Extra Chapter 4: The battle with the inner guards of the Tang Dynasty begins!
"Master please!"
"This is……"
After General Abu had a secret conversation with the Tibetan monk dressed as Yang Zaiwei, he did not say goodbye and left. Instead, he took him all the way towards the location of the envoy.
Under the protection of elite soldiers wearing black armor, a team of several hundred people was making final preparations.
Carloads of musical instruments, gorgeous clothing and unique musical instruments filled several large cars, which made people look at them.
What's even more concerning is the women with outstanding figures, slender limbs, and black veils covering their faces. There are dozens of them gathered together. Although their faces cannot be seen clearly, it can be seen from their trembling appearance.
Look, it's obviously full of fear.
Yang Zaiwei maintained his identity and kept his eyes straight when he saw three people coming towards us.
The leader was wearing a white official uniform, with curly hair and beard, and a noble temperament. He looked like a pampered person. Looking at General Abu, his eyes were filled with suppressed anger, and he said coldly: "General, why didn't you come until now?"
General Abu's attitude was not respectful and he did not answer. Instead, he began to introduce: "This is 'Amir' Pushmi. He is willing to put aside his busy work and serve as the envoy of this mission."
As soon as these words came out, Yang Zaiwei couldn't help but be startled.
The ruler of Dashi is called "Caliph", and the governor of a province is called "Amir". However, in today's huge country, there are only nine provinces and nine "Amir".
Normally, this would be a feudal official, a high-ranking figure, but at this stage, Dashi's political structure is somewhat special. The departments in charge of religion and finance and taxation are vaguely superior to the administration.
The reason is that the religious leader of the province is often concurrently held by the governor or the chief judge. If the governor can take this position, he will be a person who combines politics and religion and has great power. On the contrary, if the religious leader is taken away by the chief judge, he will not be able to decide.
In addition to handling cases, he is also responsible for managing religious funds, so religion is basically above the political power.
After all, another important position, the tax collector in charge of the province's tax revenue, was directly responsible to the caliph. With such a structure, it would be difficult for a provincial governor to avoid having most of his power taken away.
The Pushmi in front of me is such an example. As the governor of a province, he seems to be forced to go on a mission. After all, his status is high enough, but he has no real power. He just acts as a facade for the mission.
Pushimi didn't seem to expect that General Abu would directly speak with sarcasm, and his face suddenly became ugly. However, he adjusted it after a moment. He also ignored General Abu and treated Yang Zaiwei with the courtesy of a feast: "Master's reputation, I
I have admired you for a long time and am willing to build a temple in Daya to spread the Master’s Dharma!”
Yang Zaiwei clasped his hands together: "Thank you very much, Governor. However, people who have lost their country only hope to return to their homeland and rebuild their homes. They dare not have other extravagant hopes..."
Pu Ximi smiled sincerely: "Then I wish that the powerful country on the plateau can return to its former glory!"
General Abu waited for him to finish speaking, then pointed to another person: "Master, this is Leonti, a scholar from Byzantium. He is knowledgeable and has experienced all countries. He is now a lecturer in the palace."
Yang Zaiwei looked over and found that this man had blond hair, blue eyes, a broad beard, was wearing red and white plain clothes, and was polite. He indeed looked like a Western scholar he had seen when traveling in the West.
At this time, there are three most powerful empires in the world that are paying attention to each other.
Tang, Dashi and Byzantium.
Byzantium, the Eastern Roman Empire, existed for more than a thousand years and went through twelve dynasties and ninety-three monarchs. It is the oldest monarchy in European history.
When the Dashi rises, Byzantium in the west will inevitably interact with it. Historically, the interaction between Dashi and Byzantium was mostly in the form of war, while with the Tang Dynasty, it was mainly in the form of peace. This was determined by geopolitical conditions.
It is in line with the general principle of "diplomacy at a distance" between countries.
However, at this stage, due to the pressure from the Tang Dynasty, Dashi was interested in making peace with Byzantium. The two countries had exchanges with each other, and Dashi was even willing to pay tribute, just for the sake of joint support.
During the Qianqiu Festival of the Tang Dynasty, Byzantium actually sent a separate envoy to travel to the East, but the arrangement of such a scholar in the Dashi envoy was obviously intentional and joint pressure.
"The general's praise makes me feel ashamed. My understanding of the Tang Dynasty is still very shallow."
Leonti spoke, first in standard Arabic, and then in Tubo dialect to Yang Zaiwei: "I have long heard that Buddhism in your country has absorbed the essence of animism and mutual understanding between heaven and man from Yongzhong Bon Religion, reciting the six-character mantra and spreading the swastika.
, I have a strong interest and hope to communicate with the master!"
Yang Zaiwei's eyes became serious.
