The Great Tang General

"Meet the great emperor..."

After Abogas entered Ganlu Hall with the translator, he saluted Li Xuan.

More than a year later, when he met Li Xuan again, his mentality had changed.

He deeply appreciated Li Xuan's legend and greatness.

"Complete in both civil and military affairs" is not enough to describe Li Xuan.

He even shattered his own beliefs. In his heart, the sacred Alexander the Great and Caesar were no match for this Eastern emperor.

"No need to be polite! How has the envoy been this year?"

Li Xuan asked Abogas to excuse himself and asked him.

"Such a splendid country with an ancient civilization makes me yearn for it. I only regret that I am not knowledgeable enough to fully appreciate it. I also regret that this is not my hometown and I have to travel thousands of miles back to report to our king."

Abogas bowed to Xia Han again.

They have almost rested and plan to leave Chang'an within a few months.

He hoped to finalize the plan of attacking the Arab Empire together with the Tang Dynasty during this period.

He knew that the Tang Dynasty was powerful and the emperor was young and ambitious.

But he had to choose.

The declining Rome was sandwiched between the Bulgarian Khanate and the Arab Empire, and at this time had to pay tribute to the Bulgarian barbarians. This was a shame for Rome.

No matter what, the Arab Empire should be defeated so that there is no threat to the south of the country and all efforts can be made to deal with the Bulgarian barbarians.

Abogas always believed that Constantine V was a capable emperor who would be able to restore the glory of Rome.

"The Chinese civilization and the Roman civilization stand together at the top of the world, representing the East and the West. We have defeated all civilizations that want to touch us. The Tang Dynasty tolerates everything, and the door is always open to you."

"I have always admired you diplomatic envoys for not fearing hardships and doing the same thing day after day for years. Once upon a time, Zhang Qian of our country was trapped in the Western Regions for thirteen years; Ban Chao managed the Western Regions for thirty-one years. Only then did we establish our reputation in the Western Regions and gain a firm foothold. You have come from afar, and I hope you will return with a full load..."

Li Xuan smiled slightly and said to Abogas.

He knew what Abogas was going to say, but he didn't bring it up.

His coming invisibly put the Roman Empire in greater trouble.

But it can’t be blamed on Li Xuan.

It was Constantine V who was incompetent and took the opportunity to go south to occupy the Syrian region, but returned in disgrace.

A lean camel is bigger than a horse, and Abu Jalfar Abbas is no pushover either.

It was almost impossible for the Roman Empire to defeat the Arab Empire under the pressure of the Bulgarian Khanate.

"I still beg His Majesty the Emperor to form an alliance with Rome and attack the Arabs. The evil Arabs will only pollute the territory that does not belong to them. Nothing is more cruel and corrupt than them. The light needs to shine there again. In the world, China is the biggest sun, and we in Rome are willing to assist China and save the people in dire straits."

Abogas could only propose an alliance with the Tang Dynasty again.

He praised China highly, hoping that the young emperor would agree.

He had to admit that compared to Rome, the Tang Dynasty was more civilized and shone like a beacon.

The former Tang Dynasty had many corruptions and ills, but they were all reformed under the leadership of the great emperor.

The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty used his absolute authority to push the country forward in a way that Abogas could not understand.

He knew that the common people in Chang'an all praised Li Xuan.

Everyone thinks that Li Xuan is a wise ruler of all ages.

“That’s what I hope for, too.”

Li Xuan just nodded and nothing else happened.

After the destruction of Tubo, Bohai, Shiwei and Heishui Mohe, Li Xuan's governance became more relaxed.

Except for the Uighurs, nothing could hinder his development of the country.

The Uighurs certainly wouldn't dare to take the initiative to raid the borders of the Tang Dynasty.

It would take at least three years for Abogas to return, and he would need to make some preparations.

Then establish an agreement to advance together.

It would take five years or even longer to go to war with the Arab Empire.

Enough for Li Xuan to complete his first five-year plan.

"Your Majesty is wise. As I said before, after the two countries have destroyed the Arabs, the Syrian, Iraqi, and Egyptian regions will belong to Rome, and the rest will belong to the Tang Dynasty."

Abogas' face lit up with delight, and he tried to speak again according to his original statement.

After the Caliphate lost the Khorasan region, Syria, Iraq and Egypt became the richest and most populous regions of the Caliphate.

As long as it obtains these, Rome can establish a new Mediterranean empire and restore the glory of Rome.

"It's not that no one in our country has been to these three places. Compared with them, other areas of the Arab Empire are like deserts. Although our Tang Dynasty is powerful, the deaths and injuries of our men and women and their sacrifices should not be rewarded with just these. I also cannot explain to the people."

