The Great Tang General

Summer is coming to an end and the weather is not so hot.

Outside the city of Chang'an, from the ten-mile long pavilion to the bank of the Ba River, there were crowds of people and flags blocking out the sun.

Five prime ministers headed by Li Xian, Pei Zunqing and Liu Yan, dressed in court robes, tall hats and wide belts, with fluttering sleeves, led civil and military officials to welcome the return of Li Xuan who had been on inspection for nearly two years.

There were also imperial guards such as Yulin, Longwu, Tiance, and Shence, all dressed in armor and armed with sharp weapons, majestic and awe-inspiring, arrayed on the west side of the official road. They stood tall and straight like pine trees, showing their heroic spirit.

The people also spontaneously welcomed the return of the Supreme.

It is said that the Supreme One inspected all the way to the magnificent South China Sea, and then returned north via the Dongting Lake.

He passed through more than ten provinces and traveled across thousands of mountains and rivers.

Along the way, he regulated officials, deterred lawlessness, and brought corrupt officials and sycophants to justice.

Li Xuan changed the situation in Li Longji's era.

He dared to go to the south in person and even trekked into Lingnan, breaking the inherent image of Lingnan as a barbaric land.

In the "Tang Monthly", as Li Xuan made his inspection tour, there were many reports promoting the characteristics of the counties and prefectures that Li Xuan passed through.

Allow more businessmen and intellectuals to arrive in the south.

It also prompted some ambitious people to migrate to Lingnan and other southern regions to boost their economy and trade.

During the nearly two years that Li Xuan was on his southern tour, the court situation was stable, national strength rose sharply, and there were certain leaps in all aspects.

New materials have brought about tremendous changes in people’s lives.

The prime ministers took turns in handling the government affairs and worked together.

This shows that Li Xuan has a good eye for talent.

It also indirectly reflects that Li Xuan was wise and brave, and that the political situation in the court was as stable as Mount Tai.

The country can develop according to Li Xuan's will.

As all the ministers waited eagerly, the clear sound of imperial bells could be heard in the distance, yellow dust gradually rose, and Li Xuan's carriage slowly approached, with the national flag of the Tang Dynasty unfurled and the embroidered dragon flying in the air.

When the carriage reached the place of civil and military ministers, it stopped and Li Xuan, dressed in casual clothes and looking exhausted, got off the carriage.

"Your Highness, we pay our respects to you and welcome your return..."

Led by Li Xian, all civil and military officials bowed to Li Xuan.

From under Li Xian's hat, one could see that his temples were already gray.

Li Xian is only in his fifties, but he has been the chief prime minister for eight years and has become ill from overwork, and his health is not as good as before.

In March of this year, Li Xian fell seriously ill and only after being treated by Wang Bing did he get slightly better.

As the first and second chief prime minister in the Qianyuan year, Li Xian has done his best to fulfill his historical mission.

After the change of leadership this year, Li Xian can return home to retire.

It should be noted that Yao Chong and Song Jing, who created the Kaiyuan Prosperity, served as prime ministers for only three or four years.

Li Xian held stable power for eight years. As the first prime minister to usher in a new era, he was destined to go down in history.

"Everyone is safe."

Li Xuan told all civil and military officials not to be too polite.

He was walking on a newly built cement road. After two years, cement roads in all the markets in Chang'an City had been completed.

There are also houses made of steel and cement.

Make Chang'an's night market more diverse.

"I heard that the Right Servant was ill, and I couldn't sleep at night. But I am in the south and can't visit him. How is the Right Servant now?"

Li Xuan walked up to Li Xian and asked him.

He remembered that Li Xian in history died in these two years.

Although Li Xian's term of office was about to end, Li Xuan was reluctant to part with this meritorious official.

He has worked hard for the country all his life. I hope he can live a long and peaceful life.

"My Lord, I am now in good health and can focus on state affairs."

