Listen to Zhang Dashu talk about what happened during this trip to Tubo.
A few people came to the Diplomatic Academy. They were originally going to greet Zhang Dashu, but Li Xiaogong and Li Tai started eating before they arrived.
"Come on, come on, take a seat quickly." Li Xiaogong waved.
Sitting around a table, the soup in the hot pot is boiling.
Zhang Dashu first ate a bite of mutton, then a piece of pancake, and then another bite of millet. He said with emotion: "It was only when I went outside the customs that I realized how beautiful the plateau scenery was. When I was in Tubo, I always ate half-cooked food. The Tibetan barley is really hard to swallow.”
First, I watched Zhang Dashu wolfing down the food.
Li Tai whispered: "It's a pity that you came back late, and you didn't drink this year's ale."
Zhang Dashu took a sip of wine and said, "The wine in Chang'an City is still delicious. To be honest, I feel like vomiting when I smell milk."
I don’t know how much hardship Zhang Dashu suffered outside the customs. Now he is skinny and skinny. He was obviously a strong young man when he went there.
On the other hand, officials from other ministries who were passing by to explore would take a few glances at the Diplomatic Academy when passing by.
Others were discussing official matters in their official residences, but only those at the Diplomatic Academy had their meals directly.
What does it sound like to have wine and meat in a good official residence?
Li Xiaogong couldn't stand the stares from outside, so he walked straight to the door and closed the door with a clang.
The officials from various ministries who were watching had no choice but to give up.
The whole pot of mutton was eaten clean by Zhang Dashu like a storm.
After you have had enough wine and food, you can discuss business matters.
Zhang Dashu took out the case files one by one from his package, "This is the situation of Tubo grain, this is the news from the Western Regions, this is the news from Gaochang, and Su Dingfang has passed through the Qilian Mountains and arrived in the Western Regions. This is Songtsen Gampo’s recent edict.”
After taking out a bunch of files, Zhang Dashu wiped his mouth and was still reminiscing about the meat and wine he just had. "Here are all the gains from this trip. In order to get some information, I also learned the Tubo dialect. Now I'm looking for a Tubo person." They can all talk in Tubo dialect."
"Congratulations to Brother Dasu for mastering another diplomatic skill." Zhang Yang poured him another drink.
Zhang Dashu drank it all in one gulp.
Li Xiaogong asked curiously: "Is it true that as Zhang Yang said, entering the depths of Tubo will make you sick?"
Zhang Dashu shook his head, "I did feel something strange in my body after entering the depths of Tubo. I took a hundred soldiers and horses and stationed them in the west sea of Hehuang for two months. During this period, Songtsen Gampo often sent people to check. He said that if we can't reach a certain level, we will be asked to go back."
The Hehuang and Xihai mentioned by Zhang Dashu are the Qinghai area. The terrain is higher in the west and lower in the east. After Hehuang, there is a plateau.
Li Xiaogong gritted his teeth, "How arrogant you dare to neglect my envoy from the Tang Dynasty like this! I must let him dance the Hu Xuan Dance in the Tai Chi Hall like Jie Li."
Xu Jingzong cleared his throat and said, "Prince Hejian, that one is danced by a barbarian. The Tubo people don't have such talent."
Li Xiaogong stroked his beard and said thoughtfully: "Really?"
Zhang Dashu's words continued, "Songtsen Gampo actually sent someone to say this. Naturally, we couldn't stop moving forward. Fortunately, Zhang Shangshu had something to say before us and we didn't rush forward. We sent three or two people into the depths and then turned back. We stayed there for two months. After I got used to it, I headed to Luozhe."
Li Tai frowned and said, "Have you seen Songtsen Gampo?"
Zhang Dashu said regretfully: "I didn't see it, I just saw Ludongzan. Songtsen Gampo was not there when we went to Luoche. Ludongzan didn't go into details. He handed over the letters from Chaozhong and Zhang Shangshu." Praise to Ludong."
There is still a flame in the stove, and the soup in the hot pot is still boiling.
Listening to the sound of the soup boiling, Zhang Dashu looked at the crowd and said, "Lu Dongzan didn't give any reply, and the subordinates didn't see Songtsen Gampo. They said that we can reach a certain level. They respect us as warriors and can go as far as we can." Logical Central Plains people are very rare, and the Tubo people there don’t even know that the Central Plains exists.”
"With Songtsan Gampo out of sight, and Ludongzan not caring about us, the officials and the others had nothing to do, so we began to inquire about Tibetan affairs, and we also heard a lot about Tubo..."
Listening to Zhang Dashu's words, as he said, there are not many Central Plains people who can reach the plateau, and there are even fewer Central Plains people who can reach Luozhong.
These files are all intelligence and news collected by Zhang Dashu in Tubo for half a year.
It is very important for the Foreign Affairs Council to obtain first-hand information about Tubo, including population distribution, landforms, and customs there.
These are all the hard work of Da Su, and they are also precious information.
