Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 341 Lobbying the Tang Dynasty
Jin Yan remained silent and listened quietly.

After a while, Daochen and the others finished their discussion and returned to their respective seats.

Jin Yan then asked Dao Chen, "Why are you discussing attacking Goguryeo with the Mohe and Shiwei? Isn't our current enemy Yici?"

Daochen walked to the table and sat down. He drank a sip of wine to moisten his throat and said in Baekje: "Princess, you don't know. Something happened here while you were away."

Jin Yan asked, "What's going on?"

Dao Chen said with a sullen face, "The envoys from Tibet, India, and the Western Regions have all petitioned the Tang Emperor, saying that the King of the Arabs is cruel and merciless, wantonly conquering other countries. We hope that the Tang Dynasty will send a righteous army to lead the other nations to fight against the Arabs!"

Jin Yan frowned and said, "They are afraid of an invasion from the Arabs, so they say these high-sounding words. They simply want to use the Tang Dynasty to contain the Arabs."

Dao Chen said: "This is very obvious. If the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty really sends troops to fight against the Arabs, it will not be good for us!"

Jin Yan nodded.

If the Tang Dynasty's attention was drawn to the west, it would naturally not have much energy to interfere in the affairs of Liaodong.

Dao Chen said, "So we need to support the Mohe and Shiwei tribes and ask the Tang Dynasty to pay attention to the threat from Goguryeo. If the Tang Dynasty wants to destroy Goguryeo, it can only help us eliminate Yici first. Only then can we attack Goguryeo from both sides. Do you understand?"

When Jin Yan heard this, she couldn't help but admire Dao Chen's far-sighted consideration.

In fact, she was also afraid that the emperor, under the instigation of Bilus, would focus his attention on the Western Regions and no longer care about Baekje.

The two of them have been secretly competing with each other inside the Inner Palace.

"Then how did His Majesty the Emperor respond to them?" Jin Yan asked.

Daochen said: "The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty did not agree to them."

Jin Yan smiled and said, "If that's the case, what are you worried about?"

Dao Chen said in a deep voice, "I heard from the Mohe envoys that in the seventh year of the Yonghui reign, the Persian prince also came to Chang'an and requested that the Tang Dynasty send troops to the Arabs, but was directly rejected by the Tang Emperor. Although the Tang Emperor did not agree this time, he did not refuse either. Isn't this a cause for concern?"

After hearing this, Jin Yan was shocked.

The Persian prince that Daochen mentioned is currently in the Inner Palace. I'm afraid it was only because of his long-term persuasion that this had a certain effect.

"Where has the Emperor gone?" She looked up and around.

Dao Chen said, "After talking with the Tibetan envoy, I took several ministers to the side hall. I heard that the Tibetans are joining forces with India to fight against the Arabs. The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty may want to discuss this matter with his ministers."

Jin Yan looked up at the side door leading to the side hall with a worried look on her face.

When she was in the Internal Affairs Office, she had always been paying attention to the situation in India. Unfortunately, after she went to Baekje, she lost all news and had no idea what the situation in India was like.

If the Arabs really invade the heartland of India, I am afraid that His Majesty the Emperor will not ignore it.

……

Chengqing Hall, a side hall.

Li Zhi was sitting high on the dragon throne, and important military members Li Ji, Cheng Zhijie, Yuchi Gong, Xue Rengui, and Pei Xingjian were all sitting below him.

Everyone listened attentively as Wang Xuance described the situation in Tianzhu.

Wang Xuance said, "Last August, the Arabs launched a fierce attack on the Kingdom of Sindh, advancing both by sea and land."

"South India assisted the Sindhi army in defending the waterways, while the Tibetans helped the Sindhis in defending the land attacks."

"With the help of the Tibetans, the Arabs' land advance was not smooth, and when they attacked a city, they were unable to capture it for a long time."

"The Tibetan Qinling seized the opportunity and personally led 20,000 Tibetan troops out of the city to counterattack, defeating the Arabs. He then pursued them all the way, winning victory after victory."

"On the other hand, the Arab navy defeated the armies of South India and Sindhi. They marched straight towards the capital of Sindhi."

"The Sindhi army retreated directly to the capital without notifying the Tibetans, allowing the Arab navy to cut off the Tibetans' retreat."

