(E.I. Game) The Hangzhou Confrence

[DGNT]

AS previously stated, the Emperor of China has invited any and all non-Chinese who are interested in economic ties with China to attend a confrence in Hangzhou in which the new terms for trade with China will be established. The Chinese Minister of Trade and several Generals will be present, as China wishes to obtain arms from overseas in order to bolster its somewhat outdated military.
All attendees will be provided for in terms of housing and food, consider the invitation to an all-expenses paid confrence. Of course, delegates must provide their own transport.

[Risban]

A Papal Legate, Count Luis Santori, arrived via boat in China for the conference, bearing gifts from the Holy Father and speaking with the full authority of the Papal States.

[AaronH]

The Kingdom of Lombardy - Illyria sends Baron Stephan Jehemovic, he is vested with the autority to make any and all agreements that may be needed.

[DGNT]

Both officials were welcomed at the mouth of the Grand Canal, from which point they were escorted to the city by a small detachment of the Imperial Guards in full ceremonial armour. Once in the city, they were directed to Dreaming of the Tiger Springs, widely regarded as one of the most scenic places in China.
Several tents and pagodas had been set up in the area, huge affairs which took the labour of a number of villages simply to move from one place to another, many had five or six rooms each, and even the most civilized European would find it difficult to call these massive constructions of silk and fine woods 'barbaric'.
Inside and outside of the tents a veritable horde of servants swarmed, carrying food, drink, letters and various less identifiable objects in a sort of complicated dance which, to the uninitiated, might look something like chaos.
Eventually, they encountered another tent, set slightly apart from the others. They were bowed to several times by various people.
On the tents outer deck, a man on what might be described as a throne rose and bowed to them, and then made a length speech in Chinese. This was, in turn, translated into French by a man at the base of the steps.
"His Excellency the Minister of Trade greets you, honourable delegates of Rome, that is, Italy. He bids you enjoy the sights of the springs for now, until the other delegates arrive. This is one of the most famous places in China, and they encourage outsiders to admire it. The town is nearby as well, and is quite welcoming to Europeans provided they have money. This is, of course, a rough translation. Oh, and it would please his excellency if you would speak to him, I will translate."

[AaronH]

The Lombard delegate stands up and coughs slightly at the mistake made by the Emperor.

"I am honoured to be here most Gracious Emperor, I must say that I with the country of Lombardy - Illyria behind me look forward to a possible trade agreement."

[Risban]

Count Santori smiled inwardly. The idea of Rome preceded itself, even out in China at the end of the world. That is what Santori liked about representing the people of the great city itself; it was an incredibly honorable position. The Italian stepped forward, bowing to the Minister of Trade, looking at the Chinese official but speaking to the Frenchman in Latin.

"His Holiness the Pope extends his thanks to the honorable Minister of Trade for allowing the Holy See attendance at this conference. We realize there have been strains between the Roman Catholic Church and the Empire of China in the past, and hope to work with His Excellency to better relations between the Church, Rome, and China. I look forward to a fruitful relationship with His Excellency."

[DGNT]

The translator laughed at the Lombard's words, "Sir, this is not the Emperor, but I will relay your thanks to him." He turned to the Papal envoy, "And of course your own. My Latin is somewhat rusty, but I beleive I understood the gist of your words."

[Enigma]

OOC: Can I still attend?

[Fatstalin]

French emmisaries operating within the region have been ordered to Hangzhou upon the announcement of such talks by Beijing. At the head of the delegation will be Pierre Marie de St.-Georges who has been granted the powers of supreme negotiator by the Foreign Ministry (under the direction of Napoleon III) in Paris.

It is expected that the delegation will arrive within 5 days.

[DGNT]

(OOC:
Japan can attend, but dont expect a warm welcome. Or rather, expect a VERY polite welcome.)

The French delegates will, of course, be givin the same service as the Italian envoys on arrival. We look forward to their arrival.

[Muse_Of_History]

One of the British Delegates to China will attend.

[Enigma]

The Japanese will send a delegate and two aides to attend this conference in China. Their arrival will be in two days.

[DGNT]

Once the delegates had arrived and were in place in their various tents, the confrence was conviened. Various delegates were fetched from their tents to be escorted to a large open-sided Pagoda, which had several trays of delicatly arranged snacks scattered around its surface area, acompanied by pitchers of water. The spring was clearly visible.
The Minister of Trade was already present, the translator seated at a chair placed slightly behind his masters.
Again, the Minister spoke at some length.
"The Minister bids you welcome to the first talks of the Hangzhou Trade Confrence. He is most eager to hear what the suggestions of the European delegates are regarding the new trade arrangements with China, and the possibility of embassy exchange. Please, enjoy the items on the table, tea will be served shortly."