Lina knew very little about pearls and had no idea whether cultured pearls had already appeared in the Tang Dynasty. Nevertheless, the pearls in the box were clearly of exceptional quality. They were almost identical in size, round and full, with a delicate white sheen that reflected a soft, beautiful halo against the red brocade lining. Even without knowing their exact value, she could appreciate their beauty.
"These pearls are beautiful. I like them very much. Thank you."
Lina's delighted response immediately put the interpreter and the merchants at ease. They had been worried that the queen might not recognise the value of their gift, but seeing how pleased she was, they finally relaxed.
Since she could not let her fellow countrymen from the East look down on her, Lina rang the bell to summon the attendant waiting outside. "Ask Celia to bring me the blue box from my jewellery collection."
