My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 138: Tang Dynasty is completely ignorant of its own power

The superior ones attack their plans, the middle ones attack their alliances, and the inferior ones attack their troops.

To curb the development of the Arab Empire, it is not necessary to resort to war.

The Tang Dynasty underestimated its influence on the world's international political landscape.

In Asia, apart from the Tang Dynasty, the relatively strong countries were the Turks, Tubo, Wa, and Silla.

However, in the fourth year of Zhenguan, after Li Shimin destroyed the Eastern Turks, all the surrounding countries had nominally become vassal states of the Tang Dynasty.

In other words, Li Shimin's title of Heavenly Khan meant he was the common ruler of all East Asia.

In the eyes of other countries, this is a real dragon soaring in the sky and an unparalleled overlord.

If the rising Arab Empire heard the news that the East Asian hegemon might attack it, could it still develop with peace of mind?

The Western Regions of the Tang Dynasty were adjacent to the Arab Empire.

After listening to the prince's story, Li Shimin also breathed a sigh of relief.

He was really worried that the prince would become militaristic and would kill anyone he saw.

Now that I heard this, I suddenly had some ideas in my mind.

So he said loudly to the Byzantine delegation: "I am aware of your country's predicament, but the matter of sending troops cannot be made rashly. We must think carefully."

After listening to it, Narender immediately translated it for Theodosius and Alex.

I also added my own understanding of this sentence.

"Alex, this is good news. After the intervention of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty did not directly reject your request, but instead said that he would give it some careful consideration."

"This is our hope. If we can gain the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, then the Tang Dynasty is likely to form a military alliance with you and attack the Arab Empire together."

"Of course, from my current point of view, this process may be very long and may take a long time. It seems that we have to stay in Chang'an for a while longer."

Theodosius said firmly: "As long as there is a glimmer of hope, we will never give up."

Alex nodded in agreement, then stepped forward to thank the Emperor of Tang.

After the morning session.

Li Chengqian took gifts and went to Wei Zheng's residence to visit him.

Yongxingfang.

Li Chengqian was very familiar with this place because it was where the Military Academy was located.

It is also where Wei Zheng lived.

However, it is still some distance away from the Military Academy.

Wei House.

Only after coming here did Li Chengqian realize to what extent Wei Zheng was frugal.

There is not even a main hall, just a very small courtyard, which can be described as completely simple.

Li Chengqian was also speechless.

Wei Zheng was actually very rich. He had previously been a third-rank minister. The grain, land, and salary awarded by the court were all very substantial sums.

In addition to the money rewarded by Li Shimin, Empress Changsun once rewarded 200,000 coins and 400 pieces of silk.

Plus Wei Zheng’s own writing fee.

If there had been no corruption, Wei Zheng's fortune would have been at least hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions.

Although housing prices in Chang'an were very high, a slightly better house would only cost around 200,000 coins, which Wei Zheng was fully able to afford.

Hiring a few servants to serve him was not a burden for Wei Zheng.

But he just wanted to do it, just to express his integrity.

When Li Chengqian came, there were still quite a few people here. Wei Zheng was famous, so naturally many people came to visit him.

Including Zhang Xuansu, the Junior Secretary of the Eastern Palace, was also here.

It is really like the saying goes, This is a humble room, but my virtue is fragrant.

Talk and laugh with ru, no contacts STOMATOLOGY.

Seeing His Royal Highness the Crown Prince coming, everyone bowed to him.

Then Li Chengqian went to Wei Zheng's room.

"Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Please forgive me for being ill and unable to perform the ceremony."

Wei Zheng, lying on the hospital bed, looked pale and bloodless, and there was a very strong smell of medicine in the room.

Li Chengqian hurriedly stepped forward and said in a gentle voice, "Master Wei, there is no need to be so polite. Just focus on recuperating. I heard that you were seriously ill and was worried, so I came to visit you."

Wei Zheng forced a smile with difficulty, and said in a weak voice: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. I am ashamed to accept it."

Li Chengqian looked at the simple room and frowned slightly: "Why is Master Wei so harsh on me?"

The room is really small, and it would seem crowded if two or three people stood inside.

Wei Zheng shook his head slowly: "Your Highness, I am not being harsh on myself, but I am reminding myself to not forget my roots and not to covet pleasure. I have received the kindness of Your Majesty and the Queen, and I should repay them with honesty and dedication."

Li Chengqian felt that this stubborn idea was a bit insane.

He sighed softly, "Master Wei's character is admirable. But you must take care of yourself. If anything happens to you, it will be a loss to the Tang Dynasty."

Wei Zheng's eyes flashed with relief: "Your Highness is kind and benevolent, and has the appearance of a wise ruler. I only hope that Your Highness can learn from history, govern the country diligently, and live up to the expectations of Your Majesty and the people."

