"This Nantang is really rich!" Liu Chengyou still couldn't help but pick up the gift list presented by Han Xizai, and after only a slight glance, he couldn't help but sigh.

100 pieces of silk, 200 pieces of silk, 500 pieces of cotton, 1,000 pieces of porcelain, 100 pieces of jade, and a number of various treasured jewelry......

"The wealth of the Southern Tang Dynasty is in front of you!" Liu Chengyou muttered.

The so-called wealth is not exposed, I have always known the wealth of the Southern Tang Dynasty, but I really don't have an intuitive impression, just with this gift list, you can get a glimpse of one or two, Liu Chengyou is afraid of it, and he was hooked up in an instant.

If Li Jing didn't go north to seek peace this time, Liu Chengyou's greedy heart would not be so hot, but he took the initiative to come to the door to "show off his wealth", and he really couldn't help but blush. Nantang is on Liu Chengyou's side, it is a big piece of fat meat, just pluck and peel it, you can enjoy it, right now, what he needs to do is sharpen his teeth and prepare the tableware for eating meat!

"Li Jing's generous gift, I will accept it with a smile!" Liu Chengyou calmed down the restless greed, closed the gift list, and instructed Zhang Dejun: "Spread the word, the Tang envoy paid tribute to the silk, silk, porcelain and jade, and treasured jewelry, and took them to the harem, let the queen mother, queen, and concubine pick some, and the rest of the silk silk will be collected from the internal treasury." The Queen Mother is virtuous and reasonable, and has never enjoyed luxury, which can be regarded as making up for what I owe to them! ”

Zhang Dejun responded: "Yes! ”

After thinking about it, Liu Chengyou added: "The rest of the utensils are used to trade money and grain, and what I need more than gold and jade things is something that I can eat and drink!" ”

The concierge house, belonging to the Honglu Temple, specializes in guest hospitality, and the sense of existence is really not strong, mainly because since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the external environment of the Han Dynasty is too poor. The envoys and guests received inside and outside were only the Uighurs, Jingnan, and Wu Yue, and the Southern Tang Dynasty was the fourth to come to the court.

In the hall, Tao Gu led Wang Pu and the officials of the Rite Yuan and the chief and deputy envoys of the Southern Tang Dynasty to negotiate the terms of peace between the two countries for many days. It is called a consultation, but in fact it is more like a debate, Tao Gu has Liu Chengyou's instructions, full of confidence, and is not in a hurry at all, while Han Xizai is more calm, as if he is going north for sightseeing and learning.

Tao Gu can also be regarded as sharp-toothed and flexible-minded, but when he talks to Han Xizai, he doesn't take any advantage verbally. Tao Gu was not a broad-minded person, but after a few days, he consciously lost face, and he no longer had a little patience left.

Therefore, at today's meeting, as soon as he opened his mouth, Tao Gu stared at Han Xizai's showdown very strongly: "Since ancient times, there has been no one who does not cede land, call ministers, pay tribute, and make peace with relatives, I have diplomatic relations between the two countries, and I am harmonious with the army and the people, I don't need you to cut the land, I don't want you to be a minister, I have been generous and tolerant, and I really don't know how to advance or retreat." As soon as the tribute is paid, there is no reason for shortage, Jianghuai is rich, if the Tang lord is really sincere, how can he be stingy with those money and grain? ”

The top of Tao Gu's beard is full of arrogance, but in Han Xizai's eyes, it is very inward-looking. Showing his signature gentle smile, Han Xizai still looked tepid, and said lightly: "This envoy emphasizes again, my lord sent an envoy to come with graciude for the sake of the peace of the two countries. If the Han monarchs and ministers have no intention of making peace and rely on the power to bully others, my Datang will definitely not have the reason to seek perfection on his knees! ”

Han Xizai was neither humble nor arrogant in front of Liu Chengyou, and after several exchanges with Tao Gu, he seemed to see this person clearly, and he no longer planned to save face for him.

