The First Yamen of the Great Song Dynasty

Chapter 143

After finalizing Song Jiang as the person in charge of the gold trade, Gao Ming sent someone to tell Song Jiang to go to Beijing, and at the same time contributed his own method of brewing high-quality wine, called the workshop overnight brewing, so as to trade with the Jin people.

I heard that the Jin people like the high-quality wine brewed in Gaofu very much. Many people don't understand that when it's hot, it's poisonous. If you're not used to drinking such a spicy wine, the Jin people's taste is really heavy.

I don't like to drink, but Jinren likes it, and I can get horses in exchange, so why not do it?As for tea, this one requires no special preparation and is easier than wine.

Mrs. Hua came to the capital and suffered a lot of mental trauma. The more she looked at her grandson, the more uncomfortable she became.

Before leaving, I felt that I had a lot to say to my grandson, but I didn't know what to say when the words came to my mouth, and finally turned them into five words: "You do it yourself!"

Hua Rong listened carefully, "Yes."

Mrs. Hua looked at him, shook her head resentfully, and raised her hand to reprimand him, "You..." But suddenly she felt that the words were boring, and she kept talking over and over again. Beating and scolding won't help, but instead hurt yourself, "I always thought that among you brothers and sisters, you were the one who was worry-free. Who would have thought that now your sister is living in peace, husband and child, but you..."

Originally, I wanted to list the crimes of my grandson again, but I stopped when I reached the point of my mouth, and I persuaded myself that there is no need, no need, there is really no need to beat and scold me, I should have said everything, "Forget it, I am really too lazy to say any more. You! You can do it for yourself, if you don’t, you will fend for yourself!”

This time, the grandson, who had been beating and scolding all the time, retorted: "I still have to protect Gao Ming, and I have to live a good life. And there are places where the country needs me."

The old lady Hua said: "Just listen to the first half of the sentence, I should give you a slap in the face, don't pester him, he needs your protection?! But the second half of the sentence is still human, let me spare you!"

At this time, someone laughed at the door and said: "I pestered him too, you see, I just came to pester him now."

Mrs. Hua looked up and saw Gao Ming walking in with a smile. For some reason, when she saw him at this moment, the image of him kissing her grandson that night was in her mind.

The old lady was a little dizzy, and said weakly to Gao Ming: "Forget it, I'm leaving."

I am old, I am really old, and I really can't control the affairs of young people.

Gao Ming smiled and said: "I heard that you are leaving Tokyo, I'll see you off." He and Hua Rong sent the old lady to the gate, and asked someone to move the gift for the old lady to the car.

The old lady Hua naturally didn't want it, so Gao Ming said, "They are all a family. My father is Hua Rong's father, and Hua Rong's grandmother is also my grandmother."

He insisted on moving all the presents to the old lady, and then waved goodbye to the old lady with Huarong, "You come to Tokyo to play again——"

Hua Rong hugged his shoulders and said, "I think she won't want to come here anymore."

Gao Ming looked up at him and smiled and said, "It's fine if you don't come, so you won't beat my husband." After speaking, Hua Rong hugged him and kissed him.

The old lady Hua left, and with Gao Qiu's acquiescence, Hua Rong moved to Taiwei's Mansion, and became a couple with Gao Ming.

Whenever someone exaggerated that Gao Qiu got Huarong again, Gao Qiu could only choose to respond with a silent smile.

The more vigorously the other party praised, the more he smiled and stiffened.

It turns out that there are still so many people who don't know the relationship between their son and Huarong, and they don't know how long they can hide it.

Alas, sooner or later you have to be exposed.

On this day, when Gao Ming returned to the mansion, he was told that the head of the military and horse capital of Chuzhou, Song Jiang, the doctor of martial arts, had arrived and was waiting in the living room, so Gao Ming went to see him.

Ever since Fang La said goodbye and saw Song Jiang again, Gao Ming had the same feeling for him. He was fatter, and Song Jiang was more stocky and fatter. However, maybe it was because of his weight. He was a little whiter, but overall he was still a rich black fat man.

When Song Jiang saw Gao Ming, he immediately saluted, "Xiao Ke Song Jiang, I pay my respects to Mr. Gao."

Although it has been determined that Gao Ming will not harm him because of the festival in Liangshan, as Gao Ming's reputation has risen in the past few years, Song Jiang has the intention of moving closer to him.

Gao Ming said with a smile: "Don't come here without any problems. You don't need to be too polite. You sit down first." He also asked the servant girl to read tea for him.

