After the new emperor ascended the throne, there were seven days of celebration in the imperial capital. After Zhang took office as Jing Zhaoyin, all work was carried out well. Now there is no need for the army to maintain law and order in the national capital, and it is in order. The people had a lively and entertaining day for several days, and there were no riots or incidents.

In the past few days, Xiao Yunhe has also received envoys and courtiers from various countries in the Lin De Hall of Taiji Palace. Drinking and feasting every day, thanking the guests, pushing the cup and changing the lamp, he really became the emperor of wine and meat for a few days. The southern kingdoms of Nanzhao, Dongnu, and Pi, and the northern Uighurs and eastern Silla, all came with envoys.

Only the envoys of the Tibetans were nowhere to be found. Counting up, Shang Jiezan has also been released back for a few months. If the Tibetans are willing to make an alliance, they should also send someone here at this time.

Xiao Yunhe was secretly a little dissatisfied in his heart: Chi Song Dezan, are you really determined to fight with me to the end and continue to fight regardless of the consequences?

As a result, Trisong Detsen was certainly not such a straw bale and reckless person. On the sixth day of the celebration, more than 30 Tibetan envoys finally arrived in the national capital and entered the palace to meet the new emperor.

In the Lin De Palace, Xiao Yunhe sat on the dragon chair, and hundreds of civil and military officials stood beside him. He looked at the Tibetan envoys who came forward through the twelve-bead curtain, and couldn't help but smile in his heart: It's still an acquaintance, hehe!

The Tibetan envoy strode forward with his head held high, raised his eyes and glanced up, just in time to meet Xiao Yunhe's somewhat sharp gaze. The envoy quickly lowered his head, touched his chest with one hand and bent down to salute: "The Tibetan envoy Shang Xidongzan, on the order of Chisong Zanpu, came to congratulate His Majesty the Emperor of Great Qi on his accession to the throne of the dragon and the world. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!"

Li Sheng on the side sneered and said, "Shang Xidongzan, since you are a diplomatic envoy, you should understand the etiquette of my Daqi. When you see His Majesty the Emperor, why don't you bow down?"

"This ......" Shang Xidong praised the person who spoke, recognized it as Li Sheng, and secretly felt a little stunned in his heart. Hesitated. He knelt down with his legs bent and said again: "The Tibetan envoy Shang Xidongzan came to congratulate His Majesty the Emperor of Great Qi on his accession to the throne of the Dragon Emperor on the order of Chisong Zanpu. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!"

Xiao Yunhe smiled slightly: "No courtesy, flat body." Someone came, and gave Shang Xidong Zan a seat and wine. ”

Shang Xidongzan then stood up with a sigh of relief, bent down and thanked: "Thank you, Your Majesty the Emperor." ”

"Shang Xidong praise, long time no see. Don't come here to be harmed?" Xiao Yunhe said with a smile on his face, "Is Chisong Zampu okay lately?"

Shang Xidongzan was slightly stunned, and replied: "To the emperor's majesty, Weichen has always been very good. The red pine tsangpufu is higher than the sky, and is as strong as an eagle on the plateau. ”

"That's fine. Xiao Yunhe smiled. said, "After parting from Dajinchuan, I haven't seen each other with Trimatsu Zampu for some years, and I miss him very much. Shang Xidongzan, you have come thousands of miles to my Daqi. It's been a hard work. Later, I will invite you to stay at Honglu Temple, and I will let them entertain you and make sure you feel at home. ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty, Emperor!" Shang Xidongzan felt a little uneasy in his heart. First, he was captured alive by the emperor in front of him during the first battle of Xichuan. Second, the Emperor of Great Qi deliberately talked about the farewell of Dajinchuan, which meant that it was the matter of Chisong Dezan's abandonment of the army and the escape of the army during the Second Battle of Xichuan. These two things are the shame of the Tibetan people, and Shang Xidongzan feels a little aggrieved in his heart, and his confidence is also a little insufficient. On the contrary, the ministers of the Great Qi Dynasty of the Manchu Dynasty were all proud and proud.