His gaze swept over Tao Gu, and he stopped on the young Wang Pu next to him, and said faintly: "Tao She people, I'm afraid that I don't have the right to agree, so dry and rambling, but it is not effective." The annoying people told the Emperor of the Han Dynasty that the peace between the two countries is really the benefit of both sides, and there is no distinction between the upper and lower, and there is no difference between the high and the low. It is the proper duty to communicate with each other and help each other, but if you vainly seek floating wealth, it is really difficult for Datang to respond! ”

Han Xizai's words were extremely tough, which made Tao Gu quite embarrassed. Sweeping Han Xizai, who had recovered his composure, his face flashed gloomily, and he flicked his sleeves and said coldly: "Your envoy said that this official will tell Your Majesty the truth, and will never let you down!" ”

"Thank you!" Han Xizai arched his hand, graceful, his eyes passed left and right, but he took the initiative to end the meeting: "This envoy, retire for the time being!" ”

After saying that, he got up and left the table, and the deputy envoy had the heart to explain to Tao Gu, but thinking of Han Xizai's strong and conceited appearance, he didn't have much to do and followed.

Looking at the back of the Tang envoy, and then looking at the angry Tao Gu, Wang Pu took the initiative to politely speak: "Tao Gong, I really can't discuss anything, the Tang envoy's patience is exhausted, let's return to the official family again!" ”

But hearing Wang Pu's suggestion, Tao Gu's face quickly regained his calm, and he responded reservedly, holding the shelf, but he didn't want to continue to lose his temper in front of this future life.

On the Tang envoy's side, the deputy envoy followed Han Xizai closely, returned to Binyi, sat down and faced him, his words were very polite, and he could even be described as a question: "Han Gong is so big, if he annoys the Han monarchs and ministers because of this, have you considered the seriousness of the consequences?" ”

Han Xizai still looked elegant and easy-going, and said calmly: "You need to keep in mind that I waited for this time to come north to negotiate peace, not to ask for peace and forgiveness." The monarchs and ministers of the Han Dynasty want to intimidate me with their power, but I am entrusted by His Majesty, how can I ruin the reputation of the Tang Dynasty and let him take what he wants? ”

"A little money and food, as far as Datang is concerned, is just a drop in the bucket, so why be stingy?" The deputy envoy pouted slightly.

The requirements of the Han side are not high, and they are gradually decreasing, until 100,000 yuan and 100,000 stone grain. However, Han Hee-jae insisted on disagreeing.

Hearing this, Han Xizai's expression suddenly became strict, as if a layer of frost had been condensed, his eyes were like thorns, and he pointed to the deputy envoy: "Even if you have a penny and a grain, it is also a tax collected from my Tang Shimin, how can you easily deal with others." Han Ting got 100,000 grains of Shu, and there was still a move to cut Qin Feng's rank into four states, and he opened his mouth to us with a large amount of blood, which was clearly contemptuous of our dynasty and blackmailed us, how could he be deceived by him? ”

Han Xizai's anger still has a lot of power, the deputy envoy lowered his head, his eyes flashed slightly, and muttered: "However, if you go north this time, if you return in vain, after returning to the court, how to return to Your Majesty?" ”

"If you should make this covenant of humiliating the country and insulting the family, after returning to the dynasty, what kind of face will you have, Chen to Your Majesty?" Han Xizai asked rhetorically, a pair of eyes, staring directly at the deputy envoy, looking at him extremely uncomfortable.

As a matter of fact, the deputy envoy really has some ideas, such as taking advantage of the excitement and bringing back a humble agreement, and at that time, their party will have the advantage of taking the opportunity to make a big fuss.

Returning to his own house, when Han Xizai was alone, he completely restrained his sharpness in front of outsiders, and his heroic and normal face was full of deep thought. According to his ideas, there is no need to go north to negotiate peace, as a representative of the northern scholars who crossed to the south, his political direction was basically determined, the main station, the main Northern Expedition.

