"Qu Wentai, the envoy of the lower state, pays homage to King Wei!" In the lobby of the 'State Residence', a Huhua Han man saluted Yang Ji respectfully with Han etiquette.
The name of King Wei Yang Ji may not be well received in the Central Plains, but in the grasslands and the Western Regions, even if a hostile force mentions Yang Ji's name at this time, they must call him King Wei in awe.
Of course, Yang Shuang's contribution is also included here. Although it was more than ten years ago that Yang Shuang became famous outside the territory, not many people still remember Yang Shuang's reputation now, but because Yang Ji defeated After Bujia Khan, people's memory of fear of Yang Shuang was also awakened, and the resulting fierce power was fed back to his son Yang Ji.
"No courtesy!" Yang Ji gestured for Qu Wentai to take a seat and looked at the burly young man. This man did not look like a mentally ill person! But in history, he dared to challenge the Li Tang Dynasty with Gaochang, which was not as big as Zhongyuan Prefecture. Who gave him the courage?
After he sat down, he said with a serious face: "Are you the son of the King of Gaochang? I have long heard of your reputation and courage. I admire your courage very much."
"King Wei is overly praised." Looking at the heroic and handsome Yang Ji, a hint of excitement flashed in Qu Wentai's eyes. He was just a prince of a small prince, but even the Sui Dynasty King Wei, who was famous in the Western Regions, knew about him?
He cupped his hands and saluted: "King Wei, I, Gaochang, have always been proud of the Han people. My father spared no effort to promote Sinology and Han systems, just in the hope that from generation to generation we will follow the footsteps of the Sui Dynasty and promote our Han civilization further. The place."
"That's very good, but I wonder why the prince is here?" Yang Ji smiled and nodded. He knew that after the Qu family seized the power of Gaochang, he was afraid that others would imitate him and overthrow the Qu family's rule in a violent way, so he adopted the full policy The dynastic system of the Central Plains was established, and the Sui Dynasty was used as a model in almost every aspect. Now, below the king, there are Ling and Yin who are comparable to Shangshu Ling, and they are divided into the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Ancestral Halls, the Ministry of Treasury, the Ministry of Cang, the Ministry of Hosts and Guests, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the Ministry of War. Many departments, etc., have a very sound system.
At the same time, the Qu family was also working hard to promote Han culture and loyalty to the emperor and patriotism. However, because Gaochang has long been in the mixed situation of Hu and Han, the Han people have become very serious. More and more people believe in the belief that the strong Hu people respect the strong, which makes the promotion of Sinology in Gaochang very difficult.
Regardless of whether the Qu family wanted to rule for themselves or were sincerely promoting sinology, Yang Ji welcomed him in his heart. However, if the Qu family dared to make territorial claims, he would not mind letting Ni Chuluo Khan cede the entire Gaochang capital.
Although he instilled the concept of "imperial wall" to Li Jing and others yesterday, considering the strength of the Sui Dynasty, it is more reasonable to conquer a territory as large as the middle of the Qing Dynasty; if it exceeds this range, the Sui Dynasty does not have enough maneuverability. Even if the dynasty conquered and occupied it, it would be meaningless. It might even create a few powerful enemies like tigers for itself.
As for the Gaochang Kingdom, it sat in the Turpan Basin, the richest in the Western Regions, and occupied the Sui Dynasty's strategic route to the west. If the Sui Dynasty did not take it as its own, how could it have a safe export route?
"King Wei, all the military and political power in my hands in Gaochang has been taken away by the Western Turks. I came here this time on the order of my father, hoping that the Sui Dynasty would send a supporting army to drive away the brutal Turks." Speaking of the Turks, Qu A trace of hatred flashed in Wen Tai's eyes. He tried his best to calm down the anger in his heart, and said slowly: "I beg King Wei to send troops to help my father regain his power. Gaochang will be loyal to the Sui Dynasty from generation to generation."
"Absolutely not!" Li Jing frowned and glanced at Qu Wentai, then cupped his hands to Yang Ji and said: "Your Highness, Liangzhou is surrounded by enemies. At this time, all countries and races are in a delicate balance. If you rush to send troops to assist Gaochang, , Not to mention the huge consumption, if the Western Turks attack Tingzhou and Tuyuhun attacks Guazhou and Ganzhou, how will our army resist the enemy?"