"The Arab army, defeated by Qinling, turned around and attacked Qinling's Tibetan army from both sides. The two sides fought bloody battles for two days. Qinling sent people to Xinde and South India for help, but the two armies retreated and did not participate in the battle."

"In the end, Qinling's Tibetan army suffered heavy casualties. Qinling fought hard and managed to break through. Only 3,000 remnants remained, and they retreated to the capital of Sindh."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi stroked his chin and said, "So, the Tibetans were tricked by the Indians?"

Wang Xuance was stunned for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty is wise. To put it simply, this is it."

Yuchi Gong cursed, "Damn it! The Indians fight like this! Even if our Tang army were to go, we'd probably lose!"

Li Ji twirled his beard and said, "This shows that Your Majesty's decision not to send troops to India was the right one."

Xue Rengui said in a low voice, "After all, the Tibetans were persuaded by us to help the Indians. No wonder they came to ask for an explanation."

Cheng Zhijie narrowed his eyes and said, "General Xue is too honest. The Tibetans are very smart. They sent troops because they are afraid that the Arabs will destroy Xinde and they will be the next target. That's why they sent troops."

Yuchi Gong laughed and said, "That's right. They deliberately said that we caused their casualties and asked us to release Lu Dongzan as compensation. They wanted to get some benefits."

Li Zhi looked at Li Ji.

"What do you think, Lord Li?"

Li Ji twirled his beard and smiled, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, the Tibetans are deliberately setting high conditions, waiting for us to reject them, and then offering simpler conditions that we will not refuse."

Li Zhi's eyes flashed: "How do you mean?"

Li Ji said, "Regardless of who is responsible for the war in India, it no longer matters. The current situation is that the Tibetans are severely weakened. It would be easy for the Tang Dynasty to destroy them."

After hearing this, Li Zhi was stunned.

Or it was these old generals who were cruel and ruthless. They instigated the Tibetans to go to war with the Arabs. After they lost the battle, they still wanted to destroy them.

Wang Xuance said in a deep voice, "To attack Tubo now would damage the reputation of the Tang Dynasty and easily provoke resistance from the Kunming and Tibetan people!"

Li Ji glanced at him and said, "Deputy Protector Wang, please be patient. I am only explaining the current situation to Your Majesty. I have not suggested attacking Tubo."

Wang Xuance remained silent.

Li Ji continued, "The Tibetans feared we would seize the opportunity to annex them, so they sent envoys to us in an attempt to make us feel guilty and, in turn, to release Lu Dongzan."

"If we don't agree, they will propose an easier condition. In this way, our Tang Dynasty will be led by them by the nose and will no longer consider attacking Tubo."

Li Zhi nodded.

There is no such thing as benevolence, righteousness, or morality between countries. All countries should put their own national interests first, which is the greatest responsibility to their people.

Therefore, he really had no need to feel guilty when facing the Tibetans.

Li Zhi said in a deep voice, "Mr. Li, what conditions do you think they will put forward next?"

Li Ji said, "The Arab army has surrounded the capital of Sindh. The Tibetans will certainly ask the Tang Dynasty to send troops to help. If we do not, they will retreat and hand Sindh over to the Arabs."

Li Zhi glanced at everyone.

"What do you think, gentlemen? Should we send troops to India?"

"I do not support sending troops."

"Same to me, my Lord!"

"I second the proposal."

"I also second the proposal!"

Li Ji, Yuchi Gong, Cheng Zhijie and Xue Rengui all opposed it.

Wang Xuance's lips trembled for a moment, but he finally said, "I second the motion."

He had stayed in India for many years and died there several times. He had a certain affection for this land and originally hoped that the Tang Dynasty would send troops to occupy India.

However, seeing that the other generals were unanimous in their opposition, he could not raise any more objections.

Li Zhi looked at Pei Xingjian and said, "Mr. Pei, what do you say?"

Pei Xingjian smiled and said, "In my opinion, it would be better if the Arabs could attack India. We should wait and see what happens, allowing the Arabs to stretch out their battle line. Perhaps we can use this opportunity to inflict heavy damage on the Arab army."

