His Majesty Li Er led the civil and military ministers to welcome the arrival of Queen Seon Deok on the jade steps in front of Taiji Hall.
Even though the Tang Dynasty never paid attention to the kings of foreign countries, even the Turkic Khans who once proudly stretched across the grasslands and deserts did not know how many captives they captured, but like the Queen of Silla, the relatives of foreign monarchs were neither defeated nor captured. When they arrived in Chang'an, they were presented with the imperial seal and were willing to enclose it, which was unprecedented. Therefore, after discussions between Honglu Temple, Taichang Temple, and the Ministry of Rites, they decided to give them the highest standard of treatment. The emperor personally went to the Taiji Hall to welcome him personally. .
Since the Qin and Han Dynasties, no foreign monarch has ever been able to enjoy such treatment.
His Majesty Li Er stood on the jade steps, with a yellow umbrella hanging from his head and a tassel necklace hanging from his head. The civil and military ministers were lined up on the left and right. Farther away, the band of Taichang Temple played the music of the guest ceremony. The gongs and drums were noisy, and the ceremony was extremely solemn.
Prince Li Chengqian led the Silla royal family and officials up the jade steps and arrived in front of His Majesty Li Er.
Queen Seondeok gave her a gift of blessings, and His Majesty Li Er smiled brightly: "You have come from afar. I led the civil and military ministers of the Tang Dynasty to lower their ranks to welcome you. I hope that the Tang Dynasty and Silla will always have a good alliance and be as close as one family!"
Queen Seondeok's pretty face was solemn and she said respectfully: "A small country in a small country has admired the majesty of the Celestial Empire for a long time. Today I have the honor to set foot in Chang'an to meet the emperor of the Tang Dynasty and see the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. It is really the good fortune of all the people of Silla. May His Majesty the Emperor live forever, live forever, long live, long live!"
His Majesty Li Er was delighted and laughed heartily.
The word "Long Live" has been widely misunderstood by later generations.
In fact, since ancient times, the word "Long Live" has appeared frequently in the annals of history. According to the biography of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru in the historical records, Lin Xiangru came from the Qin Dynasty and was a member of the He family. He "reported to the King of Qin. The King of Qin was overjoyed and passed it on to show off the beauty and the people around him. Everyone on the left and right shouted long live." It can be seen that "Long live" at this time is just a cheering word. During this period, "Long Live" had another meaning, that is, as a taboo term for "death". For example, during the Warring States Period, the Chu policy was recorded. The king of Chu wandered in the clouds and dreamed, looking up to the sky and smiling at the sun: "I will live forever, who will enjoy this?" Historical records of the Great Ancestor: "Although I am all in Guanzhong, my soul is still happy and full of joy after thousands of years."
When Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, the most domineering emperor, ascended the throne, he climbed Mount Huashan. No answer." Fifteen years later, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty also said that he was "lucky Langye, and the sun has made the mountain a mountain. Climb it, and it floats on the sea. The mountain is called Long Live." Since then, "Long Live" has become the emperor's exclusive title.
Even Qin Shihuang, the only emperor throughout the ages, was not called "Long Live".
The origin of the "Emperor" of Qin Shihuang and the beginning of "Long Live" Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. These two great emperors who represented the great achievements of the Han family had a profound impact on the Chinese nation. This can be seen from the two titles that are used throughout the history books.
The Silla Kingdom was originally a vassal of the Tang Dynasty, but before that, it was only a nominally subordinate state. The king of Silla needed to be canonized by the Emperor of the Central Plains to ascend the throne. In fact, it only had political significance and did not have much binding force. Could it be that the Emperor of the Central Plains didn't If you agree, you can’t ascend the throne?
At most, it will just give you a high-sounding excuse when you send out troops to attack in the future.
However, Queen Seondeok's words of "subject" and "long live" completely determined the status of the Silla vassal. From now on, it has become a foregone conclusion that Silla will be attached to the Tang Dynasty. It will protect the vassal side of the Tang Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty will The clan leader also wanted to help Silla and resist foreign aggression.
At this moment, all the civil and military officials in the dynasty bowed down to congratulate: "My emperor is wise and powerful, and the Tang Dynasty will last for thousands of generations. Long live, long live, long live!"
Even though many ministers objected to the royal family being crowned the King of Silla, no one in the entire court questioned the inclusion of Silla.
This is a great achievement of opening up territory and expanding the territory. The history of history must be full of ink and ink, and it coincides with a grand event. These ministers can't help but leave a few words in the history books. For these people whose reputation is more important than their lives, how can they refuse?
The surrounding officials and guards all bowed to congratulate him.
"Long live!"
"Long live!"
"Long live!"
The sound shook everywhere!
*****
The banquet was carried out happily and cheerfully, and the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves.
Under the majesty of His Majesty Li Er, no one dared to make any trouble on such an occasion. Those ministers and clans who agreed or disagreed with the edict to confer a royal family member as the King of Silla, or even had their own evil intentions, all stopped and the scene was complete. It's fun.
