In the autumn morning, the cold dew was clear, the frost and fog were diffuse, and the seasonal coolness was imposed on the city of Luoyang and the people there. However, these Xu Hanliang are really nothing to Xiao Siwen, and they are even a bit of enjoyment.
When the sky was bright, Xiao Siwen got up without being reminded, washed and dressed, and walked a few laps in the back garden of the Concierge Hotel, always maintaining a full mental state.
Walking on the cobblestone road, you can feel it clearly even through the insole. It is said to be good for your health. It was a little painful when I first walked, but once I got used to it, I felt something different.
Xiao Siwen felt that the path he was choosing now was just such a path. It might be bumpy and even bring some pain, but it was the right path, a path that was beneficial to the body and mind, and a path to a bright future.
When the first ray of light appeared over the capital in the early morning, the Concierge Hotel also came to life. The noise of people's voices somewhat destroyed the tranquility of the hotel, and even several foreign envoys also appeared in the garden.
Xiao Siwen knew him. He seemed to be an envoy from a small country from the south of the world. He was wearing Hanfu and a Chinese crown. He couldn't even speak Chinese clearly, and he was like a monkey wearing a crown.
A feeling of contempt rippled in his heart again, and Xiao Siwen immediately returned to the room without saying hello, leaving behind a proud figure. When I returned to the room, I felt exhausted. After all, I was old. However, when the chief of staff brought greetings, I suddenly felt more energetic.
"Xiao Shijun, can you rest last night?" Guan Cheng was tall and rich-looking, but a little greasy. He bowed to Xiao Siwen with a friendly smile on his face.
His surname is Huang, and he is the second Guan Cheng after the corruption case. Soon after he took office, he was transferred from the Lifan Yuan because he was familiar with the affairs of various tribes and countries. He was backed by His Highness the King of Qin. Although his position was humble, he was an observer. Great place to inquire.
"Very good!" Xiao Siwen returned the gift, noticed the servant behind Guan Cheng carrying the food, and said with a smile: "Thank you very much, Huang Guancheng, for taking care of me during this period!"
"Xiao Shijun is so polite!" Guan Cheng said very modestly: "Someone from the upper court will come later to take you to the palace to meet the Holy Spirit. I have prepared a special meal for you. Please don't dislike it!"
"Of course not, thank you! Thank you!" Xiao Siwen felt that he would have no problem integrating into the Han Dynasty, at least there would be no discomfort in dealing with these Han court officials.
Looking at the steaming meal, which was full of meat and vegetables, Xiao Siwen couldn't help but ask: "The imperial court has strict rules. It is said that many officials do not eat when they meet His Majesty the Emperor, so as not to worry about being disrespectful before the Emperor!"
Hearing this, Guan Cheng waved his hand and said with a smile: "Your Majesty only knows one, but not the other. There may be rumors, but this is not a great dynasty. Although there are many rules in the palace, they are not like this. I am ordered by the official I have prepared some hot food to satisfy my hunger, so that you don’t have to worry too much!”
"That's it, thank you very much!" Xiao Siwen looked understanding and thanked him again.
Next, Xiao Siwen had a real experience. It was not easy to meet the emperor of Han Dynasty. One was the strict palace restrictions, and the other was that it was difficult to meet the time. When we set off, the sky was dawning, and by the time we saw Emperor Liu, it was already three o'clock in the morning.
Not just anyone can be actively summoned by Emperor Liu. He first looks at the situation and secondly looks at the person. Under normal circumstances, the ministers who have an audience have to wait in the waiting room or in front of the palace to wait for the summons.
However, Xiao Siwen was honored after all, because he was the first foreign minister that Emperor Liu met today.
"Your Majesty, Xiao Siwen, bow to your Majesty!"
In the Chuigong Hall, Emperor Liu looked serious and vaguely angry. He had just made a special trip to the Wenhua Hall to conduct a surprise inspection of the prince's studies. He happened upon the Thirteenth Prince Liu Ye playing in the school. The bachelor couldn't stop him, so the prince joined forces. The bachelor was punished as well, and he still hasn't gotten rid of his anger.
However, when faced with Xiao Siwen's conscious, respectful, and decent courtesy, he couldn't help but smile. This Xiao Siwen completely regarded himself as a minister.
The official dialect is very authentic, the etiquette and rules are thoughtful, and the attitude is even more submissive. He is dressed in Han Dynasty clothes, and even the traditional Khitan hairstyle that Emperor Liu considered ugly has been changed.
"Xiao Shijun is not polite!" Looking at Xiao Siwen who was lying on the ground, Emperor Liu raised his hand.
Xiao Siwen in the Guzhu stood up and stood with his waist bent. Emperor Liu looked at it for a few times and asked, "Do you think you are comfortable with the clothes you are wearing?"
