Seeing that there were fewer and fewer brothers around him, and many Song and Khitan soldiers with their bows and arrows drawn, surrounding him, Lu Yishang sighed and threw away the steel fork in his hand.
"Yanjiu is your biological brother? Can you tell me, one of you brothers is a slave in a wealthy family, and the other is a bandit outside the Great Wall, why are you here?"
Lu Yisheng sneered and said nothing.
Yang Hao smiled: "This stuffy gourd cannot be solved, and I have lost nothing. If you want to keep it a secret, then take it into the underworld."
Yang Hao raised his hand, a bowstring squeaked, and countless arrows were aimed at Lu Yisheng. Lu Yisheng's eyes flashed, and he suddenly shouted: "Wait a minute!"
Yang Hao shook his head and said: "I won't spare you. Many of my brothers have died, and so have you. Don't beg for mercy now. They will look down on you. If you want to die, die like a man."
"I won't ask for mercy. I should have died thirty years ago. Lu survived a narrow escape and is still alive today, all because of what he picked up!" Lu Yisheng puffed up his chest proudly: "Yang Hao, I just want to know, Ding Chengye
How's it going? Where is he now? Do you have any news about him?"
Yang Hao looked at him with a strange look in his eyes. Lu Yisheng said excitedly: "I'm going to die. Now I just want to know his whereabouts. If you know about him, please tell me. Lu... Lu
I beg you..."
Yang Hao asked slowly: "Ding Chengye...what does it have to do with you?"
Lu Yisheng remained silent.
Yang Hao sighed and said: "Ding Chengye is dead."
"What?" Lu Yisheng stared at one eye, took two steps forward in panic, and shouted: "What did you say? What did you say? He is dead, is he really dead?"
Yang Hao said calmly: "Yes, he is really dead. Just before the Battle of Tang Dynasty, he... died in a ditch in Wuni Lane, Jinling..."
Lu Yisheng's face turned pale and he cried out in pain: "He is dead? He is dead! The last root of my Lu family, the last root, you killed him? I, Lu Yisheng, will not let you go even if I am a ghost. My surname is Yang."
!”
Lu Yisheng roared and pounced forward, "Swish, swish, swish..." Countless sharp arrows were shot out. When Yang Hao heard him shouting about the last roots of the Lu family, he felt something strange and quickly shouted: "Stop!"
It was too late, Lu Shengsheng was shot into a porcupine in an instant. A porcupine with countless sharp arrows opened its teeth and claws, and Youzi rushed in front of him. The two guards beside Yang Hao had quick eyesight and quick hands. Before he could get close, two handles
The sharp knife was swung out like a horse, and the two arms with fingers spread out were chopped to the ground amidst Lu Yisheng's screams.
Blood spurted out, and Lu Yisheng fell to the ground with a "pop", his arms were broken at the shoulders, and his body was full of sharp arrows. He roared in his throat and squirmed, his vicious eyes filled with endless hatred, struggling,
He wriggled forward vigorously, and seeing that he could no longer pounce on his genocidal enemy, he screamed, suddenly thrust his head out, and bit the hem of Yang Hao's shirt, gritting his teeth as if it was Yang Hao's.
Flesh and blood.
Yang Hao did not move. He squatted down slowly and said softly: "Ding Chengye... didn't die on my body. His sister killed him with her own hands. She killed this rebellious son who killed his father and killed his brother, and cleaned up the family...
…”
Lu Yisheng's eyes were confused for a moment. He slowly opened his teeth and murmured: "He did not kill his father or brother, he did not..., my eldest brother Lu Jiu is his father, and I am his only uncle."
, apart from our brothers, he has no relatives in this world, no more relatives, he... is the only descendant of my Lu family..."
A line of tears slowly flowed down his cheeks, leaving a trail of tears from the fine blood spots splashed on his face.
"The civet cat has replaced the prince!" Yang Hao immediately understood what their brothers had done. His eyes flashed and he suddenly asked: "Where is the real child of the Ding family?"
Lu Yisheng showed a strange smile on his face and said: "He... died a long time ago. He and his mother... were sunk to the bottom of the well. They have long been... turned into a pile of withered bones. Dead, all dead,
My Lu family is also finished. The inheritance hall, seven sects and five surnames, the hatred of destroying the family, can no longer...never be avenged..."
