Chapter 362: Imperial interests, those who stand in the way will die
Looking at Yang Fan, who was high-spirited and at home like a fish in water, Gongsun Jie's expression was uncertain.
The reason why he dared to be so tough on Yang Fan when they met in the morning was actually a gesture.
Because Yang Fan was well-known, he wanted to enhance his prestige in Tubo by riding on Yang Fan's reputation.
Only by showing strength can the arrogant soldiers stationed in Tubo be willing to drive for themselves.
In fact, when he squeezed Yang Fan, Gongsunjie was so scared that he would tie him up and chop off his head regardless of Yang Fanniu's temper.
However, Yang Fan's irrational attitude made him even more satisfied, thinking that Yang Fan was afraid of His Majesty Li Er's will.
In any case, he is also the general arranged by His Majesty Li Er to check and balance Li Daozong.
According to the plan, the Southwest Protectorate was set up in Tubo, but in the end only 6,000 soldiers were left to garrison here.
He and Li Daozong each led a battalion, which meant they were restraining each other.
More importantly, before leaving, Zhang Liang asked him to look for opportunities to sabotage Yang Fan's strategy in Tubo.
Once the strategy fails and Tubo rebels again, His Majesty Li Er will definitely pin all the blame on Yang Fan. At that time, Yang Fan, the culprit who proposed the strategy, will definitely be held responsible.
Ever since Yang Fan killed Zhang Shenji, he had become their enemy. Of course, neither Zhang Liang nor Gongsun Jie would be merciful towards their enemies.
In his view, since Yang Fan's energy had been dampened before, now was the time to win over officials and powerful people from all over Tubo.
Because he knew that with his own strength alone, he could not shake Yang Fan's strategy in Tubo.
Only by starting with the local forces in Tubo and uniting them with the purpose of ousting Li Daozong, the plan could not be implemented smoothly.
Today's banquet is the best time, after all, most of the 'upper-class people' in Tubo are gathered here.
Thinking of this, Gongsunjie decided to take the initiative, picked up his wine glass and walked towards the Tubo officials...
For Gongsunjie, a general of the Tang Dynasty who was familiar with him, even though the leaders and officials of Tubo were filled with sorrow, they could only greet him with smiles.
After all, as Gongsunjie is a garrison general, everyone will still have to deal with him frequently in the future.
To these Tubo nobles who catered to them, Gongsunjie seemed very proud, which made him so confident that he even imagined the majestic scene of waving his fingers happily in the future.
Looking at Gongsunjie who was deliberately showing off and even showing off his power like a child, Yang Fan just glanced slightly, but was secretly wary.
This guy obviously wants to get rid of him quickly. If he is allowed to stay in Tubo, I'm afraid it will hinder his layout.
But this guy came to take office with Li Daozong, so we have to ask his opinion first.
Yang Fan had something on his mind, and of course he didn't want to have any more quarrels with these Tubo people. He looked around and saw Li Daozong chatting with Wu King Li Ke with a chuckle.
Put down the wine glass, turned around and walked towards the two of them...
When he came to the two of them, Yang Fan teased: "The prince knows how to hide and relax."
Li Daozong smiled: "Marquis Zhongyi is so popular in Tubo, how about I ask Your Majesty to let Marquis Zhongyi serve as the governor of the Southwest Protectorate?"
"Don't...don't..."
Although he knew that Li Daozong was joking, Yang Fan still smiled bitterly and waved his hand in rejection.
Compared to cities such as Chang'an in the Tang Dynasty, Tubo was still too bitter and cold.
It’s okay to say that Yang Fan is a little squeamish and can’t bear hardships, but he really doesn’t want to stay any longer.
What's more, there is still a large family in Chang'an City waiting for him to return!
Although he proposed the strategy of assimilating Tibet, Yang Fan never thought of implementing it himself.
After all, this is not something that can be seen in just one or two years.
Li Daozong did not continue to tease Yang Fan. Instead, he looked at a group of Tibetan officials in the distance and said: "Marquis Zhongyi has left a difficult problem for me. These Tubo people are following the trend of the war for profit. I'm really afraid that they will violate the rule of law."
.”
"What the prince said is wrong. All the turmoil in the world is for profit. There is nothing to fear from these people, but some people seem to have other agendas!" As he said this, Yang Fan's eyes couldn't help but drift to Gongsun Jie.
I also have to admire this guy Gongsunjie. Under his clever words and words, all the Tibetan officials were complimenting him non-stop.
Gongsunjie's nostrils turned up in the sky was extremely arrogant.
Maybe he sensed Yang Fan's gaze, or maybe Gongsunjie had been paying attention to Yang Fan's movements.
Seeing Yang Fan looking at him, Gongsunjie babbled provocatively, obviously thinking that he had the ability to compete with Yang Fan.
