The Leisurely Life of the Prince of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 219 Transfer Order
"I can feel that, except for the people of Luoyang and Guanzhong, some people's eyes are different, their smiles are different, and they are different people."

Zhang Xuanbi gave another example: "It's like the difference between a savage and a man with ambition, a man who only wants to satisfy his appetite and a man who wants more than that. This is the difference."

Zhang Xuanbi was a disciple of the great Confucian scholar Gu Nalu. His father might not necessarily take seriously a man whose words and deeds were somewhat exaggerated.

However, he is valuable. If the legendary great Dongyi scholar Gu Nalu can be brought into the court through him, it will undoubtedly give the court greater say among the literati.

It was also because of the strong recommendation of Zhang Xuanbi and the great Confucian scholar Gu Nalu from Dongyi by Chu Suiliang in the court.

Li Chengqian watched his father talking with Zhang Xuanbi, looking at the snow scene in the distance in silence. He planned to think about nothing during this period of time and spend this winter quietly.

When the ice and snow in Guanzhong had not yet begun to melt, there were several heavy snowfalls in February, and it was still covered with snow.

A group of soldiers came from the official road in the west. They rode fast horses all the way from Xianyang Bridge and shouted loudly: "Urgent news from the border! Urgent news from the border!"

The villagers and vendors on the Xianyang Bridge hurriedly made way to let the team of soldiers pass.

When Li Chengqian had nothing to do, he would still go fishing by the Xianyang Bridge. This time, even Li Zhi and Li Shen came along.

Seeing the troops bringing the urgent report, Li Chengqian nodded to Xue Wanbei.

He immediately arranged for two guards to go to Chang'an to inquire about the news.

In fact, Liu Rengui did not like the crown prince of the time to come to Xianyang Bridge to fish, but for some reason, this crown prince always liked to come to Xianyang Bridge recently.

He once wondered if he had done something wrong as an official, causing His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to be unhappy?
Otherwise, why would the prince come to Xianyang Bridge to fish so often?

Li Ke knew that Liu Rengui was actually a man without any big ambitions, and even wanted to be a county magistrate for his entire life.

"County Magistrate Liu, maybe my brother is just bored and came here on his way."

Liu Rengui looked numb as he looked at the prince who was fishing a hundred steps away and said, "I have come to Xianyang Bridge to fish ten times since last year."

In fact, Liu Rengui not only suspected that the prince was deliberately making things difficult for him, he was also worried that something might happen to the prince on the Xianyang Bridge, even if he fell into the river.

It doesn't matter that the county magistrate Liu Rengui died, but what should the citizens of Xianyang County do?

This time, not only the crown prince came, but he also brought Prince Jin and Prince Ji with him.

Li Zhi didn't like fishing, so he simply lay down on the chair and said, "Brother Shen, are the skewers ready?"

Li Shen first tasted it, chewed it in his mouth and said, "It's not ready yet."

It seems that these two younger brothers have not grown much taller yet. Li Zhi is eleven years old and Li Shen is only ten years old.

Li Zhi added: "Don't eat it all by yourself."

Li Shen put more pepper and salt on the barbecue and said, "My brother won't finish it."

An hour later, a fast horse came towards here and the man got off the horse.

Li Chengqian looked at the motionless fishing line and said, "The fish was startled."

The soldier who came on horseback was a little at a loss when he heard this.

"Go ahead and I'm listening."

"Yes." He replied, "Your Majesty has summoned General Yuchi, General Niu Jinda, Minister of War Hou Junji, Prime Minister Fang, Duke Zhao and Zhang Xingcheng to discuss matters in Xingqing Hall."

Li Chengqian asked in a deep voice: "What does the military newspaper say?"

"Your Highness, the military report said that after Yugushe proclaimed himself Khan on the north bank of the Ili River, he successively gathered many tribes east of the Western Turkic Khaganate. Yugushe joined forces with Gaochang and stationed troops in a city south of the Altai Mountains, calling himself Khan Futu City. Your Majesty sent an order for the King of Gaochang to come to Chang'an for congratulations and to give him rewards, but the King of Gaochang claimed to be ill and did not come."

After listening to him, Li Chengqian looked at Xue Wanbei and asked, "What do you think, General Xue?"

"Your Highness, Yugu has stationed troops in the north of the Altai Mountains, probably to jointly block the Tang army with Gaochang."

Li Chengqian took the mutton handed to him by Li Shen, and then he roughly understood the strategic intention. He stationed troops in the north against the Altai Mountains and then looked at the location of Gaochang, which was later known as Tingzhou and Xizhou.

This is indeed an important place and an important hub for managing the Western Regions.

In fact, no matter how stupid or arrogant Yu Gushe and the King of Gaochang were, they knew where the key places in the Western Regions were.

Li Chengqian lost interest in fishing and stood up and said, "They are separatist in the Western Regions and blocking the trade routes. How can we trade well in the future? Yu Gushe and the King of Gaochang are really causing trouble. There is really no shortage of people who can cause trouble."

