Chapter 939: The Crowned Kings of All Nations
Thousands of miles west of Chang'an, there is a city called Shenlin, which is the headquarters of the Western Region Xuanmen and a holy place of faith for the Western Region countries.
Outside Yumen Pass, the Western Regions delegation presented their credentials, and Luo Xuanyun handed over the customs clearance document with the seal of the Grand Protector of Anxi.
In the center of the delegation was a magnificently decorated carriage, pulled by six Arabian horses. There was a canopy on the carriage, all in gold, and there were even real gold threads embroidered on the corners. The body of the carriage was adorned with gems and exquisite carvings. In the Western Regions, it was customary to use gold and gems to enhance one's power. Over hundreds of years of development, the temples also used such rare treasures to enhance their power.
There were hundreds of knights around the carriage. They were naturally not wearing armor while marching. They were all wearing red and black robes and wide cloaks. They looked majestic and stern, and they were riding Ferghana horses and Pegasus horses.
Almost every knight carried a flag on his back, and there were also many flags on the carriages of the team. The white, gold, and purple phoenix flags were fluttering, sacred and magnificent.
Zhao Daier, wearing a white priest's robe and a gorgeous gauze dress, stepped out of the carriage. Her figure and appearance were both top-notch, but unfortunately her face was covered with a veil, so only a hint of spirit could be seen from her eyes. She looked towards the towering Yumen Pass and opened her cherry lips softly, "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. Countless magnificent poems were born from this. The prosperous national strength inspired the poets to burst out with countless imaginations.
With a creaking sound, the gate of Yumen Pass, the iron wall that straddles the Western Regions and the Central Plains, slowly rose. Li Chengyun, the guard of Yumen Pass, rode out on his horse and came to the front of the delegation. He clasped his fists and said loudly, "I am Li Chengyun, the guard of Yumen Pass. I pay my respects to the Duke of Hedong County and to the Saint Lady, the princes and nobles. The documents for customs clearance have been verified and the gate has been opened. Please enter."
Li Chengyun's voice trembled a little. All the princes and nobles from the Western Regions came to the East together. This was really a huge momentum.
Enter the customs!
The delegation, winding like a long snake, slowly moved forward again towards the Central Plains.
The Western Regions delegation passed through Liangzhou and entered Guanzhong. The Xuanmen Saint Maiden traveled on behalf of the Xuanmen Holy Throne. The news of the divine arrival had spread throughout the world. Countless people from the Central Plains waited on the roadside, eagerly waiting, all wanting to catch a glimpse of the true appearance of the Xuanmen Saint Maiden.
After all, among the merchants in the Western Regions, it is said that this Saint Lady of Xuanmen is peerless and beautiful, the most beautiful woman in the world, and the pearl of Xuanmen.
The Tang Dynasty also attached great importance to the arrival of Xuanmen from the East. The Lifanyuan and the Shangshu Province repeatedly ordered that all the way from Liangzhou to Chang'an, they should arrange post stations for them to stay in along the way.
The governors of various states along the way had already cleared out the lawless hooligans in the states and counties early to prevent them from colliding with the Saint's carriage.
The huge Western Regions delegation traveled many times, stopping and starting, and after about half a year, they finally reached Jinei Road and outside Chang'an.
Since the Zhenguan period, the international status of the Tang Dynasty has been rapidly improving with the wars one after another. The emperor of the Tang Dynasty dominated the world, and there was no shortage of people from all over the country who came to Chang'an to pay homage. The people of Chang'an were quite knowledgeable, but such a huge delegation was still shocking.
This time, Xuanmen and the countries in the Western Regions traveled together. There were more than 300 priests, monks, and Taoists of all levels in Xuanmen, and 500 temple soldiers to protect Zhao Daier. The rulers of various countries, kings, dukes, the Khans of the Stars, the Moon, and the Sun, a total of 66. The rulers of various countries each brought hundreds or dozens of guards, plus countless rare treasures from the Western Regions to pay tribute to the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. The size of the delegation reached a rather terrifying number - 10,000 people.