Yang Hao never expected to hear the name of the mysterious organization from the mouth of this horse thief outside the Great Wall. He asked in surprise: "Ji Si Tang? Seven sects and five surnames, who are you?"
Lu Yisheng's arms were filled with blood, and there were countless sharp arrows stuck in his body. He was already on his deathbed, and everything in the outside world could no longer be heard. He murmured to himself: "I, the Lu family of Fan Yang, have been a first-class high-ranking family since the Han Dynasty.
..., our branch... ends here..."
"You are also a member of the Successor Hall, right?"
Yang Hao asked but received no answer. He looked again and saw that Lu Yisheng had one eye wide open and was already dead...
From Yelu Zongheng's mouth, Yang Hao learned that King Qing's rebels had continued to march westward, and Yelv Xiuge personally led the army to chase the main force of King Qing to the west. Knowing Yang Hao's identity, Yelu Zongheng did not dare to neglect, and sent more men.
, escorted him all the way to Shangjing.
Yang Hao had heard Cui Dalang introduce the experience of Jisi Hall, and heard some news from Lu Yisheng. He had vaguely grasped the ins and outs of a grudge between the Ding family. The Ding family... must have suffered unjustly, and was regarded as revenge.
Tool, that's why he ended up like this. He knew that although Ding Chengye deserved to die, Ding Yu had killed his own flesh and blood brother, and had been feeling lonely and unhappy. He thought that if he told her the truth, he would be able to relieve a burden in her heart.
Along the way, Yelu Zongheng was protected by heavy troops, and Yang Haotai lived peacefully without any accidents.
After passing Guihua Prefecture, we arrived at Tianling. When this place was still under the rule of the Central Plains, it was also called Cixiang Ridge. Lingxiang Ridge stretches from east to west, with yellow clouds and white grass. As far as the eye can see, it is endless. When you get here, it is far away.
Anyone who travels will feel at a loss, not knowing whether they will survive this long journey and return to their hometown. They can't help but think about the long journey of heaven and earth, and shed tears with sadness.
But Yang Hao didn't have so many emotions. Guihuazhou and Cixiangling seemed to be at the end of the world. Isn't it Zhangjiakou? Where did he go? As for the sad wind and autumn. He wanted to go there.
Those who went to pick up Dong'er had long wished they could fly to Khitan and go to Beijing, so how could they care about such a long and tiring journey.
After walking on the long grassland for another three or four days, we arrived at Black Elm Forest. Although Yang Hao didn't think this place was that far away in his heart, the topography at this time was very different from that of later generations. It was stretching and stretching, not an endless grassland.
It's a remote mountain with sparsely populated areas. It's not much different from the desolate desert in later generations, but the feeling in my heart is still very different.
Going further, we reach the Xie Valley, climbing over more than fifty miles of high cliffs and steep valleys, crossing Huangshui, Blackwater, and Musk Rivers. After walking for another five or six days, we finally entered the capital of Khitan, Shangjing.
When Yang Hao arrived here, he began to feel a little anxious. On the one hand, he was inevitably anxious because he would see Dong'er soon. On the other hand, he had not contacted Dong'er so far. If he met Dong'er on the way to the Golden Palace,
Son, Dong'er didn't know that Yang Hao was Ding Hao. When she suddenly saw him, it would be inevitable that something would be revealed.
Although this is not a shameful identity, and it will not lead to any fatal disaster, once Empress Xiao knows their identity, it would be fine if she is willing to let him go, otherwise her plan to steal him will be difficult.
Execution, as long as Dong'er disappears, he will bear the brunt of suspicion and become the target of suspicion. How can he take her away?
But it was useless for him to be anxious. He was guarded by the Khitans along the way, and his every move was under their surveillance. If he suddenly sent a person to leave alone to find Yuluo, it would definitely arouse their suspicion. Furthermore, Yuluo would
He was not sure whether he had seen Dong'er or not.
When we arrived near Shangjing, the population gradually became denser and the towns became more prosperous. When we entered the city of Shangjing, the markets became even more prosperous. There were houses everywhere, but there were also tents. The buildings here concentrated on the original characteristics of the Khitan people and their settlement.
The characteristics of the Central Plains are full of exotic flavor.