Xiao Siwen was a clever man. He noticed that there was something in Emperor Liu's words and immediately responded: "Your Majesty, I feel very comfortable. I not only like the beauty of the Han family's uniforms, but also feel the respect for the etiquette of the Central Plains!"
"Haha!" Emperor Liu suddenly felt that Xiao Siwen could talk and wanted to reveal his thoughts, and said: "If you like it, Ambassador Xiao, then wear it. As a guest of the imperial court, I will give you ten more sets of gorgeous clothes!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" When Xiao Siwen heard this, his eyebrows were filled with joy, and he immediately said, the emperor's attitude is really gratifying.
After waving his hand, Emperor Liu's eyes flashed with majesty, and he leaned forward slightly, staring directly at Xiao Siwen: "You are also a smart man, so I won't beat around the bush.
I have listened to several reports, and they all say that you, Xiao Siwen, came south this time with unknown intentions. I am meeting you today because I want to hear your purpose.
There is no need to mention the Han-Liao peace talks again. I don’t agree with it and there is no room for discussion. Regardless of national affairs, let’s talk about your personal intentions! "
Some behaviors were deliberate. Xiao Siwen, of course, the emperor and ministers of the Han Dynasty would be aware of his intentions, but when he really faced Emperor Liu's inquiry, Xiao Siwen could not help but feel nervous, especially when he faced those two plain but powerful eyes.
Carefully raising a glance, Xiao Siwen calmed down the slight turmoil in his heart. He lowered his body and bowed again: "Your Majesty's eyes are like a torch. I admire you deeply and dare not hide it. I am moving my family south this time because I want to join the Han Dynasty. I hope your Majesty will do the same." Show some mercy and accept me. If this is the case, I am willing to be loyal to Your Majesty and serve the court forever!"
Xiao Siwen was also straightforward enough, and he came right out of his mouth without any delay. After hearing this, Emperor Liu's face did not change much, but his eyes seemed to be brighter. He chuckled and said: "I am very touched by the sincerity of Xiao Shijun. However, I am a little curious. Although the Liao Kingdom was defeated by me, it lost The Shi land is still in the desert, with millions of people, spanning tens of thousands of miles. I have no intention of offending you, and I have made you an important minister of the Liao Kingdom. How can the Khitan clan think of treason and surrender to the enemy?"
Emperor Liu's tone was relaxed, but Xiao Siwen did not dare to be rude. He knew in his heart that since ancient times, those who betray their master and surrender to the enemy have been shameful. What's more, he is still a "barbarian".
With his forehead gently pressed against the floor tiles of the Chui Gong Hall, which were so smooth that they could cast shadows, Xiao Siwen said sincerely: "Your Majesty, although the Liao Kingdom is large, it has no place for its ministers. If you stay there for a long time, you will be in trouble!"
With that said, Xiao Siwen explained his embarrassing situation in the Liao court, and then said: "An ants can still live in vain, but Kuang Chen's family has dozens of people! And there is a saying in the Han Dynasty that good birds choose trees to live in. Although I am not talented, But I also know that the Khitan will be defeated soon after its collapse, and it will eventually be defeated by the Han Dynasty, and the whole universe will eventually surrender at the feet of Your Majesty, so I bow before you and hope that Your Majesty will review it!"
After saying this, Xiao Siwen made a look of surrender, waiting for Emperor Liu's judgment on his feelings. As for Emperor Liu, his smile gradually faded, he stared at it for a long time, and said with emotion: "Your words are indeed sincere!"
"In front of His Majesty, I dare not hide anything or reserve anything!" Xiao Siwen replied.
"I have known for a long time that the Khitan has been deeply Hanized. Among the Khitan subjects, there are even more countless people who follow the Han classics and Chinese laws. You, Xiao Siwen, are one of them. I have also heard of your name. I have to say that you are a talent! "Emperor Liu said leisurely.
After much consideration, Emperor Liu said: "The prosperity of the Han Dynasty requires the joint efforts of all the tribes in the country. I am the lord of all peoples in the world. Although the Khitan has some disloyal subjects, I also regard them as my subjects. Xiao Shijun can take the initiative to come south I have absolutely no reason to refuse.
On the contrary, I am very happy and gratified. If everyone was as sensible and wise as you, then the conflicts between the north and the south would have turned into friendship long ago. However, with you as an example, I think the world is not far away from true peace! "
Emperor Liu mostly spoke casually, and Xiao Siwen was also an old fox, so he just listened with compliments. But after Emperor Liu expressed his acceptance, the stone hanging in his heart fell to the ground.
He immediately bowed his head again, with a look of tears of gratitude: "The breadth of Your Majesty's mind is just like the vastness of the sky, just like the eternal rivers, which can accommodate hundreds of rivers. I admire you very much. Although I am old and despicable, I am willing to work hard for the king. Be loyal to His Majesty..."
"Haha!" Emperor Liu smiled and looked at Xiao Siwen with piercing eyes. After his performance was completed, he said gently: "Xiao Qing, get up!"
