Chapter 261 Wang Xuance borrows troops, Li Zhi launches an attack to seize power

Changsun Wuji was an extremely cunning and ruthless person. He ordered the use of strong force to disperse the residents on the south bank of the Yellow River, making it impossible for these people to gather together.

At the same time, he made full use of the natural obstacle of the Yellow River, carefully deployed defensive fortifications, and strictly guarded the north bank, resolutely not giving Li Chengqian any chance to take advantage of.

Inside the Xiangzhou City Lord’s Mansion, Changsun Wuji stood majestically on a high place, waving the token in his hand and issuing orders:
“Pass on my military order! Order the soldiers of the three armies to strictly guard the defense lines of each state and county, strengthen patrols and guard duty, and immediately disperse any gatherings of people. We must strictly guard against any possible mistakes!”

His voice was as loud as a bell, echoing throughout the City Lord’s Mansion, and making people shudder at the mere mention of it.

At this moment, Changsun Wuji was in power, and the orders he issued quickly spread throughout the army.

However, although he looked aggressive on the surface, Changsun Wuji actually had his own plans deep in his heart.

He knew very well that it was not a wise move to confront Li Chengqian head-on at this time, because after careful consideration, he did not have a complete chance of winning this battle.

Especially after hearing the shocking news about firearms from those who had fled from the Lu family, Changsun Wuji’s fear became even stronger.

Faced with such a mysterious and powerful weapon, he did not dare to act rashly, so he decided to adopt a delaying tactic, relying on his country’s strong national strength to slowly wear down the enemy.

After all, war is ultimately a contest between the comprehensive national strength of both sides.

Under normal circumstances, if there is no overwhelming advantage, war between two countries tends to last for a long time.

How could it be like the prosperous Tang Dynasty, where a country could be destroyed in just a few months?

Generally speaking, even if you go all out to attack a city, it may take three or four months to successfully capture it, let alone completely destroy an entire country.

Therefore, what Changsun Wuji needs to do now is to stabilize his position and wait for the opportunity. Behind him are the supplies of the entire Tang Dynasty.

Under Changsun Wuji’s close defense, the battle situation became deadlocked on both sides of the Yellow River.

The domestic situation in the Tang Dynasty was turbulent, and the external environment around it also began to become turbulent and restless.

Among the many forces eyeing the enemy covetously, the first one to lose control of its ambition was Tubo in the north.

Speaking of Tubo, it has never been a law-abiding character.

As early as the early Zhenguan period, they had launched military operations against the Tang Dynasty many times in an attempt to seize its territory and resources.

However, they finally hit a wall as they encountered the Tang Dynasty when its combat power was at its peak.

After being defeated by General Niu Jinda, Tubo has somewhat restrained its edge, but its evil intentions have never died.

Later, in order to temporarily stabilize Tubo and avoid large-scale conflicts between the two sides.

The Li Tang Dynasty had no choice but to adopt a policy of marriage and married Princess Wencheng to Tubo.

To put it bluntly, it was because the Li Tang Dynasty at that time was not confident enough to completely defeat the powerful enemy Tubo, so it had to use marriage as a way to appease the other side in exchange for temporary peace on the border.

However, how could the Tang Dynasty really be willing to swallow the Tubo’s repeated invasions of its territory? Of course not!
During this period, the Tang army also sent out large armies to conquer Tubo several times. However, when the Tang army approached the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it suffered from severe altitude sickness. Many soldiers were extremely unwell and their combat effectiveness was greatly reduced.

Not only that, there were even rumors spreading among the army that this land was protected by God and could not be conquered at all.

In this way, due to various reasons, the Tang army had no choice but to withdraw and gave up the plan to attack Tubo.

At this moment, in the palace of the Pibo King City, the Tibetan Foreign Minister Geerdongzan was respectfully asking the king: “Your Majesty, the Tang Dynasty has sent an envoy to ask us to send troops to help them. I wonder what you plan to do about this?”

The mission of Princess Wencheng to Tibet was personally arranged by this Geerdongzan.

This Pibo City is what later became Lhasa.

“I think we should use this as an excuse to send troops. Now that the Tang Dynasty is caught in a situation of brothers fighting each other, it is the right time for us Tubo to expand.”

“The Tang envoy Wang Xuance’s delegation was rebelled by Tianzhu. Our dynasty can completely send troops in the name of the in-laws and go south to seize the territory.”

Another Tibetan minister, Lu Dongzan, immediately spoke out for war.