Song Jiang only sat on the half of the chair, appearing very cautious and humble, "As soon as Mr. Gao called, Xiao Ke rushed to Tokyo without stopping, hoping that there will be no delay."

"No, you came very quickly." Gao Ming got straight to the point, "I asked you to come because I have an important matter for you. This matter is not my private matter, on the contrary, it is a very important state matter. If you If you do it well, you will be a hero to the country and the people. Even if you fail to do it well, you are destined to leave your name in the history books from the moment you take over."

It is the key point of Song Jiang to leave his name in history. He made sure of it. Hearing such words, he immediately stood up and said: "Master Gao, since the imperial court has such a great trust, even if Song is smashed to pieces, he will live up to his trust."

Song Jiang's expression was sad, as if he was ready to show up for the country.

A pair of righteousness in the front, the appearance of life and death without regret.

Just wait for Gao Yanei to announce this arduous task.

Then Gao Daren said: "The imperial court wants to send you to invest in gold for horse market trade, and to bring members of the royal family of the Kingdom of Jin to our Song Dynasty for further studies."

Hey, is that all?It seems that it is not as difficult as imagined.

Gao Ming saw Song Jiang's thoughts, so he explained the importance of this trip to him, "This trade with Jin is the first official contact between Song and Jin, and it represents the official opening of the relationship between the two countries. From the day it was established, plus last year's 70 defeat of [-] soldiers from the Liao State, it will definitely leave a strong mark in the history of Qing Dynasty. Contacting such a new country is bound to be like officials of the Song Dynasty who met and negotiated with Liao. According to historical records, if you manage well, Song Dynasty will have one more friendly country, and if you do not manage well, you will have one more powerful enemy.”

"How can Xiaoke take on such a heavy responsibility!?" Song Jiang said so, but he said in his heart that such a heavy responsibility must definitely be undertaken, make some achievements, and improve to a higher level.

In particular, he heard Gao Ming say: "Because the task is so important, the officials have been selecting candidates, but because the Song Dynasty and the Jin Dynasty do not border each other, they need to cross the sea, and the conditions are difficult. There are very few people who can do this. It requires a firm will, not afraid People who are hard-working, loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and have a good relationship with the navy. I thought, Song Jiang, you might be a suitable candidate. Wouldn’t it be a good match if I asked Brother Li Jun to go with you and escort you by boat. So , I went to the Shuguan’s house and suggested that you represent Da Songyu to negotiate trade with the Kingdom of Jin, and the officials agreed, so don’t let me down.”

The official agreed, does that mean he already has a name with the official?Song Jiang trembled excitedly, choked with sobs and bowed to Gao Ming, "Thank you, Mr. Gao, for your kindness."

"Hey, don't do this. You go to the Kingdom of Jin, which represents Da Song's face. If you do things well, you can give the officials and Da Song a satisfactory answer, which is the best reward for me." Gao With a smile on his face, Ming entrusted him with high hopes.

It turned out that the burden on Song Jiang's shoulders was so heavy, Song Jiang promised: "I, Song Jiang, will definitely live up to the emperor's grace!"

Gao Ming looked at him with satisfaction. Song Jiang's face was black and his heart was even darker. He spoke benevolence and morality, but he never relentlessly stabbed a knife behind his back. He was very suitable for fooling the Jurchens. Da Song suffers.

Another important reason is that Song Jiang is a man who prides himself on loyalty. As long as his father is still in the Song Dynasty, as long as the emperor is still there, he will be a puppet under the banner of loyalty. .

What he loves is fame, and what he pursues is the approval of the emperor of the country.

Li Jun was an old acquaintance with him, and he was originally one of his Jiangzhou gang confidants, and Song Jiang still had the ability to lead them.

If someone else is sent, the sailors on the ferry will be at odds with the trade officials, and it will be a bunch of bad things, but Song Jiang and Li Jun can solve this problem very well.

"In addition to trade, you have one more thing to do, which is to bring the Wanyan family back to Tokyo. While you are not humble and arrogant to them on the way, you must also take care of their food and daily life. Don't treat them slowly." Gao Ming said.

Song Jiang nodded again and again, expressing that he remembered it all, "Don't worry, Mr. Gao, Xiao Ke will definitely do everything by himself."

Gao Ming has confidence in Song Jiang, "I believe that after this training, you will become a pillar of the country."

Song Jiang's tears rolled in his eyes, "I didn't expect Xiao Ke, a former traitor, to represent the country one day. It's all thanks to the love of Gao Yanei, Xiao Ke is very grateful."

Gao Ming also pretended to be united with Song Jiang, "I'll wait for your good news!"

