Chapter 292: The Decision of a Great Power

The midsummer has already arrived. Chang'an in early July is like a fire burning the ground, suffocating so much that people can't breathe. There are not many people coming and going on Zhuque Street. Only those who have to support their families will go out in such a hot season. The bluestone road is so hot that it almost melts people's feet. Only some carriages are speeding past, and pedestrians are walking under the tall and green trees, forming two abortions like foraging ants.

Opposite the gate of Chongyefang, a Hu man from the Western Regions with extremely wide shoulders sat under a big tree. He was not afraid of the heat, but the anxious look on his face seemed to be a little hotter than the scorching sun in July. He was Shamitar, the messenger of Tochar. He had been in Chang'an for more than a month. At first, he searched for the Honglu Temple and submitted a note. The Minister of the Honglu Temple only told him that he would wait for the emperor to summon him, but more than a month passed and he didn't see the emperor's shadow. He remembered that Li Qing had posted to him at that time that he could seek the prime minister's help, but Li Linfu went to Luoyang to work again. He had no choice but to wait, doing nothing every day, wandering around Chang'an City. Last night, he heard that Li Linfu was back, so he rushed to the gate of Chongyefang early in the morning to intercept the prime minister.

Suddenly, pedestrians in front of the gate avoided both sides. A carriage was guarded by a hundred guards and used it out of the gate. Shamitar immediately stood up. He saw the flag on the carriage with the words "Superior Kingdom".

"Li Xiangguo is here!" He took out Li Qing's famous thorn and ran quickly towards the carriage.

Li Linfu went to Dongdu to inspect government affairs a month ago, and it was indeed last night that he had returned last night. Since Li Qing left Beijing, he took the initiative to write to Li Longji to ask Yang Guozhong to replace Li Qing as the Minister of the Taifu Temple. This was a laborious position. In less than half a month, he suggested that Yang Guozhong no longer serve as the position of Jingzhao Yin on the grounds that Yang Guozhong was unable to separate the position of Jingzhao Yin on all matters. This progress and retreat were extremely clever and impeccable. Li Longji agreed to his request and removed Yang Guozhong from the position of Jingzhao Yin on the position of Jingzhao Yin.

The matter was not big, but it was a weather vane. The prime ministers who thought Li Linfu would fall turned around and performed one farce after another in Chang'an.

Suddenly the carriage slowed down, and a noise in front interrupted Li Linfu's thoughts. He sank his face and said, "What's so noisy?"

The chief guard took a name of the assassin and handed it in, "There was a Hu man who claimed to be a messenger of Tochar. He took a name of the assassin from the former Minister of Revenue Li to seek the Prime Minister."

"Li Qing?" Li Linfu was puzzled. He knew that Li Qing's name was not easy to give to others. There must be a reason for this Hu man to bring it to him. He pondered for a moment and said, "Take him here!"

After a moment, Shamitar was brought over by the guards. Li Linfu opened the curtain, glanced at him, pointed to the famous thorn and said coldly: "I asked you, where did you get this talent?"

Shamitar did not dare to look up and bowed and replied, "I am on the order of Ye Hu to go to the Tang Dynasty. I am ambushed by Tubo people in Shazhou, thanks to Minister Li to save him..."

He then attached the King of the Imperial Army to Tubo, hoping to help him regain Xiaobojin. He was sent by Ye Hu to Beijing for assistance and was rescued by Li Qing in Shazhou. The above incidents were explained in detail and finally said angrily: "I traveled thousands of miles and came for the benefit of the Tang Dynasty, but I had no way to tell him. I stayed there for more than a month, which really made people feel cold. If I had not been fortunate to see the Prime Minister today, I would not know when I could fulfill my king's instructions."

Li Linfu did not hear his complaints. Xiao Bojin was the bridgehead for Tubo to march into Anxi. If Xiao Bojin was taken down, the territory of Anxi would be opened to them. Tubo also had a supply base, which was of great importance. Li Linfu did not dare to neglect. He immediately ordered the guards to take the envoy of Tochar and hurriedly turned toward Xingqing Palace.

