Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 149 Cultural Strategy
"Concession! Concession!"

The envoy from Little Bolu excitedly bowed to those around him.

Many people also congratulated him.

This left some Tang Dynasty officials, who were still unaware of the situation, speechless.

This wine must be poisoned!
Why are these people so obsessed?

These three items are increasingly bizarre, and anyone with a discerning eye can see something fishy about them.

However, each item in the photo is more expensive than the last.

Most importantly, all the people who ultimately bought the items felt they were getting their money's worth and were very happy, and none of them seemed to be faking it.

It's a case of one person willing to hit and the other willing to be hit.

It's none of your business.

"This kid!" Li Longji's smile grew even wider as he picked up his wine cup and took a small sip.

This is the end.

All three items were auctioned off, and the charity auction came to an end.

After giving a brief speech, Wang Xi bowed and stepped down from the stage.

But the charity gala is not over yet.

Li Linfu got busy again, and the maids brought out a sumptuous feast of wine and food for everyone to enjoy.

There was music and opera to listen to, charity auctions to attend, and no time for food, drink, or socializing.

However, after this auction, the atmosphere became more lively.

Because there are plenty of topics to talk about, they can use these topics to communicate with the people they want to reach.

"My lords, I have never heard of this Changhong before. Do you know anything about it?"

The Vice Minister of Rites, Han Xiu, asked Zhang Shuo and Yuan Qianyao in a low voice.

Zhang Shuo and Yuan Qianyao exchanged a glance and chuckled.

Han Xiu asked, puzzled, "Why are you two laughing?"

Yuan Qianyao chuckled and said, "At this point, does it even matter whether it's true or false?"

Han Xiu frowned. "In other words... But how can that be? If those foreign envoys find out, wouldn't they become a laughingstock?"

Zhang waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, it's not a joke. No one can say it's fake, including you and me. So, it's real."

Han Xiu sighed, "I just feel that!"

Zhang said he knew what he wanted to say and smiled, "At first I also felt it was a bit inappropriate, but in the end, it was not a bad idea."

Regarding the first two points, they're actually not so bad; they don't really constitute deception. Everyone knows the Little Mermaid is fake; it's just a story. People are willing to pay for it, so what's it to you? The main problem lies in the final "long-lasting red" (a term used to describe a sustained positive reception), but this long-lasting red happens to have significant diplomatic implications.

Because it was taken down by Little Bolu, this serves as a warning to all forces.

If Little Bolu is to be targeted, the Tang Dynasty will certainly not stand idly by.

The location of Little Bolu is extremely important to Li Longji at the moment. Whether it is to protect the Four Garrisons of Anxi or to expand westward, Little Bolu is the only way.

Zhang said that this is what he was referring to.

Whether it's true or false is completely unimportant.

You could even say it's real; it can't possibly be fake.

Because this was certified by the Emperor himself.

"Shouyi! Congratulations, congratulations! Like father, like son!"

Zhang Jiazhen came to Wang Shouyi's side and chuckled, "I really didn't expect that Que'er could perform so well on the stage, in front of His Majesty, the entire court, and so many foreign guests. Her future is truly limitless!"

Wang Shouyi hurriedly asked, "Really? Brother Zhang thinks Que'er performed very well just now?"

Zhang Jiazhen asked in surprise, "Don't you think so, Shouyi?"

Wang Shouyi said in bewilderment, "I think that kid is not much different from usual. He just loves to talk nonsense, and I am always terrified when I listen to him."

Zhang Jiazhen hurriedly said, "You can't say that. Every word Que'er said just now was absolutely true, not a single word was a lie."

"what?"

Wang Shouyi was dumbfounded. Even I could tell it was fake, how could you not?

Zhang Jiazhen added, "It is real."

Just then, several more people came and toasted Wang Shouyi, all praising Wang Xi.

When Wang Shouyi saw that everyone was saying this, he thought to himself, "It seems that Que'er really did perform very well."

