Established a millennium family since King Wu defeated Zhou

Chapter 939: All Nations’ Clothes and Crowns Worship

Thousands of miles west of Chang'an, there is a city called Shenlin, which is where the main hall of Xuanmen in the Western Regions is located and a holy place for the faith of all the countries in the Western Regions.

Outside Yumen Pass, the envoy from the Western Regions presented their credentials, while Luo Xuanyun handed over the customs clearance document bearing the seal of the Protector of Anxi.

In the center of the mission is a richly decorated carriage, which is pulled by six horses. There is a canopy on the carriage, all of which is gold. There are even real gold threads embroidered on the corners. The body of the carriage, There are precious stones and exquisite carvings. In the Western Regions, it is customary to use gold and precious stones to show off their power. Over the course of hundreds of years of development, the temple has also used this rare power to show off its power.

There were hundreds of knights surrounding the carriage. Naturally, they were not wearing armor when they were marching. They were all dressed in red and black robes with large cloaks. They were majestic and solemn. Under their crotches were sweaty horses and Pegasus horses.

Almost every knight carries a flag on his back, and there are many flags on the carriages of the team. The white, gold, and purple phoenix flags are flying in a sacred and majestic way.

Zhao Dai'er was wearing a white priest's robe, covered with a gauze dress full of gorgeous colors. She leaned out of the carriage. Her figure and appearance were of the best. Unfortunately, her face was covered with a veil, and she could only see a trace of it through her eyes. Quickly, she looked at the towering Yumen Pass, lightly parted her lips, "Liangzhou, Yumen Pass."

Even though she was in the Western Regions, she knew that the poets of the Tang Dynasty liked to sing about Yumen Pass, and countless magnificent poems were born from it. The prosperity of the country made the poets burst out with countless imaginations.

With the sound of creaking, the city gate of the iron-walled Yumen Pass that spans the Western Regions and the Central Plains slowly rose. Li Chengyun, the guard of Yumen Pass, galloped out on horseback and came to the mission. He clasped his fists and shouted loudly: "Final General. Li Chengyun, the guard of Yumen Pass, pays homage to the Duke of Hedong and the saint, all the princes. The customs clearance documents have been verified and the city gate has been opened. Please enter."

Li Chengyun's voice was a little trembling. All the princes from the Western Regions came east together. This posture was really too big.

Enter the customs!

The envoy team, winding like a long snake, slowly marched towards the Central Plains again.

The mission from the Western Regions passed through Liangzhou and entered Guanzhong, and the Xuanmen saint traveled on behalf of the Xuanmen Holy Seat. The news of the arrival of the gods has spread all over the world. Countless people from the Central Plains are waiting on the roadside, eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of Xuanmen. The true appearance of the gate saint.

After all, in the business dealings in the Western Regions, it was said that this Xuanmen saint was the most beautiful and beautiful woman in the world, and she was the pearl of Xuanmen.

The Tang Dynasty also attached great importance to the arrival of Xuanmen from the east. The Lifanyuan and Shangshusheng issued orders and orders, and all along the way from Liangzhou to Chang'an, they collected and settled the inns in passing prefectures and counties.

The governors of the various states on the journey even checked out the lawless gangsters in the states and counties early to avoid colliding with the saint's car.

The huge mission from the Western Regions stopped and went, and after about half a year along the way, they finally reached Kinei Road and outside Chang'an.

Since Zhenguan, the international status of the Tang Dynasty has increased rapidly with each war. The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty has dominated the world. There are many people from all over the world who come to Chang'an to pay homage. The people of Chang'an are quite knowledgeable, but such a huge and grand event The mission is still shocking.

This time Xuanmen traveled together with the countries in the Western Regions. There were more than 300 priests, monks, and Taoists at all levels in Xuanmen. In addition, there were 500 temple troops to protect Zhao Daier. The kings and princes of the countries, the stars, the bright moon, and the scorching sun There were sixty-six khans in total, and the heads of the various kingdoms each brought hundreds to dozens of guards, plus countless rare treasures from the Western Regions to pay tribute to the Emperor of Tang Dynasty. The size of the mission reached A rather terrifying number - ten thousand people.

