Song Gexing

Chapter 10: Putting hats on Liao envoys
"Who said it belongs to my grandfather? My father is the Emperor of the Song Dynasty. If you are my grandfather, what are you calling my father?"

With a childish voice, Zhao Fang's carriage gradually approached, and the panicked civil servant quickly saluted and said: "The Minister of Rites, Honglu Temple, Lu Zhailang, pays homage to the eldest son of the emperor!"

As mentioned earlier, the honorific title for princes in the Song Dynasty did not include the title "His Royal Highness". It was common for officials to call princes Dalang and Erlang, but that was only in private.

If it is a serious occasion, the honorific title is still required, but there is still no title of Your Highness. That is because the prince of the Song Dynasty was not canonized at birth.

Even if the heir is determined, he will first be granted the title of Duke, then the title of County Prince, and finally the title of King. Once the title of King is made, it means that the time to ascend the throne is not far away.

For example, Renzong was first granted the title of Duke of Qing. Zhao Fang is only six years old now and has nothing under five years old.

He can only be called the prince, so officials can only call him the eldest son in formal occasions.

"Lu Zhailang? This name is so familiar."

Zhao Fang was confused by the name, and then looked at him in shock, his heart filled with waves.

This is the name of a character in the opera. Guan Hanqing's opera describes the story of Lu Zhailang, a favorite of Song Renzong, who was beheaded by Bao Gong.

Like Zhao Pan'er, they are both characters written by Guan Hanqing. How come they appear here?
Zhao Fang knew this story thanks to the story of Zhao Pan'er in the TV series, which made him search for several operas by Guan Hanqing.

Only Lu Zhailang named someone from Song Renzong's era. As for Zhao Pan'er, there was no time at all, and he didn't even mention who the emperor was.

The TV series was adapted into someone who was suspected of being Song Zhenzong. In fact, the original work did not have it, and he was not elevated to a figure in the court at all. Moreover, she and Song Yinzhang either happened in Qiantang or Bianjing.

The book clearly states that Zhao Pan'er and Song Yinzhang were both from prostitute families, and they had no good deeds at all, and there was no such thing as a third wife.

Of course, Zhao Fang didn't pay attention to this matter, but was confused by Lu Zhailang. Could it be that there was a deviation in history, or was it based on Guan Hanqing's description of a real person?
Zhao Fang took a deep breath, got rid of distracting thoughts and said quietly: "It's okay for Lu Qing to receive the envoys of the Liao Kingdom, but you also heard what this person just said. My grandfather is the emperor of Zhenzong. I will consult the Liao Kingdom on this matter. Is it possible?" Is the current leader of the Liao Kingdom the same generation as the Daliao Holy Sect?"

These words were so frightening that the Khitan man rolled off his horse, and the envoy in the carriage behind also got off the horse quickly. These words were too serious.

The Khitan people were arrogant, but they had to admit that in the Chanyuan alliance between Empress Dowager Xiao and Song Zhenzong, the monarchs of Song and Liao were brothers.

The current Liao Xingzong, Yelu Zongzhen, is the nephew of Liao Shengzong, which means that he and Song Renzong are brothers and the father of Zhao Fang.

Saying that he is the same generation as Shengzong, Yeluzong is really not angry. He also read Confucian classics since he was a child, and the order of his seniority has long been engraved in his bones.

"Yi Hui envoy Xiao Temo of the Liao Dynasty (Liu Liufu, a Hanlin scholar of the Liao Dynasty) paid a courtesy visit to His Highness the eldest son of the Emperor of the Song Dynasty!"

The two envoys of the Liao Kingdom hurriedly came forward to greet him, and there was nothing wrong with addressing His Highness according to the rules of the Liao Kingdom.

Of course, Zhao Fang would not leave any excuse to the other party. With a gentle look on his face, he stretched out his hand to support him and said: "The two envoys are not polite. I am not targeting you two, but this warrior who speaks arrogantly wants an explanation from your envoy." .”

"This servant is so rebellious, and the foreign minister is really ashamed. I will give His Highness an explanation for this matter, but in this market..."

