The Great Tang General

In the third year of Qianyuan, the Tang Dynasty officially emerged from the shadow of An Lushan's rebellion. This was a time of reform and opening up.

Many major events take place in this year, so it seems particularly lively.

From the first day to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the curfew will be lifted and there will be light shows.

During the reign of Li Longji, many lamps were stored in Chang'an City.

At that time, there was a craftsman named Mao Shun who, with his ingenuity, made thirty lantern towers 150 feet high out of colorful silks, hung with pearls, jade, gold and silver. When the breeze blew, the lanterns made melodious sounds.

They also used lanterns to make shapes of dragons, phoenixes, tigers and leopards leaping in the air, which did not seem to be the work of human power.

Now sweep away the dust on it and take it out to show the people of Chang'an.

The lights and iron flowers bloomed together, playing a magnificent and beautiful movement in the sky above Chang'an.

Many foreign chiefs, kings, and envoys have arrived in Chang'an, and they are speechless at the sight of this prosperous scene.

In the past, I had only heard that Chang'an was full of flowers, but I didn't expect it to be so beautiful in winter.

They were also glad that they arrived in Chang'an early and witnessed this grand scene, leaving them with no regrets in their lives.

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Li Xuan invited the king, chiefs, envoys, and Roman ambassador Apogasi of Chang'an, together with civil and military ministers, to watch the iron flower making and the "fish and dragon dance" on Zhuque Street all night on the Mingde Gate Tower of Chang'an.

Outside the city, as night fell, dozens of iron flower-making teams were scattered around.

The flames shot up into the sky, circle after circle, endlessly, like falling stars or fireworks blooming in the mortal world.

There was a huge crowd of spectators, gathering around, looking up with their heads raised and exclaiming in amazement and praise.

Children played in and outside the city, old men twirled their beards and laughed. All the people were immersed in the beauty of the "fireworks".

Li Longji, who was in Xingqing Palace, also went up to the Hua'e Xianghui Tower to watch the different worldly affairs.

He looked towards Taizhen Temple from time to time.

Yuhuan!
Why don’t you want to see the lights of Chang’an again?
The buildings are far better than those in Yichun Garden, and the lights are like a city that never sleeps.

This is a poem written by Prime Minister Su Yan describing the Lantern Festival in Luoyang. It can also be used to reflect Chang'an at this time.

When Li Xuan was watching the fireworks, he was very happy to see the people happy.

His ambitions include everything in the universe.

His era has just begun, and he will realize his political ambitions step by step.

Li Xuan spent some time with his wife and children, and then he toasted the kings and drank a cup, which made them feel flattered.

Then, he came to Li Xian and said to him, "Right Prime Minister, can we have this night every day?"

No matter how beautiful the fireworks are, they only happen once a year.

The strict curfew system of the Tang Dynasty meant that in Chang'an, most of the time, "drums stopped, people dispersed, and only the moon was shining in the streets."

"Replying to the Supreme, every day like the Lantern Festival, the cost is huge."

After Li Xian came back to his senses, he misunderstood Li Xuan's meaning.

He thought Li Xuan was addicted and wanted to hold lantern festivals every day.

This is not a good idea.

Holding a conference properly can increase physical and mental happiness inside and outside Chang'an, and increase the confidence and vitality of the people.

If the festivals are not celebrated in a festive manner, the country will be like a stagnant pool of water.

But everything is too much and too little is too much.

"You Pushe misunderstood my meaning. I meant to tear down the wall and lift the curfew."

"My policy is clear. The Tang needs more tax revenue, and agricultural tax is far from enough. Only by developing industry and commerce can the country have sufficient tax revenue. The market registration is now abolished. The wall and curfew are important factors affecting the development of the country."

Li Xuan said slowly.

The country now has a large budget, but it cannot continue to rest on its laurels.

To develop industry and commerce, heavy taxes must be imposed on them to ensure a continuous flow of industry and commerce.

The reason why Bianliang in later generations was much more prosperous than Chang'an was because the Song Dynasty developed industry and commerce and there was no curfew or market system.

Now the market system and curfew of the Tang Dynasty serve the political purpose.

