Chapter 557 The Southwest Home of Loyalty and Filial Piety

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The next day, Zhao Xu continued to receive envoys from various countries in the Zichen Palace.

First, envoys from the Kingdom of Khotan entered the dynasty.

There is nothing much to say about this. It is basically a mission from the Black Khan Dynasty in the name of envoy from Khotan.

Sometimes there were even Uighur merchants pretending to be people from Khotan and coming to Bianjing to steal food and drink.

The Song Dynasty court actually knew this well, but pretended that they were Khotanese.

They kept losing money and making money, but these cunning guys caught the sheep of the Song Dynasty and killed it.

In the tenth year of Xining's reign, a delegation from Khotan came to the DPRK and brought more than 30,000 kilograms of frankincense to Beijing at one time. Are you here to pay tribute or to do business?

Therefore, Zhao Xu's father issued an edict: From now on, all tributes from the Khotan Kingdom will be paid to the king, and no more than fifty people will be allowed to go to the palace with the king's appearance and other things. Donkeys and horses are allowed to do so.

Qinzhou was stationed in Qinzhou and sent people to be in charge of sales and buying.

You come here to eat and drink, at least stamp it with the golden seal given by the Tang Dynasty in Khotan, and give us a thought.

Since then, the Khotanese tribute envoys have become more regular, coming only once every five years, although they still come to eat, drink and do business.

But at the very least, they will bring out the certificate of credence stamped with the gold seal given by the Tang Dynasty.

In the first month of this year, Khotan had already entered the imperial court.

According to general rules, the next time they enter the court will be in the fifth year of Yuanyou.

However, due to the recent heavy movements on the Xihe side, and the addition of Xiba Wen, Wen Xi's heart turned to the Song Dynasty, making the trade route safer.

Therefore, the Black Khan people came here to buy goods again, and took a look at the situation in the east.

Zhao Xu has no idea about Khotan for the time being - it's too far away.

Therefore, just sitting and accepting the envoy's courtesy is enough.

After Khotan, they were the tribute envoys of the five Tibetan surnames in the southwest.

The so-called five surnames are Fan, Long, Luo, Zhang, Shi, Fang and other chieftains.

They were all canonized by the Song Dynasty and had official titles.

The area under its control was probably in modern Guizhou Province, and the Song Dynasty only had a claim to these people.

but……

Zhao Xu thought of Tian Shiru when the envoys of the fifth surnamed Fan entered the hall and knelt down.

"But we have to set up the Tian family sign!"

Although Zhao Ji, that bastard, is ridiculous, there is one thing he did right!

During his reign, the Sizhou Tian family was specially supported, won over, and set up as a model.

Tian's chieftain became the most loyal chieftain among the Zhao officials - one of them.

The Tian chieftain was even the last armed force to resist on land in the Southern Song Dynasty.

As a result, it actually showed its own united front value. After the demise of the Southern Song Dynasty, the chieftain of the Tian family was demoted to the Yuan Dynasty and was granted the title of Xuanfu envoy of Sizhou by the Yuan Dynasty. The territory more than doubled.

The historical value of Tian's toast doesn't stop there.

They were the first chieftain family to establish an academy in Qianzhou - Luantang Academy.

At the same time, the first local illustrated chronicle in Guizhou Province, the "Sizhou Illustrated Book", was also edited by Chieftain Tian.

It is no exaggeration to say that later the Ming Dynasty's rule was able to penetrate deep into the mountainous areas of Guizhou and Chongqing, and the pioneering and demonstration influence of the Tian clan chieftains played an important role.

So, Zhao Xu thought about the reward for Tian Shiru in his heart.

In addition to the originally set rewards - Tian Shiru was promoted to the imperial city envoy to lead the governor of Rongzhou, was granted the title of Sizhou at the founding of the country, was transferred to the Zuo Guard Army by honor, and was informed about Sizhou's army and state affairs.

Zhao Xu also planned to give him a favor by appointing one of Tian's children in Taixue, Martial Arts, and Arithmetic Studies to enhance the cultural level of Tian's chieftain.

If possible in the future, we can even select a few girls of the right age from the Tian clan to enter the capital, or enter the palace as beauties, or match them to the clan.

Marriage has always been the best united front strategy for feudal dynasties.

It's just that I might have to work a little harder.

As I was thinking randomly in my mind, the tribute envoys of the five surnamed Fans had already retreated.

"Foreign Minister Dali has sent his envoy Taiming to pay homage to His Majesty the Emperor of the Song Dynasty and wish His Majesty the best of health!"

A man in his thirties, wearing a scarf and white silk satin, was led to the temple by an official from the Ministry of Etiquette. He bowed respectfully and bowed his hands. His rhyme had a strong southwest accent, but he could still hear it.

