My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 461 The Envoy to Arabia

"You have all read Su Dingfang's report."

Li Chengqian spoke first, pointing to the location of Lhasa: "Although Tibet has surrendered, Songtsen Gampo's influence remains. The various tribes have always harbored their own ambitions. We must not forget the lesson of the Tuyuhun's surrender and subsequent rebellion. The reason I have summoned you all here today is to devise a long-term strategy for governing Tibet. We must never allow this snowy land to become a border threat to the Tang Dynasty again."

Changsun Wuji stroked his beard and spoke first: "Your Highness, I believe we should emulate the system of the Four Garrisons of Anxi and establish the 'Luoxie Protectorate' in Tibet, with the protectorate directly appointed by the court to oversee military and political power. At the same time, we should leave 30,000 elite troops to guard key locations and send Tibetan noble sons to Chang'an as hostages. Only by combining kindness and power can we deter the villains."

He paused, then emphasized, "In particular, we must not allow the Tibetans to master artillery; this is fundamental."

Wei Zheng shook his head slightly, his aged voice earnest: "What you say, Minister, is reasonable, but too forceful. The Tibetan tribes are numerous, and forcibly suppressing them will only provoke a backlash. When Emperor Yang of Sui conquered Goguryeo, it was because he was too hasty and killed too many people that a popular uprising broke out. I believe that we should reduce taxes and corvée labor, preserve the power of the original Tibetan tribal leaders, and simply require them to submit to the Tang Dynasty and pay tribute. There is no need to forcibly change their customs."

He looked at Li Chengqian and said, "Winning hearts and minds is the best strategy, while conquering cities is the next best. Making the Tibetan people truly grateful for the kindness of the Tang Dynasty is the only way to achieve long-term stability."

Fang Xuanling drew several trade routes on the map and slowly said, "Both of you have made sense. Let's compromise. Militarily, we should station troops in key locations such as Lhasa and Bolu, but not too many, mainly for deterrence. Economically, we should open trade routes from Hexi to Lhasa and allow the Tibetans to exchange salt lakes and copper mines for silk and tea from the Central Plains. This will allow tribal leaders to profit from trade, and they will naturally be unwilling to rebel again."

He pointed to the border between Tibet and the Western Regions: "If we unite with Sogdian merchants and have them promote Central Plains goods in Tibet, over time, people will rely on the Tang Dynasty for everything, so how can we not be stable?"

Chu Suiliang, who had been reviewing the Tibetan household registers, looked up and said, "I would like to add that cultural education is essential. We can establish an official school in Lhasa to teach Chinese and the laws of the Tang Dynasty, and select Tibetan youths to serve as officials in the court, so that they will recognize the Tang Dynasty's system of rites and music. Princess Wencheng has been in Tibet for many years and has brought many skills from the Central Plains. We can let her continue to preside over education. Using kinship and cultural ties is more effective than simple military suppression."

Li Chengqian listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the map. He recalled Su Dingfang's report that "although the Tibetan nobles have surrendered, there is still resentment in their eyes," and he also remembered the historical record that "Tibet is fickle, surrendering and rebelling three times in a hundred years."

When dealing with Tibet, one cannot be too lenient, lest they think the Tang Dynasty is easy to bully; nor can one be too harsh, lest they be driven to desperation.

"Xuanling Gong's compromise is feasible."

Li Chengqian finally spoke, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials. “Firstly, we should establish the Lhasa Protectorate, under the jurisdiction of the Anxi Protectorate, and leave 10,000 elite troops to garrison it. The rest of the army should be withdrawn, but we should build fortresses along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to control key transportation routes.”

"Secondly, the hereditary right of the Tibetan tribal leaders was retained, but they needed to be officially appointed by the court. The leaders' sons were sent to the Imperial Academy in Chang'an to study, ostensibly for education, but in reality for fostering relationships."

"Thirdly, trade routes were opened, and Tibet's annual tribute could be exchanged for horses and copper ore, while the imperial court would reciprocate with tea and silk, allowing them to taste the sweetness of submission."

"Fourth, let Princess Wencheng stay in Tibet temporarily to preside over official schools and promote agriculture. Chu Suiliang drafted the 'Twelve Articles on Tibetan Education,' which should both respect Tibetan customs and promote the laws of the Tang Dynasty."

He paused, then looked at Wei Zheng: "I remember what you were worried about, Lord Wei, about 'acting too hastily.'"

"No additional taxes shall be levied on Tibet within three years, and the stationed troops shall not harass the people; those who disobey shall be executed."

"But we must also make them understand that the Tang Dynasty's tolerance is not weakness. Songtsen Gampo must remain in Chang'an as a hostage, and Gar Tongtsen will assist his eldest son in temporarily managing tribal affairs. If there are any disturbances, his power will be immediately stripped, and a new official will be appointed to govern."