When the Western Regions delegation reported the number of people, it directly shocked the Lifanyuan, which was responsible for welcoming the foreigners. Naturally, they did not dare to make the decision, so they could only report to the emperor. Li Shimin was so courageous that he waved his pen and allowed the delegation to enter Guanzhong.
As for entering Chang'an, that is of course not possible. Ten thousand soldiers entering Chang'an would only happen during a coup.
The Western Regions delegation slowly came to Chang'an, with their swords and spears sheathed. Coming here, the Tang Dynasty would naturally not do anything out of line. After arriving in Chang'an, everyone recalled the fertile fields along the way, and the people who were as countless as the stars in the sky. The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty was displayed in front of everyone like a picture scroll. If they were really no match for the enemy, it would be better for them to make peace with each other and live their own lives.
This is exactly why Li Shimin asked officials from all places to entertain the Western Regions delegation well along the way. By letting them see the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty today, they can better suppress the evil thoughts that may arise in some people's hearts.
After walking for a while, the Western Regions delegation slowly stopped and no longer moved forward. On the road ahead of the delegation, a young man riding a horse appeared. It was the current Crown Prince Li Zhi.
In fact, there was some discussion in the Tang court about who should be allowed to welcome Zhao Daier. Since the Zhou Dynasty, diplomacy has emphasized the principle of equality, that is, based on various systems and common sense, people of similar status are allowed to welcome friendly countries and enemies. This is diplomatic etiquette.
Zhao Dai'er is one of the Eight Seats of Xuanmen. There are four high-ranking people from Xuanmen who came to Chang'an this time, namely the "Second Cardinal", "Commander of the Temple Army", "Chief of the Temple Guards" and the Saint Zhao Dai'er. These eight people are roughly equivalent to the prime minister in the Tang Dynasty, but have much more power than the prime minister. After all, although the high priest is the well-deserved leader of Xuanmen, in essence, he is also one of the Eight Seats, and is roughly the same level as the other seven.
Moreover, although Xuanmen cannot avoid blood inheritance, the predecessor of Xuanmen, the temple, is not a country but a religious organization. In terms of the system, there is no theory of father-son succession. Theoretically, anyone from Xuanmen can become a high priest as long as he can pass the cardinals' meeting or dominate everything like Luo Xuanzang.
Therefore, as the youngest of the Eight Lords in Xuanmen, and also the only student of the contemporary high priest, and coupled with the fact that Luo Xuanzang has no children, Zhao Daier's status is extremely high.
It is a recognized fact in Xuanmen that even if the next generation high priest is not the saint, the next generation high priest will definitely be the saint. Eventually, the Tang Dynasty court identified Zhao Daier as the successor of Xuanmen.
So Crown Prince Li Zhi was sent out. Moreover, as a possible future opponent, it was normal to let Li Zhi see the scenery of the Western Regions in advance.
Li Zhi, surrounded by the Imperial Guards, stopped his horse in front of the delegation and shouted, "The Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty is here to welcome the rulers of all countries to the capital by order of the Emperor."
The numerous delegations suddenly separated into a path in the middle. Zhao Daier got off 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 thread. Her eyes seemed to be able to speak. She raised the staff in her right hand high. The next moment, the delegation took her as the center of the circle, and everyone knelt on one or both knees like a tide.
Zhao Dai'er walked among thousands of people. As a woman, she was not as tall as men, but at the moment she was the only person standing, so she was like a holy spirit walking on earth.
She walked forward, her golden and purple gauze dress swaying in the wind, making her indescribably graceful and elegant. Even though only half of her face was exposed, her slim figure and charming eyes made everyone believe that she was the beauty of the Western Regions.
"Xuanmen Zhao Daier, I greet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty. I hope His Royal Highness is doing well."
