Chapter 265 The situation is tense and everyone has their own plans
“When I saw you appear, I thought my time was up and I was afraid I wouldn’t make it to tomorrow!”

Fang Xuanling moved his weak body with difficulty and forced a bitter smile on his face.

At this time, the person who appeared in front of him was Yuan Tiangang, who was proficient in the art of numerology and was well-known in the court and the country.

How could Fang Xuanling not know what his appearance represented?

Yuan Tiangang slowly approached the bed and said softly, “Your Excellency is wrong. I came here to discuss something important.”

However, he was also very clear in his mind that Fang Xuanling was already terminally ill and would not live long. If he did not seize the time to discuss things with him, he might not have another chance in the future.

Fang Xuanling shook his head slightly, sighed and said, “I am already in this state now, my mind is already confused, I am afraid it is difficult for me to participate in it, so it is better not to say anything.”

After all, for a dying person, how can he have the energy to worry about all those complicated things?

Yuan Tiangang did not give up, but continued: “Back then, His Majesty secretly summoned you and me and gave us a secret decree, asking us to act according to the situation. Now, the situation has developed just as expected, and it has reached a critical moment.”

As early as when Li Shimin went to war against Xueyantuo, he had already foreseen various situations that might occur and passed on the countermeasures to his two trusted ministers, Fang Xuanling and Yuan Tiangang.

“What was the situation on that day? Who did Master Yuan think he was going to help?”

Fang Xuanling sat on the sickbed, his face as pale as paper. Although his voice was a little weak, it still revealed his concern and deep thought about the situation.

Despite his long-term illness, he was still able to understand the direction of the world situation with his keen political insight.

“Crown Prince Li Chengqian is now marching to China with his army, and his momentum is magnificent! And our current emperor is wise and powerful. Between the two, which one can be regarded as the emperor who conforms to the times?”

Fang Xuanling spoke slowly, with a hint of confusion and doubt in his eyes.

The Tang Dynasty was at a critical crossroads. After Li Zhi ascended the throne, he vigorously implemented a series of new national policies aimed at pacifying the people and revitalizing the country.

These policies achieved certain results, making the people full of expectations for the young emperor.

However, Li Chengqian also has a group of loyal supporters, and his influence should not be underestimated.

The national policies of both sides were similar in some aspects, and their strengths were evenly matched. Faced with such a complicated situation, Fang Xuanling was unable to decide which side he should support.

After all, this decision concerns the future destiny of the Tang Dynasty. Any carelessness may lead to civil unrest and cause instability in the country.

“Master Yuan can see through misfortunes and fortunes, know the future, and foresee the future. Why would you come to ask me, a dying person?”

Then Fang Xuanling raised his head and looked at Yuan Tiangang meaningfully.

Today, he came to inform me, not to ask for my opinion.

“To be honest, I have spent a lot of time observing the celestial phenomena day and night, trying to find some clues from them. After a long period of observation and calculation, I found that both Crown Prince Li Chengqian and Your Majesty are surrounded by dragon energy, and these two dragon energies are long and continuous. If not handled properly, I am afraid that the Tang Dynasty will be divided into two, forming a situation of confrontation between the north and the south, and governance across the river!”

Speaking of this, Yuan Tiangang couldn’t help but frown, looking worried.

Because the situation was serious, Yuan Tiangang, who was hesitant, took the opportunity to visit Fang Xuanling when he was dying, hoping to get some valuable advice and opinions from this wise man.

The two men sat in silence, and a solemn atmosphere filled the room, as if the fate of the entire Tang Dynasty hung on their thoughts at this moment.

The Tang Dynasty is already in chaos enough, and if they interfere, it would be unclear whether it is right or wrong.

“Shenzhou, if this is the case, I will not be able to see His Majesty Taizong again after I leave.”

Fang Xuanling replied regretfully, what else can he do now? He had no other suggestions.

Unification is engraved in the bones of the Chinese people. What he is thinking about now is to prevent the Tang Dynasty from splitting up.

If the Tang Dynasty was divided into two because of this, his reputation would be ruined in his later years and he would be rubbed on paper by historians.

A few words can criticize them to pieces.

“Master Yuan is in control of the world’s situation. Whoever has a higher chance of winning will follow the trend.”

Fang Xuanling asked, Li Chengqian and Li Zhi were both the legitimate descendants of Taizong, so it would be almost the same whoever ruled the world.

