Great Song, Kaifeng

Above the court, the atmosphere was solemn.

The early spring breeze gently stirred the hanging gauze tents through the half-open window lattices, but it could not sweep away the worries on the faces of the courtiers.

Zhao Yingluo, the princess of the prison state, was still in good spirits, sitting upright beside the dragon chair, her gaze sweeping over the faces of each minister, trying to read from their expressions the opinion of the current situation.

The voice of Privy Council member Zhu Shengfei echoed in the hall, and he gave a detailed account of the latest developments in the Tibetan tribes, and highlighted the potential threat posed by Zhao Yongji's marriage to the princess of Jin.

His words revealed deep worry: "Princess, if Zhao Yongji gets the help of the Jin State, his power will definitely increase greatly, and whether it is Longyou or Shudi, they will face tremendous pressure at that time." ”

Zhao Yingluo nodded slightly, indicating that she understood Zhu Shengfei's worries.

She looked around and spoke slowly: "Ladies and gentlemen, what do you think of the current situation?" ”

The veteran Zong Ze stroked his gray beard and said in a deep voice: "Princess, during the early Tang Dynasty, Tubo was a big problem for the Tang Dynasty. Although the Tibetan forces are now divided, the rise of Zhao Yongji makes us have to guard against it. The minister thought that we could learn from history and try to maintain the balance between the Tibetan tribes, so as to reduce our pressure. ”

"Oh? What is General Zong's opinion? Zhao Yingluo raised her eyebrows, obviously interested in Zong Ze's suggestion.

Zong Ze smiled slightly and continued: "Princess, the minister thinks that we can win over Jing Zang, the leader of the Ghost Lu Clan, who is not dealing with Zhao Yongji. The Guilu tribe has a lot of power among the Tibetan tribes, and if we can get their help and hold Zhao Yongji's forces hostage in the south, we will definitely be able to win more time and space. ”

Zhao Yingluo's eyes lit up when she heard this, and she felt that this suggestion was very feasible.

So she immediately ordered: "Pass the decree, and order Zhang Jun, who is far away in Shu, to immediately contact Jing Zang, the leader of the Guilu tribe, to discuss the plan." ”

After Zhang Jun, who was in Shudi, received the edict, he did not dare to slack off in the slightest. He was well aware of the importance of this matter and immediately convened a group of think tanks to discuss.

The spring breeze in Shu was a little moist and warm, but it couldn't dispel the haze in Zhang Jun's heart. He knew that the burden on his shoulders was much heavier.

After some intense planning and preparation, Zhang Jun decided to go to the territory of the Guilu clan to meet with Jing Zang in person. He selected a group of capable retinues and members of the think tank to accompany him, and prepared rich gifts as a sign of sincerity.

After trekking on the rugged mountain road for several days, Zhang Jun and his party finally arrived at the settlement of the Guilu tribe.

The terrain here is dangerous, and the mountains are stacked, which is easy to defend and difficult to attack. Zhang Jun couldn't help but secretly admire the treasure land chosen by Jingzang.

Zhang Jun slowly walked into the center of the tribe surrounded by everyone from the Guilu tribe.

His eyes looked around curiously, and he saw that this tribe was not small, with tents and herds of cattle and sheep, and it seemed to be quite prosperous.

And Jing Zang, the leader of the Ghost Lu Clan, left a deep impression on him. This Tibetan man is burly, with a dark complexion, a hearty smile, and large white teeth, which looks both rough and kind.

Jing Zang warmly greeted him, exchanged a few words with Zhang Jun, and invited him into his big tent.

Zhang Jun secretly observed as he walked, and found that although this tribe was located in a remote area, it was well governed, and it was obviously led by Jingzang.

After entering the tent, the two sides sat down.

The interior of the tents in Jingzang is quite elegantly decorated, with thick and soft carpets and beautiful and comfortable cushions.

Zhang Jun couldn't help but secretly praise the leader's taste of life.

After a few polite words, Jing Zang finally asked the topic: "General Zhang came from afar this time, I don't know what you have to do?" ”

Zhang Jun smiled slightly and said: "The leader doesn't know that the Tubo region has suffered a lot of rain and snow disasters recently, and the people are living in difficulty. Her Royal Highness the princess Zhao Yingluo cares about the people and specially ordered me to come and send a meager heart. ”

As he spoke, he pointed to the mountains of forage piled up outside the tent and continued: "This is tens of thousands of catties of livestock forage, I hope it can help your livelihood." ”

Jing Zang was overjoyed when he heard this, and immediately stood up and knelt down in the direction of Kaifeng, and thanked him repeatedly: "Thank you, Your Royal Highness Princess, for your kindness!" All the people of my ghost Lu clan are grateful! ”

Seeing this, Zhang Jun hurriedly helped Jing Zang up, and said with a smile: "The leader doesn't have to be polite. Her Royal Highness the princess has always been concerned about the well-being of the Tibetan people, and these are what she should do. ”

Jing Zang stood up and sat down again, but the smile on his face narrowed slightly.

He knew very well that Da Song would not give him so many favors for no reason, there must be other things. So he asked tentatively: "Lord Zhang, I wonder if Her Royal Highness the princess has any other instructions besides sending forage?" ”

Zhang Jun saw that Jing Zang took the initiative to mention it, so he stopped beating around the bush and explained his intention bluntly: "The leader is clear-sighted. To tell you the truth, Her Royal Highness the princess does have one more thing to ask for. ”

He paused and continued: "Now Zhao Yongji's power in the Longyou area is growing stronger and stronger, and he is eye-to-eye with Jin Guomei, which poses a great threat to the Great Song Dynasty. Her Royal Highness hoped that the chief would remember the friendship between the Great Song Dynasty and Tibet, contain Zhao Yongji's forces in the south, and jointly maintain the peace and tranquility of the two tribes. ”

After listening to Zhang Jun's intention, Jing Zang fell into deep thought.

He knew very well that the tribe led by Zhao Yongji was huge, and he had made frequent moves recently, and it seemed that he had the intention of going south, which was undoubtedly a huge threat to the Guilu tribe.

However, it was not easy for the Guilu clan and the Great Song Dynasty to join forces against Zhao Yongji. This requires not only courage and determination, but also wisdom and strategy.

Jing Zang pondered for a moment and said to Zhang Jun: "General Zhang, this matter is very important, and it is difficult for me to make a decision for a while. How about I please stay in the tribe for a few days, and let me consult with some of the clan leaders, and then give you an answer?" ”

When Zhang Jun heard this, although he was a little anxious, he also knew that this matter could not be rushed.

He nodded and said, "What the leader said is extremely true, and this matter really needs to be carefully considered. Then I will stay in the tribe for a few days, waiting for news from the chief. ”

Jing Zang then summoned several of the main tribal leaders of the Guilu tribe to discuss.

However, the opinions of these leaders were not unanimous.

Some advocated agreeing to help the Great Song Dynasty fight against Zhao Yongji, believing that this was the best choice to safeguard the interests of the Guilu tribe; Some are worried that once the Ghost Lu Clan annoys Zhao Yongji, it will invite the catastrophic consequences of human death and annihilation. They have their own opinions and arguments.

Seeing this, Jing Zang sighed secretly in his heart.

He knew that it would not be easy to unify the opinions of the leaders, and that there needed to be a strong case to convince them.

However, he has not yet thought of a single reason that will convince everyone.

At this moment, Zhang Jun walked in. When he saw the scene of these leaders arguing, he already understood seven or eight points in his heart.

He stepped forward and said to Jing Zang, "Chief, may you let me say a few words?" ”

Jing Zang nodded.