The people sitting in the hall, whether they were the king of Xijiang or the generals of Zhenjiang, could not help but sigh softly in their hearts at this time. The war-torn Western Xinjiang was once so beautiful, so fertile, and so full of vitality. It is only now that its children have truly had the opportunity to examine the origin and significance of this war.
Li Jiangyao said loudly: "Your Highnesses, I am a soldier of Shengtang. To be fair, before the war in Western Xinjiang, Shengtang did not do a lot of things well here, especially some black sheep. Power reigns supreme over the people of Western Xinjiang. If it weren’t for the many dissatisfaction and grievances accumulated by the countries in Western Xinjiang, I believe you would not be bewitched by the Turks and choose to launch a war. But at least we now understand that there are actually There are many ways that we can eliminate the barriers between us and unite as one. On the contrary, war and hatred cannot solve any problems at all."
"Well said! General." Geerhan stood up and said: "Since you mentioned my brother just now, let me say a few words. In fact, I have known for a long time that Lai Hai was not killed by you, but by you. Died by the sword of Prince Kuliban of the Shenhua Family."
As he said that, he turned to look at Kuliban who was sitting opposite: "Originally, I was thinking about avenging my brother. But I listened to everything you just said. To be honest, Laihai is not ready to die. No injustice, it was he who slaughtered the Shenhua family and killed all the princes. Of course, I did not put all the blame on my brother. I was also guilty and I felt sorry for everyone in the Shenhua family. Even if they refused in the end Forgive me and kill me, Geerhan will not hold any grudges. Because I did take the wrong path before!"
He paused and said loudly: "Today, right here, I understand what it means to repay kindness with kindness, and I also understand who is the true friend and who is the enemy. Your Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, the young princes, generals, whether you are I believe that I, Gehan, will spend the rest of my life in repentance..."
As he spoke, he bowed deeply to Curriban.
Kuliban stood up gently with a solemn expression: "Your Highness Geerhan, I am willing to believe you."
This simple sentence made Geerhan slightly stunned. He could hear that there was sincerity in the other party's words, and there was no hint of hypocrisy.
Geerhan stood there in shock for a moment, but finally made up his mind and walked towards Kuliban.
Kuliban also left the table and faced Geerhan.
The two met in the middle of the hall, stretched out their hands at the same time, and held each other tightly.
People suddenly burst into thunderous applause and cheers, both for them and for their own future.
Prince Tani of Shule, who was sitting behind Tajik, stood up suddenly and shouted to Li Jiangyao: "Your Excellency, Commander-in-Chief, do you still remember me? I am Tani. Back in the Weilan Valley, I didn't know the heights of the sky and the heights of the sky. I competed with you, but in the end I was beaten so hard by General Du Jian that my balls almost squeezed out!"
Everyone couldn't help laughing when they heard what he said was vulgar and funny.
Tani scratched his head in embarrassment: "At that time, my subordinates and I were trapped in a desperate situation. In a few days, we would die of hunger and thirst. However, you did not watch us die. It left a glimmer of hope for me and the Shule soldiers. At that time, I was thinking, why is this? You can kill the 40,000 Shule army without any effort and completely weaken us. Why don't you do this? Later I understood, You really repay kindness with kindness, and you really treat Xijiang as a human being and as your own brother. Since then, I have never participated in any battle against you, but I look forward to one day repaying your kindness. . Commander, you gave me and my brothers’ lives, and I, Tani, am willing to fight for you!”
Geerhan let go of Kuliban's hand, raised his arms and shouted: "General Xu Youchang once spared my life, and I am willing to fight for the commander-in-chief!"
"I do too!"
"The Kingdom of Khotan hopes to follow you!"
"We in Kucha must also serve you like Shanshan!"
All the kings stood up one after another to express their opinions, and the mood in the hall was excited for a moment.
King Tajik of Shule was the last one to stand up and said: "Commander, before I came here, I was still thinking about how to bargain with you when we arrived at Metasequoia City, and how to negotiate for the handover of military and diplomatic rights. Cheap. Now, I feel ashamed for my thoughts. Speaking of which, I am not as open-minded as my son Tani. Sir, if you don’t mind, please allow our Shule Kingdom to return to Shengtang, and bring us back to the Holy Tang Dynasty. Let’s bring back that glorious and beautiful time, no matter what the price, I am willing to do so.”
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To the west of Zijin Pass and Shengyuguan, to the east of the Congling Mountains and the Jeddah Desert, this vast world stretching thousands of miles and known as the "Ghost Desert of Western Xinjiang" has finally come to an end after nearly six years of war. Reached a turning point in history.
The dawn of peace is right before our eyes.
When historians of later generations study this past event, they usually mention a key figure invariably. He is Emene, a famous political figure and business tycoon from the Persian Empire.