This short sentence can reflect the other party's proficiency in Tubo culture. It was not easy to do this before Tubo was destroyed, not to mention that both Bon religion and local Buddhism have been absorbed and tolerated by the Tang culture. This person is truly talented.
Practical.
His identity could not be exposed, so he immediately concentrated on dealing with it.
Leonti's eyes quickly became fiery, and the two parties went back and forth, and even proposed to exchange Western knowledge for the "Tantra" of Tibetan Bonism and Buddhism.
"alright!"
General Abu listened for a moment, and saw that they were talking more and more deeply, and he gradually couldn't understand, so he interrupted directly: "Both of them are knowledgeable scholars. They should communicate more next time, but now there is still a difficult problem that needs help.
Your wisdom.”
Yang Zaiwei was an assassin after all, and it was already quite difficult to deal with it. He took the opportunity to stop and asked, "General, what's the problem?"
Leonti wanted to continue the discussion, but he was very reluctant to be interrupted, but he also showed a questioning look.
General Abu said: "This is a scandal. Just five days ago, the first dancer Ramashanti was unfortunately killed. Without her, we will be despised and made things difficult for us when we go to Tang Dynasty."
Leonti was puzzled: "Why?"
General Abu said solemnly: "People in the Tang Dynasty like to dance. This time, in order to celebrate Christmas for the Emperor of Tang Dynasty, Honglu Temple informed us very early that the envoys from various countries must prepare unique dances to perform dances for the Emperor of Tang Dynasty. The details of the dances and musical instruments must also be communicated in advance.
The report was finalized half a year ago, and was confirmed again a month ago. However, something unexpected happened at this time, which greatly damaged the mission’s face..."
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! This kind of request is obviously lofty, especially for a country that is not a vassal state, but thinking of the power of the Tang Dynasty, everyone present could not help but remain silent.
Yang Zaiwei was secretly proud and asked knowingly: "Is that dancer unique and there is no substitute?"
General Abu said: "There are many dancing girls with superb dancing skills, but the dance dedicated to Emperor Tang is very special. Only Lanmasanti can dance it."
Leonti thought for a while and said: "I heard that the dances of the Tang people are divided into 'soft dance' and 'healthy dance'. The 'soft dance' has sleeves and waist movements, which is light and delicate, soft and elegant, and the 'healthy dance' has a body
The posture is vigorous, strong, and free and clear. I can try to compose a dance that combines the advantages of both and replaces the dance repertoire!"
Yang Zaiwei looked sideways again. Was he still unfamiliar with the Tang Dynasty? Even he only knew that officials in the Tang Dynasty had to dance when they were promoted or received awards. He didn't know how detailed it was, let alone direct choreography.
General Abu was obviously a little surprised, but he still shook his head: "Lan Masanti's dance incorporates the characteristics of the extinct countries such as Qiuci, and also needs the musical instruments of those countries. The dance can be changed, but the musical instruments cannot be replaced temporarily."
Governor Pushmi heard this and interjected: "If this is the case, the general's lax guarding caused the envoy to fall into this embarrassing situation, what should others do?"
General Abu pointed his finger: "It's not like there is no chance to make up for it. They can take the place of Lanmasanti!"
Yang Zaiwei looked in the direction and found that it was the group of women gathered together awkwardly. He was a little confused.
Pushmi simply said: "Just them? Ranmasanti cannot be compared with these mediocre dancers! What's more, you just said that her dance and musical instruments cannot be replaced. Isn't this contradictory?"
"They can't replace Lan Masanti, but they can die in the Tang Kingdom in the name of Lan Masanti!"
General Abu said cruel words in an extremely calm tone: "Once 'Lan Masanti' dies in the Tang Dynasty, it will be the responsibility of the Tang people. In order to worry about my overeating dancers, I suppressed all the Tang people's dancers.
If you behave like this, in front of envoys from various countries, the face of the Tang people will be lost, and the national prestige will be depleted!"
This statement may sound a bit unbelievable, but it is precisely these strengths and weaknesses that foreign countries fight for.
Yang Zaiwei recalled that the Tibetan envoys in the past actually behaved similarly, but they were discovered by that one in Liangzhou, their plot was foiled, and they were eventually escorted to Chang'an in despair.
Now General Abu wants to repeat his old tricks, but he is immediately opposed.
Pu Ximi said directly: "General, your idea is too naive. It will only be counterproductive. If the mission is legitimately detained by the Tang State, it will be us who lose face!"
Leonti objected politely: "This method is too risky, please forgive me for not agreeing..."
Yang Zaiwei clasped his hands together: "Amitabha!"
"You all don't agree..."