Changsun Wuji nodded and said, "Your Highness has considered everything carefully. By combining kindness and severity, and using both firmness and gentleness, we can show the Tibetans the sincerity of the court, and also make them wary of the Tang Dynasty's military might."

Wei Zheng also cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness is able to balance the people's livelihood with deterrence, and I have no further objections. However, we need to send a capable person to serve as the Protector-General of the Luoxie tribe. This person must be knowledgeable in military affairs, civil administration, and able to coordinate the relationship between Princess Wencheng and the tribes. Only someone with both wisdom and courage can be competent."

"How is Su Dingfang?" Li Chengqian asked. "He is familiar with the war situation in Tibet and has the trust of the soldiers. Let him serve as the Protector-General of Lhasa concurrently, and replace him when the situation stabilizes."

All the ministers expressed their agreement.

Li Chengqian's voice was steady and powerful: "It's settled then. Duke Xuanling will draft a memorial, Minister Changsun will determine the garrison organization, Duke Wei will draft an edict to appease the Tibetan people, and Duke Chu will write the 'Twelve Articles on Education and Morality.' Tomorrow I will present this plan to His Majesty, so that Tibet can truly become the territory of the Great Tang, rather than a temporary vassal."

The policy for governing Tibet had just been finalized, but Li Chengqian did not adjourn the meeting. Instead, he moved the map westward, pointing his finger west of the Pamir Mountains and along the Amu Darya River.

There, the sphere of influence of the Arab Empire is outlined in ink, separated from the Western Regions of the Tang Dynasty by only a river valley.

"The matter with Tibet has been settled, but the score with the Arabs has not yet been settled."

Li Chengqian's voice was a few decibels deeper than before, and his gaze swept over the assembled officials: "In three years, they have launched three expeditions into Central Asia. The first was to invade Talas, the second to spy on the Four Garrisons of Anxi, and the third to even join forces with Tibet to try to cut off our trade routes in the Western Regions. Do they really think that the Tang Dynasty's military might is only confined to the snowy plateau and dares not point westward?"

Changsun Wuji immediately stood up, the copper buckles of his armor clanging crisply: "Your Highness is absolutely right! The Arab wolves are ambitious and will surely become a great threat if we don't teach them a lesson!"

"Your Majesty, I request permission to mobilize troops from Longyou and Hexi, unite with the anti-Arab forces in the former Persian territories, and strike directly at their strongholds along the Amu Darya River, so that the Caliph will know that the borders of the Great Tang cannot be trampled upon at will!"

His words were forceful, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense. Chu Suiliang frowned slightly, holding the map of the Western Regions in his hands, and said: "Situ's fighting spirit is commendable, but... the Arab Empire has a vast territory, and west of the Amu Darya River is all desert and Gobi. If our army marches straight in, the transportation of supplies will be as difficult as climbing to the sky."

"When Emperor Wu of Han conquered Dayuan, although he was victorious, he exhausted more than half of the country's strength. Our dynasty has just pacified Tibet, and our soldiers have not yet had a chance to rest. If we start another war in the west, I fear it will damage the foundation of our nation."

"Wound the foundation of the nation?" Changsun Wuji turned to look at him: "If we don't take this opportunity to deter them, and the Arabs integrate the Central Asian tribes and then join forces with the old Persian tribes to launch a counterattack, the war will spread to Anxi, and the losses will only be greater!"

“Su Dingfang’s 30,000 elite troops are still in the Western Regions, and the Four Garrisons of Anxi have 20,000 troops stationed there. If we send another 5,000 Qiang soldiers to assist, it will be enough to take the strongholds along the Amu Darya River. We are not trying to destroy the Arabs, but to cut off their thoughts of eastward expansion!” Wei Zheng coughed lightly, his aged hand resting on the table, his gaze earnest: “Your Highness, I oppose a long and arduous expedition. Although the Tang Dynasty won the war against Tibet, it was also greatly depleted. The grain reserves in Hexi are only enough to last for half a year. If we go west beyond the Pamir Mountains, we will have to transfer grain from Guanzhong, and 30 or 40 percent of it will be lost along the way. The people will likely suffer. Although the Arabs have invaded the border three times, they have never truly broken through our Western Regions defenses. Now that they have just withdrawn from the Pamir Mountains, their morale has been dampened. It would be better to wait and see until the national strength recovers before discussing it again.”

Fang Xuanling, who had been silently flipping through the register of trade routes in the Western Regions, slowly spoke up: "I believe that we do not need to launch an expedition, but we do need to exert our power. The Arabs value the trade routes in Central Asia the most, and the cities of Bukhara and Samarkand along the Amu Darya River are their key tax revenue areas."

