The Great Tang General

Before leading the army in person, Li Xuan went to Xingqing Palace to visit Li Longji.

Li Xuan always thought that Li Longji would live longer than in history.

After all, he did not abuse Li Longji.

However, due to the physical and mental blows and his self-abandonment, Li Longji might not live as long as in history.

In the Yuelong Palace.

Li Longji's daughters took turns to take care of him and give him spiritual comfort.

Many of Li Longji's children also believed that Li Longji was their last resort.

If Li Longji died, their lives would be even more difficult.

From frugality to luxury is easy, from luxury to frugality.

Li Xuan was like a saint, and his subordinates followed his example, so no one in the court or the country dared to be extravagant.

The royal family was suppressed to the point where they could not even raise their heads, and was far less noble than during the Kaiyuan and Tianbao periods.

"The Supreme has arrived!"

Following the chief ceremonial officer's shout, Li Xuan walked through the palace and entered the bedroom.

"Greetings to the Supreme..."

Even the princes and princesses of the past had to lower their proud heads.

At this moment, Li Longji was lying quietly on the bed, his face as pale as paper, bloodless. In his deep eye sockets, his dull eyes were slightly half-open, staring at the pattern above the palace without any spirit.

He seemed to have lost all sense of his surroundings.

His bony hands rested limply on the quilt, with veins bulging, as if telling of the vicissitudes of life and the torture of illness.

"The Supreme Emperor..."

Li Xuan bowed slightly to Li Longji in front of the couch.

"If I fail, your power will be as solid as Mount Tai..."

Li Longji's cracked lips opened slightly, and after he finished speaking, his breathing was weak and rapid.

This sentence sounded like an expression of regret, but also seemed to reassure Li Xuan that he and his descendants would no longer be able to shake Li Xuan's power.

"Why do you say that, Your Majesty? Take care of yourself, you will get better. I will come back to see you when I return victorious."

Li Xuan sat on the couch and spoke slowly.

Li Longji's whole body was like a fallen leaf shivering in the autumn wind, with the flame of life flickering on the sickbed, which made Li Xuan feel emotional.

"I heard that Qilang is going to go on an expedition to Huihe. With his magnificent power, he will solve the troubles in the Central Plains. What Emperor Taizong did not accomplish, you will complete..."

Li Longji also wanted to hear the sound of triumph.

He kept wondering, was Li Qilang Tiansheng making up for the mistakes he had made?

He finally understood the truth that one can be strong without desires. Li Qilang, who does not pursue pleasure, has the energy to do many big things.

Drastic reforms and wise and decisive determination have created the current peace and prosperity in the country.

An Lushan's rebellion forced the Tang Dynasty to eliminate many of its ills.

The Tang Dynasty was able to adjust its direction and sail towards the vast ocean.

After the Uighurs were destroyed, the Tang Dynasty no longer had to worry about its surroundings.

As long as the core Central Plains region prospers, it can radiate to the surrounding provinces and then to the Protectorate.

"Tomorrow we will go on a long expedition. For the future of China, the Huihe must be naturalized. I want to establish a protectorate on the grassland to ensure the safety of the border and the people."

Li Xuan replied to Li Longji.

"Shichiro will definitely win the battle."

Li Longji no longer thought about Li Xuan suffering the same siege of Baideng as Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang.

The strength of the Uighurs was far inferior to that of the Xiongnu.

What's more, since Li Xuan led the army in person, it meant that he was well prepared.

As his life entered the countdown, Li Longji also hoped that the Tang Dynasty could continue smoothly so that he could have something to say when he met his ancestors in the afterlife.

Li Longji finally realized that he was wrong.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. Since you are leading the expedition in person, you are sure to win. The entire north will become the pasture of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Xuan held Li Longji's hand and answered him.

"In the past, I was in the imperial palace, and I used other people's eyes and ears as my own. As a result, the people were living in misery, but I didn't even realize it. Yang Guozhong lied to me that Nanzhao was victorious, and An Lushan lied to me that Youying was peaceful. And..."

