The weather was still very hot at the end of July, so the ceremony at Tower Bridge was destined to be miserable. More distinguished guests from European countries and members of the royal family chose to wait here for the Eastern envoys.
Only Benjamin's cabinet members couldn't be lazy and stayed at the pier for half a day. Even though the weather was not very hot today, they were still a little dizzy from the sun.
After everyone walked into the cathedral, the coolness that hit their faces made people feel extremely refreshed. Especially for Zai Chun, this was his first time walking into a typical European cathedral. Everything inside was deeply attracted. Looking at him.
There are high domes, stained glass windows with religious paintings, sculptures everywhere, colorful stones on the ground to create a mirror-like patterned floor, and a huge cross hanging in front.
There was also a pipe organ, countless flowers and candlesticks, and all the benches in the hall were filled with guests. When these people saw the Eastern envoys entering, they all stood up and applauded the Eastern distinguished guests.
Under the eager gazes of everyone, Zai Chun walked proudly at the front, walking like a dragon and walking like a tiger, full of domineering strength.
The church is God's territory, and secular emperors must bow their heads. After Zai Chun and Xiao Letian were ready in the first row, the British bishop first blessed this unprecedented diplomatic event on behalf of God.
Although the words you say are all useless clichés, in this situation you still have to pretend to be very focused and in agreement.
The bishop wasted some time in speaking, and then the choir began to sing hymns to welcome the guests from afar. Xiao Letian pretended to listen attentively while putting his pocket watch in his palm and secretly watching the time.
"It is indeed a conspiracy. Benjamin is stalling for time. He is desperately trying to extend the time for Zai Chun's appearance and the time for their activities in the UK, and then deliberately marginalizes me..."
"Haha, is this all you have? You're really afraid that I'll gain reputation again! Okay, okay, let's see what other tricks you can come up with..."
Sure enough, just as Messiah was about to end, Jin Sanshun suddenly came over, bent down and said in Xiao Letian's ear, "Just now, a message came from the British contact person, saying that due to time constraints, for the sake of the queen's body, For health reasons, prepare to go to Buckingham Palace soon..."
"I'm afraid your speech will have to be postponed until the afternoon... What should I do?"
"What else can I do? The queen's health has been cited as the reason. What else can I do? Promise them..."
"But……"
"Nothing but, carry out the order!"
Jin Sanshun turned around helplessly, and Xiao Letian glanced at Benjamin from the corner of his eye, only to realize that the Prime Minister was also sizing him up just now.
"Old guy, you are so disgusting! Knowing that the citizens can only be patient for half a day, they will definitely disperse and go home for dinner at noon... In the afternoon, I am afraid that even these distinguished guests will be tired and sleepy by then. Who has the energy to listen to my nagging?”
"How can a dignified Prime Minister of the British Empire be so mean and dishonest? Okay, okay, I want to see how arrogant you can be..."
While Xiao Letian was secretly gritting his teeth and competing, Zai Chun next to him did not have the slightest consciousness. At this moment, he was completely immersed in the unique rhythm of the Western-style chorus and could not extricate himself.
The hymn at this moment is the most famous song "Hallelujah Cantata" in the most famous music "Messiah" by German musician Handel. St. Paul's Church organized a 12o choir to sing with the accompaniment of the band. a hymn to God.
Classics have eternal magic. Western music itself pays great attention to order, balance, and surging appeal. It is different from the indifferent and tranquil music style pursued by ancient Chinese literati.
Western music directly touches human beings and directly stimulates your adrenaline and heartbeat! When the rhythm of the male and female chorus collided with the echo of the dome, Zai Chun was completely shocked at that moment.
Aura, this is the powerful aura of religious songs. As the most popular Christian classic, it naturally has a soul-stirring magic power.
Emperor Tongzhi was completely absorbed in it and didn't even notice the little movements and whispers of the master next to him. His ears were filled with the shocking singing.
When the hymn finally ended, Zai Chun was the first to stand up, clapped his hands vigorously, and his eyes even filled with tears of excitement.
"It is shocking and can be described as the sound of nature!"
Even the emperor of the Qing Dynasty gave him such face, let alone the Europeans present. At this moment, everyone was extremely proud. Seeing their culture recognized by the Eastern Emperor was really a great honor.
Everyone stands up, and the applause is dedicated to the choir, to the Archbishop, and to God!
"Dear Your Majesty, I am very honored that you like this piece. This is our hymn dedicated to God. This is the most devout believer's endless praise to God!"
"Europe, it is with the blessing of God that it has achieved today's glory! Believe me, long live my dear! If you can open your country and let God's glory shine more in the east, I think the rejuvenation of your empire is not a dream at all. , but the fact!”
Prince Edward spared no effort and began to preach to the little emperor. Xiao Letian next to him looked at it and smiled to himself, "Haha, if Zai Chun dares to convert to God, I'm afraid there will be a civil war in the Qing Dynasty..."
"Forget it, what I want is civil war between the Manchus anyway. I'm just a spectator and I'm not afraid of big trouble, so I can just let Zai Chun do whatever he wants..."
After the welcoming ceremony of the church, there were intermittent meetings between the envoys and the distinguished guests from various European countries. These envoys from European countries walked out of their seats one after another, lined up and walked past Zaichun and the envoys one by one, shaking hands with each other. The hands are considered to have met.
When the meeting is over, the members of the envoys will change into the royal golden carriage and begin to march to Buckingham Palace. It is already eleven o'clock, and I am afraid that the moment they arrive at Buckingham Palace is the time for the luncheon to start.
But unexpectedly, a big episode happened here.
As the host, Britain was naturally not in the handshake group. They had just shaken hands. At this moment, Prince Edward and Prime Minister Benjamin were standing behind Zai Chun, giving a brief introduction to Emperor Tongzhi with the help of an interpreter.
"This is Lord Garter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands... This is Jason, the special envoy of the Kingdom of Sweden... This is Rembrandt, the Danish ambassador... And this is the Earl of Portugal..."
There was no clear ranking. The envoys from various countries walked in front of Emperor Tongzhi one by one in the order of their seats. The little emperor didn't even need to retract his hands. He just stretched out his hands to the different representatives of various countries who were watching the ceremony and held him politely. hands, head lowered.
Even if you don’t give face to the Qing Dynasty, you still have to give face to Britain! Everyone can see clearly today that Britain wants to occupy the honor of the first monarch-level diplomacy between the East and the West. Anyone who dares to disrupt it today is an enemy of Britain.
The compliments came to his face like a wave. Zai Chunming knew that these were all useless diplomatic words, and he couldn't help but turn a little red.