There are also markets here, just like Bianliang in the Central Plains, with a dense population, merchants gathered, Khitan warriors, scholars in Hanfu walking on the streets, sumo wrestlers, jugglers performing hard in the hook bars to attract customers, monks and nuns begging for alms,
Taoist priests also walked among the pedestrians.
Since the founding of the Khitan nation, they have minted money, but using cloth as currency to barter is still the mainstream of inter-market transactions. This is roughly the same as the Song people at this time often used silk instead of currency for transactions.
It makes up for the lack of currency circulation, and the value-preserving effect of silk and cloth is more obvious than that of currency.
Fortunately, after entering Shangjing City, Honglu Temple and the Concierge Court came to welcome him. Only then did the envoys from the Song Dynasty discover that the official system and etiquette of the Khitan people were basically the same as those in the Central Plains, and they were not barbarians who knew no etiquette.
They did not take Yang Hao into the palace immediately, but went to the Concierge Courtyard first. What surprised Yang Hao and other envoys from the Central Plains was that in front of the Concierge Courtyard there was an envoy sent by the Khitan Emperor holding a bundle of silk to "welcome labor".
It is no different from the Central Plains.
Immediately after moving into the guest house, Khitan General Secretary Sheren and Yang Hao sat across from each other with a smile and said: "Your envoy has come from afar and has been working hard all the way. Today I will rest for a day. Tomorrow, the official will come to welcome your envoy into the palace."
My emperor is suffering from a minor illness and is not feeling well. The empress will receive your envoy."
This Khitan general secretary is a Han, with a surname of Mo and a given name of Shuihen. Since the Khitan people advocate Chinese culture, and the upper class people are proud to know Chinese, naturally he has not given up his mother tongue, so although he has been settled since his grandfather's generation
Although I went to Beijing, my Chinese is still spoken with correct pronunciation and pronunciation.
Seeing that Yang Hao did not enter the palace immediately, he calmed down a little, smiled and said with a smile: "Thank you, Mr. Mo. Yang has come all the way, and has received the escort and care of your country. There is no lack of it, but it is a long and dusty journey, and he has to pay an audience with the Queen of your country.
, you have to take a shower and change clothes to show your grandeur, then go to the palace tomorrow to submit your credentials."
Mo Sheren smiled and said: "That's very good. Then I will first tell you about the meeting with your envoy tomorrow, so as not to make mistakes and lose etiquette."
"There is Lord Lao Mo."
Mo Hehen coughed and said: "Early tomorrow morning, I will come to greet you, lead you through Chengtian Gate, and wait outside the Wufeng Tower. The envoy's entourage will hold coins, jade and "Tingshi" tributes. The drums and music will play in unison, and the Queen will be promoted to the throne.
The throne, facing south and facing north, receives the noble envoy. The noble envoy ascends the tower, and your Excellency bows to the empress. I read the book and the edict to Mr. Luo, the official of the Sixth Palace.
In front of the audience, the noble envoy handed over his credentials, and the minister placed the credentials in the case and presented them to the queen. The noble envoy then handed the tribute to the ceremonial officer for acceptance, and led his entourage to bow and salute again. After the interview, the noble envoy and his entourage bowed and exited, returning to the guest of honor.
Courtyard. The next day, my queen will host another state banquet in honor of your envoy..."
Yang Hao couldn't help but feel excited when he heard Luo Dong'er read out the book and the decree: "Dong'er, my little Dong'er, you have suffered so much for me. The officials are here, and the officials are here to take you home.
We will never be separated again..."
After Mo Sheren finished speaking, he saw Yang Hao with a strange smile on his face, as if he was wandering in a trance. He couldn't help but feel confused. He coughed and asked, "Master Yang, do you understand this arrangement?"
"I understand, I understand," Yang Hao nodded frequently, elated: "Your Excellency, I said that I will salute the Queen of your country, and then Lord Luo, the official of the Sixth Palace of your country, will announce the creation of the book. Haha, by the way, what else are you saying?
Coming?"
Mr. Mo had just raised his cup to drink tea. When he heard this question, he almost choked with a sip of tea. He coughed for a long time and then said with a red face: "I said that I will come to greet you early tomorrow morning."
