Chapter 309: Scheming against Gao Xianzhi, the Road to the Western Regions
"Did Protector Gao take a lot of gold and silver treasures from the Shi Kingdom?"

After receiving Gao Lishi's report, Li Longji frowned.

Li Xuan once said: All things in the world are given by sages. Only when sages give them can one use them for oneself.

This sentence satisfied Li Longji's desire for control.

Make him think that 90% of the spoils must be handed over to him.

Gao Xianzhi only offered him captives. Did he think he had gained nothing in return?

"The Sogdians are natural merchants. The Shi Kingdom is a Sogdian country, and its capital, Zhezhi City, is definitely wealthy! The king has been arrested, so how can the royal family have no wealth?"

Gao Lishi sympathized with Li Xuan and spoke up for him.

The capital of the Shi Kingdom, Zhezhi City, was very famous in the Tang Dynasty.

The Zhezhi dance performed in Chang'an's wine shops, brothels and musical institutions was introduced to Chang'an by merchants from the Shi State.

The Zhezhi dance was popular in Chang'an. Its movements were brisk, its rotations were swift, and it was both vigorous and graceful. At the same time, it emphasized the expression of emotions through the eyebrows and eyes, which were full of expressions.

People saw a different kind of charm in this kind of healthy dance, and even Li Longji liked it very much.

"Just because you have made military achievements, you can do whatever you want!"

Li Longji thought it made sense and he believed Gao Lishi.

At least leave some for him, but he didn't even get to drink the soup.

An Lushan would arrange for a carriage to travel from Fan Yang to Chang'an almost every month to present him with pearls, jade, gold, silver, tigers, bears, leather, etc.

Li Longji thought that these were all An Lushan's spoils of war. In fact, apart from sending people to capture tigers and black bears, most of them were the fat of the people of Hebei.

Moreover, An Lushan attracted many Sogdian merchants, who were appointed as generals, and a large amount of treasures went into An Lushan's pocket.

An Lushan considered himself a Sogdian, and he hated the term "mixed Hu" the most.

He wanted to develop these Sogdians into his own confidants.

Little did they know that the Sogdians lacked foundation, so they were overshadowed by the small number of Han Chinese civil and military personnel under their command.

"I believe that there have been countless generals who have been greedy for money since ancient times, and not everyone can be like the King of Tianshui. In the past, Hou Junji indulged his subordinates in looting in the Western Regions, and Emperor Taizong only gave them a minor punishment after they returned. Now that Protector Gao has made great contributions, a severe punishment will only discourage the border generals."

After weighing the pros and cons, Gao Lishi did not want Li Longji to punish Gao Xianzhi for this.

"That makes sense! The emperor of the Arabs was so shameless that he dared to ask the Tang Dynasty to withdraw from the west of the Pamir Mountains. During the reign of Emperor Gaozong, that place was a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty. Now that the Tang Dynasty is so powerful, but the west of the Pamir Mountains cannot be recovered, how can I face my ancestors?"

Li Longji was very angry when he thought of the reply from the Arab Emperor Abu Abbas.

What the hell is this thing? It's even more arrogant than the previous Ruler Belt Pearl.

There are examples of the Tubo king receiving titles and submitting.

Li Longji also wanted the so-called Caliph of the Arabs to surrender.

"The mighty power of the Tang Dynasty will surely make the Arabs obey." Gao Lishi nodded in agreement with Li Longji's words.

"Yesterday Gao Xianzhi asked me to mobilize troops and attack the Arabs after returning to the Western Regions. What do you think of this?"

Li Longji asked Gao Lishi.

Gao Xianzhi embezzled his treasures, but Li Longji temporarily endured this anger as he could still use Gao Xianzhi.

But he made note of it.

"King Tianshui said that the Arabs are thousands of miles away from east to west, not smaller than the Tang Dynasty. Although their population is not as large as that of the Tang Dynasty, it is ten times that of Tubo. And that Emma Abbas is equivalent to the founding monarch of China, and he must be a strong and powerful person. I am afraid that with Anxi's military strength, it will be very difficult to drive out the Arabs."

