Chapter 114: The thought of joining the Tang Dynasty came up, and the world became wider in an instant
When Li Shimin heard Li Xiang's request, he raised his eyes and asked, "This is not an autumn hunt. Can you endure the hardship?"

"My grandfather braved the wind and rain, braved arrows and stones to pacify the world, and he didn't feel tired. As his grandson, I am certainly not afraid of hardship."

Li Xiang's flattery greatly benefited Li Shimin.

Then Li Xiang said, "As a prince of the Tang Dynasty, you must experience the hardships of military life. Only in this way can you better understand how difficult it is to pacify the world."

"I'm glad you have such an idea." Li Shimin reached out and rubbed Li Xiang's head: "Okay, I agree to this."

"Thank you, Uncle!" Li Xiang said happily.

It takes time for the envoys to be on the road, and it also takes time for the Tang Dynasty to mobilize its troops and allocate food and fodder.

It took more than ten days since I left.

On the seventh day of the eleventh month, Li Shimin formally ordered that Crown Prince Li Chengqian be regent, while he himself, accompanied by Prince of Hengshan Li Xiang and 10,000 palace soldiers, went to Shuozhou.

The news that the Tang Emperor was personally leading the army to fight also reached the ears of neighboring countries.

Among them, the most violent reaction came from Tubo.

At this time, Tubo was still very afraid of the Tang Dynasty.

Unlike what some people say, "Princess Wencheng's entry into Tibet was a surrender", in fact, in the 12th year of Zhenguan, Tubo invaded Songzhou. Before Hou Junji of the central army could take action, the vanguard Niu Jinda raided the Tubo camp with light cavalry and still captured more than a thousand heads.

You know, when the light soldiers attacked the Tubo military camp, they did not have time to take away the heads of most of the killed enemies. In this case, the number of enemies killed was far greater than the number of beheadings.

Frightened by the powerful fighting capacity displayed by the Tang army, Songtsen Gampo led his troops to withdraw from Dangxiang, Bailang Qiang, Tuyuhun and other places, sent envoys to apologize, and sent Lu Dongzan to the Tang Dynasty to ask for the princess' hand in marriage.

Unlike the marriage alliances in the Han Dynasty, the marriage alliances in the Tang Dynasty, at least in the Zhenguan Dynasty, were always actively promoted by Li Shimin. The purpose was not to "truce" but to promote the sinicization of neighboring countries.

Do you think the Tang Dynasty is learning from the United States? Wrong, it is the United States that is learning from the Tang Dynasty...

When it comes to peaceful evolution, the Tang Dynasty was the first to try it.

There is a theory on the Internet in later generations that "Tibet was fattened by the craftsmen brought by Princess Wencheng as a marriage partner." In fact, this theory is completely nonsense. There is no reliable historical record that Emperor Taizong of Tang gave Tibet technology as a dowry. The historical materials that can be found are written in the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, as well as religious brochures and textbooks for unity...

The most credible "Old Book of Tang" records that "the princess disliked the reddish face of the people, so she ordered the country to temporarily ban it. She also gave up her felt and fur clothes, and wore silk and fine goods, gradually liking Chinese customs. She also sent the sons of chieftains to the national academy to study "Book of Songs" and "Book of Documents", and asked Chinese people who knew how to write to edit their memorials." From this, it is clear that what was bestowed on Tubo during the Zhenguan period was the poetry, books, rituals and music of the Central Plains, not technology.

The historical records say that "Emperor Gaozong was pleased with him and promoted him to the title of Binwang. He also requested silkworm seeds and craftsmen for making wine, mills, abrasive stones, paper and ink, and all were granted."

From this we can draw a conclusion that it was Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, who granted technology to Tubo, and that Li Shimin took the initiative to ask Li Zhi for it. It can also be concluded that Li Shimin did not give the technology to Tubo.

The rise of Tubo actually had little to do with technology. A bigger factor affecting the rise of Tubo was climate change. The warm period of the Sui and Tang dynasties lasted for more than 400 years, with rising temperatures and increased agricultural output, providing a solid foundation for the prosperity of the Tubo Empire.

Another piece of evidence is that when the climate turned cold at the end of the Tang Dynasty, the Tubo suddenly dispersed and never posed a threat to the Central Plains dynasty again.

"Zanpu, why don't you learn from the Turks and other tribes and send troops to the Tang Dynasty?" Lu Dongzan said to Songtsen Gampo in the Potala Palace.

When Songtsen Gampo heard this, he looked at the prime minister, whom he had always relied on, with an expression of disbelief.

The great defeat in Songzhou four years ago was still a lingering cloud in Songtsen Gampo's heart. In addition, he and the Tang Dynasty had become father-in-law and son-in-law, so of course he did not dare to think of deceiving and absorbing the Tang Dynasty's rear.

As soon as Lu Dongzan saw the look in Songtsen Gampo's eyes, he knew that the Zamp had misunderstood.

