Li Chengqian of the Tang Dynasty: Please say long live His Majesty

Chapter 641 Sikong Xiaoxin (First Update)
The emperor drove out of Dingding Gate.

The sky is blue and blue.

The sun is shining.

The left and right guards, the left and right leading guards, and tens of thousands of cavalrymen were galloping in all directions.

The left and right Jinwu Guards and the left Qianniu Guards accompanied the emperor to protect him.

In the imperial carriage, Zhangsun Wuji glanced at Dai Zhide, who was sitting silently with his head bowed, then turned to Li Chengqian and said, "Your Majesty, Helu is the Khan of the Western Turks. According to the court's speculation, he should have rebelled against the Tang Dynasty two or three years ago."

Dai Zhide suddenly looked up and looked at Changsun Wuji in surprise, then looked at the emperor.

The court speculated that the Western Turkic Khan Ashina Helu was rebelling against the Tang Dynasty?
Li Chengqian ignored Dai Zhide's surprised look and looked at Zhangsun Wuji. "All Western Turkic Khans are like this. When they first submit to the Tang Dynasty, they are extremely submissive. But after two or three years, as they begin to gain more power over the Western Turkic tribes, they gradually develop rebellious intentions. Ashina Helu indeed reached this point a few years ago. He was even ready to act when he knew I was planning an eastern expedition. Unfortunately, the Duke of Wei was suppressing the Western Tuyuhun."

Dai Zhide finally understood a little.

The Western Turks never truly submitted to the Tang Dynasty, so they surrendered and rebelled from time to time. The Tang Dynasty was well prepared. Whenever the Western Turks rebelled, the Tang Dynasty would always send troops as quickly as possible, defeat them, and establish a Western Turkic Khan.

Over the years, the situation has always been in the hands of the Tang Dynasty. Just looking at the fact that the Tang Dynasty has been able to win every battle, we know that this is inevitable.

There is also the Silk Road.

The Silk Road is divided into the North and South Silk Roads by the Qilian Mountains.

The Northern Silk Road passes through Zhangye and Dunhuang, across the vast desert, and reaches the four towns of Anxi.

The Southern Silk Road passed through the east and west Tuyuhun, and finally crossed the gap in the western foothills of the Qilian Mountains to the four towns of Anxi.

In the early years, due to the discord between Eastern and Western Tuyuhun, it was difficult to travel along the Southern Silk Road. Only a few caravans that opened up Eastern and Western Tuyuhun at the same time could travel unimpeded.

But since Li Jing defeated Western Tuyuhun, the Southern Silk Road has been completely open.

The Tang Dynasty's control over the Western Regions was gradually strengthened, and with Li Jing stationed in Western Tuyuhun to support the Four Anxi Towns at any time, Ashina Helu of the Western Turks did not dare to act rashly.

Zhangsun Wuji looked at Li Chengqian and said, "Your Majesty, although that's what we said, we still don't have any concrete evidence to prove that Helu was responsible for the Jiangnan incident. Moreover, the current situation is not suitable for going to war with the Western Turks."

"I understand in my heart." Li Chengqian nodded.

Now Li Ji leads an army of 100,000 in Pingrang, 50,000 of whom are elite troops from Guanzhong.

If we want to declare war on the Western Turks, these 50,000 people must come back.

"Although the Pingrang War is over, the 100,000-man army is still there, and the court's military expenses are still necessary. Everything won't be much easier until the army returns next year." Li Chengqian sighed softly and said, "Also, with the Dongdao War over, the people have been burdened for the past two years. They need to rest and recuperate, not to start a war with the Western Turks."

"Your Majesty is wise!" Changsun Wuji finally felt a little relieved.

He was most afraid that the emperor would be complacent with the great victory in Andong and rashly use military force against the Western Turks, thus interrupting the positive momentum of the court in the past two years.

"Although I won't mobilize troops against the Western Turks, that doesn't mean I can't do something about Helu." After a brief pause, Li Chengqian looked at Dai Zhide and said, "First, appoint Zhang Wenguan as a senior official and lead the Secretariat. Continue investigating the matter of Wu Qi and the gold cake. There must be Helu's spies in the Ganliang and Shasu areas. Find them."

"I obey your order." Dai Zhide bowed solemnly.

Li Chengqian turned to look at Zhangsun Wuji and said, "Uncle, at the end of next year, Gao Baozang and the King of Silla and Baekje will come to Chang'an to pay homage. Let Helu come with them."

Zhangsun Wuji immediately raised his head, looked at Li Chengqian and said, "Your Majesty is thinking that if Helu doesn't come to Chang'an to pay homage by the end of next year, then we can take advantage of the situation and take action against him."

Li Chengqian nodded calmly and said, "Starting next year, all units of the army will gradually withdraw from Pingrang. Although the pressure of transporting food and fodder to the front of the army will still be enormous, it will gradually ease. By the end of the year, it will return to previous years, or even be easier than in previous years."

Below Pingrang, spring plowing can be fully carried out in all parts of Tuzhou.

Although Li Chengqian exempted Tuzhou from taxes for six years, as long as Tuzhou had a good harvest every year, the imperial court could use copper coins to purchase grain from Tuzhou.

