It’s the end of the year, winter has turned to spring, and the spring breeze from the south of the Yangtze River is blowing slowly, mixing with the remaining snow on the shore, the green of the branches, and the chill in the air, giving it a bit of a chilly spring flavor. The envoys from various countries on the deck of the steam cruise ship on the Qiantang River were admiring the scenery on both sides of the strait. Many of them seemed a little absent-minded.
"The truth is clear, steamships can travel thousands of miles a day and are not afraid of the wind direction. In the past, it took seven days to go to Goryeo with southerly winds. Now, five days is enough no matter where and when. Going to Hakata Port in Japan only takes ten days at most. It's so convenient!"
The Korean envoy Li Kuibo stood on the deck, stroking his white beard and admiring him.
Compared with the cold winter and spring in Goryeo, the climate in Jiangnan is cool at best.
"Xianggong Li, I heard that the Privy Council of your country entrusted Cui Yi with exclusive power. Since the first year of Xingqing in the Song Dynasty, all the officials of Goryeo have presented political books to Cui Yi's house and handed them over to Cui Yi for review. Officials below the sixth rank are prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise their heads. Take a look at Cui Yi. After that, Cui Yi set up a "political room" in his private residence and selected scribes to serve as it to decide personnel matters. The King of Goryeo could only draw pledges. Cui Xianggong's power was overwhelming, and he was known as "the history of Goryeo is far away". Li Xianggong For the secretary to judge matters and know how to make imperial edicts, all the ministers of Goryeo should be aware of this matter."
Having experienced the reign of Shi Miyuan, Zhen Dexiu deeply hated the powerful ministers who used power and neglected the king. Naturally, he was also extremely dissatisfied with Cui Yi, the powerful minister of Goryeo.
If it had been in the past, Zhen Dexiu would never have said such contemptuous words. Nowadays, the Song Dynasty's national power is prosperous and its military power is coming. Zhen Dexiu's confidence as the prime minister of the Song Dynasty is also much stronger.
"The truth is true. Although Mr. Cui is more domineering, he is dedicated to the country. The king is weak and wants to surrender to the Tatars several times. If Cui Xianggong hadn't resisted the enemy with all his strength, Goryeo would have become the Tatar Daru Huacheng. The King of the Song Dynasty garrisoned at On the southeastern coast of Goryeo, Prime Minister Cui provided food, grass, and supplies without any disrespect to the Celestial Empire. The truth is clear to the public."
Li Kui's awkward explanation made Zhen Dexiu satisfied, and then he laughed.
"Xiangong Li, there is no need to worry. The Song Dynasty has good relations with Goryeo, and it is known to the whole world. If the Tatars bully Goryeo again, the King of the Song Dynasty will not stand idly by."
The Navy of the Coastal Rearrangement Department was stationed in the Jinzhou area on the southeast coast of Goryeo, which prevented Japanese pirates and also helped Goryeo resist foreign enemies. The Goryeo Navy was weak and probably could only accept the garrison of the Song Navy.
"The truth is out, thank you for your kindness. The King's Division of the Song Dynasty is stationed in the southeast, facing Hakata across the sea. It is only three hundred miles away, and it will arrive at dawn and dusk. Is the King's Division going to launch troops against Japan? The Kamakura Shogunate is on the coast of Hakata Port They built a stone wall that is several miles long, and the person who came here is evil!"
The intention of the Song army to station troops on the southeast coast of Goryeo was completely guessed by Li Kuibao.
Building ports and docks, constructing forts, and training troops at sea could not be to help Goryeo drive away pirates.
"Li Xianggong, I will tell you the truth. Five years ago, my uncle Zhou An of the Song Dynasty was killed in Japan. Japan only paid a measly 500 guan in compensation and did not even have a letter of apology. Everyone in the Song Dynasty was extremely angry. Haven't you noticed that the Japanese envoys have been expelled by the Emperor of the Song Dynasty. As for whether we want to use troops against Japan, I don't know."
Judging from the emperor's recent words and deeds, I am afraid that after the Northern Expedition, the Song Navy will send troops to Japan.
As for Japan's construction of stone walls for defense in Hakata Port, Shindexiu did not take it seriously.
The sky-shaking thunder bombs were bombarded indiscriminately, but they were not reduced to slag.
"That's right! That's right! Japan is indeed too arrogant and treats the uncle's affairs too lightly. There should be an explanation."
Li Kuibao was secretly surprised when he heard this.
Zhou An's sister is the most beloved concubine of the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, and will soon be established as the Queen of the Song Dynasty. Zhou An's elder brother was the head of the Anti-Corruption Department of the Song Dynasty and a close minister of the Emperor of the Song Dynasty. It seems that there will be a big war before long.
The Song Dynasty had strong soldiers and horses, and a navy with strong ships and artillery. They had full advantage at sea. Once they used troops against Japan, it would be shocking to the world.
