The Prime Minister of Tibet came to Chang'an in person, which was a major diplomatic event in the Tang Dynasty.
Today, the main energy of the emperors and ministers of the Tang Dynasty is devoted to the Haidong Peninsula to the east. For the Haidong Peninsula, it can be said that the whole country's efforts are devoted.
The war in the east was in full swing, and all manpower, material and resources were invested in the Haidong Peninsula.
Relatively speaking, Datang had to adopt a conciliatory and gentle approach to its neighbors to the west.
Otherwise, if the neighbors to the west were uneasy about the Tang Dynasty's conquests in all directions, so they created friction on the border, or suddenly launched a war, the Tang Dynasty would be in a passive position.
Therefore, although the Tang Dynasty and Tubo were very unhappy because of the fight for Tuyuhun, and the then Prime Minister Lu Dongzan almost became a prisoner of the Tang Dynasty due to the timely arrival of reinforcements from the Tang army, today the new Prime Minister of Tubo is Zan
When Ruo arrived, Datang still welcomed him with grand diplomatic etiquette.
It is not only the magnanimity of the country of etiquette, but more importantly, the emperors and ministers of the Tang Dynasty are very clear about the current situation. When conquering the east, of course they have to appease the west. You can't offend both sides, right? No matter how awesome the Tang Dynasty is, it has experienced
We can't afford the expense of fighting on both sides.
The Right Prime Minister Xu Jingzong personally came to welcome him, which was worthy of his status as the Prime Minister of Tibet. The ceremonial guard of the imperial palace and the drum dance of the Taichang Temple dancers could be regarded as a very grand welcome ceremony.
The dancers danced on the drums, attracting countless people and traders in Chang'an City to watch eagerly.
In an instant, the Yanping Gate was crowded with people. Under the scorching summer sun, the common people were sweating all over. They were still crowded outside the guard of honor, watching the dancing dancers dancing gracefully on the drums, and then looking at the Tubo Tower.
The expressions of touching each other made people feel proud.
If Zan Xi was really flattered, he would have thought that the fight for Tuyuhun with the Tang Dynasty was so unpleasant, and that when he came to the Tang Dynasty, the emperor and his ministers would not treat him rudely, at least they would be very indifferent.
He didn't expect to see such a grand welcome ceremony when he entered the city. No matter what Zan Xiruo thought in his heart, in front of so many onlookers, at least he had to do enough on the surface. The Tang Dynasty gave him face, and he had to carry it. He didn't dare not to
Know how to lift.
So Zan Xiruo faced the direction of Tai Chi Palace and bowed again and again. Every time he kowtowed, he kowtowed hard and his head hit the ground hard. After three prostrations and nine bows, Zan Xiruo's forehead was already red and swollen.
.
Zan Xiruo's devout kneeling and worshiping indeed won the favor of the onlookers, and there were cheers all around.
The Tang Dynasty was actually very open-minded and tolerant, from the monarchs and ministers to the common people and traders. The magnanimity of the great country was not only reflected in diplomacy, but more importantly, it was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
The two countries have fought wars before. It doesn't matter. Brothers have fought each other sometimes. It's normal for them to have fought against each other. After the war, everyone sat down and talked calmly. They apologized where they should and admitted their mistakes where they should.
After the process is completed, we are still friends and brothers, and all the unpleasantness in the past will be forgotten.
Of course, the premise of all this is that Datang won the war and the other party lost.
Otherwise, they would not be so magnanimous. For example, Goguryeo had been fighting with the Tang Dynasty for decades. Did the Tang Dynasty sit down and have a chat with it calmly?
How can an immortal country settle a centuries-old feud?
Yes, it's such a double standard, but it's only natural.
The dignity of the suzerain must be ranked first in the so-called "bearance". After satisfying your own dignity first, let's talk about the matter of bearing.
The reason why the Tang Dynasty treats Tubo so politely today is because when they fought for Tuyuhun, the Tang Dynasty was the winner with the last laugh.
Tubo, on the other hand, spent countless manpower and material resources. Lu Dongzan spent all his efforts and planned for many years, but ultimately failed. In the end, he had to withdraw his troops in despair, and Tuyuhun was completely included in the territory of the Tang Dynasty.
The winner entertains the loser, no matter how polite the gesture is, but it can't hide its condescending nature. The people watching at this moment cheering and approving for Zan Xiruo's pious kneeling and worshiping are also the mentality of a victorious country.
