"Beauty From Afar" Story
King Songzan Ganbu of Tibet was a brave and handsome monarch. When he was shown the portrait of Princess Wen Cheng, daughter of Tang emperor Taizong, he fell in love with her beauty and dignified air of elegance. He sent a marriage proposal, but his hopes were dashed by malicious and slanderous rumors spread by Tu Guhun, the Turkish king. Songzan Ganbu was determined to have the princess as his bride, and he retaliated by sending his troops to attack Tu Guhun.
Having routed the Turks, he turned on the Chinese territory of Songzhou. Emperor Taizong realized that the Tibetan king was not fighting for control of Songzhou, but for the hand of Princess Wen Cheng. Consequently, he accepted the proposal and betrothed the princess to Songzan Ganbu.
In 642 AD, Princess Wen Cheng embarked on the long journey to her new home. Overjoyed, the King of Tibet built a magnificent palace for her and he wore the costume of the Tang court. As she was a Buddhist, he had two temples built for her. Because she loved willow trees, he had them planted all over. Finally, he established a system of "rest stops" at one hundred mile intervals, so special messengers could carry letters and gifts to and from the Tang court. The princess was touched by her husband's love for her, and soon came to love him with all her heart. Under Songzan Ganbu's reign, Tibet became one of China's most loyal tribute states.
King Songzan Ganbu of Tibet was a brave and handsome monarch. When he was shown the portrait of Princess Wen Cheng, daughter of Tang emperor Taizong, he fell in love with her beauty and dignified air of elegance. He sent a marriage proposal, but his hopes were dashed by malicious and slanderous rumors spread by Tu Guhun, the Turkish king. Songzan Ganbu was determined to have the princess as his bride, and he retaliated by sending his troops to attack Tu Guhun.
Having routed the Turks, he turned on the Chinese territory of Songzhou. Emperor Taizong realized that the Tibetan king was not fighting for control of Songzhou, but for the hand of Princess Wen Cheng. Consequently, he accepted the proposal and betrothed the princess to Songzan Ganbu.
In 642 AD, Princess Wen Cheng embarked on the long journey to her new home. Overjoyed, the King of Tibet built a magnificent palace for her and he wore the costume of the Tang court. As she was a Buddhist, he had two temples built for her. Because she loved willow trees, he had them planted all over. Finally, he established a system of "rest stops" at one hundred mile intervals, so special messengers could carry letters and gifts to and from the Tang court. The princess was touched by her husband's love for her, and soon came to love him with all her heart. Under Songzan Ganbu's reign, Tibet became one of China's most loyal tribute states.