Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 391 Chapter 390 Cession of Kyushu
The sea in November was cold and windy.

The armies of the two countries met thirty miles south of Tsushima Island.

The Tang army's warships were divided into three large fleets, with Liu Rengui in the middle, Jiang Ke on the left, and Liu Renyuan on the right. The three fleets were lined up in a row, like a huge black wave surging towards them.

Japanese warships were scattered in a disorderly manner on the sea, but if you looked closely, they seemed to have a strange formation.

The Apollo brothers are now on Liu Rengui's boat.

In the past, they were only bullied by Japan. But now, sitting on the Tang Dynasty ship and looking down from above, they found that the Japanese were not that scary.

Apollo took two steps forward and said to Liu Ren: "Commander-in-chief, this is the Japanese's sea shark tactics. There are small speedboats on both sides. After the battle, the small boats will circle around and surround the enemy."

Liu Rengui nodded and ordered Jiang Ke to lead the fleet to charge towards the Japanese fleet.

The messenger quickly passed down the order, Jiang Ke led the fleet to attack, and Japan also sent navy to meet the enemy.

The Japanese warships quickly split into three groups. The middle fleet was slow and steady, while the left and right fleets were fast and rapid, like a big pocket, wrapping up the Tang army.

Jiang Ke commanded calmly, and orders were passed down one after another through flags. The Tang army's formation remained stable. Arrows flew on the sea, rackets swung, water splashed, and shouts shook the sky.

Guijima Kawakiyo saw that the Tang army took advantage of the warships and fired from high ground. The soldiers were experienced in combat, so even if the Japanese soldiers climbed onto the warships, they did not panic. They killed all the Japanese soldiers on board and kicked their bodies into the sea.

In just half an hour, a large number of corpses floated on the sea.

Facing such an enemy, a head-on confrontation will only result in a war of attrition. The enemy will have constant reinforcements, and it is very likely that we will not be able to outlast them.

He immediately ordered the drums to be beaten, and the Japanese army quickly retreated to Tsushima Island.

When he looked back, he found that the Tang army did not pursue them but turned around and retreated, leaving his ambush on Tsushima Island useless.

The news of this great battle between the two countries at sea quickly spread to all countries.

When Silla saw that the Tang army had already engaged in battle with the main force of Japan, Crown Prince Kim Beom-min personally led 10,000 naval forces to attack Noto in Japan.

Noto was the most prosperous maritime trading place in Japan. It was a trading base between Japan and Silla, Goguryeo and Mohe. Water transportation and trade were very developed.

Therefore, although Nohdeng was far away from Silla, it was Silla's first choice for attack.

As long as Noto is captured, Echizen can be further annexed. There is a vast plain area there, which is conducive to farming and is the fertile land that Silla wants most.

When Silla and Japan were at odds, they considered the strategy of attacking Japan, and Noto was their first choice.

The main forces of Japan were all withdrawn, and Silla also increased its military strength this time. The defenders of Noto were unable to resist and were quickly conquered by Silla.

The Ezo and Mohe peoples were already ready to make a move. When they saw Silla succeed, they realized that Japan was internally weak, so they immediately sent troops to attack.

This time the Ainu people came out in full force, more than 10,000 Ainu people, riding on countless small wooden boats, crossed the sea and headed straight for Mutsu.

Mutsu and Dewa were originally the settlements of the Emishi people, but were later occupied by the Wa people, who drove them to the Minami Kui Island.

The Ainu people returned to their homeland with high morale and launched a fierce attack.

The Mutsu defenders numbered less than 2,000 and were unable to take advantage of the terrain, so they were quickly defeated by the Ezo people.

Only the Mohe's attack was unsuccessful. Although they dispatched 8,000 troops, they were not good at naval warfare and were defeated by 2,000 Japanese naval forces.

When Qiqi Zhongxiang learned about this, he was furious and sent Zuorong to lead an army of 10,000 to attack Japan again.

Zuo Rong knew very well that his country was not good at naval warfare, so he asked the Emishi people for permission to pass through the country, landed in Mutsu, and even transported horses over. He then galloped south and conquered Echigo in Japan.

