Chapter 222: Blocking Tubo in the Snowy Plateau, a Method to Deal with an Army of
"The officials have been keeping the strings tight, leaving the powerful no way out. The powerful people in the world all hate the officials to the core. Once you become the prime minister and issue orders, they will be desperate and drag innocent people and tenants into rebellion. If you can loosen up a bit and give the powerful people some hope. Let them see a chance to change their ways, they will at least be honest under your governance and dare not bully the people."

"Excuse me for being blunt, the doctor has killed so many tyrants, and the remaining ones seem to be innocent clans. Once you leave Helong and lose your power, new tyrants will emerge like mushrooms after rain. Even if other interviewers are determined to deal with the tyrants, they will not be as resolute as the doctor, and doing the doctor's things will backfire on them."

Liu Yan spoke to Li Xuan in a leisurely manner.

Although it does not conform to Li Xuan's strong character, it is for Li Xuan's own good.

If this continues and Li Xuan becomes prime minister, all the powerful people will be in danger.

If Li Xuan issued some decrees that were unfavorable to the powerful, the powerful would probably immediately rise up in rebellion.

If they formed an alliance with the powerful families, they might force Li Longji to execute Li Xuan, or at worst remove Li Xuan from his position.

"I know this too. The Zhou Dynasty fell because of its love of music. The Yin Dynasty is a lesson not far away. If we allow this to continue, I am afraid another tragedy will happen."

Li Xuan didn't want to let the powerful go, but Liu Yan was right. Before he came to power, he couldn't block the powerful's way.

"The powerful are the beneficiaries of the country. Generally speaking, it is difficult for them to rebel."

Liu Yan said to Li Xuan.

"They will not rebel. But if the people rebel, it has a direct relationship with them!"

Do not die in silence, but explode in silence.

Peasant uprisings throughout the dynasties were all caused by people who could not survive.

As long as there is enough food to fill the stomach every day, who would risk being beheaded?

"Your Excellency has a broad mind, and I am ashamed to be inferior to you. But I still ask you to consider it instead of taking down the powerful clan leader directly."

Liu Yan knew that Li Xuan was right.

Wealth and family honor combine to form a big net that entangles all living beings.

Because the powerful and wealthy families, and even the noble families, all have marriage relationships.

There are many Confucian scholars in this era. They tend to be men of integrity and would not do such things.

But most people choose to go with the flow and are blinded by the extravagant atmosphere.

"Judge Liu is right. At least we should give them a chance at the critical moment of the war with Tubo."

Li Xuan finally adopted Liu Yan's suggestion.

He asked Liu Yan to summon the powerful clan leaders in Huangshui City to the governor's office.

For Li Xuan, now is not the best time.

The arrangement for him to become prime minister was related to the powerful.

But in the process of becoming a prime minister, do not completely anger the powerful, and give him time to complete the arrangements.

Perhaps what Liu Yan said was right. We should relax a bit, give the powerful people a chance to catch their breath, and make a safer transition to avoid any unforeseen events.

When the powerful clan leader learned that Li Xuan had summoned him, he came to the governor's office with trepidation.

For such a major matter, they did not want to meet Li Xuan, the butcher, but if they did not come in person, they were afraid that Li Xuan would blame them for not being sincere, so they had no choice but to come.

All the powerful people knew that General Li had transferred resources from Helong in preparation for a war with Tubo.

In the past, they hoped that Li Xuan would die on the battlefield, or be defeated by Tubo and transferred away by the saint.

But after a series of wars, the powerful countries gave up this idea.

Li Xuan was such a good fighter that the vicious Tubo suffered repeated defeats in front of him.

They no longer thought about the possibility that Li Xuan would die on the battlefield.

Especially after the Dunhuang case, it became the last straw that broke the camel's back.

This also led to the current situation in Helong.

The meeting hall was filled with clan leaders of all sizes and powers.

Li Xuan sat at the top, and Liu Yan and Liu Dan sat next to Li Xuan.

