Chapter 292: The Great Tang Dynasty Food

An extraordinary meeting on military rations ended in a dull atmosphere. After Wang Gong's correction, Li Yu's method of taking grain from the powerful and powerful finally became a feasible plan. The plan only changed one word, and changed the word "take" to "buy" to "buy".

It is undoubtedly a waste of life to let the powerful provide food for free, but changing it to the word "buy" means completely different. But buying is also a cost. Where does the money come from? It is very simple. Ordering local governments to donate gold and silver. The gold and silver coins that the imperial court had just allowed to circulate can play a positive role at this moment. Ordering local governments to donate gold, silver and bronze ware, promising them to be promoted, and preferential treatment will be given in the assessment to increase the enthusiasm of local officials.

Although this method is somewhat inconsistent with the system and is prone to corruption and other corruption, as a policy of rights and interests, with Li Longji's acquiescence, the ministers reached an agreement to collect gold and silver from various places. In addition, Wang Gong proposed another plan to make money, each household had a salt tax of 100 cents per year and a property tax of 30 cents per house, which were also adopted at the same time.

The prime ministers dispersed one after another. At this time, half an hour before receiving the special envoy of the Great Food, Li Longji stayed Geshuhan and Li Qing'an and discussed the specific details of the battle against Tubo.

In the library next to Li Longji's study, there was a sand table two meters wide and three meters long. This was the first time that Li Qing'an used the sand table in the Battle of Shibao City. Geshuhan made a terrain sand table from Longyou, Hexi to present it to Li Longji. This sand table was well-made and loved by Li Longji, so he placed it in the library.

"Li Aiqing, I also hope that you can present Anxi's sand table to me as soon as possible!" Li Longji stood in front of the sand table and smiled.

Li Qing'an hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Anxi is vast, and it is really not easy to make sand tables. If Your Majesty only has sand tables in Anxi Beiting, I have one to offer to Your Majesty. But if you want to join the terrain sand table on the right side of the ridge, it may take some time."

"I don't have to worry, as long as I remember it in my heart."

Li Longji smiled, took a long wooden pole and handed it to Geshuhan and said, "General Geshu, let's start with you!"

Geshuhan took the wooden pole and said, "That's what I said first!"

He pointed to the southern part of Qinghai with a wooden pole and said, "At present, the westmost part of the Longyou Army is deployed in the Dafeichuan area. In fact, I had occupied Jiuqu last year, but because 20,000 Tubo troops stationed in the Sabize area west of Qinghai came to support me, I had to retreat to Dafeichuan. Therefore, I need to get the cooperation of the Anxi Army in this battle to contain the Tubo army in the west, so that I can go south without worries. My goal for this battle is here."

Geshuhan pointed to the two lakes south with a wooden pole and said: "Occupy Wuhai, Baihai and Xingsuchuan areas, this is the gathering place for the Tubo people to gather in the north, and seize this area, with Duomian Mountain and Yak River between them. Within a thousand miles, the Tubo people have no logistical foundation and can only retreat to Lusai and Namcuo. In this way, the threat from Tubo to Longyou will completely disappear."

Li Longji nodded and asked again: "What are the troops in the Tubo area?"

"Report to your Majesty, according to the information I have found, Tubo has 20,000 permanent troops in Jiuqu area, 10,000 in Wuhai and 20,000 in Baihai. In addition, the Tubo people and all the people are soldiers, so I will encounter about 80,000 Tubo troops in this battle. Fortunately, they are scattered and I can defeat them one by one."

"Have General Geshu considered the Tang army's adaptation to the plateau?" Li Qingan next to him asked.

"I have considered it!" Geshuhan said affirmatively: "In fact, over the past two years, I have been stationed in the Tang army on the front line of Dafeichuan. The air is thin and the terrain is very high. In this way, at least 100,000 of my 140,000 troops in Hexi, Longyou, can carry out plateau combat. Of course, the combat effectiveness of the Tang army soldiers on the plateau is not as good as that of the Tubo people, but they can only make up for it with excellent weapons."

