The birthday celebration of the old man of the Emperor Taishang and the second prince Li Huai was held as scheduled. This is the largest celebration organized by Xiao Yunhe since he ascended the throne three years ago. In fact, according to his habits, he shouldn't have wasted so much effort. However, after decades of reunification, all the towns in Hebei were recovered, and the festival was abolished, which is really worth celebrating. Holding a celebration on the birthday of the emperor and the second prince actually has a deeper intention.

Naturally, there is no need to say that Daqi is domestic. The emperor issued an edict of amnesty to the whole world, and the whole country celebrated the festival together. Other neighboring vassal states also sent envoys to congratulate them. The capital city was bustling with activity for a while, ushering in a grand occasion rarely seen in decades.

For a whole day, Xiao Yunhe accompanied the old man of the Emperor Taishang to receive congratulations from the envoys and civil and military ministers of various countries in the Taiji Palace. Thousands of court seats were spread out in the Lin De Hall, and 10,000 people dined together. The gifts received will also be piled up in the Taiji Hall gift shop, and the congratulatory watches and seals presented are also about to pile up.

The old man had been laughing all day, and his mouth was about to smile crookedly. After living for fifty years, he has never been happier than he is today. Just today, he actually felt a little proud of himself: what a wise decision it was to pass the position to Li Mo back then!

The lights are on, and the night is not shining. Seeing that the envoys of the various countries who came to congratulate him were also about to finish the formalities. The old man, who had been tired all day, seemed to be unable to hold on any longer, and was about to retire to rest and rest. At this moment, the bell and drum tower in front of the Taiji Hall once again sounded the big drum. And this time, the voice was particularly loud, as if some important person had come.

The old man kept crying out in his heart: It's all dark, who else is coming? What kind of big man is the drum beating so loudly? Could it be that there are more important people than the envoys of the Tibetan and Uighur countries?

Xiao Yunhe was also secretly surprised in his heart, and he couldn't guess who it was. The civil and military non-officials who had stood for most of the day were also a little wilted, but at this time, they were also aroused, and they looked at the side of Longwei Road.

Night has fallen. The sergeants of the Taiji Hall guard all raised their torches. Illuminate the dragon tail road as if it were daytime. Everyone saw that five envoys dressed in the robes of the Great Qi officials, each holding a piece of paper above their heads, slowly walked onto the Dragon Tail Road.

Everyone was a little disappointed in their hearts, and secretly cursed: Which ignorant courtier only sent someone to congratulate him at this time?

Xiao Yunhe's eyes were like torches, and he quietly looked at the five courtiers who walked up to the Jinluan Palace. These five people. Only one of them was dressed in a scarlet robe, and his official rank was above the fifth rank, and the rest of the people were still only wearing green robes, and their rank was low. Xiao Yunhe also lost interest for a while, and became a little impatient.

The five courtiers walked to the Jinluan Hall and bowed down in unison. Each held the congratulatory watch in his hand above his hand. The leading scarlet-robed official said loudly: "Weichen, Shi Liu Liang, the head of the Beiting Metropolitan Protectorate, has come to congratulate the Emperor Taishang and the Zhaoqing County Wang on their birthdays on the order of the Beiting Metropolitan Protector Yang Zhenggu. Long live the Emperor Taishang, long live, and the king of Zhaoying County, Chitose Chitose, Chitose, Chitose!"

As soon as Liu Liang finished speaking, the Manchu Dynasty was in an uproar - "It's actually an envoy from the North Court!"

Xiao Yunhe was also shocked by Chu Yan's body. He looked at the five people kneeling in front of the hall with wide eyes.

The other four people were actually envoys sent by the four towns of Anxi, Qiuziyan, and Khotan Shule!

The old man also froze, looking at the five people in amazement. I didn't know what to do for a while. Xiao Yunhe sat next to the old man, then stood up and walked down the Jinluan Hall to the five people, and said, "Aiqing is flat." ”

"Xie Majesty. Liu Liang and the others stood up one after another, holding a notebook in their hands.

Xiao Yunhe took a closer look at these people. found that the five of them were all haggard and very thin. But their expressions and eyes revealed an indescribable strength and excitement.

"What is this?" Xiao Yunhe took the notebook in Liu Liang's hand and asked.

Liu Liang hurriedly knelt on the ground. Panicked: "Your Majesty, please cure the crime of deceiving the king?"

