An Suijia sat down in the living room of Prince Zhao's Mansion, and the person who came out to receive him turned out to be Yu Wenzhao himself, King Zhao. Yu Wenzhao was the half-brother of the late emperor Yu Wenyong. He had Yuwen's strong physique and Yuwen Yong's elegant temperament.
King Zhao was not only a good calligrapher but also good at composing poems and songs. His beloved daughter, Princess Qianjin, had been deeply influenced by him since she was a child and gained the reputation of a talented girl in Kyoto. King Zhao then said to Ansuijia.
"We just returned to Prince Zhao's Mansion in Chang'an the day before yesterday because we were ill."
Yuwenzhao was particularly concerned about his daughter's life in the Turks, so he decided to personally receive the Turkic envoy Ansuijia.
Ansuijia said.
"King Zhao, the princess was really not used to it when she first arrived in the Turkic tribe. However, Apo Khan loved her very much and respected the princess's original customs. At the same time, we women in the Turkic tribe also loved the princess and learned embroidery and rice planting from her. Well, so King Zhao, you don’t have to worry, even so, Princess Qianjin is always worried about marrying a Turk."
She then became an apprentice to Yuchi Sun Sheng to learn archery and riding skills. Princess Qianjin was always thinking in her heart.
"I must study hard and practice hard. One day I will definitely be able to lead people back to Chang'an to avenge my father and uncles who died unjustly, as well as Yuwen Wen and Chifan who died."
"ah?"
Yu Wenzhao was extremely shocked after hearing what An Suijia said.
"This woman actually has such treacherous thoughts. Does Apok Khan know?"
"Apo Khan knew this, so he always tried to persuade the princess to let go of her hatred and not think about it as she grew older. He also said that he would build a palace for her on the grassland in the style of the palace in Chang'an City. The princess declined politely because she was afraid of wasting people and money."
"It seems that Apok Khan has not used troops against our border recently."
Ansuijia said.
"Yes, we haven't been able to use force to the south since the princess left."
Yu Wenzhao asked a little doubtfully.
"Why is that?"
"Of course it is the role of the princess. The Khan has become the son-in-law of your country. It seems unreasonable to send troops to attack the country of his close relatives. Secondly, it is also thanks to the princess. After the princess married far away, the grassland has always had good weather, even in winter. If there is a snowstorm, the pasture will grow well after spring, and the cattle and sheep will naturally grow well. If the people of the tribe can be fed and clothed, they will naturally not want to start a war."
When King Zhao saw An Suijia talking quickly, he asked again.
"The deputy envoy Yuchi Shunsheng who went with the princess last time is still in the tribe, right?"
"General Yuchi Sunsheng came back with us this time. Your Majesty also ordered him to perform archery skills in Liehui Garden today."
Yu Wenzhao continued.
"We heard someone say that Yuchi Sunsheng's shooting skills are very good."
Ansuijia replied with a smile.
"He is really a great archer. We Turks all grew up on horseback. Who doesn't know how to draw a bow and arrow? There is no one who doesn't admire him. Apo Khan kept him first because he wanted to learn archery from him. Shu, he will be rewarded a lot when he returns to Chang'an Abo this time."
"General Yuchi has been on his mission to the Turks for a long time. How are you getting along with him?"
"We are already very good friends with General Yuchi, and everyone in the tribe likes him very much."
Yuwen Zhao then asked.
"How many camels did you bring to the capital this time?"
Ansuijia said.
"Seven."
"You bring all seven camels tomorrow. We have prepared a gift for each of Apo Khan and the princess, and we have prepared another gift for you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
After saying that, Ansuijia stood up and said goodbye. King Zhao personally sent Ansuijia to the gate of the palace and gave instructions.
"When you come tomorrow, call Yuchi Sunsheng for us. We want to thank him in person."
