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

Chapter 704 Su Dingfang is being recalled to Chang'an; war is about to begin (One update today)
Inside the Liangyi Hall, after watching the Empress's figure disappear through the side hall entrance, the officials turned and bowed to the steps above, saying, "Your Majesty!"

Li Chengqian nodded calmly, his gaze fixed on the outside of the hall.

The courtiers fell silent for a moment.

After a moment, Li Chengqian slowly spoke: "Ten years have passed. After the chaos following Songtsen's death, Tibet has gradually recovered."

Changsun Wuji, Li Ji, and the others bowed solemnly.

"In the twelfth year of Zhenguan, Songtsen personally led an army of 100,000 to attack Songzhou, but was eventually defeated by the Duke of Langya." Li Chengqian looked up and said, "By the end of the fourteenth year of Zhenguan, Songtsen, who had defeated Nepal and forcibly married Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal, sent people to Chang'an to ask for a princess of the Tang Dynasty to marry his younger sister, Princess Wencheng, to Tibet."

Li Chengqian's words were spoken in a gentle and detailed manner, as if the events of that year had vividly reappeared before my eyes.

The ministers' expressions turned serious once again.

Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo had no children, which caused a major problem for the Tang Dynasty's overall strategy.

This point was explicitly mentioned by the emperor when he was the crown prince.

The facts proved the emperor right.

"Later, Songtsen fell ill and sensed his impending death, so he sent Gar Tongtsen and Gar Chinling to Chang'an to spy on the situation. In the end, my father and I seized the opportunity and defeated their 100,000-strong army that had invaded Tuyuhun, and killed one of Songtsen's doubles."

Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "Of course, among those 100,000 troops, there are the Tibetans of Suhegui, as well as the cavalry of Supi and Yangtong. The Tibetan cavalry that truly belong to Songtsen's main force number only 30,000... but that is enough to shake the foundation of Tibet."

The courtiers bowed.

"The original balance of power within Tibet was broken. Tibet offered 50,000 taels of gold to the Tang Dynasty to stop its military operations. Later, with the death of Songtsen Gampo, Tibet invited the emperor's sister back to Tibet, and trade between the two countries resumed. This brought ten years of peace." Li Chengqian raised his head and said with a cold gaze, "In ten years, the loss of those 30,000 elite Tibetan cavalry has been made up. So, their ambitions have been stirred. However, their only problem is that they do not know how strong the Tang Dynasty is."

“They know that the Tang Dynasty is very strong, but they don’t know just how strong it is.” Changsun Wuji stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting.

Li Chengqian nodded slightly and said, "Indeed, according to general logic, after years of war, the Tang Dynasty should have been exhausted and its people weary. However, the Tang Dynasty has become stronger with each battle."

"Hehe!" The ministers couldn't help but laugh.

When the Tang Dynasty waged war against foreign powers, it always achieved absolute victory.

The court did suffer heavy losses, but the losses from the major battles were not significant, and each time a large amount of spoils were brought into the court.

Most importantly, the court had a group of virtuous and capable ministers who were able to govern the Tang Dynasty stably.

They were not only able to provide sufficient provisions, but also to quickly digest all the spoils of the war.

Therefore, despite the numerous battles, and despite the fact that nearly three million people from Andong, nearly one million people from the Western Turks, and hundreds of thousands of people from Xichang Prefecture were all integrated into the Tang Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty was never brought down. In fact, the Tang Dynasty grew stronger every day.

For some reason, as they laughed, many court officials couldn't help but bow their heads slightly.

Because tears welled up in their eyes.

None of this has ever been easy for anyone.

They weren't, and neither was Li Chengqian.

"Therefore, the Tang Dynasty is much stronger than it was ten years ago." Li Chengqian chuckled lightly, then composed himself, his eyes turning icy as he said, "But Tibet, although it has recovered in ten years, it is only a very superficial recovery. Songtsen is dead, and Mangsong and Mangtsen are still minors. What recovery have they made!"

Li Chengqian's last words were a direct curse, and the courtiers couldn't help but laugh again.

“Songtsen is no match for my father, and neither am I, but I am stronger than Songtsen. How can Mangsong Mangtsen compare to me?” Li Chengqian chuckled coldly, leaned forward, and looked at his ministers. “Therefore, this time, we must win again, and we must completely destroy Tibet.”