Nipuchuluo Khan used Ashina Poshi as his envoy to pay homage to the emperor. He was probably already in Guanzhong at this time. If nothing unexpected happened, the imperial court would definitely accept the Western Turks' declaration of vassalage.
As for Gaochang, which had been cut into pieces by the Sui Dynasty and the Western Turks, it was nothing to the Sui Dynasty, let alone a "threat". Even if the Sui Dynasty helped Gaochang drive away the Western Turks, it would have fulfilled the Qu family. But for the Sui Dynasty, it was of no practical use. Instead, it became an enemy of the powerful Western Turks. Not only would Tingzhou and Yizhou suffer military disasters, but they would also have to spend countless dollars to conquer the powerful Western Turks. In order to maintain the security of the border and the authority of the Sui Dynasty. If they win, it will only help Shekui Khan, Xue Yantuo, and the Qibi tribe; if they unfortunately suffer a big defeat, the Sui Dynasty will definitely be dragged into the quagmire of endless war.
Yang Ji nodded and said to Qu Wentai: "This matter is related to the safety of thousands of people in the Sui Dynasty. It is not something I can decide. I will report Gaochang's appeal to the court. As for whether the court sends troops or not, I will strictly abide by it."
The effort and gain were unequal. How could Yang Ji foolishly send troops? Even if Nichuchuluo Khan ceded all Gaochang, what would the Sui Dynasty do? It would not be in the interests of the Sui Dynasty to hand over all Gaochang to Qu Boya. If not, the people of Gaochang would not agree.
On the contrary, now, Yang Ji feels pretty good.
Yizhou, whose situation is very similar to Gaochang, is the best example. It was also brutally exploited by the Western Turks before, and the people were full of complaints about the "incompetent" Tutun settlement. However, after the Sui Dynasty took Yizhou as its own, the taxes collected dropped to the level of other places in the Sui Dynasty, which was less than before. Ninety percent of the people were extremely grateful and supportive of the Sui Dynasty who rescued them from the fire and water, turning Yiwu into the Yizhou of the Sui Dynasty.
In the future, the "Xizhou" established by the Sui Dynasty in the territory of Gaochang would be better governed and the taxes would be lighter. The people of Gaochang on the other side who were exploited by the Western Turks would yearn for the Sui Dynasty and dislike the "incompetent" Qu Boya, etc. When the people couldn't bear it, they would naturally abandon Qu Boya and go to the east to become subjects of the Great Sui Dynasty. When the Great Sui Dynasty came, they would pick the other half. It was a benevolent act that complied with people's hearts and turned into a lonely Qu Boya. Without the support of the people, Ya could not arouse people's anti-Sui sentiment.
If you accept Gaochang's vassalship and then seize other people's territory, how can you expect other countries to obey you from now on? If you conquer a certain country in the future, don't expect it to surrender without a fight. After all, you will be occupied even if you surrender, and you will be occupied even if you don't surrender. Why not fight to the death and still gain a chance of survival?
"This..." Qu Wentai sighed, looking very depressed. Although he heard that Yang Ji's words were an excuse, he had read Han classics since he was a child and knew that Yang Ji's request to the court for instructions was a normal and correct way, leaving him unable to refute. He had no choice but to bow his hands and said helplessly: "King Wanwangwei saw that he was from the Han family and told the saint about Gao Chang's loyalty."
"Absolutely." Yang Jixin said that it was only after I told him. With the moral character of the people in the court, once they heard that someone was willing to surrender, they couldn't agree with a smile? If they agree, how will the strategy of domineeringly occupying the Western Region be carried out in the future?
"I'll leave everything to King Wei."
"It's easy to talk!" Yang Ji smiled slightly, looked at the disappointed Qu Wentai, and asked: "The Western Turks are divided into pieces, and the situation of Nichuluo Khan is not good. You don't want to fight with Shekui Khan, Xue Yantuo, Qibi teamed up to defeat Ni Chuluo Khan?"