Li Xuan shook his head slightly.

There is no value in it, there is no way he would do it.

Before you take one step, look two steps ahead.

Friends can become enemies at any time. Tang Dynasty cannot let Rome be reborn.

Now that the initiative is in the hands of the Tang Dynasty, Li Xuan can slowly consume the energy with Abogas.

"The Tang Dynasty can also obtain the Azerbaijan region, which is close to the Caspian Sea, has fertile land, lush trees, and is also very rich."

Abogas hurriedly said to Li Xuan.

“The Azerbaijan region is far inferior to the Syrian and Iraqi regions.”

Li Xuan disagrees.

From his perspective, the Caucasus is a good place.

But he wanted more.

Moreover, judging from the current situation, if the Tang Dynasty sends troops, it can only get these, which is definitely a loss.

It was the Tang Dynasty that rescued the Roman Empire, not the Roman Empire that rescued the Tang Dynasty.

"May I ask where the Emperor wants to go?"

In desperation, Abogas asked Li Xuan.

Before coming, he was mentally prepared.

For more than a year, the Tang Dynasty only received him at the Ministry of Rites or invited him to watch ceremonies during grand court meetings, and there was no intention of joining forces to attack the Arabs.

He understood that the Tang Dynasty would not meet his demands.

Moreover, the Tang Dynasty did not have a strong desire to attack the Arabs. It seemed that unless the Arabs took the initiative to provoke, the Tang Dynasty would not go to war.

"What the previous messenger said, plus the Egyptian region."

Li Xuan responded to Abogas slowly.

"Egypt has been a key location of the Roman Empire since ancient times. If there are people there who are loyal to Rome, our king will definitely not agree."

Abogas dared not agree.

Constantine V's aim was to re-establish the Roman Empire.

Under this premise, the plan was to use Egypt as a base to capture the northern African region, including Carthage.

Once Egypt was lost, the Tang Dynasty would have easy access to North Africa.

At the same time, it can completely encircle Syria and Iraq.

The situation will be completely different.

Given the strength of the Tang Dynasty, if it went back on its word and attacked Rome, Rome would face even greater difficulties.

Even if he did not unite with the Tang Dynasty, Abogas would not agree.

"The messenger needs to think about this carefully."

Li Xuan reminded emphatically.

The Roman delegation spent several years on its mission to the Tang Dynasty, which was time-consuming and laborious, and they could not return empty-handed.

"I came here with a mission, and I cannot give up unless I have no other choice. But the conditions proposed by His Majesty the Emperor are too much to ask. From the treasures and crops I brought with me, His Majesty the Emperor should be able to see that Rome really wants to establish friendship with the Tang Dynasty. I hope His Majesty the Emperor can change the conditions."

Abogas made the request to Li Xuan with great sincerity.

"In this case, I will settle for the next best thing. Wait until the war is won and then assign the Iraqi region to the Tang Dynasty. This is my bottom line. Otherwise, I can do nothing."

Li Xuan said with pretended regret.

He couldn't possibly get Egypt now.

If the Roman Empire lost Egypt, its dream of becoming the overlord of the Mediterranean would be shattered.

If the Tang Dynasty took over Egypt, once the war broke out, it would become an isolated place and would be almost impossible to defend.

His real target was the Iraqi region, which directly bordered the land conquered by the Tang Dynasty.

The Iraqi region completely includes the middle and lower reaches of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.

The Euphrates and Tigris rivers eventually flow into the Persian Gulf controlled by the Tang Dynasty.

Today, Iraq is also the richest region in the Arab Empire.

Even during the Umayyad period, the tax revenue in the Iraqi region was higher than that in the Khorasan region and ranked first in the Caliphate.

It is simply impossible for the Tang Dynasty to take over the Syrian region.

If the Tang Dynasty owned the Syrian region, it would block the Roman Empire at the upper reaches of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.

This means that after the great war, the Roman Empire gained nothing, and even had to face the Tang Empire, which was several times more powerful than the Arab Empire.

Therefore, Li Xuan planned to first control the population and economic key points.

The famous Baghdad was built on the middle reaches of the Tigris River and once became the center of the world.

When the time is right, we will rush to the nearby Mediterranean Sea.

"Rome will definitely not give Syria to the Tang Dynasty, and is unwilling to give up Egypt. So we can only take Iraq."

Seeing that Abogas remained silent, Li Xuan spoke in a deep voice, indicating that he had no choice.

"Your Majesty, can you use the middle and lower reaches of the Euphrates River as the boundary?"

Apogasius came up with another idea, hoping to secure more favorable conditions for the Roman Empire.