At this point, Li Longji stopped talking. He took a few breaths and continued, "What you see is the most real. The person you trust the most can also deceive you..."

"During the Yao, Shun and Yu periods, the emperor toured the country and was a great sage king in ancient times..."

Finally, Li Longji spoke with great sincerity.

The person you trust the most, deceives yourself.

He did not deliberately blame Li Xuan under such circumstances.

Instead, he reminded Li Xuan that neither the Censor-in-Chief nor local officials could be trusted.

They used various means to deceive their superiors and subordinates.

Think about it, how is it possible that the world is full of loyal ministers and there are no treacherous ministers?

There is no beginning, and there is no end.

Li Longji still hoped that Li Xuan could tour the country when he had the energy.

Instead of being like him, in the beautiful Chang'an Palace.

There is Xingqing Palace in spring, Daming Palace in summer, Taiji Palace in autumn and Huaqing Palace in winter.

If you continue like this for ten thousand years, you will become a god in heaven!

Thinking back to the time when I was living a life of drunkenness and dreaming, I said these words in Huaqing Palace.

He couldn't believe that that was his former self.

He doesn't deserve to be called a saint.

In the thousandth year of Tianbao, the era name was changed to Zai.

You are deceiving yourself.

The ancient "Emperor's Tour System" made it easier to understand the people's sentiments.

For example, Liu Bang, Liu Xiu, and Emperor Taizong often toured the local areas.

Unlike him, when there was no food in Chang'an, he was forced to go to Luoyang to govern.

During one of his eastern tours, he went to Mount Tai to offer sacrifices to the gods.

After that, they were still afraid that the powerful people in Luoyang were too powerful, so they demolished the palaces in Ziwei City.

Now, after reading the Tang Monthly, Li Longji realized the ridiculous things he had done during the Tianbao period.

"I will keep the words of the Supreme Emperor in mind."

Li Xuan was very serious about what he said.

He understands better than anyone that people's hearts can change.

There is also a situation called bottom-up control, where civil and military officials may deceive the emperor intentionally or unintentionally.

The complicated situation blocked the emperor's eyes, making him unable to see the lives of the people of the world; it covered the emperor's ears, making him unable to hear the voices from all directions.

The emperor could better understand the actual situation by walking out of the palace and conducting on-site inspections than by simply reading memorials or listening to the discussions of his ministers.

Once peace lasts for a long time, this is what Li Xuan must do.

"I'm tired, let me take a rest."

Li Longji really felt very tired and fell asleep after speaking just a few words.

"Your Majesty, I will go back first. I will come to see you as soon as I pacify the Huihe."

Li Xuan pulled Li Longji's quilt up to cover his shoulders, then stood up and left with his attendants.

"Take good care of the Emperor."

Before leaving, Li Xuan gave some instructions to Princess Li Chongniang and others, then left with his hands behind his back.

That night, Li Xuan went to visit Li Shizhi again.

In comparison, although Li Shizhi is not as healthy as before, he is still in good health.

Li Xuan just advised Li Shizhi to drink less.

He also told Li Shizhi frankly that Li Longji did not have much time left, and that Li Shizhi could visit him more often.

If Li Longji really died, Li Shizhi would come forward to hold a state funeral and build a mausoleum.

Li Xuan did not give up the Northern Expedition because of this incident.

At night, Li Xuan said goodbye to his wife and children.

This trip may take several months or even a year.

……

February 16, the fifth year of Qianyuan.

The morning light cast golden rays, and the Guanghua Gate in the northwest of Chang'an City suddenly opened.

Li Xuan was going to go out from this gate and march north. At this time, outside Gwanghwamun, soldiers were lined up in rows, swords and spears were like a forest, and carriages and horses were endless.

The Tang Dynasty's Xuanlong flag fluttered in the wind.

"I accept the mandate of heaven and lead the army in person..."

"The new Uighur Khan is disrespectful to the Tang Dynasty and has invaded the borders, committing acts of atrocities and bringing shame to the country..."

