Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 5117: Craftsmanship First
Lu Dongzan got up from the bed early. It was snowing heavily outside all night long without stopping. The charcoal basin on the ground had been extinguished long ago. The room was freezing cold. It would be better to put on a cotton coat and do some exercise than to continue staying in bed.

"The Tang people were really smart. This white fold has existed since ancient times. Some people grow it as an ornamental flower in their study, while others just hoe it as a weed. Only the Tang people thought of using it as a filler to sew clothes to keep out the cold... It's light, soft, warm, and windproof. It's really a good thing. If everyone in our tribe could have one, we would suffer less in winter."

Xiduoyu was muttering to herself while helping her father put on his new cotton-padded clothes.

Lu Dongzan fluttered his clothes, which were light and close-fitting. A warmth protected his whole body, so he sighed and said, "You only saw the wonderful ideas of the Tang people, but you didn't think of their craftsmanship. I have seen this white folded cloth, and its fluff is mixed with many seeds. These seeds are very difficult to remove, so the gaps between the cotton wool are too large, air leaks, and it does not keep warm. But now touch this dress, the cotton wool is soft and tightly attached, which has the effect of windproof and warmth... Even if we can think of using white folded cloth to keep warm, it is just empty talk without the technology to remove the seeds."

It is true that the Han people made unparalleled achievements in Confucianism, but the reason why it was strong and lasting was due to the achievements of various schools of thought.

Medicine, astronomy, iron smelting, craftsmen... these are the foundations for China to rise again quickly after dynasties were destroyed and countless lives were lost.

To this day, he increasingly feels the wisdom of the "marriage proposal" strategy he had formulated with the Zamp. If the marriage proposal had been successful, the Tang Dynasty would have sent dowries such as doctors, craftsmen, and books to Tubo, and Tubo would have certainly relied on the Han people's heritage to complete the upgrade of the country.

It's a pity that Emperor Taizong had already agreed to the marriage proposal, but Fang Jun intervened and ruined the plan...

"No marriage, no tribute, the emperor guards the national border, and the king dies for the country." These words echoed in his mind from time to time. Besides being deafening, he also felt an incomparable fear.

Lu Dongzan was never afraid of the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. China, which had long been permeated by Confucianism, had long lost its enterprising spirit and only knew how to maintain the status quo, not how to expand. Tubo only needed to be patient for a while to live in peace, quietly develop and grow, and wait for the turmoil in the Tang Dynasty to take advantage of it...

However, young talents of the Tang Dynasty such as Fang Jun emerged one after another, some embarked on a political career, some joined the army to guard the border. One after another, they became "war advocates" under the influence of Fang Jun, which made Lu Dongzan feel uneasy and uneasy.

As expected, these "militants" refused to listen to the advice and orders of the great scholars, and resolutely provoked the "Tibetan War", which led to internal divisions in Tibet and the collapse of national strength. They could no longer threaten the security of the western border of the Tang Dynasty...

Xi Duoyu had no idea what his father was thinking, and said awkwardly, "Tang people are indeed gifted in strange and ingenious skills."

Lu Dongzan didn't want to say more, shook his head, and asked, "Are there guards outside the door, monitoring us and prohibiting us from entering or leaving?"

"There were a few guards, but they didn't stop the kid from going out just now."

"Then let's go out for a walk."

"Don't you want breakfast?"

"I'm not hungry yet. Go out for a walk and stretch your muscles. It won't be too late to come back."

"Here."

The father and son left the government office. The soldiers at the door just ignored them and followed them...

Lu Dongzan didn't care. Since he didn't want to do anything secret, why not have someone follow him?

After leaving the government office, they strolled along the east-west road in front of the gate. The snow on the street had been cleared clean. From time to time, teams of Tang soldiers wearing simple cotton-padded clothes ran past, shouting "one, two, one" in their mouths. Their steps were neat and their formations were strict. White air was exhaled from their mouths and noses, and they were in excellent spirits.

Xi Duo praised: "The most terrifying thing about the Tang army is their 'discipline'. They obey orders and obey them as if they were a mountain. They can also move forward bravely and face death bravely when facing desperate situations. Our Tibetan soldiers are brave and valiant. When the battle is going well, they rush to the front. But once the battle is frustrated, they shrink back and scatter at any time... The difference is very obvious."

"Since the Han people started writing history books, there has never been a break in the wars they have recorded. Over the thousands of years that have been passed down, countless wars have been fought, both with barbarians and with their own people. Their understanding of war and their experience are unparalleled in the world."

Lu Dongzan thought this was the most normal thing. The more battles he fought, the better he would know how to fight.

The Tibetans fought such a small battle, it was not worth mentioning...

Passing by a street intersection, Lu Dongzan stopped and stared at a huge cattle pen on the side of the road with a frown on his face.

Xi Duoyu followed his gaze and took a deep breath: "Why did the Tang army prepare so many war horses?"

In the animal pen, soldiers were pulling horses of various breeds back and forth, and neat stables were so densely packed that one could not see the end. Judging from the number of horses in several nearby stables, there were probably no less than 10,000 war horses gathered here...

Lu Dongzan looked solemn and exhaled slowly: "Fang Jun... has big plans!"