Speaking of this, Geshuhan's wooden pole pointed further west and said to Li Qing'an and Li Longji: "In fact, we have no advantage in this battle. On the plateau, 100,000 people versus 80,000 people, and physically, we are still at a disadvantage. So my most worry is that the Tubo army in the west comes to aid. There are many rivers in the Sabize area and abundant grass. There are at least 30,000 elite Tubo army stationed there. Then to the west, there are more than 20,000 Tubo army. Their main targets are Bolu and Tochar and will basically not affect the Eastern Front Battle. The key is the 30,000 Tubo troops in Sabize. If they come to aid or cut off my retreat, I will definitely lose this battle."

Li Longji looked at the map and pondered for a moment, then turned around and asked Li Qing'an, "What is Li Aiqing's idea?"

Li Qing'an had been considering this battle for a long time. In order to get rid of the troubles behind Tubo, he also believed that it was necessary to completely annihilate the Tubo army in the Sabize area, seize Sabize and completely eliminate hidden dangers. The Sabize area was originally under the jurisdiction of Shazhou, and it was backed by Kunlun Mountain. It was a grassland with fertile land. Tubo seized it in the early years of Kaiyuan and has been stationed in heavy troops. Although there was no northern invasion, it was the biggest hidden danger on Anxi Jiji.

Li Qing'an and Geshuhan took the wooden pole and said, "The place closest to Sabize is Boxian Town. I plan to use Boxian Town as a military service point, or to show weakness, to lure the Tubo army to attack Boxian Town north. At the same time, I will send out surprise troops and walk the middle road."

Li Qing'an pointed to Dunhuang with a wooden pole and said, "I sent out a surprise soldier of about 20,000 people from Shazhou, crossed the Jinshankou south, cut off the eastward path of the Tubo army in Sabize, and attacked the Tang army in Boxian, completely annihilated this army and gave General Geshu strong support."

"Wonderful!" Geshuhan praised with a punch: "This middle-road surprise soldier is indeed extremely magical. With this surprise soldier intercepting the Tubo reinforcements to advance eastward, I will have a chance of winning in the Eastern Front Battle."

Li Longji lay in front of the map and carefully studied Li Qing'an's plan. If Li Qing'an's plan was followed, Shazhou would have to be handed over to the Anxi Army to control. Li Longji did not agree with this. In fact, Shazhou was vast and it was the only way to get to Anxi Corridor from the Hexi Corridor. His strategic location was very important. Dunhuang's transit business was very prosperous and once belonged to Anxi. Later, in order to weaken the growing Anxi forces, it was assigned to Hexi and set up the Doulu Army to guard Shazhou.

Although Li Longji did not know that Li Qing'an's purpose was to control Shazhou, according to his original intention, he did not want Li Qing'an's power to expand eastward. He pondered for a moment and said, "I agree with the Anxi Army's plan, but I have to make it clear that the Anxi Army can use Shazhou, but it cannot be permanently stationed in Shazhou after the war."

Li Qing'an's heart suddenly became cold, and Li Longji refused to agree to him to control Shazhou.

At this time, Yu Chaoen appeared at the door and reported in a low voice: "Your Majesty, the envoy of the Great Food has arrived."

"I understand. I'll arrange for him to be in Qinzheng Building and order Yang Guozhong, Chen Xilie, Zhang Yun and Wang Gong to attend the meeting together."

Li Longji temporarily put down the Longyou Battle and met Prince Dashi. It was also a major event for him. Li Qing'an told him that Dashi was an empire similar to the Tang Dynasty. He was as powerful as the Tang Dynasty. The visitor was not an ordinary envoy, but the younger brother of the Dashi Emperor and the crown prince of the Dashi Empire. This made Li Longji's hearts go away, and replaced it with a more solemn gesture to welcome the visit of the Dashi envoy.

He smiled at Li Qing'an again and said, "Li Aiqing, you can attend together!"

"I obey the order!"

