Inside the Tai Chi Hall.
Seeing the big man who was the leader of the Turkic envoys, not only Li Er had a strange look on his face, but many of the officials in the palace also lowered their heads and started talking.
"Your Majesty, Ashinasmo, comes to see you~!"
The big man at the head of the Turkic mission bowed to Li Er and saluted.
The two Turks behind him raised their fists to their chests and saluted the big man, but did not speak. They probably did not speak Chinese!
"minister?"
Li Zexuan's heart moved. When Ashina Simo walked into the hall, he noticed something strange about the officials around him. Now that he heard Ashina Simo calling himself "Chen" to Li Er, his doubts became even deeper. Got it! After all, Ashina Simo was a foreigner. How could he claim to be a minister to the emperor of the Tang Dynasty?
Since he is currently in the civil service camp, most of the people around him are unfamiliar to him. Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Changsun Wuji are familiar to him, but these three people are already standing at the front talking to Li Er!
So he could only suppress the doubts in his heart and quietly watch the development of the situation.
"Haha! No need to be polite, Simo! Get down quickly!"
Li Er, who was sitting on the dragon chair, said with a kind face.
The attitude is obviously different from the previous meetings with Tuli envoys and Khitan envoys.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Ashina Simo stood up straight, and Li Er asked: "General Simo, do you have anything important to do with me today?"
"Back to Your Majesty, a few days ago, the Great Khan discovered that the Khitan chief was so audacious that he dared to lead his troops to defect to the Turks and defect to the Tang Dynasty. He specially ordered Ashina Simo to come to Chang'an and ask for the Khitan chief from Your Majesty!"
Ashina Simo bowed and replied.
Li Er narrowed his eyes and his voice immediately became a little cold. He said calmly: "The Khitan tribe has always been under the jurisdiction of Jie Li. I have never met him. How can I hand it over to you?"
Ashina Simo said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the envoy who was at the palace gate just now is a member of the Khitan tribe. The Khitan chief and his tribe must be on their way to Chang'an City at this moment. Your Majesty will only need to send someone by then. Just capture it and hand it over to Simo! The Great Khan will be grateful to you in due time!"
Li Er's face darkened and he said in a bad tone: "Presumptuous! Ashina Simo, are you giving me orders?"
"I don't dare!"
Ashina Simo quickly bowed and said: "Your Majesty, I am only here to bring back the Khitan tribe, and I have no intention of offending you! But Your Majesty, you seem to have the intention of protecting the Khitan tribe. I would like to remind your Majesty, don't forget it." There was a covenant of friendship between the Turks and the Tang Dynasty that they would not attack each other. Now that the Khitan tribe has defected to the Tang Dynasty, if your majesty can hand it over to your ministers and take it back, the friendship between the Tang Dynasty and the Turks will surely last forever. Forever, the Great Khan will also be grateful for His Majesty’s benevolence and righteousness, and will give you generous gifts!”
"Bold~!"
As soon as Ashina Simo finished speaking, Cheng Yaojin suddenly lost his composure. The old guy jumped out from behind, pointed at Ashina Simo's nose and cursed:
"You bastard, you are the only one who dares to accuse His Majesty? His Majesty's courtesy to you today is just because of the late Emperor's respect for you and his past affection. You don't know what is good and what is wrong. I am guilty of doing this to Your Majesty. Threatening? Humph! If you are brave enough, come out and have a good fight with me, Old Cheng!"
Ashina Simo frowned and said: "Mr. Lu, Ashina Simo did not threaten His Majesty, he just wanted to complete the tasks assigned by the Great Khan and promote eternal good relations between the Turks and the Tang Dynasty! What an offense. , I hope your majesty and Duke Lu will forgive me!"
Cheng Yaojin waited for the bull's eye and said angrily: "Huh! Don't use Jieli Khan to pressure me! I, Old Cheng, are not afraid of him..."
"Okay! Zhijie! Get down! It's so noisy in the court, how unbecoming it is!"
Li Er, who was sitting high up, frowned and scolded lightly.
"Here~!"
Cheng Yaojin immediately stopped unwillingly, and then stepped back!
Li Er looked at Ashina Simo and said in a deep voice: "It is true that I and Jieli have an agreement not to attack each other. The Khitan tribe is in the Turks and I have no control over it. But now that it has surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, he is my son." People, I will not hand over my people to other countries, let alone Jieli! So Ashina Simo, you should go back~!"
Ashina Simopian still reluctantly handed over his hand and said: "Your Majesty, if you can hand over the Khitan people to me and take them back, the Great Khan is willing to exchange Liang Shidu! Your Majesty, please think twice, just a Khitan tribe, How can it be compared with the eternal friendship between the Turks and the Tang Dynasty?"
Master Liang! !
Everyone in the court was first stunned at this moment, and then they were in an uproar!
Many civil servants and generals had expressions of excitement flashing on their faces!
Li Zexuan was also moved because he had heard of Master Liang!
