The Prime Minister of Tibet came to Chang'an in person, which was a major event in the Tang Dynasty's diplomacy.
Today, the main energy of the Tang Dynasty monarchs and ministers is devoted to the Haidong Peninsula to the east. For the Haidong Peninsula, it can be said that the whole country's efforts are devoted.
The war in the east was in full swing, and all human and material resources were invested in the Haidong Peninsula.
So relatively speaking, Datang had to adopt a conciliatory and gentle approach to its neighbors to the west.
Otherwise, if the neighbors to the west were uneasy about the Tang Dynasty's conquests in all directions, so they created friction on the border or suddenly launched a war, the Tang Dynasty would be passive.
Therefore, although the Tang Dynasty and Tubo were very unhappy because of the fight for Tuyuhun, the then Prime Minister Lu Dongzan almost became a prisoner of the Tang Dynasty due to the timely arrival of Tang army reinforcements, but today Tubo's new Prime Minister Zan When Ruo arrived, Datang still welcomed him with grand diplomatic etiquette.
It is not only the magnanimity of the country of etiquette, but more importantly, the emperors and ministers of the Tang Dynasty are very aware of the current situation. When conquering the east, of course they must appease the west. You can't offend both sides, right? No matter how powerful the Tang Dynasty was, it could not withstand the exhaustion of fighting on both sides.
Right Prime Minister Xu Jingzong personally came to welcome him, which was worthy of his status as the Prime Minister of Tibet. The ceremonial guard of the imperial palace and the drum dance of Taichang Temple dancers were also regarded as a very grand welcome ceremony.
The dancers danced on the drums, attracting countless people and traders in Chang'an City to watch eagerly.
In an instant, Yanping Gate was crowded with people. Under the scorching summer sun, the common people were sweating all over. They were still crowded outside the guard of honor, watching the dancing dancers dancing gracefully on the drums, and then watching the Tubo Emperor. The expressions of touching each other made people feel proud.
If Zan Xi was really flattered, he would have thought that the fight for Tuyuhun with the Tang Dynasty was so unpleasant, and that after coming to the Tang Dynasty, the emperor and his ministers would not be rude to him, at least they would be very indifferent.
He didn't expect to see such a grand welcome ceremony when he entered the city. No matter what Zan Xiruo thought in his heart, in front of so many onlookers, at least he had to do enough on the surface. The Tang Dynasty gave him face, and he had to carry it. He didn't dare not to Know how to lift.
So Zan Xiruo faced the direction of Tai Chi Palace and bowed again and again. Every time he kowtowed, he kowtowed hard and his head hit the ground hard. After three prostrations and nine bows, Zan Xiruo's forehead was red and swollen. .
Zan Xiruo's devout kneeling and worshiping indeed won the favor of the crowd, and there was cheers all around.
The Tang Dynasty was actually very open-minded and tolerant, from the monarchs and ministers to the common people and traders. The magnanimity of the great country was not only reflected in diplomacy, but more importantly, it was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
The two countries have fought wars before, and it doesn't matter. Brothers have fought against each other sometimes. It's normal for them to have fought against each other. After the war, everyone sat down and talked calmly. They apologized where they should and admitted their mistakes where they should.
After the process is over, we are still friends and brothers, and all the unpleasantness in the past will be forgotten.
Of course, the premise of all this is that Datang won the war and the other party lost.
Otherwise, they would not be so magnanimous. For example, Goguryeo had been fighting with the Tang Dynasty for decades. Did the Tang Dynasty sit down and have a chat with it calmly?
How can an immortal country settle a centuries-old feud?
Yes, it's such a double standard, but it's only natural.
The dignity of the sovereign state must be ranked first in the so-called "tolerance". After satisfying your own dignity first, let's talk about tolerance.
The reason why the Tang Dynasty treats Tubo so politely today is because when they fought for Tuyuhun, the Tang Dynasty was the winner with the last laugh.
Tubo, on the other hand, spent countless manpower and material resources, and Lu Dongzan spent many years planning, but ultimately fell short. In the end, he had to withdraw his troops in despair, and Tuyuhun was completely included in the territory of the Tang Dynasty.
The winner entertains the loser. No matter how polite the gesture is, it can't hide the condescending nature. The people watching at this moment cheering and approving Zan Xiruo for kneeling down sincerely are also the mentality of a victorious country.
