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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 260: Six Victories
At the lively banquet, the Silla Princess was undoubtedly the most special presence. When the courtiers first heard of her arrival, they thought Silla was seeking a marriage alliance to avoid war.
However, they later learned that this princess was the heir of Silla, which left the courtiers astonished. Nevertheless, due to the differences between genders, no one approached her for conversation.
Moreover, there was no need for it; the court had already prepared provisions, and the armies from Pyongyang and the Bohai Commandery would march in spring.
Aside from surrendering and joining, there would be no other options.
Jindeman observed the civil and military officials of the Tang Dynasty, reflecting on her experiences along the way. She became increasingly clear about her choice; Silla could not withstand the pressure.
Even if they allied with Baekje, they could only delay their fate temporarily; ultimately, the destruction of their nation was inevitable.
Thus, she slowly rose from her seat and solemnly took out a volume from her bosom. This was her third national treasure aside from the Jade Belt and the Giant Buddha Statue.
The first two had already been presented earlier, but this atlas documenting the geography and hydrology of Silla was something she had only now resolved to present.
The princess's eyes were filled with sorrow; though Silla was not large, it had a history spanning hundreds of years. Today, it would come to an end in her hands—how could she not mourn?
But soon she composed herself, gracefully holding up the atlas as she approached and bowed before the imperial steps: "Celestial Emperor, I represent Silla and respectfully present the National Territory Atlas, requesting to join the Celestial Empire."
After translation, the courtiers fell silent; music and dance ceased, while envoys from other nations wore displeased expressions.
The emperor was slightly surprised but soon filled with joy. On such a celebratory day, this was indeed a delightful addition that lifted spirits.
"Good."
Li Wei respectfully retrieved the album and bowed before His Majesty, carefully presenting it.
The population of the land is what the Tang Dynasty needs. Although there may be many hidden dangers, he still has time to address them.
Wang Yi stepped forward and said, "I congratulate Your Majesty on governing the world with grace, guiding the realm with wisdom, establishing peace in the eight directions, and winning over the nations!"
"We all celebrate for Your Majesty!"
Even though the courtiers were quite confident about this battle, there were still concerns. Now that Silla has surrendered without a fight, those worries could be set aside.
Who knows, Baekje might also submit. Many officials were already planning to return and draft a memorial to present. Achieving victory without conflict would be perfect, but they still needed to send envoys to Liaodong.
…………
At night, the slightly inebriated emperor returned to his palace. The Queen attended to him, helping him change and offering him Hangover Soup.
"I have heard that the Silla Princess has offered her land in submission; I have yet to congratulate Your Majesty."
Li Jian Cheng smiled and said, "What a pleasant surprise; it spares us from the calamity of war."
"What does Your Majesty plan to reward her with?"
"How about a marriage?"
"Chancellor Li?"
"Mm."
Xiao Chanyan couldn't help but laugh, "Chancellor Li, the princess is quite... well... robust."
The princess from the Outer Domain had come to court, and the Queen had naturally summoned her. That girl was indeed the tallest among the women the Queen had seen, and she had a somewhat stocky build; from behind, she looked more like a man than a lady.
Chancellor Li, Li Zhiyun, was not short by any means, but he probably wasn't as tall as the princess.
The Queen delicately expressed, "I fear that my fifth brother may not be pleased."
The Emperor snorted, "When it comes to marriage alliances, he has no say in the matter. Besides, marrying a virtuous wife is essential. This woman possesses a strong character and kindness, making her worthy of being Chancellor Li's consort."
"Shouldn't the title of her father, the Duke of Dai Fang County, be elevated?"
Li Jian Cheng thought for a moment and shook his head. "The title of a prince should not be granted lightly. The territory of Silla is merely that of a duke; I will bestow some other rewards for appeasement."
After chatting for a while, just as Li Jian Cheng was about to fall asleep, the Queen suddenly said, "Chengzong is not young anymore; Your Majesty should consider the matter of establishing an heir."
The mention of the crown prince immediately dispelled Li Jian Cheng's drowsiness, but he pretended to be unaware and replied, "He's still young; we can discuss it after he starts his studies."
"He's not that young anymore, Your Majesty. Chengzong is your legitimate eldest son; he should have a proper status."
"Your Majesty?"
After the Annual Leave of Seven Days, the court began to resume operations. The first order was for Qin Wang to return to the capital, and the emperor decreed that the Qin Wang Mansion be expanded by double.
Tongye Hu and Princess Gaomi's congratulatory gifts also arrived. With the escort of the Tang army and Tongye Hu's long-standing prestige, he successfully regained his authority.
For now, the northwest of the Tang Dynasty was stable. Tongye Hu continued to express his sincerity, presenting countless treasures and slaves to Your Majesty.
However, things were not going well for Tuli in the north. After winter set in on the grasslands, heavy snow fell suddenly. According to a Secret Report, "Their country is covered in deep snow, with several feet on flat ground; sheep and horses have all died, and people are starving."
Tuli's prestige was already lacking, and the way he seized the title of Khan did not win him much support. Just a few months into his reign, he faced such a natural disaster, which led his subordinates to begin questioning him.
This was also why Tuli desperately hoped for a marriage alliance with the Tang Dynasty; he needed to solidify his position.
Yet, the more he sought this alliance, the more Li Jian Cheng refused. After dealing with Liaodong, he planned to stabilize things for two years before addressing the Turkic issue, naturally not giving Tuli a chance to secure his throne.
Li Jian Cheng had plans and patience, but the military officials in court could not sit still after seeing His Majesty's attitude.
Silla had already surrendered; what merit could Baekje still claim? Moreover, Zhang Huhuan, Luo Yi, and Li Xiaogong were all over there—there was hardly any benefit left for them.
The situation with the Turkic people was different; it was an opportunity for these brothers in court to gain promotions together.
During a court meeting, Li Mi presented: "The Turkic people harbor wolfish ambitions and will inevitably become a threat from within. Their country is currently suffering from natural disasters and human calamities; this is our army's chance to march northward and annihilate their nation and kind. We request permission to go to war!"
Liu Wenjing and Du Ruhui quickly opposed this idea. It had already been nearly a year of fighting; they had almost exhausted the supplies accumulated over the past few years. Where would they find enough provisions for a northern expedition?
One cannot simply follow in the footsteps of the previous dynasty, seizing wealth from the mouths of the common people.
"War is perilous; it concerns the survival of the nation. How can we easily raise an army?"
"Your Majesty, we must not go to war again. Do you not know that those who are eager for battle will perish?"
Li Mi continued, "I have six reasons for certain victory."
Li Jian Cheng would certainly not engage in war with the Turkic tribes within these two years, but that did not prevent him from allowing Li Mi and others to prepare.
"Speak."
First, the Turkic Khagan has been defeated, and their elite troops have all become captives of our Great Tang. Second, Tuli is young and reckless; despite his desire for violence and his inclination to kill the virtuous while befriending the treacherous, he lacks wisdom. Third, natural disasters have struck, causing heavy losses among the Turks' livestock, making it difficult for them to provide relief, which will lead to mutual plundering among their tribes.
Fourth, tribes like Xue Yantuo are close confidants of Xieli and are not tolerated by Tuli; they will rebel one after another. Fifth, Tuli does not trust the Turks and has handed over power to foreign Barbarians, who are fickle. If our army presses forward, internal strife is bound to arise.
Sixth, due to the wars of the previous dynasty, many Han Chinese fled to the Turkic lands to escape conflict. Now that there is turmoil within the Turkic tribes, they will take up arms in self-defense. If our army crosses the border, they will surely respond in droves.
...
(End of Chapter)
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