Tubo is located in the far north and is covered with ice and snow all year round. The people here have long wanted to move south.

If they had not encountered the strongest Tang Dynasty, they would not have been defeated before.

Tubo adopted a national policy of mobilizing all citizens into the military, regardless of gender, age or status.

More importantly, the people of Tubo are extremely tough and would rather die in battle than desert.

In the Tibetan tribes, if a deserter was found, an animal’s tail would be hung around his neck.

This behavior is very low-level, just like the punishment method used during the time of Yanhuang.

But it was indeed very useful in Tubo. In their view, this was a shame and they would rather die in battle than endure the shame of being a deserter.

This is the fundamental reason why, during the hundreds of years of history of the Tang Dynasty, despite suffering many defeats, the country could not be destroyed.

The whole nation is not afraid of death.

“You all think that sending troops is beneficial, then send troops! Not only must we send troops, but this time, we must send a large-scale army! All men over the age of fourteen in Tubo must be enlisted in the army to participate in the battle!”

Songtsen Gampo, the most ambitious and domineering king in the history of Tubo, shouted loudly.

There was a fiery light flashing in his deep and sharp eyes, as if burning with endless ambition and desire.

Over the years, Songtsen Gampo actively learned from and introduced Tang culture. By constantly learning and absorbing the Tang Dynasty’s advanced political system, military strategy, agricultural production technology and other aspects, the comprehensive national strength of Tubo has been rapidly improved.

Especially after Princess Wencheng entered Tibet, she provided convenience to Tubo.

Although it may be difficult to directly attack the powerful Tang Empire at present, it would be a piece of cake to deal with the relatively weak countries around it given the strong strength that Tubo has accumulated today.

Even when facing the equally powerful Western Turks, Songtsen Gampo had enough confidence to confront them head-on and defeat them.

“Since the king has made up his mind, I will go and convey the message to the messenger in the hall.”

Ge Erdongzan on the side was full of excitement. He bowed quickly and stepped back.

They, Tubo, have waited too long for this opportunity.

Wang Xuance’s arrival was just in time.

“Your Majesty, our king has agreed to send troops to help the Tang Dynasty seek justice. Our king also said that the Tibetan army will be at your disposal.”

In the posthouse, Geerdongzan informed Wang Xuance of Tubo’s decision.

“Really?”

Wang Xuance laughed loudly and felt very proud at the same time. Could it be that he really persuaded Tubo to send troops with his eloquence?

If that’s the case, it would definitely be a good story.

Wang Xuance came to Tubo to ask for troops, but he had no letter from the empire and no orders. It was all his own impromptu decision.

“Really? Your Excellency is an envoy of the Celestial Empire. As a kinsman, how can we not send troops to help?”

Galdonzan smiled.

If there is no interest connection between countries, how can they send troops?

The story of Wang Xuance destroying an entire country by himself is mostly just a legend.

But few people will realize that it was because of this incident that Tubo became bigger and stronger, and was directly promoted to a power that could compete with the Tang Dynasty.

He is a meritorious official or a criminal.

Because of the passage of time and the changes of the times, everything has changed beyond recognition.

However, given the circumstances at the time, it did greatly enhance the country’s prestige.

“Then how many troops can Tubo send?”

Wang Xuance asked again, don’t even mention it, just send him a few dozen people.

That’s not enough for Tianzhu to eat raw.

“At present, we can gather 3,000 soldiers and armor, but there will be a steady stream of soldiers to support us later.”

At this time, Tubo has already started the nationwide war mode, and the number of troops will only increase, not decrease.

“Three thousand is enough. There is no time to lose. Please summon them for me. After rescuing the delegation, I will report to the Emperor of Tang to show my contribution to the friendly country.”

Wang Xuance clasped his hands together and expressed his gratitude.

It is possible that you will be granted a title of nobility and appointed as prime minister here.

It’s exciting just thinking about it.

If that was the case, then Wang Xuance would surely be awarded a title of nobility. After all, the achievement of destroying a country was not something that an ordinary general could accomplish.

And it almost did not rely on the power of the Tang Dynasty.

However, after the destruction of the country, Li Shimin saw that Tubo took the opportunity to expand, so he did not give him a high-ranking official position. He was just sent away as a doctor, and did not make him a marquis.

“Then please ask the envoy to rest for a day and reorganize the troops. It will take another day. We will be able to set out tomorrow.”

Galdonzan said.

“I also hope that the messenger will tell your king that Wang Xuance would like to thank you.”

Wang Xuance had no idea of ​​the conspiracy behind Tubo.