Li Xian was moved and bowed to Li Xuan and replied.

With the Supreme's words, he would fight to the last breath and hold on until next spring, handing over the phase to the next outstanding person.

"Don't overwork yourself. When you are in power, you should also pay attention to your health. I would like to hear more opinions from the Right Prime Minister in the future."

Li Xuan said while holding Li Xian's hand.

Even if he was dismissed from his post and retired from his position, Li Xuan would still consider the old prime minister's opinions.

"I dare not disobey..."

Li Xian became more motivated.

Li Xuan talked with Pei Zunqing again. Pei Zunqing, with white hair and beard, was already 75 years old.

But his body looks stronger than Li Xian's.

After he stepped down from the position of prime minister, he could enjoy his retirement in peace.

Then, Li Xuan questioned prime ministers including Liu Yan, Yang Wan, and Yan Zhenqing one by one.

Let’s not talk about state affairs outside Chang’an for the time being.

After a brief exchange with his ministers, Li Xuan set off again and returned to Chang'an City along the smooth concrete road.

Li Xuan rode on a dragon chariot without a carriage cover on his way to Chang'an. As usual, he waved and interacted with the people who came to greet him.

The people of Chang'an wholeheartedly supported Li Xuan.

The influence of the Li Longji era was completely eliminated, and rapid changes took place in eight years.

They all believed that the great king could lead them to another level.

After entering Chang'an City and arriving at the Taiji Palace and Taiji Hall, Li Xuan changed his clothes and then began to discuss matters in front of the hall with the civil and military officials.

Li Xuan's facial expression also changed from kind and joyful when he first returned to Chang'an to serious.

"Two years ago, when I was in Chang'an, I thought that the elimination of the lowly and the good were going very smoothly, and the people in various places lived and worked in peace and contentment, just like Chang'an and Luoyang."

"A leaf blocks the view of the mountain. I'm sure you all know about the many major events that happened during my southern tour. Although I have been on tour for nearly two years, I have only been to eleven regions and have only seen one hundredth of the things. And in such a big country, how many counties like Huaiyin and Nankang are there? Are there any county magistrates who deceive their superiors and their subordinates? And how many township heads are calling the shots at the grassroots level?"

"Let alone two years, I can't possibly catch them all in twenty years. Moreover, people's hearts change. After gaining power, some upright officials' desires expand and they are defeated by money, beauty, and power. Constables, officials outside the capital, county soldiers, Jinyiwei, and even the army may be corrupted..."

"I hope you will not be blinded by your insignificant achievements, and do not strive for what will happen after you die. You should focus on the present and plan for the future. I and you have a heavy responsibility and a long way to go..."

Li Xuan spoke to the civil and military ministers in a serious and earnest manner.

The reason for traveling around the world is to have a broader vision.

Facts have proved that Li Xuan's inspection was correct.

Even if there are still problems in Huaiyin and Nankang, we can start to solve them.

It is impossible to eradicate individual corruption, but we must nip in the bud large-scale corruption that occurs throughout a county.

This concerns the fate of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people in a county.

"We, your Majesty, have kept in mind your Majesty's teachings and have established thirty supervisory departments in accordance with your Majesty's will, with supervisory censors as chief officials. Together with the inspection departments of the local provinces, we will conduct a thorough investigation of all counties and prefectures in the world."

Li Xian answered Li Xuan on behalf of all civil and military officials.

"It should be so. We need to make officials fear the law so that they dare not break it. After the country promulgated the Nine Ranks and Eighteen Grades, the salaries of officials are generous. As long as they don't indulge in extravagance, they can easily provide their families with food and clothing within the rules and regulations."

"The Jinlong Division and Luanfeng Division of the Jinyiwei have also begun to mobilize Jinyiwei from all over the country. They are no longer stationed in one place, but are mobile for supervision."

Li Xuan said slowly. In this way, the situation like Huaiyin and Nankang will hardly occur. Even if it occurs, it will be short-lived.