Xiao Yunhe frowned slightly: "What is the crime, let's talk about it in detail." ”

"I am honored!" Liu Liang knelt on the ground and said humbly, "Weichen and the envoys of the four towns of Anxi set off for the national capital more than a year ago. At that time, I didn't know that His Majesty would hold a grand celebration today to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor Taishang and the King of Zhaoying County. At that time, most of the Beiting guards Yang Zhenggu and the four town guards of Anxi made an appointment. We sent people together to congratulate our emperor on his new ascending to the throne. In this statement, it is written to congratulate the emperor on his accession to the throne...... It's not for the birthday of the Emperor Taishang and the king of Zhaoying County. Weichen and the others passed through the surrendered city and entered the Central Plains to know about the birthday, and they didn't have time to prepare the birthday speech. I beg your majesty to forgive your sins!"

The other four also bowed down together: "I beg your majesty to forgive your sins!"

Xiao Yunhe exhaled softly, nodded and said, "So, you have been gone for more than a year?"

"Back to His Majesty, Weichen and the others have been gone for more than a year. Liu Liang said, "More than a year after His Majesty ascended the throne, Beiting, Anxi and other places only learned the news. Later, Weichen and the envoys of the four towns of Anxi took the Uighur Road and walked all the way for more than a year before they reached the national capital. It has been three years since His Majesty ascended the throne to when Wei Chen met His Majesty!"

"Three years!" the ministers were in an uproar, each in surprise.

Xiao Yunhe raised his hand and motioned for everyone to be quiet. Then he said, "If you are not guilty, please get up." If you can come to celebrate your birthday, it is the best gift. I'm very happy. The Emperor Taishang and the King of Zhaoying County will also be very happy. ”

"Thank you!" Liu Liang and the others stood up, each with their hands down to the side. All eyes were on them. For a while, the five of them became the focus of the whole house and the most eye-catching figures in the whole day. Xiao Yunhe's heart was also secretly churning: after the Anshi Rebellion, Tubo occupied the right land of Longyou in Hexi, and separated the Western Regions and the Northern Court from the territory of Daqi. For decades, the Beiting Prefecture and the four towns of Anxi have been like sons who have run away from home, and there has been no news. Several emperors, including the old man, also adopted an attitude of ignoring and leaving them to fend for themselves in the isolated overseas territories of Beiting and Anxi. To this day, the wanderer, who had not been seen for many years, suddenly sent back the news...... How is it not emotional and exciting?

Xiao Yunhe looked at Liu Liang and the others carefully, and found that their faces were all related, as if they had a lot to say, and tears were all on the edge of their eyes.

Xiao Yunhe walked to Liu Liang and the others. He said in a low voice: "It's hard work from afar, please go to the Lin De Hall to eat and rest first." I will send someone to take care of your food and daily life, don't worry. Later, I will summon you again. ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Liu Liang and the others thanked Dade and bowed again and again.

"Ju Wenzhen, you personally lead Liu Liang and the others down to rest. Good students must not be slackened. Xiao Yunhe gave an order. Then he walked up to the old man of the Emperor Taishang, bowed his hand and said, "Father, have you ever been tired?"

The old man suddenly came back to his senses. Said: "Hmm...... I'm really tired. Why don't you just retire?"

"It's fine. Xiao Yunhe turned around and said, "Retreat." Civil and military officials, Lin De Hall dining. ”

Xiao Yunhe and the old man left from the side of the Jinluan Palace. The civil and military officials retreated in turn. Everyone felt that because of the arrival of Liu Liang and the other five people, the atmosphere seemed to have become a little weird today. Especially the emperor, his mood seems to have become much more complicated. The expression that had been enjoying this celebration had become a little impatient.

Xiao Yunhe does have a lot of things on his mind. He sent Prime Minister Lu Zhen to preside over the dinner at the Lin De Palace. But he came to the study of Wude Hall alone and locked himself in the room.

Seven or eight eunuchs held oil lamps and made a huge map of the land visible. Xiao Yunhe stood in front of a map more than one person high. Eyebrows pondered, and his eyes were always fixed on the northwest of the Great Qi Territory.

