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

Last time, we talked about the 200 million-strong army of the Tubo and other three countries, which first destroyed Yangtong and Subi by surprise, and then sent 10 vanguard cavalry to attack the Tang Dynasty's Tibetan Prefecture. After Li Daozong and others learned the news, they ordered the army to prepare for war, and immediately sent a pigeon letter to Anxi Jiedushi Zhuge Fu.

At this time, in the Anxi Jiedushi Mansion located in Qiuci Town, several important generals of the Tang Dynasty's Western Regions and important officials of Xizhou were gathered here to discuss countermeasures.

"General, according to intelligence, 20 countries west of our Tang Dynasty's Qiuci Town, including Dayuan, Parthia, Dayuezhi, Ronglu, etc., have formed an army of 50 and assembled at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Our 20 Anxi troops have already assembled outside of Qiuci Town as requested by the commander-in-chief." Anxi Protectorate Deputy Protector, Heichi Changzhi, pointed to the map and said.

The Tang Dynasty divided the Western Regions along the eastern border of Gongyue, Qiuci and Qiemo. To the east of the line was Changzhou, and all the small Western Regions states within Changzhou were destroyed by the Tang Dynasty.

To the west of the line was Xizhou, where the Tang Dynasty built Shuanghe City at the confluence of the Chiyu River and the Yarkand River as the seat of Xizhou. In order to ensure the safety of Shuanghe City, the Tang Dynasty annexed Yutian and Shule.

Although Xizhou was established on the territory of Western Turkic, it was composed of many small countries in the Western Regions that had submitted their tributes. It was not that Li Chengqian did not want to annex them, but he had no reasonable reason and did not have the time to deal with the small countries in the Western Regions.

Even for the small countries within Changzhou and the two countries of Khotan and Shule, the means of occupation were mostly not very glorious.

"Well, according to the original plan, the army will be dispatched, camped 50 miles away from the enemy, and closely monitor the enemy's movements. The multinational coalition forces seem to be powerful, but in fact they have their own ulterior motives. Moreover, the national strength of the countries is far inferior to that of the Tang Dynasty, and the logistics will not last long.

The main purpose of this battle is to drag it out until their food and grass run out and they naturally disperse." Zhuge Fu nodded.

"General, the enemy has come a long way and their combat power is far inferior to that of our Tang army. Why don't they defeat us in one fell swoop instead of wasting food and fodder?" Zhang Jianzhi frowned.

"Brother General Meng, the main mission of the Tang Dynasty in the Western Regions is to guard against Tubo. Our army should not waste its strength on these bandits. Moreover, when the multinational coalition forces are running out of food and grass and retreat, wouldn't it be better for our army to kill them?" Di Renjie said with a smile.

"What if the coalition forces attack?" Guo Xiaoke said, stroking his beard.

"That would be even better, just destroy them directly. However, from what I have seen in recent days, the multinational coalition forces have been laying low since they assembled, and the soldiers have no intention of fighting.

I think the multinational coalition may not come here to compete with the Tang Dynasty." Di Renjie said.

"Then why are they here? Traveling?" Liao Siyuan, who was already the deputy commander of the Flying Dragon Army, wondered.

"This is also what has confused and uneasy me these days." Zhuge Fu frowned.

"They have come from afar, but they don't want to fight. These people have nothing better to do. Wait, could this be a strategy of Tubo against the Tang Dynasty?" Li Dejian suddenly said in surprise.

"Oh, I hope not." Zhuge Fu sighed. At this moment, a captain of the Jinyiwei came in and handed Zhuge Fu Li Daozong's secret report.

Zhuge Fu opened the letter, read it carefully, and sighed.

"Alas. The most worrying thing has happened. Tubo colluded with the Mughal Empire and Kamarupa, and raised an army of 200 million to attack our Tibetan Province. Now Yangtong and Subi have been destroyed, and the coalition army has marched towards Tibetan Province. The vanguard of 10 cavalry has arrived at the Iron Blood Fort.

The Iron Blood Camp is guarding the Iron Blood Fort, and the rest of the soldiers are in Dingtu City preparing for defense. Zangzhou is in danger, and several old generals are ready to perish together with Dingtu City. "

"What? 200 million? Zangzhou only has 10 soldiers and horses, how can they stop it?" Chai Lingwu said in surprise.

"General, there are now 200 million troops from the Tibetan direction attacking Zangzhou, and we are being pinned down by 50 Western Region coalition forces. What should we do?" Li Jingheng asked anxiously.

"The plan has been changed. We can't delay any longer with the Western Region coalition. We must end the war here as soon as possible and then support the old generals. The Anxi Army will attack in full force, and the Feilong Army will go around behind the enemy. I want to defeat all the Western Region countries in one battle and make them unable to move." Zhuge Fu said as he looked at the map.