Gao Lishi said truthfully.

The population and area of ​​Dashi once shocked Li Longji.

If nothing unexpected happens, the Arabs can easily dispatch hundreds of thousands of troops.

"King Tianshui is right. We can't just sit in a well and look at the sky. The Pamir Mountains blocked the westward advance of the Tang Dynasty and also hindered the eastward expansion of the Arab Empire."

Li Longji thought of Li Xuan at this time.

Unlike in history, Li Xuan often promoted the power of the Arab Empire to Li Longji in recent years.

He also brought Arab and Sogdian merchants into the palace and asked them to describe what they had seen and heard.

The land area represents the resources available.

Population represents the amount of arable land and the potential for war.

Since he already knew the power of the Arabs, Li Longji was not as stubborn as history showed.

"Your Majesty is right. I think Gao Xianzhi is not a good choice to attack the Arabs. Although he destroyed the Qishi and Shi Kingdoms, the two countries, including the old, weak, women and children, only had a population of tens of thousands. The Turks were the remnants of the fleeing west, and they only had about 2,000 soldiers and horses that could fight. It is not enough to show the strength of a general."

Gao Lishi then expressed his disapproval of Gao Xianzhi's idea of ​​attacking the Arabs.

Gao Xianzhi is good, but everyone knows that he is much younger than Li Xuan.

The Khan captured by Gao Xianzhi was just the remnants who fled westward, not even as good as a Turkic tribe.

The country that was conquered was just a small country with a population of tens of thousands. Compared with Tubo, there was a world of difference.

People even believed that it was Li Xuan who launched the Battle of Dayuechuan and annihilated hundreds of thousands of Tubo troops, which allowed Gao Xianzhi to destroy Xiaoboluo.

"Is it possible for Gao Xianzhi to rely on the morale of the people and take advantage of the fact that the Arabs were in a state of change and their vitality was severely damaged to drive the Arabs out of the former territory of the Nine Zhaowu Clans?"

Li Longji still believed that Gao Xianzhi was a rare and famous general.

"I am not familiar with military affairs, so I dare not deny a famous general. But the country has Han Xin and Li Jing, so why should we use people like Peng Yue and Feng Yi?"

Gao Lishi hinted to Li Longji.

Based on his trust in Li Xuan, he believed that it was a sure thing for Li Xuan to reach the Western Regions and drive the Arabs out of Zhaowu.

Gao Xianzhi only fought some small battles.

Unlike Li Xuan, he did not participate in the war to destroy the Turks, but presided over the Battle of Dafeichuan with more than 500,000 soldiers and more than 200,000 cavalry from both sides and annihilated the enemy.

Although the region is different.

But Li Xuan has already proved that he can fight on grasslands, snowy plateaus, in siege battles, mountain warfare, and on the oceans.

"I will consider what Li Shi said. King Tianshui knows Dashi well, and he is a good choice!"

Li Longji just nodded, but did not immediately agree to Gao Lishi's request.

Gao Lishi understood that Li Xuan had just been dismissed from his post as prime minister and Li Longji was still resentful.

Many people do not want Li Xuan to be prime minister again.

Including some powerful people!
But in the Tang Dynasty, Li Longji had supreme power, and as long as he was serious, no one dared to speak.

Li Xuan was different from other ministers. His complex personality and flexible manners prevented him from being banished from Chang'an like other prime ministers after being dismissed from their posts.

In fact, even if a prime minister like Li Xuan, who became a prime minister because of his military achievements, was demoted, he would most likely be demoted to the position of governor of a border town, just like Zhang Shuo was demoted.

After Gao Lishi and Li Longji finished their discussion, the right prime minister Yang Guozhong came to ask to see Li Longji.

"Meet the saint!"

Yang Guozhong bowed to Li Longji.

"Why is Guozhong here?"

Li Longji said to Yang Guozhong, and from the way he addressed him, one could see how close he was to Yang Guozhong.