Li Longji said to Geshu Han again: "Ge Shu Aiqing's plan is very good, but I want to take a closer look at it. I also asked Geshu Aiqing to write a detailed written plan. The same goes for Li Aiqing. I will participate in this battle."

Geshuhan and Li Qingan quickly agreed, and they looked at each other. This seemed to be the first time that Li Longji had the idea of ​​"full participation". Although there will be some convenience in logistics support, the pressure is also extremely heavy. If they win, they will double their achievements, but if they lose, they will also bear more severe punishment.

The place where the Great Food Envoy was originally planned to be in the side hall of Datong Hall, but since I learned about Mansour's true identity, the reception location was changed to the Qinzhengwu Building, and several major ministers attended the meeting. It was not far from Datong Hall to Qinzhengwu Building, Li Longji and Li Qing'an went together. At the meeting of Huaqing Palace half a month ago, they still maintained a harmonious and friendly atmosphere. However, as the Mingyue incident gradually became prominent, the separate meeting between them seemed a little awkward. Although there was such a subtle embarrassment between them, this embarrassment existed in each other's hearts, and there was no trace of it on the surface. On the contrary, they still maintained a relaxed attitude of talking and laughing.

"Li Aiqing will get married in a few days!"

"Yes! Five days left."

"Well! I remember when I first met Li Aiqing, Li Aiqing was still General Li Xiao. I asked you when you would get married? You said that the Huns had not been destroyed, so why did your family be? Now the thunder cavalry and straitors have been destroyed. I finally heard the news of Li Aiqing's marriage. It's a joyful congratulations!"

"I am ashamed. I am nearly thirty years old and have no children yet. Mencius said: There are three unfilial things, and there is no descendant. I am ashamed of my deceased parents."

"Yes! You don't have children at the age of thirty. This is a big problem. I also hope you get married soon and get a noble son soon."

The two of them talked while walking and crossed a high wall. Li Longji suddenly remembered something and said with a smile: "By the way, last time I asked you about the recipe for Tianhuo Lei, An Lushan mentioned this to me again. I thought it could be promoted in the Tang army. I can no longer find where the original deposit was stored, so I asked An Lushan to ask you directly, don't be too conservative."

Li Qing'an is a Gunpowder Research Institute located in Shiguo. It is extremely secret and has heavy troops to guard it. Except for a few core craftsmen and alchemists, no one knows its formula. However, when Li Qing'an faced a life-and-death crisis in the Battle of Shibao City, he was afraid that gunpowder technology would fall into the hands of the Tubo people, so he sent Nan Jiyun to send the formula back to the capital. Now it seems that his decision that time became a hidden danger of the leak of gunpowder formula. Fortunately, Li Longji did not take this matter seriously, which made Li Qing'an breathe a sigh of relief.

"Your Majesty, the most important thing in that recipe is tinder oil. Only tinder oil can have the effect of explosion and burning. It is understandable that Marshal An wants this recipe, but Fan Yang does not produce tinder oil. Marshal An is also a clever woman who can cook without rice, and it has no practical significance."

"I also know this. I just promised him to give him a recipe. As for whether he can make it, it has nothing to do with me."

Li Longji didn't take this matter too seriously. He just mentioned it casually. Li Qing understood it with peace of mind and smiled and said, "I understand, I will hand over the recipe to Marshal An."

In this building of diligent government affairs, Mansour has arrived. Although the Tang Dynasty gave him enough etiquette because of his noble status, this did not make Mansour arrogant or aggressive. He still maintained a low-key and humble attitude. This attitude came from his mission to the Tang Dynasty: to persuade the Tang Dynasty to release 20,000 prisoners of war captured by the Anxi Army. The Abbas Caliph needed these prisoners of war to return to his country to restore the crisis of trust caused by the defeat in the Hezhong area.

