State banquet joke

In order to entertain the British mission, Qianlong spent a lot of money to make the mission feel our sincere welcome and prosperity.

In order to pay for the reception of the British Mission, the officials were ordered to withdraw 5,000 taels of silver (about 1 10,000 RMB, or 1.600 pounds of sterling silver) from the banks in the provinces where the Mission passed every day, which was a huge sum.

When the British mission just set out, Gan Long ordered the officials to prepare for this grand reception. In the eyes of the Qing Dynasty at that time, receiving foreign missions coming to China for the first time was an important "political task" to spread Chinese culture to the world and publicize the great achievements of China's governance, which should be taken seriously.

Then this measure must be counted as a political account, not just an economic account. Before and after Qianlong, he repeatedly issued detailed orders, ordering officials to take this reception task seriously. In addition, he personally arranged the reception for the foreign guests.

Shortly after the departure of the British Mission, Qianlong ordered the military to draw up a detailed grand reception plan, including attending the court, giving gifts, banquets, watching plays, sightseeing and other activities, which were meticulous. In order to better receive the British mission, Qianlong specially appointed Chang Lu Yanrui as an imperial envoy to take charge of the reception and ensure that the British mission felt the strong cultural atmosphere and sincere hospitality of the Qing Dynasty. To this end, he was specially awarded a knighthood and a flower feather.

According to the statistics of later historians, the British Mission brought back 130 kinds of gifts and more than 3,000 pieces. The number, frequency and variety are unprecedented. The king is always willing to show his generosity. The dignity of our big country cannot be lost, and culture must be spread.

The purpose of this banquet should be grand and warm, take care of the food, clothing, housing and transportation of foreign friends and ensure that they are in a happy mood; Second, take this opportunity to fully demonstrate the wealth and strength of China.