Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 324: Report from Chang'an
Since Queen Bao ascended the throne for the second time, the capital of Japan was moved to Asuka Castle.

After staying in the Tang Dynasty for four years, Abe Maro, the envoy to Tang Dynasty, was finally recalled to Japan by Queen Bao because the Tang Dynasty cancelled the envoys to Tang Dynasty.

The royal palace of Wakoku is called Asuka-itagami Palace.

At this moment, Abemaro was kneeling in the rear bedroom of the palace, reporting the situation in the Tang Dynasty to the two most powerful people in Japan, Queen Takara and Prince Nakano Oe.

Both of them were kneeling and sitting at the head.

Queen Bao sat in the middle, with Prince Zhongdaxiong sitting on the side.

Queen Bao is over sixty years old this year. Although she was famous for her beauty when she was young, she is now just an old woman.

In any case, this woman was the supreme ruler of Japan.

When she heard that the Tang Dynasty emperor ranked Japan after Silla when receiving envoys from various countries, she snorted coldly.

"The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty was so rude that he humiliated his country in this way."

Prince Zhongdaxiong, who was sitting next to her, said in a deep voice, "Why would the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty suddenly become so cold towards our country for no apparent reason?"

When Abenmaro heard this, his whole body trembled.

Prince Nakadaoe is not someone who can be easily fooled. It was he who forced Queen Bao to abdicate.

Although Queen Bao ascended the throne again, she was unable to deal with him.

The power of Japan is temporarily held by two people, forming a wonderful balance.

"Your Highness, I don't know why the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty suddenly changed his attitude. There was no sign before." He whispered.

Prince Zhongdaxiong said coldly, "In this situation, you, the envoy to Tang, cannot escape blame. Come, drag him away and execute him by chopping him into pieces!"

The punishment of mincing people into meat paste was first introduced in the Central Plains Dynasty and later spread to Korea and Japan.

When Abenmaro heard this, he almost fainted from fright.

Queen Bao snorted and said, "It was the Tang Dynasty that was being disrespectful, yet you executed our own ministers. My prince, where has your spirit gone?"

Zhong Daxiong said solemnly, "Mother, the Tang Dynasty is powerful. We should continue to send envoys to the Tang Dynasty to learn from them. We must not fight with them."

Queen Bao continued, "Baekje has sent people to ask for our help, requesting that we send troops to assist. I want to take this opportunity to secure a piece of fertile land for my country, but you advise me not to send troops."

Prince Zhongdaxiong said, "Yes, spies have reported that the Tang Dynasty's naval forces in Yingzhou and Laizhou are already gathering for training and are likely to take action. We should not intervene, lest we conflict with the Tang Dynasty!"

Queen Bao snorted and said, "If you are so afraid of the Tang Dynasty, how can you reassure your subjects?"

Prince Zhongdaxiong frowned and said, "Mother, this is not fear, but enduring humiliation."

Queen Bao said coldly, "There's no need to make excuses for yourself. Abianmalu, you're familiar with the Tang Dynasty. Tell me, how many naval forces does the Tang Dynasty have in Yingzhou and Laizhou?"

Abianmalu hurriedly said, "The naval forces in Ying and Lai Prefectures have a full complement of fifty or sixty Zhechoufu, or 50,000 to 60,000 men. However, most of them are engaged in farming. The Tang Emperor has not ordered the mobilization of the fu troops, so there are only 10,000 to 20,000 men on the payroll right now."

Queen Bao asked, "My prince, how many Japanese navy troops are there?"

Zhong Daxiong said, "Including the guards from various countries, there are about 120,000 to 130,000 troops. The number of troops that the court can mobilize alone is about 60,000."

Japan is located on the coast, and the number of its navy is almost the same as its army.

Queen Bao then asked, "How many warships did the Tang Dynasty have?"

Abianmalu said, "Yingzhou has less than 200 warships, and Laizhou should have even fewer."

Queen Bao said, "Wang'er, what about us?"

Zhong Daxiong said: "More than a thousand ships."

Queen Bao laughed and said, "After hearing this, are you still afraid of the Tang Dynasty?"