Zhao Dai'er's voice was like the sound of a clear mountain spring. As she spoke, the Western Region delegation stood up one after another, just like the mountains that revived after the snow melted in the deep winter. Especially the temple soldiers, each of them rose from the ground like a mountain, and in the blink of an eye, they turned into unshakable peaks, guarding Zhao Dai'er.
Li Zhi pulled his eyes away from Zhao Dai'er and said solemnly, "Saint, may you be safe and sound. I am here on the orders of my father to welcome you and the rulers of various countries into the city. The Lifanyuan has already arranged the post station. Saint, please come in."
There were too many vassal states coming to Beijing this time, so the Tang Dynasty specially cleared out a district to accommodate these vassal statesmen who came to the Tang Dynasty.
Zhao Dai'er looked around and did not see any descendants of the Luo family, so she suppressed her thoughts, nodded, and followed Li Zhi into the city. Along the way, many people in Chang'an gathered on the roadside to watch.
…
Li Zhi, in compliance with the emperor's order, settled all the rulers of the Western Regions in the square, then said goodbye to Zhao Dai'er and returned to the palace to report. After Li Zhi left, the rulers of various countries came to pay their respects and then dispersed. This was the first time that Xuanmen officially came to the Central Plains, but among the rulers of various countries, there were quite a few who came to the Central Plains. After all, they were rulers who accepted the Tian Khan system.
If Xuanmen had not suddenly risen in the Western Regions and subsequently controlled all the countries, there would not be this scene of two poles competing for supremacy now.
Zhao Dai'er was doing her own thing calmly, waiting for someone to come. This person did not make her wait for long and soon appeared in front of her. It was Luo Junwei.
"Saint girl, the ancestor asked me to take you to Lingtian Pavilion."
Zhao Daier nodded and saluted, "Thank you, Miss Junwei."
This was the more important thing that Luo Xuanzang asked Zhao Daier to do when she came to Central Plains, to meet the ancestor of the Luo family and then follow the ancestor's arrangements.
Luo Junwei and Zhao Daier entered Lingtian Pavilion smoothly.
Here, Zhao Daier met the ancestor mentioned by the Holy Seat teacher. She admired her teacher immensely and believed that the Holy Seat was the embodiment of the wisdom of Heaven on earth. Even the so-called Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, the revealer of Heaven, was not as good as her teacher.
But when she saw the Great Tang Imperial Master today, her heart was shaken. In her eyes, the Great Tang Imperial Master was just sitting there, and infinite bright light burst out, almost filling her eyes and the world.
Moreover, this national teacher is so kind, like the embodiment of goodness, making people feel close to him.
"Zhao Daier."
A long and melodious voice came, awakening Zhao Dai'er who was in a trance. After she came to her senses, she hurriedly saluted, "Daier greets His Majesty."
After entering Lingtian Pavilion, Zhao Daier had taken off her veil, looking gorgeous. Even Luo Junwei couldn't help but be amazed. She rarely saw someone who was more beautiful than her.
Luo Su looked at Zhao Dai'er with a smile and said softly, "It is really as the letter says. I feel pity for you. You are a saint who is rare in the world.
Dai'er, do you know why Xuanzang asked you to come to Chang'an to see me?"
Zhao Daier's pretty face was full of confusion. She blinked her eyes, shook her head and said coquettishly, "Your Excellency, Daier doesn't know. The Holy See only told Daier to follow Your Excellency's arrangements. Since the Holy See said so, Daier will follow Your Excellency's arrangements."
Zhao Dai'er's words made Luo Junwei laugh out loud, and Luo Su couldn't help but ask, "Where did Xuan Zang find this treasure?
In that case, let me tell you why Xuanzang asked you to come to me.
In the beginning, the princes of the Central Plains were fighting each other, and Tang and Zhao were competing for supremacy. In the end, Tang won. The commander of Tang at that time is the current emperor, and the prime minister of Zhao is Xuanzang. You are Xuanzang's student, so you must know this."