"Mr. Zhenzhen, regarding the bullying of Dongxia and the invasion of Tatars at any time, please kindly say a few words in front of the Emperor of the Song Dynasty. Everyone in the country of Goryeo will be grateful. Goryeo will be grateful!"
Li Kuibao whispered, never forgetting his mission.
Today, the military front of the Song Dynasty is at its peak. The Song Dynasty liked to show off its force and abuse force. As a small country, Goryeo only had to be careful about "big things". This is Goryeo's consistent national policy. Only by moving around can we protect Goryeo's interests as much as possible.
"You can rest assured, Xianggong Li. Goryeo and Song Dynasty have the same language and culture, and I will do my best. Later, I, the Emperor of Song Dynasty, will receive envoys from various countries one by one. If you have anything to say, please report it to me, Emperor Song Dynasty, in person. !”
Sure enough, Zhen Dexiu said with a proud face, and Li Kuibao nodded repeatedly, feeling a little relieved.
The Emperor of the Song Dynasty had always been friendly to Goryeo and hoped that the Song Dynasty could lend a helping hand to fight against the invasion of Mongolia and Dongxia.
"I've seen the truth!"
Gao Xiang, the Dali envoy, came up, bowed to Zhende Xiusu, and met with Li Kui. Li Kui returned the favor and walked away knowingly.
Dali State borders the Song Dynasty, this is also a test of tone.
"Mr. Gao, I haven't seen you for so many years, but you still look like you!"
Zhen Dexiu glanced at the side of the deck, where Wei Liaoweng seemed to be talking to the Dai Viet envoy.
The Song Dynasty showed off its power and was so aggressive that all the countries could not sit still.
"The truth is known. The Song Dynasty defeated the main force of the Tatar army and promoted the prestige of the Song Dynasty. All countries are happy and elated. Foreign ministers congratulate the Song Dynasty!"
Gao Xiang said something sincerely and bowed solemnly, with a smile on his face.
"Xiangong Gao, our Emperor of the Song Dynasty is wise, our soldiers are brave, and the six armies are dedicated, we are able to defeat the Tatars. Congratulations! Congratulations!"
Zhen Dexiu was also very happy and said some special words.
This Gao Xiang is the younger brother of Gao Xiang, the Prime Minister of Dali. He is a learned Confucian general and has some prestige in Dali.
"The truth is out. Dali and the Song Dynasty have always been on good terms. They came to court every year and paid tribute every year. They never slacked off. May the two countries be friendly for generations and enjoy peace forever!"
Hearing Gao Xiang's words, Zhen Dexiu smiled softly.
"Xiangong Gao, have you seen the map of China in the imperial study of the Emperor of the Song Dynasty? On it, Dali is within the territory of China."
"Map of China!"
Gao Xiang was surprised and speechless for a moment.
Does Zhen Dexiu mean that the Song Dynasty wants to send troops to Dali?
Zhen Dexiu handed over and left, and started talking with Best, the envoy of the Ayyubid Dynasty, leaving Gao Xiang in a daze on the side of the ship.
"Xianggong Wei, my country, Vietnam, has always been respectful to the Song Dynasty and has sent tributes to the country over the years. However, the emperor of the Song Dynasty seems to have a deep prejudice against our country, the Song Dynasty. He has occupied the city in the south. With the support of the Song Dynasty navy, he has repeatedly invaded our country's borders, killed our people, and poisoned us. Place. Please let Duke Wei make it clear what the Emperor of the Song Dynasty wants to do."
Dai Viet's envoy Chen Liu, to be generous, seemed a little unhappy.
Chen Liu is the elder brother of Chen Xuan, the emperor of Dai Viet, and he is quite powerful in Dai Viet. With the acquiescence of the Song Dynasty, Champa repeatedly invaded Dai Viet, robbed the villagers and plundered goods and products, which was intolerable.
"Mr. Chen, it seems unfair to say that the navy of the Song Dynasty supports the Champa Kingdom. Champa is a vassal state of the Song Dynasty. They borrow some sea ships for use. Can the Song Dynasty not borrow them? Envoy from Dai Viet, are you? Thinking too much?"
Wei Liaoweng made an understatement and did not admit that it was the Song Dynasty Navy that did it.
"Xiangong Wei, we borrowed warships to occupy the city, and there were soldiers of the Song Dynasty on board. The city was invading our coast of Dayue, and we asked our country to return the old land of Champa that the Li Dynasty had captured. If there is no support from the king of the Song Dynasty, Does Champa dare to be so tough?"
Chen Liu became more angry and his voice became louder unconsciously, attracting the attention of people on the deck around him.
"Mr. Chen, according to you, I, the King of the Song Dynasty, am the culprit?"
Under everyone's gaze, Wei Liaoweng's face was straight and upright, and his voice was a few degrees louder.