From now on, truly corrupt officials and those who abuse their power for personal gain can only compete with the imperial court as individuals or in small groups, playing cat and mouse games.

They no longer dare to act so brazenly that the people on the streets would be in awe.

"Your Majesty is holy."

All the civil and military officials spoke in unison.

Throughout history, Li Xuan was the emperor who dealt most severely with corrupt officials.

This inspection was meticulous and was also intended to combat corruption and deter villains.

At the same time, Li Xuan set an example by suppressing the royal family, curbing the gentry, and eradicating the powerful.

In order to make the country show a high-spirited attitude, scholars and literati were all enthusiastic about the imperial examinations.

"Right Prime Minister, where is Cui Hanheng passing through now?"

Li Xuan discussed other problems encountered during the inspection with civil and military officials, as well as matters concerning the development, economy and trade in the south, and then asked about Cui Hanheng.

Before this, Li Xuan received news that Cui Hanheng, who was on a diplomatic mission to the Roman Empire, had finally returned to the Pamir Protectorate after five years.

The diplomatic mission to Rome was different from Li Xuan's southern tour. It had to bypass the territory of the Arabs and go north of the Caspian Sea.

There are no roads there, and there are some backward tribes and all kinds of dangers lurking around.

Li Xuan was relieved that Cui Hanheng was able to lead the warriors back safely to the Congling Protectorate.

He also learned that forty-two brave warriors of the Tian Ce Guard died while fighting with those who blocked their way to protect envoys including Cui Hanheng.

Seven others died on the way due to exposure to wind, rain, snow and hail, as well as illness.

These are all warriors, and the country will treat their families well.

"Your Majesty, a month ago, Scholar Cui passed through Yumen Pass and entered the Hexi Corridor. I think it won't be long before we get news that Scholar Cui is near Chang'an."

Li Xian replied to Li Xuan.

"That's great! Under the leadership of Abu Jalfar Abbas, the power of the Western Caliphate Empire has been rising steadily. He has won over believers, integrated politics and religion, trained death squads, and took advantage of the death of the Persian King Pushan to provoke the border, with the intention of taking back Persia. We can't let a tiger become a threat to us!"

Li Xuan said that when Cui Hanheng returned from his diplomatic mission, he would personally go to Chang'an to welcome Cui Hanheng and a group of brave warriors who had traveled thousands of miles.

You have no joke.

Otherwise, he should have returned to Chang'an in September.

Pushan, the Persian king supported by Li Xuan, died of illness in September last year. Pushan’s eldest son, Romixun, succeeded him as the new Persian king.

It is said that if something is too easy to get, we will not know how to cherish it.

Before meeting Li Xuan, Pu Shang and his son had become commoners.

He suddenly got the throne, which was a blessing from heaven and he couldn't control himself.

They are addicted to beauty and enjoy wealth without restraint, as if to make up for all the suffering they had suffered in the past.

The Tang Dynasty wanted to collect gold and silver from the Persian Empire in lieu of taxes.

After being tamed by the Arabs, the Persian Empire became somewhat loose and fragmented when it converted to Zoroastrianism.

The current Persian government is controlled by Khalid ibn Barmak.

The common people of the country create wealth for the nobles.

And those elites, poets, and scholars had already followed Afef to the Palace of Wisdom of the Tang Dynasty.

Few people speak up for the lower classes anymore.

The Khorasan region has always been rebellious, and the people there have even begun to recall the era of the Governor-General of Khorasan.

Some people secretly changed their clothes, stopped worshipping the fire, and silently recited Allah in their hearts.

Li Xuan also expected this situation to happen.

The national strength of the Tang Dynasty entered a new dimension, and it could plan a westward expedition to civilize the place and make the Chinese civilization tremble under its feet.

For the sake of future generations, Li Xuan will complete this grand cause.