Transporting copper coins is much faster, more convenient and less labor-intensive than transporting grain, and the loss is also much smaller.

Not to mention that there is a copper mine in Tuzhou. All we need to do is transport the copper back and the copper coins over, and the court’s cost will be almost zero.

There is much more that can be done here.

But no matter what, from the moment the great military battle ended, the burden on the court began to ease.

"If he doesn't come by the end of next year, it means he's guilty and refusing tribute. It's a good opportunity for the court to send troops. We'll have a year to prepare and then take action after the autumn harvest next year." Li Chengqian clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, saying, "We'll use three months to completely pacify the Western Turks."

The interior of the carriage suddenly became quiet.

After a moment, Changsun Wuji finally spoke, "Your Majesty's plan is indeed excellent, but isn't three months a bit too short?"

Li Chengqian was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "My uncle is right. I was a little impatient. I'm just used to the kind of thing where it takes half a year to prepare and then end a war in a very short time. There really shouldn't be any deadlines. Otherwise, rushing in too hastily will only lead to accidents."

Things in the military should be flexible and should not be based on fixed procedures or fixed times.

Once an order is given, everyone will become impatient and it will be easy for others to seize the opportunity.

"Your Majesty is wise." Changsun Wuji nodded in appreciation, then said, "I think three to six months is enough time, but the selection of the commander-in-chief requires careful consideration."

"That's right." Li Chengqian's eyes darkened as he nodded. "Guo Xiaoke is too greedy and sometimes underestimates his enemies. He's fine as a general, but I think it's better not to be the commander-in-chief of a large army."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji nodded helplessly.

In the Battle of Kucha, Guo Xiaoke was seized by the prime minister of Kucha because he was too greedy for money. Later, because he underestimated the enemy, he led a thousand people into the city. If Xue Wanbei had not arrived at the critical moment, Guo Xiaoke would have died in Kucha City.

The emperor did not pursue this matter at the time because Guo Xiaoke fought desperately, but since then, Guo Xiaoke never had the chance to be the commander-in-chief of the army again.

"Although the Duke of Weiguo is now in charge of Western Turkestan, he is old and it is not suitable for him to move." Li Chengqian shook his head slightly.

Li Jing is now 82 years old. It's okay for him to sit there, but even Helu would be a little afraid of him.

It was precisely because of him that the northwest could remain stable for another two years, and that the Tang Dynasty could maintain its initiative for another two years. In two years, he would be eighty-four, and it would be hard to say what would happen.

If he moves and something happens, the situation in the entire northwest will collapse.

"Duke Ying," Li Chengqian said, looking up. "At the end of next year, Duke Ying will return to the court. Then, with a year's rest, it's a perfect time to go to the northwest and start a war to destroy the Western Turks."

"Your Majesty has considered everything." Zhangsun Wuji bowed slightly, then added cautiously, "Your Majesty is correct, but I feel that many things cannot be too dependent on the Duke of Ying alone, otherwise the court will easily become unbalanced."

Li Chengqian looked at Zhangsun Wuji, frowning slightly. Then he said in a gentle tone, "Uncle is right. We really can't rely solely on the Duke of Ying. Otherwise, the balance between the East and the West will be unbalanced. So, uncle, who do you think should lead the Western Expedition? How about the Prince of Jiangxia?"

"Prince of Jiangxia?" Changsun Wuji pondered for a moment, then whispered, "Your Majesty, Prince of Jiangxia has been ill for the past few years. If he were to travel from Bashu to Anxi, it would be extremely detrimental to his health."

"Then who else?" Li Chengqian leaned back, raised his head, looked thoughtful, and tapped the low table lightly with his left hand.

Zhangsun Wuji was suddenly startled. He looked at Li Chengqian's hand tapping the low table, then whispered, "Your Majesty, what do you think of the Duke of Tong'an?"

"Father-in-law?" Li Chengqian glanced at Zheng Shuang'er behind him and let Zheng Rentai be the commander-in-chief of the Western Expedition army.

"Your Majesty, the Duke of Tongan has fought in Anxi after all, and he is familiar with the terrain, so it won't be difficult for him to go there again." Changsun Wuji continued to persuade.

"Although my father-in-law is a brave general, my uncle has never led a war on such a large scale before." Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "If something goes wrong during the Western Expedition, the Silk Road will be in chaos, and the situation will be difficult to deal with."

Changsun Wuji nodded and said, "Your Majesty is correct. So, what do you think of the Duke of Yanmen? He has been campaigning in the south for the past few years and has considerable experience in battle. I think he would be a better choice to lead the Western Expedition this time. After all, we have two years, which is plenty of time to prepare."

"Liang Jianfang." Li Chengqian pondered.

Liang Jianfang is a veteran of the Qin Palace. He has fought in more battles than Zheng Rentai. He has participated in almost every battle except the Eastern Expedition to Goguryeo.

"When it comes to killing, few in the entire court can match the Duke of Yanmen. However, as a commander-in-chief, he is somewhat unqualified." Li Chengqian looked up at Zhangsun Wuji and said, "Uncle, although the Western Turks have been weakened for many years, through internal and external operations, they can easily gather 200,000 cavalry. This is far more than the petty fighting in the southwest can compare to."