One hour later, the left prime minister Pei Kuan, the ministers of various departments, military weapons supervisors, Weiwei Temple, Taipu Temple and other related military ordnances, and the heads of the horse departments all rushed to the Xingqing Palace Political Affairs Hall at the summons of Li Longji. They will decide the final plan for the Tang Dynasty to seek help from Tochar.

Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, it has fought against Goryeo in the east and fought against the Turks in the west, and won many battles and the border has gradually stabilized. Since the later years of Emperor Taizong, it has opened up thousands of miles of land and the four countries have come to tribute, which has also become the famous name of Tiankang. However, after the Middle Tang Dynasty, with the rise of Tubo, it has always become a major concern for the Tang Dynasty, seriously restraining the development of the Tang Dynasty to the west.

At the same time, in the distant West, the prophet Muhammad founded Islam in Mecca, the Arabian Peninsula, and established a regime that united politics and religion. At the same time, he continued to fight outside. Almost in the same period as the Tang Dynasty, a powerful empire that spanned later generations of Asia, Africa and Europe. Among them, the conquest of the East pointed directly at a series of countries in the Western Regions, destroyed Persia, invaded Tochar, captured Kangguo, Shiguo, and Huatshuzimo, and even had the intention to get involved in the Tang Dynasty. At this time, the Tang Dynasty was restrained by Tubo and was unable to expedite the westward expedition, so he supported the former Turkic Huang tribe, Tukha, to resist and expel the Arab forces in the Western Regions. Li Longji even enthroned his leader Su Lu as Zhongshun Khan and the general of the Zuo Yulin Army.

But the good times did not last long. After the powerful Tuqi Shiren betrayed his faith and colluded with Tubo to plot against the four Anxi towns in the Tang Dynasty. The situation in Anxi became worse. Under this circumstance, Li Longji decided to join forces with the Dashi to attack the Tuqi Shiren, and at the same time supported another black tribe of Tuqi Shi, in order to partially transform the Tuqi Shiren from within.

In the 23rd year of Kaiyuan, Tuqi Shi invaded Beiting and Anxi Bahuan City (now Aksu, Xinjiang). Beiting Jiedushi Gai Jiayun sent troops to defeat the invaders. At the same time, Dashi attacked Tuqi Shi from behind. Sulu Khan, the leader of Tuqi Shi, was dramatically killed by a small soldier during the dispatch of troops, and Tuqi Shi was thus destroyed.

But since then, the Zhaowu Jiuxian area, a former vassal state of the Tang Dynasty, was actually conquered by Dashi. The Tang Dynasty's focus in the Western Regions turned to Big and Big Bojin, trying to drive the Tubo forces out of the Western Regions. However, due to Dashi's interference, Tian Renwan, Gai Jiayun and Fu Meng Lingcha were unable to seize Xiao Bojin.

But things changed during the Tianbao period. The black-clothed food rose in Khurashan. The Wumaiye Dynasty, which was white-clothed food, was unable to interfere in Anxi's actions. Tang Ting took advantage of this opportunity and ordered Gao Xianzhi to attack Xiaobojin in the sixth year of Tianbao. Without Dashi's interference, Gao Xianzhi was unstoppable and seized the capital of Xiaobojin Anuyue City in one fell swoop, cutting off the vine bridge of the Sayi River, the only place where Tubo reinforced the Xiaobolu Kingdom, and blocked the Tubo army who came from afar from afar from the other side. After this battle, the small Western countries that originally surrendered to Tubo surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, which successfully prevented Tubo's expansion in the Western Regions.

Now, the Tubo traitors are desperate and colluded again to plot against Xiao Bojin. Due to the fact that Tocharo Ye Hushiligala's submission to seek help, Li Longji decided to convene important officials to discuss the matter.

