The Great Tang General

West of Chang'an City.

A group of knights were coming slowly with the gentle pedaling of their horses.

Their clothes were tattered, and the leading official's robe was patched.

The armor of dozens of soldiers was covered with marks of swords and knives, and could be seen to have been repaired again and again.

Whether they were civil servants or soldiers, every soldier's face was filled with vicissitudes of life.

Despite wind, frost and rain, his eyes remain resilient.

Even so, Cui Hanheng still held up the banner.

The colorful feathers and the straight staff were exactly as they were when they left Chang'an, without any damage.

Contrasted with the tattered official uniform.

After traveling thousands of miles and wading through mountains and rivers, almost all the horses they rode had to be replaced.

There were also knights leading war horses, which were loaded with books obtained and sorted from the West, as well as some vegetables, fruits, and flower and grass seeds.

These are the missions undertaken by Cui Hanheng and Du Huan.

Cui Hanheng was the ambassador and Du Huan was the deputy ambassador.

Among them, Du Huan will start from the Western Regions and record all the customs and people along the way.

Du Huan also recorded the political system of the Roman Empire, the people's livelihood policies, and the ancient Roman Empire from the time of Caesar.

It clarifies the Romans' beliefs and pursuits, and also shows the complexity of the Roman nobles when facing disputes, as well as their thinking and national characteristics that are completely different from those of the Chinese.

Compared with Li Xuan's southern tour, the ceremony to welcome Cui Hanheng, Du Huan and others back to Chang'an was more grand.

Li Xuan specially called on 20,000 Tiance Guards, Shence Guards, Feilong Imperial Guards, Longwu Army, and Yulin Army, wearing various armors and riding fine horses, to stand along the way from ten miles outside Chang'an City.

Li Xuan personally brought along all the civil and military officials, as well as the Crown Prince Li Yi and Prince of Yan Li Song, and waited under the ceremonial guard without any canopy.

In Li Xuan's sight, Cui Hanheng's figure holding a scepter was gradually approaching in the light of morning light.

Due to the difficult environment, the envoys only had a few sets of official uniforms, and all of their clothes were torn. But under the shining scepters, they did not look shabby.

Wherever they passed, the imperial guards stood in silence and their horses remained silent.

All civil and military officials, without exception, set their eyes on them.

Cui Hanheng and other members of the delegation were extremely moved.

Returning to Chang'an, I felt like I had really returned to my hometown, and the stone in my heart fell to the ground.

Thousands of miles away, thoughts are like an overwhelming tide.

Everyone is eager to return home and hope to see their country and family again.

Some members of the delegation even developed homesickness after being away from home for so long.

They also missed the soldiers who died in the wilderness, and they still remembered the hardships along the way.

In the eyes of those barbaric tribes, the majestic Tang Dynasty was just a larger tribe. They were attracted by the horses and treasures of the Tang Dynasty and became arrogant.

When Cui Hanheng, Du Huan and others stopped their horses a hundred steps away from the emperor, without waiting for them to walk away from Li Xuan, Li Xuan, together with the crown prince, the Prince of Yan, and the five prime ministers, quickly walked towards them.

"Your Highness, I pay my respects to you..."

Five years later, Cui Hanheng, Du Huan and others performed Tang rituals again and paid homage to Li Xuan.

Seeing the high-spirited Supreme again, their eyes filled with tears.

The Supremes haven't changed at all. In the years since they were away, the Tang Dynasty has become increasingly powerful.

"My lords and soldiers, there is no need to be polite. You have overcome all difficulties and dared to be the first. You have traveled back and forth between Rome and the Tang Dynasty for five years. Your name is destined to go down in history. I, on behalf of the world, would like to thank you lords and soldiers for traveling through mountains and rivers for the Tang Dynasty and heading into the unknown. From now on, Rome will be within the sight of the Tang Dynasty..."

