The cold winter of the third year of Daye passed quietly in the busy and fulfilling atmosphere of the Sui Dynasty. During this period, the imperial examination, which had gone through many twists and turns, came to a successful conclusion. The news of Li Yuan's "accidental" death at Luzi Pass in Shuofang has already been sent back to the capital. But except for the Li family and their close relatives, almost no one paid much attention.
Even the Li family believed that this was a very unexpected incident after hearing the story of the entourage who luckily did not fall to death. As for Li Liang's lineage, no matter how hard the Li family tried, they could not change the fate of all of them. After Li Xiaoji's execution, Li Zhang's lineage was exiled to Jiaozhi County in Jiaozhou and Zoke County in Liangzhou respectively.
The Li family suffered heavy losses, and because of the public grievances, many relatives and friends avoided it, and their family fortunes plummeted.
The first day of the fourth year of Daye is not only a long-standing Spring Festival for the people of the Sui Dynasty, but also a great day for the Sui Dynasty to receive envoys from foreign kings and envoys from various places.
Qianyang Hall is the first of the three main halls of the Luoyang Palace. The annual court meeting, the emperor's birthday banquet, and large-scale celebration banquets are all held here; the emperor's enthronement, the canonization of the queen, the prince, the kings, and the princess's grand ceremonies and banquets will also be held here. Held in the first hall of the two capitals.
Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year, and the emperor is in Luoyang again. The reception of envoys from foreign countries is naturally also held in Qianyang Hall. However, there are too many envoys and envoys from foreign countries gathered in the meeting place. Even the Qianyang Palace could not accommodate it, so Yang Guang had no choice but to set up the meeting place at the Zetian Gate in front of the Qianyang Palace. The Zetian Gate Square, which could accommodate more than 100,000 troops, could accommodate the envoys from all over the country and the envoys from various countries!
On the Zetianmen Square, the congratulatory team composed of foreign kings, envoys, and noble children lined up in two neat lines, waiting respectfully in the heavy snow to be received.
In the wind and snow, Yang Guang sat on the throne on the ninety-five steps in front of the Qianyang Palace. He met the envoys from various countries one by one in public with great ambition, and the look on his face could be described as extremely proud.
Yang Ji stood beside Yang Guang with a seven-star Longyuan Sword on his waist. He was dressed in luxurious princely clothes, which made him look extraordinarily handsome. Seeing the alien envoys standing quietly in the heavy snow, he couldn't help but feel a sense of high spirits in his heart.
The auspicious moment has arrived. According to their contribution to the Sui Dynasty, the envoys from various countries lined up in order and walked to the steps to worship Yang Guang.
The principal and deputy envoys who went to the Sui Dynasty were either kings or chiefs, or prominent figures from various countries and tribes. If the envoys and entourages they led were included, the total number would be tens of thousands at least.
Under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple, they came closer step by step. When they reached the steps, they stopped together, then bowed with the Han salute and shouted in unison: "How can I pay my respects to the saint?" sweat!"
Everyone's tone was different, but their words were clear, which showed that they all put in a lot of effort, not to mention whether they were sincere, but the glory brought by everyone kneeling in front of Yang Guang at this time was a rare scene in the history of the Central Plains.
"Ping Shen!" This was also the first time that Yang Guang was greeted by so many envoys at the same time. He raised his hands with a glowing face, eliminating the need for envoys from various countries to pay homage, showing the majesty of the sage Khan.
After all, the square is not a specially designed palace, and Yang Guang's voice cannot travel too far. However, this matter cannot be difficult for the Central Plains Dynasty, which has been obsessed with face since ancient times. The officials responsible for preparing for the grand meeting had arranged two teams of people in front of the steps in advance. "Megaphone". As soon as Yang Guang finished speaking, the "mouthpiece" that had been rehearsed countless times yelled out Yang Guang's words in unison, word for word.
After the collective worship was completed, Yang Guang received the envoys from various countries one by one. The first person to be received by Yang Guang was Qimin Khan and his son, who followed closely.
Ashina Duji was the envoy who came first. With him and his deputy Kang Sheoliqian clearing the way, the Central Committee of the Sui Dynasty also started a war and war. However, those who were bribed to speak for the Turks all ended up being defeated. Well, Yang Guang's house was confiscated, but the important minister who accepted gifts but did nothing, took bribes and violated the law did nothing, and made a fortune in vain.
Qimin Khan paid tribute later, and he was also a ruthless man. When the conspiracy was discovered and resolved by the Sui emperors and ministers, they had no choice but to accept the five million sheep he had promised in the name of the Great Khan of East/Turk. , 100,000 cattle, 100,000 war horses, hundreds of miles of official road (Baidao). In addition, he also paid tribute to 30,000 war horses, 50,000 cattle, 900,000 sheep, and countless raw jade, northern beads, and furs to express his loyalty and admiration to the Eastern Turks.
The Eastern Turks led by Qimin Khan were so "loyal" that Yang Guang was naturally received by Yang Guang as an example for all countries and tribes, so that other countries and tribes could learn from Qimin Khan and pay more tribute when they came to court next time. .
