Chapter 51: Fighting to fight

The term "colonial?" is very fresh, and Li Longji, Yao Chong and Song Jing were very surprised.

Chen Wanrong explained to them: "The colony moved the people of the Tang Dynasty here and let them settle down. Over time, this place belongs to the Tang Dynasty."

Li Longji commented: "Isn't this a real border immigration?"

In ancient China, in order to solve the stability of the border, the strategy of immigrating to implement borders was adopted, which well maintained the stability of the borders. The colonies and immigrants were somewhat similar, but they were different.

Chen Wanrong shook his head slightly and said, "Emperor, the two are somewhat similar, but different. Immigration is actually on the border of the Tang Dynasty, and the colonies can be farther away. If we conquer the Dashi and the Roman Empire, if we do not have a certain number of people living here, it will be difficult to maintain its stability."

Li Longji deeply agreed with this statement: "That's right, after all, this place is too far from the Tang Dynasty, so it is indeed a problem to effectively govern it. The colony is a good idea. Anyone who wants to leave will encourage the court, and those who have made meritorious rewards will be highly rewarded."

Before Chen Wanrong could say it, he proposed it. Chen Wanrong had to admire his wisdom: "The emperor is wise! Since ancient times, all warriors must prepare food and grass first. The Tang Dynasty's western expedition had a large army and needed more food and grass. I think that if I recruited from the mainland, it would be almost impossible because the journey was too far, so I decided to "fight to support the war" in this battle, and use the resources of the Dashi and the Roman Empire to use the food and grass for us."

"Fight to fight?" This statement is not unfamiliar to modern people. For the Tang people, they had long used this strategy, but did not make it clear. Li Longji was a little surprised when he heard it, and then he slapped: "Well, Dashi is too far from the Tang Dynasty. If we transport food, grass and weapons from the mainland, the consumption on this road alone would be enough to make people feel, and it would be a shock to the world."

Yao Chong was proficient in government affairs and frowned, reminding him: "Master, this idea is certainly good, but if it is not good, it will arouse the resistance of the people of the Great Food."

In the end, fighting is plunder. If the standard is not well established, it will inevitably cause trouble. Chen Wanrong agreed with his reminder, but Chen Wanrong had other ideas: "Yao Xiang, I have considered this matter. There is an old saying that "Flying the Scene and Fishing", which means that we will lose all our foundation. This time we send troops to the Western Regions, we must pay attention to our scrupulousness and not do such things, and try not to cause trouble as much as possible."

Song Jing also spoke: "The idea is good, but it is difficult to not cause trouble in this kind of war."

Chen Wanrong was full of confidence: "Please rest assured, I thought about how many favorable conditions the Tang Dynasty had in Dashi. First, the Dashi had recently risen, and many places were newly harvested places, and there were not yet integrated, and the resistance here was still in progress. We must make good use of this condition. Second, the Tang Dynasty had a relatively high awareness here. In the history of the Chinese nation, this area has never recognized the Chinese civilization so much. This is our advantage, and we must make good use of it."

During the Tang Dynasty, the Middle East had a very high awareness of Chinese civilization. If Gao Xianzhi had not been defeated in Talas and the "Anshi Rebellion" followed, the Middle East might not have been Islamized.

Li Longji had an outstanding strategic vision and nodded in agreement: "It will take a long time to integrate a place. How can it be successful in just a few decades? When the Tang Dynasty arrived here, it could treat those who opposed the big food and ask them to be the kings here. However, the strength should not be too strong, otherwise it would be difficult to control. This is called "segment and control"

This is a good strategy, Chen Wanrong agreed to the high-five: "The emperor is wise! The third favorable condition for the Tang Dynasty is that the Tang Dynasty is more advanced than the Dashi and the Roman Empire. We have no slaves, and they still have it. Dashi is even more happy to plunder slaves. The Tang Dynasty can follow the practices in Tubo, abolish slaves, give them freedom, give them property, and let them live a stable life."

The social system of the Tang Dynasty was far more advanced than that of the Dashi and the Roman Empire. The abolition of slaves was the most powerful magic weapon of the Tang Dynasty and must be used well. This showed infinite power when fighting against Tubo. Although the Tang army killed a lot in Tubo, the Tubo people fully supported the Tang Dynasty. After all, the slaves wanted to live a good life.

