"Wang Chong, the will of the people is the will of the heavens, and the will of the heavens is the will of the people. Now, the hearts of the people are slowly changing. People yearn for peace and hate war. Do you still have a way to deal with it? In the face of the great trend of the world and the advancement of history, everyone's power was insignificant. A mantis trying to stop a chariot would only be digging its own grave. Now, it's up to you. This is also your last chance! "
With these last words, Li Junxian's gaze became extremely sharp. High mountains and flying waterfalls. Wherever they went, they were majestic and unstoppable. From the beginning of the arrangement until now, the general trend had already been formed. This was no longer something that could be stopped by anyone!
Even Wang Chong … couldn't do it!
…
"Your Highness, bad news!"
Early in the morning the next day, Su Shixuan rushed to Wang Chong's study, his face pale and his hair on fire.
"… The people of the Confucian Sect invited many of the people of the war-torn border to restaurants and teahouses, using their experiences to explain the dangers of war to the people of the capital. This matter has caused an uproar in the capital, and all the restaurants of this sort are practically empty! "
"What?!"
When he heard this, Wang Chong's eyelids twitched, and he suddenly stopped writing.
"When did this happen?"
"Last night!"
Su Shixuan replied, a worried look on his face.
"The people of the Confucian Sect used to cover things up a bit, but this time, they're no longer doing so. This subordinate is worried that this is only the beginning. The Confucian Sect will make even more moves! "
As Su Shixuan followed Wang Chong for a long time, he gradually began to understand a few things. The Confucian Sect wouldn't be satisfied with the current situation. They had even greater plans. And the prince was one of his main targets.
Wang Chong didn't say anything, but his brows gradually furrowed.
The Confucian Sect had sent people to the various restaurants and teahouses of the capital to talk about what had happened before and after the war, and the hearts of the people in the capital had already accumulated to a certain level. What the Confucian Sect was doing now was igniting a spark and exploding this barrel.
"Again!"
Wang Chong said.
Su Shixuan quickly left to carry out the order. Countless warhorses galloped out of the Wang Clan Residence and scattered to the tea houses.
Whether it was Wang Chong, Su Shixuan, or the instigators of all this, Li Junxian and the Confucian Sect, they had all greatly underestimated the impact the people of the capital would have on the chaos of war.
The cruelty and terror of war and the pain of losing one's loved ones had deeply stimulated all the people of the capital. With the help of the Confucian Sect, hundreds of thousands of people had gathered together to petition for peace, to stop the war, to cherish the hard-won agreement with the foreign countries, and to disband the army!
Let more children leave the army and return to the side of their parents, to avoid the separation of father and son, and the pain of eternal separation.
In a single day, the Confucian Sect was able to use this massive petition to bring forward the decision to disband 300,000 soldiers in the imperial court.
This decision shook both the court and the people, as well as the entire empire.
"Impossible! This can't be allowed!"
A thunderous voice resounded through the court. Wang Chong was like an enraged lion, his eyes red and ready to devour anyone. Everyone was frightened by Wang Chong's demeanor.
"The Tang Dynasty has already disbanded a large number of its soldiers. If we disband another 300,000 soldiers, even if we disband the prefectural armies, the Tang Dynasty will only have around 300,000 soldiers left. With such a small number of soldiers, how can we defend the empire if something happens on the border?! "
Wang Chong was furious. The Confucian Sect's actions had touched his bottom line.
"As long as I'm here, this proposal can never be passed!"
At Wang Chong's words, a harsh light flashed through Li Junxian's eyes.
"King of Foreign Lands! You have also seen the people of the capital. The people of the capital are longing for peace, and no one wants war. Do you want to use this to claim credit? "
Li Junxian sternly said. With a wave of his sleeve, he stepped forward and confronted Wang Chong. In the entire Imperial Court, the only person who could oppose Wang Chong was this Secretariat Advisor of the Confucian Sect.
"Moreover, the foreign countries have already disbanded one million soldiers. By disbanding its soldiers, the Tang Dynasty is expressing to the foreign countries that it will never fight again. Since there is no war, what need is there for so many soldiers?!"
"Absurd! This proposal can never be passed! Since the beginning of history, when has war ever stopped? Once war breaks out, the people will be plunged into misery and suffering. Can you bear the responsibility?! "
Wang Chong harshly retorted.
Everything had a limit, and the Confucian Sect's actions were already a grave threat to the empire. For the first time, Wang Chong felt an intense desire to kill Li Junxian.
"Thus, I am not disbanding all the soldiers, but keeping three hundred thousand soldiers. Disbanding the army is imperative! King of Foreign Lands, the world is at peace, and the general trend is in place. Anyone who destroys this hard-won peace will be a criminal of history. Or perhaps, King of Foreign Lands, if you have the gift of the gab, why don't you personally explain to those common people who have lost their children, wives, fathers, and brothers? "
The arrow on the bowstring had to be fired, and anyone who dared to stand in the way of the Confucian Sect would forever be their enemy.