It is generally believed that it was precisely because of a series of clever financial operations by Emene and his business mission during the Western Xinjiang War that they established unparalleled influence in the minds of various countries in Western Xinjiang, which made his subsequent active mediation final. Contribute to the emergence of peace in Western Xinjiang.
However, in his memoirs written in his later years, Emene had different descriptions and insights into this period of history.
The article clearly points out that the realization of peace throughout Western Xinjiang, especially the true reconciliation between Shengtang and the vassal states, has three key logical factors: first, the Xinjiang Army has unquestionable strategic deterrence; second, the Western Xinjiang Xinjiang Guimo’s top-down desire for peace and tranquility; third, Li Jiangyao’s far-sighted political vision and his mind to resolve hatred.
In particular, the third factor is the most valuable in Emine's opinion. The first two are historical inevitability, while Li Jiangyao is an accident of history.
Of course, Lord Emene also played an extremely important role in the entire peace negotiation process.
Especially when Li Jiangyao agreed to Tajikistan's request and agreed to accept the Western Xinjiang countries to return to the Holy Tang, all the representatives in the audience cheered and shouted with excitement. Emine was moved to tears by this scene. Impulsed in her heart, she announced on the spot Reduce half of each country’s debt.
The next second, his reason reoccupied the high ground of his brain, and he immediately regretted it: Damn it! This matter has not been discussed with Li Jiangyao in advance. Will half of the debt relief eventually fall on me?
But in the face of the cheering crowd, especially Efentia, who rushed up to hug him tightly and danced and laughed like a happy bird, Emene was really embarrassed to change her tune.
Among the crowd, only Li Jiangyao remained as calm as water, staring at Emine like a fool, mouthing silently: "Aren't you crazy?"
Now that the atmosphere has reached this point, any form of negotiation is completely meaningless. Only beheading a chicken, killing a white horse, and swearing a blood oath can express the enthusiasm and pride in the hearts of the delegates.
In addition to routine operations such as beheading chicken heads and killing white horses, some people also suggested that Li Jiangyao should be elected as the new governor of Western Xinjiang or the leader of the Western Xinjiang alliance. What's more, they directly suggested that he be revered as the king of Western Xinjiang.
Li Jiangyao expressed that he was quite moved by the proposal of becoming the King of Western Xinjiang. Fortunately, Xu Youchang and other generals of the Xinjiang Army were still at least sober and righteously rejected this ridiculous idea on behalf of the coach.
In the end, everyone reached a consensus after discussion and decided to continue to adopt the model before the war and continue to use Shengtang's control system for the Western Xinjiang region.
The military and political power of Guimo in Western Xinjiang has always been in the hands of the Zhenjiang Protectorate. At the same time, the kings of various vassals also served as generals of the Protectorate to show unity. For example, King Tajik of Shule used to be General Guoyi of the third rank of Zhenjiang Protectorate. Now that everyone wants to return to the Holy Tang, we will restore the old rules and re-appoint and authorize them.
However, an embarrassing thing has come. Currently, there is no Grand Protector in the Zhenjiang Protectorate. How should we appoint kings?
Tani whispered to Du Jian and said angrily: "Since the commander-in-chief refuses to be the king of Western Xinjiang, is it okay to serve as the protector of the capital?"
Horiyah quickly shouted: "Yes, we have been using the banner of the Xinjiang Suppressing Army, but we don't even have the status of a serious commander. We look like liars when we walk outside."
Geerhan also said: "Sir, you allow us to return to the Holy Tang Dynasty, but you are not the governor of the border area. Can you keep your word? You won't lie to us, right? Why do I feel so uneasy?"
Du Jian hid behind Tani, pinched his nose and shouted: "Please be the Great Protector! Raise your hands if you agree!" After saying that, he stepped out and raised his hands seriously.
With him taking the lead, everyone in the room raised their hands in approval without hesitation, even Xie Tanzhi and Xu Youchang were no exception.
Li Jiangyao looked at them in shock: "You... don't object?"
Xie Tanzhi smiled and shook his head: "Not only do I not object, but I also agree with it."
Xu Youchang curled his lips: "You always say I'm a prude, but I think you are the one." As he said that, he turned around and shouted loudly: "Everyone stand at attention! See the Great Protector!"
The generals of the Zhenjiang Army and the kings of various countries all knelt down on one knee: "In this humble position, please see the Great Protector!"
In the Shengtang Dynasty, the Protector-General was at the same level as the Commander-in-Chief. They were both second-grade senior generals with real power and were among the few outstanding figures in the military. Therefore, no one other than the emperor himself is qualified to appoint the Great Protector.
Although Li Jiangyao did not proclaim himself to be in power, there was no imperial edict and no official documents from the court. For the first time in the 800 years since the founding of the Holy Tang Dynasty, he was forcibly elected by his subordinates. He was a purely unruly guardian.