Yuan Tiangang shook his head: “Your Majesty has the power, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has the people. Man can conquer nature, but man’s plans are not as good as God’s plans.”

Even as an outsider, I was unable to see the situation clearly.

“If we take our help into account, who has a better chance of winning? For the sake of the Tang Dynasty and the people of the world, there are some things we must do. Moreover, we are carrying the secret order of Emperor Taizong, and our words are just…”

Fang Xuanling has made up his mind that for the sake of the world, some people will definitely have to sacrifice something.

……

“Your Majesty, General Wang Fangyi has sent an important letter urgently!”

A loud shout broke the original tranquility in the palace.

Lou Shide hurriedly walked into the hall, and with both hands he respectfully placed a sealed letter on the exquisitely carved imperial desk.

At this time, the imperial palace had undergone earth-shaking changes since Li Zhi came to power.

All the defenses in the imperial city have been completely renewed, presenting a brand new look. Most of the imperial guards who were once responsible for the palace’s security have also been replaced.

There is a reason for such a big fuss.

You know, Li Zhi had already openly raised the sharp sword in his hand against the powerful clans and launched a fierce power struggle without mercy.

In the past, there were many young men from aristocratic families among the imperial guards.

In order to ensure his own safety and avoid possible assassinations and retaliations from these aristocratic forces, how could Li Zhi not thoroughly purge this imperial guard team?

Now, the heavy responsibility of the safety of the entire imperial city has been placed on Lou Shide’s shoulders.

Even the Bad People organization, which had been highly trusted and had made many outstanding achievements in the past, was now excluded from the core of the defense of imperial power.

At this moment, all the soldiers guarding this majestic palace were Li Zhi’s trusted confidants. They were loyal and only obeyed the orders of Emperor Li Zhi.

Although he is still young, his unfathomable political means and decisive style of doing things are gradually emerging, demonstrating his amazing ruling ability.

There is no doubt that he is a natural master of power.

“My brother, Li Chengqian.”

On the cover of the envelope, a few large, vigorous characters jumped out of the paper like a flying dragon and a dancing phoenix, appearing particularly eye-catching.

This letter was not written by Wang Fangyi, but was written by Li Chengqian himself.

“My brother, you never expected that you would meet me in such a situation. Back then, the power of the clans was rampant, and you discussed with Emperor Taizong and set up this strangulation situation.”

“Time flies, and after several years, God has not let me down. With the cooperation of my brother, we have wiped out the great evil of the clan and restored the government to justice.”

“It is a pity that now, brothers and sisters are at war with each other. The act of fighting within the same family makes people all over the world laugh at us. Outside, there are Tubo and Western Turks watching covetously. If we are not careful, the country will be in danger. Brother specially invited me to have a chat.”

Li Zhi slowly put down the letter in his hand, his face solemn, and he didn’t say a word for a long time.

Although the words in this letter are sincere and the things described seem reasonable, the fact that he has already ascended the throne and become emperor is indisputable.

If the other party wants to take this opportunity to force me to hand over the supreme power in my hands.

Ask yourself, if that time really comes, I’m afraid I won’t be able to give in willingly no matter what.

Throughout the ages, people all over the world have been fighting for the throne, all for the sole purpose of becoming the emperor who rules over all the people!

At this moment, Lou Shide, who was standing by, saw that Li Zhi looked strange, and couldn’t help asking, “Your Majesty, what happened? Could it be that the battle situation has changed to our disadvantage?”

Li Zhi slowly raised his head, his eyes firm and deep, and said slowly: “That’s not the case! This time it was the former Crown Prince Li Chengqian who invited me to meet him.” Lou Shide, who was standing below, heard this and his face suddenly changed. He hurriedly stepped forward and bowed to persuade him:

“Your Majesty, you must not do that! Li Chengqian is extremely treacherous and cunning. I have studied every battle he has won in the past. His methods of fighting are all based on various strategies. This invitation must be full of treacherous plots. I think Your Majesty must not accept the invitation lightly, so as not to fall into the trap.”

However, Li Zhi remained unmoved. He smiled and responded calmly:

“Lord Lou’s words are not without reason, but the war situation has reached a stalemate. If I refuse to go, it will not only be of no benefit to the country, but will make the situation worse. Moreover, since Li Chengqian took the initiative to invite me, he must have some ulterior motive. However, I have all the generals and loyal men by my side to protect me. Even if there are dangers ahead, what do I have to fear?”