When Li Chengqian heard this, he knew that Wei Zheng had already heard about the rumors outside.

This is to cooperate with each other and promote each other's business.

Wei Zheng’s personal words can have a strong suppressive effect on the current rumors in Chang’an City.

"Master Wei, take a good rest. I won't disturb you any further."

Li Chengqian turned around and walked out.

Outside the door was Wei Zheng's wife, Mrs. Pei.

Pei was a famous virtuous wife in history. Like Wei Zheng, she adhered to the honest and frugal attitude towards life.

"Madam, how is Master Wei's condition?"

Hearing the prince's question, Pei replied with a worried look on her face: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty has sent a royal physician. Now the condition is much more stable."

Zhang Xuansu sighed, "Fortunately, Duke Wei has been studying the creation of nature with me at the Zhanshi Mansion these days."

"At that time, we invited many famous doctors to collect medical prescriptions. Fortunately, one doctor saw that Duke Wei had a hidden illness and treated him early."

"Otherwise, it would be really dangerous if the disease breaks out."

Wei Zheng was appointed as the Prince's Grand Tutor last year.

The reason why Li Shimin did this was largely to establish that the prince's legitimacy was beyond doubt.

Because the power of the King of Wei was too great at the time, in order to maintain balance and stability, the power of the Crown Prince was strengthened to a certain extent.

Li Chengqian asked Zhang Xuansu to work on Tiangong Kaiwu and sent all the civil servants of the Eastern Palace over there, also so that they would mind their own business less.

After Wei Zheng came into contact with it, he gladly joined in.

This kind of encyclopedia did not exist in the Tang Dynasty. Being able to participate in its compilation was bound to leave one's name in history.

What Wei Zheng cared about most was reputation, so he naturally joined with pleasure.

Li Chengqian blinked when he heard this.

The fact that Wei Zheng didn’t die had something to do with me.

He really didn't expect this.

I originally thought that Wei Zheng's death was an inevitable thing in history, but I didn't expect there was room for reversal.

According to the current situation, maybe I can live two more years.

In fact, Li Chengqian felt that Wei Zheng was better alive than dead.

Wei Zheng was famous for his confrontation with Er Feng, but in fact, he was quite capable. He also devoted himself to handling government affairs.

The reason why Li Shimin was able to govern the country so easily was largely due to this group of capable and competent civil servants.

The disadvantage of concentrating power is that it will become like Zhu Yuanzhang in later generations, dealing with hundreds of government affairs every day, which is even worse than 996. At least now Li Shimin is living a more relaxed life.

"At this time, we have to thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. If it weren't for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince compiling Tiangong Kaiwu."

"My old Wei would not have had his hidden illness discovered by a famous doctor in advance. If it had suddenly broken out, his life would have been in danger."

"I would like to thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for his kindness."

Pei was a smart person. After she finished speaking, she immediately kowtowed to the prince.

Li Chengqian quickly helped him up: "Madam, you are too kind. This is the blessing that Master Wei deserves."

"Master Wei has devoted all his life to the Tang Dynasty. It is my great honor to be able to save Master Wei from danger."

Pei's eyes were filled with tears and gratitude: "Your Highness is kind-hearted. I thank you again on behalf of my husband. Your Highness compiled Tiangong Kaiwu, which is truly a move to benefit the Tang Dynasty. My husband always said that if this book is completed, it will benefit future generations."

Li Chengqian nodded slightly: "I also hope that this book can benefit the people of the Tang Dynasty. I am also very pleased that Master Wei can participate in it. Now that Master Wei's condition is stable, Madam, you still need to take good care of him and let Master Wei recover soon."

Pei nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, Your Highness, I will take care of you wholeheartedly."

Zhang Xuansu also said: "Your Highness, this is a great deed. It is also a blessing from heaven that Duke Wei can get this opportunity. I believe that after Duke Wei recovers, he will be more diligent and serve the Tang Dynasty."

With this said, Li Chengqian's purpose of this visit was not only achieved, but also exceeded.

There must be rumors among the people that it was because of the prince's contribution that Wei Zheng's life was saved.

By then, the previous rumors about the prince would naturally be refuted.

at the same time.

Inside Buzhengfang.

This was also the main residence where the Honglu Temple arranged for foreign envoys to live.

The news from the court spread. The reason why it spread so quickly was naturally because Li Shimin deliberately arranged people to spread it.

The members of the Arab delegation quickly gathered together because of the news.

The leader of the delegation, Amir, frowned and paced back and forth. He stroked his beard and said in a deep voice: "Insha Allah! The Romans' move is really tricky. Our relationship with the Tang Dynasty is extremely important now. We must not let them join forces with Rome."

In Arabic, Insha'Allah is a colloquial term, which means 'if Allah wills', 'if Allah permits', 'may Allah grant it'.

It also reflects the fear and obedience to the will of Allah.