Liu Liufu was the first to express his position, but the implication was that he was unwilling to punish the Khitan warriors on the street.

As an envoy, Xiao Temo stood with his eyes, nose and heart in mind, and his attitude was very humble.

But Zhao Fang knew that this was an illusion. Liao envoys always did this when they came to the Song Dynasty. When encountering difficulties, they would let Han officials negotiate with the Song people.Once there is a confrontation, the Khitans will jump out to be the red face.

"In the past, Taizu Taizu of the Liao Dynasty built the Confucius Temple when he first established the country. Therefore, the Liao Dynasty also respected etiquette and law, and even claimed to be the descendant of Emperor Yan. I believe you can handle this matter well and prevent your ancestors from being humiliated. Then I will wait for the news, you two Get busy first."

Zhao Fang smiled again and again, and what he said made Xiao Temo.Liu Liufu's expression changed.

This is flattering, but I still can't refute it. Yelu Abaoji did follow the Han culture, and even gave his Han name Liu Yi.

The Han surname of the Khitan royal family was exactly the surname of Liu Han that he decided on, and he also gave the surname Xiao to the queen family as Xiao He.

In the history of Shangshuo, it is claimed that the Khitan people have the same origin as the Han people and are also descendants of the Yan and Huang people.

This is the same as the later Manchus, who were obviously Tungus people and insisted on saying that they were descendants of the Jurchens. Of course, the Han people also did this, like Li Tang, who stupidly said that he was a descendant of the Li family in Longxi.

Only a ghost knows when Li Guang became the ancestor of the Li Tang royal family. He himself is probably curious.

Now, if they don't punish the warrior, it will be equivalent to admitting that the Liao Kingdom is a barbarian. If they don't follow Confucian etiquette, how can they have the dignity to say that they are civilized people.

As for not recognizing Confucianism, that's impossible, unless you deny the Han Dynasty, but the Yelu family didn't do that. My surname is Liu. Naturally, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was right to only respect Confucianism.

"Kneel down and kowtow, and ask His Highness the Prince of the Song Dynasty to forgive you, otherwise you will commit suicide!"

Xiao Temo kicked the warrior over and shouted loudly. The people watching cheered. This was the first time that the Khitans gave in to Bianjing City.

But Zhao Fang was helpless and secretly scolded Xiao Temo for being cunning and kicking the ball to him. By saying that, he was actually outshining himself.

As the prince of the Song Dynasty, how could he be stingy? But if he didn't forgive the other party, it would mean that he was not generous.

What he represents is not just himself, but the face of the Song Dynasty royal family, and can even be said to be the entire Song Dynasty.

Looking at the warrior kowtowing to him, he could only wave his hands after the opponent kowtowed several times and said: "Now that I have recognized my mistake, let's forget it this time. I, the Great Song Dynasty, have a broad mind that embraces the universe and is tolerant to those who admit their mistakes. Go Well, remember to read more and don’t curse people when you open your mouth, it will embarrass your parents.”

Zhao Fang, who was determined not to lose in words, looked very magnanimous. After speaking, he got back in the car and drove away, leaving the Liao envoys looking at each other.

"It seems that the eldest son of Emperor Song is difficult to deal with. I heard that he is still less than six years old. If he doesn't suffer any loss, he will definitely be the great enemy of Daliao in the future!"

In the Guidefang Concierge House, Xiao Temo couldn't wait to find Liu Liufu as soon as he settled down, with a fierce look in his eyes.

Liu Liufu quickly stopped him and said, "Master Xiao, please stay! This matter is not urgent. What your Majesty has explained is the focus of our trip."

"Why don't you rush? This son is not as benevolent as his father, and he is not as cowardly as his grandfather. He is aggressive when he is in power. Don't change your face immediately. It will definitely be a big trouble in the future!"

As a Khitan noble, Xiao Temo was wary of the next successor of the Song Dynasty. Zhao Fang's performance made him ignore his age and wanted to eliminate any threat.

(End of this chapter)