Even if I knew, I would still agree to it.

Just take what you need.

A few days later, three thousand Tibetan troops left the Tibetan territory and arrived in Nepal.

“Your Excellency, all our soldiers are here, a total of 13,000 men.”

The King of Nepal, Anguvara, came with his army and bowed to Wang Xuance.

Nepal is a small country. If a small country wants to survive in the cracks, it can only rely on big countries.

It was a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty and also a tributary state of Tubo.

Wang Xuance destroyed one country at a time, and the country that made the greatest contribution was Nepal.

The one who benefited the most was Tubo.

“The troops are in place, let’s go!”

Wang Xuance could hardly imagine that as a diplomat, he would one day hold military power and lead troops in battle.

“set off!”

Only after obtaining permission did Anshufamo dare to give orders to the army.

This is the tragedy of a weak country.

Even the ruler of a country cannot compare to an envoy of a big country.

All this stems from the power of a great country.

The fact that Wang Xuance destroyed an entire country by himself was not due to his ability, but to the national prestige of the Tang Dynasty.

It is exactly the same as the foreign soldier policy implemented by the Tang Dynasty.

It’s just that it was ordered by the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

Now, it’s just due to Wang Xuance’s lobbying.

The army left, paving the way for a different Tang Dynasty myth.

……

The situation inside Chang’an City also became turbulent.

“Your Majesty, I have a plan to tell you!”

Xu Jingzong stood up and walked out.

“What do you want to report, my dear?”

Li Zhi asked.

“I want to sue the Minister of State, Chu Suiliang, for abusing his power for personal gain, controlling government affairs, and using his power to arrange for people close to his family to serve as officials.”

“I also want to sue the Minister of Justice Chu Sui for violating the law of conscience, annexing land, and undermining national policy.”

“This is evidence, Your Majesty, please take a closer look at it.”

Xu Jingzong pulled out a stack of thick paper from his sleeve and handed it to the eunuch.

Chu Suiliang, who was standing aside, was also stunned.

What’s going on?
This is most of the things.

Among the people in this court, how many have not introduced others to their own people, and how many have not annexed land?

Chu Suiliang glanced at Li Zhi who was sitting on the dragon throne, and saw Li Zhi looking at the paper in his hand with a gloomy expression.

“Humph!”

Li Zhi suddenly became furious and pushed all the memorials on the table to the ground.

“My Situ, do you think this is true?”

Li Zhi pointed at the memorials scattered on the ground and asked.

“I know that I am guilty, so please calm down your Majesty.”

Chu Suiliang couldn’t figure out why Li Zhi suddenly attacked.

“So you agree with everything reported in the memorial.”

Li Zhi’s voice was so cold that a chill ran down the ministers’ hearts.

No one knows what this little emperor is going to do?

“I was confused for a moment!”

Chu Suiliang knelt on the ground, really considering Li Zhi’s intentions, and did not anticipate the seriousness of the matter at all.

As a regent appointed by Li Shimin, he failed to fulfill his duty of assisting the emperor and instead helped Changsun Wuji to check and balance the new emperor.

How could Li Zhi bear it? The first blow was about to fall on Chu Suiliang’s body.

“What crime should be committed by abusing power for personal gain and annexing land?”

Li Zhi’s ruthless side was also exposed at this time.

If the situation had not required it, he would never have shown up.

Faced with internal and external troubles, he had no choice but to cut the Gordian knot.

“According to the law, he should be stripped of his official position and handed over to the Dali Temple for trial and punishment.”

Xu Jingzong answered immediately.

“Then let the case be handed over to the Dali Temple for trial and punishment according to the crime. No mercy will be shown.”

Li Zhi said this in a decisive tone, revealing the emperor’s ruthlessness and iron-bloodedness.

“Your Majesty, I know my crime and my mistakes.”

Chu Suiliang finally came to his senses. His Majesty didn’t seem to be joking now.

You really have to start with yourself.

I also know where I went wrong.

At the same time, his eyes couldn’t help but glance to both sides.

“Your Majesty, please calm down! Lord Sikong just made a mistake. Now is the time to use people. Please follow your Majesty’s instructions.”

Cui Yi took a step forward.

“Your Majesty, please be lenient with him. Sikong has made many achievements and contributions over the years. Please pardon him this time.”

Wei Ting also stepped forward and spoke.

Now all their clans are united.

The tribes intermarry and have become a whole.

Share honor and disgrace, advance and retreat together.

(End of this chapter)