The acting skills of the two are at their best.

Song Jiang responded repeatedly, accepted the confession, and left Taiwei's mansion.

In a few days, he received the commission from the imperial court and was about to set foot on the road to sea.

-

After all, the Liao Kingdom was still afraid that the Song Kingdom and the Jin Kingdom would see each other, so they reacted very quickly, and soon spread the news to Tokyo, asking them to send people to Youzhou City to sign the letter of credence to discuss the exemption of the old coins.

But both of them knew in their hearts that this time, apart from exempting the old currency, it was more important to discuss the ownership of the Youyun area and the position of the State of Song.

The Liao State did not dare to delay, and the Song Dynasty did not dare to neglect. After receiving the news, Zhao Ji planned to ask the mission to leave for Youzhou to negotiate.

Originally, Gao Ming and the others could leave faster, but because of Zhao Ji's indecision, they dragged on for several days.

What he was hesitant about was asking his precious son Zhao Kai to accompany him in what capacity, since he wanted to ask him to go as a prince, so when the matter was negotiated, the world would know and there would be no doubts.

But he was also afraid that Zhao Kai would reveal his identity and be taken hostage by Liao people after entering the Liao Kingdom.

After he expressed his concerns, some courtiers even advised Zhao Kai not to move lightly.

It is very risky to enter the Liao Kingdom by disguising one's identity and accompanying the mission.

As a result, Zhao Ji was moved by the talk again, and even planned to ask King Yun not to follow. In this case, if the talk failed, King Yun would not have to take responsibility, which was to avoid risks to a certain extent.

After Gao Ming knew the emperor's thoughts, he didn't know what to say. Throughout the ages, there are very few kings like Zhao Ji.

Fortunately, Zhao Ji fought hard according to reason, and in the end, although he could not go as the king of Yun, he pretended to be a courtier and went together as a deputy envoy.

So far, envoy Gao Ming, deputy envoys Hua Rong, and Zhao Kai have made a final decision and left for Youzhou for final negotiations.

As a result, he was almost at Cangzhou, and Zhao Ji sent eunuchs to chase after King Yun, saying that he had a nightmare, and told his son to go back.

In his heart, Gao Ming hoped that Zhao Kai would follow. After all, there are some things that he can't make decisions by himself.

Fortunately, Zhao Kai didn't want to waste this opportunity to accumulate achievements, so he resolutely resisted the decree and continued to move forward. When Zhao Ji passed the decree again, he had already passed Baigou and entered the territory of Youzhou, Liao Kingdom.

Within a year, he made two trips to Youzhou. Gao Ming was not as curious as last time, and went to the embassy of Song Dynasty to rest.

As soon as they entered Youzhou, the Liao Kingdom knew about it, and sent someone to the embassy to inform them that day, and asked them to meet at the Yamen of Youzhou City tomorrow.

It can be seen that the Liao Kingdom has already arrived in Youzhou City and is ready. As soon as the people of the Song Dynasty arrive, they can start negotiations without waiting.

Zhao Kai told Gao Ming and Hua Rong to have a good rest, but because he was too excited to think about taking back You Yun, he hardly closed his eyes all night, but even so, he still felt full of energy the next day.

And Gao Ming and Hua Rong also had a good rest. After breakfast, the Liao Kingdom sent people to invite the principal and deputy envoys and accompanying members to the Yamen of Youzhou to discuss important matters.

This was a formal invitation, and it looked like a major event was about to be discussed. Everyone was dressed neatly and walked out the door with their heads held high.

Because this time, instead of attacking the old coin, it is exempt from the old coin, and even wants to take back the territory from the mouth of the Liao State, which is psychologically happy.

In the lobby of Youzhou Yamen, long tables and chairs were prepared, and the envoys of the two countries sat on both sides.

According to the rules, the envoys and deputy envoys have to be introduced once. Song Guo is introduced by Gao Ming. He and Hua Rong are both old acquaintances of Liao Kingdom. They must have been introduced by Yelu Dashi to the members of Cheng and Liao Kingdom on the way.

As for the pseudonym Zhao Kai, Gao Ming said a few words briefly, and the people of Liao Kingdom thought that this person was just making up the number, so they simply nodded to show that they knew.

After the introduction from the Song Kingdom, Yelu Dashi from the Liao Kingdom didn't need to waste much time on the introduction. He also ignored himself and focused on introducing the two people around him, "This is His Royal Highness Yelu Chun, the Jin King of the Daliao Kingdom."

