Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Ang Lee knew that Cuandi was not a good place. No official of the Tang Dynasty was willing to go there, and they regarded being sent there as a demotion. Even in the area of Luzhou, which was a little further away, no official was willing to go there.
In this era, the economy in the north was relatively developed, and only the relatively prosperous north was the place that the officials yearned for. The capital, Chang 'an, was a metropolis with a population of more than a million, while the area around Luzhou was full of mountains, miasma, and wild animals. The weather was very hot and humid. Therefore, who would be willing to stay in such a place?
But in Ang Lee's view, although the environment here was bad, it was, after all, a barrier in the south of the Tang Dynasty. It could expand the depth of the hinterland of the Tang Dynasty. By controlling this place, the Tang Dynasty could better stabilize the Central Plains and curb the influence of the southern forces on the Tang Dynasty.
In short, although Cuandi was a barren land, it was very important to the Tang Empire. They could not give up this piece of land just because of its bad location and bad environment.
Of course, the people living in Cuandi were all White Barbarians and Black Barbarians. They did not follow the rule of the Tang Dynasty and had been independent here for a long time. Therefore, it was not easy for the Tang Dynasty to control this place.
Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, this place had been regarded as Jibu Province, and the local tyrants of Cuandi were responsible for ruling it. However, this kind of ruling method was very weak, so it only belonged to the Tang Dynasty in name.
In order to change this situation and connect Annan and Yizhou, Li Longji sent Zhu Lingqian to Nanning Province and was responsible for building a city for the Tang Dynasty's army to garrison.
However, this action caused dissatisfaction among the tyrants of Cuandi and was used by Nanzhao. Li Longji obviously did not realize this, which led to the development of the situation in Cuandi in a direction that was unfavorable to the Tang Dynasty.
In other words, Li Longji's handling of the construction of the city was too mechanical and blunt. He did not consider the feelings of the local tyrants in advance, nor did he carry out effective communication and promises of benefits, which led to the tragedy.
Ang Lee was in charge of stabilizing the situation in Cuandi this time. Naturally, he could not make the same mistake. Deterrence by force was the prerequisite, but the application of strategy was also very important, especially in terms of benefits. He had to give a certain amount of promises to the people of Cuandi. In addition, he had to communicate well with them so that the people of Cuandi would not be wary of the Tang Empire.
"Big Brother, Luo Dahu is here."
"Oh, he's here again. Let him in."
Ang Lee found that Luo Dahu was very active. He was willing to work hard to provide him with information, and the information he provided was something that the Dragon Martial Army couldn't obtain.
For example, the location of Nanzhao's elite army was very well hidden. Ordinary people would not be able to find them. However, there were some loyal officials among the Nanzhao elite army. As such, Luo Dahu naturally knew the location of the Nanzhao army while the Dragon Martial Army could not.
"General Li, you came to Cuandi in person."
Luo Dahu was a little excited when he saw Ang Lee.
Ang Lee smiled and said softly, "I've been staying in Gourd Valley all this time. I'm almost bored, so I came out to take a walk and get some fresh air. How is it? Is there any important news?"
Luo Dahu said seriously, "General Li, after I went back last time, I told our people about your proposal. I didn't expect that many of them had already given up hope of restoring the old country. Moreover, as you said, the people of the Five Zhao have gradually begun to side with Piloge. They only want to live a peaceful and good life. They have already forgotten their motherland and how our Lord died tragically."
As he spoke, Luo Dahu's expression became a little lonely.
Ang Lee pursed his lips and said, "What's wrong? Your people are willing to pledge loyalty to the Tang dynasty?"
Luo Dahu nodded and said, "The hope of restoring the old country is getting slimmer and slimmer. Many people feel that pledging loyalty to the Tang dynasty is a way out. However, if they choose to pledge loyalty to Piloge directly, they really can't accept it in their hearts. Moreover, once the Tang dynasty and Nanzhao turn against each other, we may have a chance to restore the old country."
"The Tang dynasty welcomes all ambitious people to join. However, you can't pledge loyalty to the Tang dynasty openly. If you do so, it will alert Piloge. You still have to stay in Nanzhao and monitor Nanzhao's every move. Report to your superiors at any time. I will provide you with sufficient salary."
Ang Lee promised loudly.
"Thank you, General. I, Luo Dahu, thank you on behalf of everyone."
Ang Lee smiled and asked, "Luo Dahu, what news have your people found in the past few days?"
