Tang Dynasty: The Holy Prince, the Dragon that Reigns Over the World

While Songtsen Gampo was chatting with the old man, a group of people stood on the road beside the pavilion with swords drawn. In the pavilion, a man in the prince's clothes sat on a chair, with wine utensils and fruit snacks on the table in front of him. It was Li Chengqian sitting in the pavilion. When the Tibetans saw this, the accompanying warriors immediately went on alert. The first general shouted.

"We are Tibetan envoys. If anyone is blocking the road ahead, please make way immediately to avoid misunderstandings."

"Haha, Zanpu has come from afar. I have been waiting here for a long time on the orders of the saint. Zanpu, would you be willing to get off the car and have a drink with me?" Li Chengqian stood up and laughed.

Songtsen Gampo heard that someone called himself "I", and there was only one person in the Tang Dynasty who could call himself "I", and that was the Crown Prince Li Chengqian. Songtsen Gampo hurriedly got off the car, put his right hand on his chest, bowed slightly and smiled.

"Songtsen Gampo, the Tibetan king, greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty. I didn't know His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty was here. I apologize for the impoliteness."

"Tibet and our Tang Dynasty have always been brotherly countries with harmonious relations. The Zamp is twenty-three years old this year, and I am twenty-one this year. If the Zamp does not mind, we can call each other brothers." Li Chengqian bowed and said with a smile.

Although Songtsen Gampo was the ruler of a country, and Li Chengqian was only a prince, Tubo and the Tang Dynasty were both large countries with equal status, and it was a bit arrogant and ignorant of etiquette for a prince to call the ruler of a country brother as soon as they met.

But Li Chengqian was not an ordinary prince. He was deeply loved by the people, ministers and soldiers in the Tang Dynasty. Li Shimin was even more favored by him, and his status as a prince could not be shaken. In addition, Li Chengqian loved and cared for his brothers very much. The princes looked up to him and respected him.

It can be said that as long as Li Chengqian was alive, the princes, ministers, army and people would obey him and support him till death. Li Shimin threw all the state affairs to Li Chengqian, rarely asking about them, and even expressed his intention to abdicate many times, but Li Chengqian refused.

With the efforts of Li Shimin and Li Chengqian, and more importantly, Li Chengqian's actual operation, the territory and national strength of the Tang Dynasty far exceeded that of other countries, and Li Chengqian was praised by the people of the Tang Dynasty as the God of War and the Holy Prince. In fact, although Li Chengqian did not have the title of monarch at this time, he was the real ruler. If Li Chengqian wanted to ascend the throne and become emperor, Li Shimin would immediately and happily give him the throne, and the court and the people would also gladly accept it.

The countries surrounding the Tang Dynasty were quite awed by the Tang Dynasty, especially Li Chengqian, the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, who had destroyed several countries with his own hands. The countries surrounding the Tang Dynasty privately called Li Chengqian the "crown prince of the ruined country", and some small countries even feared the name of Li Chengqian like a tiger. Therefore, the rulers of other countries surrounding the Tang Dynasty, including Songtsen Gampo, treated Li Chengqian as an equal. At this time, Songtsen Gampo heard that Li Chengqian wanted to call him a brother, and he readily agreed.

"I dare not invite you as I wish. Tubo is a small and remote country. This Zamp has always admired the culture of the Celestial Empire. It is my honor to be able to call Your Highness a brother." Li Chengqian took Songtsen Gampo's hand and walked into the pavilion. He sat opposite him, poured a glass of wine for Songtsen Gampo himself, and said with a smile.

"Haha, brother, you don't have to be so modest. Brother, you unified Tubo at the age of dancing spoons (in ancient times, boys aged 13 to 15 were called dancing spoons), and you also made drastic reforms to the government. I admire you very much. Come on, brother, you have come from afar, drink this cup to the full, and win."

After they finished drinking, Songtsen Gampo smiled.

"Dalang, you are too kind. My current achievements are all thanks to the help of my teacher. This is my teacher and Tubo national teacher, Dugu Wuwang." Songtsen Gampo introduced with a smile.

"No wonder you can speak the Central Plains dialect so fluently. I wonder how old you are. Have you ever been an official?" Li Chengqian asked in surprise.

