Chapter One Hundred and Seventy Sixth Seeking to Capture the Commander's Seal (1)
It is true that it is not appropriate to use weapons in a year of great calamity. Li Xian was not aware of this truth, but what Li Xian knew better was that if Tibet was not dealt a head-on blow at this time, it would definitely cost dozens of times more to clean up the mess in the future. The price, moreover, Li Xian also has his own selfish motives, which is to take this opportunity to extend his tentacles into the army. He does not seek to gain much military power, but he seeks to gain some capital so that he can gain more power in the army. Establish prestige and lay the groundwork for future plans. Therefore, whether it is public or private, this battle must be fought. Not only must it be fought, but it must be won!
"Xian'er, I'm very pleased that you have such a heart for the country, but the current situation... alas, even if my father wants to go to war, I'm afraid he won't be able to do it."
Although everyone was silent, there was a look of disapproval on everyone's face. However, the matter was important, and they were facing Li Xian, who was famous for his eloquence. Everyone did not want to speak out indiscriminately to object before Gaozong opened his mouth. Silence became the unanimous choice of all the ministers. At the end, Gaozong couldn't bear it anymore. He sighed and said with regret on his face.
"Father, I know clearly that I think our army is in a difficult situation, but the rebel army is even more difficult. Otherwise, the Tubo children will not rush to sign a peace treaty with me when they are victorious. From this, it can be seen that the loss will not be caused by our army." Moreover, this war is taking place within its territory. As the war spreads, the loss of its national strength will be huge. Furthermore, when the war breaks out, it coincides with the breeding season of cattle and sheep. Without anyone to take care of it, the loss of livestock will be huge. Small, and this is the time when cattle and sheep are preparing for the winter, so they must be carefully taken care of. If the war breaks out again, it will be difficult for thieves this winter, so this is why they have to fight!" Even though Gaozong had stated that he had no intention of fighting! , but Li Xian refused to give up and entered the road of remonstrance impassionedly.
"this……"
Although Gaozong was weak in temperament, he was never ambiguous in the use of foreign troops. In this regard, he had learned from Taizong's style. If it were not for his poor health a few years ago, he originally planned to conquer Goguryeo himself. At this time, he heard what Li Xian said It made sense, and I couldn't help but feel a little moved. But when I thought about the disaster in front of me, my newly ignited enthusiasm quickly waned again, and I frowned, hesitating and not daring to make up my mind.
"Father, time is not waiting for me. If the Tibetan traitors survive this winter, it will be difficult for us, the Tang Dynasty, to take back the four towns of Anxi. Once the Western Region falls and the trade routes are cut off, my Tang Dynasty's income will drop sharply. I am afraid that my reputation will suffer. This sincerity cannot be ignored. Moreover, I think that there is no need to send out a large army for this battle. A single brigade can defeat the enemy. Although I am not talented, I have practiced martial arts for many years. I think I can still win the battle. , I am willing to serve on the battlefield for my father, and I sincerely ask my father for your permission!" Li Xian was very good at observing words and emotions. Just by looking at Gaozong's face, he knew that he was already tempted, so he added a cruel Turn on the fire.
"Your Majesty, this matter is too important to be ignored. It is better to discuss it again."
Gaozong was moved by Li Xian's impassioned attitude, and he really wanted to help Li Xian. Unfortunately, before he could say anything, Empress Wu suddenly interjected, and immediately knocked back what Gaozong was about to say. Gone in the stomach.
"What Mei Niang said is reasonable. Let's discuss this matter here first. All ministers will come back to discuss this matter. I want to think it over carefully." Gaozong never had much resistance to Empress Wu's suggestions. In addition, deep down in his heart, he was quite worried about the prospect of this battle, so he muttered a few words, stood up, turned around and walked towards the back hall.
Damn old thief, you'll die if you don't talk too much! Li Xian was very angry at Empress Wu's interference, but seeing Gaozong gone, he had no choice but to exchange empty greetings with Hao Chujun and others.
Afterwards, some of them left the palace and returned home in despair...
The matter could not be settled in one go, and Li Xian couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, but it was far from depressed. After all, Gaozong had not made a final decision, and the matter was still promising, at least in Li Xian's view.
So, of course, Li Xian also knew that it was not easy for him to successfully get the seal of command for the expedition. Before making the final decision, he had countless tasks to do, the most critical of which was to convince Jiang Keqi.
people.
Jiang Ke is not an ordinary person. His ancestor is Jiang Wei, the famous general of Shu during the Three Kingdoms. His family has been generals for generations. His ancestor was the governor of Qinzhou in the Sui Dynasty. His father is Jiang Baoyi, the founding father of the Tang Dynasty, who lived in Zuowu.
General Wei's high position can be said to belong to a family of generals. He himself has served in the Hexi Corridor for a long time. He has fought countless wars and made great achievements in his life. Although he was just transferred to the court as an official, he was ranked as the left prime minister and ranked as a court official as soon as he entered the court.
First, although he rarely interfered in the government affairs because of his unstable footing, Gaozong was very fond of him, but when he made suggestions, he never dismissed them. It is not an exaggeration to say that he meant what he said. Obviously,
If Jiang Ke can agree to send troops, the possibility of persuading Gaozong will be greatly increased. Li Xian has enough confidence in this, because Li Xian knows very well that Jiang Ke is decisive and dares to fight, and is not a person who is greedy for life and afraid of death. Of course, at the moment,
Empress Wu also got involved in this matter. It was hard to say whether Jiang Ke dared to speak out. But no matter what, it was inevitable to go to Jiang's house.