Shang Xidongzan put down the dissatisfaction and depression in his heart, and said calmly: "Chisong Zanpu sent Weichen. The first is to congratulate the emperor on his ascension to the throne as emperor, and appoint ministers to send gifts to the emperor, his majesty, his concubine, his son, and his daughter. Please ask His Majesty the Emperor to allow Weichen to offer the gifts. ”

Xiao Yunhe nodded: "Accurate." ”

Shang Xi Dongzan walked to the door of the Lin De Hall and raised his hand outside, and the five Tubo followers each walked up with a box. Shang Xi Dongzan picked up the first long, flat box and said, "Your Majesty, this is a gift from Chisong Zanpu to you - a treasure carving bow. At that time, Chisong Zampu invited the emperor to meet outside the city of Victoria, and the emperor's majesty made Chisong Zampu very admired. In our Tibet. The Sword and Bow was never earned for a true warrior - so Akamatsu Zamp chose his favorite Bow of Choice. Earn and give it to the Emperor of Great Qi Xià. ”

Ju Wenzhen walked forward quickly, took the box in Shang Xidongzan's hand and opened it in public. Sure enough, it was a well-made and gorgeous jewel colorful bow, and even Li Sheng nodded and praised it again and again: "It is indeed a good bow." ”

Xiao Yunhe sat on the dragon chair and smiled slightly: "Thank you Chisong Zampu for your kindness." ”

Shang Xidongzan humbled down and bowed back, picked up the other two boxes, took out two dazzling necklaces from them, and said: "This is a necklace made of our Tibetan specialty agate stone and hand-made gold and silver wires. The jewel pendant below is as big as the pendant of our Tibetan princess. In Tibet, there are only two gems of this size. Chisong Zanpu specially presented these two necklaces to the two concubines of His Majesty the Great Qi Emperor to express his gratitude. ”

Everyone looked at the two necklaces, they were indeed gorgeous and abnormal, and they must have been priceless. The two blue gems under the necklace are transparent and bright, and they are certainly not ordinary. Moreover, the necklace of the Tubo people is much larger than that of the Central Plains, which has a bit of a rough atmosphere and a unique flavor.

"Thank you. Xiao Yunhe still smiled lightly, and let Ju Wenzhen accept these two generous gifts.

In addition, the gifts given to the prince and the princess were nothing more than gold, silver, jewelry, and some amulets from the Tibetan temple. It can be seen that Trisong Dezan still put some effort into preparing these gifts.

Xiao Yunhe was secretly thinking in his heart: When did the Tubo people become so generous? In the past few decades, in addition to constantly extorting things from Tang Ting, when did they take the initiative to offer treasures? It seems that this time, they have asked for something.

"Shang Xi Dongzan, please reply to Trisong Zampu, I like his gift very much. Later, I will send Ju Wenzhen, the head of the palace warden, to prepare a return gift for you, as well as for Tri Song Tsang Pu and his family. Xiao Yunhe said, "Please also reply to Chisong Zampu." I hope that our two countries will be able to put aside their old grievances and live in peace from now on. ”

Shang Xidongzan bent down and bowed, and said solemnly: "Weichen must convey the words of His Majesty the Emperor to Chisong Zampu." The second purpose of Weichen's visit is to conclude an alliance between Daqi and Tubo. Chisong Zanpu asked Weichen to tell the emperor that this time the land and the alliance, I Tubo is very sincere. I hope that Daqi can also be frank with each other. ”

"Good. Xiao Yunhe lightly picked the corners of his mouth, smiled slightly, and said, "The two countries have reconciled, and they will never fight each other." This is a major event that will benefit the country and the people for a thousand years. We have always advocated peace and loved peace. Our attitude on the matter of the peace alliance is quite clear -- very much in favor of it. ”

"His Majesty the Emperor!" Shang Xidong Zan's respectful worship fell, his arms spread out as if he were on a pilgrimage, his front half of his body fell to the ground, and he shouted: "Long live, long live, long live!"

The Manchu courtiers also bowed together: "Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"

"Excuse me. Xiao Yunhe stood up from the dragon chair. Stretch out your arms and let everyone get up. After Shang Xi Dongzan stood up, Xiao Yunhe said to him: "Shang Xi Dongzan, about the peace alliance. Can't be rushed. We need to draw up a detailed peace treaty so that we can have a binding and vigilant attitude on both sides in the future. In the next few days, I will ask you to stay at Honglu Temple for a few days, and I will send the prime minister and ministers of Hongbunkan to discuss the details of the peace alliance with you. I don't know what you think?"

