My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 163: Buddhism has no borders, but monks have a motherland
Wang Xuance didn't expect that he would have to shoulder so many tasks when he became an envoy for the first time.

Of course, he has no choice now.

During the past few months of being criticized by the Crown Prince, Wang Xuance became very clear about one thing.

If he does not follow the prince's will, his official career will definitely not go far, and it can even be said that this is the end.

A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier.

A civil servant who does not want to be prime minister is not a good civil servant.

As an official, who doesn't want to realize his ambition, rise rapidly to the highest position in the country?

Thinking of this, Wang Xuance had no reason to hesitate, and immediately bowed and saluted: "I will follow your instructions, Your Highness."

In fact, there are some explanations here.

The mission to India was for communication on the one hand, and to find a famous doctor who could treat the prince's legs on the other.

But intervening in the struggle between the Arabs and Persia involves the international level.

Logically speaking, such a situation needs to be reported to His Majesty first.

However, Wang Xuance understood that the prince obviously did not want to tell His Majesty about this, and His Majesty would probably not agree.

This is equivalent to saying that it was the prince's order, rather than His Majesty's imperial decree, that gave shelter to the fugitive Persian emperor.

"By the way, when you pass through Tubo on your way to Tianzhu, go and see Princess Wencheng."

"I heard that Songtsen Gampo is building the Hongshan Palace for Princess Wencheng. It is said to be very magnificent. You can go and take a look. When you come back, tell me about the situation there."

"Also, after you meet Princess Wencheng, ask her about her situation over there. She is my sister, and it must be hard for her to marry so far away. If she has any grievances, just tell me."

At this point, Li Chengqian sighed slightly: "We are in a foreign land, and we don't know if we will be bullied. You must make sure you understand it clearly."

"If Princess Wencheng needs help, I will suggest that Your Majesty dispatch several thousand elite soldiers to protect her safety."

"You can first inform Princess Wencheng about this matter, or see how Songtsen Gampo reacts. If you can accomplish this, I will definitely remember your great achievement."

Li Chengqian wanted to open a military base in another country, and Tubo was a very good place.

Of course, if we directly say that we want to station troops in Tubo, it will definitely be rejected and Tubo will not agree. But if it is in the name of protecting Princess Wencheng, then it will naturally be different.

In fact, Li Chengqian didn't even know Princess Wencheng. After all, there were too many princesses in the Tang royal family. He only met Princess Wencheng when she was canonized in the 14th year of Zhenguan.

When Wang Xuance heard this, his eyes lit up and he suddenly became excited.

I couldn't help but ask: "Your Highness, what if Songtsen Gampo disagrees?"

An envoy of the Han Dynasty, a historical role model.

Wang Xuance also had thoughts of committing suicide.

Li Chengqian's face darkened and he said, "It's enough if Princess Wencheng agrees."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Seeing that the prince looked unhappy, Wang Xuance was a little disappointed. It turned out that he was wrong.

Li Chengqian was also speechless. Goryeo hasn't arrived yet, and you want to provoke Tubo. Not to mention that the relationship between Tubo and the Tang Dynasty is now very close.

No wonder that although Wang Xuance destroyed an entire country and was very famous in the late Zhenguan period, he ultimately failed to enter the power center of the Tang Dynasty.

This political awareness is indeed low.

"Also, when you arrive in Tubo and meet Princess Wencheng, before you leave for India, go to Songtsen Gampo and ask him to give you 5,000 soldiers and horses to support the delegation."

"I will write this down on the customs clearance document for you."

Generally, a diplomatic delegation that travels long distances consists of only a few dozen to a hundred people.

Firstly, the journey is difficult, and secondly, the transportation cost is high.

However, there are special cases. For example, envoys who go to Chang'an to pay tribute for commercial purposes will bring a large number of specialties and purchase a large amount of goods from Chang'an.

As the starting point of the Silk Road, perhaps a truckload of goods could be worth a fortune to some small countries.

Sometimes, when the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty was in a good mood, he would reward people with vases or other utensils made in the official kilns, and the people who took them back would regard them as national treasures.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Wang Xuance couldn't figure out the prince's intentions, so he just said less and made fewer mistakes.

"You are not surprised why I asked you to transfer troops from Tibet, right?"

Li Chengqian used the method of mobilizing troops instead of borrowing them.

At present, all the countries surrounding the Tang Dynasty are nominally vassal states of the Tang Dynasty and have the obligation and power to accept the arrangements and dispatches of the Tang Dynasty.

So in history, Wang Xuance was almost killed in India, and went to Tubo to borrow troops.

Now that Li Chengqian has spoken, Tubo, as a vassal state, must legally comply. This is a mobilization of troops.

"I will follow your Highness's arrangements." Wang Xuance said respectfully.

Li Chengqian nodded. It seemed that after these few months of beating, Wang Xuance had become much more sensible.

Then he said, "I have learned something about the situation in the Kingdom of Harsha. It is said that Master Xuanzang is very popular there."