On the night when Ansuijia came to Prince Zhao's Mansion, Yuchi and Sun Sheng also asked the Turks to lead two camels to Yang Mansion. The gate of Prince Zhao's Mansion was built like a castle and could accommodate tall camels driving straight in through the door.
The courtyard of the Yang Mansion is not small, and the gate is obviously large. It is obvious that the camels can only be unloaded outside the gate under the supervision of Li Shun, and then have to be carried on the shoulders of people to carry them in.
"Why did you bring so many things? You shouldn't, you shouldn't."
Yang Jian patted Yuchi Sun Sheng on the shoulder and was overjoyed at his arrival.
"Prime Minister, those were given to us by Princess Qianjin and Apok Khan. How can we, a bachelor, use so many things?"
Yang Jian stretched out his hand and made a gesture of invitation and said to Yuchi Sun Sheng.
"Come in and sit down."
Several lamps were lit in the living room, filling the room with light. Yang Jian looked at Yuchi and Sun Sheng carefully and then said.
"In just one year, you have completely changed as a person. I remember the first time we saw you, you were so thin."
"How can you avoid getting lumps on the meat that's served there if it's either beef, mutton or milk tea?"
Yang Jian said with a smile.
"We heard that you lived a very comfortable life there. Everyone in the Turks came to you to ask for advice on archery. You made a lot of friends in a year."
"Yes, it's true that we have made friends. In fact, the people who ask us for advice on archery are all very skilled in archery. Wherever I go, they spread the word about me more and more. If I don't leave, I will be really embarrassed."
"You have sent the princess away for a year, and the Turks have not invaded our border. How long do you think this peaceful life can last?"
After the two sat down in the room, Yang Jian began to ask serious questions.
"That's hard to tell."
Yuchi Sunsheng thought for a while and then said.
"The Turkic people's habit is to drive their cattle, sheep and wives, children and children wherever the soil and water are fertile. Wherever they go, they live in pursuit of water and grass. What's more, we have food and wealth that are more precious than water and grass in our territory. As long as they win the war, what? Everything belongs to them, and of course the convenience of doing this becomes more and more powerful the more we do it.”
Yang Jian continued.
"What about the trust between countries? What about the friendship between neighbors? We don't even talk about it anymore."
"According to our opinion, the Turks are not dishonest and don't care about feelings. For example, where we live, people all year round treat us quite well. Even if we are leaving, we can't bear to leave. Another example is Apok. Khan and Princess Qianjin are also very affectionate. When we sent Princess Qianjin away, Princess Qianjin was still crying and crying along the way. However, after arriving in the Turkic territory, they fell in love with each other for a long time. However, compared with survival, all love and affection should be thrown away. In the back of my mind, in a word, survival is the first priority.”
"In other words, the battle in the north will continue in the future?"
Yang Jian took a sip of wine and turned his attention to Yuchi Sunsheng.
"From our point of view, Turkic intrusions on our borders are a common occurrence and may happen at any time. We must be careful at all times. I hope that when domestic wars and chaos on the borders are out of precaution, border disturbances will occur more frequently."
"We also heard that you once led the Turks to Bingzhou and were entertained by General Yu Qingze."
"Does the Prime Minister also know about this?"
Yuchi Sun Shengdao.
"After the princess went there, she felt unaccustomed to the lack of food and vegetables, so she asked the Turks, especially women, to open up wasteland by the river to grow food, vegetables and fruits, but there was a shortage of seedlings and seeds, so we volunteered and said we could go to General Yu. Solution, we also brought some grain, horses and iron armor with us that time. General Yu treated us well with good wine and meat. Before we left, we also gave us a lot of money for travel expenses. In addition, we got a lot of money in exchange for it. A little silk and salt, a lot of supplies, Apo Khan and the princess were very happy to hear it."
Yang Jian sighed and continued.
"Wouldn't it be great if the two countries could live in harmony like this for generations to come?"
"In a word, the Zhou Empire must be prosperous and supported by strong border defense forces."
