"My boss, what do they mean when they say... Allah?" Seeing Kant who was so devout and awe-struck, Su Lianqing and others came to ask Wu Meiniang.
Wu Meiniang whispered: "All ethnic groups live together in Kang State, and there are many religions they believe in. In addition to Taoism and Buddhism that we are familiar with, there are also Manichaeism, Islam, Christianity, etc. Allah is the Islamic classic "Quran" The supreme ruler is equivalent to Sakyamuni Buddha in Buddhism. As far as I know, in Kang and its surrounding countries, about half of the people believe in Islam, and most of the royal families in various countries believe in Mani. Taught.”
"Isn't Manichaeism the Ming Cult?" Su Lianqing blinked and said, "I've heard of it. I've known a few Manichaeists who traveled around the world before, and all of them were very mysterious. He is a murderer and a thief, but he also believes in abstinence and silence, vegetarianism and fasting, and he also performs some strange rituals every day, what is called...prayer!"
"Yes, Manichaeism is what the people of the Tang Dynasty call Mingjiao." Wu Meiniang said, "I once asked the Sogdian housekeeper of the Zheng family for advice. They told me that Mingjiao originated in Persia, and it did not It is not as evil as the legend says. It is just a kind of religion. Its teachings are deeply influenced by Buddhism and Christianity. It is also said that the royal family of Kang State has always worshiped Manichaeism. Because the king's abstinence resulted in no heirs, the successor princes had to be selected from the clan, which eventually led to a palace coup. Later, instead of blaming the king, the people and believers expressed their utmost respect for him. ”
Su Lianqing and others had greatly increased their knowledge and opened their eyes, and they all praised: "My boss is really knowledgeable and knowledgeable!"
Wu Meiniang smiled indifferently, "The world is huge, and there are far more things that you don't know than you know. It's also for the convenience of my actions, so I have to know more things - by the way, Su Lianqing, you just put those people The people were frightened back, but it was obvious that something important had happened in Kang State, which made them uncharacteristically want to arrest the Han merchants. It is estimated that those soldiers will return soon, and how they will treat us will remain the same. Unknown. To be on the safe side, go to Gongyue City in person!"
"Gongyue City?" Su Lianqing's eyes suddenly widened and he whispered, "My boss, are you really ready to ask Su Dingfang for help?... His surname is Su, yes, but he is not a relative of my family. I may not be able to persuade him to send troops. Save you!"
"Don't talk nonsense!" Wu Meiniang glared at her angrily and amusedly, and whispered, "General Su is leading an army of 300,000 to besiege Gongyue City, the capital of Beiting. His consecutive battles are so majestic that he has frightened the small country in the Western Region. How many people are brave, and Kang State is also a vassal state of Beiting. I want you to go to Gongyue City to meet Su Dingfang, not to ask him to send troops to save me, but to ask him to express an attitude towards Kang State on behalf of the Tang Dynasty! "
"What's your attitude? I'm confused!" Su Lianqing was a little anxious.
Wu Meiniang slightly frowned and said: "The fierce battle between the Tang Dynasty and Beiting must have made a small country in the Western Region like Kang Guo frightened. They don't know which side will win, so no one dares to offend, and no one dares to Too close. But after all, Beiting is the local overlord of the Western Regions and has been leading the people here for many years. Relatively speaking, Kang Guo is more afraid of Beiting. Therefore, I guess that Kang's uncharacteristic desire to arrest Han merchants was completely influenced by Beiting. As expected, there may be Tutun envoys sent by Beiting in the royal city of Kang State. At this point, I have no other choice. I can only temporarily pretend to be the envoy of Tang Dynasty and communicate with the envoy of Beiting. It’s a head-to-head confrontation! And what you have to do is to ask Su Dingfang to formally sue Kang to surrender in the name of the Marshal of the Western Expedition of the Tang Dynasty, and publicly acknowledge my identity as an envoy!"
"Understood!" Su Lianqing nodded solemnly, "My boss, you are just going to bluff and pretend to be powerful, right? What if you can't scare the king of Kang and the envoy of Beiting?"
Wu Meiniang took a deep breath and exhaled heavily, "It's nothing more than death!"