Understand.

After hearing this, Zhao Xu suddenly raised his head and picked up the credentials sent from the Tongwen Library on the desk.

Look directly at the title and name of the envoy who came this time.

The emperor of Dali was Shuang (approximately equal to the Minister of the Ministry of War), Shan Chanhou, and the envoy Gao Taiming.

Zhao Xu's eyes narrowed.

"Gao Taiming?"

"A Gao family member?"

This is interesting!

Zhao Xu has not specifically studied the Dali Kingdom in modern times. He only knows roughly that the current structure of Dali is roughly similar to the later Japanese shogunate era.

The so-called king is just a puppet. If the Gao family is unhappy, they can order him to become a monk at any time and replace him with someone else.

It is the Gao family who is really telling the story!

The hometown of the Gao family was probably in Kunming City, Yunnan Province.

What should Kunming be called now?

Zhao Xu thought about it - Shanchan!

So, is this the real story of Dali Kingdom?

Zhao Xu then became serious.

When he first woke up in modern times, he had a roommate from Kunming.

Zhao Xu remembered that when his roommate was bragging to him, he said that Kunming has been the spiritual capital of Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and other places since ancient times.

Many wealthy people from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, even in modern times, are keen to send their children to Kunming to study.

The ancient name of Kunming was Shanchan, which was popularized by my roommate.

Zhao Xu then showed what he thought was a friendly smile and asked for the first time today: "Gao Qing, is your lord okay?"

Gao Taiming, who was in the palace, showed a slightly embarrassed expression. After a long time, he bowed weakly: "I would like to inform His Majesty, the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, that the foreign minister and the king are always well."

Very good indeed!

So good that the father and son planned to let him become a monk and go to the temple to chant sutras and pray for the people of Dali.

Therefore, he came to Bianjing specifically to check the wind direction.

The main reason is that the Song Dynasty's southern expedition was too fierce and went too smoothly.

According to the reports of many merchants who traded with the Song Dynasty, the Song army wiped out the northern part of Jiaozhi without any effort.

Even a Jingguan was erected!

Of course, the Gao family was a little panicked, so they sent him over to take a look and find out the news.

There was no other way, so he and his father abolished the lunatic Emperor Shangming, forced him to become a monk, and established the current puppet Duan Zhengming.

It seems that everything in Dali is developing for the better.

But the problem is that after a period of crazy manipulation by Emperor Shangming.

The Gao family's mentality was a bit broken.

Especially Gao Taiming and his father, they really couldn't stand it.

The father and son believed that they were 'loyal' enough to the Duan family.

At that time, Yang Yizhen staged a coup and killed the monarch.

It was their father and son who sent troops to kill the rebels on behalf of the Duan family and restore the country.

However, Emperor Shangming, who had supported him, was always suspicious in the palace, always feeling that the Gao family wanted to harm him.

So he secretly contacted the powerful factions from other places and the domestic nobles, hoping to call the princes from outside the town to enter Yangjume City (the capital of Dali, approximately the area around the ancient city of Dali today).

Encountering such a lunatic, Gao was paralyzed.

Gao Taiming and his father Gao Shengtai have been thinking about it for the past two years - or else, they might as well replace it with the Duan family!

The Duan family in the province is mentally ill again!

So, I have been actively planning and preparing.

But the problem is that the powerful factions in other places think that the Duan family is good for the country. Why should the Gao family replace them?

If the Gao family takes over in the future and these people collude with Song Ting and attack the Gao family together, it will not be fun.

Gao Taiming had read books about Zhongyuan.

He knew very well that once the emperor of the Central Plains knew about what his family had done, he would definitely be furious - using his ministers to usurp the emperor, the subordinates would be forced to do so.

This is the best reason and excuse to send troops.

It is said that the Song Army's southern expedition only mobilized 5,000 people to go south.

With just such a small number of soldiers and horses, they swept through the entire north of Jiaozhi, beheaded tens of thousands, took no prisoners, and expanded thousands of miles of territory, until Jiaozhi begged for peace.

When the news came back to Shanchan, Gao Taiming was frightened - what kind of heavenly soldiers and generals are these?

If it had happened in the past, Dali might still have relied on natural dangers to block the Song army.

But now that their father and son have deposed Emperor Ming and established Duan Zhengming, many powerful factions, especially the families on the northern border, have estranged themselves from the Gao family.

If they collude with Song Ting and use the banner of "supporting the Duan family and returning power to the king".

The Gao family may perish under internal and external pressure.

Therefore, this mission is extremely important to the Gao family.

Song Ting in the north is the only giant that can interfere and affect the great cause of Gao's generation.

Moreover, after watching the entire process of the Song Army's southern expedition, Gao Taiming and his son knew clearly in their hearts.

