Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 356: Changsun Wuji's Imagination

The Dragon Temple has been recently renovated.

The spacious hall was divided into two parts, separated by a row of lattice doors in the middle.

There are two maps hanging in the East Hall, one is a map of the entire ten regions of the Tang Dynasty, and the other is a map of Liaodong.

The map of the Liaodong region is much more detailed than the map of the entire territory. In addition to the Tang Dynasty, it also includes Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje and Wa.

When Xue Rengui arrived at the Shenlong Hall, he found Li Ji, Cheng Zhijie and Yuchi Gong were all in the East Hall, gathered around the Liaodong map and discussing loudly.

Xue Rengui strode over, only to hear Yuchi Gong say, "Don't even think about it, it must have been those bastards from Japan!"

Cheng Zhijie said: "The Japanese are not so bold as to directly attack our Tang Dynasty transport team."

Yuchi Gong snorted and said, "They are already making preparations for war. If they want to fight us, what are they afraid of?"

Cheng Zhijie shook his head and said, "If the Japanese dared to interfere in Baekje's affairs, we would certainly teach them a lesson. But right now, they haven't sent any troops to provoke us. It's unlikely that they were responsible for this."

Xue Rengui nodded secretly.

For the sake of their interests in Baekje, the Japanese did want to interfere in Baekje's affairs. However, under the threat of the Tang Dynasty, they had been hiding in Kyushu to train their troops.

If the Tang Dynasty sends troops to Baekje in the future, it remains to be seen whether they really have the courage to be enemies of the Tang Dynasty.

Moreover, even if they sent troops to help Buyeo Yici and declare war on the Tang Dynasty, it would only be for the interests of their own country. After the Tang Dynasty taught them a lesson, it would not take further action.

But things are different now.

To suddenly attack the Tang army without declaring war is a way to death and will lead to the destruction of the country.

The last people to do this were the Indians, who attacked the Tang envoys and had their country destroyed by Wang Xuance.

This is the case when India is still far away from the Tang Dynasty.

In recent years, Xue Rengui has also participated in three wars to annihilate nations, and can be considered experienced.

All the countries in Liaodong are under the threat of the Tang Dynasty's cavalry. As long as we find out who did it, the Tang Dynasty will definitely send troops to conquer and destroy all the countries. It will not be a difficult task.

After all, the Japanese are a country that has existed for hundreds of years and should not be so unwise.

While he was thinking, Yuchi Gong was still arguing with Cheng Zhijie, while Li Ji was drinking tea without saying a word.

Xue Rengui was a junior, and he usually kept a low profile in front of the three of them. He did not speak easily, but sat upright on the chair, waiting for the emperor to arrive.

Li Zhi had already arrived at the Shenlong Temple and was standing outside the temple. For some reason, he did not go in.

After standing quietly for a while, Li Zhi suddenly came to the west side hall, and went around to the main hall through a door in the side hall.

The main hall of the Shenlong Temple was divided into two at this time. After Li Zhi arrived at the west side of the main hall, Xue Rengui and others did not know it.

Li Zhi found a chair and sat down, listening to the quarrel between Yuchi Gong and Cheng Zhijie next door, with a thoughtful look on his face.

Wang Fusheng was secretly surprised, but said nothing.

After the two argued for a while, Cheng Zhijie suddenly said, "Duke Liang, what do you think about this?"

After a while, Xue Rengui's voice came from next door.

"I think there are only three possible scenarios."

As soon as these words were spoken, Li Ji, who was drinking tea, also raised his head and looked at Xue Rengui.

Cheng Zhijie asked: "Which three situations?"

Xue Rengui said slowly, "First of all, this batch of supplies was escorted by two hundred soldiers from the Tang Dynasty. Ordinary pirates would not be able to rob it. This shows that there must be a country behind this."

After hearing this, Li Zhi nodded secretly.

There are no large pirates in the waters around Laizhou. Any pirates whose numbers reach a certain scale would have been eliminated by the Laizhou navy long ago.

