Chapter 274 Jing Zang, leader of the Guilu tribe
Song Dynasty, Kaifeng
The atmosphere above the court hall was solemn.
The early spring breeze passed through the half-open window lattice, gently fluttering the hanging gauze curtains, but it could not wipe away the worries on the faces of the courtiers.
Zhao Yingluo, the Princess of the Supervisory State, remained in high spirits and sat beside the dragon chair. Her eyes swept over the faces of each minister, trying to read their views on the current situation from their expressions.
The voice of Privy Councilor Zhu Shengfei echoed in the hall. He reported in detail the latest trends in the Tibetan tribes, and emphasized the potential threat posed by the marriage between Zhao Yongji and the princess of Jin.
His words revealed deep worries: "Princess, if Zhao Yongji gets help from the Kingdom of Jin, his power will definitely increase greatly. By then, both Longyou and Shu will face tremendous pressure."
Zhao Yingluo nodded slightly, indicating that she understood Zhu Shengfei's concerns.
She looked around and spoke slowly: "My dear friends, what do you think of the current situation?"
Veteran general Zongze smoothed his gray beard and said in a deep voice: "Princess, during the pre-Tang Dynasty, Tubo was a serious concern of the Tang Dynasty. Although the Tibetan forces are now divided, the rise of Zhao Yongji makes us have to guard against it. I think , we can learn from history and try to maintain the balance among the Tubo tribes, thereby reducing our pressure."
"Oh? What does General Zong have to say?" Zhao Yingluo raised her eyebrows, obviously interested in Zong Ze's suggestion.
Zong Ze smiled slightly and continued, "Princess, I think we can win over Jing Zang, the leader of the Guilu tribe who is at odds with Zhao Yongji. The Guilu tribe is quite powerful among the Tibetan tribes. If we can get their help and hold Zhao Yongji's forces hostage in the south, we will be able to gain more time and space."
Zhao Yingluo's eyes lit up when she heard this. She felt that this suggestion was very feasible.
So she immediately issued an order: "Pass the message and order Zhang Jun, the Inspector of School Shaobao, the Dingguo Army Jiedu Envoy, and the Xuanfu Disposal Envoy who are far away in Shu, to immediately contact Jing Zang, the leader of the Guilu Tribe, to discuss the plan."
Zhang Jun, who was in Shu, did not dare to neglect the order after receiving it. He knew the importance of this matter and immediately convened a group of think tanks to discuss it.
The spring breeze in Shu brought a little moisture and warmth, but it could not dispel the gloom in Zhang Jun's heart. He knew that the burden on his shoulders was much heavier.
After some intensive planning and preparation, Zhang Jun decided to go to the territory of the Guilu tribe in person to meet with Jing Zang. He selected a group of capable entourage and think tank members to accompany him, and prepared generous gifts to show his sincerity.
After trekking on the rugged mountain road for several days, Zhang Jun and his party finally arrived at the settlement of the Guilu tribe.
The terrain here is dangerous, with mountains and mountains, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack. Zhang Jun couldn't help but secretly admire the treasure land chosen by Beijing and Zang.
Zhang Jun, surrounded by the Guilu tribe, slowly walked into the center of the tribe.
He looked around curiously and saw that this tribe was quite large in size, with tents in a row and flocks of cattle and sheep, making it appear quite prosperous.
Jing Zang, the leader of the Guilu tribe, left a deep impression on him. This Tubo man is tall and tall, with dark complexion and a hearty smile, showing his big white teeth. He looks both rugged and friendly.
Jing Zang came forward warmly, exchanged a few words with Zhang Jun, and then invited him into his big tent.
Zhang Jun observed secretly as he walked and found that although this tribe was located in a remote location, it was managed in an orderly manner, which was obviously due to the good leadership of Beijing and Zang.
After entering the big tent, the two parties sat down separately.
The interior of the tents in Jingzang is quite exquisitely decorated, with thick and soft carpets and exquisite and comfortable cushions.
Zhang Jun couldn't help but secretly praise the leader's taste in life. After a few polite words, Jing Zang finally got to the point: "General Zhang has come all the way this time. Why do you want to do this?"
Zhang Jun smiled slightly and said: "What the leader doesn't know is that the Tubo area has suffered a lot of rain and snow disasters recently, and the people's lives are in poverty. Her Royal Highness Princess Zhao Yingluo cares about the people and has specially asked me to come here to send her modest thoughts."
As he spoke, he pointed to the mountains of fodder outside the tent and continued: "This is tens of thousands of kilograms of livestock fodder. I hope it can help your department's livelihood."
Jingzang was overjoyed when he heard this. He immediately stood up and knelt down in the direction of Kaifeng, thanking him repeatedly: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your gift! All the Guilu tribe is grateful!"
Upon seeing this, Zhang Jun quickly helped Jing Zang up and said with a smile: "There is no need to be polite, chief. Her Royal Highness the Princess has always been concerned about the well-being of the Tubo people. These are what she should do."
Jing Zang stood up, and after sitting down again, the smile on his face faded slightly.
He knew that Song Dynasty would not give him so many favors for no reason. There must be other things. So he asked tentatively: "Master Zhang, I wonder if Her Royal Highness the Princess has any other instructions besides delivering fodder?"
Seeing that Jing Zang took the initiative to bring it up, Zhang Jun stopped beating around the bush and explained his purpose straightforwardly: "The leader knows everything. To be honest, Her Royal Highness the Princess does have something else to ask for."
He paused and continued: "Now Zhao Yongji's power in the Longyou area is growing day by day, and he has an affair with the Jin Kingdom, which poses a great threat to the Song Dynasty. Her Royal Highness hopes that the leader will remember the generations of friendship between the Song Dynasty and Tubo. , contain Zhao Yongji’s forces in the south, and jointly safeguard the peace and tranquility of the two ethnic groups.”
After hearing Zhang Jun's intention, Jing Zang fell into deep thought.
He knew that the tribe led by Zhao Yongji was huge and had been making frequent moves recently, and seemed to have the intention of going south. This was undoubtedly a huge threat to the Guilu tribe.
However, it is not easy for the Guilu tribe and the Song Dynasty to join forces to fight against Zhao Yongji. This requires not only courage and determination, but also wisdom and strategy.
Jing Zang pondered for a moment and said to Zhang Jun: "General Zhang, this matter is of great importance and I can't make a decision at the moment. Please stay in the tribe for a few days and allow me to discuss it with several tribal leaders before I give you an answer. how?"
When Zhang Jun heard this, he felt a little anxious, but he also knew that this matter should not be rushed.
He nodded and said: "What the leader said is absolutely true. This matter really needs careful consideration. Then I will stay in the tribe for a few days and wait for news from the leader."
Jingzang immediately summoned several major tribal leaders of the Guilu tribe for discussion.
However, the opinions of these leaders were not unanimous.
Some advocate agreeing to help the Song Dynasty fight against Zhao Yongji, believing that this is the best choice to safeguard the interests of the Guilu tribe; some are worried that once the Guilu tribe offends Zhao Yongji, it will lead to catastrophic consequences of death and annihilation. They each had their own opinions and argued endlessly.
Seeing this, Jing Zang sighed secretly in his heart.
He knew that it was not easy to unify the opinions of these leaders and that he needed a strong reason to convince them.
However, he has yet to come up with a reason that can convince everyone.
At this moment, Zhang Jun walked in. When he saw the scene where these leaders were arguing endlessly, he already understood seven or eight points.
He stepped forward and said to Jing Zang: "Chief, can you let me say a few words?"
Jing Zang nodded.
