My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 209: The Hongmen Banquet Set by Li Chengqian

The news is true.

In this era, no one dares to spread news about the Tang Dynasty casually.

When Wang Xuance entered Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, he heard from traveling merchants that the Persian emperor, Yazdegerd III, the king of a fallen country, was being wanted by the Arab Empire.

In order not to delay the instructions given by the prince, Wang Xuance immediately discussed with the King of Nepal, Nalindeva.

I hope Naling Deva can help me spread the Order of the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty.

Naling Deva would naturally not refuse the request of the Celestial Emissary, not to mention that it was an order from the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty.

So the news spread to the Multan area.

In fact, such words would easily arouse the Arab Empire's evil thoughts towards the Tang Dynasty.

But Wang Xuance didn't care.

I don't care about the so-called Arab Empire.

In his eyes, the Tang Dynasty was the center of the world and the source of civilization.

The sun, the moon, the heaven and the earth, all revolve around the Tang Dynasty.

Other places are collectively called the four barbarian lands.

The so-called Arab Empire was just like the Huns back then, a larger barbarian country.

Even in Wang Xuance's cognition, or the cognition of most learned people in the Tang Dynasty, the Arabs were descendants of the Huns.

The Xiongnu Empire was defeated by Emperor Wu of Han and fled to Central Asia to establish a country.

The present-day Arabs were once under the rule of the Huns.

This kind of cognition is rather narrow, but it is also quite common in this era.

Zhongtianzhu.

The court of the Harsha Empire.

King Harsha was a little distressed.

Naturally, he welcomed the Tang Dynasty delegation coming to India for exchanges.

Master Xuanzang made him aware of the distant Eastern Empire and its power.

As for the Tang Dynasty, Helisha was very close to it because of his relationship with Master Xuanzang.

But what I didn’t expect was that the Tang Dynasty delegation had already started to cause trouble before they even arrived.

But after only a brief hesitation, King Harsha decided to help the Tang Dynasty delegation.

First of all, this order was issued by the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, the future emperor of the Tang Empire, which makes it very authoritative.

Secondly, King Harsha was also somewhat afraid of the Arab Empire.

Although there is the Multan region as a buffer in the middle, the Arab Empire's ambition is too big. Will it be satisfied after annexing the territory of the Persian Empire?

They are still attacking Rome in the West.

Will they attack India in the future?

Since Horisha was able to unify central India, he was naturally a wise monarch.

Helping the Persian Emperor Yazdegerd III would not only win the favor of the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, but also cause more trouble for the Arab Empire. Why not do it?

King Harsha ordered that India would provide asylum to the Persian emperor, and the Harsha Empire would not recognize the Arab Empire's wanted warrant for the Persian emperor.

When the news reached the Multan area, many small countries and tribes were shocked.

The Arab Empire and the Indian Empire are starting to fight now?

There is also the Tang Empire here.

Three great empires, fighting for the Persian emperor.

This also made people in Multan area active.

Yazdegerd III wanted to flee to India with his personal guards.

Some people wanted to capture them and hand them over to the Arab Empire, while others wanted to make friends with India and the Tang Dynasty and help the last Persian emperor.

Obviously, it would not be an easy task for Yazdegerd III to successfully reach India, as the road was full of thorns and twists.

at the same time.

The Caliph of the Arab Empire, also known as the current Emperor Umar.

The continued attacks on neighboring countries are gradually being stopped.

This took into account the factors of the Tang Dynasty, as well as the fact that the current territory is vast enough and there are too many cities that need to be managed and digested.

Especially in the area of ​​missionary work.

The Arab Empire's temporary ceasefire brought relief to the distant Byzantine Empire.

Judging from the news they received, it is very likely that the delegation sent to the Tang Dynasty played a certain role.

And then came the news that the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty might have a relationship with the Byzantine Princess.

It made the two co-ruling emperors even more delighted.

If Byzantium could form a military alliance with the Tang Dynasty, the rise of the Arab Empire would be curbed to a certain extent.

Unlike the already declining Byzantine Empire, the Eastern Empire has always been so powerful.

With their help, the Arab Empire no longer dared to send troops at will.

They need enough troops to deal with the threat posed by the Tang Dynasty.

Omar actually also learned that the Tang Dynasty was gathering troops to attack Goryeo.

We want to intervene, but it is too far away. At most, we can provide some assistance in terms of momentum. To put it simply, we are waving flags and cheering, and acting as a cheerleader.

Goryeo was located at the easternmost part of the Tang Dynasty, while the Arab Empire was located at the westernmost part of the Tang Dynasty.

Just thinking about it, you know it's impossible to cross the entire Tang Dynasty to aid Goryeo.

The only thing that could be done was to launch a military action against the Anxi Protectorate of the Tang Dynasty.