"Prince Yehu, the son of Yingwu Khan, once worshipped the Heavenly Khan and persuaded the Tang Dynasty to launch an expedition to attack the rebels with his decades of loyal advice. As the common ruler of the world, I shall certainly agree to it."

"This journey is thousands of miles long and the yellow sand is endless. I must work together with the soldiers and fight bravely to protect the territory of our Great Tang and the well-being of our people."

"Wherever the military flag points to, it is our homeland; the drums of war beat in the hope of a triumphant return. On the day of success, I will not hesitate to reward you and promote you to higher ranks... As we march out today, I only hope that you will obey my orders, spread the power of our dynasty, and boost the spirit of our army!"

Li Xuan was wearing golden armor, holding a sword, sitting high in a chariot, with a solemn and resolute face and majestic eyes.

In a deep voice, he swore to his soldiers to go on this expedition.

This was the first time that the Tang Dynasty's new imperial guards went on an expedition.

Even though the military rank system has not yet been fully implemented, the officers and soldiers are all full of aspirations.

"Long live!"

"Long live!"

Whether fighting for ideals or pursuing wealth and glory, everyone was inspired by Li Xuan's words.

They are the imperial guards that all the soldiers in the world want to join. They should live up to the trust of the Supreme and decide the outcome of the battle in one go.

In the distance where Li Xuan swore to go to war.

The people gathered together to see off the Supreme Emperor as he led his army into battle.

They also shouted like thunder, shaking the heaven and earth.

Every citizen believed that the Tang Dynasty was fighting for justice and that the Supreme Emperor would surely win.

Over the years, the Tang Dynasty has been changing with each passing day.

Compared with the Tianbao period, people's lives have improved visibly.

The price of grain in Chang'an also stabilized at 25 wen per dou.

Although the price is more than twice that of the Kaiyuan period.

However, "low grain prices hurt farmers", and the Tang Dynasty was ultimately based on agriculture.

Appropriately raising food prices will help improve people's living conditions.

Most of those who bought food were merchants, dignitaries, literati, officials, and the now emerging "workers".

Workers' wages can fully afford this kind of food price.

The Ministry of Agriculture of the imperial court personally stepped in and the Changping Warehouse maintained the price of grain.

The Tang Dynasty exempted the charity granary tax and stored grain in the granaries to prevent natural disasters.

The Charity Granary Tax is a kind of heavy tax. Since ancient times, it has been used by the imperial court to purchase grain for disaster relief.

How can it be possible for the people to pay for their own grain and store it for themselves?
Li Xuan also personally invented many daily necessities to improve life.

In terms of diet, Li Xuan invented stir-frying, and there are already twenty kinds of stir-frying popular among the people.

If you don’t know how to cook in restaurants and inns near Chang’an, your business will plummet.

The production of edible oil has increased dramatically.

The production of iron pans and iron shovels for cooking became popular in Chang'an.

The Ministry of Commerce of the imperial court established factories to make iron pots in various places.

Especially in Shanxi where there are many iron mines.

The imperial court formed a geological exploration team to search for gold, silver, copper and iron minerals not only in the Central Plains but also in border areas.

By then, it would not be too stressful for an ordinary family to buy an iron pot, oil, salt and seasonings.

There are various aspects that were things I could not imagine before.

Therefore, the support that the common people gave to Li Xuan at this time was unmatched by any emperor in ancient or modern times.

"After I go to war, you will take turns writing and deciding government affairs. The system has been changed, so you must be extremely careful when dealing with key matters. If there is nothing serious, you don't need to report to me..."

Before leaving, Li Xuan gave instructions to Prime Ministers Li Xian, Pei Zunqing and others.

The prime minister only needs to improve government affairs and coordinate local affairs.

In addition, more than 20,000 imperial guards were left in Chang'an and Luoyang respectively.

Intimidate the stubborn old ministers.

Li Xuan also summoned two young governors, Hun Yu and Che Guangqian, to his side as vanguard generals for the grassland expedition.

In addition, officials such as the Minister of War Li Mi, the Privy Councilor of the Tian Ce Palace Feng Changqing, and the Quartermaster General of the Tian Ce Palace Zhang Xing accompanied Li Xuan.