Xue Wanbei remained silent.

"gone back."

At the Crown Prince's words, the soldiers guarding the surroundings gathered together and escorted the prince back to Chang'an.

Li Shen hurriedly picked up a large bunch of roasted mutton and followed his brother, eating as he walked.

At night, Li Chengqian didn't know what his father discussed with the generals.

The emperor then appointed Hou Junji as the commander-in-chief of the Jiaohe Road Army to prepare for the attack on Gaochang, and ordered Zhang Shigui to mobilize 20,000 troops in the Hexi Corridor.

The two armies attacked Gaochang together.

On the day the army set out, it was still snowing in Guanzhong. A reviewing platform was built outside the city of Chang'an, and drums were beating non-stop.

Since last autumn, there have been rumors in the court that the Tang Dynasty is going to send troops to the Western Regions.

This incident was almost exactly what everyone expected, and the Tang Dynasty finally sent troops.

The emperor and the prince stood on the city wall of Chang'an, and the father and son stood facing the cold wind.

Li Chengqian hesitated and asked, "Does the emperor really trust Hou Junji so much?"

Li Shimin stood with his hands behind his back and asked, "Why? Don't you trust him?"

"Not really. I just think it would be better to have an imperial censor to supervise the Marquis's gathering."

"If the orders in the army cannot be communicated, and a general's orders are restricted, it will be bad for the morale of the army."

Li Chengqian bowed solemnly and said, "Father, your majesty is attentive, and I am grateful for your teachings."

Li Shimin chuckled and thought to himself that this child has a lot to learn.

The General of the Left Guard, Xue Wanjun, walked over quickly and said, "Your Majesty is ready."

Li Shimin nodded and walked towards the city wall. Li Chengqian had been accompanying him on one side and met Li Ke.

"Father, Brother!" He saluted in armor.

Just as he was about to send troops, Li Shimin ignored his son and walked straight into the city tower.

In fact, Li Ke’s mind has always been simple. He wants to follow the army to the Western Regions.

Li Chengqian patted his shoulder and smiled at him.

Seeing his brother's smile, Li Ke immediately understood something, his heart was moved, and he saluted again with his fists clasped.

Li Chengqian put away his smile and walked into the city wall.

Brothers don't need too much words to each other, they can understand each other's meaning just by eye contact.

Inside the city wall, a map was hung on the wall, and Hou Junji was describing the marching route.

Li Chengqian took the list of generals handed over by Xue Wanjun and saw the smile from the other party.

Xue Wanjun's younger brother Xue Wanbei is now guarding Chengtian Gate, and he usually serves as the prince's escort when he travels.

Xue Wanjun was also among the generals who went on the expedition. The list of generals included the general commander of the Jiaohe Road, Qibi Heli, and the 3,000 Turks led by Ashina She'er who had stayed in Chang'an.

Qibi Heli led 2,000 soldiers of the Tiele tribe to the Hexi Corridor and joined forces with Zhang Shigui's troops.

In addition to his own 6,000 soldiers, Zhang Shigui also had 10,000 Tuyuhun people.

This is the power of the Heavenly Khan. Under the orders of the Heavenly Khan, the Turks, Tiele people, and Tuyuhun people all have to obey his orders.

Since Yugushe of the Western Turks and the King of Gaochang wanted to block the Cantian Khan Road, block the trade route, and prevent the countries in the Western Regions from paying tribute to the Tang Dynasty.

There must be a defeated side in this land.

To be an enemy of the Heavenly Khan is to be an enemy of all the vassal states under his command.

Li Chengqian listened to Hou Junji's description of the marching intention to his father and whispered, "How about building Xizhou in the Western Regions after taking Gaochang?"

Hou Junji clasped his fists and said, "Your Highness is right. I will definitely capture Gaochang and bring the King of Gaochang alive to Chang'an."

Only then did he realize belatedly that when soldiers are out on the battlefield, no one knows how to win or lose.

Li Chengqian looked at the marching route on the map and said worriedly, "Thank you, General, for going to the battle."

"I will definitely live up to the trust of your majesty and the crown prince."

"Don't worry about the money and food. After you go out to fight, I will arrange for people to build military camps along the way to meet you."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Realizing the look his father was giving him, Li Chengqian said, "Father, why don't you let me go?"

Hou Junji clasped his fists and bowed without saying a word.

Li Shimin said: "The army's money and food are all provided by you, the prince. If I don't agree to you, it will be considered as going against the will of the army, right?"

"My son, I have absolutely no intention of doing this."

"Come in!"

Hearing his father's deep and ear-shaking voice, Li Ke walked over with his neck shrunk.

Li Shimin said in a loud voice: "Appoint Wu Wang Li Ke as the military officer of Jiaohe Road, and follow the commander-in-chief of Jiaohe Road to conquer Gaochang!"

Li Ke was so excited that his body was shaking. "Thank you, Father!"

Li Shimin looked at his son and whispered, "What happened to Ke'er? How can I explain it to Concubine Yang?"

