Within the walls of Chang'an, a festive atmosphere spread like warm spring sunlight. Vermilion lanterns hung high along every street and alley, swaying gently in the breeze. The exquisite gold-embossed blessing characters on them shimmered brightly under the sun. Lin Yue's imperial chamber was adorned with splendor—colored glazed tiles sparkled, and stone lions flanking the door were tied with vibrant red silks, as if announcing this special honor.
After countless days and nights of arduous negotiations and unremitting efforts, the Tang Dynasty finally succeeded in signing friendly treaties with multiple nations. The news swept across every inch of Tang like a spring breeze, immersing the entire country in joy and celebration. Looking back on this thorny diplomatic journey, Li Yi and Lin Yue felt a mix of emotions.
At the outset of the negotiations, difficulties surged like a tide. Representatives from various countries gathered with their own agendas and suspicions of Tang's intention to form alliances. The representative of the Rouran Kingdom in the north, tall and burly with a thick beard, exuded ruggedness and fierceness. His heavy footsteps as he entered the negotiation hall carried an imposing pressure. As soon as he sat down, he bluntly questioned, "Tang is vast and powerful—why would it so easily form friendly relations with us? Is there a hidden conspiracy?"
Facing such direct and sharp skepticism, Li Yi maintained a gentle smile, his gaze firm and confident. He responded with dignity, "Since ancient times, Tang has valued peace above all else. Our active pursuit of alliances with other nations aims to promote trade and achieve shared prosperity. War only brings suffering to the people; peace is the common wish of all."
Despite Li Yi's earnest words, the Rouran representative merely snorted in disdain. His scornful gaze made it clear he remained unconvinced, his doubts lingering like a dark cloud.
The representative of Loulan in the west was more cautious. Dressed in a magnificent robe embroidered with delicate patterns, he exuded noble bearing, his sharp eyes seeming to pierce through everything. He spoke slowly, his voice low but forceful: "Though small, Loulan has its own principles and bottom line. If we are to ally with Tang, what concrete guarantees can Tang offer to protect our interests?"
Lin Yue stepped forward calmly, wearing a warm and determined smile. "Tang is willing to fully open its border ports to trade with Loulan. In cultural exchange and technological dissemination, we will share our knowledge without reservation. Moreover, we can specify the responsibilities and obligations of both sides in the treaty to ensure fairness and justice." The Loulan representative nodded slightly, deep in thought, his eyes revealing hesitation as he weighed the pros and cons.
The atmosphere at the negotiation table was so tense it seemed to ignite the air. Representatives from each country argued fiercely to maximize their own national interests, especially during debates over trade tariffs. The representative of the Nanzhao Kingdom in the south, dressed in colorful ethnic attire, proposed that Tang reduce import tariffs on its specialty spices to boost trade and economic growth. However, some Tang officials strongly opposed this, fearing it would impact domestic industries and destabilize the economy.
For a time, the two sides stood their ground, the atmosphere as taut as a drawn bowstring. Li Yi and Lin Yue navigated this complex situation like travelers treading through thorns. They knew they had to balance the legitimate demands of other nations with Tang's interests—a delicate dance of compromise.
They patiently reassured domestic officials, explaining the importance of long-term benefits with clear data and analysis, gradually convincing them of the value of an open policy. Meanwhile, they engaged in in-depth negotiations with the Nanzhao representative. After rounds of heated debate and careful weighing, they proposed a compromise: Tang would gradually reduce spice tariffs over a set period while sending technical experts to Nanzhao to improve spice processing and product value. This satisfied Nanzhao's trade goals while protecting domestic industries. Eventually, the Nanzhao representative was moved by their sincerity and agreed.
Just as everyone thought the negotiations were nearing completion, a new crisis emerged. The representative of the Turkic Kingdom, long coveting Tang's territory, suddenly demanded, "Several cities on Tang's border, adjacent to Turkic, should be assigned to us. Only then will we agree to the alliance." The hall fell silent, stunned by the audacity of the request.
