"Your Highness, King Wei, you have to believe in my character."
Li Tai stamped his feet angrily, "I still remember what happened when I was a child. Don't think that children are easy to deceive."
Zhang Yang nodded and said, "Really?"
I was angry and annoyed, and there was nothing I could do to him, so I finally gave up and left to look at the paper mill.
One after another political orders were issued in Chang'an City, and on this day in the Zhongshu Province, a conversation between the Ministry of Rites and the Zhongshu Province was beginning.
Everyone sat facing each other. On one side were officials from Zhongshu Province, and on the other side were the four ministers of the Ministry of Rites, led by Xu Jingzong.
The clerk organized the files and placed them one by one in front of every official in Zhongshu Province.
How long did it take for Zhongshu Sheng to finally look at the Ministry of Rites with a straight face and sit down to have a good conversation with the Ministry of Rites?
"According to Zhongshu Sheng's meaning, the letter from the Central Government was sent to Tibet. The content of the letter did not mention His Majesty. Is it just what Zhongshu Sheng meant?"
Changsun Wuji nodded, "Only Zhongshu Sheng's instructions are that no words from Tian Khan should appear in the letter."
Fang Xuanling asked again: "How sure are you that the letter will be delivered to Songtsen Gampo?"
Zhang Elephant sat with his back straight, "The court needs to appoint two generals to escort, and three hundred cavalry."
There was another discussion in Zhongshu Province.
Zhang Daxiang looked at Xu Jingzong's expression and whispered, "Zhang Shangshu said that a personal letter also needs to be sent to Tubo?"
Xu Jingzong nodded, "The letter is in your hands."
"Would you like to let people from the Central Publishing House read the contents of the letter?"
Xu Jingzong whispered: "The official has already read it. There will be no problem with the content of the letter."
"What if?"
The two argued in a low voice, and Xu Jingzong whispered, "Some things will lose their effectiveness once the court knows about them, and this can influence Songtsen Gampo's judgment."
Zhang Dashu cleared his throat.
The two of them stopped arguing, and the discussion with Zhongshu Province was over.
Fang Xuanling said, "This matter will be arranged by the Ministry of War."
Xu Jingzong added: "I wonder if the Ministry of Rites can appoint two generals."
Changsun Wuji said in a loud voice: "Which two generals?"
There was also someone from the officials on both sides of the Ministry of Rites and Zhongshu Province who wrote notes. Every formal conversation would be recorded by Chu Suiliang, who was on the side. The recorded words would then be presented to His Majesty for review.
Xu Jingzong added: "Currently, they are guarding Chengtian Gate and are Zuo Wuwei's assistant generals, Li Daoyan and Su Dingfang."
"Why these two people?"
Xu Jingzong explained: "First of all, Li Daoyan had experience fighting Tuyuhun in the Hexi Corridor many years ago. Secondly, General Su Dingfang had military strategies and had fought against Ashinadur. Once things changed, he could also fight against him.
Contact Ashinadur in the Western Region."
After the words fell, there was another discussion in Zhongshu Province.
Finally, Fang Xuanling made the decision, "We can let these two generals escort us, but they will not enter Tubo territory, they will only escort us. They cannot enter Tubo after leaving the Qilian Mountains."
Changsun Wuji warned: "We are just sending a message right now. If the two generals enter Tubo inexplicably, Songtsen Gampo will think that we are going to attack the Tubo tribe."
After speaking, Zhongshu Sheng handed a silk letter to the Ministry of Rites.
Xu Jingzong solemnly took the silk letter and said, "The Ministry of Rites will make arrangements now."
After the conversation was over, Xu Jingzong took everyone from the Ministry of Rites back, holding this silk book in his hands as he walked, full of curiosity.
He quickened his pace, leaving Li Baiyao guarding the Ministry of Rites, and several others returned to the Foreign Affairs Academy.
The Diplomatic Academy was also deserted, with two soldiers guarding the facade.
Xu Jingzong took the silk book and looked at Zhang Xiangxiang and Zhang Dashu again.
In front of the two of them, Xu Jingzong opened the silk book and read the contents carefully. As expected, it was all about why Tibet came to investigate the military situation and harass the border, and the consequences were explained.
Xu Jingzong took out another volume of letters and said, "This is the letter Zhang Shangshu wants to give to Songtsen Gampo."
When the letter was put on the table, Zhang Xiangxiang immediately opened it and read it. The letter contained Zhang Yang's greetings to Songtsen Gampo, which seemed like a greeting between old friends.
He also talked about Zhang Shangshu's own troubles, except for mentioning Tang Xuanzang, but there was nothing special about it.
After reading the letter, Zhang Daxiang sat down and whispered, "If I hadn't known that the Tibetan people were unhappy with Zhang Shangshu, I would have thought that he and Tibetan Songtsen Gampo were very trusting friends."
Xu Jingzong said with a smile, "Of course the letter is to a friend, and the show of goodwill is also to appease Songtsan Gampo. He also mentioned that Tang Xuanzang also asked Tubo to do a small favor to look after the monk who fled Guanzhong."