“Your Highness, I am an official of the former Sui Dynasty and of the same clan as Empress Wenxian of the former Sui Dynasty (Empress Wenxian was the first empress of the Sui Dynasty and the wife of Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian). After the fall of the former Sui Dynasty, I did not want to serve two masters, let alone serve the ministers who usurped the country, so I went out to travel. When I traveled to Tubo, I was fortunately noticed by the old Zamp and entrusted with the important task of teaching the future ruler.” Dugu Wuwang looked at Li Chengqian with excitement in his eyes, but he hid it well and spoke lightly.

Songtsen Gampo and Li Chengqian were embarrassed when they heard this, and Songtsen Gampo spoke quickly.

"My teacher has a straightforward temper and his words are offensive. Please don't blame me, Prince."

"Haha, that's okay. Not forgetting your old master is a sign of loyalty. Since you are my brother and teacher, please have a drink with me. Thank you for your hard work." Li Chengqian personally poured a glass of wine and handed it to Dugu Wuwang. Dugu Wuwang took it with slightly trembling hands, and some of the wine spilled a little.

Chang Sun Chong, who was standing next to Li Chengqian, saw this and hurriedly supported Dugu Wuwang's hands, winked and smiled.

"National Master, the Sui Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty are a thing of the past. The National Master is now a minister of Tubo, so why dwell on the past? When you are old, don't get angry easily, as anger is harmful to your health."

After chatting for a while, Li Chengqian and Songtsen Gampo rode in the same car, while Dugu Wuwang and Changsun Chong rode in the same car. After getting on the car, Dugu Wuwang saw that there was no one around, so he knelt on one knee and saluted.

"I am Mo Wen, a captain of the Northern Pacification Division of the Jinyiwei, here to see the commander."

"You bastard, do you know your crime? As a secret agent, you can't control your emotions. Is that what Wu Qianyuan taught you? You have been lurking in Tubo in disguise for more than ten years. If you are careless and reveal your true identity today, the death of you and me will be a small matter, but the lord's plan will be ruined in your hands." Chang Sun Chong said angrily.

"I know I was wrong. Please punish me, Commander." Dugu Wuwang was so scared that he broke out in a cold sweat and said guiltily.

"Okay, get up. Fortunately, this did not arouse Songtsen Gampo's suspicion. This will not happen again." Chang Sun Chong helped Dugu Wuwang up and said.

The group arrived at the Honglu Temple Guesthouse, Li Chengqian and Songtsen Gampo said goodbye, and Li Shimin hosted a banquet in the evening, and the two agreed to meet again. Songtsen Gampo entered the room and began to blame.

"Teacher, you are a little out of shape today. The Tang people will think that I am disrespectful to Tubo. We still need the support of the Tang Dynasty. Last year, Tubo's harvest was not good and there was a shortage of food. Recently, there are undercurrents in the country, and some tribes are not really submitting to my rule.

The purpose of this marriage proposal is to get the Tang Dynasty to provide us with assistance. Although Li Chengqian is only the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, he is the actual ruler of the Tang Dynasty. Li Chengqian has a very high prestige in the Tang Dynasty, not inferior to his father. If we offend Li Chengqian, our trip will be in vain. "

"What the Zanpu blamed me for was that I lost control of my anger when I thought about the treacherous hero Li Yuan usurping the Sui Dynasty. I will pay attention to it." Dugu Wuwang said apologetically.

"Well, I can understand your feelings. Fortunately, the Crown Prince of Tang is very magnanimous and will not care about it. You don't have to blame yourself too much. You have worked hard today, so you should rest early." Seeing Dugu Wuwang's self-blaming look, Songtsen Gampo said with a soft heart.

That evening, Li Shimin hosted a banquet for Songtsen Gampo in Linde Hall, and both the host and the guests enjoyed themselves. Li Shimin ordered Li Chengqian to be responsible for receiving Songtsen Gampo, and to formally meet him in the morning court three days later. During these three days, Li Chengqian took Songtsen Gampo to have fun in Chang'an.

Songtsen Gampo saw that the people of Chang'an were not afraid to avoid Li Chengqian, but greeted him warmly like family members. Li Chengqian also interacted with the people in a friendly manner. When Songtsen Gampo saw the prosperous streets of Chang'an, he could not help but sigh at the prosperity of Chang'an and the strength of the Tang Dynasty.