During the Tianbao period, when Li Longji favored someone, he did not look at how capable the person was, but whether the person would go against his wishes.

Like An Lushan, Yang Guozhong never said anything unpleasant to Li Longji.

At the same time, Li Longji believed that he had discovered Yang Guozhong's abilities.

"Now that the position of Minister of War is vacant, I would like to recommend a talented person to the Saint."

Yang Guozhong reported to Li Longji.

"who?"

Li Longji asked.

"Protector Gao! He has outstanding military achievements. Among the military governors, he is the only one who is qualified to be the Minister of War."

Yang Guozhong replied to Li Longji.

The Jiedushi would be appointed as the Minister of War, a third-rank official, and would certainly be given additional duties.

If there is no ulterior motive, this must be considered a promotion. Since the Kaiyuan period, many people have been appointed as prime ministers from the position of Minister of War.

If you have any ulterior motives, that’s another matter.

If An Lushan were made the Minister of Personnel, he would definitely be unwilling to hand over his military power.

Gao Xianzhi was a Hu person, and he would inevitably be stopped by Han ministers if he wanted to become prime minister.

But the Minister of War has a good chance, and there are also Hu ministers in the court.

"Protector Gao has been in the Western Regions for many years. What should be done with him serving in the court?"

Li Longji thought for a moment and said to Yang Guozhong.

"Of course we should send a general to the Western Regions. I heard that the Tang Dynasty will go to war with the powerful Arab Empire to recover the old territory and enhance the national prestige. Protector General Gao may not be suitable for the Western Regions. Only a famous general who has been on the battlefield for a long time can be infallible."

Yang Guozhong's words were also very clear.

If someone can win every battle without any mistakes, everyone will think of Li Xuan.

Although Yang Guozhong ascended to the throne of chief prime minister, the old villain Li Linfu was dead.

But Li Xuan is still the person he fears the most.

He could hear the Imperial Concubine's protection of Li Xuan in every possible way.

Since Li Xuan was in Chang'an, he didn't even dare to touch the officials appointed by Li Xuan.

Wu Yang has already bared his fangs, but is still unable to take action.

If one day Li Xuan manages to make Li Longji happy, and the imperial concubine whispers some words in his favor, and gives Li Xuan the position of co-minister of the Secretariat, wouldn't he be sidelined like Li Linfu?

As for killing Li Xuan, that is even more a fantasy.

The only way to kill Li Xuan was to charge him with treason, not to mention whether Li Longji could be convinced that Li Xuan was treasonous. If Li Xuan died, Yang Yuhuan could kill him.

When Li Xuan arrived in the Western Regions, even if he had made military achievements, it would be difficult for him to become prime minister in a short period of time.

He will look for other opportunities.

The most important thing is that he has to kill An Lushan first.

Now, Yang Guozhong has sent people to Hebei to collect clues and see if there are any clues.

Whenever An Lushan showed any sign of disloyalty, he would file a complaint.

"Does Guozhong also think so?"

Li Longji knew that Li Xuan and Yang had a bad relationship. Yang Guozhong should be loyal to the country.

"This is what I really think."

Yang Guozhong nodded.

"Since you all say so, let's propose it in the court tomorrow!"

The prime minister and Gao Lishi explained this to him at the same time, which made Li Longji make up his mind.

Letting Gao Xianzhi, who took his money, be the Minister of War was considered a bargain for him.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Yang Guozhong looked delighted.

If he could get rid of Li Xuan, he could show his talents without any worries.

His position as prime minister must be as stable as Mount Tai.

He needed to establish his authority, but he decided not to use Li Xuan's confidants to establish his authority first. Li Linfu's descendants and confidants were the best candidates.

Pick the soft persimmons!
"Guo Zhong, how about the Lantern Festival?"

Li Longji asked Yang Guozhong about this matter again.

His wife Yuhuan seemed to be worried, so he prepared to hold a grand banquet.

To please the beauty.

The Lantern Festival in Chang'an is the grandest event of the year.

"Although time is tight, I will definitely satisfy the Saint and the Concubine."