When the mission of the Western Regions reported the number of people, it directly shocked the Lifanyuan of the Tang Dynasty, which was responsible for welcoming the various factions. Naturally, they did not dare to make the decision, so they had no choice but to report to the emperor. Li Shimin's courage was so powerful that with a stroke of his pen Command and let this mission enter Guanzhong.

As for entering Chang'an, that is naturally not possible. If ten thousand soldiers enter Chang'an, that will only happen during a coup.

The envoys from the Western Regions slowly came to Chang'an, with their swords and guns sheathed. When they came here, the Tang Dynasty would naturally not do anything extraordinary. After arriving at Chang'an City, everyone recalled the rich fields and the heaven-like scenery along the way. Countless people like stars, the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty is displayed in front of everyone like a picture scroll. If they are really invincible, it is better to make peace with each other and live their own lives.

This is why Li Shimin asked officials from all over the country to entertain the Western Region envoys well along the way, so that they could see the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, so that they could better suppress the evil thoughts that might pop up in some people's hearts.

After walking for a while, the Western Region Mission slowly stopped and stopped moving forward. On the road in front of the mission, a young man riding on a horse appeared, who was the current prince Li Zhi.

In fact, there was a lot of discussion in the Tang court about who should be allowed to welcome Zhao Daier. Since the Zhou Dynasty, diplomacy has paid attention to the principle of reciprocity, that is, based on various systems and common sense, let people with similar status go. It is diplomatic etiquette to welcome friends and enemies alike.

Zhao Dai'er's identity is one of the eight seats of the Xuanmen. This time, there are four high-level people in the Xuanmen who came to Chang'an, the "second cardinal", "the commander of the temple army", the "chief of the temple guard" and the saint Zhao Dai'er. In the Tang Dynasty, these eight people were roughly equivalent to the prime minister, but they were much more powerful than the prime minister. After all, although the high priest was the well-deserved leader of Xuanmen, in essence, he was also one of the eight thrones. He and the other seven people levels are roughly the same.

Moreover, although Xuanmen cannot avoid the inheritance of blood, the temple, the predecessor of Xuanmen, is not a country, but a religious organization. From an institutional point of view, there is no theory of father and son succession. In theory, any Xuanmen person, Anyone can become a high priest, as long as they can pass the cardinal meeting, or they can dominate everything like Luo Xuanzang.

Therefore, as the youngest of the eight in Xuanmen, he is also the only student of the contemporary high priest. In addition, Luo Xuanzang has no children, Zhao Daier's status is extremely high.

One thing that is generally recognized in Xuanmen is that even if the next generation of high priest is not a saint, the next generation of high priest will definitely be a saint. In the end, the Tang Dynasty court designated Zhao Daier as the successor of Xuanmen.

So Prince Li Zhi was sent out like this. Besides, as a possible future opponent, it was normal for Li Zhi to see the features of the Western Regions in advance.

Li Zhi, surrounded by the Yulin Guards, stopped his horse and stopped in front of the envoy, and then shouted loudly, "The Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty has been ordered by the Emperor to welcome all the heads of state to the capital."

The layers of missions suddenly opened a passage in the middle. Zhao Daier stepped out of the carriage, holding the golden staff representing the high priest, and stood in front of thousands of people. She was dressed in a gorgeous dress embroidered with gold threads. Her eyes seemed to be able to speak. , she raised the divine staff in her right hand high, and in the next moment, the envoy took her as the center of the circle, and everyone knelt down on one knee or both knees, like a tide.

Zhao Daier walked through thousands of people. As a woman, she was not as tall as a man, but at this moment she was the only one standing, so she was like a holy spirit walking in the world.

She walked forward, her golden and purple gauze clothes swaying lightly in the wind, and she was indescribably elegant. Even though only half of her face was exposed, her slim figure and charming eyes made people feel... Everyone deeply believes that this is the national color of the Western Regions.

"Xuanmen Zhao Dai'er, I have met His Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty. His Highness is well."

Zhao Dai'er's voice was like a clear spring in the mountains, tinkling. As she spoke, the Western Region missionaries stood up one after another like the mountain forests resurrected after the snow melted in the depth of winter, especially the temple soldiers. Mountains rose up from the ground, and in an instant, they returned to unshakable peaks, guarding Zhao Daier.

