It was under this circumstance that the Song Dynasty delegation to celebrate the birthday of the Lord Liao was established, with Zheng Yunzhong as the envoy to celebrate the birthday of the Lord of Liao and Tong Guan as his deputy.
The Song Dynasty was a big country, and the Liao court was particularly respectful.
Emperor Yelu Yanxi of Liao Tianzha specially hosted a banquet for Zheng Yunzhong, Tong Guan and others.
During a special banquet for Tong Guan and Zheng Yunzhong, Yelu Yanxi said to Tong Guan and Zheng Yunzhong: "Two envoys, recently, the Jurchens have risen in the Northeast and established a country, known as the Great Jin. The Jurchens were originally from our dynasty. The vassal has now established itself as a country, and the imperial court will conquer it."
Emperor Tianzha had reservations about the Jurchen situation. Yelu Yanxi only talked about the rise of the Jurchens and the founding of the country, but did not talk about the fact that the Liao army had failed in several campaigns. What is even more serious is that the Jurchens did not stop at founding the country, but continued to launch attacks on the Liao Kingdom, and were about to attack the Liao Kingdom's Linhuang Mansion in Shangjing.
Because the Jurchens are about to attack Linhuang Mansion in Shangjing, the Liao Kingdom will go all out to fight the Jurchens next. Therefore, what Emperor Tianzha needs most now is to maintain a good relationship with the Southern Song Dynasty. It is best if the Southern Song Dynasty can fully support the Liao Kingdom at critical times.
Emperor Tianzhao Yelu Yanxi's idea was to establish a good relationship with the Southern Dynasty. Even if he could not get help from the Southern Dynasty, at least he would not be attacked by the Southern Song Dynasty and the Jurchens. The mediocre Emperor Tianzha had thought of and seen this situation, so he was extremely polite when he entertained Tong Guan and Zheng Yunzhong, the two envoys congratulating the Lord of Liao on his birthday.
Originally, Tong Guan wanted to ask about the current situation, but Emperor Tianzha didn't tell him, so Tong Guan couldn't ask.
Emperor Tianzha respectfully allowed Tong Guan and Zheng Yunzhong to eat meat. While drinking, he said to Zheng Yunzhong and Tong Guan: "Two envoys, since the alliance between Chanyuan and Song Dynasty, the Liao and Song countries have been living in harmony for hundreds of years. For hundreds of years, whenever anything happened between the Liao and Song countries, They all sent envoys to each other to take care of each other, and each benefited a lot. At present, the Jurchens' founding of the country is not only a challenge and impact to the Liao Kingdom, but also a lot of harm to the Southern Dynasties. Therefore, the Liao and Song Dynasties must Strengthen unity and jointly deal with the risks posed by the Jurchens."
This topic of Emperor Tianzha obviously goes beyond the scope of Zheng Yunzhong and Tong Guan's authority as envoys to celebrate the birthday of the Liao Lord. Emperor Tianzhao's proposal has risen to the level of Liao-Song alliance. Zheng Yunzhong and Tong Guan did not have the authority to decide on Emperor Tianzha's proposal.
Zheng Yunzhong and Zheng Juzhong are brothers, and their sister is Emperor Huizong's most beloved Concubine Zheng. As a relative of the emperor, Zheng Yunzhong's first consideration was the safety of the country and the country of the Song Dynasty, rather than personal fame and fortune. Therefore, Zheng Yunzhong, as the chief envoy to celebrate the birthday of the Lord of Liao, expressed his approval of Emperor Tianzha's proposal out of etiquette and consideration of the overall interests of the Song and Liao countries, and directly agreed: "Then It's natural. The two countries of Song and Liao are connected by mountains and rivers, and are closely related to each other. It is natural for them to strengthen friendly cooperation."
Yelu Yanxi was very satisfied with Zheng Yunzhong's answer.
Compared to Zheng Yunzhong, Tong Guan's situation is different.
For Tong Guan, what he learned from Emperor Tianzha about the rise of the Jurchens and the founding of the country just confirmed what Ma Zhi told him when he met Ma Zhi on the way to the Liao Kingdom. Tong Guan thought to himself that it seemed that what Ma Zhi said was true, and this really happened.
As Tong Guan, his first thought was not the safety of the country in the Song Dynasty, but how to take back from the Liao the sixteen states of Yanyun that Shi Jingtang ceded to the Khitan during the Later Jin Dynasty while the Liao was tired of dealing with the Jurchens.
Judging from the situation at that time, Tong Guan has been recognized as the most outstanding general in the Song Dynasty who can fight. Because of his continuous victories against Qingtang and Xixia, Tong Guan became so arrogant amidst the bragging that he no longer knew who he was. His ambitions expanded. He wanted to be the greatest contributor to the Central Plains Dynasty since the Later Jin Dynasty. He wanted to use his help. The power of the Jurchens recovered the territory of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun that had been lost for more than two hundred years.
Therefore, Tong Guan did not want to make a statement on the development of Liao and the strengthening of friendly relations between Liao and Song.