However, the first two years were a good opportunity, but I just missed it. In the future, if there is such a good opportunity, I am afraid it will depend on the destiny of heaven. Of course, he himself knew in his heart that after all, the Southern Tang Dynasty did not unify Jiangnan, and there were too many hidden dangers in the rear, and it was too difficult to fight against the north with all his might. It is precisely because of this that I feel saddened by the inaction of the Tang Dynasty monarchs and ministers two years ago and did not seize the opportunity to attack the Central Plains.

Especially after seeing and hearing about this trip to the north, what makes Han Xizai even more worried is that as long as the Northern Han Dynasty recovers its national strength, it will be a situation where the north is strong and the south is weak.

As a result, blocking the exchanges between merchants between the two countries and preventing the southern grain from being transported to the north will cause a deeper harm to the Han Dynasty. In the two years since the founding of the Han Dynasty, in addition to the scourge of war, tens of thousands of Li people have died of cold and starvation. Therefore, in this negotiation, Han Ting disregarded his face and was so naked and straightforward in the matter of money and grain, you can get a glimpse of the situation.

Contemplating, Han Xizai almost saw the scene of the Han army's iron hooves, crossing the Huaishui and wantonly plundering the Huainan states. After meeting with Liu Chengyou, Han Xizai was almost sure in his heart that as long as there was no change in the north, it would be inevitable.

When Han Xizai was in the bin post and was thinking deeply, in the Chongzheng Palace, Liu Chengyou was seated safely, calmly listening to Tao Gu's report.

"Your Majesty, Han Xizai is arrogant, arrogant, and rude, and not enough to talk to, and the ministers have tried their best to tell each other with good words, but instead of knowing good intentions, they are arrogant." Tao Gu's mouth was full of complaints about Han Xizai, and he struggled to give him eye medicine in front of Liu Chengyou: "In the opinion of the minister, the pseudo-Tang monarch is probably not sincere and disagreeable." ”

Although Liu Chengyou was a little surprised in his heart, he was not moved, and sighed calmly: "This Han Xizai is also a little backbone!" It is not surprising that you are so powerful and intimidating that it is difficult to cause accidents! ”

Seeing that he had spent all this time, it seemed that it had no effect, and the Son of Heaven praised Han Xizai, Tao Gu couldn't help but say: "Your Majesty, the Han and the pseudo-Tang Dynasty have a lot of grievances, if you don't get anything, why do you need to make peace with them?" Could it be that the sharp mouth of the Tang envoy from the north cut off my way to operate along the Huai garrison army and the south? ”

Tao Gu directly ignored the heavy gift offered by the Tang envoy, and plundering was plundering, which fell into Tao Gu's mouth, but changed to an elegant statement: management.

Liu Chengyou was not affected by Tao Gu's words, he thought seriously for a while, and muttered with obvious doubts in his tone: "Han Xizai came on orders, and he didn't seem to care much about whether he could achieve his mission?" ”

Glancing at Wang Pu who was standing beside Tao Gu, seeing his calm expression, he couldn't help asking: "Wang Qing, you have also been with you for many days, what do you think?" ”

Wang Puzuo bowed and replied: "Back to Your Majesty, from the perspective of a minister, Han Xizai is really a handsome man for a while, not shallow in knowledge, arrogant or arrogant, but he is so fearless, I am afraid that he has seen that His Majesty also has the heart of peace." Moreover, with the current situation, our dynasty needs to restore tranquility and reduce the burden of border defense, and in the case of the puppet Tang Dynasty, although it is tired of being harassed by our northern soldiers, it is difficult to hurt its muscles and bones! ”

After a pause, Wang Pu organized his language and said: "In the eyes of the minister, although Han Xizai was sent to negotiate peace, but where his heart and will are, I am afraid that he wants to fight against the Han Dynasty......"

"How so?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Wang Pu calmly responded: "The ministers talked with the envoys and found out some news, the pseudo-Tang Dynasty Hall, the Nandu scholars led by Han Xizai, have the ambition to enter, and the people who are not partial to the peace......"