Li Zhi nodded and issued an order: "Li Qing, you are responsible for negotiating with the Tibetan envoys. Tell them that we refuse to release Lu Dongzan. If he asks for our country to send troops, we will also refuse it."

Li Ji bowed and said, "I obey your command."

After the discussion, Li Zhi took a few people back to the main hall to continue the banquet.

Li Ji sent someone to invite the Tibetan envoy Xiruo and brought him to a side hall. On behalf of the Tang Dynasty, he rejected Tibet's request to release Lu Dongzan.

Xiruo's face flushed red, and she again proposed that the Tang Dynasty send troops to India, but Li Ji still refused.

Xiruo gritted her teeth and said, "It was the Tang Dynasty that asked us to send troops to rescue Xinde. Now that our army has been defeated and Xinde is in danger, will the Tang Dynasty just stand by and watch?"

Li Ji said, "It's not that the Tang Dynasty is unwilling to send troops, but because we signed a treaty with the Arabs that forbade us from interfering in the affairs of India. Our emperor is also helpless."

Xiruo said, "Your soldiers can disguise themselves as Tibetan soldiers. Who would know?"

Li Ji said angrily, "Our emperor's word is law. How could he do something so sneaky?"

Xiruo said, "Since the Tang Dynasty doesn't care, then we won't care either."

Li Ji said calmly, "That's up to your country."

After hearing this, Xiruo's face turned pale and red, and she glared at Li Ji angrily.

Li Ji looked at him calmly, his eyes as calm as the surface of a lake.

Xiruo's anger seemed unable to have the slightest effect on his spirit.

Xiruo felt a sense of familiarity in the gaze of the old man in front of her, and suddenly remembered Lu Dongzan's teachings in the past.

He took a deep breath, and the anger on his face suddenly disappeared. He bowed to Li Ji and said humbly: "If the Arabs attack our country, we ask the Tang Dynasty to help us."

Li Ji was slightly surprised to see his attitude and said, "I've heard that Lu Dongzan's eldest son, Xiruo, has a bad temper and is impulsive and easily angered. But after meeting him today, I don't think that's entirely true."

Xiruo lowered his head and said nothing.

Li Ji said slowly, "Don't worry, we won't sit idly by and watch the Arabs do whatever they want in India."

Xiruo bowed and said, "I have a small request."

Li Ji said, "You say."

"Can you please let me meet my father?"

Li Ji said, "I can agree to this condition."

Xiruo said, "Thank you very much." While Li Ji was talking with Xiruo, the main hall was also quite lively.

The envoys from the Mohe, Shiwei, and Xi states all came out and reported to Li Zhi that Goguryeo was recruiting new troops, training soldiers, and forging armor. It was obvious that it was ambitious and had become the biggest hidden danger in the Liaodong region.

They also brought up the incident of Goguryeo's attack on Yingzhou and requested the Tang Dynasty to lead other countries in sending troops to attack Goguryeo.

Li Zhi was not yet aware of their little thoughts, so he just said, "I understand, you can leave now."

As soon as the envoys from several countries withdrew, Silla Crown Prince Kim Beom-min stepped forward to make a request.

He first offered words of congratulations, then said, "Your Majesty, Silla has been subject to the Tang Dynasty since the 22nd year of the Zhenguan reign, paying tribute every year with absolutely no intention of dissent."

"Recently, a group of Mahan spies have entered our country, spreading rumors that Silla is breaking away from the Tang Dynasty and will no longer pay tribute. These people clearly have ulterior motives and want to undermine the relationship between Silla and the Tang Dynasty. I hope Your Majesty will be able to see through this."

His words were intended to shift the blame onto Baekje, saying that it was Baekje that spread rumors and alienated the relationship between the two countries.

Dao Chen was furious and was about to step out to refute, but was stopped by Jin Yan.

Jin Yan whispered, "Don't worry, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty won't be easily deceived by the Silla people."

Daochen looked up and heard the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty say the same words: "I understand, you can leave." He was secretly happy.

Jin Famin's heart tightened, and he was about to bring up the matter of selling the horse again.

Daochen suddenly stepped out of the line, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, the foreign ministers and the envoys from the Mohe, Shiwei, and Xi kingdoms wish to dance for you together!"

When the envoys from the three kingdoms heard this, they were stunned at first, and then they realized that Daochen was trying to please the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

The three immediately followed and expressed their willingness to dance.