“We don’t need to go deep into their territory. We can simply send Su Dingfang with a part of the Anxi army to join forces with Sogdian merchants and Persian anti-nobles to harass the grain routes of these two cities, burn their post stations, cut off their trade routes, and cut off their source of income. This will be more painful for the Arab Caliph than killing their soldiers.”

He pointed to Bukhara on the map: "Moreover, the nobles of the former Persian lands are already dissatisfied with Arab rule. Last year, they even sent envoys to Chang'an to ask for help. If we promise to 'help them restore their country and share trade routes,' they will surely be willing to be the vanguard. In this way, our army can simply stay in the rear and provide firearms support. We won't have to travel long distances, and we can teach the Arabs a lesson through others. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, his fingers tracing the surface of the Amu Darya River. He understood Wei Zheng's concerns—the long and arduous expedition was indeed draining the nation's resources, but Changsun Wuji's worries were not unfounded: if the Arabs' eastward expansionist ambitions were not curbed, they would sooner or later become a major threat to the Western Regions.

Fang Xuanling's strategy of using leverage to intimidate others avoided the drawbacks of a long expedition while still achieving the goal of teaching a lesson.

“Xuanling’s method is feasible,” Li Chengqian said slowly. “But one condition must be added: first, send an envoy to see the Arab Caliph, deliver a letter of warning, and if he dares to cross the Amu Darya River eastward again, or collude with any tribe to rebel against the Tang, the Tang will completely cut off the trade routes to Central Asia.”

He looked at Chu Suiliang: "Lord Chu, when you draft the official letter, your tone must be firm. You must not only list their three transgressions against the border, but also point out that 'the survival of the trade routes depends entirely on their decision.' If they do not comply, then proceed according to Lord Xuanling's plan."

"Your Highness is wise." Chu Suiliang bowed and replied, "Using courtesy first and then force not only preserves the dignity of the Great Tang Dynasty, but also gives the Arabs room to back down. Even if force is used later, we will be morally on the side."

Li Chengqian nodded slightly: "It's settled then. We will send an envoy to the Arab capital immediately."
-
The following day, news spread that the Crown Prince wanted an envoy to go to Arabia, and many officials volunteered their services.

The eunuch Wenzhong held a thick stack of self-recommendation documents, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.

In just one day, he received more than thirty self-recommendation letters. Some were from noble families seeking fame and fortune, some were from local officials hoping for promotion, and even some students from the Imperial Academy submitted their name cards. However, Li Chengqian spent half an hour flipping through them but did not circle any of the documents. The scroll of "Biography of Zhang Qian" in the Book of Han on his desk was wrinkled from being turned over, and his fingertips repeatedly stroked the four characters "Holding the Han Imperial Staff Unwavering".

"Your Highness, please look at this document: Li Zhan, the Principal of the Ministry of Personnel, comes from the Li clan of Qinghe, speaks Persian, and is willing to bring twenty servants with him. And this document: Zhao Lie, the Military Advisor of Longyou, once served under General Su in guarding Anxi and is familiar with the terrain of the Western Regions..."

Wen Zhong pointed to the annotations on the document, "These thirty-odd people either have connections or experience, and in theory they could all be appointed to this position."

Li Chengqian pushed the documents aside, his gaze sweeping across the hall like a cold blade: "Background? Experience? But their documents all say 'willing to use their eloquence to persuade the Arabs to retreat' and 'hoping to establish good neighborly relations for the Tang Dynasty,' without mentioning 'the humiliation of three border incursions' or 'the dignity of the Tang Dynasty'! They're going there as persuaders, not as envoys!"

Rising to his feet and walking to the biography of Zhang Qian, Li Chengqian's voice suddenly rose: "In the past, Su Wu herded sheep for nineteen years, and even when his staff fell off, he still refused to surrender; Fu Jiezi beheaded the King of Loulan, relying on the unyielding spirit of 'Han envoys cannot be humiliated'! Now, the Arabs have violated our borders three times and killed our soldiers. What I want is not a spineless coward who seeks to 'reconcile with our neighbors,' but a tough guy who dares to slam his fist on the table before the Caliph and dares to protect the dignity of the Tang Dynasty with his life! If they only seek fame and fortune and hope for promotion, they will probably kneel down and beg for mercy on the spot when the Caliph is angry, losing all face for the Tang Dynasty!"

Wen Zhong then understood the Crown Prince's thoughts. It wasn't that no one was willing to go, but that no one was capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of "establishing authority." He quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness is wise. I will go and screen them immediately! I will focus on their attitude towards the 'Arab incursions.' Anyone who proposes 'compromise' or 'amity' will be eliminated. Only those who dare to propose 'accountability' and 'establishing authority,' and who are willing to risk their lives to protect the imperial staff, will be kept!"