Zhao Dai'er nodded. This matter was actually a secret. After all, there was a big gap between Luo Xuanzhao and the current Luo Xuanzang. Many people in the Western Regions did not know this, but Zhao Dai'er certainly knew it. She also knew that her teacher was not very convinced. She always believed that if King Zhao had not been captured, the Tang Kingdom would not have been able to take over Hebei so smoothly. There were generals and countless people in Hebei.
Luo Su continued, "Later, I sent Xuan Zang to the Western Regions, and eventually Xuan Zang became the master of the Xuan Sect and had his current status. After that, I once told Xuan Zang that I would grant the Western Regions Luo Clan the status of the main branch, and let the Western Regions Luo Clan's holy marks shine forever in the heavens.
But Xuanzang never married, so he naturally had no children, and the holy mark could not be passed down, so he sent you to the Central Plains to find me."
Holy marks!
Zhao Dai'er didn't expect that it was actually related to Luo's holy mark. In a place like the Western Regions, things like holy marks have a greater effect and are called blessings from heaven. In the process of Luo Xuanzang step by step to the peak, they gave him a lot of help, making many people naturally stand on his side.
But the holy mark is passed down through the bloodline of the Luo family, so what does it have to do with me?
Luo Su chuckled and said, "Xuanzang is not young anymore. The issue he is considering is the successor. I am also familiar with the selection process of the high priest within your Xuanmen.
Xuanzang chose you as his student because he was optimistic about your talent and believed that you could inherit his mantle.
But your qualifications are not enough to become the next high priest.
But if there is a Luo clan member who also possesses the Holy Mark supporting you, and if he is Xuanzang’s adopted son, then the result will be different.
If you can give birth to a child with the stigmata, then no one can shake your position."
The main reason why the stigmata have such a great influence in the Xuanmen is the Temple Army. In so many years of practice, no one is a fool. The Temple Army has a natural obedience and deep recognition for those who possess the stigmata. It is an obvious fact that the commander of the Temple Army is far inferior to the Holy See.
After hearing what Luo Su said, Zhao Daier's face flushed instantly. She had a Persian style and was naturally charming. At this moment, her eyes were as red as a pomegranate, about to drip, charming and enchanting, yet holy and dignified. Even Luo Junwei, a woman, felt a little embarrassed when she saw her.
Zhao Dai'er didn't pay attention to these. She didn't expect that the teacher had this idea. If it was just to let her bring a direct line of the Luo family back to Shenlin City in the Western Regions, it would still be a small matter.
But the implicit meaning of his words was that he wanted her to marry into the Luo family. Although marrying into the Luo family was also for the purpose of allowing herself to control Xuanmen after a hundred years of his death, this was too sudden and she was unprepared.
Luo Xuanzang never married in his life, but devoted all his energy to the great cause of Taoism and the belief in light. Zhao Daier deeply admired Luo Xuanzang, so in her twenty years of life, she never thought about getting married in the future.
She is a saint now. In a dozen years, a younger person will take over the position of saint. She will most likely become the chief cardinal. When the current high priest dies, she will most likely become the high priest and take charge of the Xuanmen.
But now, the path her teacher arranged for her was not so step-by-step, but completely beyond her expectations. This was a more magnificent path that would allow her to quickly reach the pinnacle of life, but getting married...
Fear……
A little helpless.
She didn't notice it herself, but Luo Su and Luo Junwei both noticed it, and it was kind of cute and embarrassing.
Luo Su recalled Xuanzang's comments about Zhao Dai'er in the letter and couldn't help but secretly said, "It is true that no one knows a son better than his father. Zhao Dai'er is smart, clear-headed, and stunningly beautiful. She is a perfect match for my son, Luo."
Luo Su could see that Zhao Dai'er was very hesitant, so he said gently, "This matter concerns your future life, so you should think about it carefully. Your teacher and I are only giving you suggestions, and it's up to you to decide how to do it.