There, it is the land of Hexi and Longyou occupied by Tibet. There are four towns in Anxi, there are Beiting Protectorate, there are more than ten small countries in the Western Regions that surrendered to Daqi during Zhenguan, and there is the Silk Road, which brought countless wealth to Daqi in the prosperous Western Regions. From Zhenguan to Tianbao, from Houjunji to Gao Xianzhi, these pillars of the great generals in the Western Regions have all kinds of deeds. In turn, it came to his mind. Nowadays, Longyou Hexi has been lost, and Daqi has completely lost its control in the Western Regions. His courtiers want to enter Beijing to offer a congratulatory table, and they can't go through the territory that originally belonged to Daqi, and they can't take the Hexi passage built by Xiao Yunhe, the heavenly khan, when he was in Zhenguan. He even had to go on a false path to the Uighurs for more than a year.

This is simply a great shame for him Xiao Yunhe.

But to his relief. Beiting and Anxi have been separated from Daqi and hung overseas for decades, and the territory is still there, and they still remember to be the ministers of Daqi. Compared with the two, he felt that he, the emperor, really owed too much to the soldiers and civilians of the Great Qi in the Western Regions. A wave of guilt and self-blame rose in my heart.

Seeing that he was in a hurry, the eunuch in charge reported to him, and Wu Yuanheng came to ask for a meeting. Xiao Yunhe called in.

"Bo Cang, why are you here?" Xiao Yunhe was still looking at the map and was engrossed.

Wu Yuanheng bowed his hand and asked rhetorically: "Your Majesty is unwell and cannot attend the dinner, so you should rest in the palace." Why do you stay up all night looking at the map in the study of the Wude Palace?"

"Hey!" Xiao Yunhe let out a long sigh, turned to look at Wu Yuanheng, and said, "Bo Cang, others don't know, don't you still understand what I'm thinking?"

Wu Yuanheng smiled slightly, lowered his hand to the side, and smiled without saying a word.

Xiao Yunhe smiled and said, "I know. Whatever I have on my mind, I can't escape your eyes. Tell me, how do you feel about the arrival of the envoys from Beiting and Anxi?"

"Guilt. Wu Yuanheng was concise and said two words.

"Not bad. I am also very guilty. Xiao Yunhe said, "Beiting and Anxi have left Daqi for dozens of years. The court turned a blind eye to them and left them to fend for themselves. But after so many years, they are alone overseas but have not lost their ministers, swearing to defend the territory of Daqi, and always remember that they are still the people of Daqi. Compared with the two, I am really ashamed of them. ”

"It's not just your majesty. Those of us who are courtiers also feel very guilty. Wu Yuanheng said, "Beiting and Anxi's colleagues, how can they have received a penny in Daqi over the years, and how have they enjoyed a day of peace? We are singing and dancing in the Central Plains to enjoy life, but they are suffering in the wild land of the Western Regions against the cold moon and the river, waiting for the news of their relatives in the Central Plains. They stubbornly guarded the festival of ministers and swore to defend the territory of Daqidi. Many of us are fighting for our own glory and power. In contrast, the ministers are really ashamed. ”

Xiao Yunhe nodded approvingly, paused for a moment, and said, "Bo Cang." I plan to regain Hexi and Longyou. Open up the connection between the Central Plains of Great Qi and the Western Regions. You say, is this possible?"

Wu Yuanheng frowned, pondered for a long time, and shook his head: "It's difficult." ”

"How can you see it?" Xiao Yunhe asked.

Wu Yuanheng said: "There are many problems in recovering Hexi and Longyou. First, Daqi had just experienced a year of civil war, and the consumption was huge. Now is the time to recuperate, not to take war lightly. In the past few years, Tibet has not experienced heavy warfare, and I believe that its vitality has been restored. At this time, they are not afraid of us. In terms of strength, if we want to win, we will have to pay a very heavy price. Second. The Great Qi had lost control of the Western Regions for decades. The Tibetans, Uighurs, Dashi, and other small states in the Western Regions are entrenched there, and it will be difficult for us to go on an expedition. The situation is complicated and quite unfavorable for us. Third, please forgive Weichen for saying something that should not be said. His Majesty thinks that it is cost-effective to spend such a huge price in exchange for the control of the barren and desolate Western Regions?"

Xiao Yunhe let out a long breath and said, "You asked well. In terms of benefits, this is indeed very cost-effective. But since Zhenguan, Daqi has always been determined to defend and fight for hegemony in the Western Regions. Do you know what's the point?"