There were dozens of Divine Strategy Guards in front of the door of the council hall, ready to rush in at any time.

Li Xuan valued the fact that the powerful clan leaders did not speak, which made them feel very uncomfortable and sweaty.

"It's not easy for you to acquire wealth, why would you donate so many items to comfort the troops?"

After the powerful clan leader paid his respects to Li Xuan, the atmosphere was silent for a full quarter of an hour before Li Xuan spoke.

"In the past, when the border was not peaceful, Bu Shi volunteered to donate his family property; when the world was in chaos, Wei Zi asked to donate his own corn. Today, the barbarians are rampant and have repeatedly invaded our Tang Dynasty. Fortunately, the general was born like a god and recovered Jiuqu to avenge the previous humiliation. At this critical moment, as a big family, we naturally have to provide some financial support for military supplies and comfort the soldiers, so that the soldiers will have more courage to kill the enemy and completely defeat the barbarians!"

The first powerful clan leader below breathed a sigh of relief, he stood up and bowed to Li Xuan and said.

His name was Yan Jing. He was the patriarch of the Yan family in Jincheng County and the person nominated by the powerful people to have the main dialogue with Li Xuan.

Such learned words are not something that an ordinary powerful clan leader could say.

"I accept the military supplies you sent. I thank you for your generosity. The cattle and sheep will be used as rewards for the soldiers; the rice and corn will be used for combat consumption; the horses will be used for transportation of supplies; and the gold, silver and jewelry will be used to reward the subordinates after the war..."

Li Xuan introduced the purpose of military supplies to the powerful clan leaders word by word.

"We all know that Marshal Li is a man of high moral character and we understand his fairness and justice. Under Marshal Li's leadership, the soldiers are invincible!"

Yan Jing bowed to Li Xuan again.

He felt that Li Xuan was not the kind of person who would kill people if they disagreed with him, as the legend said. Instead, he was an extremely calm and serious person.

They had just heard the news that Li Xuan was concurrently serving as the Jiedushi of Hedong and Shuofang. They were shocked and frightened at the same time. Their life and death depended entirely on Li Xuan's will.

If Li Xuan arrested them directly, searched for evidence and convicted them, they would be helpless.

"When I was young, I wandered around Chang'an like a knight-errant. One day, I woke up and studied hard, which led to my current achievements. Therefore, I like people who have changed their ways. If you stop and don't break the law again, I will forgive you. If you want to repeat your past mistakes by comforting the troops this time, I will settle both the old and new accounts!"

After Li Xuan exerted some pressure on the powerful clan leaders, he warned them sternly.

Since these powerful people dared to come and ask to see him, Li Xuan would rather believe that the crimes they committed were not serious.

If it was a powerful family that had committed many evil deeds, how could they dare to come and see him?

"Thank you, Marshal Li, for your generosity. From now on, your orders will be as strict as a mountain, and we will strictly implement them. We will pay the taxes as soon as possible to reduce the burden on the tenant farmers."

Yan Jing was overjoyed when he heard what Li Xuan said.

"Thank you, Li Shuai!"

Other powerful clan leaders stood up and bowed to Li Xuan.

Many powerful people broke the law and destroyed the evidence. But Li Xuan was decisive in killing, so they did not dare to gamble with their lives, nor did they want to leave.

Fortunately, they made the right choice and spent money to avoid disaster at the critical moment.

The main reason is that Li Xuan has a certain credibility, and when he says something like this, it means he will not go back on his word.

Li Xuan didn't talk much with the powerful clan leader. He just gave them some instructions and then let them leave.

He also had to listen to Duan Xueshi's report on some things. It depended on whether those powerful clan leaders would learn their lesson.

If they do it again, Li Xuan can deal with them at any time after the war.

"Meeting General Li!"

After Hexi Secretary Duan Xueshi entered the hall, he bowed to Li Xuan.

