Chapter 224 You are blocking my way! (asking for monthly ticket)

Li Xiang was not surprised by A Luohan's request for a meeting.

During this period, Persia was going through a difficult time resisting the Arab invasion.

Since he was already here, Li Xiang asked someone to invite him into the mansion for a chat.

From the first moment he saw Li Xiang, A Luohan's eyes were filled with tears as if he had seen a general.

This attitude won't work for Li Xiang. My family has nothing to do with Mount Paektu.

"Foreign minister A Luohan pays homage to His Royal Highness the Grandson of the Great Tang Emperor!"

As he said this, A Luohan began to bow down.

"Prince, please stand up." Li Xiang gestured to Li Jingren to help him stand up.

Here, Alohan calls himself a foreign official, which is certainly nothing wrong.

In fact, what is less well known is that since the first year of Tai'an during the reign of Emperor Wencheng of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Persia began to pay tribute to the Central Plains dynasty; even during the reign of Yang Guang, there were mutual diplomatic exchanges; in the twelfth year of Zhenguan, Yazdegerd III, Arohan's father, once again sent envoys to re-establish tributary relations with the Central Plains dynasty and formally pledged allegiance to the Tang Dynasty.

Tribute, also known as tribute, is when one party gives wealth in some form to another party to show obedience or alliance. The vassal state presents gifts to the suzerain state. These gifts are called tribute, and this act is also called tribute.

Tribute is an expression of submission from a local area to a central ruler, or from a vassal state to a suzerain state.

There are also small political signals hidden in Li Xiang's words.

Logically speaking, the status of the Sassanid Empire was actually an empire, and the ruler of the Sassanid Empire was titled "Shah Shah", which means King of Kings, which is equivalent to an emperor.

But in Li Xiang's case, he was directly demoted to a lower level and became a king instead of an emperor.

According to the standards of the Central Plains, there are only a few true emperors in the entire world today. The emperor of the Central Plains is the ultimate existence who combines the authority of the mortal world and the authority of the divine world. He is the son of God and has the absolute right to interpret the scriptures.

Those who were qualified were the Sassanid Persians who had obtained the supervision of the sacred fire, the Roman emperors who had the title of Pontifex Maximus (highest priest), and even Diocletian who proclaimed himself Dominus et deus, which means Lord and God.

A little-known fact is that the word "Pope" comes from Pontifex (priest).

As for those who say that the Son of Heaven is inferior to the Emperor of Man, just forget about it. It is purely the sequelae of the late stage of the brain of uneducated netizens who have read too many novels about the Investiture of the Gods. In fact, the title of Son of Heaven has already appeared in the Book of History, Book of Xia, and it is not a precedent created by King Wu of Zhou. In the eyes of some people who have read too many novels about the Investiture of the Gods, it seems that having the title of "Son of Heaven" is like being a traitor and an unforgivable crime.

The Shang Dynasty was a pure theocracy. A country where two human sacrifices had to be made to heaven even for a meal was not so people-oriented, and there was no emperor who was equal to heaven.

As for Li Xiang's demotion to a lower title, A Luohan had something to ask of him and he had already paid tribute to the Tang Dynasty, so he naturally had no objection.

Not only Arohan, even if Heraclius came to Chang'an, he was still the King of Rome, not the Emperor.

"This time, I came to Chang'an to bring gifts to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and to attend the sports event held by the Tang Dynasty." A Luohan said respectfully, "These are just some congratulatory gifts. I hope Your Highness will accept them."

As he spoke, A Luohan took out the gift list from his arms and handed it to Li Xiang with both hands.

Li Jingren stepped forward, took the gift list and handed it to Li Xiang.

Li Xiang took the gift list and glanced at it. This Persian man really spent a lot of money.

Gems, ivory, and all kinds of precious and rare items were given to Li Xiang as if they were free.

"Prince is very thoughtful." Li Xiang put the gift list aside without commenting and did not look at it again.

Seeing Li Xiang's indifferent reaction, A Luohan was startled.

This Crown Prince doesn't look like a very easy person to get along with...

It is said that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty is a young man from Chang'an and the most loyal person. Could it be that he is really indifferent to the situation in Persia?
Just as he was lost in thought, Li Xiang spoke again.

"Since we have just mentioned reasons one and two, let's talk about the third reason as well."

A Luohan was relieved and said quickly, "Your Highness is very observant. This time, the foreign minister came to the capital for a third matter. I want to ask Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Well, you say." Li Xiang nodded.