However, this was the first time he had heard someone praise Wang Xi in front of him, which left him somewhat at a loss for words and unsure how to respond.

Wu Xin sat to the side, listening to them all praising Wang Xi, and felt very uncomfortable.

Many people dislike Wang Xi, including Jiang Yanbo and others, but that's just a matter of dislike. However, for Wu Xin, Wang Xi now directly threatens the revival of his family.

It was one thing for the emperor to favor Wang Xi, but now even the ministers were praising him.

This is going to get out of hand!

He couldn't help but pick up a glass of wine and drink it all in one gulp.

As Wu Xin put down his wine glass, he suddenly glanced at someone out of the corner of his eye. It was Shang Gongbu, and he seemed to be deep in thought.

If we were to say who was more depressed than Wu Xin at this banquet, it would probably be Shang Gongbu.

He grabbed the beggar Nan and asked, "Why did you bid just now and let that kid humiliate you?"

Qier Nan explained, "Young Master, I don't really want to buy it. I'm just making a gesture. In that situation, if anyone didn't bid, it would definitely arouse suspicion from the Tang Dynasty, because it would mean that no one needs the protection of the Tang Emperor. The time is not yet ripe, so we still have to compromise."

After saying that, he added, "You should see that these foreign envoys are all looking for opportunities to communicate with Tang officials."

Shang Gongbu glanced around and, sure enough, almost no one paid them any attention. It was clear that people still preferred the Tang Dynasty over Tibet. He couldn't help but pick up a cup of wine and drink it all in one gulp.

Qier Nan added, "But young master, do not worry. As long as we can get the Turks on our side, we will have nothing to fear from the Tang Dynasty."

As he spoke, he glanced at Dunshan and saw that Dunshan had just finished talking with the Silla envoy. He quickly said, "Young Master, I'll go and talk to the Turks first."

Shang Gongbu nodded. "Go ahead."

Just as Qier Nan was about to get up and go over, Wu Xin suddenly walked over, cupped his hands in a salute, and said, "I hope you have been well, envoy."

Qier Nan quickly bowed and said, "Qier Nan greets Mr. Wu."

He was also quite knowledgeable about the Tang Dynasty and knew Wu Xin and the others.

Wu Xin asked, "What did you think of that opera performance just now, Mr. Nan?"

Qi'er Nan casually replied, "Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"

However, he glanced at Dun Shan out of the corner of his eye.

Wu Xin saw this but, oblivious to the situation, asked, "When will the envoy return to his country?"

Qier Nan thought for a moment and said, "It's not certain yet, it might take another month."

Wu Xin hurriedly said, "That's perfect. On the Lantern Festival, our Imperial Academy will be holding a singing competition. I wonder if the envoy would do me the honor of attending?"

Qi'er Nan hurriedly replied, "It is my honor to be personally invited by Mr. Wu. I will definitely attend."

"Thank you! Thank you!"

Wu Xin cupped his hands in greeting, pretending to suddenly notice Qi'er Nan's anxious state of mind, and hurriedly said, "If the envoy has something to attend to, please do as you wish."

Qier Nan didn't know what to say, as he was in a hurry to find the Turks. He said, "No rush! No rush!" Then he introduced Wu Xin, "This is the young master of our Great Lun, Shang Gongbu."

"is it?"

Wu Xin laughed and said, "So it's the young master of Da Lun. I remember meeting your father a few years ago. He truly is a handsome man, just like his father!"

Shang Gongbu immediately felt a sense of goodwill towards Wu Xin, and he also knew why Qiernan had introduced him to Wu Xin. He quickly clasped his hands and said, "Shang Gongbu greets Mr. Wu."

Wu Xin smiled and said, "No need for formalities."

Shang Gongbu added, "To be honest, Mr. Wu, I was quite interested in that opera performance just now."

"is it?"

"Yes, yes, please sit down, Grand Master Wu, please sit down." "Thank you."

Wu Xin smiled and nodded, then sat down.

Qier Nan hurriedly said, "Then you two continue chatting, I'll have to excuse myself."