The war could start at any time. Except for the chief judge Yang Wan, all the staff from Hexi, including Yan Zhenqing, have arrived in Huangshui City.

Yang Wan needed to be in charge of the overall affairs of Hexi's support and farming, as well as Hexi's logistics and supplies.

After the new prefect Yan Zhenqing arrived in Dunhuang, he rushed to Huangshui City without stopping.

I did not participate in the Battle of Jiuqu last time, so this time I must stay at my post in the war and not have any regrets.

"No gift!"

Li Xuan asked Duan Xueshi to sit down.

"Thank you, Li Shuai."

Duan Xiushi sat down below Li Xuan.

"Now that Lord Cheng has returned from Suobi, do you think the King of Suobi can be trusted?"

Li Xuan asked Duan Xueshi.

Among his many subordinates, Duan Xueshi was one of the ones Li Xuan valued the most.

His noble character makes people feel ashamed of themselves.

Duan Xueshi in history is like a mirror. No matter who he is, his true colors will be revealed when he faces him.

When Li Xuan was in Hexi, he received a letter from Duan Xueshi sent by Jiuqu Kuaima, informing him that his persuasion had been successful.

But that is only a factor for winning the battle, it does not necessarily mean victory, and many unexpected events must be taken into consideration.

"According to Li Shuai's analysis, the King of Suobi has been dissatisfied with the Tubo high-level officials for a long time. He can only mobilize 10,000 Suobi soldiers now, and most of his Dongdai are no longer under his control. I think he is still reliable."

Duan Xueshi replied to Li Xuan.

He could see that Mei Lingzan was unwilling to accept this, and there was even a risk of being executed by the Tubo high-level officials. With Li Xuan's reputation and promise, Mei Lingzan would strike back at the critical moment.

"When the war begins, our army must first determine where Mei Lingzan's troops are, and then make arrangements."

Knowing history, Li Xuan also felt that Mei Lingzan would play a key role.

"May I ask General Li, to what extent will this battle go?"

Duan Xueshi suddenly asked Li Xuan.

"If possible, I would naturally like to achieve the greatest victory, once and for all. Cheng Gong has been to Tibet and knows the mountains and rivers of Tibet. Tell me your thoughts, no need to be shy."

Li Xuan allowed Duan Xueshi to speak freely.

His meaning was very clear. It would be best if they could capture and kill Chidai Zhudan who had come in person to lead the army, so that Tubo would not dare to look north for the next ten years.

Li Xuan wanted to put a perfect end to the battle against Tubo during the Tianbao period.

At the same time, it laid the foundation for his return as a king and his conquest of Tubo.

"The place where I entered Subi this time is Duoma, which is the only way from Tubo to the Tang Dynasty. Duoma is very close to the source of the Yellow River and is backed by the Bayankala Mountains. This mountain is majestic and tall, running through the east and west, and is a natural barrier. Several mountain passes are dangerous and difficult to pass. Princess Wencheng arrived at Lhasa from this road."

"Another route from Tang to Tubo, after passing Sun and Moon Mountain, splits from Yuchichuan, passes in front of Chaka Lake along Qinghai, reaches Dulan, then goes west through the basin, crosses the Tanggula Pass in Tubo, and reaches Lhasa."

"These two roads can be connected at the Xiangride River through Baihai (now Zhaling Lake, Eling Lake) to the Bayankala Mountains..."

When Duan Xueshi reported to Li Xuan, he took out a sheepskin map from his arms, clearly marking the two main routes from the Tang Dynasty to Tubo.

Even the Tibetan post stations on these two main lines were recorded.

This is the lifeline for Tubo to leave the snowy plateau.

If the strategic locations of Xiangride River, Duoma and Baihai were occupied, Tubo could be locked in the snowy plateau. At the same time, the entire Yellow River would be brought into the embrace of the Tang Dynasty and its vassal states.

Li Xuan agreed that after victory in the future, these three strategic locations must be occupied.

