My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 440 Great Power War
In Baghdad in the 22nd year of the Zhenguan era, palm leaves cast dappled light and shadow on the spire of the Caliph's Palace.

Inside the audience hall, Ottoman Ibn Afan sat on a cedar throne inlaid with rubies, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrests.

The armrest, which once belonged to Omar, now carries the calm and composed aura of its new owner.

After three years in power, he had used an iron fist to quell the rebellion of the former Persian tribes and brought the taxes of the Mishir into the national treasury. Now, he could finally face the land in the East that had defeated the Arab cavalry.

"The sands of Suyab should be stirred up again by the scimitars of Arabia."

Osman's voice was not loud, but it instantly silenced the discussions in the hall.

On the Persian carpet in front of him lay a newly drawn map of the Western Regions, with the locations of the Nine Sogdian Kingdoms circled in vermilion, like a string of scattered pearls connecting the territories of Arabia and the Tang Dynasty.

Among the ranks of military officers, Amrbenas could no longer contain himself; the silver plates on his armor gleamed in the candlelight: "Commander Xinshi is wise! His Majesty Omar's unfinished business should be completed by you. I request to lead an army of 100,000 straight to the Anxi Protectorate and drive the Tang people back to Yumen Pass!"

Three years ago, he was unable to launch his eastern campaign due to the sudden death of Omar, and now his fighting spirit is boiling.

"Straight to Anxi?" Prime Minister Walid's aged voice was tinged with a sigh. He was more hunched over than he had been three years ago, yet he remained the pillar of the court.

"General Amur has forgotten the lessons of Suyab? The Tang army's Mo Dao formation can cut off cavalry charges, and Guo Xiaoke's Flying Cavalry can cover a thousand miles in three days. More importantly, the current ruler of the Tang Dynasty is Crown Prince Li Chengqian."

Osman nodded slightly, signaling Walid to continue.

He understood the value of intelligence better than Omar. Over the past three years, Fadl's "eyes and ears" had already delivered details of the Tang Dynasty's new policies to Baghdad.

The crown prince of the Tang Dynasty deposed his father from the throne and placed his brothers under house arrest.

“Fadl,” Osman said, turning to the Minister of Intelligence, “tell me, what is the attitude of the Crown Prince of Tang towards us?”

In fact, the Ottomans did not really want to fight the Tang Dynasty to the death, but the current Tang prince was not friendly to them, the Arabs.

Back then, and even now, it was the threat from the Tang Dynasty that prevented the Arab Empire's army from launching a distant expedition to Rome. They were originally going to conquer Constantinople, but they still had to withdraw their troops.

The problem facing the Ottomans was that if the Arab Empire launched a westward expedition, the Tang Dynasty in the east would certainly not stand idly by.

Because the Roman princess was the concubine of the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty even took in the last Persian emperor.

Initially, Ottoman also wanted to send a beautiful Arab princess to the Tang Dynasty, but the Tang Dynasty refused.

Fadel unfurled a scroll of parchment containing a secret report brought back from Chang'an by an Arab merchant: "Reporting to Chief, the first decree issued by the Crown Prince of the Great Tang after he came to power was to 'strictly investigate the iron trade of the Arab caravans.' The tax registers of the Ministry of Revenue show that the investigations of our merchants are comparable to those of Yan Sancheng of Silla and Japan. Furthermore, there are reports that he has set up a 'Western Regions Trading Post' in Guangzhou Port, specifically to register the whereabouts of our merchants—this man is extremely wary of us."

A commotion broke out inside the hall.

The military officers saw this as a provocation, while the civil officials sensed danger.

Cavalry Commander Said, gripping his sword, roared, "Warning? Then let him see the might of the Arabs! When our cavalry crushed the Persians, the Tang people were still dancing in Chang'an!"

"Flatten?" Walid retorted. "Does Commander Sayyid know how many deserts and snow-capped mountains we have to cross from Talas to Chang'an?"

“Our supplies will run out on the Pamir Plateau, while the Tang army will be well-rested and the city-states of the Sogdian states will provide them with supplies.”

"Three years ago, Khalid's 20,000-strong army suffered a crushing defeat. Now, with 100,000 troops penetrating deep into the territory, the empire will suffer even greater losses."

Ottoman's finger lightly traced the nine kingdoms of Sogdiana on the map.