If the Song Dynasty interferes, it won't even need to send many troops.

With only a few thousand elite soldiers and contacting the nobles in the country, we can replicate what they did in northern Cochin.

The incident in Jiaozhi shocked the Gao family not only in terms of force.

There is also the aspect of soft power.

After Song Ting was defeated, he actually didn't care!

Directly make them local officials on the spot and make them hereditary!

Not only are these people allowed to serve as emperors for five years (vassals under the tribute system), paying tribute by local officials is actually a very profitable act. China rewards, often several times the tribute, and members of the mission can also be exempted from taxes.

Sell ​​the goods you brought and purchase Song Dynasty goods tax-free.)

These native officials were also given preferential policies.

Not only did it allow local officials to enter Guangxi for trade without hindrance, it also exempted and exempted all commercial taxes on goods entering and exiting the northern part of the state.

This has great appeal to local officials and wealthy families from all over the southwest.

The powerful factions in Dali Kingdom have seen all this and have been observing silently.

Therefore, Mr. Gao is really afraid.

They are afraid that the fate of Jiaozhi will happen again to them.

Therefore, Gao Taiming and his son not only suspended the plan of generation in China.

Gao Taiming even took the risk to come to the DPRK in person!

How did Zhao Xu know this?

He has not specifically studied the history and changes of Dali Kingdom.

How would you know that now is the most critical historical period in the history of Dali?

Therefore, although he was condescending and saw the fleeting embarrassment on Gao Taiming's face, he didn't think much about it and continued to play his role as an emperor who "cares about the well-being of the people of Dali."

He then said, "That's all right. Please convey my regards to King Dali after Gao Qing returns home."

"Dali helped the Song Dynasty kill Nong Ni Zhigao. The Song Dynasty has always remembered it."

"This time, Wang's army marched south, and Dali even sold horses to our court, which helped Wang's army a lot..."

Gao Taiming's hands and feet felt a little cold after hearing this.

He has been in court for some time.

Relying on his ability, he has already found out clearly the current situation and structure of Song Ting.

The old emperor died last year, and a ten-year-old little emperor came to the throne.

Logically speaking, if the young master is in charge of the country and the mother is in charge, the young emperor should not have any power.

But the little emperor Song Ting was an exception.

Although he is only ten years old, he has already won widespread support and support throughout the country.

It is said that "Although he is still young, he has the quality of an ancient sage king", "his holy and clear judgment is quite similar to that of a king; he is generous and benevolent, and has the virtue of a benevolent ancestor; and he has filial piety and love for the two palaces, which is the legacy of the previous king."

All in all, it’s great!

It is said that the southern expedition to Jiaozhi was a decision he made arbitrarily and against all opinions.

At the same time, the generals of the Southern Expedition were also selected from their close ministers and confidants.

Even the post-war aftermath and appeasement policies were basically the work of this little emperor.

At first, Gao Taiming was doubtful, but now when he arrived at the palace, he saw the little emperor sitting in the palace, as if he was a born emperor, talking to him confidently and calmly, while the ministers in the palace all looked like they were used to seeing him.

.

Obviously, this is not the first day he has done this.

"Could it be that he is a genius?"

"With the blessing and enlightenment of Buddha?"

Under the leadership of Duan, Dali worshiped Buddhism extremely.

When encountering something that is difficult to explain, you will naturally blame it on the Buddha.

Gao Taiming was suddenly sweating profusely.

Because, if that were the case, what the little emperor said would be too extraordinary.

First of all, he mentioned the incident when Xingzong (Duan Lianping) beheaded Nong Zhigao who fled to Dali for refuge after his defeat, and said that Song Ting still remembers this incident.

But the problem is that the descendants of Xingzong were played to death in the hands of the Gao family.

First, Duan Lianyi, the son of Xingzong, was executed by the Gao family with the help of the Yang family.

Then, the Gao family deposed Duan Lianyi's nephew Duan Shouhui, Emperor Ming, and replaced him with the current puppet Duan Zhengming.

So, what does this little emperor of the Song Dynasty, who is suspected to be blessed by Buddha, mean?

What does he know?

Is he making threats? Is he threatening? Or is he trying to stand up for the Duan family?

Gao Taiming didn't know, but he was scared.

The thing about selling the horse that the other party was grateful for made Gao Taiming even more sweaty.

Because the horse selling was done by the powerful local factions behind the Gao family's back.

Those guys openly sold horses for money, tea and silk, without even notifying the Gao family.

Gao knew these things through merchants who went to Guangxi to trade.

This made Gao Taiming even more panicked.

Because those guys were willing to sell thousands of Yunnan horses to the Song people.

