Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 856 is a big fish!

The scorching sun baked the Gobi Desert, and the heat waves distorted the outlines of the distant mountains. Xia Lin was greeted by his strictest father, which was this sweltering heat.

These past few days, he really had no desire to move at all. Xu Shiji told him that if he kept lying in the water, he would get cold and dampness into his body, and he probably wouldn't survive until he was over fifty.

Xia Lin now really felt that air conditioning should be put on the agenda...

News of Liu Min's retreat spread like wildfire throughout the Western Regions. However, the atmosphere in Shanshan City did not ease; instead, the tactic devised by Xia Lin and Xu Shiji to lure the enemy out added a layer of tension.

"The news has been released?" Xia Lin pushed up his glasses and looked at the intelligence summary presented by Sun Jiuzhen.

“Yes, Commander. The news of the Northern Han assassination attempt and the suspicious actions of the Tubo has been disseminated through different channels. The Northern Han has reacted strongly; Liu Min has retreated to his old camp and is staying indoors, but there has been frequent movement within the camp, as if they are on guard. The Tubo has not yet made any overt moves, but our people in the Tubo delegation have reported that their envoy has been frequently receiving unidentified visitors these past two days.” Sun Jiuzhen spoke steadily and clearly: “By the way, there is another piece of news: the Northern Han special envoy has departed from the Turkic royal court. They brought thirty-six famous strategists from the Northern Han. It seems that Liu Bilie realized that Liu Min's intellect might not be enough for the Commander, so he sent some more capable people instead.”

Xu Shiji stroked his long beard and pondered, "The waters are already muddied; it remains to be seen which fish will lose its composure first. We need to send more men to the Tibetan envoy's side and keep a close watch on them. Also, is there any unusual activity in the direction of Chang'an, the capital of the Tang dynasty?"

“Chang’an…” Sun Jiuzhen hesitated slightly: “The Prince of Qin is acting as regent. On the surface, he has suppressed the voices against cooperating with us, but Changsun Wuji has claimed illness and closed his doors to guests. Although his subordinates are not his own guests, his old friends have been active recently, colluding in private. They have many complaints about His Majesty’s cooperation with us, and some have even implied that His Majesty of Li Tang was coerced into signing the treaty under duress.”

Xia Lin scoffed, "I knew that old bastard was restless. The assassination attempt is probably related to him. Get our people in Chang'an moving to gather evidence of Changsun Wuji and his cronies' recent communications with the outside world, especially their connections with the Western Regions and Tibet. We don't need to alert them; we just need concrete evidence."

"clear."

After Sun Jiuzhen left, Xia Lin stretched and smiled at Xu Shiji, "Third Brother, it seems our tactic of stirring up trouble has startled a few snakes. Now we just have to wait for them to come out of their holes. I didn't expect the situation here to be so complicated."

Xu Shiji glanced at him and said calmly, "Our opponent is no ordinary person either. We need to make several preparations."

“Of course.” Xia Lin nodded. “On Zhuo Heng’s side, the new recruit training and the joint exercises with the Li Tang army cannot be stopped. Make it a big show so that everyone can see it. The more composed we are, the more panicked the people in the shadows will be.”

Just then, a guard outside announced that the Empress of the Tang Dynasty had arrived.

Today, Third Sister was not wearing her palace attire, but had changed into a light riding and archery outfit due to the heat. Her long hair was tied up, making her look even more heroic. She entered the tent, her gaze sweeping over Xia Lin and Xu Shiji, and said directly, "Liu Min's retreat has temporarily relieved the crisis. However, undercurrents are surging in Chang'an, and I'm afraid Changsun Wuji and the others will not let this go easily. How is your investigation into the assassination attempt going?"

Xia Lin led her to a seat and personally poured her a cup of tea, handing it to her: "I was just about to discuss this with His Majesty. Although the current clues point to Tibet, it is still difficult to determine whether there is someone else behind it. I have already sent people to investigate in detail. However, there is something that may help His Majesty stabilize the situation in Chang'an."

"Oh? What is it?" Third Sister took the teacup. It was scalding hot, which she didn't like, so she pushed the teacup aside with some disdain.

Xia Lin and Xu Shiji exchanged a glance, and Xu Shiji said slowly, "Your Majesty can use this assassination attempt, as well as the suspicions against the Northern Han and Tubo, to issue an edict of self-reproach."

Third Sister's eyes narrowed: "An edict of self-reproach?"

“It’s not a genuine self-reproach, but rather a power grab,” Xu Shiji explained. “The imperial edict states that Your Majesty’s tour of the Western Regions was intended to quell the unrest and bring peace to the people, and to promote cooperation. However, you were ambushed by treacherous individuals, nearly causing a major disaster. This was Your Majesty’s oversight. However, this also reveals that there are people in the court, the army, and even the vassal states who do not wish to see the Western Regions peaceful and the Tang Dynasty strong. Therefore, for the sake of the nation, Your Majesty should rectify internal affairs, purge treacherous officials, strengthen border defenses, and punish anyone who obstructs the grand plan of allying with Wei to protect the Western Regions, regardless of their status, as a traitor.”

