frightfiction Chapter 520 The Persian Princess Comes with Friendship
Chapter 520 The Persian Princess Comes with Friendship
Yangon Harbor on December 7, 1945. The warm sun shone on the busy dock as the high-speed passenger ferry "Nanyang Pearl," operated by the South China Global Shipping Group, slowly approached the shore, its whistle blasting, announcing the arrival of a distinguished guest.
The dock had already been under martial law, with a brand new red carpet laid out. The newly formed honor guard of the Nanyang Defense Force stood at attention with guns in hand, and the military band played a cheerful and solemn welcome song.
The reporters' spotlights flashed non-stop, capturing this historic moment - the eldest princess of the Kingdom of Persia, Her Royal Highness Ashraf Pahlavi, paid an official state visit to the soon-to-be-established United States of Southeast Asia on behalf of her brother, the current King of Persia, His Majesty Mohammad Pahlavi.
The gangway was lowered, and the Sassanid princess appeared on the side of the ship, supported by two maids wearing traditional Persian embroidered long skirts and veils.
In an instant, even the bustling port seemed to quiet down a little.
She wore a floor-length gown woven from gold, silver, and peacock blue silk. The intricate arabesques on the hem shone mysteriously in the sunlight. A small, delicate platinum crown, studded with sapphires and pearls, echoed in her eyes, as deep as the night sky over the Persian Gulf. Her cascading, jet-black hair flowed over her shoulders, a few strands brushing against her almost translucent white face. Her nose was high, her lips were full, and she exuded a touch of exotic coolness and nobility.
Her beauty, like a goddess walking out of an ancient Persian painting, carried the profound heritage of a thousand years of civilization, instantly conquered the eyes of everyone present.
The Sassanid princess's gaze slowly swept across the port of Yangon.
Modern cranes roar as they load and unload goods. The wide concrete dock is flat and solid. The glass windows on the rows of reinforced concrete buildings in the distance reflect the sunlight. Many cars and trucks loaded with goods are traveling on the road.
All this formed a sharp contrast with her homeland, Persia, which was ancient, mysterious and somewhat decadent.
A subtle flash of shock flashed across her eyes. Was this the miracle that Master Zhang Chi had created in just a few short years amidst the ruins of war?
She felt even more curious and expectant about the legendary figure she was about to meet.
After the grand welcome ceremony, the Sassanid princess got into a luxury car with a streamlined shape, a heavy body, and a shining black metallic luster.
This is the latest bulletproof sedan modified by Nanhua Machinery Industry Group based on the 'Cadillac L'. The window glass is several inches thick, special alloy armor is added to the chassis and key parts of the body, the interior decoration is luxurious and comfortable, and it is even equipped with the most advanced car radio equipment and small refrigerator.
"Is this... produced by your country?" The princess stroked the delicate leather seats in the car, felt the unusually smooth and quiet operation when the vehicle started, and asked the man standing outside the car in surprise.
Chen Wenxuan, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nanyang who was in charge of the reception, smiled proudly:
"We modified it ourselves, Your Highness. However, we updated many of the vehicle's subsystems, all of which were completed by our engineers."
"It can not only withstand conventional bullets, but even attacks from light anti-tank weapons. Your Excellency Zhang Chi hopes that you will feel absolutely safe and comfortable during your visit."
"Then you are already very powerful..." The princess nodded slightly, and her evaluation of Nanyang's industrial capabilities was further improved.
At this time in Persia, the reformists and conservatives were still arguing, while Nanyang had already begun to try to enter the jewel of the manufacturing industry - automobile production.
The princess had to admit that her brother was right. This emerging force did have remarkable potential.
Under strict escort, the convoy drove towards the most luxurious "Emerald Palace" state guesthouse in Yangon.
The princess's visit will last for several weeks. She will visit industrial areas, scientific research institutions, and newly built military academies in Nanyang, and attend the upcoming founding ceremony of the Nanyang Republic as one of the most important foreign guests.
The core purpose of her trip was to represent her brother and discuss in-depth cooperation between the two sides in the new era with Zhang Chi, the future leader of the Nanyang Kingdom.
Persia's bargaining chip was the staggering reserves of oil, known as "black gold," flowing beneath that ancient land. And Southeast Asia offered Persia the long-cherished path to true modernization, freeing itself from the constraints of its arch-enemy, the United States, and its powerful northern neighbor, Russia.
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A day later, in the state guest reception room.
The atmosphere was solemn yet friendly.
Zhang Chi was wearing a marshal's uniform, the gold thread on the clothes was shining brightly. Now he had an upright posture and a calm demeanor of someone who had been in a high position for a long time.
The Sassanid princess changed into a more dignified royal blue court dress and wore a peacock feather brooch, a symbol of the Persian royal family. She was still beautiful, but there was a bit more solemnity of a politician between her brows.
Representatives from both sides sat on either side of the long table. After a brief exchange of greetings, they entered into the solemn exchange of state gifts.
The Sassanid princess presented the gifts on behalf of the Persian king. The attendants carefully carried up several ebony gift boxes inlaid with gemstones.
The first gift presented by the Persian maids was a golden scimitar decorated with huge rubies and ancient cuneiform inscriptions.
The princess spoke softly, looking at Zhang Chi, and said, "This is a replica of the sword worn by Darius I of the Achaemenid Dynasty. It symbolizes the bravery and protection of the Persian royal family. I present it to the future Grand Commander of the United States of Nanyang. May your military fortune flourish and may you protect the peace of your country."
Zhang Chi took the scimitar with a smile: "Thank you for your gift, I will keep it well."
Next is a huge tapestry of a Persian court hunting scene woven with gold and silver threads, with brilliant colors and the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
"This tapestry was woven by one hundred top craftsmen in Isfahan over a period of three years. It carries the essence of Persian art that has lasted for thousands of years. May the friendship between our two countries be as splendid and enduring as this tapestry."
Next came a large, elaborate wire cage.
There were no birds in the cage, but two purebred Persian cats with snow-white fur, one blue and one yellow (heterochromia), and lazy and noble postures.
They lay on the velvet cushions, purring softly.
"These are the royal family's most cherished pets, symbolizing purity and elegance. May they bring good fortune and joy to Your Excellency."
There was genuine affection in the princess' eyes as she introduced him.
Zhang Chi’s eyes lit up. Cats are great. Who doesn’t like cats?
The final gift was a smaller, exquisite cage covered in sawdust.
Inside were a few furry, round, golden little hamsters, holding melon seeds in their front paws and looking at their new environment curiously.
The princess smiled and added, "These are 'golden rats' from the deserts around Damascus. They are gentle and affectionate, and are very popular pets among European royal families and aristocrats. I hope they can also bring a bit of fun and relaxation to the South Seas."