If Li Xuan develops industry and commerce without lifting the curfew, it would seem inappropriate.

"The curfew has always existed. If it is abolished, it will inevitably lead to the proliferation of thieves, making it difficult to manage a large city. It will also affect the working hours of the people..."

After hesitating for a moment, Li Xian expressed his worries.

After all, this is something that has never been tried.

The population of Chang'an was the largest in the world. Although the imperial court won the people over with virtue, there were always scoundrels and rogues who mingled among the people.

In "The Book of Zhou Li, Autumn Official, Sikou", it is recorded that "Siwushi" was responsible for the night curfew, determining the curfew time according to the changes of the stars and patrolling the streets.

During the Qin and Han dynasties, the curfew system was further strengthened.

Flying General Li Guang was stopped by the Ba Ling Wei for traveling at night, so Emperor An of Han issued the "Edict Prohibiting Night Travel", which clearly stipulated that no one was allowed to travel late at night.

Especially during the Tang Dynasty, the curfew system reached an unprecedented level of strictness.

The city of Chang'an implemented the Fangshi system. When the street drum sounded, all doors had to be closed and the people had to go home, otherwise they would be punished.

This is also the reason why Li Xuan felt that the curfew in Chang'an was too politically oriented.

Candles were passed from the Han Palace at sunset, and light smoke dispersed into the Wuhou family.

Only the county officials were allowed to set fires, but the common people were not allowed to light lamps. This was a characteristic of the curfew system of the Tang Dynasty.

The emperor and princes and nobles often entertained themselves until late at night, leaving the common people confined to their homes.

"I have emphasized many times that today is an era of change. A large number of detectives are recruited to maintain public order, and Chang'an also has a large number of Jinyiwei to find thieves. Once the market system is abolished, more streets and market areas will be planned, and areas where vendors can do business will be planned. In the future, all houses will be renovated..."

Li Xuan said to Li Xian.

When there are difficulties, we must solve them.

Of course he knew that there would be many things that would make him feel uncomfortable once the curfew was lifted.

But keeping so many constables is not a waste of time.

Two arrest divisions were set up, and eight arrest chiefs were established in Chang'an City.

There are also four constables in charge of the villages outside Chang'an City.

As the capital cities, Chang'an and Luoyang both had the positions of chief constable and deputy chief constable, which were official positions of the sixth and seventh ranks respectively.

Wannian and Chang'an counties are also the areas with the most headhunters.

Each chief constable has hundreds of detectives under him, who are responsible for criminal investigation, arrests, and maintaining public order.

What's more, there are Jinwu Guards patrolling day and night in Chang'an and Luoyang cities.

Since ancient times, the purposes of curfew have been nothing more than several points.

First, it is to maintain public order. The purpose of the curfew is to reduce the space for criminals to move around at night, so that thieves can hide and the people can live in peace.

However, this system is particularly important in times of war to prevent enemy sneak attacks at night and ensure the peace of the city.

When there is prosperity and peace, it will curb the country's prosperity.

The second is to adapt to the work and rest habits of the agricultural era. The Tang Dynasty was still an agricultural civilization, and the people worked at sunrise and rested at sunset.

The curfew encourages people to go to bed early and get up early so that they can have plenty of energy to work the next day.

The third is to strengthen centralization and city management. Since the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, the imperial power has been highly centralized, and a strict market system has been implemented in the city. Curfew as a supporting measure has helped to maintain order in the city and enabled the court to fully control the local area.

Under such circumstances, no matter how prosperous the economy and culture of the Tang Dynasty were, night activities were still subject to many restrictions.

It is now the third year of Qianyuan, the country is at peace, and the campaign to eliminate low status and promote virtue has been completed. It is impossible for Li Xuan to keep the curfew system and the market system.

Historically, the market system and curfew system began to relax after the Anshi Rebellion due to the significant reduction of power of the imperial court, leading to the emergence of night markets.

In the late Tang Dynasty, the imperial court had no authority, industry and commerce developed, and the market system and curfew system existed in name only.

Now that the country has become stronger, it is impossible for Li Xuan to reverse history.