"Wei Chen Yi qiē listened to the decree of the Emperor Xi à to act. Shang Xidong praised for a while, then looked up at the emperor with some hesitation, and said: "Before leaving, Chisong Zanpu also told Weichen one thing, and asked Weichen to discuss the peace alliance. By the way. ”

Xiao Yunhe frowned slightly: "But it doesn't hurt to say it." ”

Shang Xidong Zanzan, swallowed a mouthful of saliva, bent down to look at his toes, and said, "Chisong Zanpu has a son who is fifteen years old and has not yet married. Chi Song Zanpu knew that the Tang women were beautiful and generous, and the princess of the Li family was even more gentle and erudite. The current intention is to hire His Majesty the Emperor. Please ask the emperor to marry a woman from a family into Tibet as the main room of the prince of Tibet. ”

"Harmony?" the Manchu courtiers whispered these two words almost at the same time. A slight commotion ensued.

Xiao Yunhe also frowned, raised his hand and said calmly: "The matter of marriage is a family affair of children and children. However, if it involves the diplomacy of the two countries, it is a major national matter. Shang Xi Dongzan, this matter, please Rong Zhen after the next court to discuss with the Emperor Taishang and the elders of the royal family, before I can give you an answer. Before that, you can rest in Honglu Temple with peace of mind, and the prime ministers and ministers of Hongwen Hall will also come to you to discuss the details of the peace alliance. ”

Shang Xidong's heart thumped in admiration, and then he hurriedly thanked him: "Thank you Emperor Xià!" He understood that the emperor of the current Great Qi was no longer the soft egg who was easy to bully before. The emperor did not angrily refuse on the spot, he was already shouting luck in his heart. Will this powerful and domineering king agree to this request of Trisong Zampu? Two heroes of the world have made a move, but they have caught me, a poor man, in the middle, and suffered a lot of suffering......

This is the end of the state talks. A banquet was set up in the Lin De Palace, and a burst of singing and dancing leveled down. Shang Xidongzan's hanging heart gradually fell back, and he enjoyed the song and dance with peace of mind. After several beauties presented the dance ceremony, a group of armor soldiers suddenly came up, and they all danced with swords and halberds. The tune was also replaced with impassioned military music.

Shang Xidongzan was surprised for a while, and thought that he had met the Hongmen Banquet. At this moment, Wu Yuanheng came up to toast. After the two of them drank a cup, Wu Yuanheng said, "Lord Shang Xidongzan, how about dancing this song?"

"Uh, this ...... Majestic, wonderful. It's quite military. Shang Xidong said in a hesitant and embarrassed manner, "As an envoy, I have been to Daqi several times. It's the first time I've seen such a majestic song and dance. In the past, every time I came to see the land, it was a slow dance of beautiful women. ”

Wu Yuanheng smiled and said, "It is reasonable that Lord Shang Xidongzan has not seen it. Even in the next, it is the first time to see you. This is a dance song that is widely circulated in the court of my Great Qi Dynasty, "King Qin Breaking Array Music". During the Tianbao period, this song was modified by Emperor Xuanzong, who was good at music scores, into a feminine and gorgeous dance music, and the dancers were also dancers from the official court. After the current saint ascended the throne, he personally composed music and adapted dances, and let 128 armor soldiers participate in the performance of "Qin Wang Breaking Array Music", and 2,000 soldiers outside the hall beat drums and soundtracks. This seems to make people go back to the time of the early Tang Dynasty!"

"Is this the real "King of Qin's Breaking Array Music"?" Shang Xidongzan said with some consternation, "According to legend, this is the place handed down by Emperor Taizong of Great Qi...... After a lapse of more than 100 years, I can actually witness the real dance music of "King Qin's Breaking Array Music"! His Majesty the Emperor can actually compose music and choreography, he is really a genius in the world!"

Wu Yuanheng smiled and said: "His Majesty's martial arts and poetry, lyrics, and paintings are not lost to anyone in the slightest. His flying white book in one hand amazed Jiang Gongfu and Kong Chao's father in the current dynasty, and exclaimed that he had the charm of Emperor Taizong. The music he played with the imperial concubine made even the court musicians secretly ashamed. Therefore, the emperor of today's Great Qi is really unmatched. Shang Xidong praised the reluctance to bend down and bowed: "That's, that's ......" secretly said in his heart: I can't think of this Li Mo and these abilities...... When Wu Yuanheng told me this, did he want to imply that it was better for me not to go sideways with Li Mo or play tricks? Indeed, compared to such an outstanding king, a role like mine is indeed a little smaller. Perhaps, only Trimatsu Zampu can compete with him face to face......