The Mohe people never carried heavy loads when fighting. They plundered the enemy's supplies on the spot, fighting to support the war. They attacked Japanese cities along the way and plundered gold and silver. As long as the Japanese refused to surrender, they would slaughter them after taking the city.

When the Japanese governors heard that the enemy had invaded their homeland, they were all panicked.

All their troops were withdrawn by Zhong Daxiong. How could the temporarily recruited soldiers compare to the enemy's regular army?

We can only send people to Kyushu for help.

After Nakano-oe learned of the situation, he summoned Nakatomi Kamatari and Onijima Kawakiyo to discuss the matter.

Nakatomi Kamatari sighed, "The Tang army is coming with such force that it's difficult for our army to deal with them alone. How can we spare the energy to send reinforcements to help the local areas?"

The elder brother Zhong said, "So, you mean to just ignore them?"

Nakatomi Kamatari said, "If we do nothing and let them reach the capital city of Asuka, the country will surely be torn apart."

Zhong Daxiong said in a deep voice, "Lianzu, there's no need to beat around the bush. Just speak frankly."

Nakatomi Kamatari bowed and said, "Your Highness, the only way now is to negotiate with the Tang people again, agree to their demands, pay them compensation in gold and silver, and cede Kyushu to them before we can return to rescue them."

After hearing this, Onijima Kawakiyo sneered.

Nakano-oe looked at Onijima Kawakiyo and asked, "General, are you against negotiating with the Tang people?"

Guidao Chuanqing snorted and said, "Prince, if the Tang people occupy Kyushu, once they have established a foothold, it will be easy for them to destroy our country of Japan in the future!"

Nakatomi Kamatari retorted, "If we don't cede it, our country will be destroyed!"

Guidao Kawasaki smiled coldly without saying anything.

Zhong Daxiong sighed and said, "General Guidao, if Kyushu is not ceded, do you have a way to break the deadlock?"

Guidao Chuanqing held up two fingers and said, "I have two ways."

Zhong Daxiong was in high spirits and asked, "What method?"

Onijima Kawakiyoshi said, "The first method is to send people to Baekje to ask Queen Bao to return and reconcile with her. She has over 20,000 troops under her command and can garrison Honshu Island."

Zhong Daxiong was silent.

Seeing that he was reluctant, Onijima Kawakiyo grinned and said, "Then there is only one last solution."

"any solution?"

Guidao Chuanqing smiled and said, "Prince, are you willing to take a gamble?"

Brother Zhong was stunned and said: "Betting?"

Onijima Kawakiyo said with a stern gaze, "Yes, I will lead 20,000 troops and quietly return to Honshu to deal with Silla, Mohe, and Ainu!"

Nakatomi Kamatari's face changed as he said, "Our army currently only has over 40,000 men. If you take 20,000 men away, how will we resist the Tang army if they attack us?"

Guidao Chuanqing said with a smile: "That's why I said bet, I bet that while I am cleaning up these countries, the Tang people will not attack the water fort."

Zhong Daxiong shook his head and said, "The Tang people have many spies in the country, and we will definitely not be able to hide it from them."

Guidao Chuanqing shrugged and said, "Since you are afraid, there is nothing I can do."

Zhong Daxiong looked up at the sky and sighed, "At this point, we have no choice but to follow Lianzu's method and negotiate with the Tang people."

A hint of sarcasm flashed in Onijima Kawakiyo's eyes, but he did not object anymore.

The next day, Nakatomi Kamata, under the order of Naka no Oe, went to Tamra in person to negotiate with Liu Rengui.

Liu Rengui immediately reported the news back to Chang'an.

Seeing that his goal had finally been achieved, Li Zhi immediately convened a court meeting, gathered all officials, and discussed the matter.

In the Tang Dynasty, princes who had not yet been granted official positions were usually not qualified to attend court.

In contrast, the chief secretary of the royal palace would attend court meetings, learn about state affairs, and then tell the prince after returning home.

The chief secretary of the Prince of Qi's palace was named Liu Yi. After attending court, he returned to the Prince of Qi's palace and told Li Yong about the situation.

Li Yong was stunned. "The Saint agreed to a ceasefire with the Japanese? Why?"