Li Zhi pulled out the eyes that were stuck on Zhao Dai'er and said solemnly: "May the saint be safe and blessed. I have been ordered by my father to welcome the saint and the heads of the kingdoms into the city. The Lifanyuan has already arranged the inn. , Holy Maiden please.”

There were too many vassals coming to Beijing this time, so the Tang Dynasty specially cleared a square to accommodate these feudal lords who came to the Tang Dynasty.

Zhao Dai'er looked around for a week, but did not see any of the Luo family's children, so she suppressed her thoughts, nodded, and followed Li Zhi into the city. Along the way, many people in Chang'an gathered on the sidelines to watch.

……

Li Zhi was ordered by the emperor to place all the princes of the Western Regions in the square. He said goodbye to Zhao Dai'er and returned to the palace to resume his orders. After Li Zhi left, all the princes came to pay homage to each other and then dispersed. Xuanmen was the first. This is the first official visit to the Central Plains, but among the kings of the various countries, there are not many people who come to the Central Plains. After all, they are the kings who accept the system of Tian Khan.

If Xuanmen had not suddenly risen in the Western Region and then controlled all the countries, there would not be this scene of the two poles competing for supremacy.

Zhao Daier was doing her own thing calmly, waiting for the arrival of someone. This person did not keep her waiting, and soon appeared in front of her, it was Luo Junwei.

"Holy girl, my ancestor asked me to take you into Lingtian Pavilion."

Zhao Daier nodded and saluted, "Thank you, Miss Junwei."

This is one of the more important things that Luo Xuanzang asked Zhao Daier to come to the Central Plains to do, to meet the ancestors of the Luo family, and then follow the arrangements of the ancestors.

Luo Junwei took Zhao Daier into Lingtian Pavilion unimpeded.

Here, Zhao Daier met the ancestors mentioned by the teacher of the Holy See. She admired her teacher immensely and believed that the Holy See was the incarnation of the wisdom of the Emperor and Heaven in the world. Even the so-called Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, the apocalypse of the Emperor and Heaven, was not as good as herself. teacher.

But when she saw the Imperial Master of the Tang Dynasty today, her heart was shaken. In her eyes, the Imperial Master of the Tang Dynasty was just sitting upright, and infinite light bloomed out, almost filling her eyes and world.

Moreover, this national master is so kind, like the embodiment of kindness, that people can't help but feel close to him.

"Zhao Dai'er."

A melodious voice came, waking up Zhao Dai'er who was wandering around. After she came back to her senses, she quickly saluted, "Dai'er sees you, Your Majesty."

After entering Lingtian Pavilion, Zhao Dai'er had taken off her veil and looked so gorgeous that even Luo Junwei couldn't help but be amazed. It was rare for her to see someone who could outshine her in appearance.

Luo Su looked at Zhao Dai'er with a smile, and said warmly: "It's just like what was said in the letter, I feel pity for her, she is an unparalleled saint.

Dai'er, do you know why Xuanzang asked you to come to Chang'an to see me? "

Zhao Dai'er's pretty face was full of doubts, she blinked her eyes, shook her head and said playfully: "Back to Your Majesty, Dai'er doesn't know. The Holy See only said that Dai'er should obey Your Majesty's arrangements. Since the Holy See said so, Dai'er will obey Your Majesty. arrange."

Zhao Daier's words made Luo Junwei laugh out loud, and Luo Su couldn't help but said: "Where did Xuanzang find this treasure?

In this case, then I will tell you why Xuanzang asked you to come to me.

At the beginning, the princes of the Central Plains fought in a melee, and Tang and Zhao fought for supremacy. In the end, Tang won. The commander-in-chief of Tang at that time was the emperor today, and the prime minister of Zhao was Xuanzang. You are a student of Xuanzang, so you must know this. "

Zhao Dai'er nodded. This matter was actually a secret. After all, there was a big gap between Luo Xuanzao and the current Luo Xuanzang. Many people in the Western Region didn't know about it, but of course Zhao Dai'er knew about it, and she also knew that her own The teacher was not very convinced. He always believed that if King Zhao had not been captured by mistake, the Tang State would not have been able to take over Hebei so smoothly. There were still generals and countless people in Hebei.