But after discussion, Omar and other ministers finally rejected the proposal.

Because at present, there is no direct military conflict between the Tang Dynasty and the Arab Empire.

If they took the lead in deployment, it would be tantamount to provoking the Tang Dynasty.

The Arab Empire did not dare to bear the possible consequences.

It is obviously not a good thing to directly provoke the ancient and powerful Eastern empire, the origin of the Silk Road, at this time.

That would lead to a larger quagmire of war and cause great turmoil to the entire Arab Empire.
-
Changan.

Persian envoys, Byzantine envoys, and Arab envoys are all actively taking action.

Unfortunately, most of their actions were in vain.

The power structure of the Tang Dynasty meant that these envoys could not interfere in the court's decision-making at all.

The only people who could be contacted were middle-level officials in the Honglu Temple.

And these officials never took the Arabs or other countries seriously.

Li Shimin was even less concerned about the Arab Empire.

The tens of thousands of elite troops of the Anxi Protectorate, together with the Tang auxiliary army, can integrate a force of 100,000.

Moreover, the territory of the Arab Empire did not have direct contact with the Tang Dynasty. There were forces such as the Nine Zhaowu Clans and Tocharian in between.

If the Arab Empire wanted to launch an attack on the Tang Dynasty, it would first have to attack these places.

In contrast, Li Shimin was more concerned about the news from the Liaodong battlefield.

Although he did not lead the army in person, the military reports from the front line and the movements of the various armies were what Li Shimin was most concerned about.

Some intelligence about Goryeo also became the focus of discussions between the emperor and his ministers.

"The Turks are ready to make a move at the border, and envoys from Goryeo are constantly going there. The latest report is that the Western Turkic Khan Yipi Duolu wants to take this opportunity to persuade Yanqi, Qiemo, Tokharistan, and Kucha to jointly send troops to Anxi Protectorate."

"The Goryeo envoys are plotting for them in the surrounding areas. Anxi Protector General Guo Xiaoke has already ordered the Anxi states to offer a reward for killing the Goryeo envoys."

"After Xueyantuo Zhenzhu Khan's marriage proposal failed last year, he seems to be holding a grudge and has been obstructing the Anxi Protectorate." "A spy reported that Xueyantuo wants to take this opportunity to attack Ashina Simo's tribe."

"Anxi Protector General Guo Xiaoke requests that Your Majesty grant us the authority to launch an expedition at any time."

"As for Goryeo, Baekje refused to obey orders and did not respect the edict of Your Majesty, and is still attacking Silla."

"The troops sent by the Xi and Khitan tribes are already approaching Goryeo."

"The Black Water Mohe and the White Mountain Mohe have jointly sent 30,000 troops to support Goryeo. The Sumo Mohe has sent a message to Your Majesty that they will not participate in the war between the Tang Dynasty and Goryeo."

"The King of Wa sent a letter refusing to send warships to assist the Tang Dynasty, and also stated that he would not help Goryeo."

When the Tang Dynasty attacked Goryeo, almost all the surrounding countries and tribes also took action.

The countries in the Western Regions surrendered on the surface, but many countries still had different thoughts.

Especially Western Turkestan.

Yibi Duolu Khan, the leader of the larger Western Turkic tribe today, is the son of Shibi Khan of the Eastern Turkic Khanate.

After the fall of the Eastern Turks, he fled to the Western Turks and later proclaimed himself Khan.

In the first half of the 16th year of Zhenguan, Yibi Duolu Khan invaded Yizhou of the Tang Dynasty, was defeated by Guo Xiaoke, and is now causing trouble everywhere.

However, there were many tribes within Western Turkestan, and most of them did not support him.

To the northeast of the Tang Dynasty, the Xi and Khitan were Li Shimin's staunch supporters, which naturally affected his call.

The Mohe people were divided into three major tribes: Heishui, Baishan and Sulu.

The Sumo tribe was close to the Tang Dynasty and was therefore relatively submissive, while the Heishui and Baishan tribes were dependent on Goryeo.

Needless to say, Baekje had long been in cahoots with Goryeo and wanted to divide Silla.

The Wa Kingdom has not yet started the Taika Reform as it did in history, and is currently a mess. Each tribe is nominally ruled by the King of Wa, but in reality each lives their own life.

Earlier, Wakoku did not have a country name until the King of Wa in the southern part of the archipelago sent envoys to pay tribute to the Eastern Han Dynasty. He wanted to establish his own power and throne by being a vassal of the Han Dynasty, so he requested Emperor Guangwu of Han to grant him a title.

When Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu saw that the Japanese envoys were short in stature, he named their country Wakoku, appointed their king the King of Wa, and gave the Han Dynasty the seal of the King of Wakoku.

After listening to the information reported by all parties, Li Shimin began to make arrangements.