Yang Guozhong said, patting his chest.

Chang'an has ready-made light towers, lighthouses, light wheels, and tens of thousands of lamps that can all be put on display.

What's more, the Tiehua team trained by Li Xuan is more mature.

In order to please Li Longji, Yang Guozhong did not care about the cost of the national treasury and only sought luxury.

"Very good!"

Li Longji smiled heartily and became interested, so he wrote a calligraphy in the pavilion.

As the prime minister, Yang Guozhong actually came forward happily to grind ink for Li Longji.

But after seeing the content of Li Longji's calligraphy, Yang Guozhong felt as jealous as a child.

The moon in the sea sheds tears, and the warm sun in the blue field produces smoke. This feeling can be remembered later, but it was already at a loss at that time.

This is Li Qilang’s new work!
It is said that Li Qilang wrote it while drunk in a tavern in Changlefang. It has recently gone viral in Chang'an and has become so popular that "paper is in great demand in Luoyang".

……

At this moment, Li Xuan was playing the piano under the pear tree in the back garden.

Li Xuan’s mood can be seen from the lingering sound of the piano.

"I really envy King Tianshui's talent!"

After Li Xuan finished singing, Li Xian, who was led into the back garden by a maid, clapped his hands in praise.

"Every time I play Flowing Water, a soulmate will come..."

Li Xuan stood up and invited Li Xian to sit in the pavilion.

Li Xian is currently the Jingzhao Yin, and he is an impeccable man.

Even Yang Guozhong could not be easily dismissed.

Because in order to dismiss a minister, one must have an excuse to convince Li Longji.

Otherwise, if you do it every now and then, that would be terrible!
In history, Yang Guozhong could only use natural disasters to relieve Li Xian of his post as Jingzhao Yin. "I don't deserve it. It's my regret that I failed to assist the King of Tianshui in completing the new law!"

Li Xian bowed, he was invited to the banquet by Li Xuan.

As soon as you enter the mansion, you will hear "Flowing Water", which is very meaningful!
"I am not in the position of Prime Minister. The counties of Jingzhao, please behave yourself."

Li Xuan asked Li Xian.

"As expected, the powerful are trying to raise the price unless the new Changping Law is abolished. In some places, officials are putting pressure on the powerful to return the grain. In other places, officials are still waiting and watching."

Li Xian replied to Li Xuan.

He was the prefect of Jingzhao and could get first-hand information.

"Human greed is like a snake swallowing an elephant! How easy is it for them to kill me?"

Li Xuan smiled.

He knew the importance of reputation, and had been managing his own reputation since he traveled through time.

Although he was tough against Li Longji, he was still not as tough as Zhang Jiuling.

Zhang Jiuling was merely demoted.

Besides, his "poetic fame" is unmatched by even the literary leader Zhang Jiuling.

"It all depends on how the saint handles it." Li Xian also thought so.

"Yang Guozhong is the chief prime minister, the Five Yangs are lawless, you are the Jingzhao Yin, you should protect yourself first!"

Li Xuan knew that Li Xian was a man who knew how to protect himself. When Li Xian was carrying out the reform, he tried his best to dissuade him. He anticipated failure, but he still gave a reminder.

"King Tianshui reminded me so, why don't I do it myself?"

Li Xian was surprised. In his opinion, Li Xuan must know how to advance and retreat.

"I wanted to make a big change and look for opportunities in the midst of uncertainty, but I failed." Li Xuan replied evasively.

“The saint is not determined enough and has not enough patience, otherwise he would have succeeded.”

Li Xian thought that it was Li Longji's fault.

There were only him and Li Xuan in the back garden, so he was not worried about his words being leaked.

Li Xuan repeatedly requested to dispatch troops to deter the enemy, but Li Longji hesitated and refused.

"Alas! If I have the opportunity to reform again, will Dayin still assist me?"

Li Xuan did not answer Li Xian's question, but asked this question.

If Li Mi is his Zhang Liang, then Li Xian is Xiao He, a man with the talent to assist the king.

