Shangguan Yi's expression was cold and solemn as he continued, "We can't set a precedent for Li Shimin arresting merchants. Since Li Shimin is like this, then we'll return the favor and arrest all the Tang dynasty merchants in Xia Xia. These merchants of the Great Tang all have connections. After all, those who can do business here all have a certain amount of power and background. "
After a pause, Shangguan Yi continued, "Tell them why we're arresting them. In this way, these merchants will naturally send letters back to the Tang dynasty. At that time, public opinion will be in an uproar, and countless people will stand up and accuse the Emperor. Even the officials of the Censorate will impeach the Emperor. We'll use the Tang dynasty merchants to force Li Shimin. "
Ma Zhou shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, I don't think it's appropriate."
Du Qi said, "What's the reason?"
Ma Zhou said in a deep voice, "The reason is actually very simple. Once we do this, what's the difference between us and Li Shimin? In this way, which merchant will really believe Your Majesty and be willing to do business in Xia Xia? "
"Although Xia Xia has been expanding our territory by relying on Your Majesty's wisdom and martial prowess. But in essence, Xia Xia built our country on business. It was because of the countless foundations of the Great Xia Country that they were able to have everything they had today. It was because of this that the Great Xia Country was able to prosper. So, to deal with the Tang dynasty merchants in Xia Xia is tantamount to cutting off one of our own arms. "
"Your Majesty, I oppose to arresting the Tang dynasty merchants. Li Shimin is extremely cruel, but they are innocent. And after arresting the Tang dynasty merchants, it will also have an impact on Xia Xia's business. "
After a pause, Ma Zhou continued, "Perhaps Li Shimin wants us to take action against the Tang dynasty merchants. Because such a serious injury won't have much impact on Li Shimin, but it will have a far-reaching impact on us. "
Lai Ji nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I agree with Ma Zhou's analysis."
However, Shangguan Yee argued, "Although taking down the merchants of the Great Tang Empire will have a certain impact, it will not be easy. But it's better than Li Shimin taking down my Xia Xia's businessmen and not doing anything. He had to choose the lesser of two evils. This was the most suitable arrangement. Although there were losses, it was not His Majesty's fault. It was caused by the Tang dynasty. You can only blame the Tang dynasty. "
After Du Qi heard this, he did not express his opinion.
Shangguan Yi's methods were extremely targeted, and he was taking revenge. According to Du Qi's plan, he also wanted revenge. However, even if Du Qi wanted revenge, he couldn't do it at the cost of his own men.
Du Qi asked, "Do you have any other strategies?"
Li Jing suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I have a strategy that can take revenge on the Tang dynasty. At least it can make Li Shimin badly battered."
Du Qi said, "What if Grandpa Pharmacist interrupts?"
Li Jing said, "There are three steps."
"The first step is to tell all the Tang dynasty merchants in Xia Xia about what Li Shimin did. Tell them that Li Shimin wantonly arrested the merchants of Xia Xia for his own selfish desires. When His Majesty learned about it, he was furious and prepared to take revenge on Li Shimin. He also prepared to arrest all the Tang dynasty merchants in Xia Xia. "
"But His Majesty thought about it again and again and finally did not take action because Xia Xia is an open and tolerant country. As long as the people who do things legally in Xia Xia, whether they are the people of Xia Xia, the people of the Tang dynasty, or even the people of other countries, as long as they abide by the law, His Majesty will protect them and will not arrest people wantonly."
"The beauty of this move is to slander Li Shimin's image."
"Li Shimin has always loved the people as his children and worked hard to govern. He arrested the merchants of Xia Xia Tang dynasty, which is tantamount to setting a very bad precedent. And when the merchants of the Tang dynasty know what His Majesty did, they will definitely spread the word. Then, countless people will know what His Majesty did and be more inclined to approve of His Majesty. "
"In fact, some people will even migrate to the Xia Kingdom. What's more, some people may take action and use their own power to put pressure on His Majesty. After all, there are many merchants who are united and have power. "
"So, this step is actually a contest of the people's hearts and the establishment of their respective images."
Li Jing said seriously, "After this incident, it will be helpful to His Majesty's image, and it will also be helpful for His Majesty to win over these merchants of the Tang dynasty and let them stand on His Majesty's side."
Du Qi nodded and said, "Grandpa Pharmacist's analysis is reasonable. Then what's the second step?"
