"What? Go by sea? Let me go back by sea?"
When he said this, Zheshanjun's face was extremely pale, not to mention blood color, even his soul was almost lost. Not only him, but also the Minister of Rites who was accompanying him was also terrified, and he almost knelt down to beg Zhang Shou to help him intercede. After receiving Zhang Shou's affirmative answer, Zheshanjun finally couldn't help but his legs softened, and he staggered forward.
Fortunately, Zhang Shou was quick to support the frail future King of Goryeo, preventing him from falling headfirst to the ground. When he saw the Minister of Rites shaking like a sieve, he cleared his throat and said earnestly, "Of course, the court will send someone to escort you back, and you will also be accompanied by many sons of meritorious officials and nobles."
This time, Zheshan Jun's face finally regained a little color, and the Minister of Rites, who had just been so shocked that he forgot to show his courtesy to the future king, finally woke up. He forced a smile and asked cautiously, "Master Zhang, may I ask what's going on?"
"Your envoys from Goryeo come to the Ming Dynasty every year. In contrast, the Ming Dynasty usually only sends people to Goryeo for important events such as enthronement. As a result, most people in the court can't clearly explain what the situation in Goryeo is, let alone the younger generation. Therefore, the emperor plans to select a group of children of meritorious officials and nobles and let them go to Goryeo to take a good look."
Hearing this, the Minister of Rites finally breathed a sigh of relief. Although Zheshan Jun was young, he was thinking more than the senior official next to him. Therefore, after thanking Zhang Shou for his support with a terrified look on his face, he whispered, "Teacher, what did the Heavenly Dynasty intend to see by sending these sons of meritorious officials and nobles?"
"Look at the people's livelihood, the customs, the official system, and mainly to temper their arrogance." Zhang Shou didn't care whether there was such a thing as arrogance these days. He smiled and asked, "Why? Is there something shameful in Goryeo that can't be shown to these young masters?"
"Absolutely not!" This time, it was the Minister of Rites who took over the conversation, swearing. Although he was annoyed at the poor way of speaking, he dared not show it on his face, so he could only smile at Zhang Shou and said, "It is an honor for the Celestial Empire to send some noble children to visit our country. However, our country is not as rich as the Celestial Empire, so I am afraid they will be disappointed."
"Looking at other countries' kingdoms and people, and comparing them with the Ming Dynasty's kingdom and people, they can have a deeper understanding of this world. Of course, if you think that the Ming Dynasty is taking this opportunity to find out about your Goryeo, you can also write a letter to the emperor to express your objection. Anyway, everyone's name will be listed at that time, and you can see it clearly."
Zheshan Jun's face suddenly changed, and the Minister of Rites quickly explained: "I dare not think so, Mr. Zhang, please don't misunderstand! Our country has been a vassal of the Ming Dynasty for many years, and we have always been respectful and polite. The envoys of the Celestial Empire have been coming and going constantly. There are no secrets in the country that cannot be shown to others! However, our dynasty is not rich after all. If we are not able to entertain you well..."
He paused for a moment, and seeing that Zhang Shou didn't seem to understand what he meant, he gritted his teeth and said more clearly: "For someone like the eldest son of the Qin State Duke who can't tolerate any sand in his eyes, I'm afraid it will be inconvenient."