Li Xuan personally helped Cui Hanheng and Du Huan up and tidied their clothes.

Just by looking at the scars all over their bodies, you can tell how difficult it was for them.

The five prime ministers, the crown prince, and the King of Yan each supported other officials and soldiers, and even the accompanying servants were honored.

"I thank your majesty..."

Once upon a time, emulating the stories of Zhang Qian and Ban Chao was the envoys' lifelong dream.

Zhang Qian wandered in the Western Regions for more than ten years and was an important contributor to the development of the Western Regions by China; Ban Chao entered Yumen Pass alive and was a moving story. Cui Hanheng used to be fascinated by them.

Now he no longer has any admiration for them, because he believes that Zhang Qian and Ban Chao were born at the wrong time and did not meet a sage ruler like Li Xuan.

"No need to say more. I have already prepared a banquet for you all in Hua'e Xianghui Tower."

Li Xuan held Cui Hanheng's hand.

Now he didn't want to know about many things in Rome, he just wanted to welcome Cui Hanheng, Du Huan and others.

Cui Hanheng and others expressed their gratitude again.

They followed Li Xuan's dragon chariot, and with great fanfare, prepared to turn to Mingde Gate and then pass through Zhuque Street.

More than six years ago, crops such as apples brought by the Roman envoy Apogas had been successfully cultivated.

Datang tasted different apples for the first time, and they were red apples.

This is a good sign. Datang can gradually promote apples along the longitude and latitude suitable for apple cultivation.

For further selection and cultivation.

By then, the food of the Tang people can be enriched and nutrition for the people can be increased.

Because of Cui Hanheng's diplomatic mission to Rome, it was widely publicized in the "Tang Monthly", so that all the people in the world knew about this major historical event.

Therefore, countless people are looking forward to Cui Hanheng bringing the new species back to the Tang Dynasty.

Some people also became curious about Rome and wanted to see the Roman world.

Therefore, on Zhuque Street, the people of Chang'an expressed their warm welcome to the return of Cui Hanheng, Du Huan and others.

Cui Hanheng, Du Huan and others also lamented the changes in the Tang Dynasty.

The brand new and clean cement road and the colorful flowers beside it will not wither until winter.

The West calls Chang'an "the city in blooming flowers", and the name is well deserved.

Constantinople, a strategic fortress, is far inferior to Chang'an.

These changes are all attributed to Li Xuan's extraordinary vision.

Once Li Xuan's orders were issued, all departments and subordinates would execute them unconditionally.

Because Li Xuan’s orders must be correct.

Those who opposed Li Xuan have been forgotten.

In this way, amid the warm welcome of the people, Cui Hanheng, Du Huan and others bathed, changed clothes, and arrived at Hua'e Xianghui Tower for a grand banquet.

During this period, Cui Hanheng presented Li Xuan with edible crops such as broccoli, lettuce, hawthorn, mung bean, cabbage, chicory, snow peas, oats, etc., and brought better varieties of crops, as well as some tree and flower seeds.

The large circulation of species makes the country's crops more abundant.

Now we are waiting for someone to discover the new continent over there and bring back the more valuable species from the new continent to Datang to lay the foundation for industrial transformation.

There are also 437 volumes of Roman and ancient Roman classics, documents, and books suspected to be historical materials.

Folk tales and stories, eighty-nine volumes.

Twenty-seven volumes of religious books.

Two hundred and forty-eight volumes of books covering science, technology, agriculture, iron smelting technology, and mathematics.

In addition, Cui Hanheng and Du Huan also purchased 380 volumes of books from merchants from the Frankish Kingdom and the Bulgarian Khanate.

It also records the history of the Anglo-Saxons in the British Isles.

They believed in the god of war and were very opposed to Roman religion.

Although these records are somewhat vague and contain some fabrications, they can serve as auxiliary research.

In particular, books related to science, agriculture, mathematics and other technologies are undoubtedly treasures for the Tang Dynasty.