Originally, these were the territories of Tuyuhun when it was at its most powerful. But after Tuyuhun was expelled, Tubo settled Subi in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, near the source, which became the rear base for Tubo's attack on Helong.

The entire Jishishan area must also be swept by Li Xuan.

Tongjia also has eleven Dongdai, with a total of 50,000 households.

He towers over Subi's head and is a force that cannot be underestimated.

Li Xuan wanted to wipe out all the Tibetan tribes and thousand-household units at the source of the Yellow River.

"If our army can find a way to bypass Dafeichuan and Fuqi City, we will have a chance to cut off Tubo's retreat route. Mei Lingzan analyzed that the Tubo King will lead the army in person, and he is likely to lead more than 300,000 soldiers and slaves. We must capture and kill more than 150,000 people to ensure that we occupy these three strategic locations and prevent Tubo from leaving the snowy plateau. Because our soldiers are likely to be attacked by cold miasma after leaving Dafeichuan, King Su Bi can only send troops to defend these three strategic locations, and the Tang Dynasty can only send a small number of soldiers."

Duan Xueshi pointed to the Dafei River and the area west of Fuqi City on the map and said to Li Xuan.

After Duan Xueshi's guidance, Li Xuan confirmed a fact: if he wanted to arrest Chidai Zhudan and then keep most of the Tibetan soldiers in Qinghai, he must control Dafeichuan and Fuqi City.

Otherwise, it would be unrealistic to wipe out 300,000 Tibetan soldiers.

Even if the Tubo were defeated, they would flee for their lives towards Dafeichuan, and it would be difficult for Li Xuan to stop them.

But the key is how to cut off Tubo’s retreat.

It seems difficult to bypass Tubo's 300,000 troops and go around behind Tubo.

Dafeichuan is a possibility because it is possible to cross the Yellow River directly and avoid the Tubo military camp.

But the lifeline of Fuqi City was guarded by Tubo like an iron barrel.

Maybe there are Tibetan troops stationed in Dayechuan. After all, it is a place that is easy to defend but difficult to attack.

The Tang army could not force a fight and had to go around the enemy to ensure victory.

It is currently unknown in which direction of Qinghai the 10,000 soldiers led by Mei Lingzan are located.

Duan Xiushi did not dare to make a decision regarding this kind of main force collision, because that was what Li Shuai was best at.

He reminded Li Shuai to seize opportunities decisively while winning the battle.

"Mr. Cheng's suggestion is very good. Let's do it today. Tomorrow I will discuss the battle plan with the generals and officials."

After Li Xuan chatted with Duan Xueshi for a while, he asked Duan Xueshi to leave.

It was getting late. He had just returned in the morning and hadn't had a good rest yet.

Li Xuan asked Pei Ying to stay in the Jiedushi's mansion, and then train on the parade ground inside the mansion to adapt to armored combat and horse combat.

Pei Ying claims to be good at horse lance, and the battle is about to break out, and it is his chance to show off.

Li Xuan returned to the government office, and Changli prepared for Li Xuan to wash.

Li Xuan went to visit Li Mi first.

He first asked about Li Mi's health and whether he was used to it.

Li Mi was a counselor and military strategist.

Before Li Xuan informed Li Mi of his intention to rebel, Li Mi was unable to propose any grand strategy to Li Xuan.

Li Xuan gave the map of the ancient roads between Tang and Tubo to Li Mi for viewing, and also expressed Duan Xueshi's thoughts.

Li Mi believed that if Duan Xueshi’s reminder could be achieved, it would be the perfect ending.

The Tang Dynasty controlled the route for Tubo to enter the Tang Dynasty, and for at least ten years, Tubo could not go north.

Li Mi had never led troops in battle, and tactically he was unable to compete with the 300,000-strong Tibetan army.

Li Xuan gave Li Mi some time to figure things out while he went back to wash up and have a good night's rest.

