When they arrived in front of the Nanzhao Kingdom Palace, Li Xiang showed a meaningful smile on his face. No one around him understood what this smile meant, but Su Dingfang understood it very well. The scale here was indeed similar to that of Gaochang Kingdom. Except for a few more pagodas, the other buildings were almost exactly the same. Are the palaces of these small countries only like this?
Li Xiang did not mean to look down on them, but he felt that these small countries might have the same vision, from north to south. Perhaps it was because their comprehensive national strength was too small, or perhaps it was because their measurement methods were the same. Otherwise, how could they be so accurate?
"Your Highness?"
Luo Xionghai saw Li Xiang stop here, still smiling, and didn't understand what Li Xiang meant. Was he admiring the magnificence of our country's palace? That shouldn't be the case. Many people from Nanzhao had also been to Chang'an, and it was said that the palace in Chang'an was more than ten times larger than this one, and stretched for dozens of miles.
"Your country has a profound understanding of Buddhism. I really admire it. I wonder how many Buddhist scholars there are among these densely packed pagodas?"
When someone asked the question, Li Xiang immediately realized his gaffe, so he changed the question immediately. Fortunately, this guy was quick-witted. If he couldn't find the problem, the other person might really have wild thoughts. Then it would not only be embarrassing for him, but it might also drag the entire Tang Dynasty into trouble. You may be strong, but you can't laugh at a weak country. Is this the etiquette of your Tang Dynasty?
Upon hearing Li Xiang's question, a hint of pride immediately crossed Luo Xionghai's face. Perhaps they couldn't compare to the Tang Dynasty in other areas. After all, they were a small, bordering nation. How could they possibly be compared to the great powers of the Central Plains? But when it came to Buddhist culture, they were far superior to the Tang Dynasty.
"Reporting to His Majesty, the Crown Prince, Nanzhao has a total of 135 scholars of Buddhism, and under them there are 13,500 ordinary monks. As for ordinary young novices, there must be at least 30,000 to 50,000 of them, chanting scriptures day and night to pray for Nanzhao."
When hearing this number, all the ministers of Nanzhao were very proud, as if it was something to be proud of. After all, Buddhism was highly respected in their country, and some of their kings had to enter the temple after abdicating.
But in the eyes of these officials in the Tang Dynasty, this is not something to be happy about. There are so many people in your temples, and most of them are young and strong men. The transfer is as many as 50,000 to 60,000, which is nearly 10% of your entire country. No wonder your country cannot develop. A large number of people go to the temples to chant scriptures, and there is a lack of labor outside. No matter how unique your conditions are, I am afraid you cannot develop, not to mention that the terrain here is generally not a rich place.
"That's very good, very good."
Li Xiang's expression was slightly awkward. In the eyes of those present, Li Xiang must have had such an expression because he greatly admired the development of Buddhism in Nanzhao.
In fact, the Tang Dynasty officials who followed understood that you had inadvertently revealed a big secret. There are a total of one million people in the country, but 80,000 to 90,000 of them are doing nothing in the temples. These people do not just chant scriptures every day, they are also consuming the country's comprehensive national strength every moment.
Of course, they also brought some spiritual satisfaction to the people, but for a small border country, such a scale was really too large. The court had to spend a lot of money every year to support them, so there was very little money left for other aspects.
When they arrived at the palace gate, the King of Nanzhao was waiting there with important members of the royal family, including a group of monks. When Li Xiang saw the luxurious robes on these people, he immediately had a new understanding of these monks. They were not ordinary people and should be much more powerful than nobles.
According to the etiquette of a vassal state towards its suzerain state, even though Luo Sheng was the king of Nanzhao, he still had to ask about Li Shimin's situation first. Only after Li Xiang finished answering could the two of them formally meet.
Although this may seem a bit embarrassing for some small countries, it is also a protection for them. Many countries want to be vassal states of the Tang Dynasty, but the Tang Dynasty has not approved it yet, so this also gives them a sense of superiority.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince is a man of dignified appearance. At such a young age, he has fought for the Tang Dynasty. We in Nanzhao admire him greatly."
Luo Sheng looked quite old, probably in his fifties. During his reign, Nanzhao's overall national strength increased a lot, but due to various social problems, apart from peace and prosperity, the country's overall growth rate was not fast. Li Xiang was still wondering before, but when he saw the monks next to him, Li Xiang finally got the answer. A large amount of wealth was spent by the monks in these temples. How could it be taken from the people and used for the people?
"Your Majesty, we have all witnessed your achievements over the years. The entire Nanzhao is thriving under your governance. Along the way, the people have warmly welcomed us. It can be seen that they are living a very happy life. This is all thanks to Your Majesty."
You should praise when it is time to do so. This is also a necessary subject for members of the royal family. When people praise you, you should also find a way to praise them. Li Xiang's contributions naturally do not need to be praised. The King of Nanzhao actually has no contributions. This guy is nothing more than a king who maintains the status quo. But you still have to say the nice things you should say, otherwise people will say that you are ignorant. Even if you are from the Tang Dynasty, you cannot be so unruly.
The two sides flattered each other for a while at the gate of the palace, and the matter was over. The King of Nanzhao had already set up a banquet in the palace to entertain the delegation from Chang'an. The people from the Lifanyuan had already told me about Li Xiang, so after the two sides met, everyone walked into the palace together.
"This is my eldest son. He has a Han Chinese name, Luo Ren. I plan to have him go to Chang'an City to pay tribute on my behalf."
On the way to the banquet, Luo Sheng couldn't help it anymore, so he turned around and pushed his eldest son out. He hoped that Li Xiang could take him with him when he returned. As long as he went to Chang'an City to pay tribute once, he would have the qualifications to inherit the throne. This was how he did it back then, so he also wanted his son to follow this path.