"What I mean is that we should let the Zamp learn from the Turkic tribes and cooperate with the Tang Dynasty in the war." Lu Dongzan quickly said, "The Tang Dynasty is the father-in-law, and the Tubo is the son-in-law. Now the Tang Dynasty has sent troops to punish the Xueyantuo. As the son-in-law of the Tang Dynasty, the Zamp naturally has reason to send troops to cooperate."

When Songtsen Gampo heard this, he became excited.

Yes, I can also send troops to help out...

Lu Dongzan whispered again: "In the past, the foreign countries cooperated with the Tang Dynasty in the war and gained a lot. The Tang Dynasty never treated its friends who helped it unfairly. Now the Zamp is also accompanying the troops, and he has the title of Tang's son-in-law. The Tang Dynasty will definitely not treat the Zamp unfairly."

"Hmm?" Songtsen Gampo was immediately moved.

It's both famous and profitable, this...

"Okay! Just as the Prime Minister said, send three thousand elite cavalry to fight alongside the Tang Dynasty!" Songtsen Gampo made the final decision.

Then, he looked at Lu Dongzan with some admiration and said, "After the Prime Minister proposed marriage, he came back and told me about the style of the Tang Emperor. I was deeply impressed at that time. Now the saint of the Tang Dynasty has actually raised an army to punish Xueyantuo for the sake of the general. This kind of loyalty really deserves to be the Khan of Heaven!"

Lu Dongzan didn't dare to respond, but just pretended to sigh.

It is definitely not advisable to praise another boss in front of the boss; but if you say that Zanpu is really no worse than Li Shimin, Lu Dongzan feels that this is a lie and it is better to just play dumb.

Not only Tubo, but Tuyuhun also got the news.

Since Zhishisili defeated the Tuyuhun chariot, Tuyuhun King Murong Fuyun hanged himself to death, and Murong Fuyun's son Murong Fushun led Tuyuhun to submit to the Tang Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty married Princess Honghua to Murong Fushun, who was then canonized as Khan and Prince of Xiping by the Tang Dynasty.

From then on, Tuyuhun became a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty.

Now that the Tang Dynasty is preparing to go to war with the Xueyantuo, Tuyuhun will naturally be recruited as well.

Of course Murong Fushun would not refuse. He immediately sent 2,000 elite cavalry to Shuozhou to participate in the battle between the Tang Dynasty and the Xueyantuo.

As mentioned earlier, Tang Xiejun's enthusiasm for war had reached a fanatical level.

Because the Tang Dynasty was always winning battles, and with each victory there would be spoils of war, and the Tang army was never stingy and never said they would keep the spoils for themselves and not share them with them. This led to the Tang army, united under the banner of the Heavenly Khan, always rushing to the front.

The consequence of this is that... the Hu people will charge forward first, and when the battle is almost over, the Tang army will go forward to harvest the grain.

After receiving the military summons from the Tang Dynasty, without any hesitation, each unit sent its most elite troops to the Tang Dynasty.

No matter who the Tang Dynasty wants to fight, they have to go and help!

At one time, the Huihe, Khitan, Mohe, Uluhu, Adie, the Nine Chile Surnames and other tribes all received the envoys from the Tang Dynasty.

No one would refuse the call from the Celestial Empire, and everyone wanted to take this opportunity to make a fortune.

Hey, fellow, can you lend me your cattle and sheep?

When they came, there were only a few Tang envoys.

When they returned, some brought more than a thousand people, while others brought nearly ten thousand people. Adding them together, it was also a considerable number.

On November 13, Li Shimin officially arrived in Shuozhou.

It was also Li Xiang’s first time out of Chang’an, and he felt very fresh about it.

Xue Rengui was guarding Li Xiang on both sides. Li Jingren arranged a set of shiny silver helmet and armor for little Xue, which made him look particularly impressive.

He was so arrogant that even Li Shimin noticed the presence of this young general in white robe. He lifted the curtain of the carriage several times and couldn't help but take a look at him.

It’s not because he looks handsome, it’s just that Xue Rengui’s weapon is rather special. He uses a painted halberd which is not commonly used by anyone these days.

The painted halberd is generally used for ceremonial purposes, and in various historical novels, in order to highlight the strength of military generals, they were asked to abandon their spears and use halberds.

But Xue Rengui was not like that. His use of a halberd was recorded in the Old Book of Tang. He "wore white clothes, held a halberd, drew a bow from his waist, shouted loudly and rushed in first. He was unstoppable and all the bandits were defeated and fled."

Of course, it was not only because of the weapons. Li Shimin also always felt that this young general in white robe had the style of Luo Shixin back then.

At first glance, hey… bragging. At second glance, huh? How to use the halberd? At third glance, wow, how can they be so similar? This is probably the mental journey.

If it weren't for the fact that this was Li Xiang's bodyguard, he would have already asked to test the strength of this young general.

Li Xiang did not plan to recommend Xue Rengui to Lao Li right now. He had to wait until the war against Goguryeo before letting Lao Li see how brave Xue Rengui was.