Zhong Daxiong said solemnly, "The Tang Dynasty is good at fighting, and their troops are all elite. They should not be underestimated. Even if we have the advantage in numbers, we may not be able to win!"

Queen Bao shook her head and said, "You've been increasingly disappointing lately. Your brother is much braver than you. How about this? Summon the ministers tomorrow and listen to their opinions."

The next day at the Japanese court, Queen Bao raised this matter.

The Japanese ministers all agreed to rescue Baekje and would find an opportunity in the future to force the Baekje king to cede land.

Because of this incident, Queen Bao gained the support of the ministers and overwhelmed Prince Nakadaeo.

She had always wanted to completely control the power of Japan, so she decided to lead the army in person to increase her prestige so that she would not be constrained by Nakano Oe.

Although Zhong Daxiong lost the fight this time, he was not discouraged at all.

At this time, he was in his backyard, kneeling opposite a young minister.

"Kamata, everything is as you and I expected. In order to suppress me, my mother has decided to mobilize the entire country and lead the army personally!" He said with a smile.

The minister, Nakatomi Kamatari, was Nakano Oe's advisor. Upon hearing this, he said, "That's great! After this expedition, the country will be yours."

Nakada-nii asked, "Have all arrangements been made at Chikushi Asakura Palace?"

Nakatomi Kamatari said, "Everything has been arranged."

Zhong Daxiong nodded and said, "Kamatari, we must win this battle with the Tang people, otherwise they will not respect us, and the subsequent negotiations will be difficult to carry out."

Nakatomi Kamatari said, "Don't worry, I have already selected the best fighters for you."

"Who?"

Nakatomi Kamazu said: "Onigashima Kawakiyoshi!"

Zhong Daxiong asked, "That pirate?"

Nakatomi Kamatari said solemnly, "Prince, although this man is a pirate, he can repeatedly defeat thousands of troops attacking him with only a few hundred men. His naval combat skills are unmatched in our country. To deal with an enemy like the Tang Dynasty, he is the most suitable general!"

Zhong Daxiong slapped his knee and said, "Alright, as long as we can win, I can use anyone! You can secretly replace him with someone else, and when the plan succeeds, appoint him to lead the army!"

……

After leaving Chang'an, Li Zhi's patrol team headed east along Tongguan Road.

The road from Chang'an to Hulao Pass is the road between the Yellow River and the Qinling Mountains.

Looking down from the air, you will find that this road is more like a plank road on the edge of the huge Qinling Mountains, which is extremely steep.

Only after walking on this road himself did Li Zhi understand why it was so difficult to transport grain from Luoyang.

To the east of Tongguan, there is a Huangxiangban, about five miles long, which is called the "Five-Li Dark Gate".

The road is narrow and steep, dark and gloomy. Walking on it, one cannot see the sky. That is why it is called the Dark Gate.

It was precisely these narrow roads that made it difficult to transport grain by land, resulting in food shortages in Chang'an City.

After passing Tongguan, continue eastward and soon arrive at Hanguguan.

This pass is very close to Sanmenxia. Li Zhi wanted to see the situation in Sanmenxia, ​​so he ordered the troops to station at Hangu Pass.

The next morning, he climbed to the highest peak of Hangu Pass, Wangqitai, with only Xue Rengui, Wang Jishan and other soldiers.

Wangqitai is the peak where Yin Xi, the commander of Hangu Pass, climbed to look into the distance and observe the celestial phenomena. It is the most suitable peak for overlooking the mountains and rivers.

Like Tongguan, Hanguguan has the reputation of "one man guarding the pass, ten thousand men cannot break through."

Compared with Tongguan, Hanguguan has another natural barrier, which is Hongnong Gorge to the east of the pass.

Because the pass was built between ravines and was as deep and dangerous as a box, it was named "Hangu".

Three passes were built successively within Hangu Pass, namely: Qin Pass, Han Pass and Wei Pass.

The pass that Li Zhi climbed was Qin Pass.

In order to break through this pass, one must first cross the Hongnong Gorge.

When the six states attacked Qin, Qin relied on the natural barrier of Hangu Pass, causing the armies of the six states to suffer "millions of corpses and floating blood."

