Listen to Zhang Dashu talk about what happened during this trip to Tubo.
A few people came to the Diplomatic Academy. They were originally going to give Zhang Dashu a refreshment, but Li Xiaogong and Li Tai started eating before they arrived.
"Come on, come on, take a seat quickly." Li Xiaogong waved.
Sitting around a table, the soup in the hot pot is boiling.
Zhang Dashu first ate a bite of mutton, then a piece of pancake, and then another bite of millet. He said with emotion: "It's only when you go outside the customs that you know how beautiful the plateau is. When you were in Tubo, you always ate half-cooked food.
The Tibetan barley is really hard to swallow."
First, I watched Zhang Dashu wolfing down the food.
Li Tai whispered: "It's a pity that you came back late, and you didn't drink this year's ale."
Zhang Dashu took a sip of wine and said, "The wine in Chang'an City is still delicious. To be honest, I feel like vomiting when I smell milk."
I don’t know how much hardship Zhang Dashu suffered outside the customs. Now he is skinny and skinny. When he went there, he was obviously a strong young man.
On the other hand, officials from other ministries who were passing by to explore would take a few glances at the Diplomatic Academy when passing by.
Others discussed official matters in their official residences, but only those at the Foreign Affairs Council directly had their meals.
What does it sound like to have a good official residence where the wine and meat are fragrant?
Li Xiaogong couldn't stand the stares from outside, so he walked straight to the door and closed the door with a clang.
The officials from various ministries who were watching had no choice but to give up.
The whole pot of mutton was eaten clean by Zhang Dashu like a storm.
After you have had enough wine and food, you can discuss business matters.
Zhang Dashu took out one case file after another from his package, "This is the situation of Tubo grain, this is the news from the Western Regions, this is the news from Gaochang, and also that Su Dingfang has passed through the Qilian Mountains and arrived in the Western Regions. This is
Songtsen Gampo’s recent edict.”
After taking out a bunch of files, Zhang Dashu wiped his mouth and was still thinking about the meat and wine he just had. "Here are all the gains from this trip. In order to get some information, I also learned the Tubo dialect. Now I'm looking for a Tubo person."
They can all converse in Tubo dialect."
"Congratulations to Brother Dasu for mastering another diplomatic skill." Zhang Yang poured him another drink.
Zhang Dashu drank it all in one gulp.
Li Xiaogong asked curiously: "Is it true that as Zhang Yang said, entering the depths of Tubo will make you sick?"
Zhang Dashu shook his head, "I did feel something strange in my body after entering the depths of Tubo. I took a hundred soldiers and horses and stationed them in the west sea of Hehuang for two months. During this period, Songtsen Gampo often sent people to check.
They said they would let us go back if it was not reasonable."
The Hehuang and Xihai mentioned by Zhang Dashu are the Qinghai area. The terrain is higher in the west and lower in the east. After Hehuang, there is a plateau.
Li Xiaogong gritted his teeth and said, "How arrogant you dare to neglect my envoy from the Tang Dynasty like this! I must let him dance the Hu Xuan Dance in the Tai Chi Hall like Jie Li."
Xu Jingzong cleared his throat and said, "Prince Hejian, that dance was performed by a barbarian. The Tubo people do not have such talent."
Li Xiaogong stroked his beard and said thoughtfully: "Really?"
Zhang Dashu's words continued, "Songtsen Gampo actually sent someone to say this. Naturally we couldn't stop moving forward. Fortunately, Zhang Shangshu had spoken before us and we didn't rush forward. We sent three or two people into the depths and then turned back. We stayed there for two months.
After I got used to it, I went to Luosu."
Li Tai frowned and said, "Have you seen Songtsen Gampo?"
Zhang Dashu regretted: "I didn't see it, I just saw Lu Dongzan. When we went to Luoche, Songtsen Gampo was not there. Lu Dongzan didn't go into details, and handed over the letters from Chaozhong and Zhang Shangshu."
Praise to Ludong."
There is still a flame in the stove and the soup in the hot pot is still boiling.
Listening to the sound of the soup boiling, Zhang Dashu looked at the crowd and said, "Lu Dongzan didn't give any reply, and the subordinates didn't see Songtsen Gampo either. They said we could reach the point, and they respected us as warriors who could go as far as possible."
Logical Central Plains people are very rare, and the Tubo people there don’t even know that the Central Plains exists.”
"With Songtsen Gampo out of sight, and Ludongzan not caring about us, the officials and the others had nothing to do, so we began to inquire about Tibetan affairs, and we also heard a lot about Tubo..."
Listening to Zhang Dashu's words, as he said, there are not many Central Plains people who can reach the plateau, and there are even fewer Central Plains people who can reach Luozhong.
These files are intelligence and news that Zhang Dashu spent half a year collecting in Tubo.
It is very important for the Foreign Affairs Council to obtain first-hand information about Tubo, including population distribution, landforms, and customs there.
These are all the hard work of Da Su and they are also precious information.
