The two of them drank a pot of tea and boiled it again, the night was getting deeper, and they also ate some to kill the night, and the topic became more and more talkative. But the core still revolves around Lanzhou and Tibet.

"The rudeness and strange behavior of the Tibetan envoy made me and the ministers have to prepare in advance, so there is a recent imperial meeting." Li Shimin said, "War, for my Central Plains Agricultural and Forestry Empire, is a disaster and loss, but for the nomads, it is an important way to increase profits and profits. They are technologically backward and have poor products, and many things need to be obtained from our Central Plains. After the Tibetan envoy said goodbye, I immediately reacted, first closing and banning the tea and horse trade on the border, and sending out a war encirclement. ”

Qin Mubai pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty closed the tea and horse market, which is very likely to lead to war. The Tibetan people mainly eat meat, and tea is indispensable for a meal. Otherwise, the greasy and fishy cheekiness is enough to make them sick. Tubo's horses have always been sold cheaply, although it is beneficial to us, but Datang's horse farm in Helong has always been doing well. Therefore, the closure of mutual trade will do more harm to Tibet. It's just that it may be hard for those merchants and people who walk on the tea horse road to live a hard life. ”

"There's no way around it." Li Shimin said, "I sent out a messenger in advance, everything starts from the overall situation, and I naturally know in my heart that if there is really a difficulty, the court will not ignore it, and will not sit idly by and watch their family be ruined." However, if anyone dares to take risks to sell tea and horses, it is also a traitor to the enemy and must be severely punished. ”

Qin Mubai nodded. I thought that the closure of the tea and horse market would also have a relatively large constraint on Lanzhou's economy. After the relocation of the people to Lanzhou a few years ago, located in Lanzhou, the choke point of the Silk Road, the commercial development was quite rapid, and a large part of the source of profits was the tea silk in the hinterland and the trade between Tibet and the Western Regions. There are many immigrants and military families who make a living from it. Now that the imperial court has suddenly issued such a ban, I don't know if the people of Lanzhou can adapt for a while, and if there are some public grievances, it will be really inappropriate. At that time, Qin Shubao, Xue Wanche and others, who are like fire, don't know if they can handle it properly......

Li Shimin glanced at Qin Mubai while drinking tea, as if penetrating his thoughts, and smiled and said, "I know what you're thinking." You get on the horse and gallop the field, get off the horse and manage the people, what you are thinking about at the moment is the livelihood of the people of Lanzhou, the military and the people, right? Don't worry. At the same time as issuing the ban on tea and horses, I have also issued a tax reduction and pension order for the military and civilians in Lanzhou. Last year, Lanzhou paid a lot of taxes, and this year, I don't want Lanzhou to pay taxes. I believe that even if business travel is completely cut off in a short period of time, Lanzhou can survive this difficulty with its previous accumulation and family background. The key point is that the Governor's Office must do a good job in comforting the military and the people, and it must not change from within. ”

Qin Mubai nodded and said, "Economic sanctions, in fact, are also a practice of injuring the enemy by one thousand and losing eight hundred. However, my Datang family has a strong background, and the situation in Lanzhou is also okay. We gritted our teeth and could get through, but the Tibetans couldn't. They are also indispensable for a day of trade with the Tang Dynasty, otherwise, it is very likely that half of them will starve to death and die of disease on the snowy plateau. ”

Li Shimin gently picked the corners of his mouth, smiled a little treacherously, and said, "Mu Bai, you must be able to figure it out, why did I take such a measure?" ”

Qin Mubai thought for a while and said: "The Manchu dynasty is up and down, it is estimated that there are not many people who support the current war with Tubo, although Your Majesty has the intention to control it, it is difficult to disobey the will of the people. By taking such measures, it is not difficult to force the Tibetans to strike first. At that time, my Datang will defend instead of attack, and the division will be famous. It is inconvenient for those who are above to say more, and the world's comments are also directed towards Your Majesty. ”

"Haha! Not bad! Li Shimin laughed and said, "Although Songtsen Gampo is also a hero, he can only be obediently led by my nose this time." Since he wants to marry the daughter of my Li family, he has to honestly show a little sincerity as a son-in-law who proposes marriage. Isn't this the king of the mountain going down the mountain to rob his relatives, and it is his turn to blow his beard and stare at me, and it is his turn to be wild with my uncle of the Tang Dynasty? If he wants to go to war, I will accompany him; If he does not dare to go to war, it is better. I didn't need to spend a single soldier, but I also had to make his Tubo original qi lose the chaos of the country, until he obediently took the initiative to kneel down and beg for mercy. ”