Luo Su continued: "Later I sent Xuanzang to the Western Regions. Eventually Xuanzang became the master of Xuanmen and had his current status. After that, I once told Xuanzang that I would give him the title of Master of Luo Family in the Western Regions. The status of the branch allows the Luo family's stigma in the Western Region to shine forever in the emperor's sky.

But Xuanzang did not marry a wife in the end, and naturally he had no heirs. Naturally, this stigma could not be passed down, so he sent you to the Central Plains to find me. "

Stigma!

Zhao Daier did not expect that it was related to the Luo family's stigmata. In a place like the Western Regions, something like the stigmata had a greater effect. It was called the blessing of the emperor. It was given to Luo Xuanzang as he reached the peak step by step. It was such a great help that many people naturally sided with him.

But what does the stigmata have to do with him if the blood of the St. Marks is spread among the Luo clan?

Luo Su chuckled and said: "Xuan Zang is not too young, and the issue he is considering is the successor. I am also familiar with the selection process of the high priest within your Xuanmen.

When Xuanzang chose you as his student, he was naturally optimistic about your talent and believed that you could inherit his legacy.

But your qualifications are not enough to become the next high priest.

But if there is a Luo son who also has the stigmata to support you, and if he is Xuanzang's adopted son, the result will be different.

If you can still give birth to a child with the stigmata, then no one can shake your status. "

The main reason why the Stigmata have great influence in Xuanmen is the Temple Army. In so many years of practice, no one is a fool. The Temple Army has natural obedience and deep understanding of those who have the Stigma. The recognition of the Temple Army Commander is far inferior to that of the Holy See. This is an obvious fact.

After hearing what Luo Su said, Zhao Daier's face turned red instantly. She had a Persian style and was naturally charming. At this moment, her eyes were flowing, like a pomegranate with red eyes, as if her desire had not yet fallen. She was charming, enchanting, holy and dignified, making her look so charming. Luo Junwei looked over as a woman, her face burning up. Zhao Daier didn't pay attention to this. She didn't expect that the teacher had this idea. If she was just allowed to bring a direct descendant of the Luo family back to Shenlin City in the Western Region, it would be a small matter.

But the underlying meaning behind the words was that she wanted to marry into the Luo family. Although she married into the Luo family, it was also so that she could control Xuanmen after a hundred years, but it was too sudden and she was a little unprepared.

Luo Xuanzang never married a wife in his life, but devoted all his energy to the great cause of Xuanmen and the bright faith. Zhao Daier deeply admired Luo Xuanzang, so in her twenty years of life, she never thought about it. I will get married in the future.

She is now a saint, and in a dozen years, a younger person will be the saint. There is a high probability that she will become the chief cardinal. When the contemporary high priest dies, there is a high probability that she will become the high priest and take charge of Xuanmen.

But now, the path her teacher arranged for her was not so step-by-step, but completely unexpected. It was a more grandiose path that could quickly bring her to the top of her life, but getting married...

Fear……

A little helpless.

She didn't notice it herself, but both Luo Su and Luo Junwei noticed it, and it was a little embarrassingly cute.

Luo Su recalled what Xuanzang mentioned in his letter about Zhao Dai'er, and couldn't help but secretly said: "You really know your son better than your father. This Zhao Dai'er is smart, clear, and stunningly beautiful. She is a good match for my son Luo. "

Luo Su could tell that Zhao Daier was hesitant, and he said warmly: "This matter is related to your future life, so naturally you need to think about it carefully. Your teacher and I are only giving you suggestions. How to do it depends on yourself.

You must still have a heavy burden on you when you come east this time. I will summon you to Lingtian Pavilion later, so you can think about it slowly. "

Zhao Dai'er said gratefully: "Dai'er, thank you for your consideration."

"Weiwei, please see Dai'er off."

After Zhao Dai'er saluted again, she left Lingtian Pavilion respectfully. After a while, Luo Junwei walked in and asked with a smile: "Old ancestor, it seems that Dai'er is unwilling to get married. This is the first time that I, the Luo family, have been married. reject."