Your Excellency is dressed in formal attire. I lead you through Chengtian Gate and wait outside the Wufeng Tower. The envoy's entourage holds coins, jade and "Tingshi" tributes. Drums and music play in unison, and the Queen ascends to the throne, facing south and facing north, to receive the envoy.
Your envoy ascends the building...
He spoke in detail again and asked, "Does your envoy remember everything?"
Yang Hao had been hanging out in Honglu Temple for a long time, so he knew these etiquettes. He thought about it carefully and said: "The queen of your country is sitting with her face facing south and her back to the north. Then the envoy will bow to the north?"
Lord Mo smiled and said, "What's wrong with this?"
Yang Haodao: "Of course it is inappropriate. The minister of a big country is like the king of a small country. How can I, the envoy from the Central Plains, pay homage to the queen of your country? This should be compared with the envoy when he went to Jiangnan and handed over the letter of credence.
It is only right that the lord of your country stand facing each other in the east and west and hand over your credentials."
Mo Sheren said calmly: "Master Yang, how is this possible? The emperor of our dynasty is not a vassal of your country. The two countries are equal countries. How can the king stand across from you? Such a request is too unbelievable. Master Yang, I
We are also Han people, and we know what the people of the Central Plains think. The center of the world is the country of Huanghuang, and there are barbarians on all sides. Isn’t this arrogance? Even though the China of the past is the same as the China of today, the four barbarians of the past are no longer the Khitan of today.
Our country has been established for a long time, and it is no longer the barbaric tribe that herded horses and sheep in the past. Speaking of its vast territory and powerful national power, especially compared to the Central Plains, don’t you think this request is too much?"
He smiled slightly and added: "Speaking of which, when Shi Jingtang proclaimed himself a son and minister to me, the Khitan, and begged my lord to send troops to help him gain the throne, he was a minister to our dynasty. Shi Jingtang established the Jin Kingdom, and Liu Zhiyuan, the envoy of Hedong Jiedu of the Jin Kingdom, settled in
Half of it was proclaimed emperor, and it was called the Han Dynasty. Later, Guo Wei, the Tianxiong Jiedushi of the Han Dynasty, split the land and established a country, called Zhou. After that, the emperor of Guiguo won the country and called it Song Dynasty. To narrate the origin,
It is not an exaggeration for our country to treat each other with the courtesy of a vassal, but now it is not polite enough to treat foreign envoys?"
Master Confucius once said, "It is better for the barbarians and the Di to have kings than for the Xia to have none." Scholar-officials in the past dynasties did think so. However, Confucius's era was indeed a time when China was strong, and the barbarians had not even figured out slash-and-burn farming.
There is nothing wrong with saying that they are like a group of savage people with no hint of civilization at all.
However, as time passes, we must face the fact that they are getting stronger and stronger, and from time to time, foreign races will invade the Central Plains. Confucius once said, "It is better for the Yi and Di to have kings than for the Xia to have none." However, he also said: "Kings, kings, ministers, fathers, fathers, and sons."
Confucius." When the foreigners became kings, the scholar-bureaucrats who regarded Confucius's sayings as oracles were at a loss. The master said that they should not tolerate the barbarians, but also said that they should respect the king. Now that the barbarians have become kings, should they respect the king or reject the barbarians? Both of them
Who is more important?
If another envoy came, I am afraid they would fight head-on over this issue and insist that the Khitan regard the Song Kingdom as the orthodox state and treat it as a superior state. However, in the mind of Yang Hao, a later generation, there is no such shackles. Not to mention the Khitan
The political power is now not weaker than that of the Song Dynasty. Even if it is a weak country, he feels that it should be treated equally and should not be arrogantly respected by the Celestial Empire, asking for some benefits in etiquette, but appeasing others with huge economic benefits.
What's more, the world is not a perfect place, and we are not the only ones in the great empire. Let alone the distant empire, after thousands of years of development, now the first powerful one, close at hand, can compete with the Central Plains China.
The Khitan regime emerged as a counterweight to the empire. Today's Khitan is no longer a tribal alliance like the Huns and Turks. They are already a powerful country, with culture, administration, territory, and governance all on track. Moreover, after more than a hundred years of war in the Central Plains,
As a result, the current influence of the Central Plains in Asia and Europe is far less than that of the Khitan. It is impossible for its masters to regard themselves as vassals. It is rational behavior to face other countries and treat them equally.
