The prince is more stable

Chapter 143 Liao Envoy Leaves Beijing
Keep a clear distinction between work and life.

At work, Xiao Guangjing is Zhao Xiaoqian's subordinate, and will be buried as an important chess piece in the Liao court in the future.

But in life, Zhao Xiaoqian did not like Xiao Guangjing.

Zhao Xiaoqian had beaten up a lot of these arrogant and domineering playboys in the city of Bianjing. Haven't you seen the grand scene of the playboys in Bianjing lining up to pay protection fees? In this circle, Zhao Xiaoqian was a top-notch existence. Now his level has long been disdainful to be classified in the same category as the playboys.

As for Xiao Guangjing, he was a drunkard, a gambler, and an arrogant person. He should be thankful that he had the title of Liao envoy, otherwise he would have been beaten eight times a day by Zhao Xiaoqian in Bianjing City.

In the city of Bianjing, Zhao Xiaoqian would not allow anyone more powerful than himself.

Xiao Guangjing felt quite innocent. He didn't expect that Zhao Xiaoqian would treat him so badly. God knows how painful and difficult the struggle was when he had to agree to be the internal supporter of the Song Dynasty.

I have helped you with everything, but you despise me so much...

The negotiations between the two countries ended smoothly and both sides were satisfied.

That night, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites came forward and Zhao Xiaoqian hosted a banquet for the Liao delegation.

During the banquet, the envoys of the two countries clinked glasses and addressed each other as brothers, completely forgetting that they had been arguing tensely during the day.

After the banquet, Xiao Guangjing took advantage of the fact that everyone was drunk and no one was paying attention, and found a secluded corner with Zhao Xiaoqian, where they had a secret conversation for a long time.

As for what the two talked about, no one can know.

However, when Xiao Guangjing returned to the table, he was in high spirits, looking relaxed and comfortable, and he couldn't suppress the smile on his lips. It was unknown how many benefits Zhao Xiaoqian had secretly promised him.

The next morning, accompanied by Zhao Xiaoqian, Liao envoy Xiao Guangjing led several envoys into the palace to meet Zhao Xu.

Zhao Xu had to go through such a meeting every year. In the past, he would just exchange some polite words, such as the two countries are brotherly countries, good neighbors, and the end of war.

It's meaningless and pointless, but it must be said.

This year, when Zhao Xu met with the Liao envoys, he clearly felt that the attitude of the Liao delegation was different from before.

The tone of their speech and the control of their facial expressions were much more respectful than in previous years. They were no longer arrogant and condescending. Instead, in front of Zhao Xu, the Liao delegation spoke with some caution.

Zhao Xu felt very comfortable, and he knew the reason.

The dignity of such a big country was upheld by Zhao Xiaoqian with a tough attitude.

While the emperor was chatting with the Liao envoy, Zhao Xiaoqian sat quietly beside them, never interrupting. Only when others asked him questions would he say a few brief words and then shut up tactfully.

Zhao Xu felt more relaxed.

He likes such ministers, who are loyal, low-key, and know when to advance and retreat.

It was obvious that he personally established the dignity of a country, but he seemed to be unaware of it. He just faithfully performed his duties, did not overstep the boundaries, did not seek credit, and was so low-key that he was almost transparent.

The audience with the emperor of the Song Dynasty went very quickly. After the conversation, Zhao Xu entertained the guests as usual, and Xiao Guangjing and his party were given a banquet in the palace.

This time Xiao Guangjing learned his lesson and subconsciously looked at Zhao Xiaoqian.

He didn't know whether Zhao Xu's invitation to the banquet was a courtesy or a sincere invitation. If he took it seriously, Zhao Xiaoqian would say "get out" in return, which would be so embarrassing.

Fortunately, Zhao Xiaoqian did not object this time, but just nodded with a smile.

Xiao Guangjing immediately smiled, stood up and bowed to thank Zhao Xu.

Xiao Guangjing froze in his tracks. What had happened to him? As a dignified Liao envoy, why should I consider other people's opinions before doing anything?

Will the unrestrained me of the past ever come back?

Banquets in the palace, especially those for foreign envoys, have fixed dishes, which is also part of the palace etiquette.

Xiao Guangjing found the palace banquet very boring because there were too many rules in the palace, such as when to raise the cup to toast, when to pick up the chopsticks to pick up the food, and when to put down the chopsticks to listen to the emperor speak. These were all the rules.