"My dear mother, anyone can die, but you can't die!" Su Lianqing's face suddenly changed, "If you die in Kangguo, Qin Mubai's big beast will definitely kill thousands of people like crazy. Massacre of thousands of people in the Western Regions! … That might lead to a huge war more terrifying than the conquest of Tibet!”
"It's good that you know." Wu Meiniang's face darkened, she stared at Su Lianqing and said, "Go quickly!"
"I'll go right away! If that old boy Su Dingfang dares to push back even a little bit, I don't care whether he is a marshal or a marshal, I will cut off his head on the spot!"
"Don't make mistakes!" Wu Meiniang pulled Su Lianqing and whispered to her, "Su Dingfang and Mu Bai are brothers in the same school. In addition to their close personal relationship, he was promoted by Mu Bai himself. He can help. Su Dingfang will definitely help, and he is smart and witty. He knows what to do better than you do. All you have to do is pass on the message!"
"Okay, I'll go right away! - Borrow some money and I'll buy a Dawan horse that can travel thousands of miles a day. Isn't that excessive?"
"..." Wu Meiniang was speechless.
Less than half an hour after Su Lianqing left, someone from King Kang's palace came to invite him.
It was indeed an "invitation" that was very respectful and valued. The person who came was headed by Bayantemi, one of the three ministers of the Kang State who took care of life.
The full name of Kang State is actually "Kang Ju State", and their political system is somewhat similar to that of the Tang Dynasty. The difference is that although there is a king, the power is divided into the hands of three ministers who take care of life. The three ministers of Gu Ming commanded the military, government, and civilians respectively. This was a bit like the "three provinces and six ministries" of the Tang Dynasty, but the division of labor was not so sound and detailed.
The visitor, Beyan Temi, was the Minister of Gu Ming in charge of "politics and diplomacy" and the chief minister of Kang State, which showed that Kang State valued the envoys of the Tang Dynasty.
Wu Meiniang straightened her clothes and put on the graceful and luxurious Tang Dynasty court makeup. She looked at the immortal clouds with golden hairpins on her temples, her face was covered with thin powder, her forehead was dotted with flower mother-of-pearl, and her silk purple jade armbands were draped in flowing clouds. Her appearance shocked the female servants who had been following her all year round.
"I didn't expect that our boss would look so good in Tang Dynasty palace clothes. He is so noble and noble!"
"She is more like an imperial concubine than an imperial concubine, and more like a princess than a princess!"
"...If you ask me, she looks like a queen!"
Bayantemi and the Kangguo palace guards who came to greet him were even more dumbfounded. It's not that they have never seen beauties before, but they have definitely never seen such a stunningly beautiful woman who is so noble, domineering, and has the power of being unruffled!
Wu Meiniang's elaborate dress was obviously to add weight to her status as the "Envoy of the Tang Dynasty". After all, the attire of the court ladies is like the official uniform of the courtiers, and not just anyone can wear it casually - she specially borrowed this outfit from Princess Gaoyang, so she had prepared it in advance!
"Have we left yet?" Wu Meiniang stepped forward and said to Beyantemi, whose eyes were straight.
"Oh!... I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I respectfully invite the angels of heaven to board the chariot and set sail!"
Soldiers marched forward to clear the way, and Wu Meiniang sat on the gold and silver chariot, arrogantly walking through the city to the royal city of Kang.
Along the way, Wu Meiniang had no time to worry about the businessmen and tourists who were watching and marveling at her in the streets. She also had no time to admire the exotic palace architecture. She could only think about what she would do if she entered the palace and saw the envoy from the North Courtyard.
"Although I came to Kang State not only to make money, but what happened now is somewhat beyond my expectation." Wu Meiniang secretly said, "Imposing as the envoy of the Tang Dynasty is just a temporary measure. To say what the chance of winning is, in my heart We’re not completely sure. We can only adapt to circumstances for the present! —Mu Bai, I’m really going all out for our future this time!”
Soon, the welcoming team entered the palace.
The wealthy Kang State built the palace into a magnificent and golden palace. Although it is not as grand and majestic as Chang'an Taiji Palace, it is paved with golden threads and brocades, and dazzling pearls can be seen everywhere above the head. Even the pillars of the palace are wrapped with golden clouds - in the words of the Kangguo people themselves, this place is "Golden Palace"!