"To the west of Persia, a country called the Arab Empire is rising. Not only has Fulin been defeated by the Arab Empire, but so has Persia." A Luohan said with great sorrow, "Persia has been fighting with Fulin for years and has reached the point of exhaustion. I beg Your Highness to persuade the merciful Emperor Tian Khan to send troops to the Western Regions to save Persia!"

Hearing this, Li Jingren looked up and suddenly felt that the gift list was a little hot.

Li Xiang, on the other hand, still had a calm expression.

"I deeply sympathize with your country's situation." Li Xiang said, "But Persia is far away and has high mountains. Moreover, the Western Turks are in the middle. The Tang Dynasty can't help."

"Yibishekui Khan has already submitted to the Tang Dynasty. If the Tang Dynasty can send troops and call on the Western Turks to assist Persia, Persia's difficulties will be easily resolved." A Luohan said hurriedly.

Li Xiang tapped the table with his fingers, staring at A Luohan with burning eyes, and then asked: "Since the Western Turks submitted to the Tang Dynasty, they have been fickle. In the 16th year of Zhenguan, they detained our Tang envoys without authorization and even brazenly launched an attack on our Yizhou, but were defeated by Guo Xiaoke one after another."

"How can I be confident in sending troops to Persia when they are so fickle? If the Western Turks take advantage of my army's battle in Persia and cut off the supply in the rear, then not only will the Tang army be in danger, but even you Persians will not be able to escape!"

(Map of the Western Regions in the 19th year of Zhenguan)
Hearing this, A Luohan couldn't help but fall into despair.

He admitted that what Li Xiang said made sense.

In fact, if he were in Li Xiang's position, he would not advocate sending troops to aid Persia.

There's no other reason, it's too far and the cost outweighs the benefits.

"Could it be..." A Luohan said in grief and indignation, "Could it be that after more than 400 years of existence, our Sassanid Empire is about to perish?"

"That's not necessary." Li Xiang said with emotion: "The situation is not without room for maneuver. Although the Tang Dynasty and Persia are far apart, it is not impossible to help you."

"How can I help? Please tell me clearly, Your Highness!" A Luohan's eyes lit up.

"We still need to discuss this matter with the Saint. This is a serious matter. I am only the Crown Prince and do not have the power to make decisions." Li Xiang smiled and comforted A Luohan, "Prince, rest assured. The Tang Dynasty will not sit idly by and watch its vassal states being bullied."

"In that case, I would like to thank Your Highness." A Luohan crossed his hands and said, "There is one more thing. This time when I came to the Tang Dynasty, I brought my younger brother, Perus, with me. If Persia really encounters an accident, it would be a good idea to leave some blood of the dynasty behind, so that the Tang Dynasty can uphold justice and help them restore their country in the future. I hope Your Highness will consider my sincerity and take care of me a little."

Li Xiang would not refuse this request.

"Don't worry, Prince. Prince Bilus will take care of you myself." Li Xiang nodded.

"Thank you, Your Highness!" A Luohan bowed again. Li Xiang realized what was going on at this time. In fact, A Luohan was just trying to get help. His real purpose was to pave the way for Bilus.

I have already refused to send troops for help once, and I will definitely not refuse to look after Bilus again.

Tsk, it’s worthy of being an ancient civilization, and it’s also quite kind-hearted.

After comforting A Luohan a few more words, the other party said goodbye.

Looking at his departing back, Li Xiang also felt a little emotional.

The Persians had been fighting the Eastern Romans for years, and the Sassanid Empire continued to weaken as a result of war exhaustion, economic decline, heavy taxation, religious strife, rigid social classes, the growing power of landlords, and frequent changes in rulers.

But then again, Persia has actually marinated the other side. Most of the secular culture you can see is actually a magical modification of Persian culture...

But there is another problem. Since the last monarch of the Sassanid dynasty died in Luoyang, the Persian orthodoxy is actually in our country, so the Persian region can also be traced back to ancient times.

"Alas." Li Jingren sighed.

"What's wrong?" Li Xiang turned around and asked.

"Nothing, I'm just lamenting the ill-fated fate of Persia." Li Jingren sighed.

"What's wrong with us? We have made it ourselves." Li Xiang sneered and said, "The army is full of old soldiers, the internal corruption is extremely serious, the social class is completely solidified, and the taxes are heavy... It's really a miracle that we can win against the Arabs."

"Ah?" Li Jingren was dumbfounded. He just felt that A Luohan was a bit pitiful, but he didn't expect that the situation in Persia was like this.

"The collapse of a mountain often has its own internal reasons." Li Xiang sighed, "If the Tang Dynasty cannot learn from this, sooner or later there will be people like you who will lament the ill-fated fate of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Xiang was not in a hurry about the Persian issue.