Luo Su narrowed his eyes and smiled: "Reject? Where did you reject?
It's just that she's still shy. It won't be long before she becomes a member of my Luo family. "

Hearing this, Luo Junwei lightly covered her lips and smiled sweetly. She knew that her ancestor was attracted to beauty again.

……

Three days after Zhao Daier and others arrived in the Tang Dynasty, they received an invitation from the palace, inviting senior officials of Xuanmen and Western Turkic Khans to enter the palace for discussion.

Some matters need to be discussed in advance, and it is impossible to wait until the nations meet with the emperor to discuss them. On that occasion, the final result will be announced directly.

Zhao Daier held her breath and concentrated, and a group of seven or eight people walked into the Tai Chi Hall. As soon as they entered the hall, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty was sitting on the throne. The prime minister of the Tang Dynasty was in the row on the left, and the row on the right was empty for Zhao Daier and others. Sitting.

After greeting each other, Zhao Daier sat in the first position on the left hand. On her right was the Western Turkic Khan Ashina Sain, followed by the senior officials of Xuanmen and the heads of great powers such as Qiuci, Khotan, and Kang.

As soon as Zhao Daier appeared, Li Shimin was shocked by her peerless grace. He lost his mind for a moment. After quickly adjusting, he asked with a smile: "Please ask the saint to send greetings to the high priest on my behalf. The high priest cannot come to the Central Plains this time. I'm very sorry.

I wonder if the saint may have any discomfort after arriving in Chang'an. I ordered her to go down and have the Lifan Court deal with it. "

Zhao Daier said crisply: "Thank you for your concern, His Majesty the Emperor. There is nothing uncomfortable for me in Chang'an. The etiquette of the Tang Dynasty is very considerate, and the heads of the countries all feel at home."

The atmosphere in the palace is currently relatively harmonious.

In fact, since peace has been chosen, in the end it will be a compromise between the two sides. Regarding the Western Region mission's visit to Beijing, what Datang wants is very simple.

The first is the suzerainty of the countries in the Western Regions, which is something that the Tang Dynasty cannot give up, that is, "the countries in the Western Regions should pay tribute to the Tang Dynasty on time and fulfill their obligations as vassal states."

Luo Xuanzang agreed with this, and his request was that "the Tang Dynasty should treat the affairs of the Western Regions with a cautious attitude, and give up the use of force to intervene on the premise that the situation in the Western Regions does not get out of control. In particular, the Anxi Governor stationed in the Western Regions should Use consultation instead of randomly looking for reasons to interfere in the internal affairs of the Western Regions, and not interfere with Taoist missionary work."

This is the purpose of allowing the Western Regions to achieve self-governance. The Tang Dynasty took away the suzerainty and ensured that it had the name to intervene at any time. The countries remained independent, while Xuanmen took away the spiritual dominance, that is, politically, The Tang Dynasty was dominated by Taoism in terms of spiritual beliefs. In fact, the countries were autonomous and the three parties maintained a balance.

As for the superiority of the emperor and the high priest under this model, there is no need to discuss. Each of them is responsible for their own affairs. Although the emperor has a strong sense of divinity and is known as the son of the emperor, the emperor never regards faith as a priority. Intervening in affairs in name is completely different from the source of power of the high priest.

This issue is the most important issue. Once this issue is solved, the atmosphere in the palace will completely relax. When both parties are sincere, it is that simple.

The heads of the countries in the Western Regions were overjoyed. With this agreement, they no longer had to be in panic all day long.

Datang was also very happy and did not need to worry about the sudden rebellion of the countries in the Western Regions and non-recognition of Datang's suzerainty.

For Xuanmen, this is even more of a victory. Xuanmen does not have the suzerainty of the nations, and has always controlled the nations by conferring divinity on the crowns of the kings.

Exchanging something that does not exist for something that does exist is naturally a victory.

Triple win!

What will be discussed next is an issue that the prime ministers are very concerned about, that is, the commerce between the Tang Dynasty and the Western Regions. Although the Tang Dynasty was based on agriculture, it also attached great importance to commerce, and the Silk Road was the only access on land. , there are many countries on the Silk Road, and any country that raises taxes will give a devastating blow to the caravans.