"In the fifteenth year of Zhenguan, King Harsha prepared a grand debate conference for Xuanzang. Do you know about this?"

"Tell me about Master Xuanzang's situation in India."

When Wang Xuance heard this, there was some envy in his tone. Master Xuanzang's reputation had spread to Chang'an through Indian merchants, so many people knew about Master Xuanzang's journey in seeking Dharma.

The main reason why Wang Xuance was nominated as a member of the delegation was that he was familiar with Sanskrit and was very enthusiastic about Buddhism.

Naturally, he was very clear about Master Xuanzang's past experiences.

"After arriving in India, Master Xuanzang went to Nalanda Monastery, the largest temple in India, and worshipped the most famous monk in India, Jiexian, as his teacher. He spent a full five years studying Buddhist scriptures and many important Indian classics, and deeply studied and researched a large number of Buddhist classics."

"After that, Master Xuanzang wrote the 3,000-verse "Meeting of the Three Doctrines", which bridged the gap between the two major schools of Buddhism, Yoga and Madhyamika, and thus became famous."

"It is said that the king of East India summoned Master Xuanzang at that time, but Nalanda Monastery rejected the invitation on the grounds that Master Xuanzang was about to return to Chang'an, which aroused the king's anger."

"He said that if Xuanzang did not come, he would raze Nalanda Temple to the ground."

"At the same time, the famous King Harsha also recruited Master Xuanzang."

"The two most powerful kings of India fought for Master Xuanzang and almost went to war with each other."

"In the end, King Harsha had a strong army and horses, and was feared by India. The King of Eastern India finally succumbed under his pressure."

"After King Harsha met Master Xuanzang, he announced the convening of a great conference in the capital city of Kusumapura, inviting the eighteen kings of India and three thousand eminent monks, and elected Master Xuanzang as the master of the conference."

"According to the rules of India, there is a reward and punishment system for debates, and Master Xuanzang proposed that if anyone could refute his point of view, he would behead the prime minister as a token of thanks."

"The Unobstructed Assembly was held for eighteen days, and no one could debunk Master Xuanzang's views. The Buddhist teachings of Master Xuanzang convinced all the people in India, and no one could refute him."

“Since then, Master Xuanzang has become famous in India and is honored as the Great Vehicle Master.”

Wang Xuance described the story vividly, and was fascinated and looking forward to meeting Master Xuanzang in person. It can be said that in this era, any Buddhist believer cannot help but admire Master Xuanzang.

But Li Chengqian did not have such a feeling, he was not a Buddhist.

"When you arrive in India, first pay a visit to Master Xuanzang."

"Master Xuanzang is so famous in India. If he asks King Harsha to send people to find the Persian emperor, it should be a relatively easy thing to do."

"I think King Harsha can also feel the threat from the Arab Empire. If we can persuade him to station troops at the border, or to help Persia to a certain extent, it would be very good."

Hearing this, Wang Xuance hesitated and said, "Master Xuanzang has profound Buddhist knowledge, so I'm afraid he doesn't like the idea of ​​war."

Li Chengqian looked at Wang Xuance deeply and said, "Buddhism has no national boundaries, but monks have a motherland."

Hearing this, Wang Xuance couldn't help but tremble, and bowed and said, "Yes, Your Highness."

Li Chengqian waved his hand: "Alright, leave now."

Wang Xuance's throat rolled and he wanted to say something, but he held it back.

"Ask Young Master Zhang to come over."

The eunuch Wen Zhong received the order and immediately went to call someone.

Soon, Zhang Xuansu arrived.

Zhang Xuansu saluted: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Li Chengqian snorted coldly and said, "Mr. Zhang, you have taught a good disciple."

Hearing this, Zhang Xuansu hurriedly asked: "Your Highness, did Wang Xuance say something he shouldn't have said?"

Li Chengqian said: "Then you should ask your student carefully whether he is an official of the Tang Dynasty or a follower of Buddhism."

“Is he going to abandon the sage scriptures he has studied since childhood and devote himself to the development and spread of Buddhism?”

These words are very serious for an official.

You should know that the main subjects of study in the Tang Dynasty imperial examinations were Confucian classics, annotations and interpretations, and current affairs policy essays.

It also includes some poetry creation, Tang law commentaries, and Taoist classics.

But there is no Buddhist scripture.

So Li Chengqian gave such a comment on Wang Xuance, it can be said that Wang Xuance's official career was basically ruined.

Zhang Xuansu's heart tightened. He knew the weight of the prince's words, and he quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness, please calm down. This student must have been confused for a moment. Please forgive him this time, considering that he is new to the officialdom and lacks experience."

"Although Wang Xuance's words were inappropriate, I know that he is loyal to the Tang Dynasty and has no intention of betraying it."

Li Chengqian sneered, "I see that he respects Master Xuanzang as if he were a god, even more than a saint. I'm afraid he has long forgotten his duties as an official of the Tang Dynasty."