"Right Prime Minister, make a careful plan with your Prime Ministers in the Political Affairs Hall. After the Hundred Nations Gathering, the plan must be presented in the court."

Li Xuan gave Li Xian instructions solemnly.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Li Xian bowed, thinking this was the most important task for reform.

Because all of Li Xuan's orders were correct.

With the disappearance of the city registration system, the Silk Road from Luoyang to the Western Regions became unprecedentedly prosperous.

The abolition of the market system and curfew may make industry and commerce more vibrant.

……

In late January, Nanzhao's prince Feng Jiayi arrived in Chang'an. In view of the current relationship between the Tang Dynasty and Nanzhao, Li Xuan summoned him to the Zhaode Hall in the Taiji Palace.

Feng Jiayi said he was sent as an envoy to the Tang Dynasty, but in fact he was going there to pay tribute.

He came with several carts of gold and silver, which made up for several years' tribute.

In addition, Feng Jiayi also brought precious items such as gems, jade, ivory, rhinoceros horns, spices, etc. to pay homage to the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

After Feng Jiayi entered Zhaode Hall, he paid great respects to Li Xuan.

The official from the Secretariat handed Li Xuan a list of gifts.

Facing Li Xuan, who was almost the same age as him, Feng Jiayi didn't even dare to breathe.

He was afraid that Li Xuan would be dissatisfied with the gold, silver and jewelry he contributed and would blame Nanzhao.

The Tang Dynasty destroyed Tubo and established the Snowland Protectorate, which made Nanzhao terrified.

The only thing we can do now is to sincerely admit our mistakes to the Tang Dynasty and beg for forgiveness.

Otherwise, if the Tang Dynasty sent out troops from several directions at the same time, Nanzhao would have no chance of resisting at all.

There were many factors that enabled them to defeat the Jiannan Army during the Tianbao period.

But they will never be able to defeat the great Khan.

"During the Tianbao period, when I was appointed Prime Minister, I had a very pleasant conversation with the King of Yunnan. I have always regarded Yunnan as the support of the southwest of the Tang Dynasty. I did not expect it to develop into the current situation. It is quite a pity."

Li Xuan put down the gift list and sighed.

He also knew that it was Yang Guozhong who wanted to show off his martial arts, which ultimately made Nanzhao an enemy.

Fortunately, Li Xuan had great prestige, which prevented Nanzhao from retreating to the border of the Tang Dynasty during An Lushan's rebellion.

Otherwise, you have to fight even if you don't want to.

"Both wars were forced upon us. Nanzhao has sincerely acknowledged its mistakes. This is my father's personal letter. If the Supreme Lord can forgive Nanzhao, my father will go to Chang'an and apologize to the Supreme Lord."

Feng Jiayi took out Ge Luofeng's handwritten letter and held it respectfully.

The attendant took the handwritten letter and handed it to Li Xuan.

Li Xuan read it carefully. Geluofeng stated in the letter that the bodies of the Nanzhao soldiers who died in the battle had already been buried outside Taihe City, and a monument of virtue and merit had been built to appease the spirits of the heroes.

Li Xuan believed what Ge Luofeng said.

Geluofeng also said that he admired Tian Khan to the extreme.

I wish to guard the southern border for the Tang Dynasty forever, and remain loyal to it until my death.

The reason why Li Xuan felt that the attitude was sincere was that Nanzhao was willing to allow the Tang Dynasty to station troops in Taihe City and establish the Yunnan Protectorate, just like Qiuci and Shule.

Whether Ge Luofeng admired Li Xuan or feared Li Xuan, he also had self-knowledge.

Once the Tang Dynasty's troops are stationed in Taihe City, it means that the Tang Dynasty will obtain Yunnan.

Moreover, Nanzhao has always been promoting Chinese characters and carrying out sinicization.

Yunnan is an indispensable part of China.

Although the current territory of Nanzhao is far from its historical peak, the Tang Dynasty can help Nanzhao expand its territory to the Indian Ocean, build roads, and establish sea outlets.

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It will be a very important part of the Maritime Silk Road.