"Please make it clear. ”

Xiao Yunhe said: "First, this is naturally to show the prestige of the country, open up the trade road, and spread the civilization and glory of our Daqi." Second, it is mainly to buffer the impact of the nomads on the plateau in the south and the grasslands in the north on the Central Plains. Over the years, the loss of the Helong region has made the capital of Great Qi directly face the threat of the Tibetans and Uighurs, which can be said to be miserable. This is also the reason why Tubo tried his best to fight for the right to control the Helong area. Beiting and Anxi are still there, which proves that my Daqi still has a base of people in the Western Regions. It is the desire of the people for Daqi to regain the hegemony of the Western Regions!" The birthday celebration of the old man of the Emperor Taishang and the second prince Li Huai was held as scheduled. This is the largest celebration organized by Xiao Yunhe since he ascended the throne three years ago. In fact, according to his habits, he shouldn't have wasted so much effort. However, after decades of reunification, all the towns in Hebei were recovered, and the festival was abolished, which is really worth celebrating. Holding a celebration on the birthday of the emperor and the second prince actually has a deeper intention.

Naturally, there is no need to say that Daqi is domestic. The emperor issued an edict of amnesty to the whole world, and the whole country celebrated the festival together. Other neighboring vassal states also sent envoys to congratulate them. The capital city was bustling with activity for a while, ushering in a grand occasion rarely seen in decades.

For a whole day, Xiao Yunhe accompanied the old man of the Emperor Taishang to receive congratulations from the envoys and civil and military ministers of various countries in the Taiji Palace. Thousands of court seats were spread out in the Lin De Hall, and 10,000 people dined together. The gifts received will also be piled up in the Taiji Hall gift shop, and the congratulatory watches and seals presented are also about to pile up.

The old man had been laughing all day, and his mouth was about to smile crookedly. After living for fifty years, he has never been happier than he is today. Just today, he actually felt a little proud of himself: what a wise decision it was to pass the position to Li Mo back then!

The lights are on, and the night is not shining. Seeing that the envoys of the various countries who came to congratulate him were also about to finish the formalities. The old man, who had been tired all day, seemed to be unable to hold on any longer, and was about to retire to rest and rest. At this moment, the bell and drum tower in front of the Taiji Hall once again sounded the big drum. And this time, the voice was particularly loud, as if some important person had come.

The old man kept crying out in his heart: It's all dark, who else is coming? What kind of big man is the drum beating so loudly? Could it be that there are more important people than the envoys of the Tibetan and Uighur countries?

Xiao Yunhe was also secretly surprised in his heart, and he couldn't guess who it was. The civil and military non-officials who had stood for most of the day were also a little wilted, but at this time, they were also aroused, and they looked at the side of Longwei Road.

Night has fallen. The sergeants of the Taiji Hall guard all raised their torches. Illuminate the dragon tail road as if it were daytime. Everyone saw that five envoys dressed in the robes of the Great Qi officials, each holding a piece of paper above their heads, slowly walked onto the Dragon Tail Road.

Everyone was a little disappointed in their hearts, and secretly cursed: Which ignorant courtier only sent someone to congratulate him at this time?

Xiao Yunhe's eyes were like torches, and he quietly looked at the five courtiers who walked up to the Jinluan Palace. These five people. Only one of them was dressed in a scarlet robe, and his official rank was above the fifth rank, and the rest of the people were still only wearing green robes, and their rank was low. Xiao Yunhe also lost interest for a while, and became a little impatient.

The five courtiers walked to the Jinluan Hall and bowed down in unison. Each held the congratulatory watch in his hand above his hand. The leading scarlet-robed official said loudly: "Weichen, Shi Liu Liang, the head of the Beiting Metropolitan Protectorate, has come to congratulate the Emperor Taishang and the Zhaoqing County Wang on their birthdays on the order of the Beiting Metropolitan Protector Yang Zhenggu. Long live the Emperor Taishang, long live, and the king of Zhaoying County, Chitose Chitose, Chitose, Chitose!"

As soon as Liu Liang finished speaking, the Manchu Dynasty was in an uproar - "It's actually an envoy from the North Court!"

Xiao Yunhe was also shocked by Chu Yan's body. He looked at the five people kneeling in front of the hall with wide eyes.

The other four people were actually envoys sent by the four towns of Anxi, Qiuziyan, and Khotan Shule!

