The next day, in a corner of Tianxing City in Dongning Prefecture, Meng Fan, the envoy of the Tang Dynasty in China who was stationed in foreign vassals all year round, paid homage to the Prime Minister of Honglu Temple; he was also sitting on the right side of the concubine of the Yin people with brown and black skin. Looking at the curtains outside, it was difficult to wake up in the light that continued to shine in.
According to the system of the dynasty, there are generally three yamen that are qualified to participate in external affairs: the Ministry of Rites, the Fanfu Yuan, and the Honglu Temple. Among them, the Rites Department is in charge of the exchange of tributes from foreign countries, and the Fanfu Yuan and the Zongfan Yuan assist in the management of princes and foreign vassals; The status of Honglu Temple is relatively embarrassing.
Later, even the titles of various Tibetans, that is, the ceremony and orders, were all handled by the bachelors and chamberlains sent by Da Nei. It can only manage facilities such as the Quadruple Courtyard and the State Guesthouse; host banquets, condolences to the sick, and prepare for rural festivals; but since Taixing was renovated, Honglu Temple has one more responsibility.
That is, as the representative of the Celestial Dynasty to the foreign vassal and princes who entered the imperial court in Chang'an; with the titles of imperial ambassador, deputy ambassador, consul general, consul, charge d'affaires, and associate director, they would set up permanent embassy in the foreign vassal. They mainly represent China at major events such as local festivals, weddings and funerals.
Therefore, under normal circumstances, this is a job with both risks and opportunities for those who have no hope of career. If you are unlucky and are assigned to go to Western Tianzhu, or the Kunlun Sea countries, or Shanzhou in the south, it will really be a hard job in the unbearable heat and with wild beasts.
It's easy to get sunburnt all over, or even accidentally get sick and be buried in a foreign country. Slightly better are the princes and vassals in the South Tianzhu/South China Sea countries that have achieved a considerable degree of civilization; as long as they don't leave the city and run around, they can at least enjoy a life of superior treatment and no problem.
Not only was he able to wait until his term was over and return home, but he was also able to return home with a lot of money thanks to the gifts from the local feudal lord. The better ones are the lands of Australia and New Zealand. Although it takes several months to cross the ocean, fortunately, compared with those island vassals, the territory is vast and the products are rich.
Therefore, apart from the courtesy and management of the local princes and foreign vassals, just use the official ships that regularly travel to the Celestial Dynasty, and bring some special local products, which can also ensure that you have a breeze on your sleeves when you arrive, and you can be transported by car and ship when you leave. In theory, the good/fat job is to serve as the inner ring princes of the Pingfan of the Celestial Dynasty.
Because it is close enough to the Central Plains, we can often enjoy the convenience of common customs and constant transportation among the Xia Dynasty, and we often have the opportunity to catch up with the annual tribute gifts from the country and the dynasty, and receive some seasonal tributes in time.
Among them, according to the orientation of east, west, north and south, they are divided into three, six and nine grades, each with their own differences. The most bitter and cold ones are the princes of Beisai, who are said to have endless meat and milk all day long, and the farts they eat are smelly; the second is the princes of Nanzhong/Annan, which are said to have no clear sky for three days, and the rain can make people float. However, food and minerals are extremely abundant.
As for the Yizhou Island, where the offshore sect/Donghai Official Office is located, it is undoubtedly the most fertile island; because it is so close to Zhongtu, it only takes a day and a half to cross the sea and have fun on the shore. It's not like Hainan Island, where you have to live with your tail between your legs under the power of the Nanhai Palace.
The island is also very rich and productive. Apart from excessive rainfall and occasional visits from storms, it can be said to be a place with a favorable climate. There are also many East China Sea princes and vassals who regularly contribute and visit; South China Sea merchants pass through, Bringing an unusually rich and colorful array of exotic objects and people of all kinds.
Therefore, it took a lot of effort for Meng Fan to obtain this position. You must know that there are currently at least seven to eight hundred positions of envoys to foreign princes and vassals; but more than half of them are filled by the descendants of the four holy bloodlines of Confucius, Mencius, Yan, and Zeng certified by the imperial court.
That is to say, in addition to the sage Zhou Gong enshrined in the Confucian Temple, the descendants of the Yasheng, Fusheng, Zongsheng and Shusheng accompanied the sacrifices. Among them, the descendants of the Kong family were mainly active in Xinzhou/Beijuluzhou, responsible for educating and guiding the local Yin survivors to return to the Xia Dynasty. The descendants of the Meng family mainly civilized the native barbarians in the islands.