"It is easy to go to war, but peace is hard to come by. The relationship between Tang and Nanzhao has been close since before the establishment of Nanzhao. The war between Tang and Nanzhao was not Nanzhao's fault. The establishment of Yunnan Protectorate will be a testimony to the further development of our friendship."

Li Xuan's words meant that he would not blame Nanzhao.

Nanzhao has always been very close to the Tang Dynasty.

The first King of Yunnan, Piloge, was a rare king who personally arrived in Chang'an to pay a visit to Li Longji and accept Li Longji's official title.

The second King of Yunnan, Geluofeng, also came to Chang'an and had close contacts with the governor of the border of the Tang Dynasty, whom he met many times.

The emergence of Li Xuan curbed Nanzhao's ambition to expand in all directions.

The demise of Tubo made Geluofeng see the situation clearly. If he did not sincerely submit, Nanzhao would follow in his footsteps.

Because Nanzhao had already cleared out most of Jiannan's troops and deployed them on the front line against Nanzhao.

Jiannan's army was originally intended to deal with Tubo, but now that Tubo has been destroyed, all the pressure is on Nanzhao.

During the second war between Tang and Nanzhao, the Jiannan Army once arrived at the city of Taihe, which was extremely dangerous.

That's why Nanzhao made such a choice.

"I thank you on behalf of Nanzhao."

Feng Jiayi was excited and bowed deeply to Li Xuan.

Nanzhao rose suddenly. It was originally a very small country in the Erhai Lake area. It unified the Six Zhaos with the help of the Tang Dynasty.

The prosperity and profound culture of the Tang Dynasty had a huge impact on Nanzhao, so that they never thought they could compete with the Tang Dynasty.

"From now on, Nanzhao will be called the Kingdom of Yunnan. The throne of the King of Yunnan will be inherited by your family and will last forever with the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty will also help Yunnan move southward and expand its territory as much as possible."

Li Xuan promised Feng Jiayi.

Now, to the south of Nanzhao, as far as the ocean, there are only barbaric tribes, and we can use both kindness and force.

"I thank you again on behalf of my father."

Feng Jiayi was completely relieved. As a vassal of the Tang Dynasty and the hereditary King of Yunnan, their family could survive forever.

Immediately afterwards, Li Xuan appeased Feng Jiayi and hosted a banquet for the Nanzhao delegation.

Li Xuan was also very happy that they could peacefully resolve the issue of Nanzhao and open up a trade route to Nanzhao.

As long as the Yunnan Protectorate was established and the Yunnan Grand Protectorate was dispatched, the relationship between the Tang Dynasty and Yunnan would remain intact.

In the future, if there is any setback for the Hanized Yunnan, the Protectorate may be transformed into a province.

……

In mid-February, Prince Yehu of the Uighurs arrived in Chang'an, carrying valuable gold, silver, jewelry, and ten carefully selected top-quality horses.

He just came the year before last, and he is here again this year.

But this does not mean that Mo Yanchuo values ​​Prince Yehu.

He was the Yehu of the Uighurs, and also the crown prince appointed by Moyanchuo himself, and the heir.

But at this time, Mo Yanchuo liked his second son Yidijian more, thinking that Yidijian was more like his father.

In history, after Crown Prince Yehu returned from suppressing the An-Shi Rebellion, Mo Yanchuo found a random reason to kill Crown Prince Yehu and made his second son Yidijian the crown prince.

Prince Yehu also became a synonym for misery.

"Your father and I are old friends. How is he now?"

Li Xuan also summoned Prince Yehu to Zhaode Hall.

He and Mo Yanchu knew each other when they were in Lingwu. They had formed an alliance, met each other, killed each other, and cheated each other...

Now only the Uighurs submitted to him.

The Heavenly General is a huge mountain pressing down on the heroic Khan.

"Reporting to the great Khan, the Khan is not feeling well, otherwise he would have come in person to congratulate you on the demise of Tubo."

Prince Yehu replied to Li Xuan.

He understood that his father regarded Li Xuan as his lifelong enemy.

However, in the game with Li Xuan, he was always attacked by dimensionality reduction.

The Uighurs had smooth sailing when conquering other tribes in the former Xiongnu territory, but they did not dare to even look at the Tang Dynasty.