Then wouldn't they be able to tell Song Ting about the situation in Dali?

even……

Go to the Song court, replace the Duan family, and learn from Shen Baoxu in the Spring and Autumn Period. A loyal minister cried to the court to borrow troops?

Thinking this way, Gao Taiming trembled a little.

He had a vague feeling that the little emperor in the palace, who always had a charming smile, might already know something.

There was no other way, so Gao Taiming could only bite the bullet, cautiously and tentatively said: "Your Majesty Miao Zan, this is what I should do."

Zhao Xu looked at Gao Taiming in the palace, subconsciously rubbed his hands, and then showed what he thought was a kind smile, but what he said couldn't help but contain a little excitement that he didn't even notice: "Dali

Even though you live in one place, you can still know how to be loyal and filial. This shows that the way of a saint can be applied everywhere!"

"Especially Gao Qing!"

"I have heard that the Gao family of Dali, who served as King of Dali, has been loyal from generation to generation. He can be said to be a model of loyal ministers and filial sons in the south of the world!"

Gao Taiming listened to Zhao Xu's words, especially the excitement that could not be suppressed but was forcibly suppressed in his voice, and he felt like he was struck by lightning!

Because Gao Taiming is familiar with this kind of excitement.

Back then, when news about the Yang family's murder of Duan Lianyi reached Shan Chan, he was like this.

I wanted to laugh, jump, and dance, but I had to suppress it and even shed tears.

so……

Gao Taiming's heart couldn't help but scream!

he knows!

He knows it all!

The little emperor knows it all!

Gao Taiming couldn't help but think of Duan Lianyi who was killed by the Yang family, the insane Ming Emperor Duan Shouhui, and the puppet Duan Zhengming who trembled when he saw him.

So, he hurriedly knelt down and worshiped: "Your Majesty, Miao Zan, I am ashamed to be worthy of you!"

"I dare not hide it from Your Majesty. When my grandfather was alive, he often taught me and other descendants..."

"Although the Gao family lives in Dali, we must not forget the grace of the Emperor of the Song Dynasty. We should also follow the teachings of poetry, etiquette and music..."

"So in the ninth year of Xining in the Song Dynasty, I persuaded the late king to join the emperor!"

"Today, my father ascended the throne because he took my grandfather's teachings into account, persuaded the king of the country, and sent his ministers to pay homage to His Majesty..."

After Gao Taiming finished speaking, he looked eagerly at the little emperor sitting in the palace.

He knew in his heart that if the little emperor knew about the Gao family and the current situation in Dali, he would definitely be able to understand his subtext.

His Majesty……

As long as you don't attack our Gao family, then our Gao family can do what the Duan family can do.

What the Duan family cannot do, our Gao family can do even better!

For example, paying tribute!

Look - it has been so long since Duan's founding of the country, when has he ever thought of you as an official?

Our Gao family is different.

When my grandfather was here, he facilitated the first tribute payment since the founding of Dali.

Your Majesty, you have just ascended the throne and I am here again!

I just want to ask Your Majesty, which one is more loyal, the Gao family or the Duan family?

Are you sure you want to mobilize your troops to eliminate the Gao family, a loyal foreign minister who is loyal to you and loyal to the Song Dynasty, for the sake of the Duan family who has not paid tribute for more than a hundred years?

Yes!

In Gao Taiming's heart, he directly understood what Zhao Xu said to him before as Song Ting's pressure, threats, and coercion on the Gao family.

Therefore, his answer was entirely based on his own understanding and understanding of the Central Plains people.

The Duan family cannot give the Zhao Guan family face.

Our Gao family can do it!

Your Majesty, please think about it - since the founding of Nanzhao in the Tang Dynasty, Nanzhao has no longer paid tribute to the Central Plains.

Now, our Gao family takes the lead and resumes paying tribute.

Isn’t this ten thousand times better than that useless Duan family?

As long as the little emperor who was in power in the Song Dynasty was really blessed and enlightened by the Buddha, as the legend said, he was wise, powerful, intelligent and wise.

Then Gao Taiming believes that he will accept it happily.

And the Gao family is actually not at a loss either.

Just paying tribute!

It's just a nominal loss of face.

But as long as the door is closed and the Gao family doesn't talk about it and pretends it doesn't exist, isn't there no problem?

What’s more, the tribute itself is hugely profitable!

Then Gao Taiming's rhyme with a southwestern accent fell into Zhao Xu's ears.

Zhao Xu rubbed his hands, feeling that something was not right.

"What medicine is this Gao family selling in their gourd?"

"Looking at his tone and tone, he seems a little afraid of me? He also seems to be asking for something from me!"

"Why are you afraid?"

"Is there anything else you want from me and Song Dynasty?"

If these two issues are not clarified, Zhao Xu feels that he will not be able to sleep well tonight.

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