Most of the Yan family's descendants were in South Tianzhu and East Tianzhu, and together with the local Buddhist guardian army, they carried out cutting down mountains and temples to rectify the origins of the heretic sects (Brahmin sects); while the Zeng family's children went the furthest. It is said that He has already been preaching to the barbarians of Kunlun in Shanzhou in the south.
Meng Fan, as a side branch of the Meng family, was able to get such a good job. In addition to his family background and background, where four generations of his ancestors and grandchildren had been running for foreign vassals, he also had a little bit of luck; therefore, in this position, he did not need to want it. Promotion is earned as long as you stay a few more years.
As he pulled out and stood up, the dark-skinned concubine of the Yin Dynasty wrapped around her like a snake in her sleep. It also made his waist and eyes feel a faint phantom pain. The opponent is a small city-state from the south of Xinzhou, and it still retains the ancient tradition of killing people for sacrifice and sharing food.
Only after being pacified by the holy army called by Kong from the sea, did they change their tune and abolish the ancient human sacrifice, and became a fanatical and obedient people under the Chinese ethics. These two women are the daughters of local priests. Therefore, their legs, feet and waists, which have been trained since childhood, are particularly strong and strong.
When the love was intense, it was as ecstasy as a snake entangled and strangled; but as a price, when he got up, he didn't even have the strength to get dressed; he could only support his waist and let the maids play with him. Until the next moment, as one of the counselors of the Tibetan embassy, he suddenly rushed in in a panic and said:
"General, we have an invitation from the office! It's the imperial guards who have come to the door." "What?" Meng Fan couldn't help but was stunned for a moment, and then he quickly shouted to the left and right: "Quickly, change clothes with me, put on the bottom of the suitcase. His formal outfit; and his unopened set of accessories, all together..."
After all, as a veteran envoy family for more than four generations, how could he not know the stakes and risks involved? The sects, vassals, and princes related to one clan, three families, etc., like this kind of vicarious pastor of the world, usually either have nothing to do for a long time, or once something happens, it will be a dangerous and unusual event; just like the succession crisis of the previous generation.
The princess who had stayed in the capital for a long time unexpectedly died in the bed; because he thought he was young and strong, he did not have a designated heir apparent in advance. As a result, the quarrel between the direct brothers who were in charge of the vassal affairs and the common people continued to grow, and a short and fierce battle for the throne broke out directly inside and outside Dongning Mansion...
Most of the vassals, ministers and vassals directly under Yizhou were also involved. In the end, it was up to the imperial court to send troops across the sea from the Yangzhou Dudu Mansion in the southeast to quell the civil strife on the island; escorting the contemporary princess designated by the imperial court, He took over the Dongning Mansion; but the then Governor of Yizhou was in bad luck.
First, he was kidnapped many times by the rebellious members of the palace, who forced him to witness and declare that he was the arrogant master of the palace; then, because of his initial refusal to obey, the rebels killed his concubine and his wife. Zhaizi himself also had his ears cut off and suffered several stab wounds.
Although the general survived in the end, it left a lifelong psychological shadow; even if the court praised his loyalty, his face changed after hearing about Yizhou, and he would rather retire than come back. That's why there was a series of succession games and Meng Fan's rise to power.
After all, the imperial court did not have high requirements for foreign envoys like them. As long as the imperial court maintained its integrity, minor flaws would not matter. In other words, compared to their personal abilities, what the court needs more is loyalty and integrity at critical moments.
In the long history of Qing Dynasty, Ban Dingyuan, who devoted himself to the army, has always been just a phoenix; but Su Wu, a shepherd with unparalleled integrity, whose ambition is not ruined by ice and snow, or Zhang Qian, who dug through the Western Regions with an indomitable will, are the dynasties of thousands of people. The Envoy, one of the ancient goals and idols to aspire to and imitate.
With this decisive thought, Meng Fan, escorted by a group of guards, came to the front hall of Futing Palace: he heard a clear and resonant voice coming from inside: "Who agrees? Who opposes?". Then there was the sound of people bowing and saluting: "I respectfully obey your orders."
Afterwards, a group of accomplices, officials and chamberlains in blue and crimson robes filed out in groups, but most of them did not dare to raise their heads, whispered, and scattered after receiving orders. Immediately after Meng Fan was introduced into the palace, he saw the "Crown Prince" Tonghai sitting at the top of the palace.
And Mrs. Rong Hua, who was sitting beside her in a rich dress, described as quiet and luxurious. Meng Fan couldn't help but be slightly surprised. According to the gossip he heard, this concubine, the only remaining concubine in the back house, was rarely seen by the prince. How could they be so harmonious? What happened in it?