Li Xuan has many confidants in the current court, but none of them can match Li Xian in terms of talent and ability to judge the situation.

"Even if I fail again, I will definitely do it."

Li Xian replied with a burning gaze.

The country has been plagued by problems for a long time, and the ministers must rise to the challenge.

If the people "rise to the challenge", that will be the beginning of a change of dynasty.

“Does Dayin believe that history is constantly moving forward?”

Li Xuan asked Li Xian this question again.

"Believe!"

Li Xian nodded.

"Then why is it that every time there is a cycle of changing dynasties, one after another?"

Li Xuan asked with a smile.

"Every change of dynasty means progress. In the Zhou Dynasty, the country was ruled by one family, and Confucius was born. He taught everyone, so that common people could learn. He founded the teaching method that students are taught in accordance with their aptitude, making it easier for people to become talents. Then, Qin Shihuang unified the world, and Emperor Wu of Han abolished all schools of thought and respected Confucianism alone. The Han Dynasty's recommendation system, the Wei and Jin Dynasty's nine-rank system, and the imperial examination system in our dynasty, from papermaking to printing, broke the monopoly of the gentry on books. Common people can read, and more talents can be selected to join the court. These are all progress..."

Li Xian stated from the perspective of knowledge.

"That's right! It took thousands of years of accumulation to create the prosperous Tang Dynasty."

Li Xuan nodded and said, "I want to leave Chang'an again and become a prime minister for my military achievements. What do you think, Grand Chancellor?"

"It will be more difficult than before for Prime Minister Li to become a prime minister again through military merit."

Li Xian said sincerely.

Li Longji is now addicted to pleasure, and the ministers see through it but do not say anything.

Before Li Xuan was appointed as prime minister again, Li Longji must have consulted Li Xuan, probably asking whether he would do anything after being appointed as prime minister.

How should Li Xuan respond then?
Reform has always been Li Xuan's original intention.

"I'm willing to try. I also want to wield a long spear and ride a horse to the Western Regions again!"

Li Xuan smiled slightly and stated his purpose.

"The Anxi Jiedushi is Gao Xianzhi. He has just returned from a great service. It may not be easy to dethrone him."

Li Xian didn't expect that Li Xuan would compete with Gao Xianzhi for the Western Regions.

But when he thought about it carefully, he realized that apart from Fanyang and Pinglu, the Western Regions was the easiest place to gain military merit.

Because the forces in the Western Regions are complex and intertwined.

Like Gao Xianzhi, he could find a random reason to massacre the Shi Kingdom and it would be considered a "merit of destroying a country."

"The Arab Empire has been established, and its emperor is known as the Butcher. Gao Xianzhi is arrogant and will definitely not be able to deal with the Arab Empire. So I have to do it myself."

Li Xuan said to Li Xian.

Later generations believed that the Tang Dynasty was defeated in the Battle of Talas because of the betrayal of the Karluk.

In fact, the Tang Dynasty had traveled across mountains and rivers for three months on an expedition to confront an empire like the Arab Empire. If the stalemate continued, it would have been considered a loss.

Even if the Qarluk had not betrayed us, failure would have been only a matter of time.

Because the Tang Dynasty could not maintain too many troops in Anxi, Gao Xianzhi led a maximum of 15,000 Tang troops on the expedition, and the rest were vassal troops.

The vassal army can only fight with the wind in their favor, not against it.

As a vassal of the Tang Dynasty for many years, how could the Qarlugs betray the Tang Dynasty if there was no adverse situation?
"Prince Tianshui wants me to raise this matter in the court?"

Li Xian didn't know much about Gao Xianzhi, but he believed Li Xuan.

"No need, I've already consulted Mr. Gao. If that doesn't work, please ask the Imperial Concubine to help..."

Li Xuan hoped that when the matter was mentioned in the court, Li Xian would come forward to refute it.

He told Li Xian how Gao Xianzhi massacred the old and young in Zhezhi City and plundered Shiguo for border merit and wealth.

Give Li Xian a point of entry.

Li Xian understood, and in the afternoon he left the Tianshui Palace.

