Tang Dynasty: Father, if you don't rebel, I will!

The *Da Tang Xin Bao* reports: "On the third day of the fourth month of the Zhenguan era, Tuyuhun and the Great Tang Dynasty held their eighth round of negotiations regarding the Dafeichuan and Chishui River sources on the border. During the negotiations, Tuyuhun's current crown prince, Murong Shun, formally acknowledged and accepted the Great Tang Dynasty's lease terms for the Dafeichuan and Chishui River sources. However, the issue of the ownership of the original Tuyuhun people in these two areas has once again reached a stalemate..."

The *Great Tang Daily* reported: "On the 26th day of the fourth month of the Zhenguan era, the Grand Chancellor of Bingzhou Circuit, the Grand Chancellor of Zhenbei Circuit, the Prefect of Lingzhou, the Governor of Liangzhou, the General of Heavenly Strategy, and Crown Prince Li Chengqian of the Great Tang Dynasty decided that, effective immediately, two cities, Qinghai City and Chishui City, would be established at Dafeichuan and Chishuiyuan respectively. Those interested in bidding for construction could inquire about the details at the Taiyuan Prefecture New Policy Implementation Office from the beginning to the end of the fifth month of the Zhenguan era..."

The official gazette of the Tang Dynasty reported: "In early May of the Zhenguan era, the crown prince of Tuyuhun lodged a strong protest against the Tang Dynasty's forced construction of a city, which was rejected by Yangcheng Palace. The secretariat of Yangcheng Palace revealed that if the two sides could not reach a final agreement on peace talks by the end of May, the Tang Dynasty would declare the negotiations formally broken, and the Tang cavalry would once again enter a state of war..."

The Tang Dynasty Commercial Gazette reported: "On the 27th day of the fifth month of the Zhenguan era, the Taiyuan Prefecture New Policy Implementation Office of Bingzhou Circuit officially announced that the Jin Yang Su Family Merchants, the Hou Family Merchants of Pingtao County, Fenzhou Prefecture, Taiyuan Prefecture, and the Li Family Merchants of Liangzhou won the bids for the construction of the Chishui City wall, main roads, and underground drainage system. The three merchants announced that they would give priority to recruiting former Tuyuhun civilians and slaves in the area for employment..."

Two months have passed in the blink of an eye.

The dispute between the Tang Dynasty and Tuyuhun over the ownership of the Dafeichuan and Chishuiyuan areas finally came to an end as the deadline was repeatedly postponed and the Tang Dynasty made a very cooperative show of advancing its position again.

Under Murong Shun's extensive lobbying and attempts to win him over with benefits.

Finally, the final result has been achieved.

Yangcheng Palace, Xiande Hall.

Li Chengqian looked at the document sent by Li Xuanyun in his hand. Beside him, Qian Yingying, who had finally established and streamlined the production of the Taiyuan Military Factory during this period, was sorting out the documents sent by the Secretariat that required Li Chengqian's approval.

"Hehe, it seems my virtuous brother Murong is quite capable..."

two months.

Despite the fact that the Tang Dynasty seemed to be constantly negotiating with the Tuyuhun, they did not actually stop.

However, the Tang Dynasty's occupation and assimilation of Dafeichuan and Chishuiyuan did not stop at all.

Currently, a model similar to that of the Yanmen Pass breeding area has been rapidly established under Li Xuanyun's personal supervision and with the support of Bingzhou Road.

Although the terms of the negotiations between the two sides have not yet been finalized.

On the Tang Dynasty's side, it was inevitable that the Tuyuhun people would be taken in or granted citizenship.

With Xue Wanche and Ashina She'er guarding the area, they were like pillars of stability, making it impossible for Tuyuhun to stop or shake them.

Even when negotiations between the two sides stalled and reached a stalemate.

After receiving a secret message from Murong Shun, Ashina She'er immediately led his Turkic wolf cavalry deeper into Tuyuhun and attacked several tribes.

A righteous action was launched to rescue the common people and slaves oppressed by the Tuyuhun nobles.

Finally, after two months of struggling...

The longer the war dragged on, the more the Tang Dynasty demanded, and many of the terms of the negotiations were even being agreed upon by the Tang Dynasty based on its own strength.

In the end, he had no choice but to kneel before the ancestral tombs of the Murong clan and lament his agreement to the Tang Dynasty's terms.

And so, after Li Chengqian had seen it and nodded in agreement,

Datang Taiyuan State Guesthouse.

In the presence of hundreds of Taiyuan officials, envoys from various countries, and renowned ministers of the Tang Dynasty, an unequal treaty, born in the first year of the Zhenguan era but destined to be recorded in history, was freshly issued.

Treaty of Amity and Friendship between Tang and Tubo during the Zhenguan Era

The area of ​​Dafeichuan in southwestern Qinghai and Chishuiyuan in southeastern Qinghai, originally belonging to the Tuyuhun people, was leased to the Tang Dynasty for 50 years for 140 million strings of cash. The Tang Dynasty was permitted to build cities in the two areas and have the right to govern the people of the two areas.