"Wali, we must tell the Caliph the news here." said another messenger.

In Arabic, Wali is a term for superiors, similar to the term "adult" in later generations.

The supreme ruler of the Arab Empire is generally called the Caliph.

Another older envoy said: "Wali, the Tang court seems to be still discussing it, but the Roman delegation's request has caused an uproar."

"If His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty agrees to their request, it will have a huge impact on the development of our Arab Empire."

"You have lived here for such a long time, I think you have enough understanding of the situation in the Tang Dynasty. This is an empire that is more powerful and ancient than our Arab Empire."

The older messenger's words aroused the approval of everyone present.

They had sufficient understanding of the strength of the Tang Dynasty, and they were also very clear about what would happen if the Tang Dynasty participated in the pincer attack on the Arab Empire.

The Arab Empire will have to concentrate most of its energy to face the possible dangers posed by the Tang Dynasty.

Now all foreign wars must be stopped and troops must be mobilized to guard against the Tang Dynasty.

Another calm old envoy thought for a moment and said, "Insha Allah! The most urgent thing is that we must meet with the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty as soon as possible to show him our sincerity and friendship. We must emphasize that the Arab Empire and the Tang Dynasty can deepen cooperation in trade, culture and other aspects and prosper together, rather than fall into the quagmire of war."

Amir, the leader of the delegation, said in a deep voice: "It is not easy to meet His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty."

"The officials of the Honglu Temple will not easily agree to our request, especially when the Roman delegation comes."

"I heard that the Tang court originally opposed the Roman delegation's request, but His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty spoke out to stop it and persuaded His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty to consider and discuss the matter."

The young messenger asked, "Vali, so now we should try to get close to the Crown Prince and persuade him to stop supporting Rome?"

Amir shook his head and said, "No, it is very difficult to convince His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty."

"The Roman envoys will definitely try to get close to him and ask for his support, which is very disadvantageous to us."

"Perhaps we can support others. You know, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty is not without rivals."

The struggle between the Crown Prince of Tang and the King of Wei has long been no secret in Chang'an City.

Diplomatic missions from various countries have always been very concerned about the political structure of the Tang Dynasty. After all, if there are any changes in the Tang Dynasty, it will also have a huge impact on the surrounding countries.

War is only one aspect; the impact on economy and trade is even more obvious.

"Insha Allah! We should prepare sufficient gifts and go to meet the King of Wei."

"Perhaps we can also visit envoys from other countries and ask them to support us."

The older messenger suggested.

Amir nodded: "We can write to the Caliph and ask other countries' embassies to support us, and they will receive the friendship of the Arab Empire."

The Arab Empire occupied most of Central Asia, a location that was the crossroads of the entire Asian continent.

Although China is the source of the Silk Road, the Silk Road is actually controlled by middlemen such as Persia and Arabia.

The seventh century was the peak of the rise of the Arab Empire, which was rapidly sweeping across Central Asia, including parts of Europe.

Because of the geographical advantage, if a country gains the friendship of the Arab Empire, it will indeed have a great advantage in doing business.

On the other hand, the Byzantine delegation was also taking active action.

"We should pay our respects to the Crown Prince."

"Li Lunde, we need your help."

Alex suggested.

Narende said: "But it is not an easy thing to meet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

"I'm just a businessman, and businessmen don't have much status in the Tang Dynasty."

"Do you know where His Royal Highness the Crown Prince lives? It's called the East Palace, and it's right next to His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty."

"Also, we need to prepare a precious gift to express our sincerity."

Alex said helplessly: "Li Lunde, you are very clear about our current situation. Now I can only ask for your help."

When he arrived in Chang'an from Byzantium, he was unable to carry much money and had to rely entirely on Narendra's financial support.

Narender was helpless. He funded almost all the expenses of the entire mission, which was also a huge investment for him.

If you withdraw now, you will get nothing. This is the sunk cost effect.

Narender sighed and said, "I am now like a gambler. I have placed all my chips on the mission of your mission. Every time I provide funding, I am raising the stakes. Now, I am deeply involved and cannot extricate myself."

"I will go find our friends and find a way to meet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

"If you succeed, you must give me enough rewards."

"But the problem now is that we don't have much money anymore. For this mission, I didn't bring enough goods to sell."

"Next in Chang'an, we will definitely need more money."

Alex comforted him, "Li Lunde, don't worry, the rewards will definitely exceed your imagination."

"If it's a question of money, I can write a letter, and your Sogdian friend can take this letter to Constantinople to get the reward."

"Both emperors will support our actions, won't they?"

Hearing this, Narender smiled brightly.

This was his best way to cash in, so he said happily, "Dear Commander Alex, Respected Princess, I will go find my friends, they will definitely be willing to support us."

"We will definitely succeed in meeting His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. I will take care of this matter."

(End of this chapter)