Yuchi Gong hummed, "This is very obvious."

Xue Rengui continued, "The first possibility is that a certain country in Liaodong coveted these weapons and sent troops to attack our transport ships."

Yuchi Gong said: "Those land-based countries don't have any decent navy, let alone seaports. They don't have the ability to do that!"

Xue Rengui nodded and said, "Yes, the country that is capable of doing this must be one with a strong navy."

Cheng Zhijie pinched his chin and said, "Considering strength and distance, only five countries, namely Wa, Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, and Tamra, are capable of doing this."

Li Ji suddenly said, "Brother Cheng, you overcounted one and also missed one."

Cheng Zhijie said, "Oh, which one did I over-count?"

Li Ji said, "The Tamra army has less than 2,000 soldiers and their ships are simple and crude. Even if the entire country mobilizes its forces, they are no match for our 200 Tang troops."

He had conquered Goguryeo, so he had a better understanding of the situation in Liaodong.

Cheng Zhijie nodded in agreement and asked, "Which country did I miss?"

Li Ji said slowly: "Ezo."

Cheng Zhijie was stunned and asked, "The long-haired country to the north of Japan?"

The Central Plains dynasties named the surrounding countries, usually using their physical features.

For example, the Wa country was named Wa because the people were short.

Tianzhu was originally called Shentu. Although it contained some transliteration elements, it also meant that they were not clean. It was only after Xuanzang returned from his journey to the West that the name was gradually changed to Tianzhu.

The name Ezo is also related to their appearance, because the Ezo people have long hair like shrimp whiskers.

Li Ji said, "It's the Emishi Kingdom. This country is made up of many small island nations, similar to the tribal alliances on the grasslands. They have long been enemies of the Japanese, and their strength is not much weaker than that of Silla and Baekje."

Yuchi Gong glared and asked, "Do the Ainu dare to touch the beard of the Tang Dynasty?"

Li Ji said, "I only said that they have this possibility. Let's listen to General Xue continue."

Xue Rengui bowed to Li Ji and said, "What I just said was the first scenario. All five countries are possible. Their purpose is simply to take a fancy to the military equipment."

After a pause, he continued, "Next is the second situation. This was done by Fuyu Fuxin!"

After these words were spoken, the three veterans narrowed their eyes and remained silent.

At first glance, it seems impossible that Fuyu Fuxin did this, but if you think about it carefully, it is precisely because he knows that the Tang Dynasty will not suspect him that he might have done this.

So what is his purpose?

Perhaps he wanted to arouse the anger of the Tang Dynasty and make it participate in the war as soon as possible to take action against Japan and Yici.

This would prevent Bok-sin and Ui-ja from continuing the civil war, and Bok-sin would be able to obtain a stronger Baekje.

However, Li Zhi knew that this possibility did not exist. If it was really planned by Fu Xin, Jin Yan would not have had any information at all.

Li Ji pondered for a moment and asked, "I wonder what the third possibility General Xue mentioned is?"

Xue Rengui said, "The third possibility is that the enemy's goal is not the weapons, but to create chaos in the Liaodong region so that they can reap the benefits."

Cheng Zhiji's eyes flashed, and he asked, "Goguryeo?"

Goguryeo remained aloof from the Battle of Baekje.

However, they also knew that after the Tang Dynasty dealt with Baekje, they would be the next target.

Then it would be profitable for them to deliberately create chaos and provoke the Tang Dynasty to end as soon as possible.

Xue Rengui said, "It doesn't necessarily have to be Goguryeo. In my opinion, in this case, except for Wa and Buyeo Yici, the other three countries are possible."

Xue Rengui’s meaning was very simple. If it was the first case, the target was military equipment, and Japan and Buyeo Yici had the greatest motives.

If it is the second case, it was done by Fu Yu Fu Xin.

If it is the third option, Goguryeo, Silla and Ezo are the most likely.