This Yelu Chun was the uncle of the emperor Yelu Yanxi. Considering that Yelu Yanxi's father was the only son, his cousin was quite close to the emperor, and he was an important minister of the royal family.

Yeluchun is in his fifties, his face is a little swollen, with an unhealthy purple color, and his expression is very serious.

"This is Mr. Zhang Lin, the Prime Minister of the Southern Mansion of the Daliao Kingdom." Yelu Dashi introduced another elderly man.

The typical one country, two systems of the Liao Kingdom, the South Court was in charge of Han people except the Khitan people, and the Prime Minister of the South Court was also a Han, and it was considered a high position.

After the introduction, Yelu Dashi was slightly dissatisfied and said: "We have the prince and prime minister present, but the prince and grand master of your country did not show up. Isn't it too slow to treat our country?"

Zhao Kai's identity was kept strictly confidential, except for Gao Ming, Hua Rong, and a few of Zhao Kai's confidantes, even the Song people from the Youzhou embassy didn't know who he was.

Therefore, Liao Jin Wang Yeluchun and Prime Minister Zhang Lin didn't know who the deputy envoy who followed Gao Ming was.

Liao's lineup can be considered luxurious.

So it seems that the lineup of the Song Dynasty is not as good as that of the other party. Yelu Dashi saw that apart from the missing Wang Fu who was suspected of being a spy, Gao Ming and Hua Rong, and the other young man who just heard that his position was mediocre, seemed to be It's the same as making up the numbers.

Gao Ming knew that diplomatic etiquette should at least be equal. Song State should indeed send a prince, and it did. He just kept his name incognito because he was afraid that Liao State would take someone as a hostage. In the meeting between the two countries, apart from the fact that my status is indeed slightly inferior, my personal discretion is great, and I should not be inferior to the personnel of your country, maybe it will be higher."

Even so, Yelu Chunge's expression was a bit unsightly, and he asked, "How much discretion is there? Can you decide on any conditions?"

Gao Ming had already made a deal with Zhao Kai on the way here, and he was not at all afraid at this moment, "Yes. No matter what is negotiated, you can sign the letter of credence right away."

Yelu Chun and Yelu Dashi said something in Khitan, then stopped talking.

"All the personnel from our two countries have arrived, so let's get down to business." Yelu Dashi first stood up and read out the letter of credence proposed by the Liao Kingdom to exempt the old currency. After reading it, he showed the letter of credence to Gao Ming and other Song people .

After Gao Ming looked at it, he handed it to Hua Rong, and then to Zhao Kai. Zhao Kai checked every word, and there was no problem, so he nodded and asked Gao Ming to stamp it.

in duplicate.Save each.

Since then, the old coins that have been entangled in Da Song's heart for almost a hundred years have completely entered the grave.

After finalizing the credentials for exempting the old coins, no one wanted to leave the meeting, because a bigger problem came: the ownership of Youyun Sixteen States.

Because this matter has not been made clear before, so they started to test each other.

Yeluchun sat upright, and Zhang Lin, the Prime Minister of the South Court, pretended to be relaxed, but no one got up and left the table without moving.

Yelu Dashi first said: "Since the last farewell, I have missed Brother Gao very much. I don't know if Brother Gao has recounted everything that happened in Liao Kingdom after he went back?"

Gao Ming said with a smile: "It's only natural, that's why we can meet again so quickly. We came here this time with [-]% sincerity, and the problems we want to solve are not limited to the exemption of the old currency agreement."

The implication is that I relayed the peace talk about the sixteen prefectures of Youyun. This time I came here for this purpose, and I am full of sincerity.

Zhang Lin interrupted suddenly at this moment, "I wonder what you think of the scenery in Youzhou along the way?"

Gao Ming smiled and said, "I think it's no different from Cangzhou in my country."

Youyun in Liao State is no different from the scenery in Cangzhou in Song State, because it should belong to an administrative region.

Gao Ming clearly hinted at this.

Zhang Lin stroked her beard and said, "I heard that you are trading horses with the Kingdom of Jin. Aren't you afraid of being tricked by the Jurchens? I'm afraid that you will be robbed by them if you take wine and tea."

Although Zhang Lin is a Han Chinese, she is from Liao, so she should serve Liao.

Hua Rong remembered talking with Gao Ming about the horse market in the Kingdom of Jin on the way, learning his vocabulary and saying, "We believe that the Jurchens can abide by the agreement. After all, the Kingdom of Song is their first trading partner, so they naturally cherish it very much."

Business partner?Sounds like a pretty close relationship!Zhang Lin sneered, "You know the relationship between Jurchen and Liao, and you still do business with them."