"Your Majesty is right. Abu Jalfar Abbas suppressed the Silk Road, preventing our Tang Dynasty from flourishing in the West. The Tang Dynasty and the Arab Empire are mortal enemies. Even if we do not take action, the Arab Empire will definitely attack Persia after it recovers. Moreover, Scholar Cui returned from his mission to Rome with the date of Constantine V's military deployment. We can take advantage of this opportunity to attack from both sides. With the weapons and firearms of the Tang Dynasty, we can definitely win."

Minister of Personnel Liu Yan stepped out and answered Li Xuan.

After the horizons of the civil and military officials in the imperial court were broadened, many ambitious ones developed strong feelings towards the West.

In the past, the White Caliphate and the Black Caliphate had fought with the Tang Dynasty for the Western Regions many times. If they were not curbed, they would sooner or later become a major threat to the Tang Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, the Grand Protector of Congling has sent a message that the current Persian King, Romixun, has only been enjoying himself since he ascended the throne, and has not set out to pay homage to the emperor in Chang'an. The Persian Kingdom will be destroyed sooner or later because of him. The Persian Kingdom should be established as a Chengdu Protectorate. Only by implementing the decree of our Great Tang can the problem be solved once and for all."

Feng Changqing, the Privy Councilor of Tian Ce Palace, made a request to Li Xuan in harsh words.

The Khorasan region owned by Persia was a rich land.

Could the Tang Dynasty still allow the Persian Kingdom to reach the territory of the Caliphate at its peak?
In that case, sooner or later the Persian Kingdom would no longer obey the orders of the Tang Dynasty and become the Persian Empire.

"The Persian Kingdom is nothing to worry about. I already have a solution. Once Cui Hanheng returns to the capital and learns the specific plan, we will start the Western Expedition."

Li Xuan spoke up to reassure all civil and military officials.

He knew very well that raising a tiger would bring disaster. The Tang Dynasty was developing industry and commerce, and it was impossible for it to establish a competitor in such an era.

After another brief discussion, it was already sunset and Li Xuan announced his retirement from court.

If there is anything, we will discuss it tomorrow.

After leaving Taiji Hall, Li Xuan went to Wude Hall first to pay homage to the retired emperor Li Shizhi.

Li Xuan was worried when he saw Li Shizhi gradually getting older and not as strong as before.

He was afraid of losing Li Shizhi and hoped that time would stop...

Li Shizhi had a good attitude. He let Li Xuan do his own thing and didn't need to bother him whether it was a conquest or an inspection.

How could Li Shizhi ever have thought that he would have such a glorious time?
He could not even imagine that under the rule of his beloved son, the Tang Dynasty would surpass the reign of Emperor Taizong in terms of civil and military achievements.

Going to Zhuque Street and touring Chang'an was something new even to him.

That’s enough for his life!
After saying goodbye to Li Shi, Li Xuan reunited with his wife and children.

Li Xuan paid special attention to Crown Prince Li Yi, who was about to come of age. He had long conversations with him by candlelight and tried to understand Li Yi's attitude and opinions from their conversations.

Li Song's positioning was somewhat awkward; he was well-versed in military strategy, had extraordinary physical strength at a young age.

But Li Xuan could not send him to the army for fear that the soldiers would think that Li Song had "his father's style".

It caused the brothers to break up and the human tragedy to reappear.

Li Xuan was also thinking about Li Song's future positioning.

He can change the system at any time and take precautions in all aspects.

While maintaining the Chinese Empire, we will never act on impulse and establish a family empire, which will cause disaster for future generations.

The country is united and working hard, and the development speed is faster than Li Xuan imagined...

As soon as Li Xuan returned to Chang'an, he quickly began to deal with military and political affairs.

While preparing for the change of leadership, we will also implement the new system.

In the blink of an eye, it is mid-August.

On this day, Cui Hanheng returned from his diplomatic mission, and the moment to decide the fate of the Arab Empire had arrived...

(End of this chapter)