"Please go ahead," Wu Xin said.

After the beggar left, Wu Xin smiled at Shang Gongbu and said, "Your Chinese isn't as fluent as the envoy's, yet you can understand this opera?"

Shang Gongbu suddenly had an idea and chuckled, "To be honest, Mr. Wu, I don't know much about this, but that woman is quite beautiful."

Wu Xin laughed heartily: "So, young master has taken a fancy to that female lead."

Shang Gongbu chuckled and said, "I wonder which family's woman she is?"

Wu Xin said nonchalantly, "What woman? She's just a courtesan."

"A courtesan?"

Shang Gongbu's eyes flashed, but he asked doubtfully, "That can't be right! I've heard that the students of that nameless academy all come from prominent families."

He had suffered a similar loss at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion last time, so he dared not underestimate the performers on stage again. What if they were relatives of the emperor? Wouldn't that just cause him trouble? Therefore, he assumed that Hongxiu was also from a noble family.

They were thinking about whether they could arrange a small-scale marriage alliance.

Wu Xin explained, “The male students of this nameless academy do indeed come from prominent families, either relatives of the emperor or sons of high-ranking officials. But the female students are all courtesans and courtesans. Take the female lead, for example, named Hongxiu. She was originally a courtesan in Pingkangfang. To tell you the truth, I was once a guest of hers.”

Shang Gongbu said happily, "Is that so?"

Wu Xin chuckled and said, "Why would I lie to you? If you don't believe me, just ask around. Many people are guests of that Red Sleeve."

Shang Gongbu hurriedly said, "I wonder if the Grand Master Wu could introduce me?"

Wu Xin waved his hand and said, "As for a courtesan, there's no need for an introduction. If you're interested, just go ahead. But you'll have to bring enough money."

"I understand."

Shang Gongbu was overjoyed. Was it really that simple? He quickly raised his cup and said, "Come, come, let me toast Wu Jijiu."

"Dry!"

Wu Xin drank the whole glass directly.

Shang Gongbu then asked, "Could you tell me, Grand Master Wu, where is that woman staying for now?"

Wu Xin smiled and said, "It's in Chunhefang, but it's best to go at night."

"Savings! Savings!"

Shang Gongbu cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Mr. Wu."

Wu Xin laughed and said, "It's nothing, just a small matter. Come, let me toast you, young master."

"No no no!"

Shang Gong preached: "This junior toasts you, sir."

At this moment, Wang Xi and his entourage were also enjoying delicious food in a separate hall. After all, they were not servants or palace prostitutes, but nobles and now even meritorious officials, so they naturally had to be treated well.

However, they dared not drink freely in the palace and did not eat to their heart's content. They had already agreed to celebrate properly when they returned to the academy.

After eating hastily, they started clamoring to go back.

Hongxiu felt uncomfortable staying there, but she tacitly approved of their behavior.

After all, they all came from prominent families, and no one dared to force them to stay.

But just before leaving the palace, Wang Xi was summoned back to another palace by Li Longji.

Not long after Wang Xi stepped down, he also left, citing fatigue as the reason.

He had said everything he needed to say; the rest was up to Zhang and the others to negotiate with the foreign envoys.

"You little eagle, you sure know how to talk, and you've got some nerve too, managing to sell a piece of cloth for an astronomical price." Li Longji laughed heartily upon seeing Wang Xi.

Wang Xi was taken aback. "Where did Uncle get this nickname for his nephew?"

"Don't worry about it."

Li Longji laughed.

Empress Wang, who was standing to the side, said, "Your Majesty, you are really spoiling Que'er. I was very worried when I heard this just now."

Wang Xi hurriedly said, "Aunt, this is not considered favor. I relied on my own abilities to earn millions of coins for charity for the people of our Great Tang Dynasty. I did not cheat or swindle."

Empress Wang said irritably, "What skill do you have? You didn't tell a single truth on stage. You might be able to fool those foreign envoys, but can you fool those ministers? If they take it seriously, you'll be in for a world of trouble."