Cui Hanheng used the technology of the Shenbi crossbow to successfully bring these books out of Rome.

Constantine V coveted the powerful crossbow, thinking that if he had it, he could make the Bulgarian barbarians pay the price and wash away the shame of Rome.

This was also what Li Xuan had instructed.

The Shenbi Crossbow was not a magical weapon, it was only very powerful during the Song Dynasty. The emergence of artillery was a dimensionality reduction blow to the Shenbi Crossbow.

Now the Tang Dynasty is making every effort to develop artillery and muskets.

As two completely different concepts, the Roman Empire, with its crossbow, could not pose a threat to the Tang Dynasty.

Even though the Tang Dynasty is powerful today, all nations come to pay tribute.

But the ruler is shorter and the inch is longer.

There are many foreign technologies that can be used as reference.

Li Xuan is not omnipotent, but he can help the Tang Dynasty avoid many detours.

These books will be copied and placed in the Palace of Wisdom for scholars to study.

After a day of fun, the party ended.

After Li Xuan let Cui Hanheng and others rest in Chang'an for a day, he summoned Cui Hanheng to Ganlu Palace.

"Meet the Supreme One!"

Cui Hanheng put on his new official robe and bowed to Li Xuan.

"Master Cui, please take a seat."

Li Xuan asked Cui Hanheng to watch over him and ordered the palace maids to prepare tea.

"Thank you, Supreme!"

Cui Hanheng thanks again.

"How do you feel about this trip to Rome?"

Li Xuan asked Cui Hanheng directly.

"The Roman Empire has long lost its ancient Roman glory. Their history is very interesting. I think it is not impossible for the Roman Empire to become strong again once it defeats the Bulgarians and the Arabs."

Cui Hanheng answered Li Xuan objectively.

The Romans changed Cui Hanheng's inherent impression that "barbarians are everywhere".

The success of the ancient Roman Empire has made the nobles of today's Roman Empire miss their past glory.

Although Constantine V looked indifferent to everything, he was a tiger in his heart. He wanted to use the power of the Tang Dynasty to destroy the Arabs and obtain the rich territory of the Arabs, so as to fight against the Bulgarian barbarians hanging over his head.

"I agree with you."

Li Xuan understood that the current Roman Empire would have a great revival.

That was during the decline of the Caliphate.

But history has changed beyond all recognition.

If Constantine V could complete his plan, he would surely be called "the Great Emperor" in history.

"Although Rome has potential, the Supreme is the Khan of Heaven and the common ruler of the world. The military, system, economy, and culture of the Tang Dynasty have all made great progress. Let them go on the wrong path, and we will achieve our goal. We can attack or defend. The example of the Arabs conquering the Persians means that we Chinese can also convert the Arabs. As long as the Supreme eliminates the lowly and makes them good in that land, the Supreme is Allah in their minds..."

Cui Hanheng reported to Li Xuan again.

This time when he returned to Hezhong, he made a special effort to learn about Persia and the Arabs, and had in-depth discussions with Du Huan.

Many countries in the river basin have a fickle attitude towards faith and are not very devout.

Having enough food and clothing is their only demand.

They have no concept of country and fight for their country only because of generous rewards and a way to make a living.

"With Iraq, the Tang Dynasty will be like a sharp sword, reaching straight to the throat of Rome. Now Abu Jerfar Abbas has built a magnificent Baghdad for us on the Tigris River. It will be our front line facing Syria, and we will also occupy the Euphrates River. We can reach the Mediterranean Sea overnight. We cross the Persian Gulf, occupy the seemingly desolate peninsula in the west, and occupy Azerbaijan and other Caucasus Mountains in the north, which can be cultivated into a granary. From the river to the Mediterranean, in the coming years, we must complete the reform and become self-sufficient within five years. Within ten years, we can give back to the Central Plains, the core of the Tang Dynasty. In this way, the territory of the Chinese Empire will be initially formed."

