Dramatic changes in the movies and TV shows

Chapter 1284 The Foundation of the Empire
Ten miles east of Chang'an, along the ancient road with its long pavilion, willows sway gently in the breeze.

The sorrowful farewells that once filled this place have been replaced by a solemn atmosphere today.

With banners and ceremonial guards standing tall, Emperor Dezong of the Tang Dynasty dispatched his grandson, Prince Li Chun of Guangling, to personally welcome Lin Hao's triumphant return, representing the court and the emperor, ten miles outside the city.

When the Anxi and Beiting allied forces led by Lin Hao and Yang Xigu appeared at the end of the official road, a suppressed commotion arose among the waiting crowd.

This army, having fought across thousands of miles, remained disciplined, its flags torn yet still held high.

Li Chun, a young prince of only sixteen or seventeen years old, stood in front of the pavilion dressed in the robes of a prince, his eyes also filled with eagerness.

As the team approached from afar, I saw the weathered faces of the veterans, etched with the marks of time, and their barely suppressed excitement.

No further words are needed; this army itself is an epic written in blood and fire.

After the ceremony, the eunuchs once again read aloud the imperial edict from Emperor Dezong praising Lin Hao, the Grand General of the Western Regions, Guo Xin, the Grand Protector of Anxi, Yang Xigu, the Grand Protector of Beiting, and all the soldiers.

The merits of Lin Hao, Yang Xigu, and others were also commended, and the loyalty and bravery of all the soldiers of the Western Regions Army were also generously rewarded.

After the imperial edict was read, an uncontrollable sob erupted from the crowd.

It wasn't because of the reward, but because of my hometown, Chang'an, which was so close yet had haunted my dreams for decades!
A white-haired veteran who looked young, but was actually rejuvenated, broke free from the restraints of his unit, staggered forward a few steps, and knelt down with a thud, as if a mountain of gold and a jade pillar had been overturned, facing the majestic city of Chang'an.

"Chang'an! Chang'an! We, we're back!"

"Grandpa! Mother! Your son... is back!"

"Forty years... a full forty years..."

"I left home young and returned old, my accent unchanged but my hair gray." This scene perfectly captures the tragic grandeur and desolation of this poem.

They dedicated the most precious decades of their lives to the winds and sands of the Western Regions and to the banners of the Tang Dynasty.

At this moment, all the perseverance and sacrifice seemed to find their final resting place in this kneeling and weeping.

When the Crown Prince Li Chun witnessed this scene, his eyes couldn't help but redden.

He straightened his clothes, showing no arrogance despite his status as a prince. Instead, he took a few steps forward and stood before Lin Hao and Yang Xigu. He solemnly and deeply bowed to the kneeling, weeping veterans and to all the soldiers who had returned from their expedition.

"The two generals and all the soldiers have guarded the borders of the country for decades, risking their lives and finally recovering the Hexi Corridor, upholding the heavens and protecting the emperor!"

"This achievement will be remembered for all time, and this sentiment will move heaven and earth! On behalf of His Majesty and all the people of the Tang Dynasty, I thank all the loyal ministers and righteous men!"

His voice carried the clear, youthful quality of a boy, yet it was filled with sincere respect.

Yang Xigu and Lin Hao quickly returned the greeting, and they were immediately impressed by the young prince's humility and demeanor.

Lin Hao's gaze involuntarily fell on Li Chun.

To outsiders, he might just be a young prince of noble birth and humble demeanor.

But in Lin Hao's eyes, he saw the future Emperor Xianzong of Tang—Li Chun—who would be diligent in governing, appoint virtuous and capable officials, reform corrupt practices, strive for revitalization, and achieve the great success of the "Yuanhe Restoration," thus restoring the prestige of the central government! (Li Chun changed his name to Li Chun after ascending the throne.)

Historically, the series of measures he took after ascending the throne led to the restoration of the Tang Dynasty's national strength, a period known as the "Yuanhe Restoration".

However, because his reduction of the power of the princes touched the interests of too many vested interests, he was assassinated by eunuchs Chen Hongzhi and Wang Shuwen in the first month of the fifteenth year of Yuanhe (820).

If he had been able to rule the country for another twenty years, the fate of the Tang Dynasty might have been very different!