Luo Dahu said, "Reporting to General, recently Duan Jianwei of Nanzhao came to Cuandi to persuade Cuan Chongdao and Cuan Shouyu to reconcile. Then, Cuan Chongdao pretended to reconcile and promised to give up Nanning Province and return it to Cuan Shouyu. Unexpectedly, when Cuan Shouyu led his army to take over Nanning Province, the Cuan Chongdao troops that were lying in ambush in the city suddenly launched a surprise attack, causing Cuan Shouyu to suffer heavy losses. Fortunately, Cuan Shouyu's mother, Ah Yan, had a premonition and led the Wutong army to support outside the city. This saved Cuan Shouyu's life. After this battle, it is absolutely impossible for Cuan Shouyu and Cuan Chongdao to reconcile. They attacked each other and suffered heavy losses."
Ang Lee nodded slightly. The situation reported by Luo Dahu was basically the same as what Ang Lee's Dragon Martial Army had found out. In other words, Cuan Chongdao and Cuan Shouyu were now fighting to the death in Cuandi. As the two of them fought to the death, the whole of Cuandi fell into the flames of war. The people of Cuandi could be said to be living in an abyss of suffering.
"Duan Jianwei actually came to persuade them to reconcile. How could he be so kind?"
Li Kunxiong scratched his head.
"What kind of bullshit. He just tried to persuade them to reconcile and Cuan Chongdao and Cuan Shouyu fought to the death."
Luo Dahu said angrily.
Ang Lee smiled and said softly, "This Duan Jianwei is a little interesting. He just brought two Nanzhao princesses to Cuandi for marriage and the tragedy of Cuan Chongdao killing Cuan Guiwang and Cuan Rijin happened in Cuandi. He came again to persuade them to reconcile, but Cuan Chongdao used the reconciliation to launch a sneak attack on Cuan Shouyu and almost killed Cuan Shouyu."
"General, I am certain that all of this is the Duan Jianwei's scheme. Behind the Duan Jianwei is Piloge. Nanzhao wants Cuandi and wants the rich families of Cuandi to kill each other so that they can seize Cuandi."
Nan Jiyun analyzed.
"Big Brother, Nanzhao wants to annex Cuandi. We should take action as soon as possible. Let the main force of the Gourd Cave set off."
Ang Lee waved his hand and said, "There's no rush. Let's observe the situation first. Besides, after our troops enter Cuandi, will we help Cuan Chongdao or Cuan Shouyu? The Nanzhao Army will hide and not make a move. Why are we in a hurry? Let's observe the situation first. I plan to go to Nanning Province and meet Cuan Shouyu and Cuan Chongdao."
"General, it's too dangerous. These two people are crazy. They are full of murderous intent. They might kill at the slightest disagreement."
"General, let me go."
Ang Lee waved his hand and said, "No, since I am here, I have to meet the influential people of Cuandi. If I don't meet them, how can I really understand them?"
"Big Brother, let me and Fei Yu accompany you."
"General, I'll lead a team of soldiers to protect you."
Ang Lee thought for a moment before he said, "Nan Jiyun, lead the soldiers to camp fifteen miles north of Nanning Province. Kun Xiong, Fei Yu, and I will go to meet Cuan Shouyu first. Don't worry. Since I dare to go, I will be fine."
"Yes, General."
Nan Jiyun replied.
###
In the eastern camp of Nanning Province, Cuan Shouyu was resting in a large tent with bloodstains on his face. In today's battle, he had been defeated once again. He had lost nearly a hundred soldiers, while Cuan Chongdao's side had lost less than fifty men. This made him feel very uncomfortable.
Because he was anxious to take back Nanning Province, he had ignored his mother's objection and insisted on leading the army to Nanning Province. Unexpectedly, this was Cuan Chongdao's scheme. He and his men were surrounded in Nanning Province and were in danger of being wiped out. Fortunately, his mother, Ah Yan, led the Crow Barbarian army to the city gate and rescued him. But in this battle, his soldiers had suffered heavy losses. The gap between him and Cuan Chongdao was even more obvious. If it were not for the Crow Barbarian army, he would have been defeated.
"My son lost again?"
Ah Yan walked into Cuan Shouyu's tent and asked loudly.
"Mother."
Cuan Shouyu's expression was somewhat dejected.
Ah Yan reprimanded, "Mother told you long ago that Cuan Chongdao is a cunning thief. He will never give Nanning Province to you. But you did not listen and only believed in that Duan Jianwei. Look at the result. Our army has suffered heavy losses and is no longer able to compete with Cuan Chongdao. But you still did not learn your lesson and still want to fight."
"Mother, Cuan Chongdao's subordinates are cursing us too harshly outside. Your son really cannot bear it."
Cuan Shouyu's face was full of anger.