"What about Zangzhou? Marshal, we still have 6000 old brothers waiting for our support." Liao Siyuan said anxiously.

"There's no way. I can't defeat the enemy in front of me, and I don't have any extra troops." Zhuge Fu sighed.

"General, Military Advisor, I know this is a difficult matter, but you are Zhuge Wuhou of our Tang Dynasty, you must have a way. I beg you, there are not many of our old friends left. Military Advisor, you cannot just stand by and watch me die." Liao Siyuan knelt down and cried.

"General, I have a plan that may relieve your worries." Di Renjie said with a smile.

"Oh? Huaiying's talent is not inferior to mine. Do you have any good ideas?" Zhuge Fu said happily.

"I don't deserve your praise. I think the Western Regions dare to openly oppose the Tang Dynasty because they are profit-seeking. The Western Regions are small and greedy, and Tubo's plan is just to let the Western Regions contain our Anxi Army. If the Western Regions see the army coming out in full force, they will definitely hide away, and our army will always be exhausted from defense, which is really a bad strategy.

Even if we fight with the Western Region Allied Forces, our army will suffer casualties. The army has just been through a great battle and the soldiers are tired, which will not be conducive to the later stages of the war.

It is better to send an envoy to the enemy camp, explain the pros and cons, and promise them benefits. If they can persuade the coalition forces to retreat, our army can support Zangzhou. "Di Renjie said.

"I have also considered Huaiying's plan. But now that Tubo is so powerful, I am afraid it will be difficult to persuade the Western Regions coalition forces to retreat." Zhuge Fu frowned.

"General, persuasion is one thing, but intimidation is more important. While we send envoys to negotiate, our Anxi Army will advance. This way, our chances of winning are very high." Di Renjie said with a smile.

"Well, it's feasible. But who can be the envoy?" Zhuge Fu asked.

"I am willing to be the envoy." Di Renjie said with a fist.

"Huaiying, this trip is dangerous. Have you thought it through?" Zhuge Fu asked.

"I have received your Majesty's kindness and have been entrusted with important tasks before I passed the imperial examinations. How can I not repay you with my life? I am willing to do my best for the empire and for your Majesty, and I am willing to take risks." Di Renjie said solemnly.

"Huaiying is truly a loyal minister! All right, I will issue the Jiedushi Order now, waiting for Huaiying to go on his mission.

General Guo Lao led 5 soldiers from the Anxi Protectorate to set out on the left, Heichi Changzhi led 5 soldiers from the Anxi Protectorate to set out on the right, and I led 5 Fei Diao troops in the middle. Li Dejian led the Feilong Army to set out in advance, passing through Khotan and around Shule City.

When our army was approaching, Li Dejian led the Flying Dragon Army to surround their rear.

If Huaiying has not come out, and the enemy army intends to come out to fight, all the troops should attack them. ” Zhuge Fu gave the order.

"Yes!" The generals clasped their fists in response.

"Liao Siyuan, this commander-in-chief will give you 2 flying dragon riders. You will set out for Tiexue Fort immediately. If the Tiexue Battalion is still there, lead the army to rescue it and go to Dingtu City. If the Tiexue Battalion has been completely killed or cannot be rescued, lead the army directly back to Dingtu City. When you arrive in Dingtu City, follow the command of King Jiangxia.

Remember not to fight too long or act impulsively, otherwise you will be punished by military law.

The 2 Flying Dragon Riders are also our brothers and sisters. They will be of great use in the later stages of the war and must not be lost." Zhuge Fu said.

"Yes! Don't worry, Commander Jie." Liao Siyuan stood up and said happily with a fist clasped.

"Brother General Meng, immediately prepare the equipment and food for the army for future use. Recruit local braves to assist the city defense forces in defending the city. Notify the governor of Changzhou and order him to mobilize 5 soldiers and horses to come and help defend the city." Zhuge Fu said.

"I obey your command." Zhang Jianzhi clasped his fists and said.

"Come here, this governor wants to report the situation and request the emperor to send troops. Prepare writing materials immediately and send carrier pigeons." Zhuge Fu said loudly.

A few days later, in the Tang Dynasty's Chang'an City, Li Chengqian stood in front of the sand table of the Ministry of War in military uniform, with Li Shimin and other important officials sitting beside him. Xue Rengui pointed at the map with a pole and said.

"Your Majesty, the Shiwei and Mohe tribes in the northeast have gathered 30 troops to attack our Liaodong region. The King of Goryeo has ordered his 10 troops to gather and march towards Liaodong.

The enemy is powerful, and now only Liaodong City is still holding out in Liaodong, but it is hard to say whether it can hold out until the King of Goryeo arrives.