After a moment of silence, a smile appeared on General Abu's cold face: "Very good! This is the right idea. The Tang Dynasty's internal guards are pervasive. The death of Lan Masanti was probably caused by them. The Tang Dynasty's Xie Chamber of Commerce
I also know this, if I really do that, it will only allow the inner guard to get the credit easily!"
Yang Zaiwei knew that this was the first complaint filed by an evil person. In fact, in these years, the internal guards were only responsible for monitoring various countries, collecting intelligence and special products, and they no longer engaged in frequent bribery and instigation of rebellion like in the past in Tubo.
Of course, if the opponent plays dirty tricks, the internal defense's counterattack will definitely be thunderous. If Abu really thinks he is smart and wants to frame the death of the dancing girl, he will face an irreversible end.
But Abu obviously realized this. What he just said was just a test, and what comes next is the real purpose. He stretched out his hand and continued to point to the dancers: "I think there are people from the Tang Dynasty hidden in this group of dancers who are preparing to replace Lanmasanti."
Inside guard!"
As soon as these words came out, the three of them were stunned.
Pushmi was the first to ask: "Why?"
General Abu said: "Because this is a trap I deliberately set. The personnel of the Tang Dynasty Chamber of Commerce must have reported Lanmasanti's affairs to the internal guards. They have even learned of my recent plan!"
"With the internal guard's acting style, there will definitely be arrangements. The most effective way is of course to use the identity of the dancers to sneak into the mission and let us suffer the consequences. If it is normal times, the identities of these dancers will be verified in detail.
But now that the mission is about to leave, there can be no further delay, as the internal guards will not miss this opportunity!"
"My plan will succeed because the other party is strong enough!"
Hearing this, Yang Zaiwei's heart sank. He realized that he had underestimated this giant man with an iron tower who was thick on the outside and thin on the inside.
As expected of a general, this man became the core of the envoy. He was indeed no small matter. The battle with the internal guards began from the moment the news of his death was released.
The woman who was previously suspected of being Lanmasanti died in the warehouse of the Xie Chamber of Commerce, but General Abu gave Wang Wuze five days. It seemed to be tolerance, but in fact he deliberately let him pass on the news.
Since the dances and musical instruments dedicated to the Emperor of Tang Dynasty had been passed down to Honglu Temple long ago, now that the departure was approaching, something unexpected happened. If the foodies did not want to lose face, they must take remedial measures.
In the past few days, General Abu has purposefully leaked his plans to the people around him. He can almost conclude that among the senior officials of Dashi, there are definitely the eyes and ears of the Tang Dynasty's internal guards, and it is logical to let the other party know about the "remedy" here.
plan".
Next, the tall and impressive dancer in the royal city will become Lan Masanti's replacement, and is also preparing to conspire to disrupt the Tang Emperor's Qianqiu Festival. The internal guards are best at lurking in the enemy's country in various capacities. Once captured,
When I heard this news, I would never let it go. Unexpectedly, I invited you to enter the jar and wait here!
General Abu first looked at Yang Zaiwei and Leonti, and then took Pushmi with him: "I hope to use the wisdom of the three of them to find the Tang people's internal guards, and they must capture them alive. This is related to my next plan to really defeat the Tang people's internal guards."
plan!"
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Pu Ximi opened his mouth, as if he wanted to object, but after carefully looking at the giant man who was thick on the outside and thin on the inside, he finally showed a look of fear and nodded slightly.
Nod: "Okay!"
Leonti showed admiration: "I admire the general's wisdom, and I am willing to help you find the answer to this puzzle!"
Yang Zaiwei asked: "Is there a time limit?"
General Abu replied: "From the royal city to the border of the Tang Kingdom, the identity of the Tang people's internal guards must be discovered!"
"That's okay..."
Yang Zaiwei felt relieved and truly left the royal city. Once the situation went bad, he would directly kill people without giving the other party a chance to plot against the internal guards. He clasped his hands together and solemnly said: "I will help you!"
General Abu smiled broadly: "Thank you!"
Just when the four senior members of the mission were finalizing the regulations, no one expected that under the care of layers of soldiers, one more person would appear quietly among the dancing girls.
Not only were the soldiers unaware, but the dancers who were standing next to each other didn't even notice that there was an extra person beside them.
Even if they lift each other's veils, underneath there will be the face of a gluttonous woman.
"These thirty-six transformations of Tiangang and seventy-two transformations of Earthly Evil are really useful!"
All because of the transformation technique that Xiao Hei practiced after transforming into another form.
Even if he has only learned one type of earth evil transformation so far, he cannot avoid the three disasters and nine calamities, but his face and body shape can be changed at will, just like wearing the most convenient human skin mask.
At this time, after the dimension reduction attack was carried out, Xiao Hei quietly followed the group of dancers, looking at the senior officials of the mission in the distance, the corners of his mouth raised, and he was very excited: