Chapter 81
The grand banquet hall glittered beneath hundreds of crystal chandeliers.
Soft music drifted through the room as nobles from across the kingdom mingled in elegant gowns and finely tailored suits. Servants moved gracefully between the guests carrying silver trays filled with wine, pastries, and delicacies from every corner of the realm.
As Aurora stepped into the ballroom, she immediately spotted Selene standing beside Katherine.
The two young ladies were surrounded by a circle of noblewomen, all listening with fascinated expressions as Katherine enthusiastically recounted one of their adventures in the East.
Every few moments, laughter erupted from the group as Katherine animatedly demonstrated something with her hands while Selene occasionally interrupted to correct her version of events.
Aurora smiled to herself.
If I go over there now... I'll never escape.
She quietly changed direction.
Instead of joining the ladies, she made her way across the ballroom toward her father.
Duke Owen Ambrose stood with several influential nobles discussing trade, diplomacy, and the kingdom's future. His commanding presence naturally drew respect wherever he stood.
As Aurora approached, Owen noticed her immediately.
"My dear Aurora," he greeted warmly, his face softening.
Aurora smiled and curtsied politely.
"Good evening, Father."
His eyes searched hers.
"Has your discussion with His Majesty concluded?"
"Yes."
"I'm glad."
Aurora turned toward the gentlemen gathered around them.
"Good evening, gentlemen."
Each of them bowed politely.
"Lady Aurora."
"It is a pleasure."
"The pleasure is ours."
Owen rested a hand lightly against her shoulder.
"We were just discussing the trade routes between the Eastern Kingdoms and our own. I happened to mention that while you were studying abroad, you established several valuable connections."
Aurora looked at him with mild embarrassment.
"Father..."
One of the older nobles chuckled.
"It seems His Grace enjoys speaking proudly of his daughter."
"I have every reason to," Owen replied without hesitation.
Several gentlemen nodded in agreement.
Sir Markus, a respected merchant lord whose trading fleets reached nearly every corner of the kingdom, stepped forward.
"Lady Aurora," he began with a courteous bow, "His Grace has spoken highly of your journey and your accomplishments in the East."
A warm smile crossed his face.
"If you wouldn't mind indulging a few curious merchants, would you be willing to share some of your observations? We're always eager to hear firsthand accounts from those who've travelled beyond our borders."
Aurora inclined her head.
"I'd be delighted."
Almost instinctively, the merchants and noblemen gathered around her, forming a relaxed circle. Even those engaged in other conversations gradually drifted closer, curious to hear what she had learned.
Aurora met their expectant gazes before speaking in a calm, measured voice.
"My journey confirmed something I hadn't fully appreciated before. We often view the East solely as a source of exotic goods—silks, porcelain, tea, spices, and medicines. But trade should never be one-sided."
She smiled gently.
"The kingdoms of the East are just as interested in what we produce. They are eager to discover new markets, exchange knowledge, and acquire goods they cannot easily obtain themselves."
Several merchants exchanged interested glances.
One of them leaned forward.
"Indeed?"
Aurora nodded.
"Trade flourishes when both sides see value. The greatest opportunities aren't found merely in buying from them, but in understanding what they wish to buy from us."
Several brows lifted.
"Our iron is exceptionally pure," Aurora explained, "Our steel is highly regarded, particularly for weapons and tools."
She looked around the circle.
"While studying, I met merchants who travelled for months simply to purchase metals produced within our kingdom."
"The northern territories?" Sir Markus asked.
Aurora nodded.
"They endure long winters and poor farming conditions. They import tea, herbs, medicines, silk, spices, porcelain, and rice from the East."
"In return......they export timber, furs, gemstones, and precious metals."
The gentlemen exchanged surprised glances.
"I never imagined trade stretched so far."
"There is an entire world beyond our borders," Aurora replied gently.
"We simply haven't looked closely enough."
Another noble stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Lady Aurora, if His Majesty were to seek your counsel... what would be the very first product you would introduce into our kingdom?"
Aurora considered the question for a moment before answering.
"Rice."
A ripple of surprise passed through the circle.
"Rice?" one merchant repeated.
Aurora nodded, "Yes."
A lord frowned thoughtfully.
"I would have expected you to say silk or tea. Surely wheat is the more practical crop."
"Wheat is indispensable," Aurora agreed. "Our kingdom should never abandon it."
She paused before continuing.
"But introducing rice would strengthen our food security rather than replace our existing agriculture. In regions with suitable land and irrigation, rice produces remarkable yields. A relatively small field can feed many families, making it an efficient staple where conditions allow."
The merchants exchanged thoughtful glances.
Aurora continued,
"Properly stored, rice keeps for long periods, making it invaluable for military provisions, emergency reserves, and years of poor harvest. It is also remarkably versatile. It can be steamed, milled into flour, made into porridge, fermented into vinegar, or served alongside almost any dish."
She met their eyes calmly.
"A wise kingdom does not measure prosperity only by what it can sell. It first ensures that its people are well fed. A nation with full granaries possesses stability, and stability is the foundation upon which all trade is built."