Zhang Yang said: "Da Su, please write down your physical reaction to this trip to Tubo and the climate on the plateau. This will be of great use to us in the future."
Li Xiaogong slapped the case and said: "Yes! My soldiers will be of great use when they enter Tubo in the future."
Li Tai leisurely said: "Don't try to be brave. I heard that Uncle Wang now wakes up six times a night, and he is just a strong man. If you are like this, we are afraid that we will give it to you in Chang'an City before you reach the plateau."
Crying in mourning."
The words were like a basin of cold water poured on Li Xiaogong's head, and the hot blood in his heart suddenly became cold.
The intention was good, and with Li Xiaogong's current status, there was no need to put himself in danger, but the little fat man's mouth was a little bit poisonous.
How can you expose the shortcomings of your elders in front of so many people?
Zhang Dashu took out another volume of books and said, "This autumn, the people of Gaochang were transporting cotton and passed through the Qilian Mountains. They also met Li Daoyan and Su Dingfang. Several Gaochang soldiers had already headed to Tianshan with the two of them and their accompanying soldiers and horses. They are waiting to come back next time.
On the way, we have received news that they, Ashinadur and some Gaochang troops have been united."
"Does Songtsen Gampo know this news?"
"When I came here, Lu Dongzan already knew that he was very dissatisfied with the Tang Dynasty's conquest of the Western Regions, and even threatened to seek justice for the four towns of Anxi."
In the eyes of the Tubo people, the Guanzhong soldiers and horses went to the Western Regions to capture the four towns of Anxi. Even the DPRK did not know this news.
Now everyone in the court also knew that the Tang Dynasty wanted to take back the four towns of Anxi. Xu Jingzong was sullen and calculating in his heart. The Tubo people thought they were smart and sent people to find out the news in Chang'an City. With the news in Chang'an, the Tubo people could understand the Tang Dynasty's intention.
.
When all the ministries in the DPRK said that this army was to conquer the Western Regions, the Tubo people naturally believed it.
This is also the reason why the Ministry of Rites has been keeping silent on these matters these days.
Songtsen Gampo was indeed a smart man. He did not underestimate the Tang Dynasty and was not arrogant.
But smart people can easily be fooled by their cleverness.
When everyone felt that the Ministry of Rites' thoughts were still in the Western Regions, Tubo naturally believed it.
Xu Jingzong also knew very well that when he originally arranged this matter, only four of him, including himself, were present: Li Daoyan, Su Dingfang, and Zhang Shangshu.
Zhang Dasu burped again and smoothed his breathing, "It's true that the smell of milk is all in my stomach. These days in Tubo are really not what people live."
Xu Jingzong lowered his voice and said, "Everything is ready, Zhang Shangshu. When will we start?"
Zhang Yang chuckled and said calmly: "You definitely can't be anxious about this kind of thing. After all, it's a house theft."
"When I came here, I heard from Lu Dongzan that he would come to congratulate me on this New Year's Eve."
Li Xiaogong slapped the table, "What an arrogant person! The two countries are about to go to war, and he dares to come to the Tang Dynasty! If he dares to come, I will cut off his head and hang it on the flagpole of Chang'an City!"
"
"Uncle Wang, please be patient." Li Tai glanced at Zhang Yang, who had his hands folded and a calm expression on his face, "What do you think, brother-in-law?"
"He will come whenever he wants. If we stop him, we will be stingy. If the two countries are at war, they will not cut off the envoys. Send a message to the border gate and open the door to see if he has the courage to enter."
Listening to Zhang Yang's scornful tone, Li Xiaogong added: "If he is a hero, don't worry about his temperament. If he dares to come to Chang'an City, I respect him as a man."
Li Tai said helplessly: "I didn't just say that I wanted to chop off his head."
Li Xiaogong snorted coldly: "First respect him as a man, then it won't be too late to kill him."
Zhang Dashu also talked about Tang Xuanzang, who left Guanzhong and went to Tuyuhun and fell into the hands of Songtsan Gampo. This person also established a gentlemanly relationship with Songtsan Gampo and let the monk go.
Ordinarily, this monk's journey should also be in the Western Regions. At present, everything east of the Tianshan Mountains is in chaos.
Zhang Yang clasped his hands with a worried look on his face, not knowing whether the monk was still alive.
Knowing that Zhang Dashu was back, someone from the court would definitely come to ask questions. At this moment, there was a knock on the door of the outer courtyard.
Li Xiaogong opened the door and saw that it was Li Shimin's eunuch who was not ready to offend, so he asked, "Is it your Majesty's order?"
"Your Majesty has a decree to invite Zhang Shangshu to the Wude Hall to discuss matters."
After looking at Da Su, Zhang Yang said: "Brother Elephant, take Da Su to the village to meet the teacher and his wife."
Zhang Elephant hesitated and said: "Your Majesty's side..."
Zhang Yang waved his hands and said, "It doesn't matter, I'll handle it."
