Tang Xuan

"On March 32th, the 28nd year of Kaiyang, Emperor Ming hosted a banquet at the Hanyuan Hall to welcome the Tubo delegation. All the ministers arrived, dancing and having fun, and the guests and hosts had a good time."

There are only a few words in this record in "Book of Tang".However, this banquet will have a profound impact on Datang for the next ten years.

After setting up the Tibetan mission, Lang Huai said some polite words before leaving.

After drinking too much wine, Lang Huai felt a little uncomfortable.Tang Feiyan's cheeks were flushed. Looking at him like that, he probably wanted to tear off the cumbersome clothes on his body.

It's no wonder he, Lang Huai looked at himself, a formal official robe, how can it be more comfortable than the narrow-sleeved casual clothes on weekdays?But the grand ceremony of the country must naturally be respected.

"Brother Tang, let's do it like this today. See you tomorrow, you accompany them on a tour, and I'll talk about business." When the two left the Siyi Pavilion, Lang Huai first took off the three-beam hat on his head, feeling more or less cool.

Tang Feiyan rejoiced: "Brother Lang will go to fight wits and bravery, and I will go to have fun!"

"It's too hot outside, so it's cooler inside." Lang Huai smiled, leaving Tang Feiyan to scold her for being cunning, got on his horse, and rode back home.

But in the end, without knowing it, he walked around to the north door of Weiyang Residence, hesitating.But the guard at the door saw her, came over to bow, and said with a smile: "The captain came to see the girl? I heard from Miss Li'er that the girl is much better today, and she is watching fish at the Chenxiang Pavilion. Won't the captain go in and have a look?"

Lang Huai jumped off the horse and said, "I'll go by myself, please send it back."

Entering through the door here, you have to walk a long way to reach the Chenxiang Pavilion.Along the way, when the girls in Weiyangjuli saw her, they covered their mouths and smiled coquettishly. The guards just pretended not to see her—the Jinwu guards in Weiyangjuli are all Lang Huai's subordinates.

When we get closer, we can only see half of the pavilion exposed from a distance, and the fan panels have not been finished yet.Mingda leaned on the railing, dropped the food casually, and went to lure the fish in Fengchi.

Li'er whispered something in her ear, Lang Huai didn't even need to guess, he must have told her that he was coming.Sure enough, when she got close, Li'er came out of the pavilion, blessed him, and joked: "The captain is here, Li'er is going to make tea for the captain, and the captain sits down for a while."

Lang Huai walked in with some awkwardness, holding on to the railing, and said to him from left to right: "Today's Great Court Meeting, Hanyuan Hall is really lively."

"Yeah." Mingda dropped a handful of fish food, teasing the water surface to rippling.

"That Meng Shen couldn't see the depth for a while, let Tang Feiyan accompany him tomorrow, and I'll go check on his deputy." Lang Huai couldn't help but be serious when he mentioned this: "Fortunately, he is from the Tang Dynasty, otherwise the name of the Tubo people It’s too convoluted, I can’t remember the name, it’s really a headache.”

"En." Mingda threw it again, this time it was far away, and a red fish almost flew across the water, scrambling for food.

"This fish is so beautiful!" Lang Huai couldn't help saying.

"Come here!" Ming Da threw out all the fish food left in his hand and shouted, and soon the guards outside the pavilion ran in.

"Girl, Captain. I wonder what orders the girl has?"

"Did you see that fish? Fight for the favorite one." Mingda nodded with his chin.

"I see."

"Fill it up for me and send it to the kitchen!"

"What is this for?" Lang Huai asked her if he heard something wrong.

"This girl just wants to eat it, you don't care about it." Mingda snorted angrily and turned around to leave the pavilion. Lang Huai finally sensed that something was wrong with her, he opened and closed his mouth, his mind was in a mess, so he had to rush out of the pavilion for two minutes. keep up. .

The two walked to the Yong'an Hall, and the fish-fishing guard chased after him with a red fish in his hands, panting a little: "Girl, Captain! We caught this fish!"