"Then what are your plans for coming back this time?"
In order to avoid his sharp edge, Yang Jian was about to leave Chang'an to lead troops elsewhere. He subconsciously glanced at Yuchi and Sun Sheng murmured in his heart.
"After we leave, Li Shun will have to worry about managing everything in this big family. It would be great if he could stay by Li Shun's side to assist him."
"We had already thought about it and followed the Prime Minister's arrangements as soon as we came back. We never thought that today we would be received by the Holy Emperor and become the right young uncle and teach the Holy Emperor how to do archery."
Yuchi Sun Sheng gave Yang Jian a detailed account of how he performed archery in Liehuiyuan during the day and was rewarded by Yu Wenyun.
Yang Jian smiled after hearing this.
"When I was your age, I once held this position in the palace and almost lost my life. When running errands in the palace, you really need to pay attention to everything and be careful. Sometimes you have to be more cautious."
While talking, Li Shun walked in. Yuchi Sunsheng took off a short knife from his waist and gave it to Li Shundao.
"This knife was often worn by Turkic Khans as an ornament and for self-defense. It was often taken out to cut meat during meals."
Li Shun took it and saw that the copper scabbard was inlaid with many colorful gems. The entire blade was only as long as an ordinary dagger, but there was a curve at the tip like a horn. After coming out of the sheath, there was a small, shiny and sharp iron handle. The workmanship of the knife is extremely exquisite.
Yuchi Sunsheng continued to explain.
"This knife was carefully crafted by the Persians."
Li Shun nodded. He remembered that the knife he had given to Ruosui was very similar to this knife.
Early the next morning, the Zhao Palace sent someone to pick up Yuchi Sunsheng and An Suijia. Because he was single, Yuchi Sun Sheng returned to the court and stayed with An Suijia in the inn.
"Take those seven camels to King Zhao's Mansion to thank King Zhao for the gift he gave us in return."
Seven camels were lined up in a row and passed through Chang'an Avenue. Along the way, there was an endless stream of citizens running up to watch. This behemoth, known as the desert, can carry heavy loads, but it can't move very fast. Now it is surrounded by citizens, and the camels just walk away. Slower.
The people sent by the Zhao Palace to greet them saw that it was already noon and the camels had not left the city, so they said to Ansuijia and Yuchi Sunsheng who were riding on horses.
"My lords, please go to your house first. The prince is waiting at home."
Ansuijia and Yuchi Sunsheng rode their horses to the gate of Prince Zhao's Mansion. They saw a small covered carriage pulled by horses parked on one side of the gate. They dismounted and a servant came over to take the reins and lead the horse to the hitching post. Tie up.
When he was about to enter the high threshold of the palace, he saw the housekeeper of Prince Zhao's palace escorting an elder in a gorgeous robe walking out of the door. Yuchi and Sun Sheng stopped and nodded to let the elder go first. Unexpectedly, the two walked towards each other but turned to each other. Thumbs up in praise.
"Oh, it's General Yuchi Sunsheng. You are so skillful."
Only then did Yuchi Sun Sheng take a closer look at the other party. He saw that the other party had a clear face, a long gray beard floating on his chin, and a shiny small baggage in his hand. He estimated that he was around 50 years old.
"Excuse me, sir, who are you?"
Yuchi Sunsheng was not sure where he had seen this elder, so he bowed deeply and said embarrassedly.
"General Yuchi doesn't know us, but I know you. We are the imperial physician in the palace. Yesterday we saw the general demonstrate his archery skills in Liehui Garden. Three yellow fences, one bow and one bow were perfect hits."
"Sir, you've already spoken."
Yuchi Sunsheng felt even more embarrassed when he heard the compliment and continued.
"Sir, you won't sit still anymore?"
"We have reviewed the prince's examination. There are many affairs in the palace, so I won't sit down."