Those were nine city-states established by the Sogdians, from Kang and An to Shi and Shi, scattered across the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins. They served as both a western barrier for the Tang Dynasty and a vital route for Arab caravans heading east.

More importantly, these city-states, though seemingly dependent on the Tang Dynasty, were actually wavering between two sides.

The Kingdom of Tashkent had sided with the Arabs, but later defected to the Tang Dynasty, presenting an opportunity to exploit.

“Walid is right. Attacking the Tang Dynasty directly would be a losing proposition,” Osman finally spoke, his voice carrying an undeniable determination.

“But we cannot sit idly by and watch the Tang people expand in the Western Regions. The Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty is very wary of us, which means that he will strengthen his control over the Nine Kingdoms of Zhaowu sooner or later. At that time, even our trade routes in the Western Regions will be cut off.”

He stood up, walked to the map, and pointed at Kangguo with his scepter: "The Nine Kingdoms of Zhaowu are the buffer zone of the Tang Dynasty and also our gateway."

"They are both granted titles by the Tang Dynasty and trade with us, seemingly enjoying the benefits of both sides. In reality, their military strength is weak, and each city-state is fighting its own battle. What we need to fight is not the Tang Dynasty, but these wavering city-states."

Amur was taken aback: "Attack the Nine Kingdoms of Zhaowu? Wouldn't that be declaring war on the Tang Dynasty?"

A sly glint flashed in Osman's eyes, and he shook his head slightly, saying, "No, it's punishing a traitor."

"Shiguo once submitted to the Arabs, but later betrayed them and surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, flying the Tang army's wolf-head flag. This is a betrayal of our Lord. We are sending troops under the pretext of suppressing the rebellion, so our cause is justified."

"If the Tang Dynasty dares to intervene, it will be interfering with our punishment of traitors. If they do not intervene, the nine kingdoms of Zhaowu will realize that it is better to rely on the Arabs than on the Tang Dynasty."

Walid's eyes showed approval: "Commander Xinshi is brilliant! Attacking the buffer zone can both test the Tang Dynasty's reaction and seize the fertile land and trade routes of the Syr Darya River basin. Even if the Tang army comes to our aid, we can rely on the city-states of the Nine Sogdian States to defend ourselves and avoid the disadvantages of a long-distance raid."

Fadel added, "According to intelligence, the combined forces of the nine Sogdian states number less than 50,000, and Kang and An have a long-standing feud. We can attack Shi first to intimidate the other states, and then offer Kang special trade privileges to win them over, so that they will fight amongst themselves."

Said was still somewhat unwilling: "But wouldn't this... make us look like we're afraid of the Tang Dynasty?"

“Afraid?” Osman picked up his scepter and slammed it heavily on the ground. “The Lord teaches us that a good warrior is not angry, and a good victor does not contend. What we want is the trade routes, provisions, and submission of the Western Regions, not a mutually destructive battle with the Tang Dynasty. If we conquer the nine kingdoms of Sogdiana, we can build cities and garrison troops on the banks of the Amu Darya River and confront the Tang army across the snow-capped mountains. Then we can see who has more patience.”

He turned to Amur, his tone becoming more forceful: "Amur, you remain the Grand Marshal of the Eastern Expedition, leading an army of 50,000. Remember, first take the Kingdom of Shi, massacre its inhabitants for three days, and let the nine Sogdian states know the price of betrayal; then attack the Kingdom of Kang, allowing them to retain their royal titles, only requiring them to submit to the great Arab Empire and pay tribute." "As for the Kingdoms of An and Shi, if they voluntarily submit, they can be spared war; if they resist stubbornly, burn their cities and plunder their people."

"The provisions were supplied by the Persian province. Fadl led the intelligence network to infiltrate and win over the nobles of the nine Sogdian states. Walid remained in Baghdad to coordinate the reinforcements from the Mishir and Syria, ready to support the front lines at any time."

The orders were issued clearly, without Omar's rage, but with a more meticulous calculation.

The courtiers in the palace finally understood that the new Caliph did not lack the desire to fight, but rather wanted to wage a war that was worthwhile.

With minimal cost, seize the most crucial buffer zone and press the blade against the Tang Dynasty's Achilles' heel in the Western Regions.