Li Zhi smiled and waved his hand, saying, "It's rare that the three foreign ministers are so willing to do so. I approve your request."

After a while, the sounds of stringed instruments, accompanied by the sounds of drums, rang out rhythmically in the hall.

Dao Chen and his companions each performed a dance from their own country. Although the movements were different, they had a unique flavor.

Everyone cheered and the atmosphere suddenly became lively.

While Daochen was dancing, he moved closer to Jin Famin, and with the swing of his arms, he forced Jin Famin to retreat continuously, and finally retreated to the side of the mat.

Jin Beommin glared at him.

Led by Daochen and others, a group of officials from the Tang Dynasty who loved dancing also took off their robes and joined the dance troupe.

After a while, the banquet turned into a dance party, and Li Zhi quietly left the hall.

Just as Li Zhi was returning to Ganlu Palace, he heard shouts behind him.

"His Majesty."

Li Zhi looked back and saw that it was Gao Kan who was chasing him.

Liu Rengui was stationed in Yingzhou for a long time, so at the end of each year, he would either send Gao Kan or Liu Renyuan back to the capital.

Li Zhi did not stop walking. After Gao Kan caught up, he asked, "Mr. Gao, do you have something to report as well?"

Gao Kan hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I am here on the orders of Commander-in-Chief Liu to report a matter concerning the Hanhai Protectorate."

Li Zhi said, "Speak."

Gao Kan whispered, "I would like to ask Your Majesty, when you were in Hedong Road, did you issue an order to summon the chieftains of the various Eastern Turkic tribes to meet you in Yunzhou?"

Li Zhi thought for a moment and said, "That's right. Shangguan Yi and Zhang Jianzhi petitioned me to allow these chieftains to accompany me, and I approved it. What's the matter?"

Gao Kan then explained the situation.

It turned out that because of the sudden situation in Chang'an, Li Zhi did not go to Mobei, but turned back to Chang'an.

Zhang Jianzhi and others also returned to Beijing with the emperor, and forgot about the group of Turks waiting in Yunzhou, causing them to wait in Yunzhou for more than a month.

In fact, it was not that Zhang Jianzhi and others were careless, but that something happened in the Eastern Palace at that time and the emperor was suddenly separated from the group.

In this situation, Zhang Jianzhi and Shangguan Yi were all focused on the emperor and the prince, so how could they care about the Hu chieftains in Yunzhou?

After the touring team returned to Chang'an, the case of the Eastern Palace was solved, and Zhang Jianzhi remembered them.

He sent someone to greet the Hanhai Protectorate and told them that they could go back.

These chiefs put aside their important tasks and sat in Yunzhou waiting, wasting a whole month without even seeing the shadow of the emperor, and they were told to go back directly?
The chiefs were very angry. After some discussion, they decided to go to the Hanhai Protectorate to protest to the Tang Dynasty.

The Protector General of Hanhai Protectorate, Liu Rengui, was in Yingzhou, and the person in charge of the daily affairs of the Protectorate was a chief secretary.

Seeing that these chiefs were making a big fuss, the chief secretary had no choice but to tell Liu Rengui about the situation.

Liu Rengui was preparing to send Gao Kan to Beijing to attend the year-end court worship, so he asked Gao Kan to report the matter to the emperor.

When Li Zhi heard this, he fell into deep thought.

In this matter, the Tang Dynasty was indeed in the wrong and wasted more than a month of other people's time.

But then again, the chief of the Eastern Turks was originally the governor of the Tang Dynasty.

If it were the governor of another state, he would not say much even if he waited for a year or two, let alone a month.

The fact that the Eastern Turks mobilized such a large army shows that in their hearts, they did not regard themselves as the governors of the Tang Dynasty.

Furthermore, in about twenty years, the Eastern Turks will rebel and establish the Second Turkic Khaganate.

Li Zhi had never had a good impression of these Turks, and after hearing this, he was even more displeased.

"Gao Qing, how do you think this matter should be handled?" he asked.

Gao Kan said, "I don't think it's a big deal. We just need to send someone to the Hanhai Protectorate to appease them, and they will stop making trouble."