Yuchi Gong frowned and said, "Now that you put it that way, isn't it even more complicated?"

Xue Rengui bowed and said, "This is just my humble opinion."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi pushed open a lattice door, stepped into the East Hall, and said slowly, "I have heard what Mr. Xue said, but I think that what we should be considering right now is not this matter itself."

The four of them hurriedly stood up and saluted Li Zhi. After the ceremony, Yuchi Gong asked tentatively, "What does your majesty mean?"

Li Zhi walked to the top and sat down, his eyes slowly moving over the people.

"Someone attacked and killed our Tang soldiers. The surrounding countries are all watching our reaction. If we can't launch a swift and powerful counterattack, it will inevitably lead to great hidden dangers."

Yuchi Gong said, "That's exactly what I'm thinking. No matter who did it, let's go after the most likely suspect, Japan! If we're timid and keep investigating, those smaller nations will think we're afraid of Japan!"

Li Zhi said: "Your words, beloved Yuchi, are exactly what I want."

Li Ji was secretly shocked and said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, if they really point to Japan, we must launch an all-out war against Japan!"

Li Zhi glanced at him and said, "Mr. Li, do you think that's not possible?"

Li Ji said in a deep voice, "I simply feel that disrupting years of strategic planning due to this sudden incident is not the best option."

Li Zhi knew Li Ji's concerns.

The size of Japan is not much weaker than Goguryeo, and it is an island country. It is not possible to destroy Japan in a short period of time.

With the Tang Dynasty's current deployment in Liaodong, it only has the ability to destroy one of these countries in a short period of time.

If we want to take action against Japan, the entire country's strategic deployment must be adjusted.

Within ten years, there will be no energy left to destroy Goguryeo.

Li Ji's greatest wish was to destroy Goguryeo.

Li Zhi said: "As the situation changes, national strategy should also change. I believe this matter is no small matter. If we fail to act decisively, the situation in Liaodong will become even more out of control!"

Li Ji said, "Why not accuse Goguryeo of this and immediately launch an attack on it?"

Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "I have already said that now is not the time to use military force against Goguryeo."

"But Your Majesty..."

Li Ji wanted to say more, but Li Zhi waved his hand and said, "There's no need to discuss this matter any further. I don't care who did it, I will treat it as the work of Japan!"

Li Ji looked at the emperor's expression and felt that he had lost his usual composure.

It’s a pity that Yuchi Gong, Cheng Zhijie and Xue Rengui did not stand up to oppose.

Li Ji sighed secretly and suddenly thought of Changsun Wuji. If he were here, he would probably support him.

Changsun Wuji was in the water pavilion in the backyard, reading a book leisurely.

After the former pro-military officials were wiped out, the number of people keeping an eye on the Changsun Mansion obviously decreased.

This shows that many of those who had been keeping an eye on him were former pro-military officials.

It doesn’t really matter, Changsun Wuji doesn’t take these people seriously at all.

The reason why he was in such a good mood recently was that Empress Wu finally stopped sending people to keep an eye on him.

Ever since he lost the battle with Empress Wu, this woman has been a huge mountain weighing on his head.

Now that this huge mountain has finally gone to crush someone else, he naturally feels much more relaxed.

At this time, a servant came to report that Li Ji wanted to see him.

Changsun Wuji sat up straight and said, "Please ask him to come over."

After a while, Li Ji came along the path with a serious expression.

Changsun Wuji asked curiously, "Brother Li, what's wrong?"

Li Ji did not reply, but only asked, "Is there any wine?"

Changsun Wuji nodded and ordered his servants to serve wine.

After a while, a pot of fine wine was brought up. Li Ji poured a glass for himself and Changsun Wuji and drank the wine in one gulp.

Changsun Wuji stared at him and said, "It's rare to see you like this. What happened?"

Li Ji said in a deep voice, "Brother Changsun, there is something I would like to ask you."

"please say."

