Tao Ding, the character "Tao" was not his surname at first, but a profession, meaning a potter named Ding. However, this does not necessarily mean that he is absolutely a potter. Tao Ding was born into a family of potters, and his ancestors were all skilled in ceramics, so he took Tao as his surname.

  Craftsmen, in this society with very low productivity, have a relatively high status. Highly skilled craftsmen are even more sought after by various countries, especially those who can make weapons and ironware.

  At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, there was little known about Taos personality, only that he revered Confucianism and, as most craftsmen were simple people, it can be roughly inferred what kind of person he was.

  In fact, Song Chu Er can serve as an envoy to visit Song Qi Cheng Jun, but Song Qi Cheng Jun is lustful and violent, so even if Song Chu Er had ten heads, he wouldnt dare disturb him at night.

  Tao Ding was a senior official of the Song State, and it only took asking a few people along the way to easily find his residence.

  Song Chuyi went forward and knocked on the door. After a while, an old man opened the door, stuck his head out from inside, took a glance at Song Chuyi and the others, and asked, "I dont know what brings you three here before nightfall, whats your noble business?"

  "Excuse me, sir. Is this indeed the residence of Grand Master Tao Ding?" Song Chuyi asked to confirm once more.

  "Thats right." The old man replied.

  At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, one of them bowed and said, "I am an envoy of the State of Wei, sent by the Marquis of Wei to visit your noble country. I have come to pay my respects to Grand Master Tao on a matter of great importance. Would you kindly help me convey this message?"

  The old man heard this and immediately said, "Wait a moment."

  After saying that, he closed the door again.

  After a brief moment, roughly the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the old man opened the door again and said, " Envoy, please enter."

  As soon as Song Chuyi entered the door, he saw a middle-aged man in plain clothes waiting at the bottom of the steps. Seeing the three people coming in, two strong men followed behind him, obviously as bodyguards, so he didnt pay much attention to them, but looked at Song Chuyi with an incredulous expression, "You are the envoy of Weiguo?"

  The middle-aged man was thin and short, not much taller than Song Chuyi. His facial features were regular, but his cheeks were slightly sunken, and his cheekbones protruded, making him look rather proud and aloof, just like his tone of voice.

  "Thats right." Song Chuyi smiled slightly and replied.

  The middle-aged man sneered, "Is there no one left in the country? Youve actually sent a mere child who still smells of his mothers milk!"

  As soon as Song stepped down from the gate, he smiled brightly at him and said, "I have long known that the people of Song are talented and spiritual, having produced Confucius, Mozi, Zhuangzi, and Huizi. Half of the worlds great scholars come from Song, and Ive also heard that Taoist Master is a great scholar of his generation, and I admire him greatly."

  The middle-aged mans face remained unchanged, but his eyes revealed a hint of pride.

  "However, seeing you today, I suddenly understood... " Song Chus eyebrow slightly raised, his voice slow and cold, "Why did the Song Dynasty produce so many saints, from the decline of the Spring and Autumn Five Hegemons to this point."

  This is an extremely serious matter, and its simply because of the middle-aged mans laziness that he has raised questions about his own moral character and ability, as well as the moral character and ability of all people in Songguo.

  The middle-aged mans face suddenly changed, and he almost burst out in anger. But Song Chuoyi pulled Tao Ding in as well. If he had erupted, Song Chuoyi might have doubted Tao Dings moral character again. As his disciple, he didnt dare to casually tarnish his teachers reputation. So he could only endure it and make a deep bow to Song Chuoyi, "I, Wu Chi, was careless in my treatment of the envoy due to his appearance. My cultivation is indeed lacking, please forgive me."

  At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, one attitude suddenly changed, and a smiling face stretched out to help him up, saying, "Sir is serious, Huaizhao knows that Sir says so, its because Im young, cant help but distrust, so I tested. Huaizhao is also a person of the Song Dynasty, how could he easily insult his motherland? Please get up quickly, sir."

  The middle-aged mans face turned red, and he coughed dryly, but still tacitly acknowledged Song Chuyis statement. The step she gave was really too hard to refuse.