The three people discussed it again and arranged the matter. This time, Zhang Dashu personally delivered the letter.
Da Su packed his luggage and said, "Brother, don't worry, I have been to Gaochang before, and the next time I go to Tubo is to see the scenery there."
The first time Zhang Dashu was released from confinement, Zhang Xiangxiang was very worried. Now that he had the previous experience, he could feel more at ease this time.
"I'm leaving to meet my father," Zhang Elephant warned.
The Ministry of Rites prepared the matter, and the documents from the Ministry of War were also delivered.
The Zhongshu Province attached great importance to this matter. Li Daoyan and Su Dingfang made preparations as soon as they received the document, waiting outside the city gate with three hundred cavalry horses, waiting for people from the Ministry of Rites to arrive.
Zhang Dashu wore an official uniform of an envoy and held a festival banner in his hand.
First looking at the two generals, Zhang Dashu said, "This time I am going to Tibet as an envoy to the two generals."
Su Dingfang comforted the war horse beneath him, "We are just sending you out of the Qilian Mountains and giving you two hundred soldiers and horses to escort you into the Tubo territory."
Zhang Dasu bowed slightly, got on his horse, looked at the road ahead and said, "Before I go, I want to meet my parents."
"If you have to walk a thousand miles, it's natural to meet." Su Dingfang said loudly, pulling the reins of his horse.
The team first had to go to Lishan Mountain. Su Dingfang and Li Daoyan were in a good mood. This time they could send troops and they had other matters. They had been away for another year and a half, and they both hoped to bring military merits with them when they came.
The war horses stopped at the entrance of the village and could not get any closer. The Emperor, the Crown Prince and all the princes were all in Lishan, otherwise it would be difficult to explain if they had disturbed the soldiers and horses.
Only Zhang Dashu was allowed to enter the Lishan realm alone.
Knowing that his son was going to be sent as an envoy to Tibet, Zhang Gongjin and his wife came to the entrance of the village together, with Zhang Yang accompanying them.
Seeing the scepter in Zhang Dashu's hand, the wife had tears in her eyes.
Zhang Dashu knelt on the ground and said, "Mom and dad, sending an envoy to the Western Regions for the Tang Dynasty is a matter of honor for our family. Don't worry, the child will definitely be safe and sound."
Zhang Gongjin whispered, "You are just a messenger. Once the Tang Dynasty and Tubo go to war, you must protect yourself."
Zhang Dashu nodded and said, "My child understands."
Seeing that her son was still kneeling on the ground, the mistress helped him get up and said, "Don't get this official uniform dirty. You don't need to wear it when running around."
"My child understands."
Zhang Gongjin signaled, "You are my son's superior officer. If you have anything to tell me, please tell me immediately."
Walking up to Zhang Dashu, Zhang Yang whispered, "I really want to tell you something. Tubo is a plateau. Once you go deep into the territory of Tubo, people will suffer from altitude sickness."
Zhang Dashu asked puzzledly: "What is altitude sickness?"
"There are many specific symptoms, such as headache and difficulty breathing. Once these symptoms appear, you must stop and wait for the Tibetan people to come to meet you. Don't go any further."
Zhang Dashu thought about it, "I have read related stories in some classics. Is it really so dangerous?"
Zhang Yang nodded, "If you suffer from altitude sickness, you must stay in bed. Don't rush in. Let Songtsen Gampo come to see you by himself. If he doesn't come to see you, then come back directly. Datang is not afraid of going to war with them."
"
"That's right!" Zhang Dashu nodded heavily, "Our Tang Dynasty has been a neutral country since the war, and there are many heroes in the court. We are not afraid of Tubo."
He patted Zhang Dasu on the shoulder. Everyone was about the same age. Zhang Yang kicked his hand and said, "Remember the altitude sickness. Feel it for yourself. Whenever someone in the team feels unwell, you must stop."
"I will definitely keep this in my heart."
Zhang Yang smiled and said: "Go ahead and pay attention to safety."
"Here!"
Zhang Dashu responded loudly. This was a response from his subordinate to the superior. Everyone in the Ministry of Rites was convinced of the young minister. Zhang Yang had built the Ministry of Rites by himself.
Zhang Dashu saluted his parents again before mounting his horse and leaving.
Zhang Gongjin said: "Children have to go on long journeys, and men have to go through dangers. Why do you cry so much?"
Zhang Yang said, "Master, Dasu just went to deliver a letter. I don't think it will be anything serious."
After shedding her tears, the teacher's wife replied, "Back then, your old man followed others to fight in the north and south, and I was the only one who raised these three sons because of the old woman. Now you say it lightly."
Zhang Gongjin hesitated to speak and could only watch her leave, "It was not easy for her during the war back then."
Zhang Yang comforted him, "Teacher, don't worry. I'll tell Xu Jingzong to let him know. If you dare to touch a hair of my Tang Dynasty envoy, I will turn him upside down."
