BDSMST -Chapter 198 The First “Harvest Festival of All Nations”

Autumn in Woniu Village brought clear skies and gentle clouds, with the air filled with the sweet aroma of grains and fruits, lingering after drying in the sun. In previous years, the harvest celebration at this time had already been a major event for the surrounding villages, but this year’s festival carried an entirely different atmosphere.

Before dawn had fully broken, the sounds of carts and carriages along the main roads leading to the port and the village were continuous. Voices speaking in many accents blended into a warm, lively current that infused the morning mist with life. The main festival venue was the newly completed square at the port. Its ground was paved with enormous blue stone slabs—flat and spacious enough to accommodate several thousand people.

On one side of the square, the tall doors of the granary stood open, revealing mountains of this year’s freshly harvested corn and potatoes, their golden and brown hues intertwining to create a scene of abundance and stability.

“Xuan’er, watch over your little brother and sister—don’t let them wander off,” Jiang Suishui said, fixing the small braids on her daughter’s head. The little girl, adorable and delicate, with eyes resembling Gu Yan’s, was curiously scanning the crowd around her.

“Don’t worry, Mother.” Gu Xuan, now a tall and steady young boy, stood firmly by Jiang Suishui’s side, holding his younger brother’s hand with one hand and his sister’s with the other. “I’ve asked Uncle Li Er to station guards nearby. Nothing will happen.”

Just as he finished speaking, a foreigner with a prominent nose, deep-set eyes, and a head of curly, flaxen hair approached, led by Steward Wang. He wore a tailored dark-blue velvet outfit. Upon seeing Jiang Suishui, he pressed his hand to his chest in a formal gesture from his homeland, speaking Da Xia’s official language with a slightly stiff accent.

“Respected Protector Lady, Carlos sends you his sincerest greetings. May the glory of the gods forever shine upon you and this fertile land.”

This was one of the envoys who had visited with the trade fleet years ago. He was now the main liaison for trade between Da Xia and foreign nations.

“Welcome, Mr. Carlos,” Jiang Suishui nodded in return. “Today is just a simple festival. There’s no need for such formality. Please feel free to walk around, observe, and sample our food.”

“Madam, you are too modest,” Carlos replied, his blue eyes full of sincere admiration. “On my journey here, I saw fields of these wondrous crops—corn and potatoes. Every farmer I passed had a face full of peace and satisfaction I have never seen before. Madam, what you have done is no ordinary achievement—you are feeding an entire nation.”

He looked around the square. Alongside merchants from across Da Xia were traders from overseas, some monks in robes from the Western Regions, and a few rugged men with swords at their waists, emanating a formidable aura. Some wandered in groups, some alone, sampling food from stalls, yet all coexisted harmoniously in this space.

“This is the theme of today’s festival,” Jiang Suishui said calmly, observing the scene. “The land knows no borders, and the joy of harvest should be shared by all.”

At that moment, a small commotion arose in the crowd. A few strong men carried a massive iron pot filled with potatoes frying in beef tallow, the aroma sweeping across half the square. The cook was Zhang Dabo, the first person to taste potatoes years ago. He now held the honorary position of instructor at Woniu Village Agricultural Academy, teaching new crop cultivation techniques.

“Come and try! Come and try!” Zhang Dabo’s voice boomed as he tapped the pot’s rim with a large ladle. “Freshly fried potatoes! Free for all, take as much as you want!”

The crowd surged forward. A blond-haired, blue-eyed merchant pushed curiously to the front and, using his limited vocabulary and gestures, asked, “This… potato? What is it?”

Zhang Dabo didn’t understand him, but it didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. He scooped a large bowlful and handed it to the merchant, then pointed to the nearby spice jars, indicating he could season it himself. The merchant, skeptical but curious, skewered a piece with a bamboo stick, dipped it in salt and spices, and took a bite.

The next moment, his eyes went wide. The exterior was crispy and fragrant, the inside soft and piping hot. The rich aroma of beef tallow blended perfectly with the natural sweetness of the potato, and that pure, filling, gut-satisfying happiness instantly conquered his taste buds.

“Delicious! Delicious!” he shouted incoherently, paying no attention to manners, eating with large, eager bites.

His reaction became the best advertisement. People around him, regardless of where they came from, eagerly joined in. Even those who did not speak the same language could communicate directly through the taste of the food and the satisfied expressions on their faces.

Elsewhere, Bai Ling’er stood with several Ministry of Works officials from the capital, in front of a newly launched ship model.

“Director Zhang, look here,” Bai Ling’er said, pointing to a delicate linkage on the model. “This is Young Master Xuan’s new idea. He connected the sail’s steering with the rudder via gears. Our tests show that when sailing against the wind, turning efficiency can improve by at least thirty percent.”

The old official adjusted his glasses, leaning in to examine the model carefully, clicking his tongue in admiration. “A genius, truly a genius. Such small gears, yet so ingenious. Under Madam Gu’s leadership, this land really produces exceptional talent.”

Gu Xuan, receiving the praise, showed little expression, but added seriously, “This system is still in the testing phase. The gears wear out quickly, and materials science is key. Ling’er and I have discussed it—we might try forging the core components with tempered steel.”

Watching these two young people converse—one strategic, one quick-witted—the Ministry officials couldn’t help but feel awe. The future of Da Xia, they realized, rested in the hands of these youths.

The festival’s climax came at sunset. A massive bonfire was lit in the center of the square, flames shooting high and illuminating everyone’s faces in a warm glow. Musicians from different countries played their instruments: the lilting Huqin, the booming drums, and a clear, unfamiliar stringed instrument intertwined into an unprecedented ensemble.

People held hands, dancing around the fire. Their skin tones and clothing varied, their steps were uncoordinated, yet there was a sincere joy radiating from everyone.

Jiang Suishui held her slightly sleepy daughter as she and Gu Yan watched from a slightly distant viewing platform. The youngest of the dragon-and-phoenix twins rode atop Gu Yan’s shoulders, clapping his hands excitedly and babbling happily.

Carlos approached, carrying two cups of strong corn liquor, handing one to Gu Yan. “General, Madam,” he said, raising the clay cup. The flickering flames reflected in his bright blue eyes. “In my country, I have never seen such a sight. Here, I see no conquerors or conquered, only sharing and mutual prosperity. To this miraculous land, and to the great Protector Lady, I toast!”

Gu Yan accepted the cup, lightly clinking it with Carlos’s, producing a crisp sound, and downed the fiery liquor in one gulp.

Carlos then turned to Jiang Suishui, his voice filled with near-reverent respect. “Madam, allow me, on behalf of all foreigners here, to name today’s celebration the ‘Harvest Festival of All Nations.’ May it become a tradition, held here every year, spreading the seeds of peace and prosperity to every corner of the world.”

After speaking, he bowed deeply to Jiang Suishui. Those foreign merchants and envoys who understood his words followed suit, performing the most solemn gestures of their own countries toward the viewing platform.

The bonfire roared, casting long shadows across the square, marking the first festival that truly celebrated unity, abundance, and goodwill across nations.