Li Zhi said, "Well, after the ceremony, you will personally go to the Hanhai Protectorate. Besides pacifying them, you will also need to investigate the situation within the Eastern Turks to see if they have any intention of rebelling against the Tang."

Gao Kan was slightly startled and said, "I obey your command."

After Li Zhi separated from Gao Kan, he hurried back to Ganlu Palace.
As soon as I arrived outside the hall, I heard a crisp sound coming from inside.

"Sister, we can't go down there, we should go down here, oh no, it's better to go down this way!"

"Hey, can you please stop making noise? It's messing up my thoughts!"

"Hmph, it doesn't matter where you go, I'm definitely going to win this round!"

Li Zhi listened and it seemed to be the voices of Princess Gao'an, Princess Yiyang and Li Yong.

He stepped into the bedroom and looked up, only to see three people sitting on their dragon beds, playing chess leisurely.

The two players were Princess Yi Yang and Li Yong.

Princess Gaoan sat behind Princess Yiyang, pointing and making comments like a little military advisor.

When the three saw Li Zhi coming in, they all jumped off the dragon couch and greeted him.

"Father (Yeah Yeah)!"

Li Zhi walked over to the couch and sat down, raised his hand, and said, "No need to be so polite. Why are you here?"

Li Yong rushed to say, "I came to ask you something, but after waiting for you for a while, my sisters came over. Since we had nothing to do, we started playing chess."

Princess Gao An followed up, "My sister and I wanted to come and pay our respects to Ye Ye."

Li Zhi said to Li Yong, "What do you want from me, Sanlang?"

Li Yong asked, "Father, will General Xue join us for the Forbidden Garden Hunt the day after tomorrow?"

Li Zhi thought for a moment and said, "I don't think he will participate."

Li Yong was puzzled and asked, "Why is that? General Xue didn't participate last year. Was he injured?"

Li Zhi said slowly, "Yong'er, do you know why the country holds the Forbidden Garden Hunt every year?"

Li Yong shook his head.

Li Zhi said: "First, it is to motivate the generals and prevent them from slacking off, indulging in a comfortable life and neglecting their martial arts. Second, it is to select talented people from the army."

"If General Xue had participated, he would undoubtedly have won first place, which would have easily undermined the confidence of his officers and soldiers, hindering the growth of young generals. Therefore, he has volunteered to stop participating in the hunt. Do you understand?"

Li Yong smiled and said, "I understand now. It's because General Xue is too strong that he didn't participate, not because he was afraid of Jiang Ke!"

Li Zhi asked curiously, "Are you afraid of Jiang Ke?"

Li Yong snorted, "Yeah, someone at the Chongwen Hall said that General Xue didn't participate last year because he was afraid of Jiang Ke. That's pure nonsense!"

Li Zhi heard that it was just a group of children quarreling, so he didn't ask any more questions and said, "Okay, now that the problem is solved, do you have anything else to do?"

Li Yong smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Father, can I leave the palace and start my own residence this year?"

Li Zhi looked at him and said, "Do you really want to open a government office?"

Li Yong nodded vigorously.

Li Zhi thought that Li Zhong had grown a lot since leaving the capital, so it would be a good thing to let the prince have some independence. He nodded immediately and said, "Okay, after the court meeting in a few days, I will issue an order for you to open a government office."

Li Yong was overjoyed and said, "Thank you, father!"

Because the chess game was not over yet, Li Zhi asked them to continue. Li Yong was delighted and acted like an elder brother, letting his sister play a game.

After the three of them finished, they took their leave.

Li Zhi rested in the bedroom for a while when he suddenly heard the sound of "dong dong dong" footsteps.

A small figure rushed in and shouted to Li Zhi, "Father, something bad has happened! Mother is furious and wants to break Cousin Helan's legs. Please go and take a look."

Li Zhi looked up and saw that it was Li Xian. He was panting and his face was red, obviously he had been running all the way here.

"Don't be impatient, tell me slowly, why did your mother get angry?" he asked.

Li Xian muttered, "It's because my cousin pleaded for an official named Xiao."

Li Zhi asked, "Xiao Siye?"

Li Xian clapped his hands and shouted, "Yes, it's Xiao Siye!"

Li Zhi nodded and immediately took Li Xian to the Lizheng Hall.

(End of this chapter)