"Send a decree to the Anxi Protectorate, granting Anxi Protector Guo Xiaoke the right to act at his discretion."

"Send a message to the nine states of Zhaowu in the Western Regions and Tokharistan. If they dare to take the opportunity to cause unrest, Gaochang will serve as a lesson for them."

"Send a message to Xueyantuo, if you wantonly provoke a war, be careful of the Tang Heavenly Soldiers."

"Send a message to Baekje. If they still refuse to change their ways, it will be too late to regret."

Li Shimin gave orders slowly and calmly.

Countries and tribes that attempted to cause trouble were rebuked one by one.

Allowing Anxi Protector General Guo Xiaoke to act at his discretion is not much different from directly asking him to send troops.

The Western Regions are too far away from Chang'an. It is impossible to wait until others come knocking and then come to ask for instructions first.

The Anxi Protectorate had great power.

However, if one wants to initiate military action against another country, one must obtain the emperor's permission.

The meaning of this convenient move is that Anxi Protector Guo Xiaoke can call upon the surrounding Tang allied troops at any time to attack any country or tribe that intends to or attempts to challenge the majesty of the Tang Dynasty.

The war against Goryeo took up a lot of the Tang Dynasty's energy, and there were always some people with ulterior motives who wanted to use this opportunity to achieve their own goals.

Anxi Protectorate is where the elite border troops are stationed, and their combat effectiveness is extremely strong.

Twenty thousand soldiers may not seem like a lot, but at this time, they were all brave generals and soldiers, truly one Han could defeat five Barbarians.

Even if only a few thousand troops were dispatched, they could sweep away most of the small countries and tribes in the Western Regions.

With 10,000 troops deployed, no country or force in the Western Regions can resist alone.

This is the confidence of the Anxi Protectorate.

The only one who could impose some restrictions on him was Li Shimin.

The Anxi Protectorate was established after the destruction of Gaochang Kingdom. Qiao Shiwang was the first Anxi Protectorate. In the 16th year of Zhenguan last year, Guo Xiaoke succeeded Qiao Shiwang as Anxi Protectorate.

Guo Xiaoke is more powerful than Qiao Shiwang and more domineering towards the surrounding forces.

During this time when the Tang Dynasty sent troops to attack Goryeo, it frequently dispatched troops for inspections.

Before the intelligence reached Chang'an, several Goryeo envoys had been killed.

August fourteenth.

Li Chengqian and Li Daozon arrived in Yingzhou.

Start preparing for military operations and integrating the army.

Although Li Chengqian had gunpowder, a powerful siege weapon, in his hands, it was not the time to use it yet.

Attacking a city does not simply require blowing up the city gates; one also needs to fight for the city.

When gunpowder appeared, the terrifying roar was enough to bring the morale of the Goryeo soldiers in Liaodong City to the lowest point.

This requires the army to launch a direct offensive against Liaodong City rather than a feint attack.

Under such circumstances, Li Chengqian had to consider seizing power from Li Daozon.

Before attacking the city, Li Chengqian wanted to take away the military power from Li Daozon.

This is the only way to maximize power.

August seventeenth.

King Li Tai of Wei arrived in Laizhou.

Zhang Liang has gathered warships and is heading for Korea.

Eight hundred warships may seem like a lot, but in the vast ocean they appear very small.

Li Tai stood on the deck, feeling very excited.

Although Li Tai had no tactical suggestions to offer, he still had some strategic ideas.

The Minister of Justice Zhang Liang has already talked to Li Tai.

After crossing the sea, they launched a siege directly on Beisha City.

Li Tai was very confident. How could the small city of Beisha resist his large army?

August 20th.

Yingzhou.

With the continuous creation of siege equipment, a large number of ladders, catapults and battering rams have been built.

Currently waiting for news from Hou Junji.

As soon as Hou Junji and Li Ji's main forces arrived at Gaimu City, Li Chengqian and Li Daozon immediately launched a feint attack, making the defenders of Liaodong City dare not send troops to support Gaimu City.

It was sunset that day.

Li Chengqian set up a banquet in the big tent and invited Li Daozon and a dozen of his generals to discuss matters.

Li Daozon didn't think much about it and notified his subordinates to come together.

After all, he would never have imagined that the prince would set up a Hongmen Banquet for him at this time.

Just when Li Daozon arrived at the prince's tent.

Su Dingfang led hundreds of people into Li Daozon's camp.

At this time, Li Daozon was completely unaware of it.

A group of generals attended the banquet with great enthusiasm.

At the banquet, Li Dao Zong asked curiously, "Your Highness, why don't you see General Su?"

Su Dingfang is the most capable general around the prince, so how could he not participate in such a meeting?

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "Don't worry, I have arranged other things and should be here soon."

(End of this chapter)