Liu Yi stroked his beard and explained, "The Japanese promised to pay a large amount of gold and silver as compensation and cede the Kyushu Islands. Their intention to cease fire was sincere, so Your Majesty agreed."

Li Yong asked again, "But if we destroy Japan, we can not only get Kyushu Island, but also the entire territory of Japan. All the gold and silver in Japan will also be ours, right?"

Liu Yi hesitated and said, "This... Your Majesty may have some deeper meaning?"

"What's the deep meaning?" Li Yong kept asking.

Liu Yi coughed dryly and said, "Your Highness, you are still young. You don't need to worry too much about these things for now. As long as you read more, you will understand them sooner or later."

Li Yong snorted and said, "Liu Changshi has read so many books, but he still doesn't understand?"

During the Tang Dynasty, the chief secretary of the royal palace had great power and was even able to discipline the princes.

When Liu Yi heard Li Yong's impoliteness, he became arrogant and said, "Your Highness can ask someone else. I'll take my leave." He turned and left.

Li Yong really listened to him and immediately went into the palace to ask Li Zhi the reason.

It was just past noon when Li Yong arrived at Ganlu Palace, only to learn that the emperor had gone to the Jinshui River.

Li Yong headed towards the Jinshui River again, and hurried along the river bank. Suddenly, he heard someone behind him greeting him.

"Third brother, why did you enter the palace?"

Li Yong turned around and saw that it was the Sixth Prince Li Xian who was calling him. He was holding a cowhide ball in his hand and running towards him happily.

Li Yong kept walking and said, "I don't understand something and I want to ask my father."

Li Xian quickly followed behind and asked, "What don't you understand? Tell me."

Li Yong glanced at him and snorted, "You are so young, how could you know something that even I don't understand?"

Li Xian smiled and said, "That's not necessarily true. Fifth Brother is older than me, but he still needs my help and advice on many things."

Li Yong thought for a moment and said, "Then let me ask you, did you know there's an impromptu court meeting today?"

Li Xian said, "I know."

Li Yongqi asked, "Then tell me, what was discussed at the meeting?"

Li Xian spun the ball on his index finger and said, "Isn't it just about Japan?"

Li Yong saw that this boy was quite clever, so he asked, "Then let me ask you, why didn't father destroy Japan, but instead wanted to cease fire with them?"

Li Xian smiled and said, "That's not difficult."

Li Yong was surprised and asked, "You know?"

Li Xian rolled his eyes and said, "I can tell you, but you have to teach me the move 'Wind Return'."

Li Xian was playful by nature and loved Cuju, so he often asked Li Yong for advice.

Li Yong was quite patient with his younger brother and taught him most of his skills.

Of course, he was also afraid that his younger brother would surpass him, so he kept a few tricks in reserve, and "Wind Returns" was one of his secret weapons.

Li Yong said: "Okay, if you can help me solve my doubts, why not teach you!"

Li Xian stretched out a small hand and said, "High five to make a deal!"

Li Yong slapped his hand and said, "Okay, tell me."

Li Xian asked, "Third brother, what is our purpose in attacking Japan?"

Li Yong said: "Of course it's because they attacked us in Xiongjin Port."

Li Xian said, "But we won that battle."

"So what? Since they dared to launch a sneak attack, we must destroy them."

Li Xian asked again: "Why do you want to destroy them?"

Li Yong snorted, "So you're still young and don't understand these things. If we don't destroy them, the Tang Dynasty will have no prestige in Liaodong!"

Li Xian said sternly, "No, war is for the benefit of the country. The key to military strategy is to defeat the enemy. Winning without fighting is more valuable than winning by fighting."

Li Yong looked at him in surprise and asked, "Where did you hear these words?"

Li Xian said, "I read it in a book."

Li Yong no longer dared to underestimate his younger brother and asked, "Liu Lang, in your opinion, should we sign a ceasefire with Japan?"

Li Xian nodded.

Li Yong said, "But now all the countries are attacking Japan. As long as our army continues to attack, we will be able to destroy Japan and seize all its land. Their gold and silver mines will also be ours. Wouldn't that be more beneficial to the country?"

Li Xian was stunned.

Li Yong urged, "Hurry up and tell me!"

Li Xian rolled his eyes and said, "I'm still a child under ten years old. Brother, you actually ask me these questions. Don't you think it's too much?"

