Chapter 243: Map of the Tang Dynasty, Li Linfu's Entry into Taoism

When Li Longji was very young, he heard the story of his great-grandfather Li Shimin.

Li Longji was fascinated by the stories of divine literature, saintly martial arts and Zhenguan period, which he had heard and seen.

After Li Longji ascended the throne, Yao Chong, Song Jing, Zhang Shuo and other civil and military ministers most often mentioned the ancient figures Yao, Shun and Emperor Taizong.

Yao and Shun are the spiritual paradise of literati, but they are too far away. Emperor Taizong is very close to Li Longji.

He ruled the world with ease, and his culture was brilliant.

The great military achievements of commanding the eight wildernesses to pacify and win over all nations.

Who can bear these things after death?

Who doesn’t want to be praised like Li Shimin?

In order to carry on his ancestors' legacy, Li Longji believed that after this battle and taking control of the Yellow River, he could be on par with his great-grandfather.

The Kaiyuan Period was not only the peak of the era, but also reflected the spirit of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

Du Fu, Li Bai, Wang Wei, Meng Haoran, Wang Zhihuan, Zhang Jiuling, Gao Shi, Wang Changling, Cen Shen, He Zhizhang, Wu Daozi, Zhang Xu, Yan Zhenqing, Huaisu, Lu Yu, Zhang Ruoxu, Han Hong, Zhang Shuo, Cui Hao, Chang Jian, Wei Yingwu, etc.

Rather than saying that literary masters increased Li Longji's reputation, it is better to say that Li Longji encouraged the reform of poetry and created such an environment for poets.

Without the embellishment of poets such as Kaiyuan and Tianbao, Tang poetry would have been destined to be imperfect.

Li Longji was so fascinated by the memorial submitted by Li Xuan that he did not even touch the delicacies placed on the table.

The sky was dark, the moon was as bright as a silver thread, and the sky over Qujiang was full of stars, set against the backdrop of myriad flowers and trees.

Gao Lishi kept the lamp on until late at night, and only then did Li Longji put down the memorial and yawn.

"Since I became the emperor, I have never been so excited as I am today. Li Shi, which battle in history do you think can compare to the Battle of Dafeichuan?"

Li Longji placed his hands on the table and asked Gao Lishi who was waiting on the side.

"Qilang annihilated more than 300,000 enemies, all of whom were soldiers, and also captured the Tibetan king. In ancient times, only Changping, Kunyang, and Feishui could be compared to this."

Even though Gao Lishi waited for several hours, he remained calm.

"The border troops captured 330,000 prisoners, but only more than 10,000 died in battle, while the various Hu tribes affiliated with the Tang Dynasty only suffered thousands of casualties. Look at the spoils Qilang got. Even if we give pensions to the dead and wounded warriors and reward the meritorious soldiers, we can still have a lot left. The country's wealth has not only not decreased, but has become more abundant. I also think that only the fateful wars such as Changping, Kunyang, and Feishui can be compared. Qilang is really the backbone of the country!"

Li Longji gave Li Xuan the highest evaluation.

The amount of spoils reported by Li Xuan allowed Li Longji to see for the first time the abundance brought by war.

From gold, silver and jewelry, to livestock such as horses, cattle and sheep, to weapons, armor, food, copper, iron, fur, silk and linen.

There are also many population resources.

Li Longji no longer had to worry about being financially strapped.

He had endless treasure to squander.

"The saint is wise!"

Gao Lishi nodded slightly.

"How can I allow others to snore beside my bed? This is Qilang's handwriting, and the words are very wonderful. For more than a hundred years, the Tang Dynasty and Tubo have been fighting. The people in Longyou have no livelihood, all because of Tubo's wolfish ambitions. Li Shi, do you think Tubo will pay homage with the etiquette of foreign countries?"

Li Longji asked Gao Lishi again.

The snowy plateau is a bitter and cold place, and it is difficult for the Tang people to adapt to it. If Tubo surrenders, lowers its title, and offers large numbers of horses, cattle and sheep every year, they can be spared.

Emperor Taizong did not make Songtsen Gampo surrender.

"I'm afraid that Tubo will ask for permission to let Chi take Zhudan back!"

Gao Lishi replied to Li Longji.

"How can I let a tiger go back to the mountains? Chidai Zhudan must stay in Chang'an. If the new Zamp has a son, he must send a hostage. Otherwise, Qilang will have to deal with Tubo!"