"But I don't want to eat it, so let's put it back." Mingda lost his temper and entered the hall without looking back.

"Captain..."

"Listen to the girl." Lang Huai was depressed, and he was not in the mood to talk to him. He followed him in and said, "I'm afraid I don't have much time to see you these days. If there is anything, please send a message to my courtyard Mr. Lan and Mr. Zhu. I'm afraid Tao Jun has to follow me."

"What can I do? Can I still bother the captain?" Mingda became angry when he saw her elm bump, stared at her, and said: "The little girl is just a commoner, and she can't go to Mu Gong's mansion. It's cold."

Lang Huai hesitated for a while, and finally sighed, and said: "Today, I heard from the supervisor that Seventh Brother will be demoted to Boshan. I am afraid that His Majesty will let him leave Beijing in seven or eight days. I have already made arrangements. , go to visit him in the palace at Xushi the next day and night. If you are willing to go, I will wait for you at the north gate two quarters in advance."

After all, Lang Huai didn't say much, turned and left.

Back at the mansion, she had just changed into her casual clothes when she heard Lan Jun's voice at the door.When he came to the hall, it was Shang Zixuan.

"Sister, it's so late, what's the matter?" Lang Huai had just bathed, his hair was wet, he wore plain robes, and hemp shoes were casually on his feet, which seemed natural and unrestrained.

Shang Zixuan couldn't help but blush, he straightened his mind, and said: "It's really important. Today our nails found out that the Tubo people fell in love with Mingda for some reason, and wanted to ask His Majesty to grant Mingda to their praise instead. But look at that Mengshen, he is a smart person, and he didn't bring it up in person."

Lang Huai snorted coldly, and said: "Your Majesty has granted the marriage, it's a foregone conclusion, it's only because they came late."

"But according to the news that Nail found, Cong Canglanhu promised that if His Majesty is willing to marry the young girl, and is willing to call himself a courtier, he will respect His Majesty Tian Khan, and pay tribute every year, which is not small!" For an emperor, it is really a great honor.Since the death of Emperor Taizong, there has been no Heavenly Khan.

Naturally, Lang Huai knew this conflict of interests, and clasped the back of the chair with his beautiful fingers, thinking silently.

"Your Majesty won't agree." Lang Huai was finally sure, looked up at Shang Zixuan, and said, "Li Qian is so tricky, my sister must be able to guess a thing or two."

Shang Zixuan was also silent, and after a while, he said: "I really can't think that he has such thoughts. I'm afraid His Majesty has the intention to defend, and at that point, he has no choice but to give up."

Lang Huai sighed, and said: "Your Majesty is kind in his heart, and he will never give up. It's just that this person is so despicable for the sake of superiority, but it is beyond my expectation."

She stood up, walked out of the hall, and said to Lan Jun and Zhu Jun who was guarding the door: "It's night, sister Lan Jun, please send sister Shang back."

Shang Zixuan stood up and said: "Now that you know it, how to deal with it, Ah Huai, you can make up your own mind. I will take care of the matter of the Diannan Commercial Bank, so don't worry about it."

Everyone left, the hall became quiet, and Lang Huai showed a tired look.

She even had a naive idea that Emperor Ming acted like this because he was too tired.Having been a Mingjun for more than 20 years, you really don't want to pretend?

Gathering up such outrageous thoughts, Lang Huai looked at the night sky outside the window.Tomorrow is the most important day for this time as the chief envoy. All private matters will be brought to light.The reason why Tubo spent so much time and effort can finally be solved.

But now there is an urgent matter that needs her to decide.Although Li'er has been with Mingda for a long time, she seldom plays ruthless tricks.No way, I had to give Lan Jun to her.

It's just that the girl doesn't know why, she is really abnormal today, she still needs to find a better reason, otherwise it will backfire, and all her efforts will be wasted.