Qin Mubai nodded and smiled with satisfaction, and said: "Datang has such strength and confidence, Your Majesty has such courage and courage, for the ministers and the people, raise your eyebrows!" However, Weichen is thinking now that Tubo Zanpu Songtsan Gampo is not an idle person, and there is no shortage of capable people and wise people in Tubo, maybe they can also see through my Tang Dynasty's schemes. When the time comes, they will respond accordingly. ”

"To the point." Li Shimin nodded in praise and said, "You can be a hundred times braver, but never underestimate your enemy, this is the same principle whether it is governing the country or the army." Lately, I've been wondering a lot, if I were Songtsen Gampo, how would I respond? Now, I'll leave this matter to you, Mu Bai. You can imagine how you would respond if you were Songtsen Gampo, when you fully understood my intentions. ”

"This ......" Qin Mubai didn't expect Li Shimin to ask such a question, this was really a test.

Only by knowing oneself and knowing the enemy's opportunity can one not be defeated in a hundred battles. Although the political competition between states has not yet seen wolf smoke, it is no worse than the-for-tat confrontation on the battlefield. In fact, the military is nothing more than an extension of politics, and it serves politics. When political contests and games are contested, it is also easier to produce wars with intentions and purposes.

After thinking for a while, Qin Mubai said: "I believe that the Tubo people are not really stupid, they know that if there is a large-scale war against the Tang Dynasty, they basically have no chance of winning. Even if you can sneak attack twice with your flexible combat methods, you won't have much advantage in the overall campaign. Therefore, if I were a Tibetan Zampu, I would definitely not start a full-scale war at this time. ”

"Go on." Li Shimin took a sip of tea, squinted his eyes slightly, and neither approved nor refuted.

Qin Mubai said: "At the beginning of the contest at this time, I will not go into battle myself for the first time, I will send a junior brother to take the lead first and try to react." ”

"Little brother? This analogy is kind of interesting. Li Shimin smiled, "Then you say, who will you send to take the lead?" ”

"There are dozens of small countries in the Western Regions, and any of them is possible." Qin Mubai said, "But considering geography, national strength and diplomatic relations, Weichen thinks that the Gaochang Congress is the first to bear the brunt." ”

Li Shimin's hand holding the teacup paused slightly, and said with a smile: "In other words, if you are Songtsan Gampo, will you force Gao Changguo to turn his back on the Tang Dynasty first?" ”

"Yes."

Li Shimin smiled without saying a word, got up and walked to the imperial table, took a holy decree that had just been drafted and had not yet been stamped with the seal, and handed it to Qin Mubai. Qin Mubai was surprised to look at it, and suddenly exclaimed: "It turns out that Your Majesty has expected it!" This is a holy decree to comfort the king of Gaochang, Lu Wentai! ”

"Huh!" Li Shimin stroked his hair and smiled, "So I said, you are a talent and my confidant." Gaochang State sits on the key point of the Silk Road, guarding the throat of the border trade of the Tang Dynasty to dozens of countries in the Western Regions. Although more than 20 countries in the Western Regions have attached themselves to our Tang Dynasty and respected me as the Heavenly Khan, over the years, the Tang Dynasty's control over the Western Regions has not been strong, far inferior to the Turks (referring to the Western Turks, not the Eastern Turks that have been wiped out by Li Jing), and even less than the Tibetans. There is a saying that the emperor of the mountain is far away, even if the king of Gaochang Lu Wentai has no intention of turning his back on the Tang Dynasty, he can't withstand the pressure of Tibet. In recent years, the Tang Dynasty has been thriving, and the Tibetans and Turks have secretly formed alliances to fight together. The Turks have rarely been in turmoil because they are far away from our Tang territory, but their strength in the Western Regions is quite strong, and it is difficult for the strong dragon to suppress the local snake, and even the Tubo people do not dare to easily confront them in the Western Regions. Therefore, if Gaochang turns his back, the choke point of the Silk Road will form a situation of three schools contending. Tang Dynasty, Tibetan, Turkic. In addition, there are dozens of small countries in the Western Regions that are inextricably linked to each other, and the situation in the Western Regions is quite complicated. Once Gao Changguo really rebels, it will be a battle for the ages. Therefore, I did not dare to take it lightly, and convened a meeting of the Imperial Council for several days to discuss a good plan. ”