Li Longji had a tough attitude towards Tubo. Not only did he demand that Tubo surpass the Uighurs in tribute in terms of cattle, sheep, horses, gold and silver, he also asked Tubo to send more hostages and to lead the way in paying homage to the emperor every year.

Through large amounts of tribute, the power of the Snowy Plateau was weakened.

Tubo had already lost its most essential parts, Qinghai and Jiuqu, and also successively lost Tuyuhun, Dangxiang, Tongjia, Subi, and Bailang Qiang.

These tribes once fought for Tubo with real swords and guns.

As for now, Tubo’s vassal states to the south and in the western regions can at most wave their flags and shout slogans in the distance; we cannot expect them to charge into battle.

Li Longji believed that Tubo could no longer pose a threat to the Tang Dynasty.

"With the might of heaven, I believe Tubo will make a wise decision."

Gao Lishi responded.

Now Li Longji and Gao Lishi both held the inherent impression that there was not much difference between the Tubo Kingdom and the Turkic Khanate.

The snowy plateau is a harsher environment than the desert grassland. Even if the Tang Dynasty entered the snowy plateau and defeated Tubo, the loss would outweigh the gain.

The best way is to make them submit to the Tang Dynasty, grant them the title of Zamp, and have them pay tribute to the Tang Dynasty with rich resources every year.

"The memorial on the Battle of Dafeichuan, recorded by the historian, can be shown to scholars all over the world after deleting some parts, so that envoys from various countries can know about this matter."

Li Longji stood up and said.

There are two more memorials, which he will read when he returns to Xingqing Palace.

"Within a year, a hundred nations will come to pay tribute."

Gao Lishi said firmly.

The countries bordering Tubo included Nanzhao, Tianzhu, and Dabolü, which was deeply controlled by Tubo.

The demise of Chidai Zhudan will surely affect many countries in the Western Regions.

Chidai Zhudan also had frequent communications with the Black Arabs, and would send envoys to stabilize the Tang Dynasty even when the Arabs were at war.

The Tang Dynasty, the Arab Empire, and Tubo were the three major powers.

The Tang Dynasty wiped out Tubo and set its sights on the Western Regions, and this was recognized by the world.

The Black-robed Arabs occupied the Nine Zhaowu Clans and the countries west of the Lingnan Mountains that were enfeoffed during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Longji naturally would not have had any idea before.

But Li Xuan once said that the Tang Dynasty should drink from the Leizhu Lake (now the Aral Sea) and the saint should become the common ruler of the world.

Now Li Xuan defeated Tubo with the force of autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves.

The most important thing is that the national strength has not declined but increased.

How could it not arouse Li Longji's desire?
After all, the area west of the Pamir Mountains used to be a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty, but now it is occupied by the Arabs.

Previously, the King of Cao requested the Tang Dynasty to send troops, but was rejected by Li Longji. However, Li Longji now intends to develop the Western Regions.

At the end of last year, Gao Xianzhi was appointed by Li Longji as the new governor of the four towns of Anxi.

Although Gao Xianzhi fought a good battle, Li Longji subconsciously believed that it was Li Xuan who held up the main force of Tubo, which made it easy for Gao Xianzhi to conquer Xiaobolü.

When necessary, Gao Xianzhi could be transferred to Lingnan and Heshuo as a military governor.

Li Longji had to wait for Li Xuan to return before discussing the specific matters.

After leaving Ziyun Tower, Li Longji found Yang Yuhuan waiting for him in the pavilion in Qujiang, and a feeling of tenderness arose in his heart.

At this point in life, it’s a pity that I can’t become a god in heaven.

In the late Kaiyuan period, Li Longji was obsessed with Taoism just to get that illusory hope.

Therefore, whenever there were mountains and waters with immortals and dragons, Li Longji would send people to investigate as soon as possible, even if it was just a false alarm.

"Yuhuan, sorry to have kept you waiting..."

Li Longji stepped forward quickly and said.

"Sanlang, state affairs are more important! I just wonder if Qilang brought good news or bad news?"

Yang Yuhuan bowed gracefully and tried to ask. She wanted to know about Li Xuan.

"Of course it's good news. The war in Qinghai has now been completely ended. Qilang is very relieved."

Li Longji laughed.

He neglected sleep and food because of reading the memorials.

An unprecedented victory, expansion of territory, capture of the Zamp, and control of the source of the Yellow River.

All the joy he experienced during his reign took place on this day.

