Gaochang City, inside the palace.
Du Qi was currently playing with the two children. After the two children turned a month old, they seemed to be different every day. Although it was cold in Gaochang during winter, the room was quite warm. Furthermore, the children were wrapped up, so they wouldn't feel cold.
Playing with children was actually quite interesting.
It was December now. After the new year, the weather would gradually warm up and it would be better.
Du Qi had been in Gaochang during this period.
He was waiting for the Tang dynasty's response.
While Du Qi was playing with the two children, Liu Jian entered and bowed. "Young Master, Registrar Liu requests an audience."
"Got it."
Du Qi instructed.
He handed the children to the nanny and left the backyard to the study.
Liu Zhengxi, Guo Xiaozheng, Jin Wuque, Yi Fusheng, and the others were all here. They were all informed by Liu Zhengxi. Du Qi entered the study and saw Liu Zhengxi and the others. He looked around and said, "Since everyone is here, it seems like something big has happened. Did the Tang dynasty send news?"
"Yes!"
Liu Zhengxi immediately replied.
Du Qi said, "Tell me the details."
Liu Zhengxi said, "Your Highness, the imperial court has made two responses. First, they arranged for Gao Shilian to be the second Jiedushi of Anxi Protectorate. He will probably arrive in Gaochang soon. Second, they arranged for Hou Junji to lead fifty thousand soldiers to enter Guazhou. It seems like the imperial court is preparing to make a move on us. "
Du Qi nodded. "This isn't surprising. They should be polite before they use force. If I refuse Gao Shilian's appointment in the Western Regions and refuse to cooperate with him, then this battle will be unavoidable. "
Liu Zhengxi said, "Your Highness is right."
Guo Xiaozheng continued, "The Great Tang's side is too confident. They think they can take us down with just fifty thousand people. Even with Su Dingfang's soldiers, they can't win. "
Yi Fusheng added, "Let's make our Western Regions famous through this battle."
They all spoke.
All of them were asking for battle.
Dong! Dong!
There was a knock on the door. Liu Jian's voice sounded, "Your Highness, it's me, Liu Jian!"
"Come in!"
Du Qi ordered.
The door of the study was pushed open with a creak. Liu Jian rushed in and went straight to Du Qi. He said, "Your Highness, this is a letter from Master Chang 'an. It's an urgent letter. Please read it first."
Du Qi picked up the letter and opened it. As the letter was opened, Du Qi read the contents. It detailed the arrangements of the Imperial Court, from Gao Shilian to Hou Junji, and even Wei Zheng's efforts to persuade him. Other than that, he also said that the Imperial Court had once intended to appoint Li Xiaogong as the Jiedushi of the Anxi Protectorate, but Li Xiaogong had feigned illness and declined.
Du Qi felt that it was a pity.
If Li Xiaogong were to become the Jiedushi of the Anxi Protectorate, Du Qi would have an even greater advantage. But Du Qi was keenly aware that Li Xiaogong, as a member of the Tang dynasty's imperial clan, had the bottom line of the Tang dynasty. If he were in the Western Regions, Li Xiaogong would definitely not help Du Qi, nor would he go against his conscience and conceal the news of the Western Regions, nor would he help Du Qi at all costs. Thus, Li Xiaogong had feigned illness and refused to come.
Du Qi continued reading.
At the end of the letter, he explained a few family matters and urged Du Qi not to have any restraints or misgivings. Du Ruhui and the others would not be in any danger.
Du Qi was well aware of this.
The stronger he was, the safer Du Ruhui and the others would be. Thus, even if Du Qi were to wage war with the Tang dynasty, he would not have any misgivings.
He would naturally do his best.
Du Qi waved his hand and had Liu Jian withdraw. Looking around at the crowd, he said, "My father's letter mentioned that Gao Shilian and Hou Junji have come to the Western Regions. He told us to treat them with caution but not to hold back."
Liu Zhengxi continued, "Your Highness, this subject wants to talk about the matter involving Prime Minister Du. As the Prime Minister of the Tang dynasty, Prime Minister Du is an official in the court. If there is a conflict, Prime Minister Du will be in danger and Your Highness will also be affected! What I mean is, should we arrange for Prime Minister Du and Your Highness's family to be brought to the Western Regions? "
Du Qi smiled and shook his head. "My father will not come. He is a subject of the Tang dynasty and is even more loyal to His Majesty. He will not leave the Tang dynasty because of war. Moreover, although there might be a war in the near future, we will still be on good terms after the war. The Tang dynasty cannot do anything to us and can only be on good terms with us. Not everyone is willing to make an enemy out of nothing. "
"Your Highness is wise!"
Liu Zhengxi said no more.
After all, Du Ruhui was the Prime Minister of a country and was very opinionated. If Du Ruhui was not willing, it would be impossible for him to come to the Western Regions.
Du Qi's face gradually became serious and said, "Gao Shilian is about to come to the Western Regions. It is impolite not to reciprocate. Since he is coming, we will go to welcome him. "
"Liu Zhengxi!"
Du Qi ordered directly.
Liu Zhengxi said, "Your Highness."
Du Qi said, "Order Xue Rengui, Ma Yuan, and Xiao Yuanqi to mobilize 100,000 troops to follow me to the border between Yizhou and Guazhou. I will personally go to the border to welcome Gao Shilian."
"Yes!"
Liu Zhengxi replied at once.
At this moment, Liu Zhengxi was also very excited because this moment had finally come. After Liu Zhengxi followed Du Qi, he and Du Qi came to the Western Regions and quickly gained a foothold.
Liu Zhengxi knew that with the expansion of Du Qi's strength, there would be a day when he would fall out with the Tang dynasty. Even in the imperial court, there was a saying that a meritorious deed could shake the Emperor. In the Western Regions, Du Qi had taken over several states. Such strength would make the officials in the imperial court even more uneasy.
The struggle between Du Qi and the imperial court was inevitable.
Du Qi said again, "Guo Xiaozheng and Yi Fusheng will go with you. The rest of you will stay in Gaochang to maintain the operation of the rear."
"Yes!"
Everyone answered in unison.
The matter was settled just like that.
Du Qi waved his hand, and everyone left to prepare. Du Qi went back to the backyard and told Li Yanyun and Qianxue that he was leaving. Then he took Liu Jian and Mordor out of the palace.
He went straight to the East Gate.
When Du Qi arrived, Xue Rengui, Ma Yuan, and Xiao Yuanqi were all in place.
The army of 100,000 was neatly arranged.
Now, all the soldiers' robes were turned into military coats. And these military coats were made of the cotton harvested this year. They were far thicker and warmer than the down jackets they used to wear.
In addition, every soldier was wearing gloves and a hat, even in the cold winter of December. For these soldiers, they were all warm and didn't feel cold at all.
"Let's go!"
Du Qi ordered.
The army set off in a mighty manner.
Although it was icy and snowy outside, the roads were made of cement. Even if there was snow on them, they could still travel. Although the speed was a little slow, it didn't affect the speed.
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