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then Sir Markus gave a slow, approving nod, "You're not thinking like a merchant, Lady Aurora."
A faint smile touched her lips, "No. I'm thinking about the kingdom."
Several gentlemen slowly nodded.
"I had never considered that", Sir Markus looked genuinely impressed, "Remarkable."
Another noble asked curiously,
"Besides trade......did you notice many cultural differences?"
Aurora laughed softly, "Oh... countless."
She reached toward a nearby serving tray and picked up two slender wooden sticks that had accompanied one of Merchant Liang's dishes.
Holding them up, she smiled.
"In the East......many people eat using these."
The gentlemen starred, "Two sticks?"
Aurora nodded, "They're called chopsticks."
One noble looked horrified, "How do they eat meat?"
"They simply pick it up."
"With those?"
"Yes."
"I struggle with a knife and fork."
Laughter spread through the circle.
Aurora demonstrated effortlessly, lifting a small pastry with practiced precision before placing it back onto the tray.
The gentlemen applauded.
"I'd starve."
"I'd stab myself."
"I'd probably launch the food across the room."
Even Aurora laughed, "The first week, I nearly did exactly that."
The group burst into louder laughter.
When the amusement settled, Aurora continued.
"Their irrigation systems are remarkable. Their farming techniques produce extraordinary harvests.... Their scholars value education above almost everything else."
She smiled thoughtfully.
"And yet.... they were just as eager to learn from us. True progress comes when both sides are willing to learn."
The gentlemen fell silent. Not because they had run out of questions...But because they were quietly considering her words.
Just then Aurora's gaze drifted across the ballroom.
Standing alone near one of the tall windows was Merchant Liang.
Although several nobles greeted him politely, conversation rarely lasted more than a few awkward moments before ending.
The language barrier had isolated him.
Aurora's heart softened, "If you'll excuse me."
She crossed the ballroom.
Merchant Liang looked up.
The moment he recognized her, his face lit up.
He immediately bowed respectfully.
Aurora returned the gesture.
"Good evening, Merchant Liang. It is wonderful to see you again." she greeted him in fluent Mandarin.
Merchant Liang beamed.
(Lady Aurora! I never imagined I would meet you again so soon.)
She smiled.
(His Majesty invited me to tonight's banquet. I thought you had already returned home.)
Merchant Liang laughed.
"I leave tomorrow morning. His Majesty graciously asked me to remain one extra day."
Nearby conversations gradually quieted.
Several nobles stared openly.
Few had ever heard Mandarin spoken.
Fewer still had imagined one of their own nobles speaking it so effortlessly.
Moments later Owen joined them.
"Aurora?"
She turned. "Father..."
She smiled. "May I introduce Merchant Liang."
Switching back to Mandarin, she gestured toward Owen.
(This is my father, Duke Owen Ambrose of Emberforge Duchy. Our lands are rich in iron, gold, and skilled craftsmen.)
Merchant Liang's eyes brightened.
(Then perhaps your father and I should become business partners.)
Aurora laughed softly before translating.
"Father...Merchant Liang is interested in discussing the purchase of our iron and hopes to establish regular trade with Emberforge."
Owen looked pleasantly surprised.
"So soon?"
Merchant Liang continued speaking.
(Unfortunately, my interpreter became ill during our voyage. Since arriving, communication has been... difficult.
Aurora translated.
Before Owen could respond, another voice joined them.
"Merchant Liang."
King Lucian approached with Theo quietly following behind.
The surrounding nobles immediately bowed.
"Your Majesty."
Lucian smiled warmly, "I trust your stay has been comfortable."
Aurora translated every word into Mandarin.
Merchant Liang answered without hesitation.
( Your Majesty has shown us great kindness. I believe our two kingdoms have laid the foundation for a prosperous and lasting friendship.)
Aurora translated smoothly.
Lucian listened, but despite himself...
His attention kept drifting back to Aurora.
She spoke with effortless confidence. Not once did she stumble over a word.
She moved naturally between two languages, two cultures, and two worlds.
This was no longer merely the girl who had once chased after him through palace corridors.
She had become a woman capable of building bridges between kingdoms.
When the conversation concluded, Merchant Liang bowed deeply.
(Lady Aurora, you will always be our most honoured guest. Even to this day, many people still remember you fondly and speak of you with great respect)
Aurora returned the bow.
(Thank you. China will always hold a special place in my heart.)
Merchant Liang smiled before departing to greet another group of dignitaries.
Silence lingered.
Finally, Sir Markus leaned closer to Duke Ambrose.
"Your Grace..."
Owen turned.
"I believed Lady Aurora returned with knowledge."
He shook his head slowly, admiration clear in his eyes.
"I did not realize she had returned with the ability to change the future of this kingdom."
Owen looked toward his daughter.
She wasn't seeking attention.
She wasn't trying to impress anyone.
She was simply helping where help was needed—just as she always had.
A quiet smile spread across his face, his chest swelling with pride.
Neither did I
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