Compared with directly arresting and killing, Li Jing's method was obviously more brilliant.
And it was only the first step.
Li Jing continued, "His Majesty, the second step is to arrange for our people in the Tang dynasty to spread Li Shimin's actions throughout the Tang dynasty. Then, we will spread the news that His Majesty will not swallow the insult. Li Shimin wantonly arrested people, so His Majesty will fight back. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and blood for blood. "
"But the people His Majesty targeted are only the officials of the Tang dynasty. His Majesty may arrange for people to assassinate any official of the Tang dynasty. If you don't want to die, you can resign and leave. "
"Otherwise, His Majesty will kill. Telling the news first is to show His Majesty's attitude and give them a way out, but in fact, it is also to make many people resign and leave. Because many people quit in order to survive, the place will start to be turbulent. "
"In this way, it will be our chance to stir up chaos in the Tang dynasty. In fact, if Li Shimin didn't wantonly arrest the merchants of Xia Xia, His Majesty would be in an unjust position if he directly targeted Li Shimin's officials. "
"But now, it's different. His Majesty's arrangement is revenge, and it's all caused by Li Shimin. This step will also cause countless Great Tang officials to complain that Li Shimin is running amok and acting wantonly. "
Li Jing said, "Because these officials of the Tang dynasty can't be hostile to His Majesty. They can't affect His Majesty, so they can only blame Li Shimin. So, this is also a contest of people's hearts. "
At this moment, Shangguan Yi heard it, and a look of admiration appeared on his face.
Li Jing was indeed worthy.
This man's consideration was really amazing.
The most important thing was that this move showed Du Qi's firmness and showed Xia Xia's strength. If Li Shimin wanted to take action again, then Xia Xia's revenge would be stronger.
The others also nodded.
Li Jing's suggestion was indeed more appropriate.
The first and second steps, on the one hand, targeted the merchants in Xia Xia's territory, and on the other hand, targeted the officials of the Tang dynasty. The two-pronged approach was to shake people's hearts and even destroy Li Shimin's image of loving people as his own children.
Du Qi was also curious, so he asked, "What's the third step?"
Li Jing said, "Your Majesty, in fact, the third step is the simplest. Inform Li Shimin and ask him to immediately and unconditionally release all the merchants of Xia Xia. Otherwise, even if Xia Xia uses all his strength, he will not stop until he is dead. At that time, it will not be as simple as targeting the officials, but all the members of the royal family of the Tang dynasty, as well as all the nobles and courtiers, will be the targets of assassination. "
"After this news spread throughout the Tang dynasty, the nobles and courtiers, as well as the members of the royal family, will also persuade Li Shimin for their own interests."
"Under the pressure of countless people, Li Shimin can only submit and release all the merchants."
"At this point, it's done."
"The second step is not necessary."
Li Jing said, "In this way, we don't have to waste a single soldier or cause a massacre, but let Li Shimin release all the merchants. At the same time, because of this matter, Li Shimin's reputation will inevitably be affected, and his own influence will also be reduced. "
"Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!"
Du Qi smiled and nodded in agreement.
Li Jing's three-step plan was the best arrangement at the moment.
It was the best response.
Du Qi said in a deep voice, "Shangguan Yi, immediately follow Li Jing's arrangement and give out the plan."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Shangguan Yi immediately responded.
Du Qi changed the topic and said, "We have been surrounding Li Ji during this period, but Li Ji has not taken any action. Even the Chang 'an of the Tang dynasty has not taken any action. This is a bit strange! Could it be that Li Ji is going to waste his time like this? We have enough food and supplies, and our strength is enough. But Li Ji and even the Tang dynasty may not be able to delay for such a long time. "
Shangguan Yi said, "Li Ji's situation is indeed a bit suspicious, but we can't figure it out at the moment. So I think we should deal with all changes by remaining unchanged. For the time being, we should just wait and see. "
Lai Ji also said, "I also think we should just stay here for the time being."
The rest of the people spoke one after another.
They all agreed to wait and see. Because in the current situation, the rest of the places in Suzhou were already being swept. When the rest of the places were taken, Suzhou's Jiuquan County would definitely be alone. Li Shimin did not take any action, and neither did Li Ji. Then the final result would be that Li Ji would be trapped in Jiuquan County.
After dealing with all the matters, Du Qi let everyone leave.
They all began to get busy.
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