Li Yi's expression darkened, his eyes blazing with resolve. "Every inch of Tang's land was shed with the blood and lives of our ancestors. It is inviolable. If your country harbors such unreasonable demands, this treaty may never be signed." Enraged by Li Yi's firm stance, the Turkic representative stormed to his feet, threatening to terminate negotiations and marching toward the door.
In that critical moment, Lin Yue rose calmly. "Your country borders Tang. Peace and trade will bring far greater wealth than a few cities. We can establish border markets for mutual benefit and jointly defend against foreign threats to ensure security." The Turkic representative paused, acknowledging the truth in her words—trade's benefits were indeed significant. Li Yi softened his tone, adding, "If your country can set aside prejudice, Tang will open its arms to create a new era of peace." After much persuasion, the Turkic representative returned to the table.
After countless nights of negotiation, consensus was finally reached on all issues. When Li Yi signed the treaty, thunderous applause erupted in the hall, celebrating this hard-won peace. At that moment, the exhaustion on Li Yi and Lin Yue's faces gave way to pride—all their efforts had paid off.
To celebrate, they hosted a grand banquet for foreign delegates. The hall was splendidly decorated, with crystal chandeliers casting soft light and melodious music flowing like a stream. Dancers in colorful costumes swayed to the rhythm, their graceful movements embodying the joy of peace. Tables groaned under sumptuous dishes, their aromas inviting. Li Yi raised his cup, declaring, "Today, we sign this treaty to spare our people from war and bring prosperity. May the light of peace shine forever upon us!" Delegates rose to toast, their faces glowing with hope.
The Rouran representative approached Li Yi with an apologetic smile. "I was narrow-minded to doubt Tang at first. This peace is precious, and we will cherish it." The Loulan representative added, "Tang's sincerity and wisdom have shown us the promise of cooperation. I believe we will deepen exchanges in trade and culture."
At the banquet, delegates shared their countries' customs while savoring the food. Lin Yue engaged the Nanzhao representative in a lively discussion about spice culture, her enthusiasm inspiring him to share unique recipes for introduction to Tang. The Turkic representative conversed with Tang generals about military defense, their laughter and earnest debates creating a harmonious atmosphere.
As the banquet drew to a close, Li Yi and Lin Yue stood on a high platform, overlooking the cheerful crowd below. "It's been a long and arduous journey," Lin Yue murmured. "But seeing this peace, every sacrifice was worth it." Li Yi nodded, his gaze steady. "Peace is not an empty slogan—it is forged through countless negotiations, compromises, and perseverance. We bear the responsibility to safeguard it for Tang's future."
In the following days, Tang strictly implemented the treaty, actively engaging in trade with other nations. Border ports bustled with merchant caravans—Tang's silk and porcelain were exported far and wide, while spices, jewels, and exotic animals flowed into the country, enriching markets and daily life. Cultural exchanges thrived as scholars and artists from around the world flocked to Tang to learn from its literati, driving forward a golden age of culture.
Li Yi and Lin Yue often inspected the borders, delighted to see prosperous trade and contented citizens. They witnessed friendly exchanges at border markets and children growing up in peace. This treaty had not only brought immediate tranquility but also opened a new chapter of diplomacy. Their efforts for peace would be inscribed in history, inspiring future generations to pursue shared growth.
As time passed, Tang's international reputation soared, with more nations seeking alliances. Li Yi and Lin Yue continuously refined diplomatic strategies to maintain peace and prosperity. Though the path of peace was long and challenging, they believed that sincerity and perseverance would light the way to a brighter future.
On a sunny day, standing atop Chang'an's city wall, they gazed at the bustling streets below. Sunlight bathed them in a warm, steadfast glow—just as it would forever shine over Tang's land, blessing its people and ensuring endless prosperity.