Regarding Zheng Yunzhong's statement, Tong Guan immediately expressed discordant opinions.
At that time, after Zheng Yunzhong finished speaking, Tong Guan said: "The determination of the relationship between the two countries is of great importance and requires authorization from the imperial court to reply. As envoys to celebrate the birthday of the Lord of Liao, on behalf of the imperial court, we wish to congratulate the Lord of Liao on the East Sea. Shoubi Nanshan. As for the Lord Liao's proposal to strengthen the friendly and cooperative relations between Song and Liao, I will truthfully report it to my pilgrimage after returning to the DPRK, and then confirm it. However, the relationship between Song and Liao has always been harmonious in the past hundred years. This There is no doubt about it.”
Tong Guan did not explicitly object to strengthening the friendly cooperative relations between Song and Liao, but from his roundabout words, Emperor Tianzha felt an ominous feeling, as if he was unwilling to strengthen this relationship. Therefore, Yelu Yanxi felt disgusted with Tong Guan.
Therefore, Emperor Tianzha regained his frivolous attitude and said with a smile: "It is an eternal wonder that the emperor of the Southern Dynasty can send the child servant officer, child Taiwei, and child privy minister to the Liao Dynasty to celebrate his birthday. As the Lord of the Liao Dynasty, I am not very honored. .”
Obviously, Emperor Tianzha once again mocked Tong Guan for being a eunuch, but the words were not so direct.
Being a eunuch and having served as a servant was the most taboo thing for Tong Guan and the last thing he wanted to hear. When Emperor Tianzha said this, could Tong Guan not understand the meaning? What's more, in public.
Looking at Emperor Tianzha who was laughing at him frivolously, Tong Guan also had a wonderful way to comfort himself.
Tong Guan thought to himself, you, Emperor Tianzha, Yelu Yanxi, don’t be complacent! Your country's former Guanglu Qing and Ningbian Prefecture Governor Ma Zhi have already told me about your country's situation, and suggested that our country join forces with the Jurchens to regain the territory of the Sixteenth Prefecture of Yanyun ceded to your country by Shi Jingtang during the Later Jin Dynasty. In a few days, when our country and the Jurchens form an alliance, I will lead an army to conquer your country and take back the Yanyun territory that was originally ours. By then, you will know how powerful my Tongguan is! By then, you will still To be so proud is to be proud!
Therefore, Tong Guan still retains a faint smile on his face.
Emperor Tianzuo naturally didn't know Tong Guan's thoughts. Because Tong Guan did not take a positive attitude in developing relations between the two countries, he would sarcastically mock Tong Guan from time to time.
Tong Guan endured his anger and attended the banquet specially invited by Emperor Tian Zuo to him and Zheng Yunzhong.
On the second day, Emperor Tianzha invited Zheng Yunzhong and Tong Guan to go hunting. Tong Guan was unwilling, so he declined. Zheng Yunzhong was afraid of being disrespectful and affecting the relations between Liao and Song Dynasties, so he accepted Emperor Tianzha's invitation to go hunting.
Zheng Yunzhong participated in the hunting of Emperor Tianzha, and actively interacted with Emperor Tianzha Yelu Yanxi during the hunting process. He showed great enthusiasm, which somewhat restored some of the adverse effects caused by Tong Guan's willfulness.
After staying in Linhuang Mansion in Shangjing of the Liao Kingdom for a few days, Zheng Yunzhong and Tong Guan said goodbye to Tianzhao Emperor Yelu Yanxi, and left Shangjing with the envoy to celebrate the birthday of the Lord of Liao and embarked on their return journey.
Along the way, Tong Guan was impatient and urged the delegation to speed up.
Zheng Yun knew clearly that Tong Guan was so anxious that he wanted to rush to the southern suburbs of Yanjing to meet Ma Zhi who was waiting there.
Tong Guan met Ma Zhi privately to discuss national affairs, which made Zheng Yun feel a little uneasy.
When he arrived, Zheng Yunzhong also heard a little bit about what Ma Zhi said to Tong Guan. In the Zheng Yun Center, the situation and views stated by Ma Zhi are not recognized or have no attitude. Zheng Yunzhong knew that the issue of relations between countries was a very important issue. He did not form an alliance just because he wanted to, and it was while the ministers of the imperial court were on their way to visit. What power does a minister have to decide such an important matter?
For this reason, at Emperor Tianzha's banquet, Zheng Yunzhong directly stated that he would strengthen and consolidate relations with the Liao State, because that was a fait accompli. The two countries had actually been peaceful and friendly for nearly a hundred years. Such a statement did not go beyond the established fact. Compared with the Jin Kingdom established by the Jurchens, it was still a matter of debate whether the imperial court would recognize it or not. How could there be any talk of forming an alliance? As a high-ranking member of the imperial court, it is beyond his authority to directly talk to ordinary people about forming an alliance with a country with which he has no established relations. Therefore, on the way back, Zheng Yunzhong specifically communicated with Tong Guan about the matter and clearly opposed Tong Guan's contact with Ma Zhi.