"The Purple Star Emperor is so bright that he has an assistant like Qilang. Qilang is more than just a famous general!"

Yang Yuhuan pointed at the Ziwei Emperor Star in the sky and answered Li Longji.

Seeing Yang Yuhuan's beautiful smile, Li Longji subconsciously looked up at the night sky.

Under psychological effects, he felt that the Ziwei Emperor Star was particularly bright tonight.

Because the North Star is the brightest at this time.

"Qilang has the talent to be a prime minister, but I don't know if he is willing to serve as an official in the court."

Li Longji did not rush back to Xingqing Palace, but pulled Yang Yuhuan to sit on the platform in front of Ziyun Tower, watching Qujiang River reflecting the stars and smelling the fragrance of flowers and trees at night.

Li Longji actually had some conflicts. He also wanted to transfer Li Xuan to the Western Regions to serve as the Jiedushi of the Four Anxi Towns and the Jinglüe Ambassador of the Western Regions in order to expel the Arabs from the west of the Leizhu Sea.

But he also felt that Li Xuan had been fighting in the desert, snowfields, grasslands, seas, mountains, and snowy plateaus for years, and the wars were too frequent. He was worried that Li Xuan would die young like Huo Qubing, and use up all his luck in the first half of his life.

Li Xuan is still young now, so it would be good for him to go back to Chang'an for two years.

"As long as Sanlang calls, Qilang will definitely respond given his loyalty. It all depends on Sanlang!"

Yang Yuhuan hinted to Li Longji that she also wanted Li Xuan to return to Chang'an, and she would be satisfied if she could see Li Xuan from time to time.

"Subi, Bailang Qiang, Tuyuhun, Tongjia, Dangxiang, these are all large tribes. Even if Tubo is willing to be a vassal, it must have disloyalty; Huihe is so honest because Qilang is in charge of Hexi. In the short term, Qilang still has to stay in Helong!"

Li Longji shook his head again. He knew the importance of Li Xuan to Helong. Now that Longyou had annexed many areas, it was time to rebuild everything.

"Sanlang ordered Qilang to hand over the military power to the deputy envoy, who would command the military. Then he would let Qilang return to Chang'an. Even if Qilang had only a name, it would be enough to subdue the tribes. Just like Sanlang's prestige can spread far and wide throughout the world."

Yang Yuhuan was intelligent and eloquent. While helping Li Xuan, she also did not forget to praise Li Longji.

"Yuhuan is right. This is indeed feasible."

Li Longji nodded. At that time, Li Linfu also served as the governor of Helong.

But Li Linfu had no reputation and could not scare the Tubo.

Let Li Xuan be the nominal commander-in-chief. When the various tribes, Tubo and Huihe show rebellious intentions, they have to consider whether Li Xuan will suddenly arrive at the army and take over the military power.

"It depends on Tubo's attitude. If Tubo is not convinced, Qilang will have to stay in Helong for another two years!" Li Longji is currently unable to deploy Li Xuan. He is eager to see Chidai Zhudan and did not ask Li Xuan to bring Chidai Zhudan back immediately.

I just want to wait for Li Xuan to finish dealing with the funeral affairs.

"All decisions are made by Saburo."

Yang Yuhuan stopped talking and didn't say anything more.

Next, they enjoyed the beautiful night view of Qujiang together.

It was just that Li Longji was looking at the night scenery and flowers of Qujiang, while Yang Yuhuan was looking up at the bright moon and the starry sky.

Half an hour later, Li Longji and Yang Yuhuan set out from the alley of Qujiang and went directly back to Xingqing Palace.

……

The next day was a day off, and Li Longji continued to read other memorials sent by Li Xuan early in the morning.

There is nothing much to talk about regarding the memorials reporting achievements.

After a war is over, the merits of the soldiers will be reported. This will never change.

In Li Longji's mind, a prosperous era is an era of expanding territory.

Only by rewarding soldiers generously can you make them fight for their lives.

At the court meeting tomorrow, he would ask the prime minister and the Ministry of War to draft a promotion plan. The rewards for the soldiers would also be finalized.

Li Xuan transported more than 200 carts of gold, silver and jewelry back to Chang'an. The court paid some silk money to reward the soldiers, and there was still most of it left.

However, Li Longji took a few more glances at the recipient of the hero medal.

He was familiar with almost all of these generals, even rookie generals like Geshu Han, whom he had seen on the last congratulatory message.

When Wang Nandai killed Chidai Zhudan's son, Li Longji summoned him.