Three days later, Li Shimin formally received Songtsen Gampo at the morning court. Songtsen Gampo walked into the Yanying Hall in a gorgeous royal robe and saluted Li Shimin.

"The Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, pays respect to the great Heavenly Khan. May the gods bless the greatest monarch of this land."

"Zanpu is polite, please sit down." Li Shimin stroked his beard and smiled. Songtsen Gampo walked to the steps below Li Shimin and sat down.

"What is the purpose of your visit, Zanpu?" Li Shimin asked.

"I have come here because I have admired the Celestial Empire for a long time. I wish to have an everlasting friendship with the Celestial Empire and hope to marry a princess from the Tang Dynasty. I ask for permission, Khan." Songtsen Gampo said with a smile.

"Oh? A marriage alliance. I'm afraid the Zamp will be disappointed." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"What does the prince mean?" Songtsen Gampo wondered. Li Chengqian smiled and pointed to the door beam at the entrance of the hall. Songtsen Gampo turned his head and saw a long plaque hanging on the door beam, which read: All the rulers of the Tang Dynasty should remember that since the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, there has been no marriage, no compensation, no cession of territory, and no tribute. The emperor guards the national gate and the king dies for the country. This is the ancestral precept, and the rulers of later generations must not disobey it.

Songtsen Gampo sighed when he saw it.

"I admire the Khan's generosity."

"Haha, this is what my Dalang said." Li Shimin stroked his beard and smiled. Songtsen Gampo looked at Li Chengqian in surprise.

"We, Tubo, sincerely want to establish friendly relations with the Tang Dynasty. Can the Tang Dynasty make an exception?" said the Tubo Imperial Master.

"Zanpu, Imperial Master, I am truly sorry. This is the national policy of our Great Tang and cannot be changed. But if there is a woman in our Great Tang who truly wishes to marry a foreigner, this is her personal freedom and our Great Tang will not stop her." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Zanpu, I think that the two countries do not have to stick to the path of marriage to establish friendly relations. The two countries can swear an oath of blood alliance and become brotherly countries. What do you think, Zanpu?" Li Shimin said with a smile.

"Yes, Zamp. Our two countries can become brotherly countries. If Tubo is in trouble, our Tang Dynasty will not sit idly by." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

Songtsen Gampo thought for a while, and suddenly an idea came to him and he said.

"Since the Tang Dynasty's national policy is not to marry a princess to a foreign country, can we accept women offered by other countries?"

"That's possible." Li Shimin said.

"That's great. I have a younger sister named Gesang Wangmo, who is 13 years old this year and the most beautiful girl in Tubo. I would like to present her to the Heavenly Khan." Songtsen Gampo said.

"Haha, I am old and your sister is still young. If the Zanpu wants to marry your sister to the Li Tang royal family, he can choose among my princes." Li Shimin laughed.

"Then is the prince willing?" Songtsen Gampo said as a compromise.

"Well, I already have seven wives." Li Chengqian said in embarrassment.

"It doesn't matter. The prince is a child of destiny and is naturally qualified to enjoy the beauties in the world. It is a blessing for Tubo that my sister can marry the prince." Songtsen Gampo said indifferently.

"In that case, it is hard for our Tang Dynasty to refuse such hospitality. I agree to the marriage between Gesang Wangmo, the sister of the Tibetan king, and the crown prince of our Tang Dynasty. The wedding will be held next year," Li Shimin said with a smile.

Li Shimin's words were golden, and Li Chengqian had no choice but to accept them. All the ministers in the palace congratulated him. Songtsen Gampo also proposed that the Tang Dynasty could provide assistance to Tubo, and Li Shimin readily agreed and ordered Li Chengqian and Shangshu Zuo Pushe Changsun Wuji to be in charge of this matter.

After the court session, Li Chengqian, Zhangsun Wuji and Songtsen Gampo discussed and decided to provide Tubo with 20 catties of grain, 10 catties of seeds, pieces of weapons and armor, and other supplies. After Li Shimin approved it, he ordered Li Chengqian to sign an alliance with Tubo, and the two countries became brotherly countries.

Songtsen Gampo returned happily with a full load. Compared with the jubilation of Tubo, Japan was in a gloomy mood. The Tang army had besieged the Japanese capital for two months. At this time, the Japanese capital was full of starving people, and the people had to exchange their children for food.