The total amount of compensation to the Tang Dynasty's military expenses and losses from years of plundering border cities was 377 million strings of cash. Part of the compensation was to be made up with the rent from Dafeichuan and Chishuiyuan. The first payment of 40 strings of cash was to be made by the end of the first year of Zhenguan.

The Tang Dynasty's status as a superior nation was acknowledged, and the Crown Prince's succession to the throne was to be in accordance with the Tang Emperor's appointment.

The three clans of Tuyuhun—Murong, Bai, and Heba—need to form 5,000 elite cavalrymen to be dispatched by the Tang Dynasty and participate in military campaigns.

The two sides signed the "Labor Freedom Agreement," guaranteeing the Tuyuhun people the right to freely travel to the concession area and work in the Tang Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty helped Tuyuhun establish at least one hundred Han Chinese official schools within Tuyuhun territory within two years, and the Tuyuhun royal family and nobles were required to go there to receive Han Chinese education.

Murong Shun, the former King of Da Ning of Tuyuhun, was established as the only legitimate crown prince of Tuyuhun and the successor to the throne of the Great Khan.

Murong Shun, the Prince of Daning, was appointed as the Goodwill Envoy of the Great Tang Dynasty to govern and integrate the people of Qinghai City and Chishui City.

Murong Shun smiled broadly, showing no sign of embarrassment, in front of everyone.

With the brushes of hundreds of painters, it appeared in the "Datang Xinbao" newspaper.

It was the first newspaper in the Tang Dynasty, and even in the world, to be printed with woodblock illustrations.

The signed treaty was formally submitted to the Tang Dynasty.

With the sale of this newspaper.

That day, the entire Taiyuan Prefecture was in an uproar.

"I'll pay for everything at this restaurant today! I'll pay!!!"

"All shops under my Rishengchang Group will offer a 20% discount today! Even if we lose money, I'll accept it! Hahahaha!"

"Great! This month, the manager of the cloth shop, all the employees, and the accountant will all receive double wages!"

"..."

Today, Taiyuan Prefecture has long surpassed Chang'an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty, and has become the largest economic and trade center of the Tang Dynasty.

Thanks to its inland waterways and well-developed land transportation, Taiyuan Prefecture attracted merchants from all over the country.

Even merchants who had traveled thousands of miles through the Western Regions and from Persia chose to settle in Taiyuan.

When the newspaper published the article, the entire city of Taiyuan was immediately enveloped in a festive atmosphere.

Some government offices and businesses that had received prior permission and made preparations in advance began to play gongs and drums.

Lion dances, acrobatics, and other performances also began in front of the gate.

Datang Taiyuan State Guesthouse.

The members of the negotiation team who are now following Murong Shun are no longer the same group as before.

Each and every one of them was a "traitor" whom he had won over and corrupted.

Even though they knew that the lively and celebratory scenes outside were celebrating the signing of a treaty by Tuyuhun.

From then on, it became a plaything that the Tang Dynasty could manipulate at will.

However, everyone who thinks about these past few days either helped the Tang Dynasty persuade the people of Tuyuhun to live peacefully under the rule of Tang officials, or earned real money by securing more benefits for the Tang Dynasty.

Their hearts were filled with fervor.

From now on, they will, like Murong Shun, also bear the identity of officials of the Tang Dynasty.

Furthermore, each of them now possesses magnificent mansions and wealth they never dared to dream of before.

From now on, they will no longer be known as the Tuyuhun barbarians.

Instead, it's the noble Tang Dynasty gentleman...

"Send the main copy of this treaty to Chang'an to make my father, the Emperor, happy. I haven't mentioned these things to him in my letters for a while now. His Majesty the Emperor must be so anxious he's scratching his head in worry, right?"

"Also, send another three hundred Qinghai steeds over..."

Upon hearing Li Chengqian's instructions, Gao Hai, who was standing to the side, was glared at by Wang De, who had just returned from Chang'an some time ago.

They had no choice but to step forward and accept the order.

"Have the King of Chu and his entourage arrived?"

Gao Hai left, preparing to depart for Chang'an.

Li Chengqian, however, turned his gaze to Wang De beside him. Just as he finished speaking, a series of footsteps sounded.

Li You and his companions walked in from outside Xiande Hall, one after the other.

"Brother, you're looking for us..."

Li Chengqian nodded: "Pack your things and come with me out of the city."

Summer has arrived in the blink of an eye.

When Li Chengqian first arrived in Bingzhou last year, the winter wheat "Tianbao Golden Seed" that the people of various counties had planted was finally ready for harvest.

This matter was not only on Li Chengqian's mind.

This was a major concern for every household in Bingzhou who grew winter wheat.

After all, these were new seeds. If it weren't for the government's intervention, promising to provide them with sufficient compensation if the planting failed, they would have been in serious trouble.

In addition, the seeds were obtained by His Highness the Crown Prince.

Otherwise, I'm afraid no one would be willing to plant it.

However, now that Li Chengqian's carriage, escorted by cavalry, has arrived at the vast farmland outside Taiyuan City, the fields are now bathed in the scorching sun.

Everywhere you look, farmers are excitedly harvesting wheat.