Liang Shidu was originally a general of Yingyang Mansion in the Sui Dynasty. At the end of the Sui Dynasty, he was dismissed from office and returned to his hometown. Later, he took advantage of the chaos in the world to rebel and took control of Shuofang. Later, Liang Shidu officially proclaimed himself emperor and became a minister to the Turks, and was canonized by the Turks as "Dadu Bijia Khan" and "Emperor Jieshi".
After that, with the support of the Turks, Liang Shidu attacked the Tang Dynasty several times, but was defeated by the Tang army and his power declined day by day. Especially after the Tang Dynasty eliminated other separatist forces, Liang Shidu was even more in danger. So Liang Shidu surrendered wholeheartedly to the Turks and relied on the Turks to survive.
Because the Eastern Turks were powerful in the early years of the Tang Dynasty, after the Tang Dynasty wiped out most of the separatist forces, it decided to recuperate, restore its national strength, and wait until it could defeat the Eastern Turks before solving Liang Shidu.
Therefore, Liang Shidu remained under the protection of the Eastern Turks for more than ten years, making it the longest-lasting separatist force in the late Sui Dynasty.
Now, in order to capture the defected Khitan tribe, Jie Li was actually willing to use Master Liang in exchange. Hearing this, Li Zexuan's eyes flashed, and he suddenly came up with a plan.
Li Er, who was sitting upright, was obviously shocked by Ashina Simo's words, but he quickly reacted and refused directly:
"Impossible! No matter what conditions Jie Li offers, it is impossible for me to hand over the people who surrendered to the Tang Dynasty! The Tang Dynasty is a country of gentlemen, and will never do such villainous behavior! Therefore, Ashina Simo, you’d better give up on this idea as soon as possible!”
Li Er is not stupid. Although he also thinks that he can eliminate Liang Shidu, he will not give the Khitan tribe in exchange. Otherwise, who will dare to surrender to the Tang Dynasty in the future? Li Er will definitely not do this kind of thing that damages the country's prestige!
Upon hearing this, all the ministers in the hall breathed a sigh of relief in unison. Obviously, everyone saw the current situation clearly!
Ashina Simo's eyes darkened slightly. After a moment of pause, he raised his hands in displeasure and said, "In that case, I'll take my leave! After I go back, I will report the truth to the Great Khan. I hope your Majesty will not regret today's decision!"
"Hmph! I have never regretted it! Come here! Send Ashina Simo out of the palace!"
Li Er snorted angrily and said.
If the two countries were not at war and Buza came to envoy, he would definitely have someone punish this rude guy.
Ashina Simo glanced at Li Er, then turned around and left the hall with his entourage!
The hall fell into silence again!
Because the current situation is becoming more and more complicated, Li Er rejected Ashina Simo's request. After returning, Jieli Khan will definitely be furious. Everyone can foresee that the comprehensive conflict between the Tang Dynasty and the Turks War will come soon!
"Your Majesty, Jieliti will be very angry if his request is rejected. The old minister estimates that after he takes care of Tuli Khan, he will reorganize the army and avenge today's revenge! Therefore, even if we do not take the initiative to send troops, we still need to Take precautions as soon as possible, otherwise it will be difficult to resist the Turks’ wolf cavalry!”
Li Jing, the military god of the Tang Dynasty, stood up at this time and bowed to Li Er.
"I agree with what the pharmacist said! Since your Majesty has rejected Jie Li today, you must take precautions early! Whether it is to attack or defend, please make your decision early~"
Xu Maogong back then and Li Ji now also stepped forward and bowed.
"I second the proposal, and please Your Majesty to make a decision as soon as possible!"
Qin Qiong, Cheng Yaojin, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui and other ministers all bowed.
Li Er nodded, and then he said: "What you dear friends said is absolutely true. Although there is an alliance between the Tang Dynasty and the Turks, the Turks' ambitions are well known to the world. It will be a matter of time before they tear up the alliance! But I The Tang Dynasty, as a kingdom of heaven and a country of gentlemen, absolutely cannot commit such treacherous acts, so I have decided to postpone sending troops.
However, the generals of each battalion of the Sixteenth Guards in the capital have recently urged the officers and men to prepare for war and strengthen training. The generals in charge of supervision, household affairs, and industry must prepare weapons, armor, war horses, and food and grass! Once the Turks violate the covenant, we will immediately attack the Turks and capture Jieli alive! The national crisis is approaching, and all ministers and workers must do their best,"
"I obey the order~!"
All the civil servants and generals bowed down to take orders.
Li Er nodded and was about to say, "If there is something to do, I will leave the court if there is nothing to do." Unexpectedly, Li Zexuan walked up at this time.
"Your Majesty, I have a plan for dealing with the Turks!"
Li Zexuan was dressed in a purple robe and stood in the hall, proud and independent, looking confident. He was really graceful and distinguished!
Many ministers secretly praised it in their hearts.
Mainly because this guy has a good skin!