The next day, Xingqing Palace.

"Your Majesty, the position of Minister of War is currently vacant. Gao Duhu is the descendant of a famous general, both civil and military, and has made many military achievements. I am willing to recommend Gao Duhu as the Minister of War."

After finishing his daily affairs, Yang Guozhong came out and reported to Li Longji.

Gao Xianzhi was also in the court at this moment, and he was surprised that Yang Guozhong suddenly promoted him.

He was just a Hu man. He thought that he would be appointed as a general, but he did not dare to imagine the position of Shangshu.

Shangshu has always been the most prestigious minister among the Han people, one step away from the prime minister.

Among the six ministers, except for the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works, which have a low presence, the other four ministers have the opportunity to be appointed as prime ministers.

But Gao Xianzhi was a special person. He knew that the Hu people could not be appointed as prime ministers, and he did not want to be controlled by this group of old ministers in the court.

In the Western Regions, he was the local emperor who had the final say. Every king had to serve him carefully. He hoped to stay in the Western Regions forever.

"What objections do you have?"

Li Longji asked all civil and military officials.

"Your Majesty, I am not talented enough to be a minister. I want to expand your territory and drive the Arabs out of the Sogdians."

While the ministers were whispering, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, Gao Xianzhi stepped out and declined.

This kind of demeanor made many ministers look up to him.

In the eyes of the ministers, if he could become a minister, why would he stay at the border? Isn't the prosperity of Chang'an good?
Gao Xianzhi's words made Li Longji frown slightly, and he remembered that Gao Xianzhi had coveted his money.

If you don’t even want to be a minister, what are you going to do in the Western Regions?
"Don't worry, Protector Gao. King Tianshui can go to the Western Regions to fight against the Arabs on your behalf."

Seeing that Li Longji was unhappy, Yang Guozhong told Gao Xianzhi.

"My Anxi soldiers are full of fighting spirit and are invincible. The Black Arabs are just a newly established country and are weak. I swear to drive them out."

Gao Xianzhi became anxious when he heard this, he didn't want to leave the Western Regions.

He wanted to take the credit for himself.

He was well aware of Li Xuan's reputation. If Li Xuan took action, he would have no chance of success.

"Your Majesty, the Arabs are a powerful nation on par with the Tang Dynasty. If we do not take them seriously, we will suffer heavy casualties. The King of Tianshui, who has made outstanding military achievements, should personally take action."

Li Xian stepped out and bowed to Li Longji, not giving any face to Gao Xianzhi.

"How dare you say that I am no match for the Arabs?"

When Gao Xianzhi saw Li Xian confronting him, he glared at him.

He didn't even know Li Xian.

When Gao Xianzhi came to Chang'an last time, Li Xian was only a doctor and had not yet reached the high position of Jingzhao Yin.

"Just a reminder, General, don't be too radical. I heard that saving people from danger and killing the violent is called 'righteous soldiers', as the saying goes, a righteous army is invincible; when the enemy attacks, you have to fight back, which is called 'response soldiers', and the army that fights against the invasion will win; fighting over trivial matters and not being able to control your anger for a moment, and getting angry at others, is called 'angry soldiers', and the army that fights for honor and anger will fail; thinking that other countries have gold, silver, and jewelry to profit from, is called 'greedy soldiers', and the greedy army will definitely be defeated; relying on the vast territory of the country and the large population to boast about their own power in front of the enemy, it is called 'arrogant soldiers', and the arrogant army will be destroyed. These five aspects are not only determined by human affairs, but also by the way of heaven. General, you should think more about it."

Li Xian made a long speech, satirizing Gao Xianzhi for leading greedy soldiers to massacre Zhezhi City.

At the same time, it also predicted that "arrogant soldiers will surely be defeated."

The Arabs were a powerful nation and should not be underestimated even though they had just been established.

These words almost broke Gao Xianzhi's defense.

It is said that the court is full of invisible swords and sabers. It is so dangerous. Li Xian, who has no grudge against him, comes to attack him.