Xia Lin interjected, "Once this edict is issued, His Majesty will have the moral high ground. Anyone in Chang'an who dares to openly oppose cooperation will be a traitor who disregards His Majesty's safety and undermines the interests of the Li Tang dynasty! It will be perfectly reasonable for His Majesty to then replace and investigate some people. Even Changsun Wuji will have to think twice then."

Third Sister lowered her head in deep thought. Xu Shiji's plan was indeed shrewd. He used a retreat as a means of advancement, turning the assassination crisis into an opportunity to consolidate his power and promote cooperation. She raised her eyes and looked at Xia Lin: "This plan is excellent. However, I will issue this 'edict of self-reproach,' and your Wei Kingdom must make some gesture."

Xia Lin laughed heartily: "Your Majesty, rest assured. At that time, I will issue a letter to all the countries of the Western Regions in the name of the commander-in-chief of the suppression of the rebellion in the Western Regions, strongly condemning the assassination, firmly supporting Your Majesty's measures to eliminate internal traitors and stabilize the Western Regions, reiterating the determination of Wei and Tang to cooperate, and calling on all countries to jointly resist foreign aggression. How about that? Isn't that enough to give Your Majesty support?"

Third Sister's lips curled slightly, a tacit agreement. With Xia Lin's statement, the resistance to her implementing cooperative policies domestically would be much smaller, and it would also more effectively deter those enemies lurking in the shadows.

“In that case, I will go back and begin drafting the edict.” Third Sister stood up, her gaze falling on Xu Shiji: “Master Xu is insightful and far-sighted, I admire him. In the future, if you have free time, I hope you can visit Anxi more often. I have many state affairs that I would like to consult with you.”

Xu Shiji bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise. If there is anything I need, I will do my best."

Xia Lin rubbed his hands together, his face full of disgust: "You poached my third brother right in front of me, didn't you? I don't have many core strategists to begin with!"

"I'll trade you Changsun Wuji."

"Go away, go away..." Xia Lin waved his hand dismissively, then asked curiously, "But speaking of which, why does Changsun Wuji hate you so much? Didn't you delegate power to him?"

Third Sister lowered her eyelids and sighed helplessly, "Changsun Wuji is Guanyinbi's brother, and Guanyinbi is the Queen Consort of the Second Phoenix. You should understand that if I weren't in this position, who would be in it? And once Guanyinbi becomes the Empress, Changsun Wuji will no longer be an ordinary subject, but a maternal relative, a maternal relative who has contributed to the rise of the new emperor."

Xia Lin nodded silently: "I understand."

Xu Shiji then interrupted the less-than-pleasant conversation: "Daosheng, don't forget, we still need to pay attention to the situation in Tibet. I have a feeling that Tibet's involvement in this matter may be deeper than we think."

"Don't worry, Third Brother, Jiuzhen is keeping an eye on things." Xia Lin said nonchalantly, "Besides, even if it really is the Tibetan envoy, are we afraid of him? The new cannons haven't been used yet, so it's good to test their power on them."

Xu Shiji shook his head and said no more. He knew that Xia Lin, though seemingly arrogant, was actually quite shrewd, so he changed the subject and asked, "When do you plan to begin negotiations on a non-aggression pact with Northern Han?"

"No rush, let Liu Min wait a few days." Xia Lin waved his hand. "Once he's completely calmed down and faced reality, we can talk again, and then we can set better terms. Right now... let's go try the roasted whole lamb made by the new chef in Shanshan. I heard he's quite good! Does Your Majesty want to go? After we eat the roasted whole lamb, how about we find a deserted oasis for a cool bath?"

"I'm not going." Third Sister stood up, glared at Xia Lin, and said irritably, "I have something to do today!"

"If you have something to say, then you have something to say. Why are you suddenly getting angry..." Xia Lin saw that San Niang had already left, and went to the door to call out, "If you're not going, I'll go alone!"

Three days later, the Tang Emperor issued an edict of self-reproach, filled with sorrowful remorse for his shortcomings, a statement that moved all who heard and saw it to tears. But strangely, no sooner had the edict been issued than Xia Lin, without any warning, sent out a letter to the Western Regions, expressing various accusations and anger against the assassins, essentially seeking out enemies out of thin air.

Meanwhile, three hundred miles northwest of Shanshan City, the core members of a Tibetan delegation disguised as a merchant caravan were secretly gathering in an abandoned beacon tower.

"Is the news confirmed? Did Empress Li Tang really issue an edict of self-reproach, and Xia Lin also issued a document supporting her?" Tibetan envoy Gongbu Zhaxi asked in a deep voice.

“Absolutely true, Your Excellency.” A subordinate replied respectfully, “Now all the countries in the Western Regions are talking about how the cooperation between the Tang Dynasty and the Wei Kingdom is irreversible. Furthermore, the Wei people seem to believe that the assassination attempt is related to us or the Northern Han.”

Gongbu Zhaxi snorted coldly, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes: "Foolish Wei people! And that Liu Min, he's a piece of trash too! He's scared out of his wits by a mere martial arts exercise!"