After the banquet in the Lin De Hall was dispersed, Xiao Yunhe went straight to the Hongwen Pavilion. He summoned Li Sheng, Lu Zhen, Xue Cuncheng, and Wu Yuanheng overnight to discuss the major matter of the peace alliance with Tubo.

"Tell me what you think of the Tibetan Peace Alliance. Xiao Yunhe glanced at everyone and said, "Especially, for the matter of harmony." ”

Among the four people, Li Sheng, Wu Yuanheng, Xue Cuncheng and Lu Zhen, only Li Sheng has the oldest qualifications and the highest rank. Since the emperor asked, it was natural that Li Sheng should stand up and speak first.

Li Sheng didn't shirk it, stood up and bowed his hand, and said: "Your Majesty, Weichen thinks that there is no need to agree to Tubo's peace and relatives." ”

Xiao Yunhe remained silent and said, "Tell me your reason." ”

"Yes. Li Sheng said, "Since the founding of the Great Qi Dynasty, it has been more than 100 years. For more than 100 years, Daqi and Tubo have been fighting endlessly, fighting and peace. Over the years, there have been more than 100 royal women and daughters of princes and ministers who have married into Tibet. The most famous princess Wencheng only brought peace to the Han and Tibetan tribes for thirty years. Today's Zampu in Tibet, his biological mother is still the princess of Jincheng in Daqi. If harmony can really alleviate the contradictions and bring peace, then the iron horsemen on the plateau will not often bully and trample on the atomic people of our country. The nature of the Tibetan people is changeable, and there is no integrity at all. I, the Han people of Daqi, have been educated by etiquette, but I have always believed in wishful thinking, thinking that if I form a family with Tubo, I can settle things and calm people. But in fact, we're all doing a loss-making business. Every time we make peace, we have to bring a large amount of dowry to show the weather of the Celestial Empire of our great country. There are also a large number of books, craftsmen, and technicians. The excellent culture and wisdom of our Han nation have all been passed on to them without reservation. As a result, the Tibetans armed themselves with the wealth they had received from us, and they used the knowledge they had learned from us against us. What's more, women who marry far away to the barbaric land of the Tibetan Plateau are alone thousands of miles away, and they don't live the life they want. Although the woman is lowly, she is the blood of the same clan of the emperor's majesty. If there is another war between the two countries in the future, the life and death of these women cannot be guaranteed, and their humiliation will undoubtedly make the emperor's face disgraced; The generals in front of the battle will also be in a dilemma. Therefore, Weichen thinks that in the current situation, we don't have to agree to their request for peace. Before, His Majesty defeated Trisong Detsen twice in Xichuan, and we were fully confident to do so. ”

Xiao Yunhe nodded slightly, and did not express an opinion, but looked at Lu Zhen and Xue Cuncheng instead: "You two counselors, what are your opinions?"

Lu Zhen is the prime minister. Xue Cuncheng naturally didn't want to get ahead of him. So Lu Zhen first opened his mouth and said: "Your Majesty, Weichen thinks that the matter of harmony is important, and it is not possible to be emotional. Li Xianggong's note: Xianggong, in the Tang Dynasty, it was only used to verbally honor the prime minister. Everything else is a misuse of what is said, and it is not unreasonable. But Weichen thinks that it is a very cost-effective and advantageous thing to be close to each other at the moment. ”

"Reason. Xiao Yunhe looked at Lu Yi quietly.