Li Ji asked, "I'd like to ask you, before Your Majesty was crowned Crown Prince, did you have any contact with the Japanese?"

Changsun Wuji frowned and said, "Probably not."

Li Ji looked at the setting sun and murmured, "That's strange. Why does Your Majesty hate the Japanese so much?"

Changsun Wuji said, "If you want me to answer, you should at least tell me what happened first, right?"

Li Ji then told the story of the military weapons being robbed and the political meeting in the Shenlong Hall.

"For years, the Liaodong strategy has always been aimed at Goguryeo. Your Majesty has changed the national strategy because of this incident and is preparing to launch a war against Japan. I am truly puzzled!"

Zhang Sun Wuji said calmly, "First of all, I can be sure of one thing: Your Majesty has never come into contact with the Japanese before, so it's impossible for you to have any special opinions about them."

Li Ji frowned and said, "But Your Majesty suddenly wants to declare war on the Japanese. How do you explain this?"

Changsun Wuji said slowly, "This only shows that Your Majesty has other purposes for doing this."

Li Ji asked, "What's the purpose?"

Changsun Wuji raised his wine glass and said with a smile, "How should I know? Over the years, whatever His Majesty does has a deep meaning behind it, and I believe this time is no exception."

Li Ji sighed, "Maybe I'm really old. I really can't figure out your majesty's thoughts."

Changsun Wuji asked, "What is the current situation? Has His Majesty issued an order to declare war on the Japanese?"

Li Ji shook his head and said, "No, with only the troops from Yingzhou and Laizhou, we can defeat the Japanese in Baekje, but we are not strong enough to reach the Japanese mainland."

Changsun Wuji asked, "Your Majesty, are you ready to mobilize the troops?"

Li Ji said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty has issued three decrees. The first one orders Ouyang Tong to go south and supervise the construction of 800 warships in Jiangnan and Huainan Roads."

"Secondly, dispatch 20,000 Yulin Guards to Laizhou for training. Also, recruit 30 Zhechoufu troops from Henan and Hebei provinces and transfer them to the Yingzhou Military Governor's Office for garrison. Yuchi Gong will be in charge of all preparations for war."

"Third, send a decree to the Ministry of Revenue and the Supervisor of the Imperial Household, instructing them to requisition food, fodder, and military equipment in advance and transport them to Laizhou and Yingzhou."

Zhang Sun Wuji was slightly surprised and said, "Your Majesty is really preparing for a war."

Li Ji smiled bitterly and said, "This time, the war preparations are even larger than when we attacked Tubo."

Zhang Sun Wuji muttered to himself, "What is the purpose of your majesty's arrangement? Japan's land is barren, and there is no benefit in conquering it."

Li Ji remained silent.

After a long while, Changsun Wuji suddenly smiled and said, "I understand."

Li Ji hurriedly asked, "Oh?"

Changsun Wuji asked, "Has Your Majesty sent anyone to investigate this matter?"

Li Ji said, "No."

Zhang Sun Wuji said, "That's right. After all, this happened at sea. Even if Di Renjie were to investigate, I'm afraid he wouldn't find anything."

Li Ji nodded. The ocean is so vast that he might not even be able to find the location of the attack, let alone find out who did it!

Zhang Sun Wuji laughed and said, "So, if we investigate this matter on our own, it will be difficult to find out the truth. That's why Your Majesty is deliberately putting pressure on the Japanese to investigate and prove their innocence!"

Li Ji frowned and said, "Let the Japanese investigate?"

Zhang Sun Wuji smiled and said, "That's right. Japan is an island nation and is familiar with maritime affairs. It would be more efficient for them to investigate maritime affairs than for us."

Li Ji was silent for a moment, then said, "What if the Japanese can't find out?"

Changsun Wuji smiled and said, "Don't worry. Since His Majesty has made such an arrangement, there must be follow-up measures. You and I will just wait and see."

Li Ji nodded, raised his head and looked towards the sunset.

……

(End of this chapter)