"Even if you cannot bear it, you have to bear it. Our strength is far weaker than Cuan Chongdao's. We cannot go out and waste our soldiers. If it were not for your grandfather giving face to your mother and sending troops to help us, you would have died under Cuan Chongdao's blade."
Ah Yan reprimanded angrily.
"Mother, your son knows his mistake. Your son will order the soldiers not to go out and fight."
Cuan Shouyu expressed that he would be obedient.
Ah Yan sighed and said seriously, "You have to remember that with our strength and your grandfather's strength, we are not a match for Cuan Chongdao's group. If we want to take revenge and take back Nanning Province, we must rely on Nanzhao's troops. This is our only hope of winning. Before Nanzhao agrees to help us, we must not act rashly. We have to learn to preserve our strength. Only then will there be hope, understand?"
"Yes, mother. Your son understands."
Cuan Shouyu nodded and replied.
Ah Yan said with relief, "My son has finally grown up. Don't worry, I will continue to send people to Nanzhao for help. You just need to guard the camp well."
"Yes, mother."
In fact, Ah Yan had gradually felt that everything that happened in Cuan Land might have something to do with Nanzhao. However, if his son wanted to get out of the crisis, he could not do without Nanzhao's help. Therefore, even if he knew that Pi Luoge was not a good person, he still had to ask for help from Pi Luoge.
This was like the high-interest loans of the later generations. Although one knew that one might not be able to pay it back in one's lifetime, one still could not help but borrow it until the interest rolled into a huge snowball and could not be paid back in hundreds of millions of years.
In other words, in Ah Yan's eyes, Cuan Chongdao was the most direct threat in front of him, and the only way to solve this huge threat was to rely on Nanzhao's power. There was no other way. It was very helpless and very realistic.
####
"Stop, what are you doing in a hurry?"
Ah Yan stopped a soldier and asked.
"Madam, someone claims to be a general of the Tang dynasty and wants to see the Commander in Chief."
"A general of the Tang dynasty wants to see the Commander in Chief."
Ah Yan frowned slightly and said softly, "There is no need to report to the Commander in Chief. Let the general of the Tang dynasty come directly to my tent."
"Madam, this …"
Anger flashed in Ah Cha's eyes as she scolded, "What are you waiting for?"
"Yes, Madam."
In fact, the reason why Ah Yan stopped the soldier and did not let Cuan Shouyu see the guest was that Cuan Shouyu's life experience was far less than his, and he was easily fooled. Last time, Duan Jianwei fooled him, and he believed that Cuan Chongdao would really give Nanning Province to him, so that he suffered a bitter defeat. This time, Ah Yan wanted to see the general of the Tang dynasty first to find out the purpose of the general of the Tang dynasty, so that Cuan Shouyu would not be led by the nose again.
"Please come in."
"Hey, the famous Commander in Chief of Nanning Province is actually a woman."
Ang Lee entered Ah Yan's tent and teased.
Ah Yan was not angry and asked straightforwardly, "I heard that you are a general of the Tang dynasty. What can I do for you?"
Ang Lee's expression immediately became much more respectful. He cupped his hands and said, "Madam, I'm sorry. I'm Ang Lee. I'm here to explain to the Commander in Chief."
"Ang Lee is the General Li who defeated Tufan in Dongnu Province."
Ah Yan stared at Ang Lee.
"Madam, you flatter me. It's me."
Ang Lee was neither humble nor overbearing.
Ah Yan's eyes were suddenly full of appreciation. She smiled slightly and said, "It turns out that you are a rising star of the Tang dynasty. Forgive me for my poor eyesight, but I didn't expect that General Li would explain to my son. What do you mean?"
Ang Lee smiled and said, "In fact, I'm here to tell you that Nanzhao intends to annex the entire Liangcuan Land. Everything that happened in Liangcuan Land was a conspiracy of Nanzhao. Since the two princesses of Nanzhao entered Liangcuan Land, Nanzhao's conspiracy had already begun, and you were completely led by the nose by Nanzhao."
Ah Yan was shocked when she heard this. She had such a hunch a long time ago, but she didn't dare to say it casually. Now, after hearing what Ang Lee said, she felt that great minds think alike.
"As the saying goes, words have no proof. General Li, do you have any conclusive evidence?"
Ah Yan stared at Ang Lee.
Ang Lee smiled slightly and took out a map from his arms. According to Luo Dahu's report, he pointed out the hiding place of the 20,000 elite troops of Nanzhao.
"General Li, what's here?"
Ah Yan still didn't understand what Ang Lee meant. She looked at the map in Ang Lee's hand in confusion.
"Madam, the 20,000 elite troops of Nanzhao have been hiding here for several months. If you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate."
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