Lu Zhen said: "His Majesty the Emperor is the new emperor of the world, and the national strength is not enough to be revived. What is needed most right now. It is Yanwu Xiuwen, recuperation. A peaceful environment is more important than anything else. Lee Sang-gong said. It is the status quo of Daqi for nearly 100 years, and it shows many shortcomings in harmony, and Weichen also deeply agrees. However, one of the greatest benefits of harmony is that it can stabilize peace. Even if there are all kinds of harms and only this is the benefit, you might as well act on it again. Taking the big and giving up the small, taking into account the overall situation, is what the monarch does. Some personal feelings. It can be set aside for the time being. ”

As soon as Lu Zhen's words fell, Xue Cuncheng couldn't help but speak: "Lu Xianggong, according to you, His Majesty the Emperor and Li Xianggong are both emotional? Who of us people of Daqi does not have a bitter hatred with the Tubo people? Since the Anshi Rebellion, have there been few cases of the Tubo people bullying our Daqi? They have occupied the imperial city and arbitrarily set up a puppet emperor. Just before the Emperor ascended the throne, their envoys even dared to openly roar and threaten the emperor and the Manchu courtiers of our Great Qi from above the court! If we want to talk about being emotional, our attitude is -- it is tolerable, it is unbearable, and it is just a decisive battle with Tibet! However, we all know that now that Daqi cannot afford to fight, peace is precious. However, I still oppose peace and pro-marriage, and the reasons are not much different from what Lee Sang-gong said. In addition, I will add one more article: If the sister of the Emperor Majesty is married to the son of Tri Song Dezan, then won't the Emperor Majesty also become the younger generation of Tri Song Dezan? Tri Song Dezan was originally the son of Princess Daqi, and he and Daqi are uncles and nephews. Now he is marrying a royal daughter to his son, which is suspected of incest. Therefore, it is absolutely not feasible. ”

Lu Zhen was a little annoyed: "Xue Ziming, I am also on a case-by-case basis, and I don't target anyone, why do you have trouble with me everywhere? We are discussing national affairs, don't be too childish." ”

Xue Cuncheng also replied unyieldingly: "I am also discussing matters and discussing state affairs, and I am not interested in arguing with you Lu Xianggong." ”

"Don't be noisy. As soon as Xiao Yunhe raised his hand, the two of them quieted down, each took a step back, and bowed his hand.

"Wu Yuanheng, what is your opinion?" Xiao Yunhe looked at Wu Yuanheng.

Wu Yuanheng stood up and bowed his hand: "Your Majesty, Weichen agrees with Lu Zhen's point of view and agrees with him." ”

Xiao Yunhe was slightly stunned, and Li Sheng and the other three were also slightly surprised, and they all looked at Wu Yuanheng.

"Reason?" Xiao Yunhe asked.

Wu Yuanheng replied: "Lu Xianggong said very clearly: the most important thing now is peace. Harmony, on the other hand, is a favorable measure for consolidating peace. For the sake of peace, His Majesty the Emperor took the lead in the bloody life and death of his soldiers, and the soldiers shed blood and sacrificed their bones in other places, and the children of the royal family also had to endure humiliation and make some sacrifices. Sacrificing their ego for the country and the people, as royal children, this is also their established fate. ”

Xiao Yunhe nodded slowly and said, "Of the four of you, two agree and two oppose. It seems that there is still some divergence of opinions. I didn't plan to discuss this matter in the court, otherwise the courtiers would definitely argue endlessly and make a storm in the city. Originally, I just wanted to hear your opinions, but I didn't expect the four of you to be divided into two obvious opinions. Rong Zhen will think about this matter carefully and discuss it tomorrow. It's getting late, you've all worked hard, go back and rest. ”

The four of them said no more, and retreated, preparing to leave the imperial study.

"Liangqi, you stay. Xiao Yunhe said, "I'm looking for you, and there are some other things. ”

Li Sheng looked up at the emperor, and found that his eyes were quite sharp, and he was secretly surprised in his heart.

"Sit down. Xiao Yunhe asked Ju Wenzhen to bring Li Sheng a chair and stool. "Time flies." In the blink of an eye, Liangqi was already over sixty years old, and even his beard was gray. ”

Li Sheng sat down upright, and replied: "The years urge people to get old, and Weichen is also old and useless. ”

Xiao Yunhe smiled and said, "Good weapon." You and I are old friends, and we have been born and died more than once or twice. Although I am now a king, you don't have to be too formalistic when there are no others. Actually, I left you here just to make us like before. can let go of chatting, don't have any scruples of monarchs and ministers. ”

Li Sheng had no choice but to smile back, thinking to himself in his heart: What does the emperor want to say?

Xiao Yunhe said: "Wu Yuanheng said those words just now...... Do you know what he means?"