Li Zhi stood on the city wall of Wangqi Tower and looked around. Only then could he deeply appreciate the beauty of the mountains and rivers.

This visual impact felt like a surge of air rushing out of one's dantian, rushing straight to the forehead. It was a refreshing feeling, and a surge of lofty ambitions arose in the heart. At this moment, the worries and sorrows that had long been pent up in the heart were also cleared away.

It is impossible to experience this feeling unless you are there in person.

Li Zhi finally understood why Sun Simiao asked him to leave Chang'an and search for famous rivers and mountains.

This kind of sudden enlightenment in mind is impossible to experience in Chang'an City.

It was the height of summer, and the mountain breeze blew my clothes and dispelled the scorching heat.

Li Zhi stood facing the wind, looking sideways at the Sanmen Gorge to the north.

Looking around, you can see many boats sailing on the turbulent and turbid river.

The quantity is not large, but the waterway is already clear and can deliver supplies to Chang'an.

At the easternmost end, there is a tall mountain standing in the middle of the river, dividing the river water rolling in from upstream into two.

Blocked by this mountain, the river flows slower.

This mountain is Zhongtiao Mountain, also known as Zhongliu Mountain. The original Sanmenxia was located in the narrow waterway upstream.

The reefs are no longer visible at this time, so the specific locations of the three reefs cannot be determined.

However, the reef has been destroyed at this time, but the water is still turbulent. If the reef was still there, you can imagine how dangerous it would be. No wonder the waterway is difficult to pass.

Just as Li Zhi was watching intently, a gentle voice came from beside him, bringing him back to his senses.

"Your Majesty, it's time to go down the mountain."

Li Zhi turned his head and saw that it was Wu Meiniang who called him.

She was wearing an orange-red dress that fluttered in the wind, and her high bun was also blown messy by the summer breeze.

Li Zhi smiled and said, "Mei Niang, why are you here too?"

Wu Meiniang tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, gazed at the mighty Yellow River, and smiled as she said, "Hong'er sent someone with news, so I thought of coming here to tell Your Majesty. Also, there's an urgent report coming from Yingzhou."

Li Zhi's first destination during this tour was Hebei, so he issued an order in advance that the military reports from Yingzhou be sent directly to his carriage.

Li Zhi first asked what news Li Hong had sent.

Wu Meiniang said, "It seems that Zhangsun Wuji was assassinated."

Li Zhi's heart trembled: "Are you injured?"

Wu Meiniang laughed and said, "Your Majesty underestimates him. Even if he were a commoner, killing him would be no easier than sneaking into the palace and assassinating him."

Li Zhi nodded and said, "I'm glad you're alright. Let's go down the mountain."

After returning to the camp, Wu Meiniang had just helped Li Zhi wash his face when Xue Rengui came with Gao Kan, and Wang Jishan followed behind.

Li Zhi walked to the table and sat down, raised his hand to signal everyone not to be polite, and looked at Gao Kan.

"Why did Gao Qing come here in person? Did something happen?"

Gao Kan bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the situation on the Liaodong Peninsula is unstable and there is a fear of a major war. That is why Commander-in-Chief Liu has sent me here to explain the situation to Your Majesty!"

Li Zhi frowned and said, "So, our training of the navy has failed to intimidate the countries on the peninsula?"

Gao Kan said, "Your Majesty, Goguryeo and Silla have been intimidated by us and dare not act rashly. However, Japan is not at peace."

Li Zhi's eyes flickered: "What actions have they taken?"

Gao Kan said, "According to military reports from Yingzhou and Laizhou, the Japanese army has assembled in Kyushu and is showing signs of moving in full force."

Wang Jishan bowed and said, "Your Majesty, according to intelligence reports, the King of Baekje has sent his son, Buyeo Pung, to Japan as a hostage, and is requesting Japan to send troops to help!"

Li Zhi pondered for a moment and said, "Wang Qing, go and bring Lady Jin over here."

Wang Jishan said, "Your Majesty, she is already waiting outside the tent." Then he walked out of the tent and brought Jin Yan in.