Especially when facing General Tian, ​​they were terrified as if talking about a tiger.

There is a legend that has been circulating among the Uighurs.

The Heavenly General, riding on horseback and holding a spear, swooped down like an eagle or pounced on his prey.

Even if gods come, they cannot defeat us.

It is hard to imagine that this is how foreigners evaluate an emperor who worked hard to govern the country.

"You still have to take care of yourself! I'd like to have a drink with my old friends if I have the chance."

Li Xuan seemed to want to see Mo Yanchu very much.

"The Khan also regrets that he has never been able to meet the Heavenly Khan."

Prince Yehu felt that something was wrong with Li Xuan.

Now the relationship between the Tang Dynasty and the Uighurs is not equal at all.

"Prince Yehu, please do not rush back after the Hundred Kingdoms Conference. I will go to Xianyang for the autumn hunt this year. I hope that you, the son of an old friend, can accompany me. I also want to see the archery skills of Prince Yehu."

Li Xuan became more and more excited as he talked, and he even decided to conduct the first autumn hunt since he ascended the throne.

In fact, this is a cover.

According to the course of history, this year the Great Khan of the Uighurs, Moyanchuo, will die in the Sayan Mountains (the boundary mountains between Tannu Uriankhai and Siberia).

Regardless of whether Mo Yanchuo died according to the course of history, Li Xuan would keep Prince Yehu.

Because he knew that Moyanchu would most likely appoint Yidijian as the crown prince before his death.

Yidijian had a ferocious personality. Even if he did not become the crown prince, he would have seized power before Crown Prince Yehu returned to Shanyu City.

In this case, what is the status of Prince Yehu?
In the struggle for power, sons can kill their fathers, fathers can kill their sons, brothers can kill their brothers, and brothers can kill their brothers.

There was no compromise.

By that time, Tang Dynasty's opportunity will come.

The Tang Dynasty could refuse to recognize Yidijian, put a bunch of accusations on him, and support Crown Prince Yehu as the Great Khan of the Uighurs.

How can you allow others to sleep soundly on the side of the couch?
The Northeast has been pacified.

The southwest has been destroyed.

Only the north remains.

The Uighurs, who held all of the former Xiongnu territory, submitted to the Tang Dynasty only in name.

This is the consistent style of nomadic people.

They surrender when they are weak, but once they become strong and the Central Plains dynasty declines, they will immediately show their teeth to the Central Plains dynasty.

In Li Xuan's mind, the threat posed by the Uighurs was far greater than that of the Arab Empire.

At least three protectorates should be established in the former Xiongnu territory.

The Han people could also live near water and grass and raise livestock.

Similarly, the Huihe people can also farm and raise silkworms, and they are good at singing and dancing.

"I am honored to be favored by Tian Khan, but I am afraid that my riding and archery will not be in Tian Khan's eyes, and I will only be ridiculed!"

Prince Yehu quickly bowed to Li Xuan with an excited expression.

He didn't expect that the Khan would invite him to hunt, which was a great honor.

Prince Yehu's hatred for Li Xuan was not as strong as Mo Yanchu's.

Just like Mo Yanchuo's grandfather and uncle were ministers of the Tang Dynasty.

The relationship between them is unclear.

"It's okay, it's okay... I haven't picked up a bow and arrow for a long time."

Li Xuan laughed.

"Then I will present my ugliness to you."

Prince Yehu bowed and agreed to go on the autumn hunt before leaving.

Tian Khan personally kept him until the autumn, which was a testimony to the friendly relations between the Tang Dynasty and the Uighurs.

How could he refuse?

He didn't feel anything was wrong.

After all, no one expected that Mo Yanchu would die this year.

Similarly, Li Xuan invited Prince Yehu to a small banquet, which made Prince Yehu even more flattered and filled with mixed feelings.

……

With the afterglow of the New Year, time enters March.

The season when rivers flow and flowers bloom turns Chang'an into a city of spring.

Envoys, kings, and chiefs from hundreds of countries arrived in Chang'an one after another.

The curtain of the grand event gradually opened...

(End of this chapter)