Li Longji had no reason to disagree with this matter and nodded, "It's right, this is crucial! The barbarians can only destroy, not build, they are fishing for the sapling of the lake. The Tang Dynasty is not, the Tang Dynasty is a country of benevolence and righteousness, not only can it destroy, but also good at building. I decided that after conquering these places, we must manage them well, so that the people here can live a peaceful life, so that they will not resist the Tang Dynasty and truly support the Tang Dynasty."

The people's requirements are not high, just a little bit, just give him a stable and peaceful life. If the Tang Dynasty ruined everything like Attila, it would be impossible to gain the hearts of the people here. Even if this Western Expedition was successful, it would be just a flash in the pan. Only by governing well and gaining the hearts of the people here can we take root for a long time.

Yao Chongda agreed with this: "What the emperor said is very reasonable! The Tang Dynasty is not only without slaves, but also good at construction. This is also the advantage of the Tang Dynasty, and it must also be used well."

The social system of the Tang Dynasty was a feudal system, which was more advanced than the slave system. Moreover, China had thousands of years of civilization history, and the accumulated civilization was extremely splendid, and building a home was a masterpiece of China. In addition, Li Longji, a wise monarch, was not impossible, but very likely to implement a system similar to the Tang Dynasty in Dashi.

Chen Wanrongda was excited and said: "Your Majesty, unless it is absolutely necessary, we must not destroy it. We must build as much as possible. Only when the construction is done, the people will support the Tang Dynasty. We still have to collect taxes, otherwise our hundreds of thousands of troops will not be able to live. However, the taxes will be as light as possible."

Song Jing's voice was a little high: "Since ancient times, heavy taxes have been the most chaotic government, which often aroused the people to rise up, and light taxes are the fundamentals."

It is certainly true that light taxes and taxes are low, but there must be a limit, that is, the Tang Dynasty cannot be overturned. Not only can it not be overturned, but it must also be more prosperous and have more wealth. Only in this way can the Tang Dynasty ensure deterrence.

Li Longji was even more interested and smiled and said, "Chen Wanrong is right. The Tang Dynasty cannot bear too much burden in this battle. It can transfer the burden here as much as possible. I have ordered Brother Shuhan to stock up on food and grass for reinforcements. If I was not wrong, our current army would not have to bring a lot of food and grass with us, just go over."

He is a visionary person. Chen Wanrong and others admire him and said in unison: "The emperor is wise!"

Li Longji waved his hand and said, "After all, it is to have a capable person in the Western Regions and be able to manage the place well. Do you think, who should I send?"

Chen Wanrong looked at Yao Chong and Song Jing and thought to himself: "When it comes to governing the Western Regions, they must be the two of them. However, the court was in trouble and they couldn't get away for a while." He suddenly remembered a person and said, "Master, the situation in Tubo is becoming more and more stable, Lord Zhang can go to the Western Regions."

Zhang said that the achievements made in governing Tubo were obvious to all, and this suggestion was very reasonable. Even Yao Chong, who was born to dislike Zhang, had nothing to say: "It is good for him to go, but this time, you can't send him again. It is best not to choose one person."

"Yao Chong, you recommend one!" Li Longji looked at him with interest.

Yao Chong thought for a while and said, "Although Zhang said that he was successful in Tubo, he could not go to the Western Regions. He should be transferred to the court. It is more appropriate for Lord Song to go there."

You don’t have to think about it. You will be so busy that you have no time to sleep when you go to the big food place. However, this is also an opportunity in life. An opportunity to show your talents is hard to come by. Song Jing couldn’t help but have a keen light in his eyes, looking at Li Longji very hopefully.

Li Longji did not comment and continued: "Hundreds of thousands of troops advanced westward, and there were a lot of supplies that could not be done by capable people. Song Jing was indeed suitable to go. However, I was still thinking that the army needs not only food, clothing, clothing, but also weapons. These must also be made in the Western Regions. If it is not made in the Western Regions, the transportation of weapons alone will make the world hustle and have to do so. Therefore, this person would better understand the manufacturing of weapons, and some clever thoughts are appropriate."