"Not to mention whether I, the Song Dynasty, was behind the scenes, don't forget that your country, Dayue, is my homeland of China. Xiangjun during the Qin Dynasty and Jiaozhi during the Han Dynasty. Do you have to tell me the history of the Chen Dynasty? You Chen The royal family of the imperial dynasty, my ancestors are from the Fujian Province of the Song Dynasty. It seems inappropriate for you, the ruler of Yue Dynasty, to betray your ancestors and forget your ancestors."
The Dai Viet Emperor Chen Yuan and his fifth generation ancestor Chen Jing immigrated to Vietnam from Fujian and were engaged in fishing for generations. It was passed down to his grandfather Chen Li, who was very powerful in Jimo Township. Later, the Fan You Rebellion broke out in Dai Viet, and the then emperor fled from Beijing together with the crown prince Li Min. During his escape, Li Min married Chen Li's daughter as his concubine. From then on, the Chen family became a family of relatives. Later, Chen took over the power of Dai Viet on behalf of Li.
Therefore, it is well-founded for Wei Liaoweng to say that Chen Liu and others forgot their ancestors through numerous canons.
"Wei Gong, calm down!"
Wei Liaoweng's face was gloomy. Chen Liu was startled and quickly suppressed his anger and put on a smile.
"Wei Gong, I just felt aggrieved in my heart, so I bumped into Wei Gong. I hope Wei Gong won't take offense. I also hope the Emperor of the Song Dynasty will be merciful and adjust it, so as not to let Zhan Cheng do whatever he wants."
At this time, knowing that it was Da Song who was causing trouble behind the scenes and knowing that the other party was in the wrong, he could only swallow his anger.
What is the combat power of the Song Dynasty? It can defeat the arrogant Mongolian cavalry in field battles, and it has powerful ships and cannons in naval battles. It has few opponents in the world. Dai Viet was just a small country, so how could it dare to openly offend the Song Dynasty, which was showing off its power?
"Mr. Chen, if there is any dispute between Dayue and Champa, you can resolve it yourself. I, the Song Dynasty, will not participate and will remain neutral. The Emperor of the Song Dynasty is waiting for you to see him and see how he recovers."
Wei Liaoweng's expression became gentle again, and he even smiled.
As the emperor said, the country of Dayue was originally the homeland of China. If the King of the Song Dynasty could make an expedition to the north to restore the Central Plains, wouldn't he be able to make an expedition to the south to take back Dayue?
Chen Liu walked away obediently, and his face immediately darkened.
The Song Dynasty was so domineering that they really thought they were the Zhou royal family at the beginning of the Spring and Autumn Period.
After a tour of the steamship, it stopped at the Qiantang River pier. Wei Liaoweng and Zhen Dexiu disembarked with the envoys, sat in a four-wheeled carriage, and headed towards the city.
"Zhen Gong, have you ever felt that envoys from other countries are in awe and fearful of me, the Song Dynasty?"
Wei Liaoweng said a long word to Zhen Dexiu who was riding with him.
"The troops came to the world, the guests from all over the world were conquered, and all the nations came to court. The Chang'an City back then was nothing more than this."
There seemed to be a hint of sarcasm in Zhen Dexiu's words.
The Song Dynasty no longer convinced people with "virtue". On the one hand, it relied on force and on the other hand, it was Confucianism. It was simple, crude, and completely devoid of benevolence. It shocked other countries, how majestic it was!
"It is better to have an army on the world than an army on the city. From Yongxi's Northern Expedition, to Tan Yuan's alliance, to the shame of Jingkang, and the Song Dynasty's southward migration, isn't it humiliating enough?"
Having known each other for more than 20 years, Wei Liaoweng was not familiar with his friend from the same department, and how could he not understand the meaning of his words.
"Wei Gong, having said that, the Manchu Dynasty was originally a brilliant scholar-bureaucrat, but when these warriors came in, they were too violent and nondescript. Not to mention, these border generals all held heavy troops, and there were no supervisors in the army. , if things go on like this, there will be worries about the feudal town!"
Zhen Dexiu couldn't help it, and finally complained.
The martial arts style was too strong and the literary spirit was weak. If things continued like this, the Song Dynasty would have no etiquette and only warriors with swords and swords. The cultural context of the Song Dynasty would be broken.
"Swarming in? In ten or twenty years, the court will probably be filled with military generals. Now the court still wants them to charge into battle, and they are still young. It won't be long before they come to the court and replace civil servants like you and me. "
Wei Liaoweng said with emotion, his eyebrows filled with worry.
"In a time of great strife, the weak eat the strong. The emperor wants to rebuild a powerful Song Dynasty with iron and blood. Do you think this is a wrong move?"
Wrong direction?
Zhen Dexiu's eyes were confused and he was lost in thought.
If we really made a mistake, would there be a scene like today when all the nations came to visit us?