The Tang Dynasty has its own plans and will not change its course because of one or two things.

The current Persia is not worthy of Tang Dynasty's help. Only the Persia that has been beaten to the brink of destruction is worthy of Tang Dynasty's help. The fact is rather cruel, but it is true.

The Tang Dynasty can handle its own affairs according to the established rhythm. It doesn't matter if Persia is destroyed. The Tang Dynasty can just send troops and support as many puppets as it wants.

The top priority now is to deal with the Western Turks who are blocking the Tang Dynasty's advance route.

In fact, ever since Guo Xiaoke dealt a heavy blow to the Western Turks, they have become much more obedient, but Li Xiang still felt uneasy and that he had to solve the problem once and for all.

It’s nothing, who asked you to block my way?

On the side of the couch, how can you allow others to snore?
After leaving Jingzhao Prefecture, Li Xiang did not call for a carriage and prepared to walk back to Wude Hall.

A healthy life starts with walking exercise.

However, as he walked, he subconsciously arrived at Cheng Yaojin's mansion.

Seeing the four big words "Lu Guogong Mansion", Li Xiang admitted that he was actually a little greedy and wanted to eat some beef.

Beef is good, beef...healthy!
Upon hearing that Li Xiang had arrived, Cheng Yaojin personally took his son to greet him.

Old Cheng was used to this kind of thing. In fact, when he was young, Li Shimin, the young Prince of Qin, often went to his house. His hands were not very clean, and he often brought some beef back to the Prince of Qin's mansion. Even after he ascended the throne, he would still visit the houses of various ministers when he had nothing to do to promote the relationship between the monarch and his ministers.

The Crown Prince is the saint's grandson, so it is not difficult to understand that he has the same habits as the saint. It is nothing more than a way of showing closeness. Old Cheng understands this very well.

Cheng Chumo is still in the Andong Protectorate, while Cheng Chuliang is on duty, leaving only Cheng Chubi at home.

After the greeting, Cheng Chubi asked with bright eyes: "Brother, what brings you here?"

"Hey, it's nothing. I just want to eat beef." Li Xiang said with a smile.

Cheng Yaojin said immediately: "I have a cow at home, but it is too lazy. Over the years, I have never seen it produce honey, lay eggs, milk, or catch mice. It has eaten countless grains. I really can't afford to keep it..."

Li Xiang was stunned when he heard Cheng Yaojin's new reason.

Oh my god, Duke Lu, you are such a talent...

Cheng Chubi complained: "Aye, that cow is a bull, how can it produce milk?"

"Then we can't keep him here! Your Highness, please stay here for a while. I'll be back soon!" Cheng Yaojin rolled up his sleeves and left.

Lao Cheng's efficiency is quite good and he got the job done in no time.

As for the cow, I don’t know if it’s its aura, but as long as it is a cow, no matter how strong and tough it is, it can’t walk when it sees Lao Cheng.

Fu Bao's cooking skills improved, and he could fry steaks as well as the chefs of later generations.

While the three of them were eating, Li Xiang started talking about business.

"I didn't come here just to eat some beef." Li Xiang picked up a piece of beef with chopsticks and put it into his mouth. After tasting it carefully, he squinted his eyes and sighed with satisfaction. "Alas, after my wedding in a few days, I will hold a sports meeting. I plan to leave the maintenance of order in the venue to Chu Bi... Chu Bi, what do you think?"

Hearing Li Xiang's words, Cheng Chubi looked up blankly.

He didn't listen to a word of what was said before and was just busy eating.

"Your Highness meant to ask you to go to the sports meeting to exercise!" Cheng Yaojin saw Cheng Chubi's confusion and slapped his son on the back of the head: "Eat, eat, eat, you just focus on eating, you didn't hear anything."

Old Cheng takes this matter very seriously. The grandson came to the mansion in person and gave the eldest son a task. What is this? What a favor!
He even weighed it up and muttered to himself that even he, Old Cheng, might not have such a heavy weight in the saint's heart.

At the same time, he was happy for his silly son.

Although the Ox looks stupid all day long, it is true that... stupid people have good luck.

"Oh." Cheng Chubi said, "I was just busy eating... If you have the order, how dare I disobey you?"

"Well, first exercise at the sports meet and learn something." Li Xiang said with a smile, "After the sports meet, I will take up a position in Jingzhao Prefecture. You are already an adult, and you can't always hang out in restaurants. You not only need to establish a career, but also start a family."

"Brother." Cheng Chubi put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "I want to go with Pei Shouyue and follow the navy to the south to open up a sea route for our Tang Dynasty!"

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(End of this chapter)