Yang Hao first made a request that the other party would never agree to, just to make it easier for them to agree to the subsequent bargaining. So he thought about it in a pretense, and then said: "What Mr. Mo said makes sense, I am.
In fact, the envoy does not mean to look down on your country. However, when the queen of your country ascends to the throne and the envoy comes to see her, the bells and drums should sound together and the music and rituals should be played to welcome her. This is a salute to the ambassador of a great country and must not be discarded.
"
Moshe thought for a moment, nodded and said, "This is the envoy."
Yang Hao added: "Although I am a foreign minister, after all, I am visiting the Emperor on behalf of our Majesty. The foreign ministers are sitting politely to talk to the Queen of your country on behalf of our Emperor. How can I bow down at the door? Your country should
Let's sit down and have a chat with Her Majesty the Queen of your country."
Before the ink-hen greeting, I consulted the queen in person about the reception specifications and etiquette. Since ancient times, the Central Plains has been the only one who respects China and respects China as the orthodoxy. It has become a habit for the four countries in the wilderness. Although the Khitan has already
To become a powerful country, they want to seek the dignity and national character of a country, but they are complacent if they can be on an equal footing with the Central Plains. After all, the five thousand years of cultural heritage of the Central Plains is not so easy to catch up with.
The country still has deep respect for the culture of the Central Plains, has low self-esteem and awe, and currently has no intention of overpowering the Song Dynasty. Empress Xiao also gave him careful instructions on this point.
Mo Sheren is also an experienced negotiator. He pretended to be embarrassed for a long time and then said: "Okay, I will report this matter to the empress as soon as possible and ask her to make a decision. I will do my best to make the empress agree to the terms of the envoy. Haha, Yang
Sir, please don't mention any other conditions, otherwise I will really be in trouble."
Yang Hao laughed and said: "That's natural. Our two countries have already established diplomatic relations. Here, this envoy also has the purpose of peace, and is not just trying to provoke disputes with your country. Okay, these are the two things.
When my envoy goes to the palace and goes down to the palace, he should be greeted with entertainment like the monarch of your country. When talking in the palace, there should be a seat for the envoy. There is nothing else. Oh, by the way, my envoy is here.
I see that the capital of your country is very prosperous, with mountains of department stores and countless rare treasures. I would like to take a walk on the streets for a while. Is it convenient?"
Seeing that he did not make any other requests, Mo Sheren secretly breathed a sigh of relief. When he heard that he wanted to go shopping, he hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, please excuse me. My Majesty, please excuse me. Do you need me to send someone to accompany you?"
Yang Hao smiled and said: "No need, I have come all the way here, and it is rare to see many foreign objects that I have never seen in the Central Plains. I just want to buy some and send them back to my friends and colleagues. It is better to be more casual."
After sending Mo Sheren away, Yang Hao, Zhang Tongzhou and others had a meal, and then took a few close guards to the street. He expected that Yu Luo would definitely hear the news that he had arrived in Beijing, and would find an opportunity to leave the hotel.
, she had the chance to meet herself.
Yang Hao got on the street and walked towards the lively streets. The capital city is divided into North City and South City. Most of the people living in the North City are Khitans, while most of the people living in South City are Han people. The palaces and pavilions in the Han area are not as good as those in Kaifeng and Jinling.
The imperial capital's buildings are splendid with golden walls, but they are much better than many small towns.
As for the North City, it is where the Khitans and the royal family live. Compared with the South City, the North City is more beautiful. The Imperial City is divided into the inside and outside. Even in the inner city, there are many open spaces specially used to build felt tents.
In order to welcome the princes from various places who have adapted to the nomadic life, on the other hand, the royal family must also stay here frequently to avoid forgetting their roots.
Therefore, their imperial city is very different from the imperial city in the Central Plains. There are no high palace walls at all. The boundary between the inner city and the outer city is just an invisible boundary. The Khitan residents in the northern city are like living on the grassland, although they live in close proximity to each other.
There is not even a fence, and you will never step foot into other people's territory that you shouldn't set foot on.