If they use the Euphrates as the boundary, they will get half of Iraq and will be able to defend the river.

"No, unless the entire length of the Euphrates River is the boundary."

Li Xuan denied this condition.

He knows the map by heart.

The Euphrates River originates within the territory of the Roman Empire. Even if Rome is not counted, it would cut off a part of the Syrian region, allowing the Tang Dynasty's troops to reach the vulnerable parts of the Roman Empire.

If the entire Euphrates River was used as the boundary, Rome's strategic position would be more passive.

Li Xuan's words silenced Abogas again.

The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty had an in-depth understanding of the mountains and terrain of West Asia, so he could not gain any advantage.

In the end, Abogas could only nod and say, "Just as His Majesty the Emperor said, the Tang Dynasty will once again own the Iraqi region."

Overall, the Roman Empire would have made a profit.

He felt that he might be inviting a wolf into the house, but based on his confidence in the Roman Empire, he thought that Rome would be able to resolve external and internal troubles and curb the Tang Dynasty's ambition to peek into the Mediterranean.

And the Roman Empire can only make a decision as soon as possible.

"Can the messenger decide this matter?"

Li Xuan confirmed with Abogas.

"I can persuade our king to agree to the post-war division."

Abogas said firmly, "Long live the friendship between Tang and Rome. This world will eventually belong to us."

Li Xuan said to Abogas with a smile.

Abogas was the chief deacon of the Roman Empire, equivalent to the prime minister of the Tang Dynasty.

He will be mentally prepared.

He told Abogas that he hoped Abogas would leave next spring.

Because next spring, the Tang Dynasty plans to hold a grand banquet in the Hua'e Xianghui Tower of the Xingqing Palace to entertain kings, chiefs, and envoys from all over the world.

Abogas followed Li Xuan's advice. He planned to take some agricultural products from the Tang Dynasty, find some books from the Tang Dynasty, and then return to Constantinople.

Afterwards, Li Xuan invited the four prime ministers to come together to witness the "friendship" and have a meal together.

The reason why there were four prime ministers was because Lu Huan was seriously ill and bedridden and unable to handle government affairs.

Li Xuan went to visit Lu Huan. Since he became prime minister, he has been working diligently and his health cannot bear the burden.

Read the error-free version at 69shuba! 6=9+shu_ba is the first to publish this novel.

Having dedicated his last moments to his country, he is now on his deathbed.

On the fifth day of the first month of the second year of Qianyuan, Chen Zangqi, the first and only great doctor of the Tang Dynasty, died at the age of 72.

Li Xuan personally wrote the epitaph for him and attended Chen Cangqi's funeral.

His respect for the great doctor was not just about canonization, nor was it just superficial.

He truly admired Chen Cangqi, who had worked hard for Jishengtang for more than ten years.

In the end, Chen Cangqi was posthumously awarded the title of "Duke Jisheng" and the title of Taipuqing.

Li Xuan handed Jishengtang over to Wang Bing, hoping that he could inherit Chen Zangqi's career, conduct in-depth research on pharmacology and difficult and complicated diseases, and expand Jishengtang to counties and prefectures across the country as soon as possible to benefit the people.

People also know that studying medicine can bring supreme glory and the possibility of gaining the favor of the Supreme Being, so they participate enthusiastically.

The status of doctors improved rapidly.

In September of the second year of Qianyuan, the Minister of the Central Secretariat Lu Huan died suddenly in Chang'an.

The process of eliminating low status and transforming people into good people in the Jiangnan region was basically completed, and Lu Huan said, "I can die with my eyes closed."

Less than two years after he became prime minister, he worked together with other prime ministers to accomplish a major event that concerned the fate of the country.

Li Xuan felt sorry that Lu Huan, like everyone else in history, could not escape his fate.

To be honest, he hoped that Lu Huan could serve as prime minister for a longer period of time, set an example and promote integrity.

As God had passed away, Li Xuan could only bid farewell to Lu Huan with grief, and posthumously awarded him the title of "Taifu".

After Lu Huan's death, the position of prime minister became vacant.

Li Xuan changed Yang Wan to the position of Zhongshu Ling, and his position was promoted to a higher level.

After much deliberation, he summoned Anxi Protector-General Yan Zhenqing to be the Palace Attendant and Co-Prime Minister.

The position of Anxi Protector-General was taken over by Cen Shen, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

Yan Zhenqing followed Li Xuan in Longyou all the way to the Western Regions. When Li Xuan staged a coup and suppressed a rebellion, Yan Zhenqing was in charge of the rear area, and his hard work and contributions earned him enough prestige.

It's time to bring Yan Zhenqing back.