In fact, Li Longji learned about this from Bian Lingcheng's secret report as early as May. He had issued a secret order to order the military and political leaders of Anxi to start preparing for war. Because he was worried that the Tang army had already begun to prepare for war and prevented Tubo from taking action in advance, the Joint Division Congress of the Imperial Division attacked Xiaobojin. Li Longji has been avoiding the envoys of Tochar and delaying time. Until today, Li Linfu reported that the envoys of Tochar had arrived.

The meeting had been held for half an hour, and the general plan for sending troops was decided. Anxi Army sent 10,000 troops and marched in two ways. One detoured from the east to Tocharo to attack the Imperial Kingdom, the other took the route of Tianbao's six-year old, and went to Lianyunbao to support Xiaobojin and captured Dabojin. It was arranged uniformly by Gao Xianzhi, the governor of Anxi.

Some details on logistics materials, such as grain and military supplies, are handed over to the Prime Minister Li Linfu for full allocation.

Shule, a team of materials from afar slowly drove into the city gate under the tight escort of the Tang army. Nearly a thousand carriages were endless. There were nearly 5,000 infantry and cavalry of the Tang army, which was the largest number of troops. Gao Xianzhi, the large capital of Anxi, was also in the team. He received the order from the court to send troops a month ago. After more than twenty days of trekking, his main force finally arrived in Shule.

It is mid-August now, but the sun is still vicious at noon, evaporating all the moisture, and the trees hang down their branches weakly, struggling to withstand the last madness of the scorching sun.

Gao Xianzhi's waist stopped straight. His face was grim and his eyes were sharp. He looked at everything in the city. He was very cautious in front of the city gate. Everyone entering and leaving must be subject to strict body searches and verified their identity. Residents who are not in this city must be controlled.

In the city, each stairs was held every ten steps, and a group of Tang soldiers ran past the streets, with neat footsteps and murderous aura. All empty houses were requisitioned, used as warehouses for stocking up supplies, horses and livestock were also requisitioned by the military. All men in the city were hired by the army as civilians who carried supplies.

The shops were suspended, and daily items needed were rationed. Foreign merchants were not allowed to enter the city again to prevent spies from entering; every family was closed, and all the debris at the door were cleaned up, the streets were empty, and even cats and dogs had nowhere to hide.

Everything was arranged in an orderly manner, and even the most demanding Gao Xianzhi could not find any fault. He couldn't help but secretly admire Li Qing's ability, which was no less than Feng Changqing. Sufficient preparation was crucial to winning the war. Gao Xianzhi never fought an unprepared battle.

"The last general Xi Yuanqing met with the Grand Commander!" At the gate, Shule captured Xi Yuanqing had been waiting for a long time. When he saw Gao Xianzhi enter the door, he immediately stepped forward to see that he was Gao Xianzhi's confidant, brave and brave. In the battle of Xiaobojin in the sixth year of Tianbao, he was the vanguard. He pretended to use the way to attack Dabojin, and used a fake way to destroy Guo, and captured Anuyue City.

"Thank you for your hard work, General Xi!"

Gao Xianzhi then looked around and said in surprise: "Where is Li Duhu? Why don't you see others?"

Xi Yuanqing showed a strange smile on his face, and he bowed and replied, "Li Duhu's family has a happy event, and he is celebrating!"

"Happy event?" Gao Xianzhi was stunned. He waved his hand and said, "Take me to see!"

Li Qing's temporary residence was a vast and deep mansion. It was originally a house of a nobleman of Shule Kingdom. It was made of white stone and integrated. From a distance, it seemed to be carved from white jade. It was located in the most prosperous area of ​​Shule City. At this time, the streets at the door were very lively, with crowds like the sea. It seemed that all Shule people had arrived, mostly elderly people, women and children, and were completely different from the murderous atmosphere in front of the city gate. They lined up in more than a dozen long lines under the command of soldiers. Everyone's faces were filled with joy and hope, and they were not affected by the scorching poisonous sun.

A long shop was set up in front of Li Qing's mansion. Li Qing smiled and led more than 100 personal soldiers to distribute food to Shule residents. The thick bark cakes were filled with fragrant beef and dyed red eggs. They were not divided into ethnic groups, men, women, and young people. They were all given as long as they arrived.