Zhang Sun Wuji suddenly became dignified and nodded, saying, "Your Majesty is right."

"If Liang Jianfang is not suitable, then the other generals are about the same. Even the Duke of Tianshui is not suitable." Li Chengqian shook his head slightly.

"Your Majesty!" Zhangsun Wuji bowed and said, "I know Your Majesty is optimistic about Su Dingfang, but for many years, the court has been dominated by many talented generals. Military power cannot be concentrated in the hands of one person. For example, Li Jing, Li Ji, and Hou Junji. Now, after them, there is only Su Dingfang as a talented general. This is very worrying."

Li Chengqian looked at Zhangsun Wuji deeply, thought for a moment, and then said, "Xue Rengui has also killed too many people, and so have Xue Wanche and Xue Wanbei. Niu Jinda and Li Keshi are both old. It seems that we can only make do with this battle."

"Your Majesty, do you have a candidate in mind?" Changsun Wuji immediately looked up.

"Hmm!" Li Chengqian sighed and said, "We can only appoint Duke Lu as the Grand Commander-in-Chief, Liang Jianfang as the Deputy Grand Commander-in-Chief, and one more person as the Deputy Grand Commander-in-Chief. The others, Guo Xiaoke, Qibi Heli, Xue Wanbei, Xue Rengui, Xi Junmai, and others, will be the respective Commanders-in-Chief. They will lead the troops and destroy Helu's main force."

"Who, who does Your Majesty want to serve as the deputy commander-in-chief of the army together with Liang Jianfang?" Changsun Wuji became serious.

"Li Dejian, the governor of Xiazhou." Li Chengqian looked at Zhangsun Wuji and said, "Uncle, Li Dejian does not have enough experience and prestige, but he is capable enough. He stood by and gave advice to Duke Lu, and he also led the charge. After this battle, he should be able to stand on equal footing with Su Dingfang."

"That's true, but Li Dejian is Li Jing's son, and Su Dingfang is Li Jing's apprentice." Changsun Wuji's expression became serious.

"That's not a big deal." Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "The Jizhou Su family and the Wugong Su family are of the same lineage. I will have the Empress choose a princess from the imperial clan as a wife for Su Qing's son."

"Queen!" Changsun Wuji couldn't help but look up with some worry.

"Su Dingfang is considered a relative of the Empress, and Li Dejian is a close confidant of my Crown Prince." Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "For the next ten years, the Duke of Ying will take the lead, followed closely by Su Dingfang and Li Dejian, and then the younger generation such as Pei Xingjian, Wang Fangyi, and Zhao Zhiman..."

Hearing Zhao Chiman's name, Changsun Wuji nodded slightly. Zhao Chiman was Changsun Wuji's nephew and his abilities were indeed remarkable.

"Uncle, that's enough." Li Chengqian smiled and said, "The military is training talented generals like this, and there are countless other talented generals. Our Tang Dynasty is already very lucky."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji nodded and said, "Then I will do as Your Majesty says."

"The war with Western Turkestan won't be easy. We must be careful. Even if we want to attack Helu, we can't let him know too early." Li Chengqian raised his head slightly and said, "I'm afraid Helu won't be willing to come to Chang'an next year. Maybe we can send his son and treat him warmly. Then we can suddenly attack him in the autumn of the following year."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji bowed in agreement.

"We need to win over and divide the Western Regions in advance." Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "Uncle, Guo Xiaoke is not capable of this. I think Wang Xuance has been in the Western Regions for many years. We should promote him to the position of Chief Clerk of the Anxi Protectorate and grant him the title of Grand Secretary."

"Wang Xuance." Changsun Wuji nodded slightly. He hadn't heard this person's name for so many years that he almost forgot about him.

However, Wang Xuance was a ruthless man who led 3,000 cavalrymen in India, captured the enemy leader alive, beheaded 3,000 people, drowned tens of thousands of people, and presented the captives to the Taimiao.

The emperor placed him in Anxi, wasn't it just for today?

"And!" Li Chengqian turned to look at Dai Zhide and said, "Mr. Dai, I think you should also go with Zhang Wenguan to investigate Wu Qi's case. I think if Helu wants to plant spies in the Tang Dynasty, there may be even more powerful people behind them.

It might be more convenient for you to come forward.”

"I obey your order!" Dai Zhide bowed solemnly.

Li Chengqian breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Zhangsun Wuji. "That's it, uncle. After the sacrifice at Mount Song, please tell the Duke of Pengcheng about the appointment of the Minister of the Central Secretariat so he can prepare. Also, keep the children in check for the next few days and don't let them cause any unnecessary trouble."

Zhang Sun Wuji's expression suddenly became stern, and he nodded and said, "I obey your command."

……

Changsun Wuji came out of the imperial carriage and looked up.

Before we knew it, Mount Song was already ahead.

Zhang Ananda, who was standing at the side, bowed to Changsun Wuji and said, "Sikong, be careful!"

Changsun Wuji turned around and looked at Zhang Ananda, his face full of surprise.

(End of this chapter)