The next day, Li Xuan's subordinates and generals such as An Sishun, Gao Xiuyan, and An Zhongzhang gathered together to brainstorm.

Li Mi was also invited to attend the meeting.

Many generals were still in the military camp, such as Li Zhushi, Geshu Han, Xin Yunjing, Wang Nande, Nan Jiyun, etc. They needed to lead the main force to confront the Tubo soldiers in Jiuqu.

Zhang Shouyu, Li Feiyuanli and Yang Jinghui led their troops to defend Anren Military City, Baishui Military City and Shanzhou City.

As soon as they heard that the enemy's main force was about to attack, they would fortify their walls and defend the city.

This time, the Tuyuhun of the Moli Army sent 2,000 cavalrymen to cooperate with other Hexi Hu, a total of 15,000 cavalrymen, and were sent to the Chiling Pass. The Momen Army, Suihe Shouzhuo and others kept an eye on the Tubo infantry and cavalry below the Shibao City.

To avoid any mistakes, the cavalry of the Lintao Army had moved from Jiuqu to the Yellow River near Jishi Military City, ready to cross the river to provide support at any time.

Before all the Tang army soldiers arrived to participate in the battle, they were still at a great disadvantage in terms of manpower.

Tubo was timid and did not take the initiative to attack when the Tang Dynasty's military strength was at its weakest.

"Everyone, the Tibetan army is divided into three parts. Our army is not fully assembled and can barely cope with it. Once our army is fully assembled, we will start to counterattack. Assuming that the Tibetan army sends 300,000 troops this time, if there is a strategy to win against the Tibetan army, you can propose the best strategy, the middle strategy, or even the worst strategy. Let's discuss it together!"

Li Xuan spoke first, asking his subordinates and generals for their opinions.

The Tibetan king personally led the army to fight, and the generals had already guessed the approximate number of Tibetan troops.

Since General Li asked everyone to think of a countermeasure, it definitely was not to confront Tubo head-on and defeat them.

They all knew that Marshal Li hated head-on conflict between the two armies the most.

In such a battle, even if we win, we will injure the enemy by a thousand and our own by eight hundred.

Tubo had a lot of armor, and its elite soldiers were powerful and ready to die.

Moreover, the Tibetan troops were divided into three groups to form a defensive posture and support each other. No matter where they attacked, Tibetans would surely be able to provide support from other directions.

Li Xuan's staff and generals discussed for an hour, but they still could not come up with a plan that everyone could agree on.

The main reason was that although Tubo had three camps, the distance between them was too close, at most a hundred miles.

Besiege a point and attack its reinforcements, assault at high speed, use tactics to tire out the enemy, make a feint to the east and attack in the west, feign defeat to lure the enemy in, etc.

One obstacle that could not be circumvented was that the Tibetan soldiers outnumbered the Tang army and were too close to it.

No matter how things change, Tubo will be able to organize more troops than the Tang army in the first place.

If we engage in war rashly, heavy losses are inevitable.

"General, the Tibetan army of 300,000 can eat up a mountain at a time. Even if the Tibetans have stored a lot of food in the military camps, it can only last for three or four months. If the general is not anxious, then the Tibetans will be."

"If we just sit there and do nothing, with all the strength of the country, they won't be able to hold out for long given the terrain of Tibet."

When everyone was discussing how to attack Tubo, Li Mi presented this information to Li Xuan.

According to reasoning, after losing Baigu City and Jiuqu Cities, Tubo also had to travel through mountains and rivers to transport food to the military camps.

Even though cattle and sheep are easy to drive, they still need to eat grass.

"If we are in a stalemate with Tubo, the Tang Dynasty is not afraid. We are well prepared and closer to our homeland..."

Li Xuan nodded.

He felt that the main force could maintain a stalemate, but the troops must be separated and mobilized to create pressure on Tubo.

Just as Li Mi said, it is impossible that Tubo would spend so much effort just to defend Qinghai.

Tubo will definitely find a way to start a war...

(End of this chapter)