Li Shimin said sternly: "Merchants circulate all things and make huge profits. However, if taxes are too high along the way, it will definitely weaken the enthusiasm of the merchants, which will have a great impact. I, the merchants of the Tang Dynasty, have complained a lot.

I originally wanted to send the Tang army to clean up the trade routes so that my Datang caravan could reach the far west place mentioned by the national advisor. But now that we have agreements with other countries, let us leave this matter to them. "

There was a hint of edge in Li Shimin's words. If the countries in the Western Regions cannot do this, then our Datang army will have to protect our Datang caravan.

Hearing this, Zhao Daier confronted her and said: "Your Majesty, I have often heard in Shenlin City that there was so much exploitation in the Tang Dynasty that there were even despicable officials who blackmailed my Western Region caravan. I don't know how your Majesty will solve this problem."

The two looked at each other, and Li Shimin burst into laughter. Zhao Daier also smiled softly, and the ice melted away.

Zhao Daier said crisply: "The Holy See has summoned the heads of the countries. In the future, the tax paid by the caravans passing through the Western Regions from the Tang Dynasty will be capped. It will never happen again. If a certain country levies and extorts money, the temple army will His life will be harvested, please rest assured, Your Majesty.”

Li Shimin also smiled and said: "I also have this intention. I want to set up a special department in Shangshu Province to manage this matter. In the future, if the Western Region caravan has any grievances, they will come to complain to the officials, and I will have the prime minister personally inspect it."

Everyone knows that there is no absolutely good solution in this world, but as long as the Tang Dynasty and the Western Regions are willing to negotiate and resolve the issue, the result will definitely be better than not resolving it. As for when the day comes when the issue cannot be resolved.

War is one of the products of irreconcilable contradictions.

……

In one or two hours, the Hajj ceremony will officially begin.

This is a grand ceremony that has never happened in thousands of years. There are so many vassals coming to Chang'an, and the quality is so high. Just like the peak of the Tang Dynasty, it has never happened before.

Almost all the envoys or kings of the vassal states are preparing for the final audience. They will present tributes to the emperor in public and then express their surrender.

Countless envoys were waiting in front of the palace gate.

When the sun began to rise slowly, the imperial guards in the palace rolled up the heavy door. When the palace suddenly opened to everyone, the imperial guards like a torrent stood on both sides of the corridor, with swords and spears like a forest!
The envoys from each vassal country went towards the dense palace with deep tremors.

Envoys from the three kingdoms, hundreds of envoys from the feudal states, heads of states in the Western Regions, heads of tribes in Liaodong, and Fan tribes within the jurisdiction of the three kingdoms, all with different faces, Han and Fan Approximately half of them have faces, but all of them are wearing silk clothes. Although the shapes are different, they are almost the same. They are all like Han nobles, except that some are Tang Dynasty ladies' clothes, and some are still wearing Han Dynasty clothes.

All the envoys and kings, with solemn expressions on their faces, waved the flags of each vassal state and marched in long queues.

The towering palace walls are so high that one can only see the sky above, which is full of deep depression.

Walking out of the palace wall, the majestic palace hall appeared in front of everyone.

How to describe it?
Covering the mountains and rivers, isolating the sky.

The sun shines on the palace and the incense smoke lingers, making it look like it is rising to heaven.

The golden-red palace door shines brightly after the rising sun, like the residence of gods above the nine heavens.

Go forward again.

The supreme emperor sits high in the Nine Heavens Bright Hall, with a heavy majesty under his crown.

One by one, the kings of the country, with the will of a country, bowed deeply at the feet of the emperor.

"Sovereign Emperor, may the Emperor bless you!"

"The Most High and Holy!"

There were countless figures, each representing a country, and now everyone was kneeling on the ground.

Like the tide.

The loud and loud sound, like the sound of bells and drums, spread outside the palace, then to the palace, and then to the whole world!

----

The nine heavens closed the palace, and all the nations wore their hats and bowed their heads. ——"The Early Dynasty to Daming Palace with the Jiashe People", Wang Wei
(End of this chapter)