bayedsolid Chapter 145 The Prequel to Tibet
Chapter 145 The Prequel to Tibet
Xiao Si leaned against the window, gently swirling the teacup in her hand, her mind drifting to the tumultuous history between Tibet and the Tang Dynasty.
As she pondered, she wove a delightful little drama in her mind.
"You know, these two princesses of the Tang Dynasty, Princess Wencheng and Princess Jincheng, are truly 'enviable'!" Xiao Si chuckled to herself, a wonderful palace drama already playing out in her mind.
In 641, the fifteenth year of the Zhenguan era, the Tang Dynasty made a generous gesture by marrying a "royal daughter" to Songtsen Gampo.
Although she was not the emperor's biological daughter, her status in Tibet was significantly elevated.
Princess Wencheng was bestowed the title of 'Queen,' and Songtsen Gampo must have been overjoyed at that time.
It's not because of what everyone says,
Songtsen Gampo was probably secretly delighted, for this was not only a happy marriage, but also brought so many treasures!
He didn't think he had gained any huge benefits. He just liked it and it suited him.
Of course, who wouldn't yearn for the tea and silk of the Tang Dynasty?
The little ox was a bit mischievous.
“Look at Princess Wencheng, who married a Tibetan from the Tang Dynasty. Not only did she marry a very 'noble' and masculine husband, but she also brought Tang Dynasty culture, tea, silk and other things to Tibet.”
While celebrating his own coronation, Songtsen Gampo was also busy crowning her, and this marriage became an important link between the two countries.
"And what about Princess Jincheng?"
Xiao Si suddenly raised an eyebrow.
In 710, the Tang Dynasty once again sent a "royal daughter," Princess Jincheng, to marry the Zanpu Trida Zhudan.
Although this princess may seem more 'low-key' compared to Princess Wencheng, she held a similarly prominent position in Tibet, was honored as 'Zanmeng', and enjoyed the same treatment as an empress.
Look, where else can you find a day like this!
These two princesses effectively became 'half-monarchs' of Tibet!
Xiao Si picked up her teacup again and took a sip, looking at Yu Zhanmo.
"Did you know that the Dunhuang Tibetan Historical Documents record that after Princess Wencheng and Princess Jincheng passed away, they were still able to enjoy the honor of being worshipped? This was not a gift given casually; only the queens of Tibet had this honor."
So, did they actually "marry off" to a foreign country, or did they "in reality receive a generous dowry"?
The little ox chuckled softly, its gaze piercing through time and space outside the window, able to witness the triumphant expressions of Songtsen Gampo and Chidai Zhudan back then.
"This marriage, though called a 'marriage alliance,' is actually more like an 'alliance,' with both countries getting what they need and sharing the benefits."
You see, the tea, silk and culture gifted by the Tang Dynasty were accepted and absorbed by Tibet with its own 'tradition', and eventually the two countries became close trading partners.
Although the two princesses were not Emperor Taizong's biological children, their 'royal bloodline' undoubtedly strengthened the bond between the two countries.
She put down her cup, a smile spreading across her face. "It's truly a 'comeback story.' They not only became queens, but also legendary figures in history, a model of 'happy marriage'!"
Wow, to enjoy the honor of being worshipped even after death—that's the epitome of prestige!
This recollection, tinged with a touch of humor, allowed Xiao Si to easily conjure up a vivid historical scene in her imagination.
In the distant past, the story of the Tubo Dynasty was like a magical adventure game.
Everyone knows that Tibet has a complex terrain and a harsh climate. "Want to unify? No way!"
Thus, the Tibetan Empire was constantly in turmoil throughout its long history, making unification somewhat difficult.
Xiao Si said that the Yarlung Valley on the south bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River was once the territory of the Tubo royal family.
Suddenly, Yu Zhanmo asked curiously, "Who is the leader of the Yarlung tribe?"
Xiao Si smiled mysteriously and gave a surprising answer:
"He is the son of the six gods, the legendary 'Rodent Zanpu'." Wow, that sounds like the name of a superhero, right? But the story of this 'Rodent Zanpu' is even more peculiar.
Legend has it that Nyatri Tsenpo was no ordinary man; he was originally the son of a god, who descended gracefully like a little angel. Upon reaching the sacred mountain of Qiangtuo in the Shannan region, twelve old herders discovered this young man.
Think about it, this young man is not only handsome, but he also speaks in a way that is different from everyone else.
The old men thought, "Who is this kid? Where did he come from? He's so handsome, should we hire him for PR?" (Of course not, they were just trying to be funny.)
So they sent twelve clever wizards up the mountain to investigate. They found that the young man was indeed extraordinary; he pointed to the sky and mysteriously said:
"I come from heaven." Upon hearing this, the twelve wizards exclaimed "Oh!" in their hearts—so this is the son of a god! They were overjoyed.
To show their respect, the wizards shouted in unison:
"Come on, everyone, line up and carry this 'Son of God' down!"
And so, everyone carried the young man down the mountain, and everyone unconsciously wanted to get closer to him.
To show his sincerity, an old man stretched out his neck and let this "son of the gods" sit on his neck.
The image is quite funny to think about—a future great leader sitting on the neck of an old man with a long neck, and everyone working together to lift him back.
So, looking at this "son of the gods" who had descended from the sky—both intelligent and handsome—everyone made a unanimous decision:
"This kid is the leader of our tribe!"
Thus, Nyatri Tsenpo became the first leader of the "Tibetan tribe," and everyone gave him a resounding name: Nyatri Tsenpo, "the hero whose neck is his throne!"
Look, this name sounds both funny and authoritative.
Incidentally, the Bon religion's scriptures specifically mention that Nyatri Tsenpo was actually the reincarnation of the thirteenth generation of the Radiant Emperor of the Form Realm. Hey, now he's not just a tribal leader, but also an incarnation of a god!
Thus, with the combined support of Bon followers and clans, Nyatri Tsenpo quickly became king.
The story takes place in 237 BC, making it one of the most amazing and hilarious "heroic" tales in history.
From that time until the establishment of the Tubo Dynasty, the throne was passed down for thirty-two generations.
Meanwhile, at Lushui Pass, Xiao Si and Yu Zhanmo drifted into a dream, and into a past time... a time and space where Li Bai lived...