Zheng Yunzhong said to Tong Guan: "Tong Taiwei, you and I were assigned by the emperor to be envoys to Liao to celebrate the birthday of the Lord of Liao. We have no other responsibilities. When we came to Liao and passed through Yanjing, Ma Zhi, a Liao citizen, offered you advice and resigned. I also heard a little bit about it, so I told the truth, but I thought it was unacceptable."
Hearing this, Tong Guan said: "Mr. Zheng is overly worried. Ma Zhi is just reporting some issues to me. I am just understanding some of the Khitan and Jurchen situations. There is nothing wrong with that."
Zheng Yunzhong was worried and asked Tong Guandao: "Tong Taiwei urged the regiment to move quickly, but are they in a hurry to see Ma Zhi, a Liao citizen?"
Tong Guan nodded and replied: "Exactly. I am dissatisfied with what Ambassador Zheng said. I am going to take Ma Zhi back to the court and recommend it to the Holy One so that the Holy One can know more about the Khitan and Jurchens."
Zheng Yunzhong was shocked when he heard this and said quickly: "Tong Taiwei, do you think this is inappropriate?"
Tong Guan said dissatisfiedly: "Why is it wrong?"
"Just imagine, Lieutenant Tong, that as the chief military officer of the imperial court, you discuss military matters related to national relations with the people of Liao without the authorization of the Holy Emperor. This is an act beyond your authority. Furthermore, the number and personnel of the mission are determined by the imperial court. What kind of behavior is there when Ma Zhi, a Liao citizen, suddenly appears when I return? As the chief envoy of the envoy to celebrate the birthday of the Lord of Liao, how should I explain to the Holy Lord after I return to the court?"
"It is up to me to report this matter to the Holy One, and I will not cause any trouble to Ambassador Zheng."
"No!" Zheng Yunzhong said resolutely: "I am responsible for the mission to celebrate Lord Liao's birthday. How can such a heavy responsibility be borne by Lieutenant Tong? If Ma Zhi returns with the mission, The imperial court, this envoy firmly disagrees."
Zheng Yunzhong was the chief envoy to celebrate the birthday of the Lord of Liao, and Tong Guan was the deputy envoy. Emperor Huizong granted the main power to Zheng Yunzhong instead of Tong Guan to celebrate the birthday of the Lord of Liao. Therefore, Zheng Yunzhong had the right to decide all matters of this trip, and Tong Guan You can only listen to Zheng Yunzhong. If you don't, you will be disobeying the emperor's decree and you will have to bear the consequences.
However, Tong Guan is an extraordinary person who often does extraordinary things. His courage is not just a little bit bolder than others, but much greater.
A few years ago, as an imperial envoy and supervisor of the army, Emperor Huizong personally issued an imperial edict, ordering Tong Guan to stop his march and lead his army back to the court. Tong Guan ignored it, stuffed the imperial edict into his boots, continued to lead the troops, and started a war with the Qing and Tang soldiers. , and recaptured several states in the Qing and Tang Dynasties; now, it was not the emperor's edict, but Zheng Yunzhong's opposition. How could Tong Guan obey? ! Therefore, Tong Guan insisted on meeting Ma Zhi and took Ma Zhi back to Bianliang, Tokyo with the mission to recommend Ma Zhi to Emperor Huizong.
When he met the stubborn Tong Guan, Zheng Yunzhong chose to settle for the second best because he had a lower position in the court than Tong Guan and because Tong Guan was a military attaché and he was a civil servant and could not afford to fight Tong Guan.
Zheng Yunzhong saw that Tong Guan insisted on meeting Ma Zhi and brought Ma Zhi back to the court with the mission, so he gave way: "Tong Taiwei, since you insist on meeting Ma Zhi, a Liao citizen, and bring Ma Zhi, a Liao citizen, back to the court with the mission , The subordinate is helpless. The subordinate has only one request, Taiwei Tong, you can meet with Ma Zhi, but if you take Ma Zhi back to the court with the delegation, the official will never agree. Please be considerate of the official, Tong Taiwei, and don't let him It’s too difficult to get a lower position.”
Seeing what Zheng Yunzhong said, Tong Guan thought for a while and then agreed to Zheng Yunzhong and said: "Mr. Zheng, I will give you a step. When the envoy arrives in Yanjing, I will only meet with Ma Zhi to learn about the situation of the Khitans and Jurchens." , I will not take Ma Zhi back to the court with the delegation, just so as not to embarrass the envoy Zheng. As for the situation of my meeting with Ma Zhi, I will report it to the Holy One."
After Tong Guan said this, Zheng Yunzhong had no other choice but to agree to a meeting between Tong Guan and Ma Zhi when the envoy arrived in Yanjing.
Subsequently, Zheng Yunzhong and Tong Guan led the delegation to advance rapidly, and arrived in the southern suburbs of Yanjing within a few days.
