Inside the Taiji Palace …
Seeing the burly man leading the Turkic envoys, not only did Li Er look surprised, but many of the officials in the palace also lowered their heads in discussion.
"Your subject Ashina Simo greets Your Majesty!"
The burly man leading the Turkic envoys bowed to Li Er.
The two Turks behind him raised their fists and bowed to the burly man, but they didn't say anything. They probably didn't know how to speak the Han language!
"Your subject?"
Li Zexuan's heart skipped a beat. When Ashina Simo walked into the main hall, he noticed the abnormalities of the surrounding officials. Now that he heard Ashina Simo calling himself a 'subject' to Li Er, the doubt in his heart deepened! After all, Ashina Simo was an outsider. How could he call himself a subject to the Emperor of Great Tang?
As he was on the side of the civil officials, he wasn't familiar with most of the people around him. He was familiar with Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Zhangsun Wuji, but these three were already standing at the front talking to Li Er!
Thus, he could only suppress the doubts in his heart and quietly watch the situation develop.
"Haha! Simo, there's no need to be so polite! Quickly rise! "
Li Er, who was sitting on the dragon throne, said amiably.
His attitude was obviously different from when he met the Tuli and Khitan envoys.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Ashina Simo straightened his body. Li Er asked, "General Simo, is there a matter for you to meet me today?"
"Your Majesty, a few days ago, the Great Khan discovered that the Khitan Chieftain was bold and dared to lead his troops to defect from the Turks and defect to Great Tang. He specially ordered Ashina Simo to come to Chang 'an and ask for the Khitan Chieftain from Your Majesty!"
Ashina Simo bowed and replied.
Li Er narrowed his eyes, and his voice immediately became cold. He said indifferently, "The Khitan Tribe has always been under Xieli's jurisdiction. I have never seen him before. How can I hand him over to you?"
Ashina Simo said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the envoy at the palace gate just now is from the Khitan Tribe. The Khitan Chieftain and his tribe are definitely rushing to Chang 'an. At that time, Your Majesty only needs to send someone to capture him and hand him over to me! The Great Khan will definitely reward you handsomely! "
Li Er's face darkened, and he said in an unfriendly tone, "Impudent! Ashina Simo, are you ordering me? "
"I wouldn't dare!"
Ashina Simo hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this subject is only here to bring back the Khitan Tribe. I have no intention of offending you! But Your Majesty, you seem to have the intention of protecting the Khitan Tribe. This subject will remind Your Majesty that you must not forget the treaty from back then. The Turks and the Great Tang have a friendly treaty of non-aggression against each other. Now that the Khitan Tribe has defected to the Great Tang, if Your Majesty can hand them over to this subject and bring them back, the friendship between the Great Tang and the Turks will definitely last for countless generations. The Great Khan will also remember Your Majesty's benevolence and generously reward Your Majesty! "
"How dare you!"
As soon as Ashina Simo's voice fell, Cheng Yaojin could no longer remain calm. The old man jumped out from behind and pointed at Ashina Simo's nose as he scolded.
"Bastard, how dare you criticize His Majesty? His Majesty treats you with courtesy today only because of the previous Emperor's high regard for you and the past friendship. You actually don't know what's good for you, offending your superiors and threatening His Majesty? Humph! If you have the guts, then come out and have a good fight with me, Old Cheng! "
Ashina Simo frowned and said, "High Duke Lu, Ashina Simo did not threaten His Majesty. I only want to complete the mission given by the Great Khan and promote the eternal friendship between the Turks and the Great Tang! If I have offended you, I hope Your Majesty and High Duke Lu can forgive me! "
Cheng Yaojin glared at Ox Eye and said angrily, "Humph! Don't use Khan Xieli to pressure this old man! I, Old Cheng, am not afraid of him … "
"Enough! Zhi Jie! Go down! Quarreling in the imperial court, what a scandal! "
Li Er, who was sitting high above, frowned and scolded.
"Yes!"
Unwillingly, Cheng Yaojin immediately stopped and retreated!
Li Er looked at Ashina Simo and said in a deep voice, "We indeed have a non-aggression treaty with Xieli. The Khitan Tribe is in the Turks and We can't do anything about it. But now that they have surrendered to the Great Tang, they are Our people. We will not hand our people over to other countries, much less to Xieli! So, Ashina Simo, you should go back! "
Ashina Simo still clasped his hands and said unwillingly, "Your Majesty, if you can hand over the Khitan Tribe to me, the Great Khan is willing to use Liang Shidu in exchange! Your Majesty, please reconsider. How can a mere Khitan Tribe be compared to the eternal friendship between the Turks and the Great Tang? "
Liang Shidu!!
Everyone in the imperial court was first stunned, then they burst into an uproar!
Many of the officials and generals were tempted by the news!
Li Zexuan was also tempted, because he had heard of Liang Shidu before!