Coming out of the Siyi Pavilion, Tang Feiyan was glad that he was wearing casual clothes today, and he didn't have to cover his official hat, otherwise he would be peeled off by the sun.On the other hand, Mongolian ginseng went to the country to do as the Romans did, and changed into the narrow-sleeved Hu clothes favored by the Tang people, and only the hair was still the style of the Tibetans.

But in Datang, these are common.Tang Feiyan also praised a few more words, then smiled and said: "Since you are not in the Yamen, what do you think of the national teacher's opinion as a friend?"

Meng Shen has nothing to do, followed Tang Feiyan, a little curious: "I heard that there are many Hu people in Chang'an, but why do I only see two or two stars?"

Tang Feiyan said with a smile: "Hu people are all over Chang'an. I heard from my colleagues that there are about a hundred thousand. If the national teacher trusts me, I will guide you, okay?"

"Trouble, trouble." Meng Shen was overjoyed, and even waved his hand to dismiss the following servants, saying: "Thank you, Mr. Tang."

A long time ago, Jin Wuwei pretended to be an ordinary coachman and drove to the two of them. When they got into the carriage, they waved firecrackers and headed for the West Market.

But in the yamen of the Siyi Pavilion, it was not so relaxed.

Lang Huai was followed by several local officials who were bad people, Wei Zhongchun, the chief official of Anxi, Li Chong, the chief official of Beiting, and Lang Shixuan, the chief official of Tubo, who was Lang Huai's uncle, but kept hiding. among bad people.

After taking their seats, Lang Huai nodded silently, indicating that Wei Lingzhi, the servant of the Ministry of Rites, could start.As a victorious country, Datang naturally listed relatively harsh conditions, but there is nothing wrong with it.

Lang Huai kept looking at the deputy envoy of Tubo. He was a fat man from Tang Dynasty, but for some reason he became a high-ranking official in Tubo.After Wei Lingzhi finished speaking, he opened his mouth first and said: "Xiasun Chengyun, whose ancestral home is Yangzhou, was originally an ordinary merchant, but was appreciated by Zanpu and became a small official in Tubo. This time he acted as a deputy envoy, but It’s because I’m originally from Tang Dynasty, and I know Mandarin well.”

"It turned out to be Mr. Sun, in Xia Langhuai." Lang Huai nodded, turned away his curious gaze, turned to be steady, and said: "We have never met before, so there is no need to reminisce about the old days. Please."

"Lieutenant Lang Du is cool, and Sun will not beat around the bush." ​​Sun Chengyun handed over the real document and said: "Although Tubo was defeated this time and withdrew from the Anxi Silk Road, Zanpu was not convinced. What's more, the huge In the Western Regions, the appetite of the Tang people is too big. I’m afraid they can’t swallow it? Instead of being stuck in the throat, it’s better for everyone to win. The Western Regions are open for business, and I hope that the Tang Dynasty will open the gates and allow merchants from all over the world to enter and exit Tubo. Zanpu hopes to have the right to trade with Tang Ping."

The Silk Road Merchants are equally profitable?So the Tang merchants lost more than ten million taels of silver every year?Sure enough, Wei Lingzhi sneered and said, "The Great Tang is surrounded by the world, and has thousands of hearts. But I don't know where the Tibetans have such a good appetite?"

"We're close." Sun Chengyun leaned back with a sincere expression, but he scolded Wei Lingzhi angrily, "You..."

Before he finished speaking, Lang Huai interrupted, saying: "Since Mr. Sun was born as a merchant, he should know that the four towns of Anxi in the Tang Dynasty guarded the key points of the Silk Road, not to mention that there is Dunhuang Gaochang behind. Although Chang'an is far away, the four towns can In the Silk Road."

"But my Tang Dynasty is not intolerant of people. I have reasonable requirements and everyone wants to win together." Lang Huai changed his tone, smiling like a spring breeze: "Datang is not wary, but it is not afraid of war. Mr. Sun, you should understand .”

Sun Chengyun was impulsive at the moment, but he didn't know that this general who was born in the army was also so eloquent, so he couldn't help but regret it.He was conceited that he was outstanding in talent and learning, but because he failed the imperial examinations many times, he inherited the family business and became a merchant. He yearned for Chang'an with hatred. "It seems inappropriate for the captain to use force to force him."

