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

After handling Kong Yingda's funeral, Li Chengqian began to think about the selection of chief officials for Xizhou and Zangzhou.

On this day, Li Chengqian called Chang Sun Chong to discuss the selection of the chief officials of the two states. Li Chengqian frowned and said.

"Hey, the candidates for the chief officers of Xizhou and Zangzhou have not been decided yet. Does my cousin have any recommendations?"

"Didn't the Master recommend two people before he died? I have also investigated. Zhang Jianzhi is a steady and rigorous person with good abilities. Di Renjie is young but has great strategies. He is also a man who can accomplish great things.

Why worry, Dalang?" Chang Sun Chong said with a smile.

"Ah, it's different. Tibetan Province is not like Western Province. After our planning, Tubo has been divided into three parts, and its land area and strength have shrunk significantly. But the essence of Tubo is still there, and it still poses a threat to our Tang Dynasty, and we will never give up.

Especially Songtsen Gampo, as the first leader in Tibetan history to truly unify Tibetans, how could he be willing to see Tibetans divided and oppressed by the Tang Dynasty? The reason why I used a trick to occupy one-third of Tibetan territory was to establish a strategic buffer zone to prevent Tibetans from counterattacking in the future, at least to prevent the possible war and pressure from being placed on Xizhou.

Therefore, as a strategic buffer zone between Tubo and the Tang Dynasty, Zangzhou should focus on military deployment in the future, supplemented by internal affairs development.

Zhang Jian was good at domestic affairs, and could be the chief officer of Xizhou, relieve Zhici's worries, and support the military operations and development of Tibet to a certain extent. However, his military strategy was not good, at least facing Songtsen Gampo, he was still at a disadvantage.

Di Renjie is too young and has no experience as an official. If he is rashly appointed as the ruler of a state, it will be difficult to convince the people. He can be an assistant to Zhang Jianzhi to train his talents. "Li Chengqian sighed.

"Does Dalang have a candidate in mind?" Chang Sun Chong asked.

"In fact, Zhici is the most suitable. But Zhici is currently the governor of Anxi. He has to take charge of the military and political affairs of the two states, and also guard against and pacify the small countries in the Western Regions. He is really unable to do everything.

Then there is Rengui, but Rengui is good at fighting, but is he still a little bit behind in governing the land and the people?

I am confident in my cousin's ability, but I still have to rely on him for the Jinyiwei. After all, intelligence work is still very important. Moreover, the revenge of the Tibetan Eunuchs should come soon, so my cousin has to be more cautious.

Of course, the older generation of famous officials like my uncle and Uncle Fang can easily do the job. But on the one hand, the elders are old, and Zangzhou is remote and the conditions are not good.

Secondly, all of you elders have worked hard for the Tang Dynasty and our Li family all your lives. Now you have reached the age where you can enjoy your retirement and play with your grandchildren. I really can't bear to trouble you any more.

Thirdly, these old ministers are highly respected and have a high status, and Zhici may find it difficult to control the new rising talents.

It’s a headache. It’s hard to find a good candidate for the post of Cangzhou. " Li Chengqian said, holding his head.

"No, let me go. With Wu Qianyuan in the Jinyiwei, there shouldn't be any major mistakes." Chang Sun Chong said.

"Hey, let me think about it again." Li Chengqian said with a frown. At this moment, a hearty laugh came from outside the house.

"Fuji, come and see, our wise and omnipotent crown prince of the Tang Dynasty also has his days of worrying. Dalang, tell your father and your uncle what has made my good son so worried. Tell us so that we can be happy."

Li Chengqian was stunned when he heard this, and then he ran out of the room with Changsun Chong, and saw Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji looking at him with a smile. Li Chengqian and Changsun Chong saluted.

"I meet you, uncle."

"Nephew greets uncle and father." After completing the greetings, Li Chengqian stood up and said with an unhappy look on his face.

"Is there any father like you? When his son is worried, the father wants him to talk about it to make himself happy. Old man, you are a very good father.

I worry about state affairs every day, but you, a hands-off boss, not only don't help, but also come to my house to make fun of me. You should understand clearly that you are the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, and I am just a prince, in other words, a free laborer. "

"That's right. I have never seen such an unreliable monarch and father. Don't worry, Dalang. If you have any troubles, you should tell your uncle. Your uncle will help you solve your problems." Changsun Wuji glanced at Li Shimin, then looked at Li Chengqian with a doting face.

"Changsun Dalang, I am joking with my son, why don't you interfere? I am the supreme ruler of the Tang Dynasty and I am rich. Is there anything in the world that I cannot do for my son?" Li Shimin said with a puff of his beard and glaring eyes.

"Haha, Dalang is still my eldest nephew. As an uncle, it is only natural for me to pamper my eldest nephew. It has nothing to do with you, Li Erlang." Changsun Wuji retorted bluntly.

"Hey, these two are already old, why are they still arguing with each other all the time? They have been arguing with each other for their entire lives, aren't they annoying?" Chang Sun Chong looked at the two people in front of him who were like fighting cocks, and sighed with his head in his hand.