Gao Ming made it clear when he left the Liao Kingdom last time to trade with the Jurchen horse market, and Yelu Yanxi didn't say anything. Now Zhang Lin has brought him out again, obviously wanting to criticize Song Guo. Have guilt.

Gao Ming smiled and said: "It is precisely because the Jurchens fought against you in the Liao Dynasty that we started the horse trade, because horses are important war supplies, the more we buy, the fewer Jurchen horses, the better for the Liao Kingdom, right? what?"

Yelu Dashi, Yelu Chun, and Zhang Lin all knew that Gao Ming was talking nonsense, but they couldn't find a better reason to refute. I know, but there must be nothing good to say.

Gao Ming found out that Yeluchun and Zhao Kai basically didn't speak, and the big bosses were indeed sitting in charge, and asked the people below to confront each other verbally.

Gao Ming said: "When I traveled through Youzhou last time, I found that the south wall of Youzhou City was well repaired, but the defense to the north was not very good. Yulin Pass was so-so. If it is repaired in the future, it will be another Big money."

The north is also within the territory of the Liao Kingdom, so the Liao Kingdom naturally would not invest money in repairing the courtyard wall in its own courtyard.

The implication is that if Youzhou is brought back, it will cost money to repair it.

Didn't Zhang Lin pick and choose just now, he also has to reciprocate.

Yelu Dashi knew very well that the one who picks the goods is the reason to buy the goods, and said with a smile: "Having an innate barrier is thousands of times stronger than artificial repairs."

Yulin Guan Tianxian is the only one in the world, and there are no other places. This is the biggest selling point.

Zhang Lin nodded heavily, "That's right, Youzhou is a city surrounded by mountains on three sides. I don't need to say more about its importance to the Liao Kingdom, and I can't repeat it too much."

It is important to the Liao State, but to the Song State, it is not too much to double the importance at least several times.

The envoys of the Song Dynasty must understand.

Gao Ming said with a smile: "Actually, although Youzhou is strong, it is not as strong as our Song-Liao friendship. In the past 100 years, the city wall has been repaired several times, but there has never been any war between Song and Liao."

Even every year when the rulers of the two countries coincide with each other's birthday, they will send gifts to each other.

When Renzong died, Emperor Daliao still shed tears for him.

As soon as this was mentioned, people from both countries laughed, and the atmosphere eased a little.

Yelu Dashi saw the right time, "Brother Gao, what you said is very reasonable. His Majesty said that the century-old friendship between you and me is witnessed by the sixteen prefectures of Youyun. If the country of brothers really has ideas, its There is room for negotiation on ownership.”

Finally got to the point, Gao Ming immediately pretended to be interested, "Really, Your Majesty Liao really has a heart to swallow the world, and a big picture of the international situation."

Let's shoot Liao Lord a few words about horses, which should be the meaning of the title.

Gao Ming continued: "Indeed, now that the Jurchens are in trouble, the Liao Kingdom is worried about it. It must be that the situation in the sixteen prefectures of Youyun cannot be taken into account. It is better to entrust them to the Song Kingdom, and you can also concentrate on dealing with the Jurchens I believe that after this, the friendship between our two countries will be as strong as this Yulin Pass, which cannot be shaken by anyone.”

Song State De Youyun continued to repair with Liao State and never sent troops to Liao State.

As soon as Gao Ming said this, he officially proposed to take over the Youyun Sixteen States.

Zhao Kai watched the other party's reaction intently, and saw Yelu Dashi and Zhang Lin glance at each other first, as if they were telling each other that the main event was coming.

Zhang Lin smiled, with wrinkles all over his face, and he said: "Well, since Song Guo has sincerity, we can't just refuse. I won't repeat some words, but Youyun is a rich place. If Song Guo wants to take over, it must be There is compensation."

There is nothing to say about this. Unless the Liao Kingdom is crazy, it will hand over and give these places to Song Dynasty for nothing.

Gao Ming nodded, motioning Yelu Dashi to continue.

Zhang Lin paused word by word: "We don't need much, we only need 500 million taels of gold, 1000 million taels of silver, and 1000 million pieces of silk as compensation."

All the Song people present were stunned. Isn't this the lion's big mouth?

Zhao Kai had just one idea, this is extortion.

Gao Ming was silent for a while, and said seriously: "I think we should show sincerity to each other. It is obvious that you are not sincere when you say such an unrealistic amount. In this case, there is nothing to talk about." Standing up, Song Guoren said to the others: "Anyway, the signing of the national book for exempting the New Year coins is over, let's go."

A posture that I don't want to talk about.