Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 138 My Great Tang Dynasty is the Number One Under Heaven
Wang Xi was genuinely curious about the sudden appearance of these Japanese people.

This was the only reason he was willing to meet these Japanese.

Chen Haihong first invited Wang Xi into a private room inside. After a short while, three men dressed in gray linen round-necked robes entered the room.

It's a genuine Tang Dynasty outfit!
The man in the middle cupped his hands and said, "Chao Heng greets Young Master Wang."

With his clear and distinct Luoyang accent and a Han Chinese name, Wang Xi couldn't help but look at Chen Haihong.

It's as if it's asking, "Are these Japanese?"
Chen Haihong quickly introduced, "This Mr. Chao is from Japan and is currently studying at the Imperial College."

Previously, it was called Wa (倭国). After the Wa people learned about Tang Dynasty culture, they realized that it was not a good name. They tried every means to please Wu Zetian. Eventually, the official name was changed to Japan, but everyone still called it Wa. However, as a businessman, Chen Haihong naturally had to show some respect.

Chao Heng nodded and said, "That's right. I greatly admire the culture of the Tang Dynasty. I came to Chang'an five years ago and have been living here ever since. Chao Heng is the Chinese name I adopted. My real name is Abe no Nakamaro."

At that time, having a name and surname in Japan meant that one came from a prominent family. This Abe was actually Abe, a common surname in Japan.

Chen Haihong chuckled and said, "Speaking of which, Mr. Chao is actually Shaolang's senior brother."

Wang Xi chuckled and said, "That's best not to. I harbor a deep resentment towards my senior from the Imperial Academy."

Chen Haihong immediately looked embarrassed.

Chao Heng cupped his hands and said, "Chao Heng would not dare to call himself senior brother in front of Young Master Wang."

Thank you for your understanding!

Wang Xi then asked, "What do you want with me?"

Chao Heng gestured to the two people beside him, "These two are our Japanese envoys. This is Yamato Nagamine, and this is Shimomichi Shingo. They have something they would like to ask of Young Master Wang."

The two men bowed in unison and said, "We greet Young Master Wang."

Wang Xi said in surprise, "Your Chinese is quite good too."

Yamato Nagamine nodded and said, "We have been sent as envoys to the Tang Dynasty many times, and we were also students. We were fortunate enough to learn Chinese language and characters."

There's a specific meaning to this. "Students studying abroad" refers to people like Chao Heng, who settled in the Tang Dynasty to study. "Students returning to the Tang Dynasty" refers to those who came to the Tang Dynasty with the envoys but also returned with them; they were not allowed to stay in the Tang Dynasty.

It could also be said that international students are often more talented than returning students, and they have the opportunity to become officials in the Tang Dynasty.

Wang Xi nodded and then asked, "So what exactly is it?"

Yamato Nagamine said, "It is like this. We heard that His Majesty will be holding a charity gala on the day of the New Year's Day court assembly, and your academy will also be performing on that day. We hope that you, young master, can help us get a seat."

Wang Xi was puzzled and said, "Wasn't this arranged by the Court of State Ceremonial?"

Chao Heng said, "It is said that there are an unusually large number of envoys from various countries this year. The court has arranged them according to their relationship with the country. Japan has not yet been given a seat."

Wang Xi laughed and said, "Then you shouldn't have given me a gift. I'm just a student."

Chao Heng said, "Young Master is too modest. Now everyone knows that you are deeply favored by the Emperor."

Oh dear! It seems there's someone knowledgeable about the Tang Dynasty, even knowing this. However, Wang Xi really didn't know much about these things, thinking to himself, "These Japanese have come all this way, and they're not even given a seat?"

Yamato Nagamine suddenly took out a wooden box. When he opened it, he found a string of pearls inside. "It's just a small token of my appreciation. If you can help us secure a place for ourselves, we will repay you with a generous gift."

Straight to the point!

Wang Xi's eyes flickered, and he said, "Actually, not attending this charity gala isn't a bad thing, because you'll have to donate money then."

Yamato Nagamine said, "We know that, and we are willing to donate money."

For a meeting gift, I always give a pearl necklace; why would I care about such a small amount of money?

Wang Xi nodded and then said, "If it doesn't work out, will we have to return it to you?"