Yao Chong and Song Jing's eyes suddenly gathered on Chen Wanrong. According to Li Longji, this person must be Chen Wanrong. If anyone has the best way to create weapons, it must be Chen Wanrong. He is in charge of the military weapon surveillance, and the military weapon surveillance will undergo earth-shaking changes. This is obvious to all.

Chen Wanrong hurriedly said, "Emperor, no matter who goes to the Western Regions, I am willing to do my best to assist you. Is I not able to govern, right?"

Li Longji shook his head and said, "If you can't manage it, can't you learn it?"

Chen Wanrong was even more afraid to accept it: "Your Majesty, even if you want to learn, it will take time. Once this battle starts, there is no time to learn, you have to use ready-made ones."

Li Longji said decisively: "You will take this matter back. After you fought two battles, Tubo and the Northland have performed well. Not only did they make achievements in marching and fighting, but they also had unique visions in handling other matters. I feel very relieved. As for the inability to manage things, I will help you find a way to ask them to come in."

Gao Lishi responded and quickly walked out. After a while, he turned around. Two people followed him. These two men looked good, were very handsome, with bright eyes, clear and vivid, making people think of not ordinary people at first sight.

"Zhang Jiuling, Han Xiu meets the emperor." The two bowed to Li Longji.

Zhang Jiuling and Han Xiu were famous ministers of the Xuanzong dynasty and were famous throughout the ages. Chen Wanrong was very surprised and kept looking at them.

"No gift!" Li Longji said to Chen Wanrong: "They were specially selected by me and go to the Western Regions with you. They are proficient in government affairs and just make up for your shortcomings. You can free up your hands to build military weapons and do a good job in supplying the army."

Zhang Jiuling and Han Xiu were famous ministers in the prosperous Kaiyuan era, and there was no doubt about their governmental abilities. With their abilities, they could rest assured to be able to take action on their own. Chen Wanrong was very surprised and thought he had heard it wrong. He was stunned for a moment and then said, "Your Majesty, I will accept the order!"

"You are going to the Western Regions this time in the name of the military supervisor. At the same time, the governance matters are still on your shoulders." Li Longji analyzed: "The advantage of doing this is to understand the needs of the army and avoid problems. Of course, you are mainly responsible for the manufacturing of military weapons, and they are subject to your arrangements. Can you listen to Chen Wanrong?"

The person who was determined to be a public figure, how could he say no? He said in unison: "I obey the order."

Li Longji continued: "The two of them alone are not good. I have selected three thousand scholars with talented government affairs. Some of them have been running for the court for several years, and some are newly selected. You will also take them together when you go to the Western Regions. Without them, you three will be exhausted and you will not be able to do things well."

Li Longji has the resources of the emperor and thinks of everything. Chen Wanrong praised him: "The emperor is far-sighted, I will do it well!"

"There is another point. During this Western Expedition, the army's weapons and armor must be manufactured locally. You can choose a group of young, strong and energetic people from the military weapon supervisor to take them to the Western Regions. With them, the army can only replenish supplies on the spot." Li Longkit's advice: "Remember, the skills of the people cannot be revealed!"

This is inevitable, Chen Wanrong shouted: "Prince, please don't worry, I understand!"

Li Longji nodded and pondered slightly, "Chen Wanrong, you shoulder the heavy responsibility this time and don't take it lightly. Tell me, what do you plan to do when you arrive in the Western Regions? You have to know one thing, this time, I don't plan to allocate money and food from the court and solve it on the spot."

Chen Wanrong pondered for a moment and said, "As far as I know, the Western Regions are not as good as Tubo. Tubo is in a bad way, and the people live a hard life. It is not necessary to raise a large army to raise. The Western Regions are different. There are rich plains and beautiful mountains and rivers. The plains can grow crops, and mountains and rivers can grazle cattle and sheep. Therefore, the Western Regions are very rich, and there will be no problem in raising a large army. The key is to see if we can make good use of these resources.

"I want to implement the new policy and clean up the hearts of the people. With the hearts of the people, we have the cornerstone and other problems will be easy to deal with. In addition, I also think that the Western Regions are too vast, and it is impossible to station only by relying on the hundreds of thousands of troops of the Tang Dynasty. Those who are close to the Tang Dynasty should be armed. Give them weapons, train them, and ask them to help the Tang Dynasty. Of course, everything should be based on our control."