"That's what childhood friends are like. They support and care for each other all their lives. They play with each other when nothing is wrong, but they fight together when something goes wrong.

But, I have a headache, could you please go to another place to continue?" Li Chengqian said with a depressed look.

"Isn't it just the selection of the chief official of Zangzhou? It's such a trivial matter, why do you worry about it?" Li Shimin glanced at Li Chengqian and said disdainfully.

"That's right, Dalang. My Great Tang may be short of other things, but we have no shortage of good officials who can kill the enemy on horseback and govern the people on foot.

If that doesn't work, uncle will give up his old bones and go to Zangzhou to help Dalang to manage Tubo. Although uncle is old, he is still strong and can guard the area for Dalang. Dalang, why should you worry? "Changsun Wuji stroked his beard and smiled.

"Qian'er thanks uncle for his concern. Uncle is still assisting father in the court. The court also needs uncle as a good assistant in governing the country." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"That's right. You, Changsun Dalang, are an expert in governing the country, using tricks and plotting schemes. Just stay away from marching and fighting." Li Shimin said disdainfully.

"Oh, Li Erlang, my father was the general of the Right Guard of the previous dynasty. I have been familiar with military books since I was young. When I followed you to fight all over the world, why didn't you say that my military strategy was no good? How about we have a sand table competition to see who is no good?" Changsun Wuji said unhappily.

"Let's compete. I give you 5000 troops. If I don't beat you down, I'm not Li Shimin. But you are not allowed to hide the chess pieces or play dirty tricks. You old cunning guy, you like to play dirty tricks in everything you do. Dalang always plays dirty tricks, and you led him astray." Li Shimin said angrily.

"Hey, what's wrong with being shady? You're not shady? If you're not shady, how could you have fooled my sister into getting her. Besides, with your character of wanting nothing but chaos in the world and not fearing anything, Dalang won't follow you." Changsun Wuji said sarcastically.

"Okay, although the two elders may quarrel, I am innocent. Can we stop quarreling? Father, do you have any candidates to recommend?" Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Yes, don't you see who your father is? I am the emperor of the Tang Dynasty. All the talents in the world are within my reach. A mere chief official of Zangzhou is no problem for me." Li Shimin said proudly.

"Oh? Who is that?" Li Chengqian asked happily.

"You will know in a moment. Call my Qilin slave quickly. My good holy grandson, your grandfather is here." Li Shimin kept the suspense.

Li Chengqian was speechless and ordered someone to bring Li Yun in. When Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wuji saw Li Yun, they immediately took out all kinds of food and toys from their pockets, making Li Yun laugh with joy.

Li Chengqian looked at Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wuji with surprise as they took out various things from the pomelo, wondering if these two were Doraemon. When Li Shimin and his men were having fun with Li Yun, they suddenly heard a few people outside the door laughing heartily.

"Saint, Prince, why are we old men not seeing you when we come to visit?" Cheng Yaojin laughed.

"That's right, Dalang, your uncle Yuchi and several of your uncles, as well as your uncle Wang Dao Zong, are here. Where are they?" Yuchi Jingde laughed heartily.

Li Chengqian was shocked when he heard this and hurried out. He saw Qin Qiong, Yuchi Jingde, Li Daozon and other veteran generals of the Tang Dynasty looking at him with smiles outside the door. He saluted and smiled.

"My nephew Li Chengqian greets all the uncles. How come you elders have the time to come to my house today?"

"The saint said that the prince was worried about the chief official of Zangzhou, so we came here uninvited." Cheng Yaojin stroked his beard and smiled.

"That's right. Why should we worry about a mere Tubo? If that little Songtsen Gampo dares to act recklessly, I, the old minister, will lead the troops to destroy him," said Hou Junji.

"Please come in, elders. Someone bring the tea." Li Chengqian led everyone into the house with a smile.

"Oh, all the old brothers are here." Li Shimin stroked his beard and smiled when he saw everyone.

"How can we not come? The prince is in trouble. Although we are old, we can still mount a horse and kill the enemy." Yuchi Jingde laughed.

"Old Black, can you do this? Don't let yourself be thrown to pieces by the horse before you kill the enemy." Changsun Wuji joked.

"Changsun, you sinner, how dare you underestimate me? Come on, follow me out and have a fight to see if I can do it." Yuchi Jingde blew his beard and glared.

"Hey, hey, do you two act like elders? Can you learn from me and be more humble and polite?" Cheng Yaojin rolled his eyes.

"Okay, okay. I asked you to come here to solve the problem. Don't make so much noise, and each of you is louder than the other. Don't scare my eldest grandson." Li Shimin said with a smile.

"Royal brother, this is not difficult. We can choose one person among us to deal with Tubo." Li Daozon said with a smile.

"You elders have worked hard all your lives, and I really don't want to trouble you anymore." Li Chengqian said.

"That's not right. We are deeply favored by the emperor and should be loyal to the country. Could it be that the prince thinks that we are too old and useless?" Zhang Liang said with a smile.