It seems that a banquet has been set up in the hall, which is somewhat similar to the dining at separate tables in the Tang Dynasty. The difference is that behind each table and chair are piles of various rare treasures and gourmet utensils, and there is also a palace concubine wearing a milky white veil. Serve left and right. There are also bandstands on both sides of the banquet, with all kinds of musical instruments available. The most eye-catching one is the vertical harp (harp) with the characteristics of the Western Regions.
As soon as Wu Meiniang walked into the hall, the whole place fell into silence, and even the melodious music of the harp and harp that was being played suddenly stopped. The dozens of people present all looked at the envoy from the Eastern Land and Tang Dynasty with wide eyes. Everyone had the word "amazing" written on their faces without hesitation.
Wu Meiniang stepped forward with her head held high and saluted, and said loudly: "Wu Zhao, the envoy of the Tang Dynasty, comes to see His Majesty the King!"
I said it, but there was no response.
Wu Meiniang had no choice but to repeat it once, and raised her voice - "Wu Zhao, the envoy of the Tang Dynasty, comes to see His Majesty the King!"
The old king Hayamanno, who was nearly seventy years old, was reminded by the attendants around him. He just came back to his senses and said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, without courtesy, please take a seat!"
Everyone in the hall just came to their senses, each feeling embarrassed.
Although Wu Meiniang had been traveling around as a businessman for several years and was used to seeing the world, the scene in front of him made him a little nervous. After forcing herself to sit down calmly, she was also thinking: What should we do next
At this time, the old king Hayamanno, who was the leader, spoke and said in his old voice: "Your envoy has come all the way. What is your purpose? Can you please deliver the credentials of His Majesty the Emperor of your country?"
"His Majesty the King, there is no credentials." Wu Meiniang had expected this question, and she answered fluently, "I am not here specifically for diplomatic matters, but as an official and businessman specially appointed by His Majesty the Emperor to conduct business. This trip is specifically for the purpose of exchanging culture and wealth between the two countries, and for the purpose of conveying friendship and establishing an alliance. I see that your country is going to arrest our business people from the Tang Dynasty. This move will undoubtedly greatly damage the friendship between the two countries. . My emperor has a decree. Whenever encountering such a situation, any of our subjects in the Tang Dynasty can stand up to defend dignity and survival, maintain peace and alliance - not to mention, I am an official and businessman personally appointed by your majesty. It’s obligatory!”
"Oh, so that's it..." Hayamanno responded with understanding, nodded slowly and said, "So, you are not the envoy sent to our country by the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty?"
"It's true." Wu Meiniang replied calmly.
Suddenly many people in the hall secretly sighed, and immediately there was a noise. Someone was arguing - "It turns out that he is a fake envoy, and he doesn't even have credentials!"
"That's unreasonable, he turns out to be a liar!"
"Don't listen to her excuses, arrest her!"
When Wu Meiniang heard this, her heart was beating fast, but she remained calm on the surface.
The Minister of Gu Ming, Beyantemi, stood up and shouted, "Everyone, please be patient." Then he said to the king, "My king, although Mrs. Wu is not a special envoy of the Tang Dynasty, she is an official and merchant of the Tang Dynasty. fact. I have checked the quasi-merchant document issued to her by the Tang Dynasty court, and it is indeed true. Furthermore, as the wife of Qin Mubai, the governor of Anxi in the Tang Dynasty, we are not allowed to come to Kang State at such a time. Not treated with caution!”
As soon as these words came out, the whole place fell silent again.
Wu Meiniang also became more and more calm. She raised her eyes slightly and looked at King Hayamanno above. She saw him half lying on the throne in an old and languid manner. His face was covered with crane skin, his body was bloated, his white beard reached to his lower abdomen, and his eyes were even more intense. Turbid and lifeless, it was obvious that he was in his twilight years.
On the golden wall behind him, there is a gilded image of Mani's prophet, whose golden light catches the eye. On the left side of the imperial wall, there is a life-size solid gold statue standing majestic with a gun across its side. That statue is none other than Qin Shubao!
Wu Meiniang is onto something!
She got up and walked to Bayantemi. She was not in a hurry to speak, but bowed to the king. Then she moved a few steps to the left, knelt down and knelt down in front of the statue of Qin Shubao.