The old man also froze, looking at the five people in amazement. I didn't know what to do for a while. Xiao Yunhe sat next to the old man, then stood up and walked down the Jinluan Hall to the five people, and said, "Aiqing is flat." ”

"Xie Majesty. Liu Liang and the others stood up one after another, holding a notebook in their hands.

Xiao Yunhe took a closer look at these people. found that the five of them were all haggard and very thin. But their expressions and eyes revealed an indescribable strength and excitement.

"What is this?" Xiao Yunhe took the notebook in Liu Liang's hand and asked.

Liu Liang hurriedly knelt on the ground. Panicked: "Your Majesty, please cure the crime of deceiving the king?"

Xiao Yunhe frowned slightly: "What is the crime, let's talk about it in detail." ”

"I am honored!" Liu Liang knelt on the ground and said humbly, "Weichen and the envoys of the four towns of Anxi set off for the national capital more than a year ago. At that time, I didn't know that His Majesty would hold a grand celebration today to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor Taishang and the King of Zhaoying County. At that time, most of the Beiting guards Yang Zhenggu and the four town guards of Anxi made an appointment. We sent people together to congratulate our emperor on his new ascending to the throne. In this statement, it is written to congratulate the emperor on his accession to the throne...... It's not for the birthday of the Emperor Taishang and the king of Zhaoying County. Weichen and the others passed through the surrendered city and entered the Central Plains to know about the birthday, and they didn't have time to prepare the birthday speech. I beg your majesty to forgive your sins!"

The other four also bowed down together: "I beg your majesty to forgive your sins!"

Xiao Yunhe exhaled softly, nodded and said, "So, you have been gone for more than a year?"

"Back to His Majesty, Weichen and the others have been gone for more than a year. Liu Liang said, "More than a year after His Majesty ascended the throne, Beiting, Anxi and other places only learned the news. Later, Weichen and the envoys of the four towns of Anxi took the Uighur Road and walked all the way for more than a year before they reached the national capital. It has been three years since His Majesty ascended the throne to when Wei Chen met His Majesty!"

"Three years!" the ministers were in an uproar, each in surprise.

Xiao Yunhe raised his hand and motioned for everyone to be quiet. Then he said, "If you are not guilty, please get up." If you can come to celebrate your birthday, it is the best gift. I'm very happy. The Emperor Taishang and the King of Zhaoying County will also be very happy. ”

"Thank you!" Liu Liang and the others stood up, each with their hands down to the side. All eyes were on them. For a while, the five of them became the focus of the whole house and the most eye-catching figures in the whole day. Xiao Yunhe's heart was also secretly churning: after the Anshi Rebellion, Tubo occupied the right land of Longyou in Hexi, and separated the Western Regions and the Northern Court from the territory of Daqi. For decades, the Beiting Prefecture and the four towns of Anxi have been like sons who have run away from home, and there has been no news. Several emperors, including the old man, also adopted an attitude of ignoring and leaving them to fend for themselves in the isolated overseas territories of Beiting and Anxi. To this day, the wanderer, who had not been seen for many years, suddenly sent back the news...... How is it not emotional and exciting?

Xiao Yunhe looked at Liu Liang and the others carefully, and found that their faces were all related, as if they had a lot to say, and tears were all on the edge of their eyes.

Xiao Yunhe walked to Liu Liang and the others. He said in a low voice: "It's hard work from afar, please go to the Lin De Hall to eat and rest first." I will send someone to take care of your food and daily life, don't worry. Later, I will summon you again. ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Liu Liang and the others thanked Dade and bowed again and again.

"Ju Wenzhen, you personally lead Liu Liang and the others down to rest. Good students must not be slackened. Xiao Yunhe gave an order. Then he walked up to the old man of the Emperor Taishang, bowed his hand and said, "Father, have you ever been tired?"

The old man suddenly came back to his senses. Said: "Hmm...... I'm really tired. Why don't you just retire?"

"It's fine. Xiao Yunhe turned around and said, "Retreat." Civil and military officials, Lin De Hall dining. ”

Xiao Yunhe and the old man left from the side of the Jinluan Palace. The civil and military officials retreated in turn. Everyone felt that because of the arrival of Liu Liang and the other five people, the atmosphere seemed to have become a little weird today. Especially the emperor, his mood seems to have become much more complicated. The expression that had been enjoying this celebration had become a little impatient.

Xiao Yunhe does have a lot of things on his mind. He sent Prime Minister Lu Zhen to preside over the dinner at the Lin De Palace. But he came to the study of Wude Hall alone and locked himself in the room.