"Enough!"
The First Prince, who had been calmly seated this entire time, suddenly spoke in a thunderous voice.
"Today's matter will end here. Everything will wait for Imperial Father's imperial review before making a decision!"
For the first time, the First Prince did not agree with Li Junxian. After the Holy Emperor, he was the first-in-line successor to the throne. Even the First Prince had to be careful about disbanding the army.
"King of Foreign Lands, you are walking a different path. In the past, you were able to emerge victorious in every battle and create an undefeated legend because you complied with the will of the people. But now, you have chosen to make an enemy of the will of the people. As the saying goes, when the moon is full and wanes, prosperity will inevitably decline. You have chosen a path of destruction for yourself! "
After the court meeting was concluded, Li Junxian and Wang Chong walked out of Taihe Palace and stopped at the bottom of the White Jade Core Pool.
"Is that so? Perhaps I have chosen a path of destruction for myself, but you have chosen a path of destruction for the entire empire. One day, you will realize that your so-called path of salvation is actually the destruction of the empire. You are the criminal of the entire Tang Dynasty. "
With a furious expression, Wang Chong left with a flick of his sleeve.
People of different paths could not make plans together, and the paths between him and Li Junxian were already growing farther and farther apart.
Behind him, Li Junxian was stunned, apparently not expecting such a reply from Wang Chong, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Don't worry, this day will never come!"
Li Junxian indifferently said, his expression firm. With a wave of his sleeve, Li Junxian also turned and left. "You're right.
… …
While Wang Chong, Li Junxian, and the entire Imperial Court were in an uproar over the disarmament, three days later, a black falcon flew into the Tang Dynasty's capital, bringing with it an even more shocking piece of news.
Just a few days ago, six hundred thousand Arab soldiers had crossed the Tigris River and were attacking Khorasan with all their might. The entire Sassanid Dynasty and all the rebel armies were doing their utmost to resist. Although Khorasan's walls were high and thick and guarded by countless soldiers, without the fifty thousand Tang ballistae, the Sassanid Dynasty could not stop the frenzied Arab assault. All of Khorasan was in grave danger and could fall at any moment.
Sassanid Empress Adiya had issued a formal request for the Tang Dynasty to send reinforcements!
Rumble!
This news was like a heavy bomb, stunning the Tang Dynasty and the entire world!
"Your Highness, Great General Bahram has sent a letter!"
"Your Highness, General Adiya has sent a letter!"
"Your Highness, the leaders of the rebel armies have sent letters! Khorasan is in grave danger! Milord requests reinforcements! "
… …
Within the Wang Family Residence, countless messenger pigeons flew like snowflakes into Wang Chong's study. The mood in the Wang Clan Residence was solemn.
"Your Highness, Khorasan is in dire straits. The Arabs are charging forward, fearless and unafraid of death. The Sassanid Dynasty has already lost two hundred thousand soldiers, and the death toll is still rising. All of Khorasan is in grave danger and could fall at any moment! "
Su Shixuan stood on the side, anxiously looking at Wang Chong. The Sassanid Dynasty was an ally of the Tang Dynasty, partners that had gone through thick and thin together. In this room, Xu Keyi, Su Shixuan, and Cheng Sanyuan had all fought alongside the brave Sassanid warriors. To these people, these were not just names, but real existences of flesh and blood.
But now, these allies were facing an unprecedented crisis.
Everyone in the room stared at Wang Chong, awaiting Wang Chong's decision.
"Prepare my court robes. I want to enter the court immediately!"
Wang Chong stood up from his desk and immediately ordered.
A few moments later, a carriage drove out of the Wang Family Residence and into the Imperial Palace. The Tang Dynasty was fated to not be peaceful on this day.
"Your Highness! The Sassanid Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty are like lips and teeth, allies of each other. They are also an important barrier for the Tang Dynasty to resist Arabia. If the Sassanid Dynasty is broken, there will be no one left to resist the Arabs. In the future, the Arabs will advance eastward and target the Tang Dynasty. The Battle of Talas will repeat itself! "
In the hall, Wang Chong gripped his ceremonial tablet, his insides burning.
"Speed is of utmost importance in war. This lowly subject recommends that the Anxi Protectorate army and the Qixi Protectorate unite with the kingdoms of the Western Regions and immediately depart for Khorasan. In addition, we should negotiate with the Arabian Empire and order them to immediately withdraw!"
"Your Highness, this subject objects!"
A voice came from below. Li Junxian straightened his robes and stepped forward, his expression extremely solemn.
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