"Yes!" the ministers responded loudly.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath and said, "We will continue with the same approach as before. We must remain calm and stable, and steadily digest everything we have gained from Dongdao. At the same time, we should take advantage of the rare favorable weather these past two years to increase our grain reserves and arms production, and begin comprehensive preparations for the future destruction of Tubo."

"Yes!" All the officials in the hall solemnly cupped their hands in greeting.

……

A few scattered stars dot the night sky.

Pingkangfang was bustling with noise and excitement.

The Tibetan embassy was located in the northwest of Pingkangfang, the furthest from the bustling southeastern music district.

Tenzin Tashi stood at the window on the second floor of the embassy, ​​gazing at the bright lights and bustling activity of the Jiaofangsi (a type of religious institution) in the distance.

After a long while, Tenzin Tashi sighed softly: "Do you know how much wealth Pingkangfang has amassed for the Tang Dynasty through its extravagant spending? And this money, at crucial moments, will be transformed into crossbow bolts aimed at every Tibetan warrior."

From the darkness, a figure emerged, cupped his hands in greeting to Tenzin Tashi, and said, “Your Excellency, human nature is difficult to control. The only way to stop these things is to completely destroy the place. There is a saying among the Tang people: ‘Out of sight, out of mind.’ If you can’t see it, you won’t have desires.”

“But this is the Tang Dynasty!” Tenzin Tashi turned to the newcomer and asked, “Why aren’t you interested in that place?”

"Because my heart is filled with nothing but hatred." The man bowed deeply and said, "A hatred etched into my very bones!"

"I'm sorry, I haven't been able to find any news about your father, brother, or family these past few days." Tenzin Tashi lowered his head apologetically and said, "Xiruo, don't worry, there will definitely be news."

“There’s no need to look anymore, there won’t be any news.” Xi Ruo calmly shook her head and said, “They’ve all been wiped out.”

Xiruo, Gar Zanxibu, also known as Zanxiruo, was the eldest son of Gar Tongtsen.

When the Tibetan Empire suffered a major defeat in the Eastern Tuyuhun, Gar Tongtsen Yulsung and Lun Qinling were captured in Chang'an. Li Chengqian demanded that the Tibetan Empire send Gar Tongtsen Yulsung's entire family to Chang'an. However, in the end, everyone in Gar Tongtsen Yulsung's family was sent there.

The only one missing was Zansi Ruo.

The Tibetans claimed that he was killed on his way to Chang'an for resisting, but Li Chengqian did not believe it at all, which is why he wanted to execute Gar Tongtsen's entire family.

However, at the last moment, it was an imperial edict from the late emperor that pardoned Lu Dongzan's family.

But afterwards, there was no further news of Lu Dongzan's family in Chang'an.

"At the time, the last news was that the prime minister was sent to the Northern Garden, and the others were taken into the Imperial Palace. They may indeed be dead, but the people in the country analyzed that they were very likely hidden somewhere by the Tang Emperor." After a slight pause, Danzeng Zhaxi gently shook his head and said, "With their talents, no one would be willing to kill them."

Zan Xiruo lowered her head slightly, unsure of what to say for a moment.

If that's really the case, it's not a good thing.

If Gar Tongtsen and Gar Trinling were still alive, the secrets they possessed about Tibet would be Tibet's greatest threat.

This is why, although almost every suggestion Zanxi Ruo made in Tibet over the years was adopted, he was never allowed to step into the limelight.

If it weren't for the gradual recovery of Tibet's national strength under his control over the years, he wouldn't have been allowed to come with Tenzin Tashi to Chang'an this time.

“Forget it, let’s not talk about these things anymore. The Tang Dynasty is so big, if the emperor really wanted to hide people, we wouldn’t be able to find them easily.” Tenzin Tashi waved his hand and said, “Today’s spying is enough to show that the Tang emperor does indeed have designs on Tibet.”

“General Liang Jianfang of the Right Guard is currently stationed in Dongtuyuhun. Although it is not the same as during Li Jing’s time, it is enough to show the emperor’s intentions.” Zan Xiruo’s expression calmed down, and then he said, “The key right now is to figure out what the Tang emperor’s real plan is. When will he be ready to invade Tibet, when will he mobilize a large army, and when will he take action against Supi and Yangtong? These are the key questions.”