Li Xuan once wrote "Looking for the white feather in the morning, it was buried in the stone edge" for Nan Jiyun to make Li Longji remember Nan Jiyun. In the last Battle of Jiuqu, Nan Jiyun killed the Tubo Marshal and was named General.

According to regulations, these generals had to go to the Xingqing Hall to receive the heroic medals awarded by the saint.

At the same time, Li Longji would immediately ask famous craftsmen to make the Warrior Medal and the Jumping Medal and send them to Helong.

Finally, there is the Qinghai development plan proposed by Li Xuan.

Li Xuan divided the newly developed areas, excluding the Subi State, into three counties: Qinghai, Jishi and Baihai.

Among them, Qinghai County was the largest and could be called the first county in the Tang Dynasty, managing a large number of Hu people.

The essence of Qinghai County lies in the area around Qinghai, with its abundant pastures and fertile land that can feed a large population.

Li Longji remembered that Yang Guang once established four counties in the Qinghai area.

But those counties were short-lived.

Qinghai is a whole, and perhaps Li Xuan’s arrangement will be more beneficial to the development of the Qinghai region.

There is no problem with the establishment of Jishi County and Baihai County. It is better to directly set up counties and establish the territory than to establish vassal states.

The Chishui Army had accomplished their mission and needed to be transferred back to Hexi to intimidate the Uighurs and be ready to send troops to the Western Regions at any time.

The Dadou army marched north to Xiu Tu Ze and strike at the Uighurs.

The battle lines of the Longyou armies moved to the plateau, and the new capital was located in Fuqi City. This was in line with Li Longji's wishes. This was how border troops should be, guarding the border for him.

Li Xuan established three new armies, namely, Shence, Suirong and Dingrong, and stationed them in Liangdao and at the source of the Yellow River. Li Longji did not think there was anything wrong with it.

Because Li Xuan introduced the redeployment of the army clearly, it was inevitable that the Longyou army would not have enough troops to intimidate Tubo, Bailang Qiang, Tuyuhun, Tongjia, Dangxiang, and Subi.

The Shen Ce Army had 15,000 men and 10,000 horses. The Sui Rong Army had 7,000 men and 2,000 horses. The Ding Rong Army had 5,000 men and 1,000 horses.

A total of 27,000 people were added.

So many Hu tribes can easily support this army.

There are 16 large, medium and small armies in Longyou, including Shen Ce, Lintao, Heyuan, Baishui, Anren, Zhenwei, Weirong, Momen, Linfan, Jishi, Wuning, Ningbian, Weisheng, Jintian, Suirong and Dingrong, as well as three guard posts at Suihe, Hechuan and Pingyi.

After the three armies were established, there were still more than 110,000 soldiers and horses in Longyou.

On this day, Li Longji read the book "The Book of the Defeat of Tubo and the Capture of the Zamp at Dafeichuan" again and couldn't put it down.

……

At the next morning court session, Li Longji formally announced the victory of the Battle of Dafeichuan.

"Clap clap..."

No matter what their motivations were, civil and military officials kept beating their tablets.

It didn't stop until Li Longji raised his hand.

Immediately afterwards, Li Longji ordered the map to be brought to the Xingqing Hall for the civil and military officials to view it together.

According to the parchment scroll that Li Xuan sent to Chang'an, the specific location of the Yellow River was also marked on the map.

Including where the Battle of Dayuechuan will push the territory of the Tang Dynasty.

The tribes within these territories are marked.

When the ministers looked at the map, they could clearly feel the extent of Li Xuan's territorial expansion. They exclaimed in amazement and whispered to each other in the court.

"Doctor Li is truly a hero. He conquered thousands of miles of territory with just one battle."

"Yes! All these mountains and rivers belong to our Tang Dynasty. Even Wei Huo can't do such a thing!"

"It turns out that the source of the Yellow River is here. Doctor Li captured the ruler and the pearl in Baihai and has already penetrated deep into the snowy area. It is said that Doctor Li fought in the heavy snow. What a spectacular scene that would have been..."

"You are so brave! Doctor Li is still young, and he will surely make great contributions in the future. A hundred years later, it would not be an exaggeration for him to become the chief priest in the Taigong Shangfu Temple."

"Doctor Li has a unique vision. The place he occupied just happened to control the Bayankala Pass and Xiangride Highlands. With Baihai in the middle, he can support the two places at any time."

"After this battle, Tubo will never dare to provoke our Tang Dynasty again..."