The reason was that Li Qing received a letter from Kucha three days ago, and Liang'er gave birth to a fat white boy for him. The joyful Li Qing immediately took out a huge sum of 3,000 guan to make a big donation in Shule City, and shared his joy with everyone.

"Li Duhu, Gao Dashen is here!"

Xi Yuanqing took the lead and rushed to Li Qing and called out anxiously. When Li Qing looked up, he saw Gao Xianzhi sitting on the horse with a smile on his face. He bowed to him from a distance and said, "I heard that Li Duhu had first received a noble son, congratulations! Congratulations!"

Li Qing picked up a towel and wiped his sweaty hands, smiled and replied to Gao Xianzhi, "Thank you, the general. Li Qing also wished he could put his wings on his body and fly back to Chang'an to take a look."

Gao Xianzhi smiled at the sky, blinked at him and said, "Even if you fly into the sky, I will catch you."

Li Qing thought about it and said happily: "But there is news from the court?"

Gao Xianzhi nodded slowly and said, "It's urgent, please follow me."

Since Li Qing came to Shule three months ago to prepare for war, food, livestock and weapons have basically been fully equipped. Nearly 8,000 troops have been transferred from various places in Anxi, including the 3,000 Doulu Army transferred by Li Qing from Shazhou, and the 5,000 yamen soldiers brought by Gao Xianzhi today, the total force has reached 13,000. You can send troops after a few more days of rest.

Bai Jicheng was originally with Gao Xianzhi, but because of illness on the road, he stayed in Bahuan City to rest. Gao Xianzhi and Li Qing came to the military yard and left the outsider. He closed the door and said to Li Qing with a hint of shame: "I should apologize to Li Dugu. When the Protector first came, I thought the Protector wanted to replace me, so I was hostile. Later, when he heard the Bian Supervisor talk about it, I realized that the Protector was coming to Anxi for training, and I was narrow-minded."

Li Qing knew that things were not as simple as Gao Xianzhi said, and he could be moved by just a few words of marginal sincerity. In the past few months, he must have sent someone to Beijing to understand the situation. Maybe there is also the role of Li Linfu, but this should only be part of the reason for his change in attitude. He is so humble and should have other purposes.

Moreover, he came to Shule in person this time, and would never give up the opportunity to make a name for himself. Li Qing smiled slightly and said without saying a word: "The Grand Marshal is too worried. If I had been concerned about the Grand Marshal's attitude and had already returned to Shazhou, how could he come to Shule to prepare for the war? The war is imminent. I hope you and I can cooperate sincerely and win this war together."

Gao Xianzhi nodded. He did ask Li Qing for something. According to Li Longji's will, the war was divided into two groups. The Western Army entered Tocharo and fought with the Tocharo army to attack the army. The Eastern Army entered Xiaobojin from Lianyunbao to support Xiaobojin's Tang army to prevent Tubo from taking the opportunity to invade. Since Li Qing had rescued the Tocharo envoy, Li Longji considered Li Qing as the commander of the Eastern Army to enter Tocharo to assist the war. Gao Xianzhi was familiar with the road and he was the commander of the Western Army to rescue Xiaobojin. The two armies were to expand their territory, conquer other countries, and promote the power of the Tang Dynasty; the other was to consolidate the existing achievements, and compared the two sides, which was more important. How could Gao Xianzhi not understand? It was just that the emperor's imperial edict was issued and it was difficult to change. The only solution was that Li Qing volunteered to go to Xiaobojin, and he reluctantly agreed.

This is the real purpose of Gao Xianzhi's apology, to win over Li Qing and ask him to give his credit to him.

He took out the imperial edict from his arms and handed it to Li Qing, looking at Li Qing with a little nervousness and said, "The emperor has given two tasks, and Li Duhu can choose any one."

