The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 172

The second prince shook his head and laughed: "To be honest, when Father asked us what compensation we wanted, I was a little confused. Because I really didn't know what to ask the Western Regions for. If we asked for too much, I was afraid the Western Regions couldn't afford it; if we asked for too little, then we would be letting down the wounded soldiers."

Xu Tian nodded.

At this point, General Li suggested, "Why don't we have this Western Regions country regularly pay tribute of five thousand taels of silver to the Tang Dynasty?"

General Wang nodded upon hearing this, "That will also work."

As a result, the group decided to ask the Western Regions Kingdom for compensation.

In this way, only Xu Tian remained unassigned as to what he wanted.

Everyone turned to look at Xu Tian, ​​wanting to see what he wanted.

Xu Tian tapped his index finger lightly on the table a few times. Remembering that the Western Region merchant who had long since run away had said that there were potatoes and wheat in the Western Region, he decided to ask the Western Region for some local specialties.

In this way, he can also achieve his initial purpose in coming to the Western Regions.

After thinking it over, he said to the border general, "I want potatoes and some grains that are special products of the Western Regions."

To everyone's surprise, after pondering for so long, he only wanted something so simple.

"What exactly is the use of this potato that makes you so fascinated, Grand Tutor?" the border general asked, half-jokingly and half-curiously.

"These potatoes can be used to make noodles, which are filling and quick to eat, and they also have a high yield," Xu Tian casually stated, highlighting several advantages of potatoes.

Upon hearing this, the others all responded with an "Oh."

"Grand Tutor, do you intend to take these potatoes back to increase the Tang Dynasty's grain production?" The Second Prince asked, recalling the task Xu Tian had been sent to Jinzhou by Emperor Li Er.

“Not bad,” Xu Tian said.

“Now that everyone has reached an agreement, I will go and talk to that Bak,” said the border general.

General Li and the others nodded in agreement.

General Li and his men have been exhausted from leading the troops these past few days, and being middle-aged, Marshal Hu can now only offer military advice on the battlefield. Now that the great battle with the Western Regions is over, they should get some rest.

The second prince is not yet fully capable of handling things independently. If he were to be misled by the people of the Western Regions when signing the treaty, he would be at a loss for what to do.

Therefore, the task of going to talk to Buck fell to the border general and Xu Tian.

After they finished their discussion, they went to the meeting place.

To facilitate the talks, Bak had long ago ordered his men to set up tents at the midpoint between the Western Regions and the Tang army camp.

Therefore, the two men arrived at the camp shortly after they set off with their troops.

The two entered, and the Western Region soldiers guarding them immediately informed Bak.

Before long, Buck also arrived with his troops.

Regardless of the past, proper etiquette is still essential. Therefore, the three of them bowed to each other upon meeting to show their respect.

Buck's face was filled with joy and excitement. He looked at the two men and quickly asked, "I wonder if the Great Tang has truly agreed to sue for peace? And what does it want?"

The border general replied, "The Great Tang agrees. And listen carefully to what the Great Tang is asking for. The Western Regions must pay the Great Tang an annual tribute of five thousand taels of silver, and immediately provide them with potatoes from the Western Regions and grains that are special products of the Western Regions."

Upon hearing this, Buck paused for a moment.

Silver is not a problem. Although the Western Regions are not as large as the Tang Dynasty, they are essential transit points for merchants traveling to the more distant Western Regions. With a little effort each year, they can manage to pay five thousand taels of silver.