The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 153

Upon hearing this news, the people of the Western Regions harbored even greater hatred for the Tang Dynasty, while the Tang Dynasty thought the Western Regions had gone mad.

Many people from the Tang Dynasty gathered around the border sign, saying:

"Has the king of this Western Regions kingdom gone mad? How could he slander our Great Tang like this! It's clear they're just arbitrarily arresting people and colluding with the Western Regions bandits to frame us!"

"That's how they captured my son. They sent people to gather information, saying it would take three thousand taels of gold to ransom him! They eat human flesh!"

"Why should we, the Great Tang, be afraid to fight?!"

......

More and more people began to discuss this matter, and the news traveled all the way from the border to Chang'an.

In the imperial court, Li Er's expression grew even more somber, and his brows, furrowed from days of frowning, now bore a deep wrinkle.

"Your Majesty, I suggest we start the war immediately!" General Li's white beard bristled with anger, his face flushed red. "Let this Western Regions kingdom see what happens when they slander our Great Tang!"

Li Er remained silent.

Prime Minister Liu, who was deep in thought, stepped forward after hearing General Li's words and advised, "Your Majesty, if the Tang Dynasty launches a major war, I wonder what the people of the Western Regions will say about us! The King of the Western Regions is deliberately provoking the people of the Tang Dynasty to find an excuse to attack the Tang Dynasty and then continue to smear it."

General Li frowned upon hearing Prime Minister Liu's words. "Prime Minister Liu, if we don't let them all see the might of our Great Tang, then in the future, there will only be more small countries that despise our Great Tang!"

"But if war breaks out, then the stability of the border region will be at stake."

"So what?! We'll just evacuate the border residents ahead of time!"

As Li Er listened to the two locked in a stalemate in their debate, he also fell into deep thought.

After a long while, the two stopped arguing and looked at Li Er, hoping he could give them an answer.

Li Er also came to his senses at this moment.

He looked intently at the officials in the court.

They all looked at themselves with grave expressions.

"Let's start the war." Li Er opened his mouth and uttered these words.

Prime Minister Liu and other officials who opposed the war immediately knelt down before him, shouting, "Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

"Now, the Western Regions are bullying our Great Tang. If we cannot give a clear answer, what will become of our Great Tang's status in the future?!" Li Er asked in a deep voice.

"'This...' Prime Minister Liu's voice was hoarse.

"Furthermore, the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty will inevitably pass. If we do not make a statement when it is at its strongest, what will happen in the future? In the eyes of the Western Regions, will our Tang Dynasty be so vulnerable? What will become of us?" Li Er asked again. "Furthermore, in the future, I will be unable to protect the people. Today's power can only sustain us for a while!"

After those few words, no one dared to speak anymore.

Seeing that no one objected anymore, Li Er looked at General Li, General Wang, and another old marshal, Marshal Hu, whose hair was already gray but whose body was still strong.

He spoke, and ordered: "Issue my decree: General Li will lead his troops to the Western Regions border to join the border guards, and General Wang will lead his troops to the Northwest border. Minister Hu, you are getting on in years, and I now request that you return to service!"

The three immediately knelt down and replied, "We will obey His Majesty's command."

At this moment, in the distance, near the southwestern border.

A troop of men had already set up camp on the southwestern border, and the general leading them was none other than the Second Prince.

The second prince, dressed in military attire and exuding an imposing aura, selected a troop of men and said, "Disguise yourselves and follow me to the Western Regions to rescue people."

The soldiers naturally knew that he had come for two reasons.

One purpose was to lead a team to relieve the garrison, and the other was to go to the Western Regions to rescue Master Xu.

Therefore, they were mentally prepared and, regardless of their fatigue from the journey, readily agreed: "Yes!"

After saying this, everyone returned to their tents, quickly took off their military uniforms, and traveled to the Western Regions in different attire.