Of course, such serious matters are not something that should be discussed at banquets like this. A good and auspicious day will be chosen later to hold a formal ceremony in which Queen Seon Deok presents the seal of her credential and requests that it be enclosed. After that, the grand ceremony will be held. The court will discuss Silla's request.
Of course, after the banquet, small-scale discussions are still necessary.
Near dusk, the banquet ended. His Majesty Li Er gave Queen Seondeok a luxurious manor next to Furong Garden, and rewarded a large number of palace maids, who followed her to the manor called "Jinxiu Garden" to serve her.
In fact, this was the emperor's implicit expression. From now on, Queen Seondeok will live in Chang'an and will not be allowed to return to Silla.
This is also what it should mean
In Tai Chi Palace, a discussion was held.
Li Ji, Chang Sun Wuji, Xiao, Cen Wenwen, Ma Zhou, Liu Jie, Cheng Yaojin, Yuchi Gong, Fang Jun and other ministers, Hejian County Prince Li Xiaogong, Jiangxia County Prince Li Daozong, Jing King Li Yuanjing, Han King Li Yuanjia, etc. The entire clan, including Fang Xuanling, who became an official, were all present.
His Majesty Li Er sat on the throne, his square face slightly rosy because of the wine he had just drank, but his eyes were clear and bright. He looked around and got straight to the point: "You are all left here today to discuss the matter of Silla's internal affairs. Dear friends, if you have any suggestions, please feel free to speak out."
All the ministers were silent.
It is said that they are discussing the annexation of Silla. Everyone knows that the annexation is a foregone conclusion. No one will object, and no one dares to object.
The most important thing is whether to confer the title of king of Silla on a member of the royal family.
Cheng Yaojin said in a loud voice: "The expansion of territory is an unparalleled feat. Silla is included. If the Tang Dynasty cannot appoint a royal descendant as the king of Silla, this achievement will inevitably be compromised. Besides, people like Xinluo Queen Luo came to the door in person and was willing to take the pledge. How can we depress her heart? In my opinion, choose a wise and generous person among your majesty’s disciples and make him the king of Silla and the leader of the Tang Dynasty. Sheji Pingfan side."
Yuchi Gong immediately agreed: "What Lu Guogong said is true."
These two people are usually in a strong position, and neither of them obeys the other. However, they are both members of the Wuxun Group, and their interests are often the same, so they have to hold their noses and agree with each other.
Moreover, in the eyes of warriors, "expansion" is an eternal pursuit. Only through constant expansion and constant battles can the interests of warriors be guaranteed. Otherwise, if they are like those great Confucian scholars who talk about convincing people with reason, Don't the warriors want to drink the northwest wind?
To bring Silla into the territory and to confer the title of King of Silla on a member of the royal family, it is necessary to send a large number of Tang troops to garrison in Silla. This is exactly the interests of the warriors. Even if the two are not on good terms, there is no reason to attack each other in order to destabilize each other. Destroy.
That's what only idiots do
The ministers were all silent and no one answered.
The old gods Li Xiaogong and Li Daozong are here, and they have no desires or desires.
In fact, the two of them knew in their hearts that no matter whether they ordered a royal family member to go to Silla and become king, they would never be the candidate.
In the past, they had conquered the world and made great military achievements. Their prestige in the army was unmatched by anyone in the royal family. Once such important military ministers become the king of Silla, who can be sure that they will become ambitious and lead their troops to counterattack in a few years?
So the two of them had already made up their minds. No matter what, they would just be quiet bystanders. They would neither oppose nor approve of any resolution. They would do whatever the emperor said and follow the emperor's path. They would neither Offend people for nothing, let alone bear any responsibility
In short, in Fang Jun's words, just add soy sauce.
In fact, Li Ji, who has always said "silence is golden," Cen Wenwen, who has nothing to do with himself, and Fang Xuanling, who has long since retired from office, all have the same idea.
The most nervous person in the palace is Jing Wang Li Yuanjing
Seeing that everyone was silent, Li Yuanjing could not hold his breath. Once the decision was made, among the royal family, he was the one who was most likely to be crowned the King of Silla.
At that time, his many years of management will be in vain, and his ambition to repeat the Xuanwumen incident will be in vain. How can this be done?
After coughing dryly, Li Yuanjing said: "I don't think it's appropriate. She is attached to Silla because she admires the majesty of the Celestial Dynasty. The Queen of Silla comes with sincerity. Why doesn't the Tang Dynasty show its magnanimity and allow her to return to Silla and remain the king? They rewarded them with money and jewels, and tried their best to win over them, and all the barbarians looked at them, and they were all convinced. Convincing people with virtue is a long-term solution, and they frequently used force to intimidate them, and even stole the country. I am afraid that from now on, the barbarians will regard the Tang Dynasty as their The army of the Tang Dynasty is conquering the world. Wherever it goes, it will fight to the death to prevent Guozuo from falling into the hands of the Tang Dynasty and just Silla. It is useless to take advantage of it, but to put a shackle on one's own family, which is extremely unwise. "
His Majesty Li Er was silent, but glanced at Li Yuanjing lightly.
Li Yuanjing suddenly broke into a cold sweat, and his heart almost fell to the bottom.