Qu Wentai smiled bitterly and said: "Why don't you want to? It's just that Gaochang has a sparse population and the soldiers are out of battle formations, so they are not strong enough!"
Lack of strength?
Yang Ji sneered in his heart. Gaochang is located in a fertile strategic location. Its population and wealth have always topped the Western Regions. There have been countless opportunities to unify the Western Regions before. If they had seized the opportunity to develop the military, they would have had 60,000 to 70,000 troops at their fingertips. Unifying the Western Regions would have been a piece of cake. It is a pity that Gaochang has always believed in the way of survival that has both sides since the founding of the country. This is certainly the helplessness of a small country, but the backbone, integrity, national soul, resistance and courage of the whole country have also been interrupted.
"However, I have no chance here." Yang Ji looked at Qu Wentai and said, "To be honest with the prince, there is a big event that Gao Chang can definitely participate in."
"Oh?" Qu Wentai's disappointed mood eased, and he felt like a village with bright flowers and dark flowers. He looked at Yang Ji with bright eyes: "King Wei, please speak."
"When I, the Sui Dynasty, was fighting Bujia Khan, the Khan of Tuyuhun, Murong Fuyun, turned his troops into bandits and attacked and plundered the people and merchants in the Hexi Corridor. I, the Sui Dynasty, were prepared to teach him a heavy lesson. Of course, The scale of this war won't be too big, but it won't be too small either." Yang Ji glanced at Qu Wentai and continued: "The southern part of Gaochang borders Shanshan controlled by Tuyuhun. Are you interested in marching? You can cooperate. Are our troops taking action?"
"This..." Qu Wentai couldn't help but suffocated when he heard the words. Looking at Yang Ji's eyes, he did not dare to refuse directly. He could only smile bitterly and said: "I, Gaochang State, currently have only more than 20,000 warriors, and they are also subject to Western The Turks are in control, so I’m afraid they won’t be able to help.”
Yang Ji ignored the implicit rejection in Qu Wentai's words, but said: "If you respond to the Sui Dynasty's actions, if you cooperate well, the saint will definitely see your sincerity, and then I can convince the saint to help You defeated the Western Turks and at the same time convinced the saints to fully support you as the next king of Gaochang Kingdom. What do you think?"
Listening to the conditions put forward by Yang Ji and the painted cakes, Qu Wentai's eyes slowly brightened. He also knew that the Sui Dynasty had a heavy army in Yangguan. It can be seen that the Sui Dynasty was very determined to teach Tuyuhun a lesson, but he did not agree immediately. , but silently weigh the pros and cons.
Gaochang has been weak since the founding of the country, but Qu Wentai also understands the principle of neither destruction nor establishment. If there is no opportunity, Gaochang will continue to be weak until it is annexed.
If he followed the Sui Dynasty to fight Tuyuhun and won, Gaochang, with the Sui Dynasty as its backer, would surely usher in glory. In addition, the Sui Dynasty was willing to support him as the king, so these words had a fatal attraction for Qu Wentai. force.
Although Tuyuhun deployed more than 20,000 troops in the ancient kingdom of Shanshan, the Sui army blocked the Dangjin Mountain Pass, preventing the Tuyuhun reinforcements from entering Shanshan. If Gaochang cooperated with the Sui Dynasty and destroyed the Shanshan garrison, on the one hand, it would allow the Sui Dynasty to see Gaochang's sincerity, on the other hand, can also enable Gaochang's army to grow up during the war and take the opportunity to show off its power in the Western Regions, which will be beneficial to the future without any harm.
Even if there are losses, with the help of the Sui Dynasty, it is not a dream at all for Gaochang to abandon the Western Turks and become independent.
Yang Ji sat in his seat and was not in a hurry to ask for answers. Although Gao Changjun's participation could reduce the loss of personnel and materials in Sui Dynasty, he did not think highly of Gao Changjun in his heart. Is it possible? There is no existence, but for Gaochang, even if the losses are huge, the intangible benefits gained will be more.
As for what Qu Wentai said was controlled by the Western Turks, he believed it; but he did not believe that except for the 20,000 troops in Gaochang, there were no die-hard troops hiding in the dark.