The Anxi Jiedushi reported that the coalition forces of the small countries in the Western Regions had stationed 50 troops at Issyk-Kul Lake. However, according to Zhici, the coalition forces in the Western Regions had no intention of attacking. As for their intentions, they were under investigation.

Li Chengde, Prince of Hedong, the third son of Li Jiancheng, Prince of Xi (in the second year of Zhenguan, Li Shimin posthumously conferred the title of Prince of Xi on Li Jiancheng), colluded with aristocratic families who were dissatisfied with the Tang Dynasty and raised the banner of revenge for Prince Xi, attracting many of Prince Xi's former subordinates to join him. He now forcibly conscripted 10 soldiers and occupied Fenzhou.

"They spread rumors that the retired emperor killed Prince Xi innocently and forced Emperor Gaozu to pass on the throne. The crown prince was not the retired emperor's biological son, but the queen mother's son from an affair with someone else."

"Hmph, you can even come up with such a crap excuse. How could my Li family produce such a person?" Li Shimin, who was sitting at the top, sneered.

"By the way, what's the news from Zangzhou?" Li Chengqian asked with a frown.

"No." Xue Rengui replied.

"Alas! I'm afraid Zangzhou is in danger." Li Chengqian sighed.

"Your Majesty, why do you say that?" Li Jing, the Minister of War and Vice President of the Tang Dynasty Military Academy, asked, stroking his beard.

"Uncle. Now there are enemies in the northeast, west and the heartland of our Tang Dynasty. It can be said that war is everywhere. On the contrary, there is no news from Zangzhou, which is the place where the most trouble should happen. I have been wondering these two days, is Zangzhou-" Li Chengqian frowned.

"Too quiet?" Li Shimin interrupted.

"Yes, it's just too quiet. So I guess that everything that happened is just to help Tubo stir up trouble in Zangzhou." Li Chengqian nodded.

"But, Dalang. Does Tubo still have the ability to cause trouble? With the little strength they have left, do they still have the ability to cause trouble?" Li Shimin asked puzzledly.

"Hey, Your Majesty. I'm afraid your majesty's guess is correct. This is the secret report just sent by Zhici." Chang Sun Chong walked in from outside the door and said.

Li Chengqian took the secret report and read it carefully, then handed it to Li Jing, who was shocked after reading it.

"What? Two million troops attacking Zangzhou."

"Two million? Wouldn't Tibet and the Western Regions be in danger?" Li Shimin stood up in shock and hurriedly grabbed the secret report to read it.

"Songtsen Gampo is so generous, my God, 200 million. He has given so many benefits to the Mughal Empire and Kamarupa, and they have sent so many troops to help him." Changsun Wuji clicked his tongue.

"Father, this was not done by Songtsen Gampo. According to the intelligence of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, this was done by the traitor Mo Wen. Because of his poor health, Songtsen Gampo has entrusted the affairs of Tubo to the traitor." Chang Sun Chong shook his head.

"Feeling unwell? I'm afraid you just want to have a scapegoat if you lose the battle." Li Chengqian sneered.

"Da Lang, what should we do about the current situation?" Li Shimin asked.

"Hehe, Mo Wen is so calculating. He created so many dangerous situations for me at once. Although the situation seems critical now, it is actually not unsolvable." Li Chengqian sneered.

"Oh? So Your Majesty has already made up his mind. Please let Your Majesty know." Wei Zheng said happily.

"The Shiwei and Mohe tribes in the northeast live in hardship, have simple equipment, and lack systematic military training and command systems. Although there are many brave people, with the talent of my brother and the bravery of the border troops under his command, the Shiwei and Mohe tribes should not be a concern.

Mo Wen just wanted to use these 30 troops to contain the eastern forces of Anbei Protectorate and Shanzhou. I will do as he wishes, humph, but he is overthinking.

The emperor issued an imperial edict, appointing Li Ke, the King of Goryeo, as the Grand Commander of Pingdong, and commanding him to lead 10 troops and Youzhou troops to quell the rebellion in Liaodong. He also ordered Li Suli to lead the Anbei East Protectorate to attack the Shiwei and Mohe tribes' strongholds in the east.

They dared to attack the Tang Dynasty. There is no need to keep the Shiwei and Mohe tribes. Tell Li Ke and Li Suli that I will fight this battle to completely take over the places where the Shiwei and Mohe tribes are. Remember, they will always belong to the Tang Dynasty. As for how to do it, they know it in their hearts. "Li Chengqian took a wooden pole and swept away all the flags of the Shiwei and Mohe tribes on the sand table.

"The affairs of the Western Regions will be handled as Zhici said. Di Renjie was promoted to the post of Governor of Liangzhou, Chief Clerk of the Anxi Jiedushi, and appointed as the Guard General, and Minister of War, to be sent as an envoy to the Western Regions.