Now that he has come to this era, changed the fate of the Anxi army, and recovered the Hexi Corridor, this capable monarch deserves our support.

In a flash, Lin Hao said to Li Chun, "Your Highness is so kind, we are deeply grateful. Serving the country is a soldier's duty, and we dare not complain!"

Seeing that Lin Hao respected him so much, unlike other warlords who were arrogant and domineering, Li Chun's goodwill towards Lin Hao increased greatly.

However, given his intelligence and political awareness, he also knew that it was not appropriate to talk to Lin Hao too much in public, otherwise it would be suspected of trying to win over foreign officials.

Then, he warmly took Yang Xigu's hand and said earnestly:

"General Yang has steadfastly guarded the harsh and cold lands of the Western Regions for decades, making great contributions..."

Yang Xigu said with emotion, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. This old minister..."

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Chun met with the core generals of the Tang army, but did not neglect the allied forces who had fought alongside him.

Li Chun moved to the front of the foreign generals, including Prince Ferghana, Gutlug, and Kang Huaien, and maintained a humble and respectful attitude.

"Your Highness has traveled thousands of miles to aid our Great Tang Dynasty. Chang'an will forever remember this kindness and generosity!"

"The court will not forget the merits of General Gutlu and Colonel Kang in their valiant fighting."

However, in contrast to the affability shown by the Tang generals, their words to these small foreign countries and tribes appeared to be polite and encouraging, demonstrating both the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty as a superior nation and their sincere gratitude to their allies.

But Lin Hao clearly sensed Li Chun's perfunctory attitude towards these foreign tribes.

But thinking about it, it's understandable. Having suffered countless losses at the hands of these foreign tribes, they knew exactly what kind of people they were, so naturally they wouldn't be as sincere as they were towards the Tang soldiers.

However, his innate royal bearing and composure far beyond his years made Prince Ferghana and the others feel somewhat ashamed in his presence.

"His Highness Prince Guangling is truly a man of dragon and phoenix bearing, with a countenance as bright as the sun and moon! He is indeed worthy of being the grandson of the Tang Dynasty!" Prince Khan exclaimed sincerely.

Kudulu, Kang Huaien, and others nodded repeatedly, their awe and submission to the Tang Dynasty strengthened by the outstanding performance of this future crown prince.

After the grand welcoming ceremony concluded, Li Chun mounted his horse and personally led the triumphant army, which carried countless legends, back to Chang'an, the city they had always longed for.

As the procession slowly approached the Chunming Gate of Chang'an, many veterans' eyes were drawn to the large stone tablet by the roadside, its inscription still clearly legible despite the passage of time.

On the stone tablet, a line of powerful characters reappeared before everyone's eyes: "Nine thousand nine hundred li from here to Anxi!"

In an instant, time seemed to flow backward.

Forty years ago, a group of spirited young men stood here, looking at this stone tablet, bidding farewell to Chang'an and embarking on their long journey westward.

At that time, they may have felt sorrow and fear, but they were filled with even more pride and ambition to achieve great things.

Forty years later, a group of white-haired veterans returned to this place, looked at the same stone tablet, and took the last step on their way home.

At this moment, they were filled with mixed emotions, including vicissitudes and grief, but what ultimately settled was a clear conscience and a sense of peace that they had finally achieved.

Nine thousand nine hundred li is a symbolic number, yet it measures their entire lives.

Leaving Yangguan to the west meant endless battles and perseverance; returning to Chang'an to the east meant a blood-stained journey home and a triumphant return.

This stone tablet, like a historical coordinate, marks the beginning of their journey and witnesses the end of their epic.

All the sacrifices, all the dedication, all the perseverance and battles, seem to complete a heavy yet magnificent cycle in this moment of gazing at the stone monument.

The crowds along the way were like a sea of ​​people, and Emperor Dezong of Tang, Li Shi, personally received this iron-blooded army that had traveled thousands of miles and returned in glory from the majestic city tower.

When Lin Hao and Yang Xigu led their gleaming armor, their backs ramrod straight, and their ranks in perfect formation past Chengtian Gate, the entire city of Chang'an erupted in cheers.

"The Tang Dynasty is mighty!"

"Victory for the Anxi Army!" "We're home!"

A deafening roar of cheers surged from all directions, the sound waves shaking the heavens and lingering over Chang'an for a long time.