Amur bowed and accepted the order, the clanging of his armor ringing out clearly: "Your subject will not fail in the trust placed in you by Commander Xinshi, and will make the walls of the Stone Kingdom stained with the blood of traitors!"

Walid and Fadl exchanged glances, both seeing relief in each other's eyes.

At least this time, the war will not be a desperate gamble, but a step-by-step expansion.

Osman sat back on his throne, gazing at the shimmering waters of the Euphrates River outside the palace, and said softly, "Tell the soldiers at the front that they will receive three times the spoils if they conquer the nine Sogdian states. The land of the Lord must be measured with swords, but it must also be protected with wisdom."

A unified response rang out from inside the hall: "We are willing to fight for the Lord, and may the glory of our faithful commanders cover the East!"
-
In the early spring of the twenty-third year of the Zhenguan era, the remaining snow in Chang'an had just melted, but the bronze incense burner in the Taiji Hall was burning with charcoal to ward off the cold.

Since he took control of the government, this place has become the central meeting place. On the table is a report sent by the Anxi Protectorate with an urgent message from 800 li away. The ink is still wet between the lines, which are full of the flames of war between the nine kingdoms of Zhaowu: "100,000 iron cavalry of the Abbasid Caliphate launched a surprise attack on Kangguo and massacred the city for three days. Anguo and Shiguo sent envoys to report the emergency and earnestly request the Celestial Empire to send troops to rescue them!"

As soon as the report was read aloud by the eunuch, the palace erupted in chaos.

Guo Jin, the nephew of Guo Xiaoke, the chief administrator of the Anxi Protectorate, stepped forward with his hand on his sword, the frost on his armor still lingering.

He had just returned from reporting to his post in the Western Regions, his battle robe still damp with sand and dust: "Your Highness, the Abbasid barbarians have gone too far! The nine kingdoms of Sogdiana have been vassals of our Great Tang for generations, paying tribute annually. Now they have been slaughtered. If our dynasty sits idly by, the kingdoms of the Western Regions will surely lose heart. What will become of the Heavenly Khan's prestige? I request to lead the elite troops of Anxi to strike directly at Talas and drive the Abbasid cavalry back west of the Pamir Mountains!"

"What Chief Clerk Guo said is absolutely right!"

Minister of War Zhang Liang stepped forward, his white beard trembling with anger: "During the Sui Dynasty, the Turks dominated the northern deserts, but Your Majesty pacified the southern deserts with three battles; now, although the Abbasids are strong, they are merely a nomadic tribe in the Western Regions. What right do they have to covet our Tang Dynasty's vassal state? I request that 30,000 troops from Guanzhong be mobilized, and in conjunction with the Uyghur and Tibetan reinforcements, we will launch a pincer attack from the east and west, and they will surely know the might of our Tang Dynasty!"

The military officers inside the hall responded enthusiastically, and the clanging of armor plates echoed continuously.

General Cheng Zhijie of the Left Guard slammed his hand on the table, the copper belt buckle striking the surface with a dull thud: "A bunch of barbarians who know no manners dare to lay a hand on me under the nose of my Great Tang! Back then, I took the head of a general from among ten thousand troops as easily as taking something out of a bag. What are you afraid of, Arab cavalry? I am willing to lead the army into battle. I will not return to the capital until I have beheaded the Arab general!"

The ever-composed Fang Xuanling slowly stepped forward, his back still straight: "Your Highness, this old minister seconds the proposal to send troops. The Nine Kingdoms of Zhaowu are the throat of the Western Regions trade routes and a bulwark against the Abbasid Caliphate."

"The Abbasid Caliphate's military action this time is a test of our dynasty's bottom line. If we back down, the Anxi defense line will be directly exposed, and the cost of a counterattack will be a hundred times greater than today."

"This old minister suggests that we unite with city-states such as Ferghana and Shule, and launch an army in the name of the 'Heavenly Khan Alliance.' The Ministry of Revenue should transfer grain and fodder from Hexi, and the Ministry of Inspection should strictly investigate smuggling to ensure uninterrupted supplies."

Changsun Wuji followed closely: "What Chancellor Fang said is absolutely right. The Abbasid Caliphate has repeatedly harassed our caravans on the trade routes in the Western Regions. There are long-standing records of them smuggling sulfur and transporting ironware. This attack on Zhaowu is merely an exposure of their ambitions. Your Highness has implemented the new policies for two years, and customs duties are plentiful. The navy is now established, and it is time to demonstrate our strength. This old minister requests that the Ministry of Personnel recruit soldiers to reinforce Anxi, and the Ministry of Justice establish 'wartime laws' to quell the morale of the army!"