Zhang Gongjin smiled and nodded, "You are a bit like my disciple now."
Zhang Dashu embarked on a journey to Tubo.
Zhang Elephant and Xu Jingzong stood in front of the city gate, watching the team coming from the direction of Lishan and heading towards Longxi.
"It's been a long time since I've seen Da Su again." Zhang Xiangxiang sighed with emotion.
A man from Lishan Village also came on horseback. He spoke to Xu Jingzong, "The order from Lishan is here with a message, and I asked you, Xu Jingzong, to pass it on."
Xu Jingzong said in surprise: "What are you talking about?"
The visitor loudly said: "Let your informant bring a message to Songtsen Gampo. If anyone dares to touch a hair of my team of envoys from the Tang Dynasty, he will be destroyed in Tubo and turned upside down!"
Hearing this, Xu Jingzong was surprised at first, and then said: "Please also send a message to Lishan Order. I will definitely handle it well."
The man rode away again.
Zhang Xiangxiang suddenly smiled and said, "This is a hero. He should have such momentum. Who dares to touch me, the people of the Tang Dynasty outside!"
Li Shimin, who was watching the memorial in the palace, listened to Changsun Wuji's narration.
"Li Daoyan and Su Dingfang went to see Zhang Yang beforehand?"
After reviewing one memorial, Li Shimin picked up another memorial and said, "This guy has a sharp eye. He took a fancy to the two young leaders in my hands at a glance. It doesn't matter, let these two young generals hone their skills and raise them."
Chang'an City is not a good thing either."
"Your Majesty has far-sightedness and I admire him."
Li Shimin stood up with his pen in hand, "How long has it been?"
The palace was very quiet, and the two maids waved fans to dispel the heat in His Majesty's eyes.
"Your Majesty means..."
"I'm asking how long Zhang Yang has been grounded?"
"More than half a month."
Li Shimin clicked his tongue and said: "It's only been half a month, and Queen Lishan is very worried about my children."
…
In the current hot summer, although in order to prevent the villagers from heat stroke, the progress of rice planting has been slowed down a lot.
Before dawn, the couple went out and took a group of children for a morning run.
Aunt Yang followed behind to take care of the prince and princesses.
After running around the village, the children followed Taoist Sun Simiao to practice Tai Chi.
After half a month of persistence, the children have become accustomed to this kind of life.
Their life is different from other children in the village.
Li Yue took good care of them all. She said this was to gain experience for her in raising children in the future.
It was already morning when we brought the children back and settled them. The sun had fully risen and the temperature was rising rapidly. The sultry weather would make people breathless. Even the water of the Weishui River was warm.
Only the foot of Lishan Mountain can be cooler, leaving the children to my wife to settle down.
Zhang Yang then went on to attend to matters in the village, took out a box of money, and said to Shangguan Yi, "Take this money and build a big bookstore in Lantian County. All tuition fees will be free of charge, and we will pay for it in Lishan."
.”
Shangguan Yi took the box of money and nodded, "Don't worry, Lord Lishan."
To win over people's hearts, since they are all fiefdoms, these people also belong to their own families.
Chu Nan's appeal was also very good, and the people of Lantian County who were governed by him were able to obey his arrangements.
Lantian County has a population of more than 2,000. Using such a population to build a fiefdom can speed up the construction period a lot.
I was planning the construction of the future village in my mind when I heard a familiar and magical laughter.
"Hahaha! Boy, look who I brought here for you."
Hearing the sound, he looked over and saw Li Xiaogong coming with someone.
This person looks familiar.
Li Xiaogong said: "This is the boy."
Niu Jinda stroked his beard and smiled: "You are the one who asked me to guard the border for three years?"
Zhang Yang cupped his hands and said: "It is necessary to guard the border. Furthermore, this is His Majesty's will. As for who will guard the border, it is not up to me to decide."
Niu Jinda sat down and said again: "It has been three years since I left Chang'an City. I didn't expect that so many things have happened in these three years. A former civil servant in the Ministry of Rites became a minister, was impeached and left the Ministry of Rites, and became an official in the East Palace, teaching the prince how to behave."
Fang became a member of the list of officials and officials, and also became the minister of the Ministry of Rites. He was only twenty-one years old."
After saying this, Niu Jinda took a deep breath and said, "Old man Cheng said that there was a monster in Chang'an City. I didn't believe it at first. It was only after I returned to Chang'an City that I learned that this was true. There really was a monster out there."
Zhang Yang looked at Niu Jinda suspiciously.
Li Xiaogong recalled, "If Niu Jinda had not taken the initiative to send cotton, the cotton would not have entered Guanzhong."
Niu Jinda smiled, "These are all small things. Naturally, I saw more things when I was guarding the border than in Guanzhong. The soldiers in Gaochang had a strong sense of hostility. They fought all year round, and news kept coming. The slaves back then were not there."
I thought that with such fighting power, I could kill the Western Turks and retreat."