This was not an officially organized ceremony, but rather an expression of reverence and gratitude from the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people in Chang'an.

They bestowed upon these loyal soldiers, who had served the country's borders for decades and were finally returning home, the highest level of civilian courtesy in the simplest and most heartfelt way.

Many veterans walked along the familiar Zhuque Avenue, listening to the thunderous praise around them and seeing the tears glistening in the eyes of the people on both sides. They tried their best to maintain their military dignity, but their eyes were already wet.

Upon arriving at the camp prepared by the imperial court, and enjoying the long-awaited, authentic Tang Dynasty food and wine, many people were once again overcome with emotion. This unfamiliar taste was a luxury they could only dream of when they were guarding the Western Regions.

The army entered the camp, and then Lin Hao and Yang Xigu followed Li Chun to the imperial city of Chang'an.

After paying homage to Emperor Wandezong, Lin Hao took the lead in recounting the many events that had occurred over the past year, reporting them to the emperor one by one.

That night, the Taiji Palace was brightly lit, and a grand banquet was held.

Yang Xigu, Lin Hao, and other allied leaders such as Prince Ferghana, Gudulu, and Kang Huaien attended the banquet as representatives of the meritorious officials.

As the banquet reached its climax, the most important part—the gift-giving ceremony—arrived.

Yang Xigu and Lin Hao stepped forward side by side, presenting not rare treasures, but several seemingly simple cloth bags.

"Your Majesty," Lin Hao said loudly:

"These are seeds of several crops that we have sought out and cultivated in the far west. These are high-quality seeds such as chickpeas and wheat!"

The characteristics of these crops were then described in detail, especially their astonishing yields per acre, which were achievable even in the Guanzhong Plain and far exceeded those of millet and wheat at present.

When Lin Hao clearly uttered the words "several bushels per mu," the entire Taiji Hall fell into a deathly silence, followed by a low gasp of disbelief.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Dezong, who was sitting upright on the dragon throne, leaned forward abruptly, his eyes flashing with an unprecedented brilliance.

The prime ministers and ministers standing in attendance were so excited that they could hardly contain themselves.

The high-ranking officials who had experienced the devastation and hardship of Guanzhong after the An Lushan Rebellion knew all too well what this meant!
This is a divine object that can restore prosperity to Guanzhong, fill the Tang Dynasty's treasury, save countless lives, and stabilize the foundation of the nation!
"Heaven blesses the Tang Dynasty! This is an omen of its revival!" Emperor Dezong's voice trembled slightly.

"Your Majesty is wise." Lin Hao seized the opportunity to speak: "However, the cultivation methods for these new crops are different from those for ordinary crops, but after many years of improvement, their yield far surpasses that of grain crops in the Central Plains."

Emperor Dezong was overjoyed upon hearing this, for if a group of veterans returning from the Western Regions were settled, it would certainly strengthen the foundation of his imperial power.

This is also the best way to settle the meritorious individuals, and it also provides the most reliable technical support for the promotion of high-yield crops, achieving two goals at once.

The officials and civil servants had no objections. Their families owned vast amounts of land and knew that if this product could be promoted, the benefits would be immense.

The problem is that the land near Chang'an had long been privately owned by various powerful figures in Chang'an, so where would there be any land left to distribute to these meritorious officials?

Subsequently, Prince Ferghana presented a magnificent Akhal-Teke horse, Kang Huaien offered a dazzling gem from the Western Regions, and Gu Dulu brought the most agile eagle from the northern desert!

For a moment, the magnificent scene of all nations coming to pay tribute to Chang'an seemed to reappear in the Taiji Palace.

When Emperor Dezong asked them what their wishes were, Kang Huaien and many tribal chiefs knelt down without hesitation and earnestly requested:

"Your Majesty, the Heavenly Khan! We admire the splendor of the Tang Dynasty and humbly request to be naturalized, registered in the Tang register, and forever become subjects of the Tang Dynasty!"

Emperor Dezong was overjoyed and readily agreed, since Lin Hao had already informed him of these matters in advance and he fully supported Lin Hao's decision.

This scene made every Tang Dynasty official present stand up straight, and the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty was returning.

After thinking it over, Emperor Dezong finally made up his mind: "Now that you have returned, Protector-General Yang shall stay in Chang'an!"

