in his whole life. After all, he did not dare to say words of love and admiration in front of his sister. As a prince, such words should not appear in his mouth.
The only thing Li Chengqian could do was to hide aside and secretly watch the royal merchant team at the Yong'an River Ferry.
Behind Li Chengqian's foolishness, Princess Danyang appeared at some point and gently patted Li Chengqian's back: "Chengqian, what are you looking at? Are you so fascinated?"
Li Chengqian was startled and quickly replied: "No...it's nothing..."
"You said it's nothing, you just want to see Bai Rou, right?"
Li Chengqian frowned and wanted to turn around and leave, but was stopped by Princess Danyang with a smile: "You are the prince, how can you be so cautious? Meet whoever you like. If you really care about Bairou, then go and keep her now.
If you don't stop her now, it will be three years later when the ship sets off and we meet again. Think about it, three years later, she will be twenty-five years old. Not to mention that it is impossible for her to become a princess again, maybe she will already be there.
Japan is married to another man. You and her will never have a chance again."
"..." Li Chengqian frowned even more tightly and looked at the direction of the ship.
Li Chengqian felt unwilling. If it weren't for his aunt's reminder, Li Chengqian wouldn't have had such delusions. If he hadn't heard about his father's imperial edict, Li Chengqian wouldn't have felt like he was losing...
In the past, Li Chengqian always regarded Bai Rou as his sister. Somehow, Li Chengqian found that his feelings for Sister Bai had changed without even realizing it.
Now that Bai Rou is leaving, Li Chengqian didn't realize that this departure would be forever. After hearing what his aunt said, Li Chengqian felt that his heart was being pulled into a ball.
Suddenly, Li Chengqian rushed towards the boat, pushing aside all the pedestrians along the way, and ran to the ferry panting.
"Bairou! Bairou!" Li Chengqian shouted loudly, attracting the attention of countless people.
Everyone in the royal merchant team recognized Li Chengqian's identity. Who would have thought that Prince Tang would be panting and shouting randomly in the crowd.
"Bairou, where are you? I want to see you!"
"Li Chengqian, what are you yelling about here?" Bai Song was doing inventory in the warehouse when he heard the noise outside and walked out.
"Sir, I want to see Bai Rou." Li Chengqian said eagerly.
"What did you see Bai Rou doing?"
"I want her to stay! Sir, I like her!"
"Nonsense!" Bai Song snorted coldly, "Is the love between men and women as simple as you say? You are still young and don't understand what love is at all. You are the prince of the Tang Dynasty, you should focus on more important things on matters."
"Sir, I know, I really like Sister Bai. Let Sister Bai stay, I will be good to her."
With so many people watching, Bai Song felt very depressed. He glanced around and whispered: "Li Chengqian, Bai Rou is going to Japan with me now. You have your mission, and she also has hers. Stop thinking so wildly. ."
Li Chengqian suddenly changed his tone and asked: "Sir, are you saying you won't marry Sister Bai to me?"
Bai Song didn't speak, but his eyes were already warning.
Li Chengqian did not flinch and asked again: "As long as Mr. nods, Bai Rou doesn't have to go anywhere. Asking her to go to Japan is simply asking her to avoid me."
"So what? You guys are not suitable at all!" Bai Song said directly without bothering to explain.
"I am the prince and your student. I have always respected you and treated you like a father and brother. Why are you so indifferent to me? I know...I know your thoughts. He also likes Sister Bai. Otherwise, why would you hide Sister Bai in Japan? You are brother and sister!"
"Li Chengqian!"
In the midst of everyone's surprised gazes, Bai Rou's sharp shout came from behind Li Chengqian.
Li Chengqian turned his head blankly, and when he saw Sister Bai's tearful glare, he didn't know what to say for a moment.
Snap!
A crisp sound!
In public, the dignified prince was slapped by a woman.
Everyone was shocked. Shouldn't this kill someone?
But the prince was not angry, but instead gave him a very humble and flattering look.
"Sister Bai, I'm sorry...I...I talked nonsense, you...don't be angry..."
"Go away, I don't want to see you!"
"Sister Bai, I really like you! I swear, I will only love you in the future. Even if I become the emperor, I will only love you."
"Because of a woman, you are so ignorant of self-control. Are you worthy of my brother's teachings in the past three years? You are my brother's only disciple. I thought you were the most like him in the world. I didn't expect that you and my brother are the same. So different!”
"Sister Bai, I was wrong...can you stay?" Li Chengqian grabbed Bai Rou's clothes like a child.
Bai Rou wanted to push him away in disgust, but Bai Song grabbed Bai Rou's hand.
Finally, he solemnly said to Li Chengqian: "After three years, if your heart for Bai Rou remains unchanged, I will marry my favorite sister to you!"