Gao Xianzhi really wanted to say "A greedy soldier will surely win", but he couldn't say it in the court.

This is not in line with the values ​​of the Han literati.

Later generations said that Gao Xianzhi was extremely greedy, but in fact Gao Xianzhi treated his soldiers well and was very generous.

He gave a large amount of his own jewels as rewards to his meritorious subordinates, making the soldiers willing to fight for him and die for him.

"Your servants also believe that the King of Tianshui can be stationed in the Western Regions."

See Li Xian, a die-hard supporter of Li Xuan, speak.

A group of ministers came forward and agreed with Li Xian.

Including the ministers that Yang Guozhong had newly won over.

This made Gao Xianzhi confused!
He did not realize that he was caught up in a fight. He was alone and powerless in the court and no one spoke for him.

However, the conservatives led by Xiao Yinzhi and Da Xixun opposed Gao Xianzhi becoming the Minister of War, so that Gao Xianzhi could stay in the Western Regions.

They did not want Li Xuan to make achievements in the Western Regions, lest the emperor be pleased and allow Li Xuan to be appointed prime minister.

But after Li Linfu's death, the conservatives were unable to hinder the party of Yang Guozhong and Li Xuan.

Moreover, Pei Kuan was not in the same group with them, so their voices were destined not to be taken seriously by Li Longji.

"King Tianshui, are you willing to go to the Western Regions?"

Li Longji raised his hand to ask the ministers to be quiet, and then asked Li Xuan.

"I only obey your majesty's orders! As long as your majesty gives the order, all the lands where the sun and moon shine and where the rivers flow will belong to the Tang Dynasty..."

Li Xuan stepped out and bowed.

During the Tianbao period, dukes and princes did not need to attend court, but as the Shangshu You Pushe, he was still at the forefront of all officials.

Although he did not take care of state affairs, the Shangshu You Pushe was a second-rank official position, above the six ministers.

He told Li Longji that he would obey the saint's instructions in everything, but the meaning of the second half of the sentence was self-evident.

"What a wonderful saying: wherever the sun and moon shine, wherever the rivers flow, all is Tang territory."

Li Longji rubbed his hands. He was quite motivated by Li Xuan's words.

Many people in later generations believed that "Wherever the sun and moon shine, wherever the rivers flow, all is Han territory" was a saying from the Han Dynasty. In fact, it was not. It was just a saying made up by some admirers of the Han Dynasty from "Wherever the sun and moon shine, all are our subjects and concubines."

But this does not hinder the confidence expressed in this sentence, which is the confidence of the Celestial Empire.

Li Xuan had said so many famous sayings in the court that it was not surprising to the court officials.

"After the Lantern Festival, we will appoint the King of Tianshui! Protector General Gao will be relieved of his duties as the Anxi Jiedushi and Anxi Deputy Protector General, and will be appointed as the Minister of War, and will be granted the title of Purple Gold Guanglu Dafu, Shangzhuguo, and the title of Duke of Miyun County."

Li Longji needed to think carefully about how to arrange for Li Xuan, so he first dismissed Gao Xianzhi and confirmed that Li Xuan would go to the Western Regions.

"I thank your majesty..."

Gao Xianzhi could only bow to Li Longji.

He was not stupid and knew not to argue any further.

After all, he was promoted, but as a Hu man, he was nostalgic for the power of Anxi and was not used to fighting with Han literati in the court.

For a time, Gao Xianzhi was worried about gains and losses. He was a general who longed for blood and fighting.

He looked at Li Xuan who had remained calm.

Li Xuan had never been to the Western Regions, but he was very famous there, and many people called him "General of Heaven."

In just three years, the Tubo army and its affiliated troops of 500,000 were annihilated, with only tens of thousands of casualties on their own side.

To be honest, Gao Xianzhi also admired him.

But at this moment, he always felt something was wrong.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Li Xuan also bowed and accepted the order.

After deciding to go to the Western Regions, from then on, the sky was high for birds to fly and the sea was wide for fish to jump.

(End of this chapter)