Tenzin Tashi raised his head slightly and asked seriously, "What do you think? How many years will it take him to complete his plan?"

Zan Xiruo took a deep breath, looked up and said, "The Great Tang has just annexed Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla. By the end of the year, a group of battle-hardened soldiers will be withdrawn from the Eastern Island, and preparations will begin to be made for the conscription of the necessary troops and provisions. In fact, as long as the weather is favorable next year, the country will have enough troops by the autumn of next year."

Tenzin Tashi's pupils dilated instantly, and he couldn't help but ask, "Is a year enough?"

“That’s enough.” Zanxi Ruo nodded, looking at Danzeng Zhaxi and saying, “The Tang Dynasty’s real energy is actually more focused on assimilating the Eastern Islands. And given the Emperor’s consistent style, he has probably already prepared for the Eastern Islands’ needs for next year. As long as the Eastern Islands have a good harvest next autumn and the people are at peace…”

"Then he can focus all his efforts on Tibet." Tenzin Tashi took a deep breath and said, "In other words, by next autumn, the Tang Dynasty will mobilize a large number of troops to Changzhou in the west."

“Yes!” Zanxi Ruo nodded and said, “Once next autumn arrives, no matter how many arrangements we have made in Dongtuyuhun, they will be ineffective. Therefore, the best way is to have the Western Turks and the Eastern and Western Tuyuhun rebel during next autumn’s harvest. If we can also contact the remnants of the Eastern Island to stir up trouble on the Eastern Island, and then send our army out from the plateau to completely drive the Tang Dynasty out of the Eastern and Western Tuyuhun, then we will have the initiative in the war.”

"Next year." Tenzin Tashi's expression turned serious.

In recent years, although Tibet has been carrying out internal governance and integration, in reality, their eyes have never left the Tang Dynasty.

When the Tang Dynasty destroyed the Western Turks, they did try to contact Ashina Helu, but unfortunately, Helu, who had more than 200,000 archers under his command, did not take the Tubo (Tibetan) Empire seriously at all.

Then, He Lu was defeated.

An army of over 200,000 was defeated by 150,000 Tang soldiers.

The entire war lasted, or even just over six months.

A major battle involving nearly 500,000 people did not impose much burden on the Tang Dynasty; in fact, they were quickly annexed by the Tang Dynasty afterward.

The Tibetans were dumbfounded, but in the end they could only curse Helu for being too stupid.

However, Tibet then began to intervene in the Western Turkic Khaganate. They acted very cautiously, and even now, few people know about it. As for the Eastern and Western Tuyuhun, although the Tang Dynasty did not annex them, it seized their administrative and military power, causing countless people to harbor deep resentment towards the Tang Dynasty.

If, at the same time as the Western Turkic uprising, the Eastern and Western Tuyuhun could stab the Tang Dynasty in the back, and then the Tibetans could take advantage of the situation to rush down the plateau, then one battle could decide the overall situation.

But the Tang Dynasty's reaction is very important in this matter.

When trouble broke out in the Western Turks and the Eastern and Western Tuyuhun, how many troops could the Tang Dynasty immediately send to provide support? At the same time, could the troops in Xichang Prefecture withstand the first offensive of the Tibetan Empire? If not, by the time the Tang Dynasty reacted and sent reinforcements, it would be the Tibetan Empire that would suffer.

“Yan Liben is in Qizhou, Li Dejian is in Lanzhou, Fang Renyu is in Shazhou, Xi Junmai is in Xiazhou, and Li Daozong is in Jiannan. They may arrive as reinforcements at any time.” Danzeng Zhaxi looked up at Zanxi Ruo: “Not to mention Li Junxian who is stationed at Tongtian River. He is the first one we need to deal with, otherwise, once the war starts, Chang’an will receive the news immediately.”

Throughout the entire Tang Dynasty, the fastest way to transmit news was always through beacon fires.

From Tongtian River to Xichang Prefecture, and from Tongtian River to Song Prefecture, as soon as the beacon fires were lit on Tongtian River, Lanzhou and Bashu could receive the news in a very short time and then send the news to Chang'an and the emperor immediately.

“The real key is the emperor.” Zanxi Ruo nodded slightly and said, “Therefore, we only need to completely block the emperor’s path. When the plan is launched, the emperor will be unable to react due to other matters, or even will not react at all. Then we will have enough time to annex the Eastern and Western Tuyuhun.”