Li Xuan described the grand blueprint in his mind to Cui Hanheng.

After integrating resources, the scale is completely different.

Moreover, the Tang Dynasty was moving towards the industrial revolution.

In no less than a few decades, the Tang Dynasty conquered Constantinople as easily as taking candy from a sack.

"Supreme Holy Wisdom!"

Cui Hanheng sincerely admired the Supreme and won the distribution of interests in the Iraqi region.

When in Rome, Constantine V was quite dissatisfied with the Tang Dynasty's takeover of the Iraqi region and ignored Cui Hanheng for a while.

Fortunately, under the persuasion of Abogas, Constantine V finally agreed.

In Constantine V's vision, it was impossible for the Tang Dynasty to span thousands of miles and control a complex land.

Tian Khan and the Tang people will sooner or later stop their westward expedition.

"Master Cui, what is the agreement with the Roman Empire?"

Li Xuan asked Cui Hanheng the most important thing.

"Replying to Your Majesty. According to the agreed time, in August of the 3463rd year of the Chinese calendar, the Tang Dynasty and Rome jointly sent troops to attack the Arabs. On behalf of the Tang Dynasty, I swear an oath of alliance with Constantine V."

Cui Hanheng replied to Li Xuan.

The year 3463 in the Chinese calendar was the tenth year of Qianyuan.

There are still two years left before the Tang Dynasty begins preparing food and fodder, and orders the Persian Kingdom to store supplies, and also determines the time for mobilizing troops.

In the spring of the ninth year of Qianyuan, the Tang Dynasty will hold a change of leadership.

By August of the tenth year of Qianyuan, the situation can be stabilized.

This was also the time when the Tang Dynasty was at its strongest, with bronze cannons and some muskets.

Just like the conquest of the Uighurs, they dealt a heavy blow to the Arabs.

In history, Abu Jalfar Abbas was a great ruler like Li Shimin.

But at this time, the Arab Empire, after losing large areas such as Khorasan, suffered heavy casualties, and paid a large amount of treasures to the Tang Dynasty as a request for peace, was far from becoming the first empire at that time like the "Mansur" era in history.

"Two years, I have enough time to prepare. Victory will definitely belong to the Tang Dynasty."

Li Xuan has already said that he would lead the army to the west.

This time, he will bring his two sons to broaden their horizons.

Let them experience firsthand what military service is like.

Let them see the firearms and determine the future development path.

Waging war is not an end, nor is it for momentary joy or anger.

The goal is to gain benefits for the country.

Between countries, there are no eternal friends or eternal enemies, only eternal interests.

Don’t think that the Roman Empire and the Tang Dynasty are allied now. Once their common enemy, the "Caliphate Empire", is gone.

The two will immediately become rivals. Any conflict or feeling of injustice could turn into a new war.

Afterwards, Li Xuan chatted with Cui Hanheng about what he had seen along the way and the customs and people of Rome.

At noon, the two ate together.

Cui Hanheng did not leave Ganlu Palace until sunset in the afternoon.

The next day, Li Xuan summoned Du Huan and treated him as a national hero.

Du Huan presented all his notes to Li Xuan.

These are all true records, allowing Li Xuan to understand more directly the hardships along the way and the customs of Rome.

When the term of office changes, Cui Hanheng, Du Huan and Li Xuan will all be given important positions.

The accompanying soldiers were heavily rewarded, and their military ranks were raised by at least three levels.

The families of the deceased martyrs were given preferential treatment and awarded the "Medal of Warrior".

If a warrior medalist dies in battle, his family will be given 100 acres of good farmland, one pound of gold, and 100 pieces of colorful forged goods.

Children who join the army will be given priority for promotion and granted military ranks.

Another day passed before Li Xuan went to the Political Affairs Hall to discuss the Western Expedition with the prime ministers...

(End of this chapter)