Li Qing hurriedly browsed the imperial edict. It was clearly written clearly. He was the commander of the Eastern Army, but Gao Xianzhi had to choose any of them himself. What does this mean? Li Qing changed his mind and immediately understood that he wanted to choose the Western Army and give him the attack on the Imperial Army. Is this his purpose of showing his weakness to him?

Li Qing didn't care whether it was the Eastern Army or the Western Army, but Gao Xianzhi was so eager to go to Tochar so that he would not take the opportunity to get some interest. How could Li Qing agree easily?

Li Qing pondered for a moment and asked, "If we all go on the battle, who will be responsible for the supply of food and grass?"

"It can be judge Liu Shan, who was once a subordinate of Feng Changqing, who was quite capable and able to take on this responsibility." Gao Xianzhi knew that Li Qing was worried that Kang Huaishun would be responsible for the logistics, which would be detrimental to his advancement, so he relieved his worries first.

"I have an aide named Zhang Ji, who also has some abilities. Can I order him as deputy and assist Judge Liu in military affairs?" This is the first order issued by Li Qing to test Gao Xianzhi. If he agrees happily, his real conditions will be brought out.

Sure enough, Gao Xianzhi was eager to seek merit, so he agreed without hesitation, "I can appoint him as the military officer of the Cangcao and the Armored Envoy to assist Liu Shan."

Seeing that he agreed and knew that he wanted to lead the army into Tochar, Li Qing smiled faintly and said, "The way to be a general is to clearly distinguish between rewards and punishments. Those who have made meritorious service will be promoted, and those who have fallen behind will be surrendered. Since I am the commander of the first army, I naturally have to have the power to be promoted to the soldiers. Unfortunately, I am only a deputy and have no such power. The general may be in power. Grant me the power to reward and punishment?"

This is the power that Li Qing really wants. Whenever the war is over, the court will reward the soldiers who have made meritorious service, or give them money and goods, and they will generally be rewarded based on the records of the marching Sima;

However, the process of promoting officers is slightly complicated. Generally, the governor can appoint him on his own, but he needs to report to the Ministry of War for approval. He or the Prime Minister or even His Majesty the Emperor must also be granted the title or the title of dispersed official. What Li Qing wants is this power of appointment. He wants to promote some of his confidants through this battle.

Generally speaking, he is the governor of Shazhou and has certain appointment power, but his grade is too low, so how can he compare with the power of the Anxi Grand Protector.

Seeing Gao Xianzhi pondering, Li Qing said with a final word: "If the Grand Marshal agrees, I would like to volunteer Ying to lead the army westward and retrace the path the Grand Marshal took back then."

This is his final statement, with only this one condition. If he agrees, he will exchange tasks with Gao Xianzhi.

Gao Xianzhi lowered his head and thought for a long time before staring at Li Qing and slowly said, "I will give you up to twenty places, and it is limited to Doulu Jun. Can you agree?"

He also knew that the opening was full of troubles, but the temptation of the Eastern Route Army made him unable to give up, so as long as Li Qing agreed to give in and not put his hand into his yamen army, he could do a favor and give Doulu Army completely to Li Qing.

The only disappointment here is that the current chief general of Doulu Army, Bai Xiaode, was promoted by Wang Zhongsi, and was nominally the deputy governor of Doulu Army, but the governor has always been Wang Zhongsi. He actually controlled the real power of Doulu Army, but after this battle, Doulu Army will be completely controlled by Li Qing.

Li Qing stretched out a hand and smiled and said, "Then I wish the general the smooth progress of the eastward and the victory of the Imperial Kingdom as soon as possible!"

When Gao Xianzhi saw him agreeing, he was overjoyed and stretched out his hand to slap him and said, "Li Duhu is going to Xiaobojin and lead Doulu army as the main force. I will order Xi Yuanqing to lead 2,000 elite troops to listen to your order, a total of 5,000 people. I also wish you a victory and arriving in Xiaobojin as soon as possible."

This is negotiation. Both of them can get their own needs without harming each other's interests. As for the losses, the third party will bear the burden.
Chapter completed!