However, he smelled the faint smell of blood again, and suddenly realized something; it seemed that something unspeakable had just happened in the court. And because the prince rarely showed up, the last time Meng Fan saw him was on the first day of the year two years ago.
Although he does not look as frail and pale as the rumors say, he is still wrapped in a thick hooded fur. His face is pale and his eyes are sunken, and his eyes are sinister and unapproachable. However, now that we meet again, it seems that he is still the same person, but he has changed. He must be tall and strong, with sharp eyes and a profound bearing.
It's like the waning moon hidden in the clouds, a cold and bleak waning moon that makes people stay away from each other, gradually saying goodbye to the autumn sun that always hangs high and shines brightly.
In other words, this is what most people think is the physical appearance and demeanor that a noble prince should have, right? However, above where he could not see, there were still faint traces of blood on the pillars, beams and caissons, and the blood spattered by the impact could not be dealt with.
"Zuo Cheng, the commander-in-chief of Yizhou and the master of ceremonies of Honglu Temple, has met the Crown Prince Tonghai." Meng Fan, holding the staff in his hand, tried to straighten his body, nodded slightly to the young man sitting on the seat and said, "I don't know how suddenly the Crown Prince suddenly When you call me, what kind of advice can you give me?"
"..." The young man did not speak immediately. He just glanced sideways at Mrs. Rong Hua, and then slowly said: "A major event happened in Dongning Mansion just now. I want to inform the court as soon as possible through the envoy. !" Immediately, a drafted document was delivered to Meng Fan.
"What, there are actually people who secretly gathered gang members in an attempt to overthrow the government." The next moment, Meng Fan couldn't help but change his face and lost his voice: "They also colluded with the monsters from Dongtu to poison and assassinate Tong Haigong. Yesterday, under the cooperation of inside and outside, they tried to launch a coup to seize the palace!"
"Then since the prince and his wife are both here safely, the conspiracy of the chaos has been put down, right?" However, the next moment, his numb scalp slowly calmed down in his rationality, and he said with a polite fake smile: "Congratulations to the Crown Prince and Madam, you are truly blessed by the Tang Dynasty and a blessing to your family."
"It's just that there are still some problems that need to be solved, and we have to rely on envoys." The "Prince" who was sitting here said again: "Although the rebel party has been destroyed as a result of the conspiracy, there are still some party members scattered throughout Yizhou. It requires follow-up pursuit and capture, and I'm afraid there will be some desperate counterattack."
"According to the prince's wishes, do you plan to use the power of the imperial court to suppress the rebels?" Meng Fan couldn't help but frown slightly when he heard this, and said with some hesitation: "I'm afraid this will be some hindrance. The imperial court has no precedent, and it is not within my duties. Among them!"
"No, I just hope that the imperial court can be informed in time through envoys, so as to avoid a slight disturbance in Yizhou, and I am also mentally prepared." The prince wrote lightly: "If we can issue sea arrest documents and offer rewards, blockade and pursuit The thief who might have absconded ashore would be even better.”
"If this is the case, I have been ordered by the emperor to take responsibility for myself; please rest assured, Your Majesty." Meng Fan breathed a sigh of relief when he heard this: at least it was not the situation he was most worried about. "Please also ask the office to make a copy of it with a seal, and later forward it to the imperial court along with my memorial."
Then, at the kind invitation of the prince, Meng Fan went to review together in front of the palace. I came from a team composed of palace guards and city garrison battalions. Immediately afterwards, Meng Fan, as an envoy, was led to another manor outside the city, where he saw with his own eyes the corpses of giant beasts and ghosts that had been seized and displayed in public.
When he basically determined the general truth and finally returned to the embassy, he found that there was an antique small rattan box in the room, and inside the box was wrapped in a silk sleeve, with columns stacked in rows. The opening reveals golden color. As a result, Meng Fan's original determination became even stronger.
However, in Yilan Prefecture on the other side of Yizhou Island. Close to the underground of a city fortress deep in the central mountain range; a pale and thin young man in Chinese clothes also stood in front of a grotesquely sprawling giant tree of flesh and blood, looking at the blurry outline wrapped in a fetal membrane.
"Wait... just wait a little longer..."
"Only you can... reproduce children for me..."
However, as if in response to his words, the unknown liquid wrapped in the huge fetal membrane suddenly rippled, and then came closer to reveal a human figure curled up in a ball, like a baby. Then, he quickly fell into deep sleep again under the influence of the giant tree of flesh and blood.
At the same time, waves of unknown whines and unconscious calls for help were heard again from several deep pits where the roots of the giant flesh-and-blood tree had penetrated.
(End of chapter)