Tenzin Tashi took a deep breath and looked at Zanxi Ruo, saying, "You're thinking about that person in Anxi, aren't you?"

“Yes!” Zan Xiruo nodded seriously and said, “Back then, Father had already set his sights on him and even started to make contact. However, at that time, Gongsun Chang had just died and asked him to keep a low profile, so they did not get involved and let him escape a disaster. In the past ten years, they have finally gained a foothold in the Western Regions.”

Tenzin Tashi nodded. It was during these ten years that Tibet was able to completely trust that person.

“Although Tibet has made some arrangements in the Tang Dynasty in recent years, it has been extremely difficult to make moves against the high-level officials.” Zanxi Ruo looked at Danzeng Zhaxi.

Tenzin Tashi's face turned grim.

The Tang Dynasty is now thriving; who would want to associate with Tibet?

Even if there were one or two people whose weaknesses were exploited by the Tang Dynasty, they might sell out Tibet at any time and become pawns in the Tang Dynasty's schemes against Tibet.

This is what they are most careful about.

“That person’s understanding of the Tang Dynasty far surpasses that of you and me, and although many years have passed, some of his fundamental knowledge still remains.” Zanxi Ruo’s expression turned serious as he said, “And the matter we discovered in Lhasa, if he were to take charge, might be able to throw the Tang court into complete chaos from within.”

Zan Xiruo clenched her fist tightly, her eyes fierce.

“At that time, if we suddenly launch an attack, we can completely crush the entire Tang Dynasty in one fell swoop.” Danzeng Zhaxi nodded slightly and said, “Let’s do it this way. Go and contact that person. When can he come to Chang’an?”

“It’s the end of the year.” Zan Xiruo’s expression calmed down, then she shook her head with a smile and said, “When it comes to caution, they are ahead of us. He said that there will be a lot of people coming and going to Chang’an at the end of the year, so no one will notice him.”

“Next year on New Year’s Day, the Emperor will hold a grand court ceremony.” Tenzin Tashi nodded and said, “That’s good. We will leave Chang’an after that. We can use ourselves to attract the attention of the Tang Dynasty and make him act in secret.”

“Yes!” Zanxi Ruo nodded gently, raising his gaze towards the direction of the palace.

His father, his brothers, and his family—were they all really dead?

……

After the heavy snow, Chang'an City was covered in white.

Li Chengqian, dressed in a silver-white dragon robe, wearing a golden crown and a black sable cloak, walked on the palace wall.

Countless imperial guards stood solemnly on both sides, holding long spears.

The city of Chang'an across the street was quiet and orderly.

Cui Renshi followed behind the emperor, while Li Xiang and Cui Jun followed a little behind.

As Li Chengqian walked, he looked at the snow-covered scenery of Chang'an.

He found it hard to imagine that any emperor in later generations, when faced with such a vast and magnificent capital, would choose to flee it instead of resisting.

Gradually, Li Chengqian walked to the southeast corner of the city wall. His gaze swept lightly over Pingkang Ward in the distance, then he turned back.

"Your Majesty!" Cui Renshi bowed respectfully.

Li Chengqian nodded and said, "On New Year's Day next year, I will appoint you as the Grand Protector of the Andong Protectorate, with the rank of Third Grade in the Secretariat and Chancellery. From now on, I will entrust all matters concerning Andong to you."

"Your Majesty, I accept the decree and thank you for your grace." Cui Renshi couldn't help but kneel down.

"No need," Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "We can perform the ceremony at the grand court ceremony."

"Yes!" Cui Renshi bowed gratefully. Although the emperor had said a few years ago that he would appoint him as prime minister, several years had passed and he had not been credited with the military achievements in destroying the three kingdoms of Dongdao. He never expected that he would have the opportunity to become prime minister.

“The matter of Andong is of great importance.” Li Chengqian looked up and said, “First of all, we need to ensure the supply of food. This winter, until the autumn harvest next year, the Tang Dynasty will not provide too much food in Andong, allowing the people of Andong to experience a certain degree of famine. Therefore, we must do a good job in the spring planting next year and continue until the harvest next year. After a year of hunger, the people will surely be loyal to the Tang Dynasty.”

"Yes!" Cui Renshi nodded. If benefits are given directly without going through hardships, not many people will cherish them. But once they are tested, everything will be different.