Liang Shidu was originally a general in the Sui Dynasty's Yingyang Prefecture. At the end of the Sui Dynasty, he was removed from his position and returned to his hometown. Later on, he took advantage of the chaos in the world to rebel and take control of the Shuofang. Later on, Liang Shidu officially declared himself Emperor and submitted to the Turks. He was conferred the title of 'Magnanimous Vija Khan' and 'Son of Heaven'.
Later on, with the support of the Turks, Liang Shidu attacked the Great Tang several times, but he was defeated by the Great Tang army, and his power declined day by day. Especially after the Tang Dynasty destroyed the other separatist factions, Liang Shidu was in even more danger. Thus, Liang Shidu decided to rely on the Turks, relying on them to prolong his feeble existence.
Because the Eastern Turks were very strong at the start of the Tang Dynasty, after the Tang Dynasty destroyed most of the separatist factions, they decided to rest and recover their strength. When they could defeat the Eastern Turks, they would deal with Liang Shidu.
Thus, Liang Shidu was able to survive under the protection of the Eastern Turks for more than a decade, and he was the longest-lasting separatist faction at the end of the Sui Dynasty.
Today, in order to capture the Khitan Tribe members who had betrayed him, Xieli was actually willing to use Liang Shidu in exchange. Hearing this, Li Zexuan's eyes flashed as he thought of a plan.
Li Er, who was sitting on the seat of honor, was obviously shocked by Ashina Simo's words, but he quickly reacted and directly refused, "It's not a big deal.
"Impossible! No matter what conditions Xieli gives, I will not hand over the people who submitted to the Great Tang! The Great Tang is a country of nobles and will not do such despicable things! Thus, Ashina Simo, you should give up on this idea as soon as possible! "
Li Er was not stupid. Although he also wanted to get rid of Liang Shidu, he would not use the Khitan Tribe in exchange. Otherwise, who would dare to submit to the Great Tang in the future? Li Er would definitely not do such a thing that damaged the prestige of the country!
When the officials heard this, they all breathed a sigh of relief. Clearly, they all understood the current situation very well!
Ashina Simo's eyes darkened, and after a moment, he unhappily clasped his hands and said, "Since that is the case, this official will take his leave! After returning, this official will report to the Great Khan. I hope that Your Majesty will not regret today's decision! "
"Hmph! I have never regretted it! Men! Send Ashina Simo out of the palace! "
Li Er angrily snorted and said.
If not for the fact that the two countries were at war and envoys were not killed, he would definitely have someone punish this rude fellow.
Ashina Simo glanced at Li Er, and then led his followers out of the hall!
The hall fell into silence once more!
This was because the situation was getting more and more complicated. Li Er had rejected Ashina Simo's request. After returning, Xieli Khan would definitely be furious. Everyone could foresee that an all-out war between the Great Tang and the Turks would soon come!
"Your Majesty, Xieli's request was rejected, and he will definitely be furious. This old official estimates that after he finishes dealing with Tuli Khan, he will definitely organize the army to take revenge for today! Thus, even if we do not take the initiative to send out troops, we still need to make preparations as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will be difficult to stop the Turks' wolf cavalry! "
Great Tang's War God Li Jing stepped forward and bowed to Li Er.
"This official agrees with the Medicine Master's words! Since Your Majesty has rejected Xieli today, we must make preparations early! Whether to attack or defend, Your Majesty, please make an early decision ~! "
Xu Maogong of the past and Li Ji of the present also stepped forward and bowed.
"This official agrees. Your Majesty, please make an early decision!"
Qin Qiong, Cheng Yaojin, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and the other officials also bowed.
Li Er nodded, and then he said, "My beloved officials are extremely correct. Although the Great Tang and the Turks have an alliance, the Turks' ambitions are known to all. It is only a matter of time before they break the alliance! However, our Great Tang, as the Celestial Empire and a nation of gentlemen, cannot commit such a treacherous act. Thus, We have decided to postpone sending out troops.
However, the generals of the various camps of the capital's Sixteen Guards need to urge the soldiers to prepare for war and strengthen their training. The Ministry of Works, Ministry of Revenue, and Ministry of Works need to prepare weapons, armor, warhorses, and provisions! Once the Turks violate the alliance, we will immediately send out troops to capture Xieli alive! In the face of a national crisis, all officials must do their best! "
"This official obeys Your Majesty ~!"
The civil and military officials all bowed and accepted the order.
Li Er nodded and was about to say, "If there is something to report, please report. If there is nothing, the court is dismissed." Unexpectedly, Li Zexuan stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, this official has a plan to deal with the Turks!"
Li Zexuan, dressed in a purple robe, stood proudly at the bottom of the hall, looking as if he had a card up his sleeve. He was truly elegant and had an outstanding temperament!
Many officials praised him in their hearts.