As for Li Mi, he handled the affairs of Fan Yang in an orderly manner. Now that he had newly conquered Shiwei, Bohai and Heishui Mohe, he still needed the dispatch from Fan Yang.

Li Xuan hoped that Li Mi could stay in Fan Yang for another two years.

When the provincial system was promulgated, Li Mi was transferred back.

It would be impossible for him to allow a prime minister to hold the position for a long time, even if that prime minister was very wise and capable.

Li Xuan had previously stated that the term of office for any official position, including county magistrate, prefect, grand protector, governor-general, minister, vice minister, imperial censor, prime minister, etc., was four years.

Among them, the prime minister can be re-elected for a maximum of two terms.

Li Xuan wanted to give officials motivation to get promoted.

If a prime minister sits for a long time, his desires will blind his eyes. If he is like Li Linfu, who served for twenty years, many officials will have other thoughts.

In fact, eight years is a long time. Throughout history, few officials have been able to hold office for more than eight years.

October st.

In Ziwei Palace, a cry was heard, and Li Xuan's second daughter was born.

The person who gave birth to a daughter for him was Pei Lingxi.

Li Xuan was very happy that both mother and daughter were safe. His children had grown up gradually, and he had long hoped to have more sons and daughters.

In addition to the second daughter, Jiang Yueyao is also pregnant and is expected to give birth to another child for him in April next year.

After Pei Lingxi rested, Li Xuan held Pei Lingxi's hand in front of the couch.

He didn't say anything, everything was implied.

Pei Lingxi just had a smile on her lips. She was not pedantic. It didn't matter whether the baby was a boy or a girl, as long as her husband was happy.

The husband no longer took concubines and had few children, which attracted a lot of criticism.

It was no use trying to persuade them.

As queens and concubines, it is also their responsibility to continue the emperor's bloodline.

But Li Xuan's gentleness moved them to tears.

Three days later, Li Xuan named his second daughter Princess Yu and named her "Li Feifei".

He also specifically told Li Yi, Li Song, and Li Zhenzhen to take good care of their sister.

While rejoicing, Li Xuan did not forget to deal with state affairs.

He can only start new policies after the campaign of eliminating the inferior and bringing in the good is completely completed.

After the captives Chidai Zhudan, Trisong Detsen, Daqinmao, Wuzuoge and others arrived in the Tang Dynasty, Li Xuan did not summon them at all.

When the hundreds of nations arrive in Chang'an to ask about etiquette next year, they will be pulled out and punished.

As the war to annihilate nations and eliminate the inferiors progressed, the treasures in the Zuozangku of Chang'an piled up like a mountain, and all kinds of silk seemed to be able to fill the city.

Last year, Li Xuan banned the transportation of treasures from Shandong and Jiangnan to Chang'an and stored them in Luoyang first.

The gold was separated from the regions as before, refined again, and stamped with the official seal.

Silver is also being stored in large quantities.

As for other jewels, most of them were given as rewards to the army.

Li Xuan kept a close eye on the construction of the Central Bank of the Tang Dynasty, striving to establish a monetary credit system as soon as possible.

Regarding numbers and pinyin, they were also tried out in Chang'an and Luoyang.

Every month, the land tax distribution and performance evaluation system of each county must be reported to Li Xuan.

In addition, the biggest event in the second year of Qianyuan was the establishment of the Palace of Wisdom.

Li Xuan once invited Li Bai to enter the Palace of Wisdom, but Li Bai declined by writing a poem.

Li Bai's future in Chang'an.

Perhaps Li Bai thought that there was no difference between the Palace of Wisdom and the Hanlin Academy, or perhaps he was no longer attached to officialdom and just wanted to be a fairy couple with his wife, Zong.

Li Xuan is more inclined to believe that Li Bai is a banished immortal who does not want to be immersed in the boredom of the Palace of Wisdom or be bound by rules.

Let Li Bai go!
Whether in Lushan or Yunmeng, Li Xuan thought that he would meet Li Bai again.

"Your Highness, your servant Cui Hanheng, pays respect to you..."

In the government hall, Li Xuan had just finished discussing government affairs with the prime ministers when he summoned the Secretary-General Cui Hanheng.

The Secretariat has 18 academicians, who are of the seventh rank.

Although they hold low official positions, they are all able to communicate with Li Xuan.

After passing the imperial examination, if one has outstanding political achievements in his first term in the local government, he may be summoned by Li Xuan to be the Secretary-General, which means that he has a bright future.

Most of the current 18 scholars in the Secretariat are prime ministers and famous officials in history, and Li Xuan focuses on their training.