Li Yong patted him on the head and said unhappily, "You kid, it was obviously you who was showing off just now!"

Li Xian stuck out her tongue at him, hugged the ball, and ran away quickly.

Li Yong continued to move forward along the Jinshui River and soon saw Li Zhi at a water pavilion.

The three little princesses were also beside Li Zhi, accompanying him to feed the fish.

Li Yong saw this and felt quite envious. He thought to himself, "Father only plays with my sisters and never with us."

Wang Fusheng, who was far away, noticed Li Yong and reminded Li Zhi.

Li Zhi waved at him and said, "Sanlang, come here."

Li Yong walked over quickly and saluted Li Zhi.

Li Zhi asked, "Sanlang, what do you want to talk to me about?"

Li Yong whispered, "There's something I don't understand, and I'd like to ask Father for advice."

Li Zhi knew his son very well and vaguely guessed what he was going to ask, so he said, "Yiyang, Gaoan, take Taiping to play nearby."

Princess Gao An said, "Yeah, then let's go to the plum garden, okay?"

Li Zhi said: "Okay."

The three women quickly left, surrounded by their tutors and palace maids.

Seeing that his father valued him so much and let his sisters go away, Li Yong felt a little relieved.

Li Zhi threw all the fish food in his hand into the pond and asked Li Yong, "Tell me, what do you want to ask me?"

Li Yong said, "I don't understand. Right now, all the nations are fighting against Japan together. We could destroy Japan and seize its territory. Why did father agree to a ceasefire with them?"

Li Zhi glanced at him and said, "Then let me ask you, if we refuse to cease fire with Japan, what will the Japanese do?"

Li Yong thought for a moment and said, "They will probably continue to confront us."

Li Zhi shook his head and said, "No, if we continue the confrontation, their country will be occupied by other countries. If the capital is occupied, Japan will be torn apart!"

Li Yong said: "Then they will withdraw their troops and rescue the capital!"

Li Zhi said, "Then we will seize the opportunity to occupy the Nine Provinces. Our army's land warfare capabilities are far superior to theirs, and we can easily destroy their country."

Li Yong was stunned and said, "What should Japan do then?"

Li Zhi walked over to the stone table and sat down, saying slowly, "In that situation, they only have one choice: to risk everything and fight us to the death at sea, or even launch a surprise attack on Tamra. After winning, they can return to Honju to rescue us."

Li Yong sat down next to Li Zhi at his signal and asked, "Father, are you worried that our army won't be able to defeat Japan in a naval battle?"

Li Zhi picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said, "No, I believe Liu Rengui will definitely win. But if we fight at sea, even if we win, our army may suffer heavy losses."

Li Yong nodded in agreement.

Li Zhi continued, "Defeating the main force of Japan does not mean we can occupy Japan. After this battle, even if we take Japan's territory, we will face constant resistance from the Japanese and be mired in war."

Li Yong blushed slightly and said, "I thought that if we defeated the main force of the Japanese army, we could occupy Japan."

Li Zhi said, "Don't underestimate the resistance of ordinary people. If our army is trapped in Japan, it will cost us a lot of money and food, and we may even be driven out of Japan."

Li Yong said, "Is that why father decided to sign a contract with them?"

Li Zhi said: "That's right. With this war compensation, we can make up for the losses incurred by our army in the early stages of the war. This battle will not be a loss."

"If the Japanese voluntarily cede Kyushu, the local people will not resist too fiercely. Once we win back the people's hearts and gain a firm foothold in Kyushu, it will be easy to destroy Japan in the future."

Li Yong said happily, "I understand now."

Li Zhi patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Come, play a game of Go with me. Learning more about Go will help broaden your thinking."

Li Yong smiled and said, "I recently invited two guests and learned some Go. I was just about to ask for your advice, Dad!"

The two of them immediately set up the chess game in the water pavilion, and Li Zhi gave instructions while they played.

Li Yong is an active person by nature and doesn't like to sit still. However, when he can play chess with his father, he no longer feels uncomfortable sitting still.

The father and son played three games in a row. After Princess Gao An and the other three had finished their rounds, Li Yong took his leave.

(End of this chapter)