The Jiang family has been a high-ranking official for generations, and Jiang Ke himself is the left prime minister. His family background is naturally not bad, but Jiang Ke himself is not fond of luxury, and his residence is not very particular, let alone that of a top wealthy family, which often has more than a hundred acres.
Compared with the big house, even compared with the ordinary wealthy people's homes, it is quite inferior. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is simple. If nothing else, just the two vermilion doors with peeling paint are eye-catching.
It felt extremely shabby, without any of the grandeur that the Prime Minister's residence should have, and it looked like a shabby house. However, Li Xian, who was waiting outside the door, did not dare to look down upon him in the slightest, because Li Xian was keenly aware that no matter what
Whether it was the concierge standing next to him with a smiling face or the servants standing at the gate with expressionless faces, they were all elite men, and each of them was filled with an unconcealed spirit of vigor and blood. It was obvious that
They are all people who have been on the battlefield for a long time. Who dares to look down upon such a powerful person as his servant?
"Finally, General Jiang Ye meets His Highness the King of Zhou."
Just when Li Xian was sighing with emotion that Jiang Mansion could have capable servants as servants, a tall young man strode out from the door of the mansion. When he saw Li Xian's face, he first showed a look of surprise.
He was stunned for a moment, then quickly walked a few steps, rushed up to him, and bowed respectfully.
"General Jiang, you don't have to be polite. Can your ancestor be in the house?"
Li Xian had done enough homework before coming, and he knew that the person in front of him was Jiang Ke's only grandson - Jiang Ke originally had two sons, but they both died in the battlefield early, leaving only one grandson, who was one year older than Li Xian.
He had the false title of Cavalry Commander (from the fifth rank) as a general, but he had not yet become an official. In his previous life, this son joined the army shortly after Jiang Ke's death. Unfortunately, he had not yet been able to make a name for himself.
After his heroic bravery on the battlefield to recapture the four towns of Anxi, and Jiang Ke's tribe was extinct, Li Xian, although he had never known this man in his previous life, had heard of his bravery, and saw his figure at this time
The tall and burly man was no longer inferior to him, and he felt good about him. He smiled, raised his hand, and asked gently.
"this……"
While Li Xian had a good impression of Jiang Ye, Jiang Ye also had a desire to make friends with Li Xian, who had been famous for a long time. After hearing Li Xian's question, the excuse he originally planned to say was a little hard to say.
"Is there any inconvenience, Mr. Jiang?"
Li Xian just looked at Jiang Ye's face and immediately knew that Jiang Ke obviously didn't want to meet him at this time. However, Li Xian was thick-skinned and didn't mention any taboos. He smiled and asked knowingly.
"My ancestor said he had an itch."
Jiang Ye is obviously also a wonderful person. After smiling slightly, he gave a wonderful answer.
Ah ha, this guy is so funny! When Li Xian heard this wonderful answer, he couldn't help but burst out laughing. Jiang Yeba blinked his eyes and started laughing too, watching all around him. The servants waiting on top were all at a loss as to what was going on.
"Brother Jiang, Xiao Wang has a cure for his illness. I wonder if Brother Jiang believes it or not?"
After Li Xian laughed a lot, his face straightened and he said seriously.
"Your Highness, please!"
Jiang Ye did not answer Li Xian's obviously teasing words. He just smiled knowingly and simply waved his hand in a "please" gesture.
"Brother Jiang, please!"
Li Xian didn't say much nonsense. After waving his hand, Jiang Ye accompanied him and walked to the gate of Jiang Mansion. He walked all the way through the hall and alley to the second hall. When he turned around the screen wall, he saw Jiang Ke already standing in front of the hall. Waiting respectfully, it is obvious that the old man probably knew that his grandson could not stop Li Xian's drive.
"I'm here to see His Royal Highness the King of Zhou. I'm old and have itching in my body, so I can't welcome you from afar. I'd like to ask His Highness to take care of you."
As soon as he saw Li Xian and Jiang Ye walking over, Jiang Ke first glared at Jiang Ye, who was smiling playfully, and then bowed to Li Xian and said politely in a calm and helpless tone.
"You don't have to be like this, Prime Minister Jiang. It is really a sin for Xiao Wang to come here to disturb Xiang Xiang Qingxiu. However, it is related to the great cause of the country for thousands of years. Xiao Wang has to listen to it. Please forgive me, Mr. Li Xian." Li Xian returned the gift with a smile. , almost straight to the point, he explained his purpose.
"Your Highness, please take a seat."
Jiang Ke was a well-known resourceful man. How could he not know Li Xian's true intention? However, he was obviously very scrupulous about the matter. He did not answer Li Xian's words, but calmly turned sideways. He waved his hand for Li Xian to come up and take a seat.
"Xiang Jiang, please!"
Li Xian knew that Jiang Ke was cautious, and he didn't expect to get Jiang Ke's full support right from the start. However, since Li Xian dared to come to Jiang's house, he was naturally prepared for a protracted war, so he didn't mind Jiang Ke. Ke's cold expression made him smile slightly, and after saying some polite words, he strode into the hall...