After hearing this, Qin Mubai's heart suddenly brightened, and at the same time, he couldn't help but be a little excited, and said: "Your Majesty, doesn't this mean that the great plan you have been planning for a long time in the Western Regions is about to kick off?" ”

"Not bad." Li Shimin raised his eyebrows, heroic as a teenager, and said, "You said well before, if we fight one more battle now, we can make future generations fight ten battles less than a hundred battles, which is very cost-effective." It was a matter of time before the Western Regions were used. If I don't do it, my sons and grandsons must do it too. Rather than that, why don't I do it for them before I get old? Of course, having said that, if it weren't for the solid foundation you laid in the Western Regions, as well as the heavenly artifacts like the 'Iron Valley' and the 'Red-Coated Cannon', I wouldn't have had this thought in a short period of time. So, on the surface, it seems that it is I who has made this major national policy happen, but in fact, it is the promotion that you have been actively working towards. In the future, if I can really achieve this great achievement, I can only eat a share of the credit at most. The remaining nine points will be scored with you, Qin Mubai and other soldiers and civilians who fought bloodily and actively pioneered. ”

"Your Majesty is too modest." Qin Mubai clenched his fist and said, "If it weren't for the encounter with a holy king like you, Your Majesty, even if Weichen had a strong heart, there would be nowhere to show his terror. It is also a great blessing in life for good birds to choose wood and loyal ministers to choose their masters, and for Weichen and other subjects to meet His Majesty! ”

"Haha!" Li Shimin smiled heartily and said, "Mu Bai, do you know what I'm thinking?" ”

"Your Majesty, please."

"I'm wondering, if Qin Mubai had been in Lanzhou, would he have been able to achieve such a situation?" Li Shimin said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "With the power of the Tang Dynasty, fight against the ten small states of Tibet, Turks and the Western Regions? ”

"Your Majesty laughed." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "Lanzhou has been able to make small achievements, thanks to the strong support of Your Majesty, the imperial court and the Central Plains?" How can Weichen dare to compete with a momentary hero like Songtsen Gampo? Such an opponent is better left to His Majesty. ”

"No, I want you to fight him." Li Shimin laughed, but the smile was not completely casual and ridiculous, and it obviously had a bit of a serious taste.

Qin Mubai was faintly excited in his heart, but he still said, "Your Majesty thinks too highly of Weichen." Weichen has been in the office for less than five years, with shallow morality and shallow experience, and the Lanzhou plan is related to half of the country and the century-old plan in the west of the Tang Dynasty. However, if Your Majesty plans properly, Weichen will not give up on the Prancing Horse field! ”

"Haha! Qin Saburo, Qin Saburo! Li Shimin pointed at Qin Mubai and laughed, "Look at your duplicity, you really learned your father's nine points." It's good to be humble, but it's not necessarily good to be too modest. How talented are you, don't I know? You are young, with loose roots and shallow experience, but no one in the world is born with roots and experience. When I joined the army at the age of sixteen, I still couldn't even take care of my own saddle? In preparation for a rainy day, before Tubo and Gaochang officially moved, I had already made the following three arrangements: First, I sent a letter of consolation to King Gaochang, which may not be really useful, but it can make King Gaochang throw a mouse. If I have comforted him and rebelled, then I will not be able to complain. Second, the secret decree to the Lanzhou Governor's Mansion has already been on the road first, and your father, with the assistance of Xue Wanche and others, will prepare for war earlier. If there is a change in Gaochang, the Lanzhou army will respond as soon as possible. Attack instead of defending Gaochang to minimize the loss of the Silk Road, and extinguish Gaochang's rebellious arrogance as soon as possible, so as not to spread to other countries and become a prairie fire. Third, it's for you. ”

Qin Mubai's expression changed slightly, and he sat down with his fists clenched and said in a deep voice: "Please give your majesty a decree!" ”

"You're going to marry Ling'er soon." Li Shimin smiled, a little apologetic, but more expected and appreciative, and said, "But the country is greater than home, if the society is in need, you must be ready at any time, go to Lanzhou or even open up the frontier." What I have left to you is not a holy decree, but an agreement. When Gaochang rebelled, I don't know. If it's after you're married, that's easy to say. Qin Yuma, please take your princess and go to Lanzhou together, what to do. She married you and is your person. Even if she is my favorite daughter, I will keep her with you. On the other hand, if Gao Chang rebels before your wedding, your father, Xue Wanche and others will lead the troops to the battle, and Lanzhou will be empty at that time, and you must be in charge. So ......"