Li Longji deeply agreed with this proposal: "The Western Regions are vast and far beyond our imagination. If the Tang Dynasty really wants to garrison, not to mention hundreds of thousands of troops, even a million troops will not be enough. Using them to garrison and help us do things is a good idea, and we must do it well. However, you must remember that the Tang Dynasty has always advocated equality for everyone and should treat them sincerely."

Since the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang, all ethnic equality policies have been implemented, and the results have been very good. Before Chen Wanrong could speak, Li Longji changed the subject and said, "Those who are determined to be enemies with the Tang Dynasty do not have to be polite and resolutely wipe out."

In this case, we need to use both strategies, both kindness and power, and both soft and hard. Chen Wanrong has no reason to disagree and said, "I have remembered the Emperor's Hadith."

"What else do you have to say?" Li Longji stared at Chen Wanrong.

Chen Wanrong thought for a while and said, "Your Majesty, the battles are very hard to go to the Western Regions. I think the rewards to the soldiers should be more generous, which is different from those in the mainland."

This matter is very necessary, Yao Chong echoed: "Yes, the emperor!"

However, Li Longji's answer was unexpected. He waved his right hand and said calmly: "There is no need to ask me about this matter. Chen Wanrong will consider it yourself. I have already said that in this battle, the court only sent people, and other things such as food, weapons, and silver rewards, will not be paid for you."

This answer was so surprising that everyone was stunned and stared at Li Longji for no reason.

Chen Wanrong said excitedly: "With the emperor's words, I will feel relieved!"

Chen Wanrong thought to himself: "If you ask me to deal with it, you have to listen to me. The Middle East is a rich place, with a lot of gold and silver there, and there are more collections from the Roman Empire. It would be better to reward your brothers. I want you to be poor and come back with rich! Only in this way can you be aroused from adventurous spirit, and groups of people will not stay in the Western Regions. Wouldn't the bond between the East and the West be tighter?"

As the saying goes, "There must be a brave man under heavy rewards." The battle in the Western Regions is of great importance. At the same time, there are many difficulties, beyond imagination. If you want to maintain high morale, you have to fill their appetites.

The Middle East and the Roman Empire were so rich that it would not have any problems to fill the appetite of only hundreds of thousands of people. Of course, this scale must be well grasped, and it cannot cause trouble, nor can it be plundered, or it must be used.

As for how to do it, Chen Wanrong already has an idea.

Li Longji nodded slightly, and Chen Wanrong continued: "Your Majesty, I think that if the Tang Dynasty wants to own the Western Regions for a long time, it still needs a lot of people. Although the Tang Dynasty has a large population now, it may be difficult to deal with the future situation. We should make plans for this matter early."

It is impossible to control it for a long time if you don’t turn the Western Regions into a colony. Li Longji understood Chen Wanrong’s thoughts and asked, “I’ll finish your words.”

Chen Wanrong raised his tone a little high: "Your Majesty, in order to increase the population, should we abolish the D tax?"

Ding tax is the cap tax, which is one of the tax pillars of ancient dynasties. Ding tax largely restricted population growth. Abolishing Ding tax will definitely promote population growth.

Li Longji thought for a while and said, "What you are talking about is a problem. However, if you do not impose the D tax, the court will have no money and cannot cope with the needs. You have to wait and talk about this."

Chen Wanrong said confidently: "Your Majesty, this time I go west, I will make up for the vacancies of Ding Tax no matter what."

The Dashi and the Roman Empire were so rich, and Chen Wanrong was very sure of the lack of patch tax.

"Since that's the case, Song Jing and Yao Chong are preparing to abolish the D tax." Li Longji waved his right hand and said, "As soon as the vacancies arrive, it will be abolished."

He still kept a hand, but Chen Wanrong didn't take it at all and thought excitedly: "In his heyday, the British Empire controlled half of the earth with a population of only 60 million. The Tang Dynasty's population is far more than this. As long as the cap tax is abolished, the population will be larger. Not to mention controlling the entire earth, there will be no problem in controlling half of the earth."

The population of 60 million was once an insurmountable number for Western countries. However, China reached this number as early as two thousand years ago. During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, the population at its peak was more than 70 million, and the invisible population was not far from 100 million.
Chapter completed!