And if Gaochang doesn't pay anything, why should Sui support it? However, even if he paid, Yang Ji did not intend to honor it; what he did was simply to let the Gaochang diehards come to help the Sui Dynasty fight the war, use the power of Tuyuhun to annihilate them, and clear the way for the Sui Dynasty to occupy the entire territory of Gaochang.
"This matter still needs to be decided by my father." Qu Wentai thought for a long time and also adopted the dragging technique.
"Okay, I hope you can give me an answer as soon as possible. If you decide to fight with the Sui Dynasty, send someone to Ganzhou to find me." Yang Ji nodded: "Our army moved very quickly and missed this time. I'm afraid there will be no chance in the future. ”
"I understand!" Qu Wentai stood up and saluted: "This matter is important, I will leave first."
"No." Yang Ji nodded.
"Your Highness has a great trick to 'drive away wolves and swallow tigers'!" When Qu Wentai retreated, Li Jing raised his finger and praised him.
Since ancient times, the Central Plains dynasty has been lenient and gentle to foreigners, but this has not had much effect. Instead, it makes them feel that the Central Plains dynasty is weak and can be bullied, and then they intensify their planning and utilization. Only iron blood and strength can convince them.
For those who are trying to take advantage of the Great Sui's evil intentions, we should first frighten them with the power of the Great Sui, and then use our strength to weaken them one by one. And Yang Ji is not an ordinary, restricted frontier official. He has great autonomy, and there is no need to worry about making such a temporary decision.
But even though he thought so, Li Jing still reminded: "Your Highness, it is best to report this matter to the saint and the prince."
"Yeah." Yang Ji smiled and nodded.
"Your Highness!" Xue Shixiong, who had been silent all this time, bowed his hands and said sarcastically: "The general manager of Yizhou has completed his merits in Tingzhou. Can he return to Yizhou..."
"Then what?" Yang Ji laughed.
"Then?" Xue Shixiong was stunned for a moment, then quickly continued: "Your Highness, the general wants to fight in the south."
"sure!"
"Really?" Xue Shixiong, who was surprised and happy when he saw Yang Ji being so talkative, couldn't believe it.
"Of course it is true." Yang Ji said seriously: "As you said, you really have nothing to do here. It is a waste for you and the army to stay here. And there is only one Mai Tiezhang over there in Guazhou. He now leads five Wan Dajun is stationed in Yangguan. What I'm worried about now is that Tuyuhun's army will attack southern Yizhou and western Guazhou from Puchanghai, Shanshan. After you go back, immediately choose strategic locations to garrison troops, and at the same time explore the road south to Shanshan. If Gaochang's army enters the country to join the war , you will be in charge of it as well, and as for when to fight, you will be subject to orders."
Xue Shixiong was overjoyed when he heard this. He stood up and saluted and said, "General, go ahead and prepare now."
"Wait a minute!" Yang Ji suddenly remembered something and told Xue Shixiong: "Those sons of yours are all general materials. Take them with you for training. Don't delay them."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Xue Shixiong was extremely grateful and hurriedly saluted: "Thank you for your highness's regard for my son. I will thank your highness for your promotion on my behalf."
"Teach them well. As long as they make meritorious deeds, just feel free to report it. Don't hold back." Yang Ji knew Xue Shixiong very well. He was unkind and extremely strict in educating his son, otherwise he wouldn't have done it. Xue Wanjun was thrown to Wang Wei as a mere scout, but it was precisely because of this that his five sons all achieved success in the future.
"I will obey your orders." Xue Shixiong resigned.
Yang Ji smiled and said to Li Jing: "Pharmacist, that 'thief' Mai Tiezhang has fifty thousand troops in Yangguan, but he is self-sufficient. It seems that this guy is very restless in the south."
"I think so too." Li Jing smiled knowingly.
"I feel relieved to have you and General Yao in Tingzhou. Your plans for Tingzhou are also very good. I have no objection at all." Yang Ji pondered for a while and said, "I will go back tomorrow, and I will leave this place to you. "
"Here." Li Jing also understood that the situation between the Sui Dynasty and Tuyuhun was inseparable from Yang Ji. If he continued to stay in Tingzhou, he would not be doing his job properly.
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