The Concierge Courtyard where Yang Hao lives is actually very close to the palace. He wanted to find Yuluo, but he went to Nancheng where Han people live. Seoul is not a refugee area. On the contrary, it is the most prosperous place in Beijing. There are many shops in Seoul.
Fine wines, silks, fruits and vegetables, grains, tools and all kinds of rare goods are for sale, and there is also a "night market" here.
Normally, many Khitan royal family and nobles would wear Hanfu and go shopping here. Even the Sleeping King, who was assassinated by Queen Xiao’s father, Xiao Siwen, often wore Hanfu and went to the markets here to drink and watch the market.
He drank until he was very drunk and then returned to the palace.
In the street market, jade beads, rhinoceros horns, frankincense, amber, glass, agate, and weapons are all sold, as well as Japanese silverware, high-quality ginseng, Jurchen mink skins, as well as honey, pine nuts, and dried pine nuts sold by hunters.
Bacteria and so on, it was crowded and lively. Yang Hao walked along, specifically picking out thin men and young women to look at, wondering if Yuluo would suddenly appear.
Several big men wearing traditional Khitan leather robes were pushing carts on the side of the road, buying vegetables and grains. At first, the Han people in Khitan were inferior to others, but the Khitan people became angry and it was common for them to kill people in the street. However, after several dynasties,
, Facing the huge number of Han people, for the sake of domestic stability and development, the Khitan rulers gradually tightened their laws. Not to mention killing people in the streets, there were far fewer people who relied on their racial advantages to buy and sell Han goods. Those few Khitan men thought
Buy some bargains and bargain.
The fat man, who was dressed in traditional Khitan clothes but spoke an authentic dialect of northern Central Plains, said: "Old Boss Liu, we have taken care of your family's business. The food for the hundreds or thousands of people in the prison is not yours."
Buy here, if your price is too expensive, then we will have to find someone else."
The vegetable vendor was a skinny old man with a wrinkled face and gray hair. He nodded and bowed to the fat man with a smile and said: "Your Majesty, you often buy our products, can Lao Liu give it to you?"
Cheap price? But now that spring has just begun, the price of this dish is high. If it is cheaper, the old man will lose money. Your lord, I also have a wife and children to raise, right? I heard that your lord has recently given birth to a son, which is a great joy.
My son, congratulations, congratulations. Why are you arguing with this old man about these two small coins for such a big happy event? Come on, this bag of dried vegetables will be regarded as the old man's filial piety to you. Congratulations on your precious son. This is a small gift. This vegetable money
, Your Majesty, raise your hand, but don’t talk to the old man anymore.”
The man who was honored as Prince was short and fat, with a huge head on his neck that was so short that it was almost invisible. His face was round, his mouth was flat, and his eyes were long and narrow, as if he had a person painted on his face.
As soon as the dough was haired, someone slapped her and turned the buns into shapes like sesame seed pancakes. When she smiled, all the lines were lifted up. It was really festive, no makeup was needed, and she looked like a lucky baby.
After listening to the old man's words, Fuwa's eyes were filled with laughter. He chuckled and said: "Old Liutou, how good are your abacus beads, do you think I don't know? Come on, you can talk so well.
I won’t argue with you, just let it be this price, Wuyan, give him the money.”
When Old Liu Tou heard this, he grinned and said: "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is the chief prison officer in the prison. Among the family members of the prisoners, who doesn't spend a lot of gold and silver to honor you? How can you be like me?"
An ordinary person has ordinary knowledge. Hehe, you have the heart of a Bodhisattva. Look at this blessing, you are the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha..."
Wang Peng laughed and scolded: "Stop flattering me, I'm giving you an advantage this time. When the fresh vegetables come out, you have to give me a discount."
As he spoke, he turned his head with a smile and turned his eyes unintentionally. He suddenly saw Yang Hao, who was walking slowly this way accompanied by several guards. He felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his face turned pale, and his whole body became pale.
Like fallen leaves in the autumn wind, they quivered.
Old Liu Tou was counting the money with a smile on his face. Suddenly he looked up and saw his face. He couldn't help but be surprised and said: "Oh, my lord, you... what's wrong with you?"
At this time, Yang Haodong looked around and walked over. The fat man turned his head quickly, with tears streaming down his face, and choked with sobs and said hoarsely: "It's nothing, the sand... blurred my eyes..."