Seven or eight eunuchs held oil lamps and made a huge map of the land visible. Xiao Yunhe stood in front of a map more than one person high. Eyebrows pondered, and his eyes were always fixed on the northwest of the Great Qi Territory.

There, it is the land of Hexi and Longyou occupied by Tibet. There are four towns in Anxi, there are Beiting Protectorate, there are more than ten small countries in the Western Regions that surrendered to Daqi during Zhenguan, and there is the Silk Road, which brought countless wealth to Daqi in the prosperous Western Regions. From Zhenguan to Tianbao, from Houjunji to Gao Xianzhi, these pillars of the great generals in the Western Regions have all kinds of deeds. In turn, it came to his mind. Nowadays, Longyou Hexi has been lost, and Daqi has completely lost its control in the Western Regions. His courtiers want to enter Beijing to offer a congratulatory table, and they can't go through the territory that originally belonged to Daqi, and they can't take the Hexi passage built by Xiao Yunhe, the heavenly khan, when he was in Zhenguan. He even had to go on a false path to the Uighurs for more than a year.

This is simply a great shame for him Xiao Yunhe.

But to his relief. Beiting and Anxi have been separated from Daqi and hung overseas for decades, and the territory is still there, and they still remember to be the ministers of Daqi. Compared with the two, he felt that he, the emperor, really owed too much to the soldiers and civilians of the Great Qi in the Western Regions. A wave of guilt and self-blame rose in my heart.

Seeing that he was in a hurry, the eunuch in charge reported to him, and Wu Yuanheng came to ask for a meeting. Xiao Yunhe called in.

"Bo Cang, why are you here?" Xiao Yunhe was still looking at the map and was engrossed.

Wu Yuanheng bowed his hand and asked rhetorically: "Your Majesty is unwell and cannot attend the dinner, so you should rest in the palace." Why do you stay up all night looking at the map in the study of the Wude Palace?"

"Hey!" Xiao Yunhe let out a long sigh, turned to look at Wu Yuanheng, and said, "Bo Cang, others don't know, don't you still understand what I'm thinking?"

Wu Yuanheng smiled slightly, lowered his hand to the side, and smiled without saying a word.

Xiao Yunhe smiled and said, "I know. Whatever I have on my mind, I can't escape your eyes. Tell me, how do you feel about the arrival of the envoys from Beiting and Anxi?"

"Guilt. Wu Yuanheng was concise and said two words.

"Not bad. I am also very guilty. Xiao Yunhe said, "Beiting and Anxi have left Daqi for dozens of years. The court turned a blind eye to them and left them to fend for themselves. But after so many years, they are alone overseas but have not lost their ministers, swearing to defend the territory of Daqi, and always remember that they are still the people of Daqi. Compared with the two, I am really ashamed of them. ”

"It's not just your majesty. Those of us who are courtiers also feel very guilty. Wu Yuanheng said, "Beiting and Anxi's colleagues, how can they have received a penny in Daqi over the years, and how have they enjoyed a day of peace? We are singing and dancing in the Central Plains to enjoy life, but they are suffering in the wild land of the Western Regions against the cold moon and the river, waiting for the news of their relatives in the Central Plains. They stubbornly guarded the festival of ministers and swore to defend the territory of Daqidi. Many of us are fighting for our own glory and power. In contrast, the ministers are really ashamed. ”

Xiao Yunhe nodded approvingly, paused for a moment, and said, "Bo Cang." I plan to regain Hexi and Longyou. Open up the connection between the Central Plains of Great Qi and the Western Regions. You say, is this possible?"

Wu Yuanheng frowned, pondered for a long time, and shook his head: "It's difficult." ”

"How can you see it?" Xiao Yunhe asked.

Wu Yuanheng said: "There are many problems in recovering Hexi and Longyou. First, Daqi had just experienced a year of civil war, and the consumption was huge. Now is the time to recuperate, not to take war lightly. In the past few years, Tibet has not experienced heavy warfare, and I believe that its vitality has been restored. At this time, they are not afraid of us. In terms of strength, if we want to win, we will have to pay a very heavy price. Second. The Great Qi had lost control of the Western Regions for decades. The Tibetans, Uighurs, Dashi, and other small states in the Western Regions are entrenched there, and it will be difficult for us to go on an expedition. The situation is complicated and quite unfavorable for us. Third, please forgive Weichen for saying something that should not be said. His Majesty thinks that it is cost-effective to spend such a huge price in exchange for the control of the barren and desolate Western Regions?"