The main thing was that this fellow had a good appearance!
"Oh? Marquis Yong 'an, what plan do you have? Quickly tell me! "
Li Er's eyes lit up as he asked expectantly.
The reason he had called Li Zexuan to the morning court was mainly to let Li Zexuan participate in the affairs between the Great Tang and the Turks. After all, when they attacked the Turks in the future, he still wanted Li Zexuan to contribute his strength!
He did not expect Li Zexuan to have his own opinion on the current situation between the Great Tang and the Turks!
When Ashina Simo left the hall, Li Zexuan had already been brewing a plan in his heart. At this moment, he had a card up his sleeve. Hearing Li Er's words, he clasped his hands and said,
"Your Majesty, this official suggests that we immediately send troops to attack Liang Shidu to get rid of the last obstacle in the Great Tang!"
Hearing this, Li Er was slightly disappointed and said, "Send troops to Liang Shidu? What does this have to do with the Turks? "
Li Zexuan said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, this time, the Turks sent an envoy to exchange Liang Shidu for the Khitan Division. It is clear that the Turks are in a state of chaos and are unable to protect Liang Shidu. Why don't we take this opportunity to take him down?
Back then, Liang Shidu gathered troops to occupy the Liang Shidu and established a country on his own, causing the Liang Shidu land to become a natural barrier between the Great Tang and the Turks. This time, if we send troops to the Liang Shidu land, he will definitely ask for help from Xieli. Xieli cannot bear to lose this barrier and will definitely send troops to help!
Once Xieli sends troops to help Liang Shidu and fight with the Great Tang army, he will have violated the alliance agreement from back then. This will undoubtedly give Your Majesty a reason to send troops to the Turks. Since he violated the alliance agreement first, why can't we take the initiative to attack the Turks?
Therefore, the symbolic meaning of this battle is far greater than its practical meaning. It is not as simple as obtaining territory. Because during this battle, once the Eastern Turks rescue Liang Shidu, it will directly give our Great Tang a reason to attack the Turks!
If Xieli sees through our plan and does not rescue Liang Shidu, it is also fine. Being able to get rid of the separatist forces that have occupied the Liang Shidu land for many years will also be beneficial to maintaining the stability of our Great Tang's rear. Coincidentally, we can also train our troops in advance for sending troops to the Turks in the future!
Therefore, once this plan is out, no matter how Xieli responds, we will be in an invincible position! "
In the hall, Li Zexuan spoke with fervor and assurance. A perfect plan to deal with Xieli Khan was narrated from his mouth. The more the civil and military officials listened, the brighter their eyes were. Li Er was also pleasantly surprised and nodded repeatedly!
When Li Zexuan finished speaking, Li Er could not help but pat the table and exclaim, "Good! Good! Good plan! Dear officials, do you think that the Marquis of Yong 'an's plan is feasible? "
Cheng Yaojin immediately walked forward and said with a smile, "Hehe! Your Majesty, this old official thinks that the Marquis of Yong 'an's plan is very feasible! Liang Shidu that old man has occupied the Liang Shidu land for so many years, he should have scrammed out of our Great Tang long ago! If Your Majesty fights, I, Cheng Zhijie, am willing to lead troops to take Liang Shidu's head! "
Speaking of which, as long as there was a battle, this old fellow would be excited. Previously, he did not even have enough fun fighting Guancheng County. Now that he was going to fight Liang Shidu, he was even more excited!
Furthermore, he also felt that the plan proposed by Li Zexuan was very reliable!
Qin Qiong also walked forward and clasped his fist, "Your Majesty, this old official thinks that the Marquis of Yong 'an's plan is feasible! Even if we cannot force out the Turks' reinforcements, we can still reclaim the Liang Shidu land and completely unify the Central Plains! "
Li Jing also spoke at this time, "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Yong 'an's plan is brilliant. To us, we can attack or retreat, but to Xieli, it is a dilemma! This official also thinks that this plan is feasible! "
"This official concurs!"
Li Zexuan's plan would not allow the Great Tang to bear the infamy of treachery, and it would also allow the Great Tang to take the initiative in the confrontation with the Turks. It satisfied both the desire of the peace-loving faction and the demands of the war-loving faction. Which of the officials dared to disagree? Those who did not agree could only be spies who were in cahoots with the Turks!
Thus, when Great Tang's Military God expressed his opinion, it instantly had a decisive effect. The civil and military officials all expressed their agreement.
Li Erlong was overjoyed and said, "Good! Since that is the case, then it is decided! Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Zhangsun Wuji, Xiao Yu, Yan Lide, Li Jing, Li Ji, Cheng Zhijie, Qin Qiong, Yuchi Jingde, Niu Jinda, Duan Zhixuan, stay behind to discuss the matter of sending troops with me. As for the rest of the officials, if you have something to report, if not, you are dismissed ~! "
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