Another subordinate whispered, "Your Excellency, the situation is unfavorable for us. Should we temporarily avoid confrontation and retreat back to the plateau?"

"Withdraw?" Gonpo Buzaxi's sharp eyes swept over him. "The task the Zanpu gave us is not yet complete! If the Western Regions are truly integrated by Xia Lin, the next unfortunate one will be Tibet! We must find a way to disrupt their cooperation!"

He paced back and forth for a moment, then suddenly stopped: "Since they suspect Northern Han, let's add fuel to the fire for Liu Min! Send someone to contact the generals in the Northern Han army who have always been friendly to us, offer them great rewards, and incite them to launch a mutiny, kill Liu Min, and frame Xia Lin! When Northern Han is in chaos, let's see how Xia Lin handles it!"

"However, this matter is extremely risky; if it is discovered..."

“Fortune favors the bold!” Gongbu Zhaxi said resolutely. “Go do it! Remember, keep your hands clean, and use the deepest nails we’ve planted in Northern Han.”

"Yes!"

However, Gongbu Zhaxi was unaware that his plot had been secretly sent back to Shanshan overnight by a hidden agent within the caravan, using a special carrier pigeon.

The next morning, Xia Lin looked at the secret report sent by Sun Jiuzhen, his face scrunched up like a chrysanthemum.

"Third brother, what do you think they're after? They staged a mutiny and killed their commander, what does that have to do with me? No, these Tibetans must be out of their minds."

Xu Shiji took the secret report and quickly glanced through it. He frowned slightly and then smiled, "Daosheng, not everyone in the world is as clever as you. Sometimes, schemes that are too profound won't work. This plan is for the eighty percent of fools in the world. It's enough if they believe it."

“Then they have no chance.” Xia Lin stood up and instructed, “Jiuzhen, get to work. We have to help out that big, clumsy old Liu. Remember, make him think he found it himself.”

Sun Jiuzhen understood perfectly: "Your subordinate understands. I will make Liu Min hate Tibet to the bone."

"Furthermore," Xia Lin added, "send a copy of the Tibetan conspiracy we intercepted to Her Majesty the Empress. Let her know that she's not the only one who wants her dead."

Xu Shiji nodded: "This plan is excellent."

"Just wait and see." Xia Lin looked northwest, his eyes playful. "The Western Regions are the grand stage. If you dare, come and join us!"

A few days later, the Northern Han camp was suddenly placed under martial law. Liu Min swiftly purged several generals in the army who had close ties with the Tibetans, and publicly presented evidence of their "collusion with the Tibetans and their intention to rebel."

In an instant, everyone in the Northern Han army felt insecure, and their anger towards Tibet was completely ignited.

Almost simultaneously, Empress Li Tang's "edict of self-reproach" and Xia Lin's "joint statement" spread throughout the Western Regions. Voices within the Li Tang dynasty opposing cooperation were forcibly suppressed, and Changsun Wuji had no choice but to feign illness and not leave the palace. Naturally, his supporters also had to back down.

Upon hearing the news, the Tibetan envoy Gongbu Zhaxi realized that his plot had been exposed. He led his core members in a hasty escape overnight, but they were intercepted at the border by an elite squad of the Western Regions Construction Corps that had been lying in ambush. They were then escorted back to Shanshan.

Following this series of events, the situation in the Western Regions suddenly became clear. The Northern Han, weakened by this internal strife, was no longer able to attend to other matters in the short term.

The cooperation between the Tang Dynasty and the Wei Kingdom entered a substantial phase, with various matters progressing rapidly. The Tibetan conspiracy was exposed, its prestige plummeted, and it became isolated among the Western Regions states.

Shanshan City, Xia Lin's Mansion.

Xia Lin looked at Gongbu Zhaxi, who was being brought in bound hand and foot, and slowly took a sip of tea.

"Gongbu, how have you been? You've been quite busy since you came to the Western Regions, with assassinations and instigations."

Gongbu Zhaxi, neck stiff, glared at Xia Lin: "Kill me or torture me, it's all up to you! Don't expect to get a single word out of me!"

"Kill you?" Xia Lin put down his teacup and smiled. "That would be too easy on you. I'd rather keep you alive so your Zanpu can pay gold to ransom you. I'd also let him know what happens when you overstep your bounds."

He waved his hand: "Take him away and keep a close watch on him. Don't let him die. Oh, and please ask General Liu and His Majesty to come over again. I need a joint trial by three courts."

After Gongbu Zhaxi was taken away, Xu Shiji emerged from behind the screen, but there was no joy on his face.

"Daosheng, the taste seems a little different back in Chang'an..."

Xia Lin's smile vanished, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "Third Brother, I know. That old dog Changsun Wuji won't let this go. But it's alright, shouldn't we start pursuing another route now? We need to develop the Western Regions. It'll take at least two years here, and I need to conquer the entire Western Regions within two years. Time is tight. We don't have much time to waste dealing with an old dog. Third Brother, you have experience in managing mountains, do you have anything to share?"

(End of this chapter)