You must have a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders when you come to the East this time. I will call you to Lingtian Pavilion later and you can think about it slowly."
Zhao Daier said gratefully: "Daier thanks you for your understanding."
"Weiwei, please send Dai'er off."
After Zhao Dai'er bowed again, she respectfully left Lingtian Pavilion. After a while, Luo Junwei walked in and asked with a smile: "Grandfather, it seems that Dai'er is unwilling to get married. This is the first time that my son Luo has been rejected."
Luo Su narrowed his eyes and smiled: "Reject? Where did you reject?
She is just still shy. It won't be long before she becomes a member of my Luo family."
Upon hearing this, Luo Junwei covered her cherry lips and smiled sweetly. She knew that the old ancestor was obsessed with beauty again.
…
Three days after Zhao Dai'er and others arrived in the Tang Dynasty, they received an invitation from the palace, inviting the top leaders of Xuanmen and the Khan of Western Turkic Khan to enter the palace for discussions.
Some things need to be discussed in advance. It is impossible to wait until all nations come to pay homage to the emperor before really negotiating them. On that occasion, the final result will be announced directly.
Zhao Dai'er held her breath and concentrated as a group of seven or eight people walked into the Taiji Hall. As soon as they entered the hall, they saw the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty sitting on the throne at the top, the prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty sitting in the row on the left, and the row on the right was empty for Zhao Dai'er and the others to sit on.
After greeting each other, Zhao Daier sat in the first position on the left. On her right was the Western Turkic Khan Ashina Saen, followed by the high-level officials of Xuanmen and the rulers of major countries such as Kucha, Khotan, and Kangguo.
As soon as Zhao Dai'er appeared, Li Shimin was shocked by her peerless beauty. He was distracted for a moment, but soon recovered and asked with a smile: "Please ask the Saint to send my greetings to the high priest on my behalf. I am very sorry that the high priest cannot come to the Central Plains this time.
I wonder if the Saint Lady has any discomfort since arriving in Chang'an. I have ordered the Lifanyuan to handle it."
Zhao Daier said in a crisp voice: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. We are not uncomfortable in Chang'an. The Tang Dynasty is very polite and the rulers of various countries feel at home."
The atmosphere in the hall is currently quite harmonious.
In fact, since peace has been chosen, both sides will eventually compromise with each other. Regarding the Western Regions delegation coming to Beijing, what the Tang Dynasty wants is very simple.
The first is the sovereignty 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 interfere under the premise that the situation in the Western Regions does not get out of control. In particular, the Anxi Grand Protectorate stationed in the Western Regions should adopt consultations instead of finding random reasons to interfere in the internal affairs of the Western Regions, and should not interfere in the missionary work of the Xuanmen sect."
This is to allow the Western Regions to achieve autonomy for their own countries. The Tang Dynasty takes away the suzerainty, ensuring that it has the right to intervene at any time. The countries remain independent, and the Xuanmen takes away the spiritual ruling right, that is, the Tang Dynasty is the main body in politics, and the Xuanmen is the main body in spiritual beliefs. In fact, the countries are autonomous, and the three forces remain balanced.
As for who is higher, the emperor or the high priest, under this model, there is no need to discuss it. They each take care of their own business. Although the emperor has a strong divinity and is known as the son of heaven, he never interferes in other people's affairs in the name of faith. This is completely different from the source of the high priest's power.
This issue is the most important one. Once this issue is resolved, the atmosphere in the hall will be completely relaxed. It is that simple when both parties are sincere.
The rulers of the countries in the Western Regions were extremely happy. With this agreement, they no longer had to worry all day long.
The Tang Dynasty was also very happy as it no longer had to worry about the countries in the Western Regions suddenly rebelling and refusing to recognize the Tang Dynasty's sovereignty.
For Xuanmen, this is even more of a victory. Xuanmen did not have sovereignty over the various countries and had always controlled the various countries by adding divinity to the crowns of the kings.
To exchange something that does not exist for something that exists is naturally a victory.
