According to the book, in the Tang Dynasty, there was a local governor in Yunnan named Myanmar. Seeing that the Tang Dynasty was powerful, he wanted to establish friendly relations with it. So, who will be the special envoy? After some selection, the chief of Myanmar decided to let his people Mian Bogao go to the Tang Dynasty. Because this Mian Bogao is not only physically strong, but also smart. The messenger chose, but what gift should I give as a tribute? Burma's chief executive is in trouble again: the Datang empire is vast in territory, rich in resources, rich in gold and silver, and there are many beautiful girls and prostitutes. After careful consideration, the chief of Myanmar thought it more appropriate to send a swan. This kind of swan is a local specialty. "Things are rare!"
In this way, Mian Bogao carried the goose cage and embarked on a journey to Chang 'an. Along the way, Mian Bogao camped out, climbed mountains and waded across mountains, and finally came to Mianyang Lake in Shaanxi. When Mian Bogao arrived in Chang 'an, he was very happy. He looked at the rippling lake and thought, Chang 'an is just around the corner, but after months of tossing, the swan's white feathers were stained. Why don't I give it a bath and give it to the emperor of the Tang Dynasty cleanly? Thinking of this, he put down the goose cage, opened the cage cover, took out the swan and prepared to wash it. Who knows, as soon as he put the swan into the water, it broke free from Mian Bogao's hand and flew away. In his panic, Mian Bogao only caught a feather of the swan. Looking at the swan and the goose feather in his hand, Mian Bogao was extremely depressed: If he can't finish the task, how will he tell the chief when he returns? He wandered around the lake, not knowing what to do. Suddenly, a bold idea came out. He put away his goose feathers and hurried on his way again.
After arriving in Chang 'an, Mian Bogao visited Emperor Taizong, presented feathers and attached a poem:
Paying tribute to geese in the Tang Dynasty is a long way to go.
Sheep Lake lost its goose and fell to the ground crying.
You go to the Tang Dynasty emperor, can you spare Mian Bogao?
Gifts are light and affectionate, and goose feathers are sent thousands of miles away.
The emperor saw the feather, listened to the poem and smiled. Not only did he not blame him, but also praised his wit and gave him a lot of treasures. Since then, people have used "a thousand miles to send goose feathers" to describe this gift as easy but full of affection.