At this moment, Zan Xiruo, who was kneeling down to the Tai Chi Palace devoutly, only he knew whether he was moved or aggrieved.
From Yanping Gate to Taiji Palace, Zan Xiruo led the Tibetan delegation all the way to the gate of Taiji Palace, watched by a huge crowd of people, and then knelt on the ground again.
When the palace door opened, there were still guards of honor, and there were still rituals, music, singing and dancing to welcome them.
Under the leadership of Xu Jingzong, Zan Xiruo walked into the palace gate and came to Tai Chi Hall.
Li Zhi and Empress Wu sat in the palace in their best attires. They kowtowed three times and bowed nine times when Zan Xi entered the palace. Their postures were very humble.
Li Zhi's attitude was also very enthusiastic. He smiled and greeted Lu Dongzan. He also recalled that during the Zhenguan period, Lu Dongzan came to Chang'an on behalf of Songtsan Gambo. Li Zhi was still young at that time, but he also met Lu Dongzan several times. fate.
As he spoke, Li Zhi's expression became sad again. Lu Dongzan had passed away, and his old friends were gradually withering away. As the eldest son of Lu Dongzan, Zan Xiruo not only inherited the family business, but also inherited Lu Dongzan's official position and became the official The Prime Minister of Tubo.
The topics of small talk were all light-hearted, and sensitive topics were rarely discussed.
When the Tang Dynasty and Tubo fought for Tuyuhun, and when Li Qinzai, who was still the envoy of the Tang Dynasty, defeated General Lu Dongzan in Tuyuhun several times, the two countries met each other at war. Li Zhi did not mention these unpleasant past events.
Zan Xiruo seemed to understand Li Zhi's intentions, and he wisely only talked about the friendship between the two countries, not the war between the two countries.
The key topic is Songtsen Gampo’s marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.
This is a time-honored story between the two countries, and its influence is very far-reaching. To this day, the marriage between Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng is still an important link maintaining the superficial peace between the Tang and Tibet.
After chatting for a long time, Li Zhi ordered a banquet to be held. The prime ministers and ministers of the court were all present to show the grandeur.
In the evening, the lights in the Tai Chi Palace are brightly lit, and the music of silk, bamboo, sheng and Xiao is floating in the Tai Chi Palace.
The monarchs and ministers gathered together in the palace, just to receive the Tibetan Prime Minister who came from afar and praised him.
The palace maids and eunuchs brought fine wine and delicacies to the palace, and the kabuki dancers of Taichang Temple prepared songs and dances to entertain the guests as usual. Important courtiers from Chang'an City also gathered in the palace. Just when Li Zhi was about to announce the opening of the banquet, Zan Xiruo suddenly knelt down and worshiped Li Zhi. In front of the treatment.
"His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, the foreign minister has a favor to ask."
Li Zhi said with a smile: "The Prime Minister is a distinguished guest from afar, but if you have any requests, I will grant them. There is no harm in the Prime Minister speaking out."
Zan Xiruo lowered his head and said: "The foreign minister heard that there was a young hero in the Tang Dynasty. At that time, he was sent to Tuyuhun as an envoy by the emperor's order. He had dealings with the foreign minister's father, Lu Dongzan. Now that young hero is a member of the Tang Dynasty. The mainstay and important minister, I don’t know why, but the emperor held a banquet tonight, but he was not seen?”
Li Zhi's eyes flashed, and he quickly looked at each other with Empress Wu, and the couple smiled faintly.
"Could it be that the person the Prime Minister is talking about is Li Qinzai, the Duke of Liaodong?"
He praised and said: "It is Duke Li. Please forgive the rudeness of the foreign minister. The father of the foreign minister had his last words before his death. If it had not been for this Duke Li, it is still unclear whose hands the Tuyuhun would have fallen into. The father of the foreign minister has worked hard and planned all his life." Forget it, it fell into the hands of Duke Li, it was God's will."
"The foreign ministers came to Chang'an today. They are still looking forward to seeing the grace of Duke Li of the Tang Dynasty and begging for His Majesty's favor from the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty."
Li Zhi raised his eyebrows, then looked around pretendingly, and said in surprise: "Huh? Did Jingchu not go to the banquet tonight?"
(End of chapter)