On the afternoon of the day they entered Shuozhou, they welcomed back Cui Dunli who had returned from Xueyantuo.

Cui Dunli was originally going to return to Chang'an. After all, there were no mobile phones or telegraphs in those days, so real-time communication was impossible. But on the way, he saw the Tang army that intercepted the envoy, and they told him that the emperor had left Chang'an and was now stationed in Shuozhou.

Cui Dunli certainly did not dare to delay and immediately came to Shuozhou.

After arriving at the emperor's place, Cui Dunli did not dare to be negligent and asked for an audience immediately.

After he entered the house, he was stopped by Li Shimin before he could greet anyone.

Old Li said, "Anshang has traveled a long way, so there is no need to be polite."

"Thank you, Saint." Cui Dunli said with his hands crossed.

"Tell me, what does Yi Nan mean?" Old Li acted very casually. After all, although Cui Dunli was born in the Cui family of Boling, he could be considered an old man who followed him.

"Your Majesty, Yinan refused to hand over Qibi Heli and claimed that this was an impolite request from the Tang Dynasty. He is not afraid of fighting a battle with the Tang Dynasty." Cui Dunli answered carefully.

"You are so brave." Li Shimin was not angry, but laughed: "Last year, you were beaten badly by Mao Gong, and now you think you are good enough?"

Seeing Cui Dunli's hesitation, Li Shimin said, "Sir, just speak frankly if you have anything to say."

"Yes." Cui Dunli then said, "In my opinion, this Yi man's refusal to hand over Qibi Heli was not his original intention."

"Oh?" Li Shimin raised his eyebrows. Is there such a situation?

Cui Dunli organized his speech and said, "I have observed in the Xueyantuo tribe that Yi Nan is quite similar to the former Emperor Yang of Sui in that he is upright and violent. His subordinates are often punished or even killed for a small mistake. Moreover, his two sons, Bazhuo and Tulishi, are at odds with each other and are eager to compete for the Khanship."

"So in order to consolidate his position, he has to go against the Tang Dynasty, right?" Li Shimin said, as if he had realized something. "Even if this is a short-term solution, he doesn't want to lose his prestige and be accused of being too soft on the Tang Dynasty?"

"Your Majesty is wise, this is exactly what I mean." Cui Dunli said immediately.

Li Xiang looked at Cui Dunli in surprise. This old guy is really a talented person.

I knew all this because of my foresight, but Cui Dunli observed so much after just one trip to Xueyantuo. His ability can be said to be excellent.

No wonder he was mentioned prominently in history books, saying that he had diplomatic talent.

Li Xiang also understood why almost all the officials of the Boling Cui family were expelled from Chang'an, except Cui Dunli, who was from the second branch of the family together with Cui Mingan.

Professional talent!
"Yes, I understand." Li Shimin smiled and nodded, "Anshang, you have worked hard all the way, go and rest first."

"Yes, I'll take my leave." Cui Dunli immediately left the room.

The situation of Xueyantuo had indeed reached a point where it was not optimistic.

Ever since Cui Dunli came to Xueyantuo, Yinan has been caught in a dilemma.

He was even cursing those Qibi people in secret. Why the hell are you looking for trouble with me? Do I need such a great general?

But as a Khan, sometimes he cannot be soft.

His subordinates were disloyal, his two sons were at loggerheads, and other vassal tribes were also eyeing him covetously, wanting to replace the Xueyantuo tribe...

It's also quite difficult.

But Yinan had other ideas. He wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to kill with a borrowed knife. He would send those who had second thoughts about him to the front and use the power of the Tang Dynasty to wear down their strength.

Although he thought that not everyone was on the same page with him, he still didn't expect that there would be a vassal tribe that would dare to betray him.

Not long after Cui Dunli left, he heard a shocking piece of news.

The three tribes of Bayegu, Pugu and Tongluo refused his call to resist the Tang Dynasty, saying that their power was declining and they dared not compete with the Tang Dynasty.

Later, the spies he sent out also passed back the news.

His Majesty the Supreme Khan officially arrived in Shuozhou yesterday, and the troops of the Turkic, Tuyuhun, Uighur, Tibetan and other tribes are also on their way to Shuozhou.

Even more unfortunate news also came. The three tribes of Bayegu, Pugu and Tongluo officially announced their allegiance to the Tang Dynasty and accepted the orders of the Heavenly Khan.

As soon as the thought of joining the Tang Dynasty came to my mind, the world suddenly became wider.

Yi Nan took a deep breath and suddenly felt a little chest tightness.

He stood outside the tent and looked at the horizon of the grassland in the distance.

If there is a system in front of Yi Nan, the following interface will pop up.

The Tang Dynasty summoned the nine clans of Turk, Tuyuhun, Uighur, Tubo, Khitan, Mohe, Ulohu, Adie, Bayegu, Pugu, Tongluo and Chile to join the Tang-Xueyantuo war. They are now our enemies!
(The third update is here. I feel dizzy.)
(End of this chapter)