If the coalition forces retreat, lead the army to assist Zangzhou.

Tell Zhici that this is a helpless move. When the Tubo incident is over, I will allow him to annex the Western Regions without asking for permission. "Li Chengqian walked to the Western Regions sand table again and swept away the chess pieces of the Western Regions with a wooden pole.

"As for the Fenzhou Rebellion? Cousin, which aristocratic families have joined the rebellion this time? How did Prince Anlu (Li Chengdao) react, and how did the five sons of Li Yuanji react?" Li Chengqian asked, looking at the sand table of the Tang Dynasty's territory.

"The only aristocratic families who joined the rebellion were the two Cuis of Qinghe. The Cuis had always been dissatisfied because Your Majesty had issued a marriage ban in the tenth year of Zhenguan, prohibiting intermarriage with the "seven surnames and ten families".

In the 16th year of Zhenguan, the eldest son of the Qinghe branch of the Cui family violated the Tang law, set up a private torture hall, and tortured and killed servants. His Majesty ordered the eldest son to be executed and punished the Cui family.

Therefore, the Cui family hated His Majesty and rebelled against Li Chengde, and the Cui family joined the rebellion. Li Ni invited other aristocratic families to rebel together, and the other aristocratic families escorted Li Ni's envoys to the local government and claimed to support His Majesty until death.

As for the five sons of Li Yuanji, the Prince of Anlu and the Prince of Chao, the five sons of Li Yuanji, the Prince of Chao (in the 16th year of Zhenguan, Li Shimin posthumously conferred the title of Prince of Chao) were demoted to commoners in the 9th year of Emperor Gaozu's Wude reign because Li Yuanji led troops to force the palace and attempted to murder Emperor Gaozu and the emperor.

Your Majesty has personally helped the five families many times since the first year of Zhenguan. After ascending the throne, you conferred the title of Prince on the five people. The five sons of King Chao have always been grateful to Your Majesty, so they have been law-abiding and have never participated in this rebellion.

When Prince Anlu learned that Li Ni was plotting a rebellion, he cursed Li Ni for being a traitor and wanted to kill Prince Xi's lineage. He tore up Li Ni's letter and wrote a letter in his own handwriting to express his loyalty, hoping to go to Fen to persuade Li Ni to surrender.

"Hey! Big Brother, Fourth Brother, our previous generation had no choice but to kill each other because we all had the opportunity to aspire for the throne. Otherwise, why would we have fought each other?

It's the time and fate. Now Gao Ming is respected by all people. The Tang Dynasty is strong because of Gao Ming, and Gao Ming's imperial power is unshakable. Chengde can't succeed. Brother, if you are still alive, please let Chengde surrender in your dream for the Tang Dynasty that we brothers fought to death for, and don't kill each other. "Li Shimin sighed.

"Cousin, arrange for the Jinyiwei to secretly monitor Prince Anlu and the five sons of Prince Chao Li Yuanji. Order Xue Rengui to be the commander-in-chief of Hedong Road and lead the Youwei Guard and troops from various states in Hedong Road to quell the rebellion in Fenzhou." Li Chengqian said expressionlessly.

"Issued an imperial decree: The Xuanwu Gate incident is known to all the world. The emperor was forced to act in self-defense. The emperor served his father with filial piety, and his filial piety moved heaven and earth. Everyone knows it. Ascending the throne is a mandate from heaven. Emperor Gaozu personally wrote the edict of abdication, so how can there be any coercion?

I, Li Chengqian, am a descendant of the royal family of Li Tang. The Zongzheng Temple and the palace maids can all testify to this.

Hedong County Prince Li Chengde committed treason, tarnished the emperor's reputation, and spread rumors to confuse the people. Li Chengde was stripped of his title of Hedong County Prince, expelled from the royal family, demoted to a commoner, and exiled to Qianzhou.

If my eldest brother wants to go, then go ahead. I hope my eldest brother can persuade Chengde to turn back from his wrong path." Li Chengqian said.

"Aye, as long as Chengde surrenders, I won't kill him." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Well! The assistant machine gave me an imperial decree: I am worthy of the heaven, earth and ancestors. I have done many wrong things in my life, but I dare not use my power to force my father.

The new emperor Cheng Qian is my legitimate son and the rightful successor to the throne of the Tang Dynasty.

That's what I mean. Assistant, you and Xuancheng should polish it and announce it to the whole nation in my name."

"The Secretariat drafted the imperial edict and the anti-bandit manifesto according to my order. After the Ministry of Personnel reviewed them, they were presented to me for my approval and issued to the whole country together with the imperial edict of the Supreme Emperor."

"Yes!" Changsun Wuji and his son clasped their fists in response.