"Your Majesty!" Qin Mubai clenched his fists and promised, "Even if you want Weichen to go to Lanzhou at this moment, Weichen will be able to pull out the horse and leave this imperial study!" ”

Li Shimin's expression froze slightly, and he nodded: "Okay." With your words, I am at ease. ”

"Why should Your Majesty worry about it?" Qin Mubai said, "Only when there is a country can there be a home, and such a simple truth is understood by children." Ling'er is not an unreasonable person, but whenever I decide to do something, as long as it is correct and reasonable, she will definitely not stop me, but will only support me behind my back. However, no matter what this time, I will not take Ling'er to Lanzhou again. It's good to put it in Chang'an. ”

"You think so, but she doesn't." Li Shimin smiled, "My own daughter knows it in her heart. One thing she decided was that even the nine cows couldn't pull it back. Now that the two of you are husband and wife, let alone Lanzhou, it is a clear rain of blood, fire, mountains, guns, arrows, and arrows, and she will accompany you to break through. It's her obsession, and it's her pleasure. If she is left alone in Chang'an, she will be safe, but I estimate that she will lose her soul and sleep uncomfortably. However, of course, I support you not to take her to Lanzhou, after all, anything can happen in the land of the border, and sometimes not everything can be taken into account. If Ling'er is there, it will also distract you. But this is a matter for your little couple, I won't intervene, you can do it yourself. ”

"Wechen has set up a proper meal, Your Majesty can rest assured." Qin Mubai arched his hand.

"Huh!" Li Shimin smiled, personally added a cup of tea to Qin Mubai, and said, "Among my many sons and daughters-in-law, you are the only one who can reassure me the most and be the most powerful." Having said that, Ke'er has been going to Goguryeo for a long time, and the good news is frequent, and I am very relieved. If it's too smooth over there, it's time for me to summon him back. ”

Qin Mubai drank tea in a sullen voice and did not say anything.

"Why don't you speak?" Li Shimin asked with a smile, smiling a little mysteriously.

"This is a family affair of Your Majesty, and it is also a private and state matter, and Weichen does not dare to intervene." Qin Mubai said with a relaxed smile.

Li Shimin nodded noncommittally and said, "Let's take a look again!" The envoys of Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje remained in Chang'an. Perhaps, they also smelled the fishy smell left by some Tubo people, and they were muttering on the sidelines, and they were even speculating whether I still had the leisure to pay attention to the things on the Goryeo Peninsula. Goguryeo has never been honest, and he has never really taken my Central Plains seriously. The failure of the former Sui Yang Guang's expedition to Goguryeo made them rightfully their tails. To be honest, compared to the Western Regions, I would like to clean up Goguryeo first. It directly borders our Datang Liaodong, and the provocations and threats are even more naked and direct. However, fortunately, Ke'er shared my worries and bought this precious time. However, no one can guarantee how long Ke'er can support between the three kingdoms with a pair of meat mouths alone. Therefore, if Russia is extended for one more day in the Western Regions, Goguryeo will have more mourning and wolf ambitions, and Ke'er will have more pressure and danger. On the contrary, if Ke'er used his wisdom to win the law in the Three Kingdoms of Goryeo, the imperial court would be able to devote itself to the Western Front with less pressure. This will directly affect the situation of Lanzhou and the Western Regions. ”

Qin Mubai's heart tightened slightly, and after saying for a long time, Li Shimin's scheming was only revealed at this time. Qin Mubai in the Western Regions, Li Ke in Goryeo, and the two young people are like carrying a big stone box door that is about to fall together. Whoever falls first will inevitably be crushed into meat sauce. The two of them must work together to resist and find a way to liberate, and to be more self-conscious.

Qin Mubai didn't expect that after returning from his post in Xiangyang, he and Li Ke had already drawn a clear line, and the two of them got on the same boat by mistake. One loss and one loss, one glory.

Providence?

Artificial?

Qin Mubai couldn't figure it out and couldn't figure it out. Maybe there is really a certain number in the dark, and maybe everything is under Li Shimin's arrangement and planning and overall control.

All in all, after going around in a big circle, Qin Mubai and Li Ke were connected by ghosts.