Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

Princess Wencheng saw Du He frowning with a look of displeasure on his face, so she hurriedly explained.

"Duke Han Guo, please don't misunderstand me. I'm not being a pushover. I'm actually considering the interests of the Tang Dynasty."

"If the Tang Dynasty wants to gain the recognition and loyalty of the Tibetan people, it must not oppress them too harshly, otherwise they will be filled with hatred towards the Tang Dynasty."

"I hope Duke Han will think twice."

Hearing Princess Wencheng's words, Du He shook his head slightly.

If the Tang Dynasty only wanted to annihilate one or two countries, it might be able to use the suggestion proposed by Princess Wencheng, but the current Tang Dynasty obviously cannot do so.

As the territory conquered becomes larger and larger, the number of foreign people under the control of the Tang Dynasty will also increase.

If a conciliatory policy is adopted towards the people of other ethnic groups and they are allowed to maintain their current status, the Tang Dynasty will definitely be in trouble in a thousand years.

Tens of millions of Tang Dynasty people could hardly control the enemies that were several times their number.

This tactic will only be effective if the majority of the able-bodied men of the foreign race are killed or enslaved, and the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty and the women of the foreign race are allowed to have more children.

It would take thousands of years before small groups of foreign races would become part of the Tang Dynasty.

Du He said softly, "Your Highness, these national affairs are not decided by me alone. They are the national policies set by His Majesty and all the officials."

"Rest well during this period, and then return to the capital with me."

There was a pause.

Du He smiled and said, "If you don't want to go back to Chang'an, you can also go to the four kingdoms in southern Xinjiang."

"Your father was appointed by His Majesty as the King of Zhennan. The four kingdoms of Southern Xinjiang are your father's fiefdoms. You can live there."

After hearing Du He mention His Majesty and all the officials, Princess Wencheng had no way to continue persuading him.

She had heard before that her father led a large army to attack the four countries in southern Xinjiang. If it were not for her father leading the troops, Songtsen Gampo would have wanted to send troops to attack the Tang army.

A moment of silence.

Princess Wencheng bowed and said, "Duke Hanguo, please send someone to escort me to southern Xinjiang."

"I want to take my maids and attendants to Southern Xinjiang. There are about 200 of them. Is that okay with you?"

Du He naturally would not refuse Princess Wencheng's request.

Just 200 people, no big deal.

Du He said softly, "No problem, but you can only take a small amount of the wealth, otherwise I will not be able to explain to His Majesty."

Princess Wencheng said gratefully, "Thank you, Duke of Han."

She didn't have much desire for wealth, and her father would definitely not let her suffer if she went to southern Xinjiang.

Let’s finish talking about business.

Princess Wencheng said gently, "Duke Han, if the soldiers are not used to the climate here, they can eat fried highland barley noodles and drink some butter tea for the next few days."

"It's best not to drink alcohol or eat meat, otherwise it will make your body feel even worse."

"When I first came to Luoshui City, I also felt nauseous and wanted to vomit. It was through this method that my condition gradually improved."

As soon as she saw Du He's expression, she knew that Du He was feeling uncomfortable at the moment.

However, she also admired generals like Du He, who was obviously pale but still managed to fight to the end of the battle.

Du He bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Princess Wencheng smiled and waved her hand. She did not stay here for long. She bowed gracefully and walked out of the hall slowly.

After a while.

Du He called Zhang Shizheng in and asked him to find Xue Rengui and Xi Junmai and ask them to convey the method of alleviating altitude sickness to the soldiers.

If the soldiers were not given wine and meat after winning a great battle, they would certainly not understand and would complain in their hearts.

If you explain it to them in advance, you can avoid a lot of problems.

The next day.

It's approaching noon.

Du He walked into the hall with his brows pinched. Pei Xingjian, who had been waiting there in advance, came forward to report.

"General Du, General Xue and General Xi have already led 4 troops to the battle. They are divided into three groups and are heading towards Bowo City, Tieren City, and Saga City."

"Based on their walking speed, they are expected to reach their destination within four days."

"Generals Xue Wanbei, Cheng Huailiang, and Yuchi Huan also led 5000 cavalry to recapture the various tribes."