Xiao Yunhe let out a long breath and said, "You asked well. In terms of benefits, this is indeed very cost-effective. But since Zhenguan, Daqi has always been determined to defend and fight for hegemony in the Western Regions. Do you know what's the point?"

"Please make it clear. ”

Xiao Yunhe said: "First, this is naturally to show the prestige of the country, open up the trade road, and spread the civilization and glory of our Daqi." Second, it is mainly to buffer the impact of the nomads on the plateau in the south and the grasslands in the north on the Central Plains. Over the years, the loss of the Helong region has made the capital of Great Qi directly face the threat of the Tibetans and Uighurs, which can be said to be miserable. This is also the reason why Tubo tried his best to fight for the right to control the Helong area. Beiting and Anxi are still there, which proves that my Daqi still has a base of people in the Western Regions. It is the desire of the people to regain the hegemony of the Western Regions in Daqi!"

Wu Yuanheng couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive in his heart: Could it be that the emperor has already decided to use troops again to go to the Western Regions?

Xiao Yunhe frowned slightly and looked at Wu Yuanheng, and said, "Why are you looking at me with such eyes?"

Wu Yuanheng hurriedly retracted his eyes, bowed his hand and said, "Weichen is rude, please forgive your majesty...... Wechen was just worried that now was not the time to use troops. ”

"I didn't say I was going to start a war right away. Xiao Yunhe said, "In the past year, the reform of Pingbo has caused Daqi to suffer a lot of changes, and the internal friction is also quite huge. At present, the economy in Hebei and Jianghuai is slowly recovering, and we have a lot of internal affairs to do. It would be unwise to start war at this time. War must also be tempered, so that the damage it causes can be slowly eliminated. Blindly reckless use of force is the way to defeat chaos. ”

"It is certainly a blessing for the community to be able to understand this. Wu Yuanheng said, "But...... Could it be that the imperial court still sits idly by and watches the four towns of Beiting and Anxi hang out of the country and ignore them?"

Xiao Yunhe sighed lightly: "I am also worried about this matter. Beiting and Anxi are like the sons of Daqi. They have been bullied outside, but we are indifferent in the Central Plains, how can we be embarrassed? Besides, both Helong and the Western Regions are of great strategic significance. It is indeed difficult for me to turn a blind eye to them and give up. When you think about it this way, it is indeed quite contradictory. ”

Wu Yuanheng thought for a while, and said: "Your Majesty, since it is not suitable to provoke a war now, can we try to use the means of political negotiation to relieve the pressure on Beiting and Anxi? At least ensure that within a year or two, Beiting and Anxi will not suffer a very huge impact." The past two years are enough for Daqi to get a respite. When the time comes...... Perhaps a military solution could be taken again. ”

"Political negotiations?" Xiao Yunhe smiled bitterly and said, "Chisong Dezan is not a fool. He deliberately took Longyou and Hexi with great difficulty, and his purpose was to divide Anxi and Beiting and directly threaten the Great Qi Pass. Although Tibet and us have now been reconciled on the surface, the contradictions and conflicts have never really disappeared. On the issue of the treatment of the territory. The interests of our Great Qi and Tibet are completely hostile, and no one will make any concessions. A false peace will be vulnerable in the face of a real conflict of interests. If we were to negotiate with Trisong Detsen about the affairs of Beiting, Anxi, and Helong, the result would inevitably be to provoke a dispute immediately. Trisong Detsen is a raging wolf, and whoever tries to snatch meat from his mouth will fight with whomever he wants. What's more, I was his enemy in the first place. ”

"That's right...... It seems to have negotiated directly with Tibet. It's absolutely not going to work. Wu Yuanheng said worriedly. After a long period of silence, he suddenly came to his senses and said, "Since it is useless to negotiate with the Tibetans, why don't we borrow the power of the Uighurs." Originally, in the area of Helong and the Western Regions, the tripartite forces of the Uighurs, the Tibetans, and our Great Qi were constantly fighting. The Tibetans and the Uighurs are also feuding. If we can form a good alliance with the Uighurs to contain Tibet, it will be a good strategy. ”