Qimin Khan and his son brought more than a hundred Turkic ministers and chiefs in colorful clothes to Yang Guang and paid homage: "Your Majesty, Il Zhendou Qimin Khan and your eldest son Ashina Duji, Ji Turkic subjects, please bow to the sage and wish our great Sui Dynasty prosperity forever!"
Qimin Khan's name was Ashina Ranqian, and Yang Jian canonized him as Yili Zhendou Qimin Khan, or Qimin Khan for short. He was proficient in Sinology and understood the Sui system, and knew that Yang Jian and Yang Guang regarded the restoration of Sinology and the Han system as their top priority, and promoted Han civilization as their own responsibility. Both father and son were disgusted with the "Saint Khan" who seemed to be noble but actually had a strong sense of Hu Feng. When he faced the emperors of the Sui and Sui dynasties, Qimin Khan always regarded himself as a Sui minister and respected him as a "sage" .
"I am very relieved that my dear friend has traveled thousands of miles to come and pay homage in person. Get well soon!" Yang Guang had already received the kings, chiefs, envoys and deputy envoys one by one in advance. The people who should be met have been met, and the matters that should be discussed have been discussed. Pass. Today's so-called public reception is, on the one hand, a necessary procedure for the imperial court, and on the other hand, it allows the Sui soldiers, civilians, and landlord officials who are watching the ceremony to feel the status and prestige of the Sui Dynasty in the world, so as to cheer up the people of the Sui Dynasty. , to inspire military morale; at the same time, it also promotes and demonstrates the great power of the Sui Dynasty to "all nations coming to court" to all countries and all ethnic groups.
After a brief exchange of greetings, Qimin Khan and his party, led by Yu Wenbi, entered the Qianyang Hall where the state banquet was held from the side door.
The kings, chiefs, envoys and deputy envoys of various countries and nationalities are all shrewd people who know the etiquette and reception methods of the Sui Dynasty. When they saw Yu Wenbi inviting the Turks and his party to leave, they all had different thoughts and inexplicable ideas.
When the envoys from Xue Yantuo, Xue Hubu Alliance, Qi Gu, Nan Shi Wei, and Bei Shi Wei, who bordered the Eastern Turks, saw this, their hearts surged and they were ecstatic: Logically speaking, facing Qimin Khan's situation, At that time, it was in line with the hospitality etiquette of the Sui Dynasty that the prince or prince should lead the heavyweights into the palace. However, during this important festival, the Sui Dynasty actually arranged for the Minister of Rites to lead Qimin Khan into the palace. It can be seen that the Sui Dynasty The Sui Dynasty was not happy with the Eastern/Turkic people.
This is definitely a great thing for the tribes and tribal alliances that border the East/Turks.
Next are Western countries such as Gaochang, Qiuci, Yanqi, Khotan, Shule, Hanhan, Zhangzhong, and Nvguo. Although these countries are small, the people who come to congratulate them are all personally visited by their kings, and each of these countries is basically Xanadu is located on the main and branch lines of the Silk Road. After appeasing them, the Silk Road can be made unimpeded and Sui products and culture can flow to the West endlessly, so they are ranked second in the interview list.
The kings of Koryo, Baekje, Silla, and Chihuo were unable to come; Xue Yantuo and Xue Hubu alliance, Qigu, Nanshiwei, Beishiwei, Western Turks, Qibi tribe (Qibi Geling), Tuyuhun The chiefs of the Murong Zhao tribe (who went south) and other tribes could not come, but they all sent envoys to present "letters of credence" and tributes, and expressed that their king (chief) would be a vassal and have everlasting friendship from generation to generation.
As for the Japanese state, they also sent envoys to the dynasty. After the change of power and internal attacks, the famous "Bajing Rebellion" occurred in the Japanese state. The old aristocrats Katsuragi Minister, Ping Qunchen, Obanren, and Monobe Company successively lost power in the struggle. The Soga clan had the last laugh after defeating many hostile forces. The current head of the Soga clan, Soga Umako, killed Emperor Takajun in 592 and established the previous empress, Princess Natsudabe, as Queen Suiko. A politics of monarch and ministers coexisting to this day has been formed. group.
The Soga family was in charge of the military, while Queen Suiko and Prince Shotoku were in charge of the political power. They cooperated with each other tacitly, resulting in a significant increase in national power. However, the internal struggle was very fierce, just like the Cao Cao Group and Liu Xie in the Eastern Han Dynasty.
The envoys who came to the Sui Dynasty this time appeared to be a group of people, but they were actually divided into three groups internally.
One group was appointed by Queen Suiko, who represented the orthodoxy, and the envoy was Prince Shotoku. Prince Shotoku once deceived Queen Suiko and secretly sent Ono to come to court. However, because of the letter of credence, Yang Guang was dissatisfied. Ono and others are still being thrown on the construction site for labor reform.
This time, Prince Shotoku also learned from Baekje that the Sui Dynasty was dissatisfied with the Japanese country and that Baekje and Silla were not allowed to communicate with them. Therefore, he requested the queen's order and came to apologize in person. At the same time, he also hoped to establish a formal relationship with the Sui Dynasty. relation.