There was a pause.

Pei Xingjian continued, "The wealth in Luoshui City has been gathered. Once the soldiers' achievements are counted and recorded, the money can be distributed."

"General Fang has already received 20 military sticks and made a profound self-criticism in front of the officers and soldiers."

Hearing that Fang Yiai took the initiative to make a self-criticism, Du He smiled and nodded.

This guy is quite sensible and doesn't make things difficult for himself.

Du He said softly, "Let the King of Chu lead 5000 soldiers to the cities around Luoshui to persuade them to surrender. As for how to deal with those people, it is up to him to decide."

"Go tell the King of Chu that the imperial court will take away 50% of the wealth and livestock within the Tibetan territory."

Li Ke is now penniless, and it is impossible for him to bring all the things from Tibet back to the Tang Dynasty. He must leave some for Li Ke.

Otherwise, he would not be able to do anything after becoming the King of Zhenxi.

Pei Xingjian cupped his hands and replied, "As you wish!"

After the report.

Pei Xingjian whispered, "General Du, do we need to write a victory report and send it back to Chang'an about our capture of Lhasa and Songtsen Gampo's suicide?"

Du He shook his head: "No rush, let's wait until we capture a few core cities of Tubo."

I believe that within a few days, Tubo will be completely destroyed.

At that time, the soldiers will be sent back in advance to deliver the victory news, and they will then rush back to Chang'an to receive the reward.

There was a pause.

Du He said softly, "We don't need those Taoist priests to make thunder bombs right now. Send someone to send them back to Chang'an and let them make fireworks."

"Tell the Taoist priests that they have made great contributions in this battle, and I will ask for a reward for them."

The contributions made by these Taoist priests are greater than those made by the soldiers.

They must be rewarded handsomely so that they can continue to delve into artillery research.

Thinking of Princess Wencheng,

Du He continued, "Send Princess Wencheng to southern Xinjiang and have her return with some gold, silver, and 200 attendants."

"As ordered!"

After receiving the order, Pei Xingjian strode out of the hall.

After making arrangements.

Du He didn't have any important business to deal with, so he rode his horse and strolled slowly in the city of Lhasa under the protection of his personal guards.

There is not much to see in Lhasa these days. Apart from a few unique buildings, most of the buildings are very low.

Moreover, the city is quite dirty and all kinds of foul odors can be smelled everywhere.

...

Ten days later.

Du He and the Three Musketeers were barbecuing in the main hall when suddenly there was a commotion at the entrance.

Li Ji, Cheng Yaojin, Xue Wanche, Xue Rengui, Xi Junmai and others walked in with happy faces and their words were full of excitement.

"Meeting Master Du!"

After everyone bowed.

Cheng Yaojin rubbed his hands and said, "General Du, do you know that we have completely defeated Tubo and specially barbecued meat for us to eat?"

The other generals smelled the barbecue and couldn't help swallowing their saliva.

Fragrant!

So delicious!

Du He pointed to several other braziers and said, "I've prepared charcoal and skewers for you. Grill them and eat them yourselves."

Without any hesitation, the generals crowded into the three large braziers and skillfully picked up the meat skewers and grilled them.

For generals like these who lead troops in battles all year round, survival in the wild is a must-learn skill.

Barbecue is easy for them.

Li Ji reported while grilling meat: "General Du, the remaining 8 Tubo troops have surrendered to us and are now being guarded by Zhang Shigui, Wu Heita and others."

"The Subi, Yangtong, Dangxiang, and Bailangqiang tribes have been brought under control."

"The Tubo Kingdom was destroyed!"

As Li Ji finished speaking, the faces of the other generals suddenly became excited.

Although there are still some remaining forces in Tubo and Tianzhu that have not been eliminated, these remaining forces are completely powerless to cause any trouble. The remaining 3000 cavalry can wipe them out.

Since the capture of Lhasa and Qunu, Tubo and the Indian states could be declared extinct.

After a while.

Xue Wanche asked, "General Du, should we completely wipe out the remaining forces of Tubo and Tianzhu, or let the main force return to the court to receive the reward?"