Lang Huai imitated him and returned it: "Oh? I would have thought this way?" She pretended to look at those present, Wei Lingzhi shook her head innocently, and Lang Huai smiled lightly: "Mr. Sun, you think too much."

Sun Chengyun knew that these bargains were just a tough attitude first, so as not to be stripped too much by the Tang people, he accepted it as soon as it was good, and made the most practical request: "It is Sun who is worried, but there is something that everyone is anxious about. of."

"The Tibetans captured more than 6000 people in this battle. A roster was specially made before. When the mission left, there were 640 people alive. I wonder what Lang Duwei thinks about this prisoner exchange?"

Lang Huai pointed to Wei Lingzhi, and he gave a book directly to Sun Chengyun, saying: "Except for those captured in Tubo who died, there are now 290 nine people, all in the four towns of Anxi. The Guangkai School teaches Chinese characters and Mandarin, and about [-] of these people have migrated to Chang'an and settled in various workshops. They are the people of my Tang Dynasty."

"If they are willing to go back to Tubo, we, Tang Dynasty, will naturally prepare a customs document." Wei Lingzhi was full of confidence, and said with a smile: "For the exchange of prisoners, Datang hopes that all Tang people can come back."

Tubo is far less rich in products than the Tang Dynasty, and those people were raised, but they were only given rations, which were used as coolies for building temples everywhere.Sun Chengyun got Zanpu's permission earlier-let them all go, and leave no one behind.But the appearance of what should be done is to be done, why not: "Almost two for one? Then I, Tubo, will not suffer?"

"Mr. Sun, you are also from Tang Dynasty, are you not guilty?" Wei Lingzhi was really disgusted with this man, and couldn't help but taunt him with words.

"Wei Shilang, although Sun is from the Tang Dynasty, he still understands the principle of being loyal to the emperor. It's just that he is from the Tang Dynasty! Sun has accepted this matter." Sun Chengyun made a heavy expression, Despite the hypocrisy, Lang Huai still responded: "So, I will thank you sir."

At any rate, the exchange of prisoners was settled, and both sides breathed a sigh of relief, and no one suffered a loss.Lang Huai took a sip of tea and continued, "Tibetan has since become a vassal and paid tribute, but I don't know how the law of paying tribute came about?"

Sun Chengyun made a gesture and said: "Presumably the captain understands that although Tubo is defeated, it is not a setback. Cong Canglanhu Zanpu is a man with great foresight, otherwise he would not have sent a mission to Tang Dynasty. On the occasion of parting, praise Pu Zeng said that he hopes to follow the example of the Zhenping period and marry Tang. The position of Tubo Zanmeng will always wait for His Majesty's youngest daughter, the former Princess Changle."

Lang Huai's face turned cold, Li Chong scolded first: "Your Majesty issued an imperial decree to marry you to Captain Lang! What do you Tubo people mean?"

Sun Chengyun's eyes widened, wondering if he really didn't know: "This... Zanpu doesn't care whether Princess Changle has a title, but I have been told to marry His Majesty's most beloved little daughter. For this reason, Zanpu is willing The letter of credence promised that His Majesty Tian Khan is willing to give up half of the Silk Road tax rights. But she is really ignorant about the matter of her engagement."

"But since ancient times, there has been the beauty of being an adult. I don't know if Lang Duwei is willing to give up his love?" Sun Chengyun finally brushed Lang Huai's back scales, but he tried with a sincere expression on his face.

Lang Huai stood up, with resentment in his mouth: "Since this is the case, there is no agreement except for the exchange of prisoners. I feel a little unwell today, so I will leave first."

She got up to leave, and the rest of the Tang officials left one after another, all of them looked very disgusted, and didn't even bother to say anything more to Sun Chengyun.

"Mr. Sun...I'm afraid I can't explain this to the national teacher." The attendant carefully reminded, but Sun Chengyun was always there and didn't say a word.