……

Li Xuan's old friend Li Linfu just looked at the map without saying a word.

Such outstanding achievements made even Li Linfu, a civil official, envious.

I am even more jealous of Li Shizhi, that old man, for having a son like Li Xuan.

He had made such a promise three years ago, but now he was somewhat losing confidence in front of Li Xuan. He didn't know what method he could use to bring Li Xuan down.

It seemed as if he had been sitting in the Yanyue Hall pondering a few years ago, and this year the flowers and trees in the Yanyue Hall are blooming again.

In the past few years, although he was the prime minister and had accomplished several great things, he felt that he was always living in Li Xuan's shadow.

Li Xuan always knew what he would do, and stripped him of his position as Minister of Personnel and dozens of other posts.

His dream of controlling the government was shattered!
After seeing this map, Li Linfu felt helpless.

And Li Xuan's potential to become prime minister was obvious.

Even the white-collar intellectuals in restaurants and teahouses felt that once the time was right, Li Xuan had a chance to become prime minister at a young age.

Since the Du Youlin case in December, Li Linfu went to Jiayou Temple every day to burn incense and pray.

In the past, he only built a Taoist temple in his home because the saints believed in Taoism.

Now he was in Jiayou Temple, but his heart was as peaceful as a pond of water.

"Gentlemen, should this achievement be praised?"

Li Longji watched the civil and military ministers discuss for a long time with a smile before he spoke.

"Your Majesty, this is the greatest achievement since the founding of the Tang Dynasty. We should make a document and announce it to the world so that the people can enjoy it together!"

Zuo Xiang Pei Kuan came out and said.

During this period, Pei Kuan was very relaxed. First, Li Linfu was no longer in charge of the Three Departments, and he lost the ability to attack his political enemies. Second, Li Linfu became obedient and no longer had the arrogance he had before.

When Li Linfu was the third prime minister, he did something like "one eagle holding two rabbits". Now he has returned to being a normal chief prime minister.

Pei Kuan's words were echoed by civil and military officials.

No one dared to express a different opinion.

Li Longji ordered Pei Kuan to read the battle reports, revise them into documents, and send them to the counties.

The matters of establishing counties and reforming military units were also agreed upon by the Right and Left Prime Ministers.

Now Li Linfu did not dare to deny Li Xuan's suggestion.

Li Xuan had valid reasons and all the treasures he obtained were turned over to the national treasury. Could Li Linfu still accuse Li Xuan of rebellion?
According to Li Xuan's suggestion, Liu Yan was recommended as the prefect of Qinghai County, Yang Wan as the prefect of Jishi County, and Gao Shi as the prefect of Baihai County.

These border officials are well versed in military affairs and are able to control the Hu people.

If you randomly transfer a minister to these three counties, he may not be able to take on the position.

Li Xuan had his reasons for making this arrangement.

Because he was planning to leave Helong, his subordinates needed a home.

Not only the prefect, but also the deputy governor and the chief secretary, Li Xuan recommended his subordinates.

The magistrate of Hexi was Yan Zhenqing, and the magistrate of Longyou was Liu Shan, who were asked to preside over the shogunate.

After returning to Chang'an, Li Xuan will promote them again.

In addition to the heads of these three counties, there are also appointments regarding the three armies of Shen Ce.

Nan Jiyun was officially appointed as the commander of the Shence Army, and Li Sheng and Zhang Wanfu were appointed as deputy commanders of the Shence Army.

Duan Xueshi was appointed as the envoy of Suirong Army, and Qu Huan was appointed as the envoy of Dingrong Army. The deputy envoys were promoted to generals who had made contributions.

Li Xuan recommended Zhang Xing as the deputy envoy of Lintao Army and the commander-in-chief of Modao Army.

The envoy of Ningkou Army died in battle, and Li Xuan recommended a deputy envoy named Zhao Sheng as the commander of Ningkou Army.

Li Xuan promoted several deputy generals in succession, including generals from Hedong and Shuofang.

As for other positions, it is difficult to promote them for the time being. There is only one position for each person.

Li Xuan could only wait until he left and then make a major adjustment.

In addition to medals, Li Longji rewarded the soldiers in Hexi, Longyou, Hedong, and Shuofang with silk money from the treasuries of the two capitals.

Ninety percent of the spoils were transported back to Chang'an, and the remaining ten percent was used as rewards to meritorious soldiers and distributed by Li Xuan.

Finally, it is about the reward for Li Xuan.

(End of this chapter)