With troubles raging on all sides, Emperor Dezong desperately needs a respected and knowledgeable veteran like Yang Xigu to pacify the realm and ensure peace of mind.

He keenly realized that, with Yang Xigu's decades of experience guarding the border and his unparalleled achievement in recovering the Hexi Corridor, he was the perfect candidate to deter those arrogant and fierce generals and stabilize the overall situation of the court.

Lin Hao nodded slightly. Emperor Dezong had actually wanted Lin Hao to stay in Chang'an, but Lin Hao had dissuaded him.

Firstly, Lin Hao's goal was to reclaim the entire Western Regions and completely integrate this land into the Tang Dynasty's territory.

Secondly, Lin Hao did not want to stay in Chang'an and get entangled with those political figures, but instead wanted to annihilate all the major powers in the Western Regions.

Yang Xigu was left behind to continue commanding a portion of the Western Regions army, and Guo Xin was even to be recalled in the future to jointly eliminate the increasingly arrogant regional warlord forces.

The moment Emperor Dezong met Yang Xigu, he instinctively recognized Yang Xigu's value and decisively extended an olive branch. This political vision and courage were truly extraordinary.

With Yang Xigu leading a portion of the Western Regions army to garrison Chang'an, it would be of great benefit both publicly and privately.

The grand rewards were issued in succession over the following days, reflecting the court's profound strategic considerations.

Yang Xigu was kept in Chang'an and appointed Grand Commandant and Chancellor, ranking among the Three Dukes and holding important positions.

As Lin Hao had predicted, Guo Xin would also return to Chang'an after Lin Hao returned to the Western Regions.

With these two in charge of the central government, the imperial power was consolidated, and petty people dared not act rashly.

This was not only a reward for his personal achievements, but also a way to leverage his immense prestige as Guo Ziyi's nephew, his decades of experience guarding the border, and his unparalleled contribution to the recovery of the Hexi Corridor, making him a stabilizing force for the court and a deterrent to the surrounding regional warlords.

Meanwhile, a far more far-reaching plan was being carried out in secret.

Lin Hao, Yang Xigu, and the Crown Prince Li Chun held several secret meetings and planned to establish a steel plant and military-industrial complex under the direct jurisdiction of the imperial court near Chang'an, relying on the technology brought by Lin Hao.

Many retired veterans, relying on their loyalty and experience in the Luntai workshops, became the backbone of the organization.

This move aims to create a powerful new army for the central government of the Tang Dynasty, with absolutely excellent equipment, complete logistical autonomy, and unquestionable loyalty, in order to fundamentally solve the chronic problem of regional military governors that has plagued the empire for more than half a century.

Subsequently, just before Lin Hao's departure, the imperial court officially issued an edict, completely merging the Anxi and Beiting Protectorates into the Western Regions Army, placing them under the command of the Western Regions Grand General's Office, and granting them supreme military and political power over the Western Regions, making him a true king of the Western Regions.

Veteran general Yang Xigu was granted the title of Prince, achieving great success and fame.

After rest and preparation, Lin Hao will lead 30,000 newly recruited and equipped soldiers from the Tang Dynasty, urgently conscripted by the imperial court, back to the Western Regions to complete the final unification.

On the day of departure, the scene outside Kaiyuan Gate in Chang'an was exactly the same as it had been two years ago.

The people seeing them off are different from those who are embarking on their journeys.

Crown Prince Li Chun and Grand Commandant Yang Xigu, representing the court, saw Lin Hao off.

What's even more touching is that the more than 5,000 soldiers who were prepared to stay, as well as the veterans who had settled down around Chang'an, also spontaneously gathered here.

They stood in formation along the roadside, their backs straightened, though they had taken off their old uniforms but put on the uniforms of the Imperial Guard.

Without much conversation, someone started a song, desolate yet majestic, that suddenly rose up and resounded through the sky:
"To sacrifice oneself for one's country in times of crisis, to regard death as returning home!"

The song is their farewell to the glorious past, and also their earnest expectations and entrustment to the new generation of Tang soldiers.

Lin Hao, mounted on his horse, solemnly clasped his hands in a salute to his old comrades at the head of the team.

He then turned his horse around, his gaze sweeping over the 30,000 young, innocent, yet vibrant faces behind him, his whip pointing westward.

"set off!"