At this point, Li Zhi’s eyes became sharper, as if they could see through all the fog.

He was well aware that the current situation was serious and it would not be easy for either himself or Li Chengqian to achieve final victory.

If they had not taken decisive and drastic measures to massacre the clans and return the land to the people in order to win the hearts of the people, they would probably have been unable to resist Li Chengqian’s swift and aggressive attack.

But things are different now. Now the people under Li Zhi actually own their own land and property, so they will naturally support him as the monarch wholeheartedly.

Who knows what will happen after Li Chengqian enters the Pass?

“I will definitely protect your majesty!”

Lou Shide said with full confidence.

“Also, announce the news of my meeting with the former Crown Prince Li Chengqian.”

Li Zhi said again.

This is definitely another great opportunity to win the hearts of the people.

As long as it is dyed, it will become the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty who, in order to ensure the stability of the people, disregarded the dangers and went to the front line to negotiate with the enemy.

This is just one of them.

The second is to take advantage of the general public’s support. Even if Li Chengqian has any intentions, he will not succeed.

Because this would make Li Chengqian lose the support of the people and also his credibility.

Once this move is used, you will be invincible.

“The general knows!”

Lou Shide also understood and naturally knew how to act.

“Send the Minister Ma Zhou to the palace!”

This was not all of Li Zhi’s arrangements, he had a backup plan.

Ma Zhou is different from Li Yifu and Xu Jingzong.

He is a loyal and righteous man who can be entrusted with important tasks.

Li Yifu and Xu Jingzong can only be used but not trusted.

Lou Shide took the order and left.

In the Taiji Hall, Li Zhi also wrote a reply to Li Chengqian in his own handwriting.

If the issue can be resolved without resorting to force, that would definitely be the best outcome.

“Your Highness, do you think Li Zhi will keep the appointment? If we give him a chance to catch his breath, the attack will become more difficult.”

Cheng Chumo couldn’t sit still anymore after not attacking the city for a few days.

“Based on my understanding of them, they will all come to the appointment.”

Li Chengqian replied firmly.

There is no doubt about Li Zhi’s political vision.

“Even if His Highness is right, what can we do? Can you really force him to abdicate and hand over the throne that he has already secured?”

What’s the point of negotiation?
“I am very good at speaking, maybe I can really convince him?”

Li Chengqian chuckled.

“Chu Mo, when did you see His Majesty doing this unnecessary thing? In my opinion, His Majesty has other plans.”

Li Zhen spoke from the side.

Three people stood on the city wall, but Li Dejian was missing.

“Oh, did Your Highness have a plan in advance? Dejian returned to Chang’an early. Did he lure Li Zhi out this time, and Dejian waited for an opportunity to attack?”

“That must be the case…”

Cheng Chumo’s imagination ran wild and he came up with a very reasonable plan.

“Your Highness, is this really the case?”

Li Zhen couldn’t help but believe it 80%. It seemed that it was very possible.

“Don’t make random guesses. You’ll know when the time comes. It won’t work if you tell it now.”

Li Chengqian kept it a secret and neither denied nor confirmed it.

“Where has Xue Rengui’s army reached?”

Li Chengqian was also prepared for the failure of the talks and continued to dispatch troops from Liaodong.

Long-term pain is worse than short-term pain.

If they wanted to launch an attack, they would definitely fight all-out and not give Li Zhi any chance to breathe.

At the same time, Li Chengqian must give his all to face his opponents.

Li Zhi needs time, and Li Chengqian also has to wait.

“We have already entered Liaodong. We will arrive at the battlefront in about ten days.”

“At the same time, General Liu’s shipment of munitions and supplies also arrived at about the same time.”

Li Zhen replied.

Although there was still gunpowder, it did not meet Li Chengqian’s requirements.

When facing Su Dingfang and Wang Fangyi, Li Chengqian suffered from a fear of insufficient firepower.

“Very good. Before the negotiation is concluded, no more attacks on the city are allowed. During this time, the three armies should rest and count the troops.”

The cloud of war shrouded the entire Tang Dynasty, and Li Chengqian would never allow the country to be divided.

Either he wins or Li Zhi wins.

There is no room for maneuver. Once divided, it is unknown how long China will be plunged into civil strife.

Not to mention continuing to expand outward, even resisting the powerful Tubo would be too much for them.

(End of this chapter)