Win-win-win!
The next issue to be discussed is a question that the prime ministers are very concerned about, that is, the trade between the Tang Dynasty and the Western Regions. Although the Tang Dynasty is based on agriculture, it also attaches great importance to business. The Silk Road is the only land route. There are many countries on the Silk Road. If any country increases taxes, it will deal a devastating blow to the caravans.
Li Shimin said sternly: "Merchants make everything circulate and earn huge profits, but if the taxes are too high on the road, it will certainly dampen the enthusiasm of merchants and have a great impact. Merchants in our Tang Dynasty have already complained a lot.
I originally wanted to send the Tang army to clear the trade route so that my Tang merchant caravan could reach the far west that the national teacher mentioned, but now that we have an agreement with the other countries, I will leave this matter to them."
There was a hint of sharpness in Li Shimin's words. If the countries in the Western Regions could not do it, then the Tang army would have to protect the Tang merchant caravan.
Zhao Daier responded, "Your Majesty, I have often heard in Shenlin City that the people of the Tang Dynasty are being exploited severely, and even lowly officials are extorting our Western Regions caravans. I wonder how Your Majesty will solve this problem."
The two looked at each other, Li Shimin burst into laughter, Zhao Daier also smiled softly, and the ice disappeared.
Zhao Daier said crisply, "The Holy See has summoned the rulers of all countries. In the future, the taxes paid by the Tang Dynasty's caravans passing through the Western Regions will be capped and will never happen again. If a country levies excessive taxes, the Temple Army will harvest their lives. Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
Li Shimin also smiled and said, "I have the same idea. I will set up a special department under the Shangshu Province to manage this matter. If the Western Regions caravans have grievances in the future, they can report to the officials. I will let the prime minister investigate personally."
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 was a grand ceremony that had never happened in the past thousands of years. There were so many vassal states coming to Chang'an, and their quality was so high, just like the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, which had never happened before.
Almost all envoys or rulers of vassal states were preparing for the final audience. They would present tribute to the emperor in public and then express their submission.
Countless envoys were waiting in front of the palace gate.
When the sun began to rise slowly, the palace guards rolled up the heavy door. When the palace was opened to everyone, the guards filled both sides of the corridor like a torrent, with swords and spears like a forest!
The envoys from the vassal states went to the solemn imperial palace with deep trembling.
Envoys from the three major kingdoms, hundreds of envoys from the feudal states, rulers of the Western Regions, tribal leaders of Liaodong, and the foreign tribes under the rule of the three major kingdoms all had different faces, with Han and foreign faces accounting for about half each. But all of them wore silk clothes. Although the styles were different, they were basically the same, just like Han nobles. Some wore Tang Dynasty ladies' clothes, while others were still wearing Han Dynasty costumes.
All the envoys and kings had solemn expressions on their faces. They held up the flags of their respective vassal states and marched in a long line.
The towering palace walls were so high that people could only see the sky above their heads, which was filled with deep depression.
Walking out of the palace walls, the majestic imperial palace appeared in front of everyone.
How to describe it?
It covers the mountains and rivers, blocking out the sun.
The sun shines on the palace, and the smoke curls up like it's rising to heaven.
The golden-red palace gate shines brightly after the rising sun, like the abode of gods in the sky.
Go forward again.
The supreme emperor sat high above the Nine Heavens Mingtang, with his crown and tassels, looking majestic and heavy.
The rulers, with the will of their country, bowed deeply at the feet of the emperor.
"Supreme Son of Heaven, may the heavens protect you!"
"The Most High and Holy!"
There were countless figures, each representing a country, and now all of them were kneeling on the ground.
Like the tide.
The loud sound, like that of bells and drums, spread outside the hall, then to the palace, and then to the whole world!
————
The gates of the palace are opened, and people from all over the world pay homage to the emperor. — "An Essay on Jia Sheren's Early Morning Audience at Daming Palace", Wang Wei
(End of this chapter)
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