Of course Li Daozong saw Gongsunjie's arrogant actions, but he could only smile helplessly: "What can we do? We can only take one step at a time."
After speaking, Li Daozong sighed slightly.
Regarding this Gongsun Festival, Li Daozong had long been annoyed by his arrogant and arrogant behavior along the way.
But Gongsunjie was specially sent here by His Majesty Li Er, who dares to object?
Of course, this does not mean that His Majesty Li Er trusts Gongsun Jie. Balance is just the emperor's power.
Li Daozong was originally imprisoned because of suspicion, so of course he did not dare to complain about His Majesty Li Er's arrangements.
Of course, Yang Fan could see Li Daozong's dilemma, and said pointedly: "Tubo has just been pacified, and the robbers are rampant. If they are too arrogant, accidents can easily happen! What do you think?"
Li Daozhong and Li Ke looked at each other in shock, and they both heard what Yang Fan meant.
Although they all don't like Gongsun Jie's arrogance, after all, this guy is the captain appointed by His Majesty Li Er. What if they kill him? This is too... They don't dare to think about it further!
But it was Li Ke who came to his senses first.
Since listening to Yang Fan's words last time, Li Ke has been more cautious in his words and deeds.
But for the benefit of the Tang Empire, Li Ke felt that he could no longer sit idly by and said loudly: "I think Marquis Zhongyi is right. If this person stays in Tubo, it may be extremely detrimental to Tubo's layout."
Yang Fan glanced at Li Ke slightly in surprise, but he didn't expect that His Highness King Wu, who had started to protect himself wisely, would express his approval.
If ordinary people heard Yang Fan's words, they would naturally think that Yang Fan wanted to take revenge for Gongsun's rude confrontation before.
One might even think that Yang Fan wanted to preemptively get rid of Gongsunjie, a guy who had ill intentions towards him.
Obviously, Li Ke thought of a deeper meaning, and he was indeed one of the smartest princes.
Of course, Yang Fan spent so much energy and didn't want to be destroyed easily.
Even if this person is sent by His Majesty Li Er, it won't work. Anyone who dares to block his plan will only die.
Li Daozong didn't expect that Li Ke would agree with Yang Fan's words, so he quickly nodded gently.
Although Li Daozong had always been cautious and did not fight or rob, his reputation was tarnished and he was even demoted and sent to prison.
If Yang Fan hadn't pacified Tubo, he didn't know when he would be released from prison!
Having received the order from His Majesty Li Er, asking him to serve as the first Governor of the Southwest Protectorate, Li Daozong was actually quite conflicted.
After all, Tubo is too remote and desolate. Even if you hold the high position of governor, it cannot compare with the prosperity of Guanzhong. Who is willing to leave his hometown to become an official in a bitter and cold place.
He knows how to assess the situation and is not keen on power. This is why His Majesty Li Er deliberately tarnished his reputation without resisting.
In Li Daozong's view, as long as he can accompany his family and live a peaceful life, he is contented.
But when His Majesty Li Er came up with Yang Fan's strategic plan for Tibet, Li Daozong suddenly felt that he could not stand idly by.
Even if you are indifferent to fame and wealth, you cannot ignore the achievements left in the history books.
In Yang Fan's entire layout, Li Daozong saw the possibility of integrating Tubo.
And once this strategy is successfully implemented, in the future, the entire Tubo will be closely linked to the Tang Dynasty and obediently become a part of the Tang Dynasty.
Because only the Tang Dynasty could bring wealth, vitality and future to Tubo.
More importantly, this layout is not only suitable for Tibet, but may even be suitable for any bordering country.
Being able to experiment with such a shocking strategy made Li Daozong excited. After all, this incident might leave a mark in the history books.
Along the way, Gongsunjie's various behaviors were completely opposite to each other. Naturally, Li Daozong couldn't stand this guy.
Now that Yang Fan proposes to get rid of this annoying guy, Li Daozong will certainly not object.
Once this guy Gongsunjie dies, won't there be no one to control him anymore?
Thinking of this, Li Daozong couldn't help but smile.
If Tubo gets on the right track as soon as possible, he can return to Chang'an City to reunite with his family as soon as possible.
The three of them worked together and looked at each other, obviously reaching a consensus.
The banquet lasted until the evening, and the guests and hosts had a good time. When the song was over, everyone dispersed and went home to find their mothers.
Li Daozong stayed directly at the temporary station next to the palace and went to the military barracks.
Only after Yang Fan and Liu Lan's garrison left Luoche City would they officially take over the defense of Tibet.
After all, this time to garrison Tubo, only 6,000 soldiers were temporarily recruited in Yizhou.
