In the third year of Jingyou, during Emperor Renzong's reign of the Song Dynasty, an unruly young man fell into the back garden of the Great Song Imperial Palace, thus beginning a life that wou...
I saw a majestic city on the distant horizon.
The city wall is tall and majestic, and it is dozens of miles long, as if there is no end in sight.
The outskirts of the city are just like the villages you see along the way. The residents all live on the water, and the houses are densely packed on the water.
It was different outside the city. There was finally land, and the people's clothes were much better.
Land houses have already appeared, just like those in the suburbs of Bianliang.
The city is very prosperous, with all kinds of two-story buildings everywhere. Standing high on the bow and looking through a telescope, you can see the criss-crossing and neatly arranged streets in the city, and there are also many Buddhist temples and pagodas.
Overall, this place looks a bit like a provincial capital in the Song Dynasty, with shop signs lining the streets and many pedestrians strolling around the city.
There were also many ships parked at the dock outside. It was obvious that Srivijaya's trade was still very frequent, whether with neighboring countries or heading north to the Song Dynasty.
"Although Old Port is not as big as Guangzhou, it is also the largest city in Srivijaya. With a population of over 100,000, it is the largest country in the South China Sea!"
Pu Jin said with great pride.
"Well, no wonder the Java King said you bullied them. You are indeed stronger than Java."
"I see there are quite a few pagodas and temples in the city."
"I heard that there was some unpleasantness between you and Srivijaya a few years ago because of my Great Song stationing troops in Puluo?"
Zhang Youwei stood with his hands behind his back and said, "I hope that your Srivijaya King can put aside past grudges and have friendly exchanges with our Great Song. Don't make mistakes."
"Yes, yes, yes."
Pu Jin nodded repeatedly.
This time when he came back, he was determined to persuade the king not to provoke the Song Dynasty again.
Soon the Guangzhou rumbled into the port.
Its appearance caused the Srivijaya people nearby to flee in panic, pointing at the Guangzhou and screaming in the local language, as if they had seen a ghost.
The rumbling sound and the white smoke above really made them feel terrified.
In a short while, the pier, which was originally quite bustling, was deserted. Many people hid far away and only peeked out to watch.
The diplomatic corps was not surprised by this situation.
The same was true when they went to other countries. Perhaps the dignitaries of those countries had heard of ironclad ships, but the common people of their own country would never see one.
So of course it fills them with fear.
When the boat stopped, everyone did not go ashore. Instead, Pu Jin and his entourage got off the boat first.
This is common practice.
Of course, it was impossible for the delegation to get off the ship and run all the way to the royal palace. Someone was needed to report.
As for whether the other king comes to greet him personally or sends someone to greet him, that is another matter. At least in the past, when it came to Champa and other countries, the other king came to greet him personally.
"Please wait a moment, doctor and commander. I will immediately ask the king to come and greet you."
Pu Jin said something to them, then got off the boat and left.
So everyone stayed on the boat.
Soon Pu Jin entered the city with more than ten followers.
Although Pu Jin was a wealthy businessman in Guangzhou, he was always submissive in front of Wang Han and others.
But in Srivijaya, he is the top dignitary and has great influence.
Many of the shops on the street belonged to him, so after Pu Jin got off the boat, he swaggered into the city.
After a while, local dignitaries came to greet him and took him to the palace.
At this moment, in the Srivijaya Palace, King Sirichi was enjoying singing and dancing.
He was dressed in gorgeous silk, with gold bracelets on his hands, gold rings inlaid with gems, and even the hat on his head had gold ornaments.
Srivijaya controlled the Strait of Malacca and the entire East-West trade, so the country was naturally very prosperous.
Historical records show that "there was a lot of gold trade, the people were very rich, the land was very fertile, and the Buddha statues and utensils were all cast in gold."
However, now that the Strait of Malacca has been taken away by the Song Dynasty, although it will not cause his wealthy life to plummet all of a sudden, losing such a big piece of fat still makes Xili Chi very unhappy.
But I can't beat them, and there's nothing I can do. I can only let it go and take care of myself first.
"Your Majesty, Pu Jin is back."
A powerful person came in and said.
"oh?"
Xilichi said, "Let him in."
"yes."
The dignitaries then left.
Pu Jin came in, bowed to Xili Chi and said, "Your Majesty."
"You're back? What did you bring this time?"
Xilichi laughed.
Pu Jin was the richest businessman in Srivijaya, but he lived in Guangzhou, Song Dynasty all year round and came back less frequently.
However, every time he came back, he would bring a large number of Song Dynasty products from Guangzhou.
The luxurious silk clothes he wore were presented by Pu Jin, and he also spent a lot of gold to have Pu Jin bring back some golden and jade Buddhas from the State of Song.
So every time Pu Jin came back, he would bring him a lot of things.
"Your Majesty, I am not here to do business this time. I am here with an envoy from the Song Dynasty."
Pu Jin said, "They are now at the port outside the city, hoping to invite Your Majesty to the Song Dynasty to participate in the Song people's New Year celebrations."
"What?"
Xilichi's face suddenly turned cold, and he said, "Pu Jin, do you know what you are talking about? Don't you know that Song Ren has snatched away our Pu Luozhong?"
"Of course I know that, but this is an opportunity to make friends with the Song people."
Pu Jin said quickly, "Your Majesty, the Song people are now powerful, and their ships are all over the ocean. If we can't make peace with them, I'm afraid we will be in great danger."
"How many of them came?"
Xilichi asked.
"Your Majesty, what is this?"
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