"Oh? What's your plan, Marquis Yong'an? Tell it quickly!"
Li Er's eyes lit up and he asked with some anticipation.
He asked Li Zexuan to come to the morning court today mainly because he wanted Li Zexuan to participate in the affairs between the Tang Dynasty and the Turks. After all, he also wanted Li Zexuan to contribute to the attack on the Turks in the future!
He didn't expect that Li Zexuan could have his own opinions on the current situation of the Tang Dynasty and the Turks!
When Ashina Simo left the hall, Li Zexuan was already brewing a plan in his mind. At this moment, he already had a plan in mind. After hearing this, he cupped his hands and said:
"Your Majesty, I suggest that we immediately send troops to Shuofang to attack Liangshidu and solve this last obstacle in our territory of the Tang Dynasty!"
After hearing this, Li Er felt slightly disappointed and said: "The troops are sent to Liangshidu? What does this have to do with the Turks?"
Li Zexuan said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, this time the Turkic envoys want to exchange Liangshidu for the Khitan tribe. Seeing that the current Turkic state affairs are in chaos, they are no longer able to protect Liangshidu. Why don't we take this opportunity to capture it in one fell swoop?
At that time, the Liang divisions gathered troops to occupy Shuofang and founded the country privately, making Shuofang a natural barrier between the Tang Dynasty and the Turks. This time, if we send troops to Shuofang and the Liang divisions are unable to defeat us, we will definitely attack Jieli asked for help, but Jieli couldn't bear to lose this barrier, so he would definitely send troops to help!
Once Jieli sent troops to assist Liang Shidu and fight against the Tang army, he would have violated the covenant of the year. This will undoubtedly give your Majesty a reason to send troops to the Turks. Since he violated the covenant first, then why can't we take the initiative to attack the Turks? ?
Therefore, the symbolic significance of this battle is far greater than the practical significance. It is far from as simple as gaining territory, because during this battle, once the Eastern Turks rescued Liang Shidu, it directly gave me the reason for the Tang Dynasty to attack the Turks!
If Jieli sees through our plan and doesn't rescue Liang Shidu, it doesn't matter. Being able to get rid of the separatist forces that have been entrenched in Shuofang for many years will also have a lot of benefits in maintaining the stability of our Tang Dynasty's rear. It just so happens that it can also provide future military support. Train your troops in advance before the Turks attack!
Therefore, once this plan comes out, no matter what Jie Li does, we will be invincible! "
In the main hall, Li Zexuan was talking eloquently. A perfect plan for Jieli Khan was narrated from his mouth. All the civil and military officials listened more and more with their eyes shining brightly. Li Er also listened. He had a look of surprise on his face and nodded frequently!
After Li Zexuan finished speaking, Li Er couldn't help but said: "Okay! Good! What a plan! Do you think the plan of Marquis Yong'an is feasible?"
Cheng Yaojin immediately stepped forward and said with joy: "Hey! Your Majesty, I think that Yong'anhou's plan is very feasible! That little old man Liang Shidu has occupied Shuofang for so many years. He should have gotten out of the Tang Dynasty long ago!" If Your Majesty wants to fight, I, Cheng Zhijie, am willing to lead the troops to take the head of Liang Shidu!"
It is said that as long as there is a war, this old guy will be excited. He was not satisfied with Guancheng County a while ago, but now that he is going to fight Liang Shidu, he is even more motivated!
What's more, he also thinks that this strategy proposed by Li Zexuan is very reliable!
Qin Qiong also stepped forward, clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, I think Marquis Yong'an's plan is feasible! Even if we can't force out Turkic reinforcements, we can regain Shuofang and completely unify the Central Plains!"
Li Jing also spoke at this time: "Your Majesty, Marquis Yong'an's plan is very clever. For us, we can advance and attack, retreat and defend, but for Jie Li, it is a dilemma! I also think this plan is feasible!"
"I second the proposal!"
Li Zexuan's strategy will not bring the Tang Dynasty the reputation of treachery, but will also allow Datang to turn from passivity into initiative in the confrontation with the Turks. It can be said that it satisfies the wishes of the peace faction and the war faction. Who among the civil and military officials would dare to disagree with the request? Those who don’t agree can only be spies who are having an affair with the Turks!
Therefore, when the Military God of the Tang Dynasty expressed his stance, it immediately acted as the final word, and all officials, both civil and military, agreed.
Li Erlong looked delighted and said: "Okay! In that case, it's settled! Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Changsun Wuji, Xiao Yu, Yan Lide, Li Jing, Li Ji, Cheng Zhijie, Qin Qiong, Yuchi Jingde, Niu Jinda, and Duan Zhixuan stay Discuss with me the matter of sending troops, and the rest of the ministers and ministers will take action if there is something to do, and if there is nothing to do, they will withdraw from the court~!"
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First update!
Two chapters in one!
Thank you for bothering me with two million rewards! (March 9)
(End of chapter)