Hou Junji said: "I will definitely protect His Majesty the King of Wu."

Li Chengqian took Li Ke aside and talked in a low voice.

As an emperor and even more as the Heavenly Khan, Li Shimin felt uncomfortable that his opinions were influenced by his son, especially when this kid pulled Li Ke aside. He didn't know what the brothers were plotting.

After giving him some advice, Li Chengqian said, "Brother Ke, no matter what the war is like, come back safely."

Li Ke said loudly: "Yes!"

After saying this, he followed General Hou Junji down the city wall and stood together on the platform for reviewing the generals.

Li Chengqian stood on the city wall and looked at the 30,000 soldiers standing on the city wall. It looked like a huge force, blocking out the sky and the sun.

"Father, I remember Xue Wanjun is also from Xianyang County, right?"

Li Shimin nodded and said, "I have already allowed Ke'er to go with the army. Do you still have any dissatisfaction?"

"I have nothing to complain about. Your Majesty is wise and wise."

The army organized its troops outside Chang'an city for half a day and then began to march westward.

Snow and wind fell on Chang'an City again. Li Chengqian returned to the Secretariat and used his prince's order to order Li Zhen in the Hexi Corridor to deliver the food and grass first.

This time, the allocation of money and grain for the attack on Gaochang was in the hands of the prince.

The experience is nothing more than that food and supplies must be sent before troops move out, and the vanguard troops in the Hexi Corridor must move first.

It was not until night that Xue Wanbei took the prince's transfer order and asked the prince's right general to arrange personnel to deliver the transfer order to the Hexi Corridor.

If someone asks why the prince stores grain at the border, the reason is actually easy to explain. The Tang Dynasty's wars must first be directed against external forces.

The Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace hoped that the government affairs would be in order. This time the army was going to the expedition, how to transport food and how to arrange the food and fodder? There were a total of 50,000 troops, and the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace arranged the food and fodder needed for 80,000 troops.

Six hundred thousand dan of grain would be enough to support an army of 100,000 for about two months if they were frugal with their two meals a day.

The current grain reserves in the Hexi Corridor are enough to support 50,000 troops until this summer.

In the next few days, the grain-transporting civilians in Guanzhong were mobilized. Carts of grain and fodder moved slowly in the wind and snow. Some continued to be transported to Tongguan, while others were subsequently transferred to the Hexi Corridor.

War costs money. Only those who manage household expenses know how expensive firewood, rice, oil and salt are. The expense of an army of 50,000 is really not a small amount.

Li Chengqian was still working overtime in the Eastern Palace with his sister to count the food and fodder for subsequent mobilization.

Li Lizhi asked, "Brother, I heard that on the day when the King of Wu went to the battle, Concubine Yang cried very sadly."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian put down the account book in his hand and walked towards the prince.

In the Hexi Corridor, the wind and snow were even stronger. A team of fast horses came with the emperor's decree and the prince's transfer order.

Li Daliang looked at the order to go to war again and again, his eyes seemed to glow in the snowy night.

Li Zhen said: "I will obey the order of the Crown Prince and open the gates of Dunhuang County to transfer grain out of the city."

"Zhang Shigui is raising camels in Tuyuhun, you can go there."

"Yes!" Li Zhen immediately led a group of people out of Wuwei County on horseback, but when he was leaving the city, he saw Murong Shun and a group of merchants also leaving the city.

He rode forward and shouted, "What are you doing out of town?"

Murong Shun smiled and said, "Of course, we are going out of the city to do business."

"The war is about to start, what are you selling!"

"General Li, you don't know that the war in the Western Regions is the best opportunity for merchants like us to make contributions. We merchants have our own way of doing things, so General Li doesn't need to worry."

Li Zhen rode on horseback, enduring the oncoming snowstorm, and said, "Once you leave the Hexi Corridor, I will not be able to control your life or death."

Murong Shun was accompanied by many merchants from the Western Regions. He bowed and said, "Thank you General Li for taking care of me these days. We still have to go to Gaochang and dare not delay your military affairs."

Li Zhen looked at these merchants leading camels and headed to Dunhuang County on horseback.

In front of Dunhuang County, Xue Rengui and Pei Xingjian stood in front of the city miserably, enduring the torture of the wind and snow. The two of them finally managed to sneak into the grain protection team.

"The war is about to start! The war is about to start!" A soldier stumbled over the snow and shouted, "An order has been sent from Chang'an. Thirty thousand troops are coming here. Twenty thousand troops from the Hexi Corridor will join General Hou Junji in attacking Gaochang."

Pei Xingjian squatted in the corner of the city wall, thinking: "Should we take Gaochang first and then Yugushe?"

He had been inquiring about military reports a lot these days. The Hexi Corridor was a place where merchants flourished and information flowed the most, so he knew something about the situation in the Western Regions.

Trying to understand the intention of attacking Gaochang this time, I thought that this strategy was very simple, so simple that even Pei Xingjian could understand it, but it was the most effective.

(End of this chapter)