"no, I'm fine!"

Yamato Nagamine hurriedly replied, "This is just a small gift for Young Master Wang. It is an honor for us to get to know Young Master Wang."

"You can talk, huh? Well then, I'll accept it."

Wang Xi took the wooden box, but in his heart he wondered whether to give it to his aunt or to Hongxiu.

"I'll leave this matter to Young Master Wang."

"It should, it should."

Wang Xi smiled and nodded repeatedly.

"We'll take our leave now, so we won't disturb Young Master Wang any longer."

"Take care! Take care!"

Wang Xi actually developed a favorable impression of these Japanese people; he left after delivering the gifts, showing he knew how to behave.

After they left, Wang Xi wondered, "Are seats at a charity gala really that valuable? They even sent this gift to me."

Chen Haihong said, "Oh dear! Young master, you don't even know this?"

Wang Xi asked, "You know?"

Chen Haihong was startled. "I know a little bit about it. After all, many envoys like to come to small shops to drink."

Wang Xi said, "Then tell me."

Chen Haihong said, "Let alone attending a charity gala, just being able to come to Chang'an is already extremely difficult. Many envoys can only stand in front of the Honglu Temple and never get to see the emperor, let alone attend any court banquets. Usually, the Honglu Temple hosts them. Being able to attend this banquet is a tremendous honor for them."

"So that's what happened."

Wang Xi blinked and then beckoned to Chen Haihong.

Chen Haihong immediately bent down.

Wang Xi said, "You just witnessed a bribery case."

Chen Haihong was taken aback and hurriedly said, "I didn't see anything, I didn't see anything."

Wang Xi retorted angrily, "You clearly saw it, are you lying through your teeth?"

Chen Haihong was dumbfounded. "Then should I see it, or shouldn't I see it?"

“If you saw it, you saw it. There’s no question of whether you should or shouldn’t.” Wang Xi continued, “As a good citizen of our Great Tang, it is our duty to spread this news.”

"what?"

Chen Haihong was completely dumbfounded.

Wang Xi said, "Are you stupid? If word gets out, why would other envoys come to me with gifts?" Chen Haihong hurriedly said, "Young master, this is illegal."

Wang Xi said, "Don't worry about that. Just be careful to spread the word."

"Yes."

Chen Haihong nodded, thinking to himself, "This gull-headed vulture is truly skilled and daring!"

The Tang Dynasty was, after all, an empire and a hegemon.

It's impossible for Li Longji to meet just any Tom, Dick, or Harry. Diplomacy is always based on self-interest. If it's an envoy from a vassal state, that is, someone from which the Tang Dynasty must send troops when it's at war, Li Longji would generally meet with them. The second most important envoys are those from countries with vital interests.

For example, meetings would generally be held with countries like Little Bolu, the Khitan, and Silla, which involved the empire's geopolitical interests in the Western Regions and Northeast, but it was also possible that meetings would not be held.

It depends on the situation.

As for Japan, firstly, it's too far away, and secondly, they come too frequently.

Unless they brought some rare and exotic treasures, the Tang emperors didn't really like to see them.

As for the concept of "generous gifts in return," it could also be said in the Tang Dynasty, because what they took back was generally more than the gifts they sent.

As an empire, the gifts it gives away must naturally be commensurate with its status.

This is actually quite reasonable, because people recognize you as their leader because you can bring them benefits. If it were all bad, they wouldn't be willing to follow you.

But this only means it depends on the amount of financial resources available.

It's not that they came here to take advantage. First of all, the imperial court had clear regulations that there were quotas for envoys from various countries, and each country could bring as many people as they needed to enter Chang'an. Secondly, although they did send a lot, their countries were only so small and could not compare with the empire. Even if they sent their entire national treasury, it would not be enough for the Tang Dynasty.

But it also depends on whether they listen or not. If they don't, you can't even send the gift.

This year's New Year's Day court assembly will include a charity banquet, and there are even rumors that the emperor will attend, causing envoys from various countries to rack their brains to secure a spot.

In comparison, Japan is not competitive at all.

Yamato Nagamine sought help from Abe no Nagare, who lived in Chang'an. Abe no Nagare was in the Imperial Academy and was very aware of what had happened in the last six months.