Civil and military officials were abuzz with discussion, with shouts of "send troops" and "show the might of the emperor" rising and falling.

Li Chengqian traced the words "three days of massacre" on the report with his fingertips, and suddenly spoke: "My dear ministers, the Arab cavalry are good at charging, and the nine kingdoms of Sogdiana have many plains, so ordinary soldiers may not be able to withstand them. But they have forgotten that the weapons of the Great Tang are no longer the horizontal swords and long swords of yesteryear."

The courtiers were taken aback. Li Chengqian then turned to the Ministry of War and said, "Issue my order to dispatch fifty cannons and three thousand muskets from the firearms battalion. These shall be personally escorted to the Western Regions by craftsmen from the Hundred Refinements Division and shall arrive at the Talas defense line within three months."

The officials were in high spirits.

Since the Crown Prince has mobilized so many cannons and muskets, what is there to worry about?

This is an achievement that is right before our eyes.

Li Chengqian slowly said, "The Abbasids rely on cavalry charges, so I used artillery to break through their formation."

"They were skilled in archery and horsemanship, so I used muskets to form a defensive line."

"Guo Jin, listen to my order: You will lead the Anxi army to provide frontal support to Anguo and Shiguo. You must defend Talas to the death. Once the artillery arrives, build artillery emplacements outside the city to create crossfire."

Fang Xuanling stroked his beard and nodded: "Your Highness is wise! Firearms are far more powerful than bows and crossbows, and using them to subdue cavalry can be very effective. This old minister requests that additional naval forces be dispatched to escort the firearms from Yangzhou through the Grand Canal to Hexi, ensuring that they are not lost along the way."

Changsun Wuji added, "Firearms require gunpowder supplies. We can order the Inspection Department to strictly investigate smuggling in the Western Regions, and at the same time, order the Lingnan Circuit to expedite the transport of saltpeter, which will be purchased with special funds from the Huitong Department. We must not allow the front lines to run out of gunpowder."

Guo Jin bowed and accepted the order, his voice trembling with excitement: "Your subject obeys! With the aid of cannons and muskets, we will surely annihilate the Arab cavalry!"

Li Chengqian continued to issue orders: "Cheng Zhijie shall lead 10,000 troops from Shuofang to rush to the aid via the Hexi Corridor, coordinating with prefectures and counties along the way to supply provisions; the Ministry of Finance shall allocate 5 million strings of cash and transfer 200,000 shi of grain from Jiangnan, prioritizing the supply of the firearms battalion; the Ministry of Justice shall immediately draft 'wartime military law,' and anyone who privately possesses firearms or leaks military intelligence shall be executed on the spot!"

He swept his gaze across the assembled officials, his tone resolute: "The nine kingdoms of Zhaowu are wavering and indecisive. We must rescue them, but not in vain. After taking Kang, we will send the nobles who have been colluding with the Abbasid Caliphate to Chang'an for questioning. Their lands will be placed under the jurisdiction of the Anxi Protectorate, and officials will be directly dispatched by the Tang Dynasty to implement new policies."

"I want to show the kingdoms of the Western Regions that those who submit to the Tang Dynasty not only receive its protection but also gain access to firearms. Those who betray the Tang Dynasty, even with the support of the Abbasid Caliphate, will not escape the thunderous blow!"

A thunderous chorus of approval erupted in the hall. The military officers were eager to get started, while the civil officials were busy planning the allocation of provisions and weapons.

Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji exchanged a smile. The Crown Prince not only wanted to use troops, but also wanted to use this war to thoroughly extend the influence of the Tang Dynasty and the deterrent power of its new weapons into the Western Regions. This move was far more far-reaching than simply sending troops.

Cheng Zhijie clasped his hands in front of his chest, tears streaming down his face: "Your Highness is wise! This old minister will go and muster the troops right away, and make sure that the Abbasid barbarians witness the might of the Tang Dynasty's cannons!"

Back then, he suffered from the Crown Prince's cannons; now it's finally his turn to wield the power of cannons.

(End of this chapter)