Zhang Elephant nodded and said: "That's fine, I'm just worried that His Majesty will also summon Da Su."
Watching Zhang Dashu leave, Zhang Yang smiled and said, "Please ask this father-in-law to lead the way."
"Zhang Shangshu is so polite in what he said. How can this old slave deserve the title of father-in-law?"
Li Shimin was worried about border affairs, but the Foreign Affairs Council kept him aside. Of course, the emperor also had a temper.
Walking all the way outside Wude Hall, he saw Li Shimin with his back to him, admiring a calligraphy.
Zhang Yang looked up first, then saluted and said, "I wonder what important matter your Majesty has summoned you for?"
"Zhang Dashu is back, where are the others?"
"I'm going home to visit my parents first."
Li Shimin hesitated to speak. Logically speaking, he should report first. Things like loyalty and filial piety have always been ambiguous.
It also depends on which of the two words loyalty and filial piety is placed first.
There is nothing wrong with meeting your parents first and being filial.
I feel a little disappointed, but it’s hard to blame. I can’t blame you too harshly.
Zhang Yang clicked his tongue and said, "Your Majesty, can people talk face to face? It's very impolite to turn your back to others like this."
"..."
Putting down the copybook, Li Shimin sat down and looked at him. This guy had the words "loyalty and filial piety", but not too much.
After drinking the tea with an unhappy expression, Li Shimin said loudly: "How are things going in the Western Regions? What about Zhang Dashu's trip to Tubo?"
"Su Dingfang and Li Daoyan have already joined forces with the Gaochang people and Ashinaduer. They will get the news in the next spring."
Seeing Li Shimin nod, Zhang Yang reported again, "Zhang Dashu has recorded a lot of information about Tubo. The Ministry of Rites will sort it out and present it to His Majesty."
Li Shimin still nodded, "Continue talking."
"Zhang Dashu did not see Songtsen Gampo this time when he went to Tubo. He only saw Ludongtsen. The letter has been delivered, but Tubo never responded."
Li Shimin whispered: "They are really arrogant."
"They are indeed arrogant. We should teach them a lesson."
"What do you think the chances of winning the war between Tang Dynasty and Tibet are?"
"how could I know."
Zhang Yang gave an answer without thinking.
Wude Hall was quiet for a while again.
"Why..." Li Shimin stood up and paced back and forth, "I trust you so much, and you respond to me like this? I've given you time, and I've given you all the rights you want."
Zhang Yang put his hands in his hands and looked troubled, "Your Majesty, what you said is wrong. The power of the Ministry of Rites was originally agreed upon with Your Majesty and the Zhongshu Ministry of Education. It is earned by the Ministry of Rites itself, and the money used by the Diplomatic Academy is also paid by me."
.”
Looking at Li Shimin's stern face, Zhang Yang said again: "These words of the minister are somewhat arrogant, but they are just a matter of fact. Please forgive me."
After a pause, Zhang Yang saluted again, "Your Majesty, everything I do is for the sake of the country. I hope your Majesty can trust me. Regarding the war between Tubo and the Tang Dynasty, I will give you an answer in due course."
, right now the Ministry of Rites is still concentrating on matters in the Western Regions."
After taking a deep breath, Zhang Yang saluted again, "I'm leaving."
When meeting Li Shimin, he only had to salute three times, and when talking to the emperor, he had to be polite at all times.
As an emperor, you don't have to be polite, but as a minister, you must always be courteous.
What kind of world is this?
With a feeling of contempt in my heart, I heard something being smashed in Wude Hall.
"His Majesty!"
The eunuch screamed and heard something being hit on the ground.
Zhang Yang subconsciously quickened his pace.
Just as he was walking outside Chengtian Gate, he bumped into Li Chengqian again.
First, he looked at Wude Hall and Li Chengqian said doubtfully: "I just met my father."
Zhang Yang kept nodding his head.
The heavy snow had just stopped, but the sky was still covered with dark clouds, and when the wind blew, it made people shake with the cold.
Zhang Da'an, who was following behind, wondered: "Why did brother leave in such a hurry?"
Li Chengqian smiled and said: "I heard that Zhang Dashu is back. I have gained a lot after half a year in Tubo. After meeting my father, I still have to be busy with the affairs of the Ministry of Etiquette. I guess that's how it is."
After finishing speaking, Li Chengqian walked to the Wude Hall. Before he walked in, he saw a table flying out, followed by his father's angry curses.
"This Zhang Yang has no lord, sooner or later I will cut him alive!"
Taking his steps back again, Li Chengqian wondered in his mind whether he wanted to see his father at this time.
"You still say he earned the power?!" Li Shimin picked up an inkstone, smashed it on the ground, and stepped on it with his feet.
Facing the angry emperor, the eunuchs and maids knelt with their upper bodies on the ground, daring not to raise their heads.
While stepping on it, Li Shimin's face turned from black to red with anger, "Your power is not given to you by me! You are a shameless person! I have never seen such a shameless person!"