At this moment, Zan Xiruo, who was kneeling devoutly towards Tai Chi Palace, only he knew whether he was moved or aggrieved.
From Yanping Gate to Taiji Palace, Zan Xiruo led the Tibetan delegation all the way to the gate of Taiji Palace, watched by a huge crowd of people, and then knelt down and knelt down again.
When the palace door opens, there are still guards of honor, and there are still rituals, music, singing and dancing to welcome you.
Under the leadership of Xu Jingzong, Zan Xiruo walked into the palace gate and came to Tai Chi Hall.
Li Zhi and Empress Wu were sitting in the palace in their best attires. They kowtowed three times and bowed nine times when Zan Xi entered the palace. Their postures were very humble.
Li Zhi's attitude was also very enthusiastic. He smiled and greeted Lu Dongzan. He also recalled that during the Zhenguan period, Lu Dongzan came to Chang'an on behalf of Songtsan Gambo. Li Zhi was still young at that time, but he also met Lu Dongzan several times.
fate.
As he spoke, Li Zhi's expression became sad again. Lu Dongzan has passed away, and his old friends are gradually fading away. As the eldest son of Lu Dongzan, Zan Xiruo not only inherited the family business, but also inherited Lu Dongzan's official position and became the official
The Prime Minister of Tubo.
The topics for small talk were all light-hearted, and sensitive topics were rarely discussed.
When the Tang Dynasty and Tubo fought for Tuyuhun, and when Li Qinzai, who was still the envoy of the Tang Dynasty, defeated General Lu Dongzan in Tuyuhun several times, the two countries met each other at war. Li Zhi did not mention these unpleasant past events.
Zan Xiruo seemed to understand Li Zhi's intentions, and he wisely only talked about the friendship between the two countries, not the war between the two countries.
The key topic is Songtsen Gampo’s marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.
This is a time-honored story between the two countries, and its influence is very far-reaching. To this day, the marriage between Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng is still an important link to maintain the superficial peace between the Tang and Tibet.
After chatting for a long time, Li Zhi ordered a banquet to be held, and all the prime ministers and ministers of the court were present to show the solemnity.
In the evening, the lights in Tai Chi Palace are brightly lit, and the music of silk, bamboo, sheng and Xiao is floating in the Tai Chi Palace.
The monarchs and ministers gathered together in the palace, just to receive the Tibetan Prime Minister who came from afar and praised him.
The palace maids and eunuchs brought fine wines and delicacies to the palace, and the kabuki dancers of Taichang Temple prepared songs and dances to entertain the guests as usual. Important courtiers from Chang'an City also gathered in the palace. Just when Li Zhi was about to announce the opening of the banquet, Zan Xiruo suddenly knelt down and worshiped Li Zhi.
In front of the treatment.
"His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, the foreign minister has a favor to ask."
Li Zhi said with a smile: "The Prime Minister is a distinguished guest from afar, but if you have any requests, I will grant them. There is no harm in the Prime Minister speaking out."
Zan Xiruo lowered his head and said: "The foreign minister heard that there was a young hero in the Tang Dynasty. At that time, he was sent to Tuyuhun as an envoy by the emperor's order, and he had dealings with the foreign minister's father, Lu Dongzan. Now that young hero is the Tang Dynasty hero.
The mainstay and important minister, I don’t know why, but the emperor held a banquet tonight, but he was not seen?”
Li Zhi's eyes flashed, and he quickly looked at each other with Empress Wu, and the couple smiled faintly.
"Could it be that the person the Prime Minister is talking about is Li Qinzai, the Duke of Liaodong?"
He praised and said: "It is Duke Li. Please forgive the rudeness of the foreign minister. The father of the foreign minister had his last words before his death. If it had not been for this Duke Li, it is still unclear whose hands the Tuyuhun would have fallen into. The father of the foreign minister has devoted his whole life to planning."
Guess it was lost in the hands of Duke Li, it was God's will."
"The foreign ministers came to Chang'an today. They are still looking forward to seeing the grace of Lord Li of the Tang Dynasty and begging for His Majesty's favor from the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty."
Li Zhi raised his eyebrows, then pretended to look around, and said in surprise: "Huh? Did Jingchu not go to the banquet tonight?"