Zhang Yang said: "Da Su, please write down your physical reaction to this trip to Tubo and the climate on the plateau. This will be of great use to us in the future."
Li Xiaogong slapped the case and said: "Yes! My soldiers will be of great use when they enter Tubo in the future."
Li Tai leisurely said: "Don't try to be brave. I heard that Uncle Wang now wakes up six times a night and is only a strong man. I'm afraid if you haven't reached the plateau yet, we will give it to you in Chang'an City." Crying in mourning."
The words were like a basin of cold water poured on Li Xiaogong's head, and the hot blood in his heart suddenly became cold.
The intention was good. With Li Xiaogong's current status, there was no need to put himself in danger, but the little fat man's mouth was a bit poisonous.
How can you expose the shortcomings of your elders in front of so many people?
Zhang Dashu took out another volume of books and said, "This autumn, the people from Gaochang were transporting cotton and passed through the Qilian Mountains. They also met Li Daoyan and Su Dingfang. Several Gaochang soldiers, along with their accompanying soldiers and horses, had already headed to Tianshan. They are waiting to come back next time. On the way, we have received news that they, Ashinadur and some Gaochang troops have been united."
"Does Songtsen Gampo know this news?"
"When I came here, Lu Dongzan already knew that he was very dissatisfied with the Tang Dynasty's conquest of the Western Regions, and even threatened to seek justice for the four towns of Anxi."
In the eyes of the Tubo people, the Guanzhong soldiers and horses went to the Western Regions to capture the four towns of Anxi. Even the DPRK did not know this news.
Now everyone in the court also knew that the Tang Dynasty wanted to take back the four towns of Anxi. Xu Jingzong had a sullen face and was calculating in his heart. The Tubo people thought they were smart and sent people to find out the news in Chang'an City. With the news in Chang'an, the Tubo people could understand the Tang Dynasty's intention. .
When all the ministries in the DPRK said that this army was to conquer the Western Regions, the Tubo people naturally believed it.
This is why the Ministry of Rites has been keeping silent on these matters these days.
Songtsen Gampo was indeed a smart man. He did not underestimate the Tang Dynasty and was not arrogant.
But smart people can easily be fooled by their cleverness.
When everyone felt that the Ministry of Rites was still thinking about the Western Regions, Tubo naturally believed it.
Xu Jingzong also knew very well that when he originally arranged this matter, only four of them, including himself, Li Daoyan, Su Dingfang, and Zhang Shangshu were present.
Zhang Dasu burped again and smoothed his breathing, "It's true that the smell of milk is all in my stomach. These days in Tubo are really not what people live."
Xu Jingzong lowered his voice and said, "Everything is ready, Zhang Shangshu. When will we start?"
Zhang Yang chuckled and said calmly: "You definitely can't be anxious about this kind of thing. After all, it's a house theft."
"When I came here, I heard from Lu Dongzan that he would come to congratulate me on this New Year's Eve."
Li Xiaogong slapped the table, "What an arrogant man! The two countries are about to go to war, and he dares to come to the Tang Dynasty! If he dares to come, I will cut off his head and hang it on the flagpole of Chang'an City!" "
"Uncle Wang, please be patient." Li Tai glanced at Zhang Yang, who had his hands folded and a calm expression on his face, "What do you think, brother-in-law?"
"He will come whenever he wants. If we stop him, we will be stingy. If the two countries are at war, they will not cut off the envoys. Send a message to the border gate and open the door to see if he has the courage to enter."
Listening to Zhang Yang's scornful tone, Li Xiaogong added: "If he is a hero, don't worry about his morale. If he dares to come to Chang'an City, I respect him as a man."
Li Tai said helplessly: "I didn't just say that I wanted to chop off his head."
Li Xiaogong snorted coldly: "First respect him as a man, and then it won't be too late to kill him."
Zhang Dashu also talked about Tang Xuanzang, who left Guanzhong and went to Tuyuhun and fell into the hands of Songtsan Gampo. This person also established a gentlemanly relationship with Songtsan Gampo and let the monk go.
Normally, this monk's journey should also be in the Western Regions. At present, everything east of the Tianshan Mountains is in chaos.
Zhang Yang clasped his hands with a worried look on his face, not knowing whether the monk was still alive.
Knowing that Zhang Dashu was back, someone from the court would definitely come to ask questions. At this moment, there was a knock on the door of the outer courtyard.
Li Xiaogong opened the door and saw that it was Li Shimin's eunuch who was not ready to offend, so he asked, "Is it your Majesty's order?"
"Your Majesty has a decree to invite Zhang Shangshu to the Wude Hall to discuss matters."
After looking at Da Su, Zhang Yang said: "Brother Elephant, take Da Su to the village to meet the teacher and his wife."
Zhang Xiangxiang hesitated and said: "Your Majesty's side..."
Zhang Yang waved his hand and said, "It doesn't matter, I'll handle it."