As the imperial doctor said, he got into the small and exquisite carriage. Yu Wenzhao held a banquet in the palace to entertain the two guests. The food and wine were particularly rich, but there were beautiful women accompanying them to toast. Ansuijia, who had a cheerful personality, welcomed all the beauties and wines that King Zhao gave him. He will eat as much as he takes.
Yuchi and Sun Sheng were in their early 20s but a bit young. When they met in Laocheng and King Zhao, they fell in love with each other and talked happily. At this time, Ansuijia, who had been eating and drinking too much, was already drunk and started talking nonsense.
"Your Majesty......................... Ansuijia is also considered a great general of the Turks. We have an adopted son, even though he is only in his teens. He has a mighty figure, and his father died young before he was born. For this reason, we named him Lushan. We hope that this brat will become as successful as a mountain in the future."
Seeing that Ansuijia's words were wrong, King Zhao wanted to let him sit at the table, but he saw Ansuijia's funny behavior, so he ordered the beautiful lady who accompanied him to drink.
"Serve the general and go to the guest room to rest."
Then they slowly ate and drank and chatted with Yuchi and Sun Sheng.
"Yesterday, I heard Ansuijia talking about the general's superb shooting skills. We thought that the general was at least over 40 years old. We never thought that the general would have an unlimited future at such a young age."
"Where there."
Yuchi Sun Sheng shook his head repeatedly.
"Your Majesty, thank you. Our archery skills are actually only slightly more accurate than ordinary people. The so-called magic is only magnified by the boasts of incomprehensible people."
"General, don't be overly modest. The bows in your hands are all forged through repeated tempering."
King Zhao continued.
"It is said that my little girl also learned archery under your training?"
"The princess is already very smart, and she is extremely focused on her studies. In addition, her eyesight and concentration are very good. Her current archery skills are no less than those of the average men in the tribe."
"My little girl also has such skills?"
King Zhao said happily.
"This also shows the general's ability to turn stone into gold."
Then Yu Wenzhao stopped his smile and changed the topic and asked.
"You have been on a mission to Turks for more than a year and have had a lot of contact with my little girl. According to what you have seen, how is my little girl living there? Has she been bullied?"
"Apo Khan is very affectionate to the princess, and the princess has gradually adapted to local life. This is a great blessing for the princess. However, the princess does not seem to be happy in her heart, so she works hard to learn this and that."
Yu Wenzhao looked at Yuchi Sun Sheng and asked.
"What do you think is the source of the princess's unhappiness?"
"After all, the princess grew up in an excellent environment in the capital. It is inevitable that she will not be used to the remote grassland and desert."
King Zhao was dissatisfied with Yuchi Sun Sheng's answer and asked again.
"We also heard that the princess still has lingering fears about choosing her to marry a Turk?"
Yuchi Sun Sheng glanced at Yu Wenzhao and felt that he could no longer hide it and had to tell the truth.
"It's true. When the princess was practicing archery, she aimed at the arrow stack and called someone's name, and fired arrow after arrow. We also tried to persuade the princess, but a few days later, when she practiced archery again, she named someone again. Tao is going to shoot the person she called."
"Oh, it really shouldn't be."
King Zhao sighed and changed the topic.
"What do you think of the Turkic military strength?"
"If they gather all the cavalry from all the tribes, they will have about 300,000 to 400,000 cavalry who are good at fighting and will be very powerful."
"But every time they always seem to come with force, they all end up defeated. What's the reason for this?"
Yuchi Shunsheng thought for a while and said.
"Based on my experience, they often end up in failure every time. It may be due to various factors. The most important thing is probably that they do not have a long-term target of attack. They usually burn, kill and loot along the border. After a while, they quickly retreated when they saw the officers and soldiers chasing them. This may also be due to their nomadic habits."
King Zhao said again.
"If one day, as the princess's father, we borrow a cavalry from Apok Khan, do you think they will agree?"