Xiao Yunhe's heart lit up. After pondering for a long time, he said, "The Uighurs are not stupid, they will not help us for nothing. Although all these years. The Uighurs and Daqi are friendly neighbors, and in a sense they are still subjects of our Daqi. But...... After the Anshi Rebellion, the Great Qi declined, and they were not too honest. A few years ago, they hoarded and sold horses to us at exorbitant prices, making huge profits, what is the difference between this and extortion? The tribes of the Northern Dikhdan, Xi, and Murowei were all subservient to the Uighurs. If it weren't for the secret instigation of the Uighurs, would the Khitans and Xi dare to support the rebel king in Hebei to confront the imperial court? Therefore, on the surface, the Uighurs seem to be in a decent manner and have a friendly attitude towards our Daqi, but in fact they are also harboring evil intentions and bad intentions. But then again. In general, the Uighurs were much friendlier than the Tibetans. There are no eternal friends and enemies on the political field. Only eternal benefits. ”

"What His Majesty said is very true. Wu Yuanheng said, "In the Western Regions and the Helong area, the interests of our Great Qi and the Uighurs are unified—they both want to drive out the Tibetans and gain their own interests. In that case, it will not be difficult for us to convince them to cooperate with me. Not long ago, the Uighur monarch returned to heaven. Didn't they send envoys to ask His Majesty to canonize their new leader as a loyal khan? Historically, the Uighurs had the habit of having their new leader canonized as khan in order to stabilize the hearts of the people. Daqi was still very influential among the Uighurs. ”

"In this way, is it really feasible?" Xiao Yunhe asked Wu Yuanheng with a slightly happy face.

"At least give it a try. Wu Yuanheng said, "How good the Hu people are. Didn't the Uighurs always like the silk utensils of our Central Plains? Your Majesty could have sent envoys to the Uighur Golden Horde and sent a large number of silk and porcelain to satisfy their hearts. The loyal khan was originally canonized by His Majesty, and he had to give a few thin noodles. Nor do we expect the Uighurs to fight to the death with the Tibetans. As long as within a year or two, they can contain the Tubo people to ensure that Beiting and Anxi are not lost. At least, when His Majesty decides to use troops against the Western Regions, we will have one more helping hand and one less strong enemy. ”

"That makes sense. Preparing for a rainy day is indeed the best policy. Xiao Yunhe was slightly relieved and nodded, "Recovering Helong and dominating the Western Regions is a long-term national policy. We must start with economic, military, and diplomatic aspects, and we cannot do it overnight. First of all, we need to make good alliances with the Uighurs and hold them firmly in our camp to lay the groundwork for the future. ”

"Your Majesty is wise. Wu Yuanheng bowed his hand.

Xiao Yunhe breathed a sigh of relief, and said to the deacon eunuch, "Call Shi Liu Liang, the president of the North Court." ”

Wu Yuanheng said worriedly: "I just don't know, what is the current situation in places like Beiting and Anxi, which have been away from Daqi for decades?"

"I'm very worried......"

Soon, Liu Liang came. According to his own account, he was in his early forties, but he was described as withered and thin as an old man of sixty. It can be seen that the itinerary of eating and sleeping in the past year has really tortured him to the point that he is not human.

Xiao Yunhe couldn't wait to ask Liu Liang many questions, and asked him to introduce the current situation of Beiting and Anxi. Liu Liang looked worried, sad and indignant, and said: "After the defeat of Talas. The elite soldiers under Gao Xianzhi's Anxi Protectorate suffered heavy casualties, and there was not much left. I, the Great Qi and Tang Dynasty, were completely lost in the Western Regions. In the days that followed, for the invading enemy, there was only the ability to parry, and there was no power to counterattack. The order of the imperial court no longer left the Ili River in the west. Soon after, the Anshi Rebellion broke out, and the imperial court no longer had time to take care of the Western Regions. And that's not all. The imperial court also requisitioned elite soldiers from the Western Regions into the Guanqin King, and more than 7,000 people were transferred from Beiting and Anxi, leaving only some old, weak, sick and disabled to guard the military towns, so that many military towns and prefectures had to rely on the Uighurs and barely support the endgame. Now. Most of the original prefectures and counties of Great Qi in the Western Regions have been captured by Tibet. Only the Beiting Metropolitan Protectorate and the four towns of Anxi are left, which are still struggling to support. There were no reinforcements outside, no food and grass inside, and all the soldiers were determined to die. Swear to live and die with the city!"