Zhang Elephant nodded and said: "That's fine, I'm just worried that His Majesty will also summon Da Su."
Watching Zhang Dashu leave, Zhang Yang smiled and said, "Please ask this father-in-law to lead the way."
"Zhang Shangshu is so polite in what he said. How can this old slave deserve the title of father-in-law?"
Li Shimin was worried about border affairs, but the Foreign Affairs Council kept him aside. Of course, the emperor also has a temper.
Walking all the way outside Wude Hall, he saw Li Shimin with his back to him, admiring a calligraphy.
First he looked up, then Zhang Yang saluted and said, "I wonder what important matter your Majesty has summoned you for?"
"Zhang Dashu is back, where are the others?"
"Go home and visit your parents first."
Li Shimin was hesitant to speak. Logically speaking, he should report first. Things like loyalty and filial piety have always been ambiguous.
It also depends on which of the two words loyalty and filial piety is placed first.
There is nothing wrong with meeting your parents first and being filial.
I feel a little disappointed, but I can’t blame you. I can’t blame you too harshly.
Zhang Yang clicked his tongue and said, "Your Majesty, can people talk face to face? It's very impolite to turn your back to others like this."
"..."
Putting down the copybook, Li Shimin sat down and looked at him. This boy had the words "loyalty and filial piety", but not too much.
After drinking the tea with an unhappy expression, Li Shimin said loudly: "How are things going in the Western Regions? What about Zhang Dashu's trip to Tubo?"
"Su Dingfang and Li Daoyan have joined forces with the Gaochang people and Ashinadur soldiers. They will get the news in the spring of next year."
Seeing Li Shimin nod, Zhang Yang reported again, "Zhang Dashu has recorded a lot of information about Tubo. The Ministry of Rites will sort it out and present it to His Majesty."
Li Shimin still nodded, "Continue talking."
"Zhang Dashu did not see Songtsen Gampo this time when he went to Tubo. He only saw Ludongtsen. The letter has been delivered, but Tubo never responded."
Li Shimin whispered: "They are really arrogant."
"They are indeed arrogant. We should teach them a lesson."
"What do you think the chances of winning the war between Tang Dynasty and Tubo are?"
"how could I know."
Zhang Yang gave an answer without thinking.
Wude Hall was quiet for a while.
"Why..." Li Shimin stood up and paced back and forth, "I trust you so much, and you respond to me like this? I've given you time, and I've given you all the rights you want."
Zhang Yang put his hands in his hands and looked troubled, "Your Majesty, what you said is wrong. The power of the Ministry of Rites was originally agreed with Your Majesty and the Zhongshu Ministry of Education. It is earned by the Ministry of Rites. The money used by the Diplomatic Academy is also paid by the minister himself." .”
Looking at Li Shimin's old face, Zhang Yang said again: "These words of my minister are somewhat arrogant, but they are just a matter of fact. Please forgive me."
After a pause, Zhang Yang saluted again, "Your Majesty, everything I do is for the sake of the country. I hope your Majesty can trust me. Regarding the war between Tubo and the Tang Dynasty, I will give you an answer in due course." , right now the Ministry of Rites is still concentrating on matters in the Western Regions."
Zhang Yang took a deep breath and saluted again, "I'm leaving."
He only bowed three times when he saw Li Shimin, and he also had to be polite at all times when talking to the emperor.
An emperor does not have to be polite, but a minister must always be courteous.
What kind of world is this?
With a feeling of contempt in his heart, he heard something being smashed in the Wude Hall.
"His Majesty!"
The eunuch screamed and heard something being hit on the ground.
Zhang Yang subconsciously quickened his pace.
Just as he was walking outside Chengtian Gate, he bumped into Li Chengqian again.
After looking at Wude Hall first, Li Chengqian said doubtfully: "I just met my father."
Zhang Yang kept nodding his head.
The heavy snow had just stopped, but the sky was still covered with dark clouds, and when the wind blew, it made people shake with the cold.
Zhang Da'an, who was following behind, was puzzled: "Brother, why are you leaving in such a hurry?"
Li Chengqian smiled and said: "I heard that Zhang Dashu is back. I have gained a lot after half a year in Tubo. After meeting my father, I still have to be busy with the affairs of the Ministry of Etiquette. I guess so."
After finishing speaking, Li Chengqian walked to the Wude Hall. Before he walked in, he saw a table flying out, followed by his father's angry curses.
"This Zhang Yang has no lord, sooner or later I will cut him alive!"
Taking his steps back again, Li Chengqian wondered whether he wanted to see his father at this time.
"You still say that he earned the power?!" Li Shimin picked up an inkstone, smashed it on the ground, and stepped on it with his feet.
Facing the angry emperor, the eunuchs and maids knelt with their upper bodies on the ground, daring not to raise their heads.
As he stepped on it, Li Shimin's face turned from black to red with anger, "Your power is not given to you by me! You are a shameless person! I have never seen such a shameless person!"