  "May I ask your esteemed surname and given name, sir?" Song Chu asked politely.

  Wu Chis attitude improved somewhat, "I am Wu Chi, styled Zisi."

  "Chi" and "xu" both mean "to wait".

  Song Chu said, "I am Song Huaijin, and I have met Master Zi Xu before. I hope you wont blame me for speaking out of turn just now."

  Wu Chi looked down on others at first, but Song Chu Yi not only gave him a step down, but also showed humility and courtesy. As someone who valued Confucian virtues of benevolence, righteousness, and propriety, Wu Chi felt ashamed and thus treated Song Chu Yi with even more kindness.

  Ji Bian and Yun Ruo, who were following behind Song Chu Er, regained a bit of confidence in her after seeing this scene.

  Wu Chi led Song Chu and others into the hall, saying, "The envoy will wait for a moment, the teacher will arrive soon."

  Song Shi bowed his head and said, "Thank you, Mr. Zi Xu."

  "Its not worthy of me." Wu Chi looked at Song Chuyi again, and he also reevaluated Song Chuyi in his heart. From the moment he entered, his performance was very calm and composed, without any impetuousness of a young man. On the other hand, although Wei Hou had been hiding, he was not incompetent. With 30,000 troops trapped by Song, he would not be careless.

  Wu Chi retreated and went out. Song Chuyi then found a seat, knelt down and rested. She had been riding her horse all day, and her whole body was about to fall apart.

  Ji Yan stood behind Song Chu with his sword in hand, looking down to see her sitting upright on her knees with her sleeves rolled up, eyes closed and resting, just like any other scholar, without a hint of being a princess. Looking back, since entering the Tao Dings gate, her entire demeanor had changed completely, just like a steady yet sharp sword, giving him a feeling of unstoppable momentum.

  In fact, in the past, Song ChuYis attitude would be more casual, whether discussing official business or private matters, it was all the same. However, now that she is older, she appears too young and immature, if she still had a playful and disrespectful attitude, it would be even less convincing, Wu Chi would probably have her thrown out directly.

  A gentle cough, and Tao Ding walked in with a head of white hair, wearing a light gray linen robe, his white hair loosely tied up, still robust and sturdy, looking more like a military general than a civil official. Perhaps because he was in his own mansion at night, Tao Ding did not wear a high crown or magnificent clothes, which made his slightly stern face look softer.

  As soon as Song heard the sound, he immediately got up and went out to greet him.

  "Your Excellency." Song Chu bowed and saluted.

  Although I had heard Wu Chi say that Song Chu was very young, when I saw her, I was still slightly surprised, but only for a moment. Then I returned to normal and slightly raised my hand, saying, "No need for formalities."

  At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, one raised his head and saw Tao Ding kneeling down on the main seat, with Wu Chi kneeling behind him. Tao Dings figure was straight and tall, although Wu Chi was a bit younger, but in comparison, it made Wu Chi look even more disheveled.

  "Please sit down, Your Excellency," Tao Ding said.

  Song Chu thanked him and knelt down.

  A maid came in with tea, Tao Dingduan picked up the teacup and took a sip before saying, "I dont know what business the envoy has come for?"

  I ask despite knowing!

  At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, one said, "I have come for this battle between Song and Wei."

  "Theres no need to say more. You go back and inform Wei Hou that Song will never give up on this matter." Tao Ding said calmly.

  Song didnt rush, and smiled slightly. "Leaving aside the envoys identity, I am also a citizen of Song. Please forgive me for speaking bluntly, but even if Song doesnt give up, what can it do? Does it want to borrow a path from Wei to start a war? I think Wei will definitely be willing to lend a path, but this war will inevitably drain the vitality of Song, and King Wei will surely be delighted. However, by that time, Song will probably be in danger!"

  The whole territory of the country is surrounded by Wei, and it is a country within a country. If you want to attack it, no matter from which direction, you must pass through the land of Wei.

  Song finished speaking and calmly took a sip of tea.

  Zhang Yi said he wanted to cry and complain, of course he had to cry and complain, but not in front of Tao Ding, Song Chuyi would save these tears to wail in front of Song Qicheng.