"If Your Majesty agrees to make peace, then he will return to the court with the merits of the Han Dynasty; If Your Majesty refuses, and the two sides continue to fight each other, it will not affect their ambition! ”

Listening to Wang Pu's explanation, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but bow: "Wang Qing is really agile, and he has also studied the Southern Tang Dynasty!" That being the case, I will never be able to do what Han Gong wants! ”

Hearing his words, Tao Gu couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, is that all you can do?" ”

Raising his hand, he wiped it on his chin, and there was no trace of worry on his face from beginning to end, looking at the two: "Erqing, are you interested in going to Jinling?" ”

"Your Majesty wants to send ministers and other envoys to Tang!" Tao Valley Road.

"Come and don't be rude!" Liu Chengyou's eyes almost narrowed into a slit.

"I want to go!" In unison, Tao Gu and Wang Pu said in unison.

Although the two people have different considerations, they are both very interested in going to Jinling to see it.

The reaction of the two was not Liu Chengyou's expectation, and he said a little slyly: "With Han Xizai, I can't ask for money and food, and with Tang Lord Li Jing, it's not necessarily." How much benefit can be sought for the big man, it depends on Erqing's ability! ”

glanced at each other, the two ministers bowed again, and asked for a guarantee.

......

In the case that no consensus could be reached and the "peace" was fruitless, Han Xizai finally decided to return to the south. said that it was full power, but where did he expect that Han Ting would make so many rude additional demands.

Chongzheng Palace, Han Xizai resigned in person.

"Han Gong is leaving, why don't you spend some more time, is it because I am not well entertained?" Liu Chengyou falsely expressed his retention.

"Your Majesty's hospitality, Chen Ming is very moved!" Han Xizai still looked neither humble nor arrogant, and the meaning was strong: "However, Your Majesty has selected the envoy to the south, and the minister is willing to be the one who leads the way!" ”

As soon as his eyes flew, Liu Chengyou suddenly became very solemn, and Corporal Lixian said: "Han Gong is talented, I am really eager for it, why don't you stay in Tokyo to serve, and assist me in conspiring for meritorious work, I will reuse it." ”

seemed to see Liu Chengyou's hypocrisy, and politely refused: "There are many talents in the Han Dynasty, but there are not many Han people!" ”

Liu Chengyou still didn't give up: "Han Gong is originally a northerner, doesn't he have the intention of returning to his roots, and wants to die outside the countryside?" ”

"The minister is a Tang minister for one day, and a Tang minister for life!" Han Xizai looked very firm and did not move in the slightest.

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou's face was full of regret, and he said helplessly: "It's a pity that you can't do public things!" ”

"That's it, Han Gong has returned to the south, but I can say hello to Lord Tang on my behalf." Liu Chengyou's face became very fast: "Gifts are still exchanged, and I have also prepared some gifts......

did prepare some gifts, but he was a little speechless, thirty cows, one hundred sheep, in terms of value, of course, it can't be compared with Li Jing's gift, but it can be explained by the courtesy......

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"The minister retires!"

After Han Xizai stepped back, Liu Chengyou was slightly happy, he opened his mouth to keep Han Xizai, of course, it was deliberate. The presence of such a radical faction in the south is not a good thing for the Han Dynasty.

summoned again, Tao Gu, Wang Pu, and Liu Chengyou raised their orders to explain their trip to the south. A principle, how much can be discussed, and the big men will not lose, but the premise is not to collapse the real talk.

In addition, let the two carefully explore the situation of the Southern Tang Dynasty, the government, military, and folk customs...... Accompanying officials, Liu Chengyou also assigned them some secret agents from the Wude Division and the Military Intelligence Division.

By the way, Liu Chengyou confessed to the two of them, after arriving in Jinling, they did more propaganda for Han Xizai, such as how Han Gong was not afraid of power, how he did not fall under the coercion of the Han monarchs and ministers, how he expressed his good impression of the Han Dynasty, and how the Han Emperor valued him as an official......

In short, Liu Chengyou did not hesitate to strike at this banner of the southern and northern people in the Southern Tang Dynasty. Whether it has any effect or not, Liu Chengyou doesn't care. If there is an effect, whether it will cause changes in the political situation of the Southern Tang Dynasty is not in his consideration, it is something that Tang Lord Li Jing needs to weigh.