He met several prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty one by one. His elegant temperament and humble attitude won the favor of the Tang Dynasty prime ministers. In the VIP hall of the main building, Mansour sat cross-legged on the couch and smiled, answering the questions of several prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty one by one. He paid great attention to the details. Although he let his waist bow forward, this formed a sharp contrast to the straight waists of the Tang Dynasty prime ministers. If one word must be used to describe Mansour's attitude at this time, it would be humble and respectful. The Tang Dynasty prime ministers were high and above, but he was in a low position.

"My Highness, my Lord, what is the difference between your current dynasty and your previous dynasty?" This was Chen Xilie's question. He heard that the new dynasty of Dashi had only been established for two years, and he was full of curiosity about this distant country.

After hearing the translation, Mansour smiled slightly and said in a soft tone: "The Umayyad Dynasty is a corrupt dynasty. It suppresses the people internally, collects heavy taxes, expands externally, and is martial and aggressive. Under the united front of this dynasty, the people of Daqi were poor and destitute, live in darkness, and have no hope for life. Many poor people could no longer live, and an uprising broke out. This was just like your Tang Dynasty replacing the corrupt Sui Dynasty. If you don't win the hearts of the people, you will be overthrown by the people."

This is a little bit of Eastern history that Mansour learned on the road, but he didn't learn deeply. He thought the Sui Dynasty was also overthrown by the people, but he didn't know that the Sui Dynasty was actually the reform of Emperor Wen of Sui Yang Jian, who violated the interests of the powerful and powerful, and was finally overthrown by the powerful and powerful. Mansour's metaphor made the prime minister laugh.

At this time, a eunuch shouted from the door: "Your Majesty is here!"

Several prime ministers stood up one after another, and Mansour also stood up. He looked out the gate curiously. He wanted to see the appearance of the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. The light outside the hall was very bright and very dazzling. In the bright sunshine, Mansour saw the brigade of guards walking in surrounded by two people. Due to the light, he did not see the shorter Li Longji clearly, but saw the burly and majestic Li Qingan. He was stunned. As the crowd walked into the hall, he could see clearly the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty walking in front.

Emperor, this is an old man, who has been ruled by the Tang Dynasty for forty years. His steps seemed heavy and tired, his face was a little swollen, his skin was pale and bloodless. Although it was obvious that he was a charming man when he was young, he was not now. He is now an old man who was declining. Mansour couldn't help but feel a little doubt in his heart. How could he have the energy to deal with the heavy imperial affairs with such a weak body? He should give way to his younger descendants and let them maintain the prosperity of the empire.

The dazzling light that just now made Mansur have a strange thought in his heart. What would happen to the Emperor if the Emperor was Li Qing'an? Will he order his army to fight to the city of Damascus?

"See Your Majesty!"

All the prime ministers bowed to Li Longji together, and Li Longji nodded slightly. He saw Mansour, a man in his thirties, a moderate figure, not strong, fair skin, gentle and elegant appearance, a modest smile, bright and soft eyes, and his hands were placed on his chest, giving him a deep salute. This prince's envoy was not like a general who led the army, but like a well-educated scholar. Li Longji immediately had a good impression of him. His first impression was very important. Mansour successfully achieved his goal with his modest attitude.

In the entire hall, I'm afraid only Li Qing'an was not deceived by Mansour's false appearance. Of course, as the successor of the caliph of the Great Food Empire, Mansour showed his true cultivation at this moment. Human nature is complex and will not be composed only of black and white. Li Qing'an understood the other side of Mansour, cruelly suppressed the Shiite Muslim uprising in the river and suppressed the Sogdians' resistance. Li Qing'an knew his current low-stance intention. He wanted to exchange his humility for 20,000 prisoners of war who were working in the silver mine. Li Qing'an couldn't help but sneer in his heart. This Mansour's way was right. It's a pity that his humility was wrong. His 20,000 prisoners of war were not in Chang'an, but in his hands.

Li Longji slowly walked to Mansour and asked in a condescending tone: "Are you the crown prince of Dashi?"

Although Mansour couldn't understand what Li Longji said, Li Longji's eyes and tone did not need to be translated. This is an attitude that only the sect leader had towards the vassal states. When Abbas Caliph first ascended the throne, he also used this tone and attitude to ask the kings of Sogdian countries.