Although Luntai is the hub of the Western Regions, the city area is not large. Logically speaking, so many war horses should be accommodated in a stable outside the city. Why should they be placed in the city, taking up so much space?

The only explanation is that these war horses were hidden from outsiders and no news would be sent to Damascus.

When the Arabs came with great momentum and attacked the Tang army's defense line fiercely, and the two sides were in a stalemate, more than 10,000 well-equipped armored cavalry suddenly rushed out from the rear...

Xi Duoyu was a little scared: "Fortunately, we have to terminate our cooperation with the Arabs now. From what I see, the Arabs have no chance of winning!"

If the Gar tribe had not been under house arrest by Fang Jun, it would have continued to cooperate with the Arabs as planned. Once the Arabs were defeated, the Gar tribe would have been the first to bear the brunt and face the wrath of the Tang Dynasty alone... I dare not even think about the consequences.

Lu Dongzan did not show any expression of relief, but became more solemn instead.

So many war horses gathered in Luntai City, were they really just going to launch a counterattack at the critical moment?

A warhorse came galloping from afar, and the cavalryman on the horse shouted loudly: "The Marshal invites the Prime Minister to have breakfast with us!"

Lu Dongzan glanced at the huge stable and turned back to the office.

……

The breakfast was very simple, just white porridge, pickles and steamed buns. Lu Dongzan couldn't help but admire Fang Jun, Pei Xingjian and Xue Rengui, who were either Tang nobles, children of aristocratic families or generals, as they wolfed down such a simple meal.

Luntai is extremely rich in resources, and it is not difficult to have delicious food and wine, but these people are happy to do so. Their self-discipline is truly impressive...

After breakfast, the guards removed the dishes, brewed a pot of tea and served it, and several people chatted around the table.

Fang Jun looked at Lu Dongzan with a smile and said, "The Prime Minister got up early in the morning and couldn't wait to observe the situation in Luntai City. I wonder if he has found anything? If so, please tell us so that we can make adjustments as soon as possible."

Lu Dongzan drank water with his eyelids drooping, and said calmly: "It's just going out for a walk to get some fresh air. Duke Yue is overthinking it."

"Heh," Fang Jun chuckled, and without hiding anything, he got straight to the point: "In your opinion, if we are fighting the enemy at the front line of Suiye Town and have no time to split up, and a troop suddenly rebels in the heart of the Western Regions and directly attacks the undermanned Xizhou, Tingzhou, and even Luntai, what kind of consequences will it lead to?"

Xiduo's hands trembled and the teacup almost fell to the ground. He turned to look at his father.

Lu Dongzan remained calm and said, "I have been in charge of Tubo for many years, but I rarely intervened in military affairs because I knew that I was not capable enough and not talented enough. When it comes to marching and fighting, I am not as good as my second son, Qinling. So, Duke Yue may have asked the wrong person. I can't give you any advice."

Fang Jun smiled again: "When it comes to marching and deploying troops, perhaps the Prime Minister is not good at it, but when it comes to strategic planning, how many people in the world can compare to the Prime Minister?"

Lu Dongzan remained silent.

Fang Jun took a sip of tea and asked calmly, "I heard that the Prime Minister and Ashina Helu are old friends?"

Xiduoyu pursed his lips nervously. He didn't know whether his father had any contact with Ashina Helu, but since Fang Jun asked him in person and with a bad look, there was obviously something wrong.

Lu Dongzan raised his eyelids, glanced at Fang Jun, and shook his head, saying, "I am an old friend of Yibi Shekui Khan. As for Ashina Helu...how can he be in my eyes? When it comes to friendship, he is not qualified."

Fang Jun picked up the teacup and drank tea.

Pei Xingjian said: "The Prime Minister should write a letter to Ashina Helu and ask them to come to Luntai. The Marshal has something to discuss with them."

Lu Dongzan's expression finally changed. He ignored Pei Xingjian and looked at Fang Jun and asked, "What does the Duke of Yue mean? Do you think that I have some connection with Ashina Helu and want to plot against the Western Regions?"

"Hey, why do you say that, Prime Minister?"

Fang Jun said with a smile, "It's just that the situation in the Western Region is tense right now, and we can't afford to make any mistakes. Ashina Helu has a precedent of rebellion, and I'm very worried about him. But if I order him to come to Luntai, he will be afraid and not only will he not dare to come, but he will even do something wrong in panic. By then, the situation will be turbulent and it will be hard to undo what has been done. Wouldn't that be unfair? Please write a letter to the Prime Minister and give him some kind advice so that everyone can be more decent."

Lu Dongzan remained silent, Xi Duoyu swallowed his saliva and asked, "What if it is not decent?"

Fang Jun drank tea and smiled without saying anything.

Pei Xingjian came out to act as a "mouthpiece" again: "Then give up Suiye City, withdraw the entire army to Gongyue City and Luntai, and guard the four towns of Anxi. The main force will besiege Mohe City and wipe out Ashina Helu. By the way, we will send troops to Dadouba Valley and massacre the Gar tribe to ensure the safety of Hexi. After that, we will gather the army, launch a counterattack, and fight a decisive battle with the Arabs!"

(End of this chapter)