Now the Secretariat has completely replaced the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which was composed of eunuchs.

Together with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they were regarded as the emperor's right-hand men and had a very strong influence on the civil and military officials.

"Mr. Cui, please excuse me."

Li Xuan asked Cui Hanheng to stand up and asked him directly, "How is Cui Xueshi's Roman language?"

"Your Majesty, I can now communicate with the Romans normally, and I have also learned most of the Roman language."

Cui Hanheng replied to Li Xuan.

He had an almost photographic memory, and when Li Xuan selected officials for the Secretariat to learn Roman, he was the first to respond.

He felt this was his chance!
For a year and a half, he consulted Sogdian merchants who were proficient in multiple languages, and consulted Romans. He worked day and night with almost no rest, and finally mastered the Roman language.

"The Roman Empire has come all the way to bring many crops to the Tang Dynasty, which has benefited the people. The Tang Dynasty is a country of etiquette, and it is impolite not to reciprocate. I am going to send an ambassador to accompany the Roman envoy back to Constantinople. This round trip may take more than five years, and there are many difficulties, and life and death are uncertain. I wonder if Mr. Cui is willing to go?"

Li Xuan sought Cui Hanheng's opinion.

Cui Hanheng was born in the second branch of the Cui family of Boling. He was broad-minded and determined. He was able to make important decisions and was good at long-term planning.

He was a famous diplomat in history and had a talent for learning languages. Li Xuan had valued him very early on and hoped that Cui Hanheng could make use of his expertise when he was in power.

"I eat the salary of the emperor and share his worries. Even if His Majesty does not mention it, I am willing to ask for a long rope like Zhongjun, and go on a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions like Zhang Qian of the Han Dynasty. This is also my wish."

Cui Hanheng bowed to Li Xuan again and said with tears in his eyes.

The heyday of the Tang Dynasty was as glorious as its poetry, and all scholars and literati admired the ancient role models.

The Western Regions have been conquered, but there are still places beyond.

The moment Cui Hanheng started learning Roman, he decided to travel across thousands of mountains and rivers, to Rome, and see what the Mediterranean looks like!

"Gan Ying of the Han Dynasty reached the West Sea (today's Mediterranean Sea), which is the farthest place we Han people have ever set foot on. We cannot be like the Yelang people who only see the world from a narrow perspective. A great nation should overcome all difficulties and dare to be the first. I believe that Cui Xueshi is determined and will definitely become the first Han person to set foot in Europe."

Li Xuan immediately helped Cui Hanheng up, took his hand, and sat on the couch with him.

Cui Hanheng didn't dare, but Li Xuan used "force" to suppress him, which made Cui Hanheng flattered and even more moved, and he had an impulse to die for his friend.

He felt that the difficulties ahead were no longer difficulties because he had faith and determination.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Gan Ying was ordered by Emperor He of Han to go on a diplomatic mission to Daqin (the authentic Roman Empire). Gan Ying led the delegation from Qiuci, traveled west to Shule, crossed the Pamir Mountains, passed Dayuan and Dayuezhi to the capital of Parthia, Hecheng, and then passed through Aman, Sibin, and Yuluo, and arrived at Tiaozhi, reaching the Mediterranean coast.

When they were about to arrive, they were blocked by Parthia and could not cross the sea to Daqin, so they had to turn back.

Li Xuan encouraged Cui Hanheng that the road that predecessors had not traveled before should be completed by future generations and left in history.

Another reason for choosing Cui Hanheng is that Cui Hanheng is young.

Although Cui Hanheng passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi, he was not yet thirty years old.

Unlike the old ministers, he has the energy to explore.

Although the Roman delegation will not leave until next year, Li Xuan wants Cui Hanheng to make preparations in advance.

At the same time, Li Xuan will also look for a deputy for Cui Hanheng.

Du Huan, one of his many aides during the Anxi period.

Du Huan is still working in the Anxi Protectorate.

Du Huan was a cousin of Du You, and Du You was the grandfather of the great poet Du Mu.

Li Xuan understood that Du Huan had also reached the Mediterranean in history and almost fled to Europe.

Historically, after Gao Xianzhi's defeat in the Battle of Talas, many of his subordinates and craftsmen were captured, and Du Huan was one of them.

Du Huan could speak Persian and had been a captive in the Caliphate for more than ten years. He traveled almost all over the Caliphate Empire, including Egypt.

Finally, he returned to the Tang Dynasty by boat and wrote "Jingxingji".

Li Xuan believed in talent. Du You might be Cui Hanheng's best assistant. He could help Datang learn more about Rome and other countries along the way. He could bring back books from these countries for Datang...

(End of this chapter)