Wang Xi said in a condescending tone, "Aunt, you don't understand."

Empress Wang said, amused and exasperated, "You understand?"

"Of course the sparrow understands."

Wang Xi said, "Sir, you have taught sparrows. If you want foreign guests to be convinced, you must tell the story of our Great Tang Dynasty well."

Li Longji said thoughtfully, "Tell the story of my Great Tang Dynasty well?"

Wang Xi said, "That's right. Nephew was just telling the story of my Great Tang Dynasty, not lying or deceiving people. If we only talk about the benevolence of my uncle and aunt, others may not necessarily take it to heart. Although it is true, if we talk about it too much, it will be difficult to leave a deep impression."

Li Longji nodded and said, "That makes sense."

Wang Xi continued, "To truly understand the benevolence of my uncle and aunt, we must tell stories, not just shout slogans; that's useless."

Why did Silla fight so hard for the mermaid's tears? He didn't care whether it was real or fake; he wanted to possess the story. The reason was that his nephew mentioned the coastal country.

When these foreign guests return home, they will surely recount what happened at the banquet, including the story of the mermaid's tears. This story will spread far and wide, and whenever it is mentioned, people will think of Silla. It might even lead them to go there to look for mermaids, which is why they are willing to spend so much money, even though they know it is fake.

Similarly, both the auction and the story of Changhong will spread to various countries, and when people mention Changhong, they will think of their uncle's kindness.

Then there's Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. This foreign woman, upon reading this story, will surely learn about the studiousness, bravery, resilience, and fidelity in love of women from our Great Tang Dynasty.

Furthermore, they regarded the women of my Great Tang Dynasty as objects of worship and learning.

This isn't a lie; it's a cultural strategy. Through these stories, we want them to know about the strength, inclusiveness, and openness of our Great Tang Dynasty, as well as the wisdom of His Majesty.

This way, we can avoid being instigated by villains who might turn against our Great Tang. Even if a conflict were to occur one day, when the iron hooves and swords of our Great Tang point their way, the local people will surely welcome our royal army with food and drink.

Empress Wang was stunned.

I was just venting casually, mainly because I was afraid your uncle would scold you for saying so much.

"Storytelling! Interesting! Interesting!"

Li Longji chuckled, "Empress, it seems we underestimated Que'er!"

Empress Wang rolled her eyes at Wang Xi, "I really underestimated his ability to talk back."

Li Longji laughed and said, "Que'er, this is all what your teacher taught you."

Wang Xi nodded and said, "This theory was taught by the teacher, but the story was made up by me. The teacher always encouraged us to create our own stories."

"I knew it."

Li Longji said, "If you were taught by the Master, you would not have this flaw."

Wang Xi was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "What flaw?"

Li Longji said, "Sir, you have always advocated Taoist learning, but when you were making up the story of the long red thing just now, you said it was a Buddhist sacred object."

Wang Xi gasped, “Uncle, you have such keen eyes and keen observation skills. You even discovered such a small loophole. My admiration for you is like a surging river, endless and unstoppable, like the Yellow River overflowing its banks.”

Empress Wang laughed out loud upon hearing this.

Li Longji pointed at Wang Xi and laughed, "You dog-headed vulture!"

Wang Xi scratched his head in frustration: "Uncle, could you please stop mentioning that nickname? It's not a good nickname."

Li Longji laughed and said, "Whether or not to mention it depends on whether you can admit your mistakes and correct them. That would be the greatest virtue."

Wang Xi was stunned for a moment, "Once this is said, it's hard to make up for it."

Li Longji smiled slightly and said, "But you can also tell a good Taoist story to make up for it."

Wang Xi blinked, then suddenly patted his chest and said, "Understood! Don't worry, Uncle, I will definitely not disappoint you this time."

Li Longji chuckled and said, "The flaws don't detract from the overall merits. This charity gala did not disappoint my uncle."

(End of this chapter)