The eyes of the Japanese monarch, his subjects and the people were filled with despair. In the Tang camp outside the city, Li Xiaogong and others were holding mutton soup in one hand and a dagger in the other, with a lamb leg in front of them being roasted and oozing with oil.

"Damn it, I drink fish soup and eat fish every day. Finally, I can eat mutton." Yuchi Baolin said with shining eyes as he looked at the roasted lamb leg in front of him.

"Yuchi, you glutton, what else can he eat except your brain. But Marshal, when are we going to attack the city? The warriors under my command are almost bored." Ashina Falcon, deputy commander of the Turkic Wolf Cavalry, said.

"Alas, I don't know either. The crown prince ordered that our army should surround but not attack, and the time of attack should wait for the crown prince's notification. Damn it, I don't know what the crown prince is thinking. This small city can be taken down by my army in one blow." Li Xiaogong complained.

"The prince's intention should be to trap or starve the Japanese to death, so as to plant the seeds of fear in their hearts." Li Chongyi said after drinking a sip of soup.

"Never mind, we'll just do whatever the lord tells us to do. The meat is cooked, let's start making it. Damn it, I'm starving." said Li Jingheng, the commander of the Fei Diao Army.

Just as they were enjoying their meal, Jinyiwei deputy commander Wu Qianyuan came over with a smile.

"Generals, you are so happy. Jinyiwei Deputy Commander Wu Qianyuan greets you." Everyone was stunned when they saw Wu Qianyuan, and then happily pulled Wu Qianyuan to sit down. Qin Huaiyu cut off a piece of meat and handed it to Wu Qianyuan together with the knife, saying with a smile.

"What a rare guest! How did the King of Secret Agents of the Tang Dynasty come to our place? Brother Qianyuan, I haven't seen you for a long time."

"It tastes good. I'm here on the orders of my lord. Generals, you can attack the city now. When you do, I will have a private meeting with the leader of Japan and Soga no Ishikawamaro." Wu Qianyuan said with a smile while taking a bite of meat.

"What's the matter? How can you get into the city when the army is attacking?" Li Dejian asked with a frown.

"Don't worry, County Lord Li, I don't need to go in. As long as I send out a signal, the Lord of Japan and Soga Ishikawa Maru will send people out of the city to contact me. And this signal is the army attacking the city.

Oh, by the way, the lord said that the lives of our Tang army soldiers are precious, so we can just let the artillery battalion bombard them, and there is no need to let the soldiers charge. It is also a good opportunity for the artillery battalion to practice. Of course, the specific command will still be decided by the King of Hejian on the battlefield. "Wu Qianyuan said with a smile.

"Okay, everyone, just watch my Shenji Army's artillery battalion show off its power." Shenji Army commander Li Zhen said with a smile.

"Just show off." Xue Li rolled his eyes and said.

"Damn, I can finally stretch my muscles. I'm issuing an order to the entire army. Today you can eat as much as you want for me, but tomorrow you have to fight for your lives." Li Xiaogong said with a smile.

"Yes!" The generals responded with fists clasped.

On the second day, the Tang army lined up, and 50 cannons began to bombard the Japanese capital at Li Zhen's command. Li Xiaogong felt that it was not enough, so he ordered the firing of incendiary bombs and bombs at the Japanese capital. Although the walls of the Japanese capital were built of huge stones, the houses in the city were all made of wood. The Tang army's firearms flew into the city and instantly caused a fire in the city. The Japanese people suffered heavy casualties, countless houses were burned down, and a incendiary bomb even ignited a granary. For the besieged Japanese who were almost out of ammunition and food, it was a double blow.

After the Tang army attacked for a whole morning, Li Xiaogong was satisfied and ordered the troops to withdraw. After the Tang army had their meal, Yuchi Baolin and others could not stand the loneliness and asked for orders to attack the city. Li Xiaogong saw that the Tang army was eager to try, so he thought for a while and decided to let the Fei Diao army practice and accumulate experience in siege.

Li Xiaogong ordered the Feidiao Army to attack the city, and the Tang army rushed to the Japanese capital like a tide. The Feidiao Army was specially formed for fighting in jungles and plateaus, and was very good at climbing. After fighting with the Japanese army for half a day, the Japanese army suffered countless casualties. The Tang army withdrew safely back to the camp.