Li Zhi looked at Jin Yan and said, "Madam Jin, are you clear about the current situation in Baekje?"

Jin Yan said, "I know it well."

Li Zhi said, "I originally did not want to start a war on the peninsula, but the situation has changed. I cannot let Baekje fall into the hands of the Japanese, so I decided to send troops to attack the Japanese."

Changing the subject, he said, "But I don't want to help the King of Baekje either. Do you understand what I mean?"

Jin Yan's eyes flashed, and she said, "I understand. I can go to Baekje and persuade Heichi Changzhi to lead his troops to surrender to the Tang Dynasty, and then ask the Tang Dynasty for assistance!"

Li Zhi nodded and said, "That's very good. I'll trouble you to make this trip. Wang Qing, you must fully assist Lady Jin."

Wang Jishan agreed and left with Jin Yan.

Wang Jishan brought Jin Yan to his tent, and the two sat as host and guest, discussing the trip to Baekje.

Wang Jishan said, "Lady Jin, the Inner Guards have already established an outer fort in Yingzhou. I will give you an order. When you go to Yingzhou, show it to the outer fort's Zhechou Duwei, and he will help you."

Jin Yan said, "Thank you, General."

Wang Jishan took a sip of tea and said, "After you go to Baekje, have you thought about how to persuade Heichi Changzhi?"

Jin Yan said, "I will directly tell His Majesty what he means. Given the current situation in Baekje, I believe he will make the right choice."

Wang Jishan's eyes flickered as he said, "Above Heichi Changzhi is Fuxin of Buyeo. If he doesn't agree to submit to the Tang Dynasty, what can you do?"

Jin Yan frowned and said, "Given the current situation in Baekje, he shouldn't refuse, right?"

Wang Jishan narrowed his eyes and said, "If you tell His Majesty directly what he wants, not only will he not agree, he might even do something bad to you!"

Jin Yan was surprised and asked, "Why is that?"

Wang Jishan stared at her and said, "You've been in Chang'an for so long, you should know the emperor's style. Have you heard of the name Subiranya?"

Jin Yan lowered her head slightly and said, "I heard it from someone."

Wang Jishan said, "Then you should know that His Majesty is likely to make you the next Subiranya. If you conquer Baekje in the future, you will be the governor of Baekje."

Jin Yan felt a warm feeling in her heart.

In fact, she had also thought about this secretly. When she heard Wang Jishan say this, it was obvious that she was not just imagining things.

Wang Jishan continued, "Your mother is very prestigious among the Mahan people, which also gives you a certain influence among the Mahan people. This alone will make Buyeo Fuxin wary of you."

"If you still have the support of the Tang Dynasty, Fuyu Fuxin will be even more afraid. Because with our support, you are fully capable of killing him and replacing him."

Jin Yan took a deep breath and said, "You're right. He and Fu Yu Yi Ci are the same kind of people. He will definitely kill me!"

Wang Jishan said, "So you can't just reveal your identity."

Jin Yan said, "Then what should I do?"

Wang Jishan said slowly, "It's very simple. Just return to Baekje with your own identity."

Jin Yan had been a spy for many years and was no fool. She understood immediately and said, "You mean, let them come to me on their own initiative?"

Wang Jishan smiled and said, "They need help in this situation. When you return to Baekje, they will ask you about the situation in the Tang Dynasty and whether they can get help from the Tang Dynasty!"

A gleam of light flashed in Jin Yan's eyes, and she said, "Then what should I do next?"

Wang Jishan waved his hand and said, "The rest you can figure out on your own. In short, just complete the mission His Majesty has assigned you."

It is Baekje that is in crisis now, and the Tang Dynasty is providing assistance, so this matter is not difficult.

Jin Yan lowered her head and thought for a moment, then she came up with an idea. She thanked Wang Jishan, returned to her tent, and prepared for the trip.

That night, she took four of her inner guards with her, left Hangu Pass, and headed towards the ferry, preparing to cross the river to Hebei.

The next morning, Li Zhi's imperial touring team also broke camp and set off, continuing eastward towards Luoyang.

(End of this chapter)