Bribing those officials would probably be of little use, since countless people would send gifts to the Court of State Ceremonial. It would be better to find another way and get in touch with the Wuming Academy.

The area downstairs was still bustling with activity.

Although there was a minor hiccup, it didn't dampen everyone's enthusiasm; instead, it became a source of amusement, making everyone even more excited.

However, upon learning that this was the last charity performance of the year, complaints arose again. But then they learned that the Nameless Academy was preparing a charity dinner for the New Year's Day assembly, and they immediately inquired and found out that the performance was the Red Dream drama.

The anonymous academy declined to comment.

Just as Wang Xi and the others were preparing to return, someone suddenly came to the palace. The Empress missed her nephew.

Wang Xi was speechless.

Li Longji is really watching the show right on time!
He had just finished speaking when he was summoned to the palace.

Having no other choice, he could only send Li Dong and Li Xun back first, while he himself rushed to the palace.

Li Longji was sensible enough not to summon Wang Xi to Consort Wu's place again, but instead met Wang Xi in the Empress's palace.

"Sparrow, I heard that you almost got into a conflict with the Tibetan envoys when you were performing in the West Market just now."

When Empress Wang saw Wang Xi, she immediately questioned him.

Wang Xi immediately said with annoyance, "That Liu Dianke is such a gossip. It hasn't been long, and he's already complaining to my uncle and aunt."

Upon hearing this, Li Longji quickly picked up his wine cup, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Empress Wang frowned and said, "It wasn't Liu Dianke who filed the complaint; it was just that I sent someone to find you and saw it with my own eyes."

Wang Xi then asked, "But was it Chen Zhongguan who filed the complaint?"

Empress Wang was speechless and said, "No matter who it is, when will you get rid of this troublemaking habit?"

Wang Xi said aggrievedly, "Aunt, I am innocent. It was the Tibetan envoy who harassed me first. I just threw a cup at him and cursed a couple of times."

Li Longji couldn't hold back this time and chuckled.

Empress Wang looked at Li Longji speechlessly and said, "Your Majesty, the sparrow is lawless, and you're still laughing."

Li Longji coughed and said, "Que'er, do you know your mistake?"

Wang Xi shook his head and said, "I don't know."

Li Longji was stunned for a moment, then asked dumbfoundedly, "Why?"

Wang Xi said, "They are just a few minor Tibetan envoys. What are they shouting about in Chang'an? Our Great Tang is the best in the world. We don't need to give them face. Who do they think they are?"

"Sparrow!"

Empress Wang was furious. "You've really gone too far!"

Li Longji laughed heartily, "Empress, please don't blame Que'er. Que'er is right. They are just a few minor Tibetan envoys. What difference would it make if they were killed, let alone if a cup was thrown?"

Wang Xi was shocked. Holy crap, there's always someone better!
Empress Wang was extremely anxious and whispered, "Your Majesty, the other party is an envoy after all, which involves diplomatic etiquette, and Your Majesty should not say these things in front of Que'er."

This kid is already a scoundrel, and you still say that? Then he really dares to make a move.

Li Longji said, "I didn't plan to let them come to Chang'an this year. Now that I've let them come, I want the Tibetans to know my attitude. I was going to send someone to make things difficult for them, but unexpectedly, Que'er taught them a lesson for me first."

Wang Xi immediately said, "If I had known that my uncle would take this attitude, I would not have just thrown the cup."

Li Longji said, amused and exasperated, "Don't get too cocky, kid. You can't just bully anyone. If the other party wasn't from Tibet, I wouldn't have this attitude."

Wang Xi nodded and said obediently, "Uncle, don't worry, Que'er is of one mind with you and will never cause you any trouble."

His arrogance just now stemmed from the fact that the other party was Tibetan. He knew that relations between the Tang Dynasty and Tibet were not good, and Emperor Li Longji intended to use Tibet as a warning to others and intimidate the Western Regions. So, if they were going to fight, so be it.

Empress Wang said sourly, "Yes! You're just like your uncle, your aunt is completely superfluous."

"Auntie, don't be unhappy."

Wang Xi said, "Que'er brought a gift for her aunt today."

He immediately took out the pearl necklace that the Japanese had given him earlier.

(End of this chapter)