In addition, there were some clerks of the Secretariat, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and some literary officials who followed the emperor, such as the recorders, censors, and historians.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. We will do our utmost to serve you until our death..."

Prime Ministers Li Xian, Pei Zunqing and others bowed to Li Xuan.

They will work diligently to ensure that the Supreme has no worries and returns victoriously as soon as possible.

"set off!"

Nodding, Li Xuan pointed his sword westward.

"Dong dong..."

The war drums roared, and one soldier after another jumped on his horse and marched westward.

A road opened up and Li Xuan's chariot moved slowly.

"I wish the Supreme a triumphant return..."

Civil and military officials bowed and shouted in unison.

The people cheered even louder.

……

More than 40,000 imperial guards of the Tang Dynasty, led by Li Xuan, will leave Chang'an Prefecture and arrive in Gansu Province.

Then he left Xiaoguan, crossed the Yellow River from Xinquan Army, followed the Great Wall to Liangzhou City, and after resting in Liangzhou City, he headed north to Baitinghai.

The local authorities had already prepared food and fodder along the way, including boats from Xinquan Army to cross the Yellow River.

The Tang army was basically composed of cavalry and vehicles, with each person having two horses and spare horses.

This road is the furthest road from Chang'an to the Hexi Corridor.

The Tang Dynasty used a huge number of prisoners and spent several years repairing the road, and now it has become a highway.

It enabled the Tang Dynasty to travel eighty miles a day with ease.

In order to increase speed, the Tang Dynasty divided more than 40,000 cavalry into ten phalanxes.

Li Xuan is in the center.

Each square formation is separated by several hours of distance.

Starting from Chenshi every day, they stopped to feed the horses, rest and eat after noon. When the sun was about to set in the afternoon, they stopped marching and cooked.

In this way, there is no need to worry about the line being crowded due to too many people.

The emperor's banner of personal expedition came to Hexi again. When the people along the way learned about it, they came to pay their respects.

Even though they couldn't see the emperor, the sight of the imperial guards marching with their carriages and horses still fascinated them.

When Li Xuan stopped, some lucky people could talk to him.

Li Xuan also learned about the conditions of the places he passed through.

……

When Li Xuan led his troops to Liangzhou, Lingwu Governor Wang Nande, Taiyuan Governor Guo Ziyi, and Fanyang Governor Li Guangbi received Li Xuan's military orders.

They rewarded the soldiers and summoned the cavalry from the various Hu states to wipe out the rebellious forces in the strategic areas planned by Li Xuan.

Since the establishment of Guli Peiluo, the Uighurs have always been ambitious and their goal is to take over all the former Xiongnu territories.

The Uighurs ruled over eleven major clans and countless smaller clans.

It starts from Shiwei (now the area around the Ergun River) in the east, ends at Jinshan (now the Altai Mountains) in the west, and spans the desert in the south.

By the time Moyanchuo conquered all directions and crossed the Lesser Sea (now Lake Baikal) to the north, he had already occupied all the ancient Huns' territories.

The Bayannur Plateau, Ulanqab Plateau, Xilingol Plateau and Hulunbuir Plateau north of the Yin Mountains were all under the control of the Uighur Khanate.

Officials and tribes were set up and heavy troops were stationed there.

When the silk and horse trade between Sanshoujiang City and the Tang Dynasty was going on, they were always on guard against the Tang Dynasty.

After all, the core of the Huihe was around Yu Dujun Mountain and Ekun River.

The further east you go, the weaker the Uighurs' control becomes.

Especially now that the Tang Dynasty established the Fuyuan Protectorate in the original Shiwei, the people of the nearby Uighur clans were in panic.

Against this background, the Tang Dynasty launched a war to destroy the Uighurs.

Led by Wang Nandai, Li Guangbi, and Guo Ziyi, plus 30,000 affiliated cavalry, a total of 70,000 cavalry, divided into three groups, entered the grassland...

(End of this chapter)