"My unfilial daughter-in-law, Mrs. Wu, paid homage to her father-in-law..." What she said was Sogdian.
This move made King Hayamanno, who was slumped on the throne, look shocked, and the ministers who were sitting down were even more shocked!
Everyone stood up one after another, followed the example of Wu Meiniang and knelt down to worship, saying in their mouths - "Pray to the true God!"
Qin Shubao suddenly transformed into the patron saint of all merchants on the Silk Road in the Western Regions!
Business people, especially Sogdian merchants, travel between countries all year round, and it is common for them to travel for several years. When traveling, nothing is more important than safety. Therefore, one can imagine the status of Qin Shubao, the "patron saint" of merchants and travelers, in the hearts of the Sogdians - he entered the palace of Kang state grandly and stood side by side with Mani, the prophet of Manichaeism!
And the fake "Envoy of the Tang Dynasty" in front of her is actually the daughter-in-law of Qin Shubao, the patron saint of merchants and travelers - in the eyes of the people of Kang, this may be even more important than the envoy of the Tang Dynasty!
Wu Meiniang had done enough homework before coming to the Western Regions. Not only did she understand the historical background and language customs of the nine surnames of Zhaowu in the Western Regions, but she also had a deep understanding of the religions they believed in, and she also understood the role that religion and beliefs play in the Western Regions' congregations and people. For believers, the meaning is far greater than royal power. Many devout believers even regard idols and gods as more important than their own lives!
All the people in Kang State are merchants. Even if they believe in different religions, Qin Shubao, the patron saint of merchants and travelers, is the god they all worship together! - This is Wu Meiniang's first discovery after coming to Kang State, and it is also something she has not learned in other places before.
Wu Meiniang won the bet.
The old and aged Hayamanno, who had been slumped on the throne all year round, sat up straight and looked directly at her; the ministers who had clamored to arrest her just now all shut up.
"I would like to invite your distinguished envoy to rest in the guest hall." Hayamanno said, "Your hospitality will be cordial, and I will personally accompany you!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty the King!" Wu Meiniang breathed a sigh of relief, knowing in her heart that the King is always old, but he is not confused. He wanted to discuss something with himself privately.
In full view of everyone, Wu Meiniang was invited to the guest hall. Hayamanno sent more than ten palace concubines and maids to serve her. After a while, a sumptuous banquet was set up in the palace, and Hayamanno came to accompany the banquet in person with the support of a woman.
"Your envoy, please introduce me to Rong Xiaowang. This is my favorite Crescent Princess. She is half Han Chinese. Therefore, I invite her to accompany me to the banquet. I hope your envoy doesn't mind." Hayamanno said.
The Crescent Princess seems to believe in Islam, but as a princess, she is dressed very simply. She wears a pure white and wide Muslim gown. The white gown covers her face, and only a pair of eyes are exposed from her whole body.
But her pair of shining eyes, like shooting stars, were considered extremely beautiful even in Wu Meiniang's eyes.
"I've met the Crescent Princess." Wu Meiniang said hello in Sogdian.
"Your Majesty, you are welcome." Princess Xinyue returned the gift, but she spoke fluent Chinese. Her voice was still beautiful and graceful even though she was separated by a layer of gauze. She said, "My mother is Han Chinese. Although she married to Kang Juguo, I I studied Chinese with her since I was a child. Datang is also my hometown. My mother and I miss Dongtu day and night!”
"Haha!" Haya Manno laughed loudly, "So today you saw your relatives from the Eastern Tang Dynasty, shouldn't you be very happy? Come and have a drink with the distinguished guests of the Tang Dynasty!"
"Yes, my king." Princess Crescent Moon agreed, stretched out her hand, and slowly took off her veil.
Wu Meiniang was secretly surprised. As far as she knew, female Muslims who believed in Islam were not allowed to take off their veils easily in front of outsiders. Her appearance can only be shown to her husband. If she does this, she will entrust her life and body to the man; if the other person is a woman or an elder, she will express her supreme respect!
Out of politeness, when Wu Meiniang was about to decline, Princess Crescent Moon had already taken off her veil.
The next second, Wu Meiniang was stunned as she had never been before.
"Yao'er?..." Two words came out of her mouth involuntarily.
The Crescent Princess who had taken off her veil in front of her looked exactly like Yao'er except for her eyes! !