One group was appointed by the powerful minister Suga Mazi. He was Suga Huanye, a member of the Suga clan. He was one of the deputy envoys of Prince Shotoku on this trip, but in fact, he was in contact with the Sui Dynasty on behalf of the Suga clan.
The last group is the Ezo people. The Ezo people are the aborigines of the Ezo land (Hokkaido Island). They have been conquered by the Japanese nation, which is a tribal alliance, for a long time. However, the Japanese people have always regarded them as savages and barbarians, and have not regarded them at all. They treat them as human beings, which makes them still have no sense of belonging to the Japanese country. In order to resist the excessive extortion and exploitation of the Japanese country, the Ezo people carried out a long-term and fierce resistance.
The envoy's name is Jishi Yongmei. His name comes from the "Book of Han·Yuan Emperor Ji" "The blame lies in my ignorance, and it is to know the virtuous after death. Therefore, the Ren people are in power, and Jishi Yongmei." This person's appearance He is the deputy envoy of the "orthodox" mission, but he is actually one of the leaders of the Ezo Anti-Japanese Alliance. Currently, like Soga Kawano, he is also trying to secretly contact the Sui Dynasty to gain support from the Sui Dynasty.
The deep intentions of Suwa Huanye and Jishi Yongshe have been revealed through the Baekje envoy and Zuoping (prime minister) Sha Qingzhong. They all hope that they can have some contact with the senior officials of the Sui Dynasty.
It took Yang Guang a whole morning to meet and greet each one one by one. There were more than 60 countries and tribes, big and small, including the "Nine Surnames of Zhaowu" in Central Asia and the distant Persian country. A delegation of envoys came to congratulate us, not to mention the small countries on the Silk Road whose names we have never heard of. 【Note】
Yang Ji stood there all morning. Instead of feeling any impatience, Yang Ji felt indescribable joy and pride because of the respectful manners of the kings and tribal envoys prostrating and saluting!
After receiving all the foreign envoys, only the important officials of the Sui Dynasty were left beside Yang Guang. He stood up and said boldly to the civil and military officials: "There are more than 60 foreigners from different countries and races coming to Korea this year. This is the Central Plains." This is an unprecedented event for thousands of years. But I am not satisfied. I hope that today next year, more than a hundred national tribes will bow down to me and bow to me and the subjects of the Sui Dynasty!"
Yang Guang's lofty ideals infected everyone. This was Yang Guang's goal, so why was it not the goal of Sui Dynasty civil and military officials? Everyone looked excited and bowed and saluted: "Long live the saint, long live the Sui Dynasty! Let all countries prostrate themselves on the ground and worship!"
Yang Guang laughed loudly, waved his hand and said: "Follow me into the palace, defeat them first at the wine table, let them know that our Sui Dynasty is not only invincible on the battlefield, but also on the wine table." On, no exception.”
"Here!" the civil and military officials responded in a loud voice.
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[Note: During the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, there were frequent exchanges of friends between the Central Plains dynasty and Persia. "Book of Wei" records that Persian envoys came dozens of times, bringing various gifts, treasures, tamed elephants, and other gifts to the Northern Wei emperor. Acrobatic magic show troupe, etc. Afterwards, envoys were sent to the Sui Dynasty many times. Once, the golden cotton brocade robes and silk fabrics presented to Yang Jian by the Persian envoys were very gorgeous. Even the Central Plains dynasty did not have such craftsmanship.
In fact, this was also an attempt by Persian envoys to use the Sui Dynasty Congress as a sales platform to promote their own products to various countries and ethnic groups. It was also an attempt to humiliate and replace the famous Central Plains textiles.
How could Yang Jian admit defeat to the Hu people? He dumped all these gifts to He Chou, asked him to conduct reverse research, and asked him to come up with better ones in the shortest possible time. The golden cotton brocade robes and silk fabrics developed by He Chou were countless times more exquisite than those in Persia. Then he slapped the Persian envoy in the face in public and made sarcastic remarks, probably saying, "Your Persian craftsmanship is outdated and outdated, and I, the Sui Dynasty, have abandoned it long ago." After his craftsmanship spread, he in turn made money from the Persians.
Now it seems that some people may think that this is just a "little fight" and not significant. But at that time, it was obviously a competition of top craftsmanship at top "exhibitions"; it was even related to the dignity and glory of the country.
He Chou brought glory to the country, and Yang Jian later named him Taifu Cheng. From this canonization, we know that this seemingly insignificant contest has actually risen to the level of a contest between countries.
The gifts the Sui Dynasty gave to the Persians seemed to be glass products made by He Chou, fooling the Persians into thinking it was natural glass.
When Yang Guang was emperor, the King of Persia personally led a delegation to visit the Sui Dynasty several times. The first visit seemed to be in the third or fourth year of the Great Sui Dynasty. As for the specific year, I can't remember, and it seems that the visitors were not the same person. . 】
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Set a small goal first, such as remembering in 1 second: Shukeju