The palace banquet lasted two hours before the Liao delegation said goodbye to Zhao Xu.

Zhao Xiaoqian escorted the envoys out of the palace on behalf of the Song Dynasty emperor.

Xiao Guangjing bowed deeply to him and said: "Please stay, Your Majesty. Today we will set off to return to the capital of Liao. I, Xiao, bid you farewell." The rest of the Liao delegation also saluted.

The Liao envoys naturally had no good impression of Zhao Xiaoqian. It was said that the magical muskets of the Song Dynasty were made by him. This kind of firearm had already changed the situation between the Song and Liao countries. How could the Liao people have a good impression of him?
But no matter how unhappy it is, the bank still needs to observe diplomatic etiquette.

Zhao Xiaoqian also returned the gift with a smile and breathed a sigh of relief. He had finally sent this group of people away. His mission had come to an end and he could now rest.

What needed to be said had been said. Zhao Xiaoqian and Xiao Guangjing exchanged glances and smiled knowingly.

"We say goodbye today, and I don't know when we will meet again. Please take care. If you can come to the capital, I will make sure to welcome you."

Zhao Xiaoqian waved his hand and said, "Two men don't have to be so affectionate. We'll meet again if we're lucky. We'll eat, drink, and fight."

Xiao Guangjing smiled: "If you and I were not serving different masters, we would have been able to talk about friendship. The County Marquis is a man, and we Liao people like such upright men the most."

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyes became strange.

Where did this guy come to the conclusion that he is an upright man?

Being a man is not wrong, but being "upright"...

It’s too early to talk about this, little brother. The fact that you inexplicably fell into the cesspool that night is enough for you to study for 10 or 20 years.

After Xiao Guangjing finished speaking, he was about to turn around and leave when Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly remembered something and called him.

"Your Excellency just said that we can have a friendly exchange?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked in confusion.

Xiao Guangjing was startled and nodded: "That's right."

"In other words, we can be considered friends?" Zhao Xiaoqian's eyes sparkled.

Xiao Guangjing had an ominous premonition in his heart, feeling that there was a pit in front of him, but he was not sure whether he should jump into the pit to verify it.

"Is it...right?" Xiao Guangjing said with difficulty.

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyes suddenly softened: "...I'm getting married soon."

Xiao Guangjing was bewildered and subconsciously bowed: "...Congratulations? Are you going to keep me in Bianjing for the wedding banquet?"

"That's not my intention at all. You don't have to come, and it's better not to come, but you must show your intention, otherwise it would be too rude." Zhao Xiaoqian sighed.

Xiao Guangjing found that he had indeed stepped on empty air and was falling into the pit.

"What does 'heart' mean?"

Zhao Xiaoqian explained enthusiastically, "It's money, or valuable jewelry and rare items, including but not limited to land, shops, houses, and so on. We Song people are very pragmatic, and money and other things are the most direct way to express our feelings."

Xiao Guangjing understood: "You want me to give you money?"

"You finally understood. I was worried that I was too tactful and your uneducated brain couldn't understand it." Zhao Xiaoqian smiled with relief.

Xiao Guangjing's anger couldn't be controlled and surfaced again.

Do you want to listen to the bullshit you're talking about? You're just short of a hand search. How can you call that "tactful"?
Turning his head and quickly glancing at the Liao envoys not far away, Xiao Guangjing lowered his voice and gritted his teeth and said, "You should know, the county lord, I am penniless and I even owe you a lot. I really have nothing left!"

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded in understanding: "I know, but there are many ways to express your feelings. Even if you don't have money, there are ways to do it."

"any solution?"

Zhao Xiaoqian took out a white IOU from his pocket. It was covered with words and the signature was actually Xiao Guangjing's name. Isn't that amazing?

Xiao Guangjing looked at the "ten thousand strings of cash" on the IOU and suddenly felt dizzy.

It's confirmed, it's a scam! How long have you been hiding this IOU?
"You just need to put your thumbprint on it and your thoughtfulness will be expressed. Thank you very much." Zhao Xiaoqian took out another piece of ink from his arms.

"You're such a jerk..." Xiao Guangjing tried hard to suppress the urge to curse, took a deep breath, and said, "Marquis, aren't you afraid that I'll deny all these debts after returning to Liao?"

Zhao Xiaoqian sneered, "You're overthinking it. For our snow salt business, I'll deduct the amount you owe me proportionally every month before shipping the goods. Is that okay with you?"

(End of this chapter)