Mansour suddenly felt a little dissatisfied. Why did the Tang Dynasty treat him with this attitude? But this dissatisfaction only flashed in his heart. No matter how dissatisfied he was, he had to resist his dissatisfaction. After listening to the translation, he still answered respectfully: "Dashi is only a small country. Our Caliph advocates the long-standing culture of the Tang Dynasty. This time I came to Chang'an and saw with my own eyes the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and the magnificence of the Chang'an City. I felt deeply inferior. Dashi wished to hold a horse and whip for the Tang Dynasty from now on and be a loyal servant of the Tang Dynasty."

Mansour's words were extremely sincere. It can be said that it came like timely rain. Today, the Tang Dynasty did not even have the national strength to launch a war. This made Li Longji deeply frustrated and also made him shaken the strength of the Tang Dynasty. Mansour's greetings just touched Li Longji's heart that was no longer confident, and made him feel very comfortable. Not only him, but even several prime ministers were like spring breeze, stroking their beards and laughing without saying anything, wearing thousands of clothes and flattering. This is a famous saying that has remained unchanged throughout the ages.

Li Longji laughed and praised repeatedly: "Well, Your Highness Crown traveled thousands of miles to the Tang Dynasty, which shows the sincerity of Dashi. With this, my Tang Dynasty will also show the corresponding sincerity. Please sit down!"

Everyone sat down, and Li Qing'an was also sitting down. He knew Mansour's performance very well, but he did not interfere. Although Anxi affairs were dominated by him, he was in Chang'an now, and Chang'an was not his place to make decisions. It would be no harm to him to maintain a low profile. Moreover, he also needed the Tang Dynasty and Dashi to sign a peace agreement, which would allow him to concentrate on dealing with Tubo, and then slowly bargain with him after returning to Anxi.

As soon as Li Qing'an sat down, he felt that Mansour was observing him. In fact, Mansour also knew it. With Li Qing'an's understanding of Dashi, his nonsense could only hide his words from the Emperor and Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty who did not understand Dashi, but could not hide it from Li Qing'an. Mansour was afraid that Li Qing'an would interfere with it and make him fail in this trip. However, judging from Li Qing'an's current performance, it seemed that Li Qing'an had no intention of destroying his performance, which made Mansour feel slightly relieved.

Seeing that the start was good, Mansur smiled and said, "Your Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, I have come thousands of miles away and specially prepared a gift. This is the custom of us Arabs. Please accept it with a smile."

Now, not only Li Longji was interested, but even several prime ministers were very interested. What gift would this Grand Crown Prince give? He actually delivered it to Xingqing Palace. Mansour smiled and clapped his hands. He saw dozens of palace guards escorting a team of charming young women in, a total of seven. Even Li Qingan was stunned. He didn't see Mansour bringing women into Chang'an?

The atmosphere in the hall was filled with heat. This group of Western beards was different from the ones they usually saw. Their skin was whiter and their eyes were bluer. Some of them had golden hair, some were fiery red, all of them were charming and beautiful. The most surprising thing was that the last woman was actually a Kunlun female slave with shiny skin.

The women were all wrapped in bright brocade, barely exposed their snow-white and slender thighs. It was obvious that their brocade was invisible. They walked past Li Longji in a charming manner, their eyes were hot and bold. Facing him to untie the brocade, Li Longji's eyes immediately became eager. Yang Guozhong, who was sitting in the upper head, saw a little spring scenery from the side, and his eyes widened.

Mansour saw it and couldn't help but feel secretly happy. What he wanted was this effect, and the prime minister named Yang seemed to be a lustful person. He quickly smiled and introduced: "These seven beautiful beauties are gifts given to the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty by His Majesty Abbas Caliph. They are from Byzantium, Frank, Spain and Egypt. They are all beautiful beauties from the West. I hope His Majesty the Emperor will accept it."

Li Longji nodded and smiled happily: "I have accepted your king's wishes."
Chapter completed!