Zhang Xuansu said solemnly: "Your Highness, Wang Xuance has been intelligent since childhood and has been diligent in his pursuit of knowledge. Although he has a certain interest in Buddhism, this does not mean that he will betray the Tang Dynasty."

"He felt a lot of pressure when he was chosen as the envoy this time, knowing that this mission was of great importance. Perhaps when he mentioned Master Xuanzang, his words were a little more respectful, but this was by no means a sign of his disloyalty to the Tang Dynasty."

"Furthermore, Wang Xuance is familiar with Sanskrit and has some understanding of the situation in India. This mission to India is a good opportunity for him to make full use of his strengths. Wouldn't it be a pity if his career was cut short because of a slip of the tongue?"

"I am willing to guarantee that I will teach him strictly from now on, so that he will always remember his identity and responsibilities and do his best for the Tang Dynasty."

Li Chengqian nodded and said, "Since Mr. Zhang has guaranteed me, I will trust him once. If he can go to Tianzhu and complete the tasks I have asked him to do, I will still remember his contribution."

Zhang Xuansu breathed a sigh of relief and said quickly, "Thank you, Your Highness. I will definitely urge Wang Xuance to live up to Your Highness's expectations."

After leaving, Zhang Xuansu immediately went to find Wang Xuance to find out what happened.

Wang Xuance came to Zhang Xuansu, looking guilty, and bowed, saying, "I greet you, teacher. I am sorry for the trouble you have taken on me."

Zhang Xuansu looked at Wang Xuance and sighed slightly, "Xuance, why did you act so rashly this time? His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is already dissatisfied with you. If it weren't for your teacher's intercession, your career would have been ruined."

Wang Xuance showed regret on his face and said, "I know I was wrong. When I heard about Master Xuanzang, I spoke carelessly and did not think it through."

Zhang Xuansu frowned and said, "What did you say to the prince to make him so angry?"

Wang Xuance then recounted what had happened previously.

After hearing this, Zhang Xuansu said solemnly, "Xuan Ce, you are confused! How can you speak like this in front of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"

"Besides, in such a matter, why do you think Xuanzang will not follow the prince's order?"

"Think about it carefully. Xuanzang is now revered as a great master in Tianzhu, so why did he still bring scriptures and books back to Chang'an?"

"If Xuanzang wanted to spread Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty, could he bypass the prince?"

"Don't forget that the Tang Dynasty royal family respects me as their ancestor."

"Xuanzang was first a Tang man, and then a Buddhist."

"You should remember that you are an official of the Tang Dynasty. Your primary duty is to serve the Tang Dynasty, not to promote Buddhism. Your Highness's concerns are not without reason. You must not lose your sense of proportion because of your respect for Buddhism."

Wang Xuance bowed his head and said, "I will remember your teachings and will be careful with my words and actions in the future and will not make this mistake again."

Seeing Wang Xuance's sincere attitude in admitting his mistakes, Zhang Xuansu nodded slightly and said, "This mission to India is arduous, and you must go all out. You must complete the mission entrusted by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and you must always be careful about your words and deeds, and not give others any reason to talk about you."

"You must understand that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has high hopes for you. If you can get things done this time, your career may still have a chance to turn around. But if you make mistakes again, your teacher will not be able to protect you."

Wang Xuance bowed again and said, "I understand. I will do my best to live up to the expectations of my teacher and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

After a slight hesitation, he asked again: "Teacher, it's just the things that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince told me to do."

Zhang Xuansu frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Although these things may be suspected of usurping power, even if Your Majesty knew about them, you would not take these matters of the vassal states too seriously."

"The reason why the prince made such an arrangement may have something to do with the Roman princess, or perhaps the prince intends to intervene in the suppression of the Arab Empire."

"Just follow His Royal Highness's orders. Even if His Majesty is unhappy, it can't be blamed on you."

"Besides, since I am valued by the prince, these things are nothing."

Zhang Xuansu's political awareness is much higher than Wang Xuance's.

Whether it was Princess Wencheng, King Harsha of India, who protected the Persian emperor in Chang'an, or who asked Tubo to dispatch troops for protection in the name of the crown prince, none of them involved the court struggles of the Tang Dynasty.

Even if His Majesty is unhappy, it has nothing to do with Wang Xuance.

On the contrary, if you handle the prince's affairs well, why would you worry that your official career will not last long?

Su Dingfang and Lu Tong of the Left and Right Jinwu Guards, they all obey the orders of the Crown Prince. Even if Your Majesty knew about it, what did you say?

“Students understand.”

When Wang Xuance heard this, he immediately understood what he meant, but at the same time he felt a little regretful that he shouldn't have said that in front of the prince.

the other side.

The eunuch Wen Zhong brought the prince a new piece of news.

Prince of Jin, Li Zhi, seems to be too close to your majesty's concubines.

(End of this chapter)