Two days later, Wenzhong presented the three selected documents to Li Chengqian: "Your Highness, only these three people meet the requirements. Wang Shi, the Censor, said, 'If the Caliph does not admit his mistake, he will denounce his injustice in court'; Liu An, the Assistant Minister of War, said, 'I am willing to bring a musket with me, and if I am insulted, I will die to prove my loyalty'; and Wang Cheng, the Chief of the Western Regions Bureau, said, 'I want to learn from Fu Jiezi and let the Arabs know that the Tang envoys cannot be deceived.'"

Li Chengqian turned to Wang Cheng's document, his gaze lingering on the sentence, "If I see the Caliph, I will enumerate his three crimes against Anxi. If he dares to lay a finger on me, I will commit suicide with my sword in front of the tent, so that he will bear the name of killing the Tang envoy." His fingertip paused slightly: "Who is this Wang Cheng?"

“Your Highness, this man comes from a humble background and has served in the Western Regions Bureau for five years. Three years ago, he traveled with a caravan through Persia and Sogdiana. He speaks Arabic and always wears a Persian silver coin on his waist. He said that he saw Arab soldiers bullying Western Regions merchants and vowed to bring glory to the Tang Dynasty.” Wenzhong added, “Yesterday, I went to the Western Regions Bureau to inquire about him. My colleagues all said that he is stubborn. Last year, he was demoted one rank for impeaching the Protectorate of the Western Regions for ‘giving in to the Arabs,’ but he has not changed his temper at all.”

"He does have some of the stubbornness of a Han envoy." Li Chengqian chuckled. "Summon him into the palace."

Before long, Wang Cheng, dressed in a blue robe of the ninth rank, entered the hall.

He was thin and his face was still somewhat youthful, but his back was straight as a pine tree. In addition to the Persian silver coin at his waist, he also had a short sword in the style of the Western Regions hanging from his waist. The hilt of the sword was wrapped with red silk from the Tang Dynasty, showing both the traces of his experience in the Western Regions and his sincerity towards the Tang Dynasty.

"Your document states that if the Caliph does not admit his wrongdoing, he will commit suicide in front of his tent?"

Li Chengqian cut to the chase, his gaze sharp as a knife: "What I want is to 'establish authority,' not 'seek death.' If you die, who will convey the Arabs' attitude back to Chang'an? Who will let the various tribes know the Tang Dynasty's stance?"

Wang Cheng bowed but did not lower his head, his voice steady and powerful: "Your Highness, my intention to commit suicide is to cut off my own retreat, and also to cut off the Arabs' retreat. If I die, it will be because he killed the Tang envoy that the Tang Dynasty has a legitimate reason to attack; if I live, I will make him admit his mistake in public and promise never to expand eastward again. I will not die easily. I want to live to bring back his letter of surrender, and I want to live to let all the tribes of the Western Regions know that the Tang envoys are more courageous than the Han envoys!"

He pulled a handwritten scroll from his robes; the pages were yellowed but the handwriting was neat: "This is my copy of the 'Book of Han, Chapter on the Western Regions.' I read it every night and know that the Han envoy was able to 'hold fast to his post' not because of mere bravery, but because of his faith in the Great Tang. On this journey, I will carry not only the letter of state, but also this scroll. If the Caliph insults me, I will read in front of all the tribes under his command how the Han envoy upheld his integrity and displayed his power, so that he knows that the Great Tang has never lost this backbone!"

As he spoke, he unfolded a hand-drawn map of the Amu Darya River, which was densely marked with the supply depots of the Arab army camps and the contact information of the old Persian nobles: "I have found out that many of the old Persian troops in the Arab army are dissatisfied with their rule. If the Caliph dares to be violent towards me, these people will surely send a message to General Su."

Looking at the precise markings on the map and the undisguised determination in Wang Cheng's eyes, Li Chengqian finally stood up and took down the gold-inlaid staff from the palace beam. It was made in the style of a Han Dynasty envoy and was adorned with seven bright pearls at the top.

"I bestow this staff upon you." Li Chengqian handed the staff to him, his voice solemn: "With this staff, it is as if I am here, as if the territory of the Great Tang is here! If any post station along the way neglects you, you may use this staff to kill them. If the Arabs dare to insult you, Su Dingfang's scout camp will immediately harass their supplies. If you can bring back the letter of surrender alive, I will grant you a promotion of five ranks and entry into the Council of State Affairs!"

After a pause, Li Chengqian added, "If you die, your descendants may inherit your family name."

Wang Cheng accepted the staff with both hands, his face flushed with excitement, but he steadily raised it above his head: "Your subject will hold this staff as if it were the mountains and rivers of the Tang Dynasty, and will not disgrace the integrity of the Han envoy, nor fail Your Highness's trust!"

(End of this chapter)