There were also some teachers and students from the Imperial University's College of Agriculture who had arrived early and were tallying the harvest, as well as officials from the Ministry of Revenue of Taiyuan Prefecture.

"Your Highness, you've arrived! What a bountiful harvest! This year, Bingzhou Road has had an absolutely fantastic harvest!"

"These wheat varieties are indeed as terrifyingly productive as you said!"

"That's wonderful! From now on, Bingzhou will never lack food again!"

The official from the Ministry of Civil Affairs who greeted Li Chengqian with great excitement as he stepped down from the carriage was clearly a rare sight—from an ordinary family.

As she spoke, she couldn't suppress the redness in her eyes and the glistening tears.

Their voices were tinged with sobs.

What is the approximate yield per acre?

Li Chengqian patted him on the shoulder, offering words of comfort.

He asked a question that he was also concerned about.

At first glance, each of these ears of wheat appears heavy and plump.

During this time, Li Chengqian frequently visited the fields outside the city to check on the crops, which were growing very well.

"Your Highness, according to our field statistics, the average yield per mu is eighty-five dou. The situation around Taiyuan Prefecture should be similar. Your Highness, eighty-five dou!"

"You were right after all! We, the people of the Great Tang Dynasty, will never have to worry about going hungry again! Never again! Waaah..."

As the official spoke, he suddenly choked up, ultimately unable to hold back his sobs.

She burst into tears on the spot.

Upon seeing the arrival of Crown Prince Li Chengqian, the old farmers who were harvesting wheat in the fields excitedly crowded around him.

Some of them were carrying sickles.

Li You and the others' expressions changed, and they were about to stand in front of Li Chengqian when Li Chengqian glared at them.

He walked quickly towards the old farmers who were about to kneel before him, ahead of the others.

"Your Highness, you are truly a great bodhisattva in this world! Waaah, this old man kowtows to you..."

"Your Highness, these wheat seeds must be celestial seeds that you brought back from the Immortal Realm! Your Highness, you are our immortal!"

Li Chengqian could accept being bowed to by Wang De and the others.

But to be worshipped by these most simple and honest poor people who have suffered the most in Chinese history, and who are even older than their own fathers.

Li Chengqian truly couldn't get over that hurdle in his heart.

He hurriedly pushed aside a soldier from the Eastern Palace's Six Guards, stepped forward, and helped the people in front of him to their feet.

"Old man, please don't do this. These are all plants you've worked so hard to grow. I'm only providing some seeds. I really can't accept such a generous gift..."

At this moment, Li Chengqian's fair and jade-like hands were clasped together with the old farmer's cracked hands.

Looking into the other person's cloudy eyes, I saw the most sincere gratitude.

This gave Li Chengqian the greatest psychological comfort regarding his tireless work in handling state affairs since becoming crown prince.

He killed many people.

Fortunately, people's lives are getting better every day.

Li Chengqian glanced to the side and waved to the official who was still excitedly tallying the harvest from each acre of land. He then waved to the officials from the Royal Grain Reserves Bureau who had been asked to follow him.

"Next, all the Tianbao Gold Seeds in Bingzhou must be collected quickly. The people's share of the profits must be guaranteed for me, especially the Grain Reserves Department. Low grain prices hurt farmers. We have had a bumper harvest, but grain prices absolutely cannot plummet."

"The farmers are counting on the produce from their fields to make a living."

"If there is a shortage of funds for the acquisition, report to me immediately."

Everyone quickly bowed and agreed.

Only then did Li Chengqian feel a little relieved as he looked at the farmers in front of him, who were filled with excitement and gratitude.

"Sir, keep an eye on the news in the Great Tang Gazette these days. It will definitely publish the grain purchase prices of the Grain Reserves Bureau. Remember not to be fooled by some corrupt officials who are tired of living. The prices are all the same. If you encounter such people, report them to the authorities immediately."

"My Imperial Guards are keeping an eye on these guys. If any of them aren't doing their jobs, I'll replace them with a group of people who are actually there to serve the people!"

The old farmer, whose hands were being held by Li Chengqian, began to tremble with excitement.

Tears streamed down his dark, deeply lined face.

"Your Highness, you will definitely be a good emperor in the future, you definitely will. My second son is serving in the army for you. Don't worry, if he comes back on leave, I will definitely teach him a lesson and make him serve you properly..."

Li Chengqian's words touched the hearts of the people present like a warm current.

however.

To the officials around him, it was like a bone-scraping wind blowing across his neck.

These few months.

Those officials who participated in the year-end promotion assessment last year and obtained official positions, serving as county magistrates or prefectural judges in various places.

Nowadays, even the government offices have "figurines" bestowed upon them by the Crown Prince.

Just as Li Chengqian bid farewell to the farmers, telling them to continue harvesting wheat, he went to inspect the harvest in the surrounding counties.

Suddenly, a fast horse came anxiously.

After finding Li Chengqian, a messenger arrived with a flag bearing the inscription "Yanmen County, Hequ County" on his back.

He immediately shouted anxiously.

"Your Highness, a riot has broken out among the wicked monks of the Buddhist community in Hequ County!"