“Grain is one thing, the second thing is trade in Andong.” Li Chengqian smiled and said, “With prosperous trade, the old people of Andong will not suspect that the court is deliberately suppressing them.”

"Yes!" Cui Renshi bowed respectfully.

“Trade involves Kaiyuan Tongbao coins.” Li Chengqian turned around and walked towards the Zhuque Gate. As he walked, he said, “The court needs copper, gold and silver mines in Andong. At the same time, the court will also return a certain percentage of Kaiyuan Tongbao coins according to the minerals mined in Andong.”

This ensures sufficient circulation of Kaiyuan Tongbao coins.

"This year, I exempted the people of Andong from taxes for a year, ensuring they survived the famine." Li Chengqian raised his head slightly and said, "Next year, the court will collect half of Andong's taxes in advance, and the remaining half of the grain will be purchased by the Andong Protectorate with Kaiyuan Tongbao coins, ensuring that the Kaiyuan Tongbao coins are distributed."

"Yes!" Cui Renshi bowed slightly. He knew that the reason why the emperor had not completely exempted Andong from taxes next year was because the Tibetans had come this year.

However, it's good that Andong is here to shoulder the burden of the court; things will be much better in Hebei.

"Regarding the affairs of Andong, let's not discuss whether its supplies to the court will exceed the court's expenditures in the future. At least in the short term, we must achieve a balance between income and expenditure. Andong itself must bear all the expenses of the Andong Protectorate, from the inside out." Li Chengqian looked at Cui Renshi and said, "Whenever you can achieve this, I will transfer you back to the court."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Cui Renshi bowed forcefully.

Li Chengqian nodded and said, "After you take up your post in Andong, I will transfer Su Dingfang and Liu Demin back to Chang'an. The remaining Xue Wanche, Gao Kan, Li Jinxing, Wang Wendu and Fang Yi'ai will assist you... Of course, if you have any recommendations, please provide me with a list."

"Your subject obeys." Cui Renshi bowed solemnly.

“Governing Andong is not easy.” Li Chengqian sighed and said, “My dear minister, if there is anything that needs to be allocated in Chang’an this winter, do your best to coordinate with the Six Ministries before you set off. As for the time being, let Su Jun accompany you. He will be appointed as the prefect of Shenzhou next year, so he can learn from you first.”

"Your subject obeys the decree." Cui Renshi looked up at Su Jun, who respectfully bowed.

Cui Renshi knew Su Jun, the Crown Prince's steward, the eldest son of Su Xu, the current Protector-General of Andong, and Princess Nanchang, the Empress's cousin, the Consort's elder brother, and the Crown Prince and the Prince of Liao's uncle.

“Your Majesty!” Cui Renshi subconsciously looked up and asked, “Your Majesty, Liaodong does not seem to be among the Protectorates of Andong.”

“No.” Li Chengqian nodded calmly and said, “The Liaodong Gui’an East Circuit has been transformed into the Liaodong Governor’s Office, with the Prince of Liao remotely serving as the Governor of Liaodong. Su Jun serves as the Chief Administrator of Liaodong and concurrently as the Chief Administrator of the Liaodong Governor’s Office.”

"Yes!" Cui Renshi bowed respectfully.

Li Chengqian sighed softly and said, "Let's stop here for today. Go back and prepare."

“Yes!” Li Xiang, Su Jun, and Cui Renshi all bowed respectfully.

……

The imperial carriage landed in front of the Liangyi Hall.

Li Chengqian stepped up the steps and immediately saw Li Anyan standing in front of the palace gate. He looked up and asked, "What is it? Is something the matter?"

Li Anyan leaned closer and whispered, "Your Majesty, Prince Luo Bin will arrive in Chang'an in three days."

"Is he going to enter Chang'an?" Li Chengqian narrowed his eyes slightly.

“No, he will stay in Wugong County.” Li Anyan bowed and said, “He is very careful.”

"Hmm!" Li Chengqian nodded and said, "Don't worry about him. Send people to keep a close eye on the Tibetans and see if they can find a way to get rid of our surveillance. If they can, find the loopholes and fix them."

"Yes!" Li Anyan bowed.

Li Chengqian turned slightly and looked towards Chang'an Gate.

The Crown Prince Li Jiancheng's Crown Princess, Zheng Guanyin, lived there.

She is still alive.

(End of this chapter)