Chapter 126:
Li Er was a highly skilled emperor. For instance, the matter of the diplomatic marriage, he believed, had been carefully planned among the experienced ministers of the court.
With Zhangsun Wuji and Li Daozong stepping up, they would surely comprehend his intentions. Cheng Yaojin and Weichi Gong, the prominent figures, had fallen silent, hadnt they?
Unexpectedly, someone still dared to make sarcastic remarks as the situation settled. Did they not respect Li Er, the emperor?
Who had the courage? Was he Wei Zheng, the rural fellow again?
Li Er never anticipated that it was Su Li who spoke.
Alright, then
What is this young man up to? Is he thinking of taking action?
Li Er narrowed his eyes, looking at Su Li with a contemplative expression.
If this young man intends to act, then we will engage. If he is not ready, we will let it go
Li Er pondered.
In any case, Su Lis prowess instilled an unexplainable confidence in Li Er!
A peerless, fierce general who could throw elephants!
Putting this individual in the military would surely cause chaos.
Tubo people occupying advantageous terrain?
Leaving Songtsan Gampo and Lu Dongzan within the Tang Dynastys domain, eliminating them, what more could the Tubo people stir up?
Over the past few days, Li Er had contemplated that if Su Li voluntarily sought battle, he might reconsider. However, despite the gravity of the situation, Su Li had remained silent, seemingly disinterested in the Tubo affair.
This time, there was room for conflict and negotiation for the Tang Dynasty.
Li Er had options, so he would no longer actively approach Su Li.
In the grand hall, a silence settled over everything. The expressions of the civil servants varied as they looked at Su Li. They were familiar with Su Li, but their knowledge about him was quite general.
On the other hand, among the generals, Cheng Yaojin and Weichi Gong, initially silenced by Zhangsun Wuji, were now hushed due to the arrival of Tubos envoy bearing flattering words.
Unexpectedly, Su Li stepped forward. Moreover, Li Ers attitude seemed quite delicate. Suddenly, the generals were no longer able to stay quiet.
No matter how courteous Tubo appears, its a real threat when the soldiers arrive at the city gates. Old Cheng has never seen an enemy that sends troops to force a marriage proposal. We might as well hit them hard, defeat them first!
Ive heard that Lu Dongzan, the prime minister of Tubo, loves using honeyed words while having malicious intentions. They may seem respectful this time, but theyre waiting to attack. We must be cautious.
Regardless of how artful Tubos words are, it doesnt change that theyre threatening the Tang Dynasty. This is a great humiliation!
As the saying goes, you dont let the fire arch over the seedlings.
Originally discontent with the idea of allying through marriage, the military generals became impassioned as Su Li ignited their fervor.
As a result, the initially smug Tubo envoy found himself trembling in front of these fierce generals. He nervously glanced around, his hands trembling as he said, May I inquire who you are
He is the husband of the Grand Princess Changle, the eldest princess of the Great Tang. Hes the Upper General of the Right Martial Guards and the Deputy Second General! Zhangsun Wuji interjected.
The Tubo envoy was dumbfounded.
Being chosen to represent Songtsan Gampo in the Tang Dynasty meant that this envoy deeply understood the Tang Dynasty.
He knew what it meant to achieve such a high position within the Tang Dynastys army, which was filled with renowned generals. And Su Li was remarkably young, to boot.
Especially since Su Li had disrupted the original plan with his speech, Li Er refrained from saying more. The Tubo envoy sensed something amiss.
He quickly analyzed the situation and began carefully, Greetings, General! You said that Tubos campaign against Tu Valley was an unjust war, but we in Tubo dont share that view.
Tubo and Tu Valley Region are neighboring nations, and they know Tu Valley Region well. Tu Valley Region may seem to respect the Tang Dynasty, but they have ulterior motives. When Tu Valley Region attacked the Tang Dynastys border cities, they showed their true colors.
Furthermore, when Tubo sought a marriage alliance with the Tang Dynasty, the Tu Valley Region obstructed it. After Tu Valley Regions Khan married Princess Honghua, he repeatedly acted arrogantly in front of Songtsan Gampo. This is a great humiliation for Tubo! The relationship between the Tu Valley Region and Tubo is similar to what the Tujue was to the Tang Dynasty. If we dont seek retribution for this, how can Zanpu gain the support of the people?
With this, the envoy turned to Li Er, knelt, and tearfully continued, Songtsan Gampo genuinely wishes to unite with the Tang Dynasty through marriage. If this alliance is formed, Songtsan Gampo will treat you as his own father. From then on, Tubo will pay tribute annually and never dare to disobey. I beg Your Majesty to understand!
A smile formed on Li Ers face.
Since the fratricide incident, Li Er has been striving to improve his image
He seemed somewhat pleased with his accomplishments, whether he acknowledged it or not.
The reason why he agreed to the peace treaty previously was because the Tubo envoy appeared so obedient. Even recognizing him as a father and paying tribute to Li Er could be considered quite an achievement. After all, he wasnt the heavenly khan of the ten thousand nations.
The words of the Tubo envoy were filled with emotion, and it must be said that this statement was well crafted. Even the generals who were protesting loudly found Tubos approach quite acceptable. Only Su Li observed coldly, with a sneer on his face.
Recognizing a ruler and paying tribute? Calling someone Dad upon meeting?
These matters werent of interest to Su Li but rather disgusting.
Thinking about it, it was due to Li Ers eagerness for achievements and his love for superficial accolades that had set the foundation for the extreme self-confidence of the Chinese dynasties!
Confidence was good, but being perceived as gullible and wealthy wasnt.
Those foreign states might use flattering words about heavenly country to win you while secretly exploiting the Central Plains. Once they grow powerful, they might betray you.
Tubo was the one who started this trend. Afterward, this trend only intensified.
By the Ming Dynasty, the countless small foreign nations that came to the Central Plains to conduct trade were innumerable. These states often brought worthless items and presented them to the emperor, followed by flattering words of good fortune, in return for abundant rewards of gold, silver, and jewels.
There was even a time when small South Asian countries used these tactics to live in luxury. The most striking example was Japan, located in the East Ocean.
They talked about being treated as their father, but would they recognize him once they turned around and stabbed him with a knife, often with excessive force? At that point, would they treat him as a father?
Li Er himself said that barbarians were like animals.
Animals dont have dignity.
Shouting father would not cost them anything significant. Instead, it would grant them countless benefits. There was no reason not to shout.
Historically, Princess Wenchengs marriage brought numerous books and craftsmen to Tubo. These were the most precious things for Tubo at that time.
If, indeed, he agreed to the other sides request due to a momentary desire for recognition, it would be like nurturing a dangerous beast!
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