"How dare I? Since the seniors are so determined, who is willing to go?" Li Chengqian asked. As soon as he finished speaking, several veterans started arguing again. Li Chengqian was now having a headache about who to send.

"Okay, stop arguing. I don't understand you old killers. You all can't sit still. Dao Zong is the leader this time. After all, he has to govern a state. Dao Zong has experience." Li Shimin said.

"In this case, Zhang Jianzhi will be appointed as the governor of Xizhou, and Di Renjie will be appointed as the deputy governor of Xizhou.

Wang Shu of Emperor Daozong was appointed as the governor of Zangzhou, the commander-in-chief of the Zangzhou army, and the acting governor of the Zangzhou military and political affairs. The Duke of Yun (Zhang Liang) was appointed as the deputy governor of Zangzhou, responsible for the Zangzhou government affairs and the military advisor. The Duke of E (Yuchi Jingde), the Duke of Chen (Hou Junji), and the Duke of Lu (Cheng Yaojin) were appointed as deputy generals.

Elders, Zangzhou is the strategic buffer zone between the Tang Dynasty and Tubo, and is the first line of defense and attack against Tubo. However, we cannot station heavy troops in Zangzhou, as this will arouse the vigilance and resentment of the three Tubo tribes towards the Tang Dynasty, which is not conducive to the current situation.

Therefore, the total strength of the Tibetan army is 10. There are 6000 people in the newly established Iron Blood Battalion under my command, most of whom are from my old army and have extremely high combat effectiveness. The rest are soldiers drawn from the Sixteen Guards and Liangzhou and Lingzhou.

However, don't worry, Xizhou has 20 soldiers and horses from the Tang Dynasty to support you. Once a war breaks out, you only need to hold out until the troops from Xizhou arrive.

Do the elders have any objections?" Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"One hundred thousand soldiers is enough. As long as they are not five times as many as me, we are confident that we can defeat Tubo. Even if they are five times as many as me, we can hold them off until the reinforcements from Xizhou arrive." Li Daozon said, and several other veterans nodded in agreement.

"In that case, thank you all for your hard work, uncles." Li Chengqian stood up and saluted.

"Prince, please don't be so formal. As military generals of the Tang Dynasty, we should fight bravely and serve the Tang Dynasty." Yuchi Jingde said with a smile.

"I also want to remind you old assassins that the current military and political leader of Xizhou and Zangzhou is my Great Tang Wuxiang Hou, Anxi Jiedushi Zhuge Fu. You guys should not rely on your seniority to bully other people's children and disobey their orders.

If you dare to openly or in some other way resist and disobey the orders of the Anxi Jiedushi, don't blame me for being merciless and enforcing military law." Li Shimin said with narrowed eyes.

"We will follow your majesty's orders." The generals stood up and clasped their fists.

Li Chengqian looked at the famous generals who founded the Tang Dynasty in front of him, and his heart was at ease. These generals were all worthy of their names in history, and any one of them could stand on his own.

Now that we are setting out in a group, hehe, Songtsen Gampo will give you a hard time.

After chatting for a while, several veterans hurriedly said goodbye and went back to prepare. Three days later, several veterans led their troops to set out. After arriving in Zangzhou, they inspected the entire Zangzhou. After discussing, they reported to Zhuge Fu that they wanted to carry out major civil engineering works in Zangzhou.

The generals planned to build Dingtucheng, the seat of government, in Zangzhou, which is now Golmud City in Qinghai. This place is the throat of Tubo leading to Xizhou. There are many rivers. It is located on a plateau and is easy to defend. It is also close to Xizhou, so it is easy to get supplies and support from Xizhou.

It was also planned to build a fortress named "Iron Blood Fort" by the Yak River in Zangzhou, which would be guarded by the Iron Blood Camp as the first line of defense for the Tang Dynasty against Tubo in Zangzhou. Ten outposts were built along the border between Zangzhou and Tubo. Post stations were built every 10 li along the border to Dingtu City to transmit intelligence and give warnings.

After receiving Li Daozong's application, Zhuge Fu immediately approved it. He also wrote a letter to apply for the construction of cement roads in Zangzhou, and the construction of Dingtu City and Tiexue Fort with reinforced concrete. Li Chengqian received the application and immediately approved it, and allocated engineering troops to Zangzhou for construction.

With the strong support of Li Chengqian, the Tang Dynasty had already developed the manufacturing method of reinforced concrete and established a professional engineering team.

After a large number of construction materials and engineering troops entered Zangzhou, Zhang Liang mobilized local people to participate in the construction. The construction work was carried out in full swing in Zangzhou.

Songtsen Gampo learned that the Tang Dynasty had begun large-scale construction in Tibet and named its capital Dingtu City. He also found out that many of the Tang Dynasty's founding generals were guarding Tibet, and he felt very depressed.

In addition, Tubo was thrown into chaos by the Jinyiwei's "base" operations, and he lived in fear every day, becoming irritable, suspicious, and often beating and killing palace people for trivial matters.

Dugu Wuwang was also worried when he saw that Songtsen Gampo was becoming more and more brutal.