In the dark night, Yang Fan, who looked top-heavy, was helped back to the barracks by Wang Xiaojie. As soon as he entered the tent, Yang Fan's face became stern.
After washing his face with water, Yang Fan sat down on the bench and took a sip of tea. Then Yang Fan asked leisurely: "How is the investigation going?"
Wang Xiaojie reported: "My subordinates sent personal guards to monitor him. Gongsunjie was very careful. Even in public places, he would be accompanied by several personal guards. It is almost impossible to kill him silently."
After speaking, Wang Xiaojie stood aside and waited for Yang Fan's instructions.
Yang Fan put down the tea cup and tapped his fingers subconsciously on the table, his mind racing rapidly.
This Gongsunjie looks arrogant and domineering, but he didn't expect to be so careful. It seems that this person still has some ability.
But once such a person gains power, he can be extremely destructive.
Once you evacuate, all the garrison soldiers will be newly transferred soldiers from Yi Jing Jing Mansion.
Gongsunjie being in charge of a single camp might really cause a lot of trouble, and he might even sideline Li Daozong.
Although Yang Fan doesn't think that Li Daozong, who is both civilized and military, will be so useless, it is certain that he will be constrained and unable to perform!
If Gongsunjie was determined to destroy his layout in Tubo, it would be easy.
If this guy is more ruthless, he can even unite with some people with ulterior motives in Tibet to stir up the situation and directly ruin the good situation.
Of course Yang Fan would not allow this situation to happen, so the only way to welcome Gongsun Festival would be to die.
One day later, the rest of the army set off back to Chang'an. If they didn't deal with Gongsunjie, they would feel uneasy.
Now there is no time to make detailed arrangements, so it seems that we have to do it hard.
As long as no one gets caught, even if Li Er is suspicious, he won't hesitate.
Thinking of this, Yang Fan said in a deep voice: "After the army leaves the city, you lead a few personal guards to find the right time to return to Luoxe City and deal with Gongsunjie. Don't hurt innocent people."
"No!" Wang Xiaojie responded, and then asked in confusion: "Master Hou, if Gongsunjie is killed, Xiaojie is afraid that it will arouse His Majesty's suspicion, which will be extremely detrimental to the Marquis. Once investigated, it will not end well.
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Yang Fan waved his hand indifferently and said:
"I know, but this Gongsunjie must not be kept. But don't worry for now, as long as no obvious evidence is left, even if His Majesty is suspicious, I will not be able to stop him."
He was the worst at destroying the country, so even if Li Er really wanted to punish him, he couldn't do anything to him.
What's more, the disguised personal guards are so mysterious that it is not easy to kill a captain. This is where Yang Fan's confidence lies.
Now that Yang Fan has made his decision, Wang Xiaojie will certainly not persuade him again. After making his promise, he will directly turn around and leave.
Looking at Wang Xiaojie's back, Yang Fan fell into deep thought and felt that he had become much crueler after this war.
However, as long as it is beneficial to the Tang Empire, so what if it brings infamy?
…
The next day, the temporary governor's mansion in Luoche City.
Li Daozong and Yang Fan sat opposite each other. After a few cups of tea, the two talked happily.
"When you were in Chang'an, your Majesty appointed me as the governor. To be honest, I was extremely resistant to it."
"On the one hand, I am afraid of being jealous and dare not take on such an important responsibility."
"On the other hand, although Tubo was occupied by the Tang Dynasty, it was located in a remote location with high mountains and high roads. There must be many restless people in Tubo. Although they cannot be called the leader of a pack of wolves, they could be completely defeated if they were not careful."
"After His Majesty showed me the layout of the Marquis of Zhongyi, I came to take up my post with the longing for the empire."
"After a conversation with Marquis Zhongyi today, I realized that the memorial is just the tip of the iceberg, and it is far from showing the wonderful ideas of Marquis Zhongyi."
"I dare to assert that if this layout can be successfully completed, your name will be famous throughout the ages."
Through the conversation, Li Daozong was really shocked by Yang Fan's fantastic ideas.
Bind the lifeblood of Tubo with economy, and transform the people of Tubo with culture...
It's something that no one in the past dared to think of, and it's a historical precedent.
Although he claimed to be versatile in both civil and military affairs, Li Daozong was really convinced.
I never expected that such an admirable talent would blossom at such a young age.
Sure enough, the waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves ahead!
Just relying on the economy to control Tubo without spending a single soldier is simply a fantastic idea.
No wonder His Majesty Li Er once made a comment that "the talent of the Prime Minister and Fu is not enough to express". Now it seems that it is definitely not a compliment.
Yang Fan chuckled and said generously: "Haha... the elders praised me, but the younger ones accepted it shamelessly!"
The two looked at each other and smiled, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.