Li Sheng was slightly stunned, his brows locked and he thought for a moment, and said with some hesitation: "It stands to reason...... Take Wu Bo Cangdi as his character. It should not be in favor of the land. When he said those words, Wei Chen also felt a little surprised. ”

Xiao Yunhe raised the corners of his mouth lightly and smiled slightly: "It seems to be a good weapon." I also noticed it. Wu Yuanheng and I know each other heart-to-heart, like a right-hand man. He didn't know that in my heart, I was actually against harmony. But at this time, he said the opposite. What do you think...... What does he mean by that?"

"This ......" Li Sheng pondered for a moment and suddenly said, "Wu Bocang, is this intended to help His Majesty maintain the balance of the court?"

"Not bad. Xiao Yunhe nodded approvingly and said. "Among these four people just now, except for Lu Zhen, the three of you are my old assistants. And you are the four people I rely on the most right now. It's not easy to isolate any of them. When I first ascended the throne, the most difficult thing was to gain the loyalty and trust of the minister. If Lu Zhen sensed that I was isolating and alienating him. It's going to be a little harder. All of these people in the Hongwen Pavilion are very important. They are all my closest ministers, and I can't let them have any suspicions and scruples. The imperial court is newly established, and it is not easy to stabilize people's hearts!"

Li Sheng suddenly nodded again and again: "I said this Wu Bocang, why is it so strange today...... If I hadn't known about him for a long time, I would have thought that he would have agreed and kissed him today. Xiao Yunhe smiled: "Wu Yuanheng seems to be weak, but in fact, he is very tough in his bones, how can he agree with Heqin." ”

Li Sheng was slightly stunned, and said softly: "So...... Majesty is also against and pro-land?"

"Emotionally, yes. Xiao Yunhe did not shy away from his words, and said, "What you said before was very reasonable. If peace can really bring peace, then what are you going to do with raising these hundreds of thousands of troops? Trisong Detsen still has half of the Li family's blood flowing in his body, but when did he ever think of being polite to his uncle? However, what Lu Zhen said is not unreasonable. Peace can consolidate peace between the two countries and bring some benefits. It is inevitable to make a little sacrifice at this time. ”

Li Sheng's eyes suddenly lit up, and he said, "Your Majesty! If there is really a good thing to be with you, then ...... Why is it that I always marry my daughter, instead of him marrying his daughter to the Central Plains?"

Xiao Yunhe smiled and said, "Can there be a beautiful woman in that place in Tubo? The women there drink blood without modification, and they are naturally rough and do not dress up. The women of their aristocratic royal family are probably not as good-looking as the women in our ordinary alleys. Otherwise, why would the Tibetans rob women every time they invaded the Central Plains? The reason was that their own women were too bad. ”

Li Sheng also laughed and said, "Although this is the case...... But if they marry a daughter, they don't necessarily have to be favored by her, just to be a show. Since His Majesty the Emperor is so uninterested in the women of Tibet, can he give him to others?"

Xiao Yunhe also felt a move in his heart, and couldn't help laughing: "This idea is not bad...... Let Trisong Detsen marry a daughter. I have so many imperial uncles and royal brothers, I can give them to any of them, I won't ask for them anyway. I'm just afraid that Trisong Dezan won't agree, haha!"

Li Sheng couldn't help laughing: "Then Your Majesty doesn't need him to give birth to his own daughter in Chisong Dezandi." Wouldn't it be okay to ask him to marry a clan girl in the same way? Originally, the emperor didn't have a daughter to marry him. In this way, it can be regarded as reciprocal. He is willing to marry a daughter, and that is the best. If not, that's his business. ”

"That's very good. Xiao Yunhe smiled, "Originally, I wanted to find an excuse to refuse him." Now it seems that it would be a good idea to throw this hot mountain stick back to Trisong Detsen. I'm just worried that Trisong Detsen will feel a little depressed when he learns that I want him to marry a daughter into the Central Plains...... Because he knows that we have never liked Tibetan women!

The two laughed together. Xiao Yunhe said: "In fact, peace alliance is an inevitable trend, and when there is another war, it is not something that a woman or a marriage can stop. Tri Song Detsen is a smart man, and even if I refuse to kiss, he will not have any overreaction. In the same way, if I promised to give him a beautiful clan girl, he would not be grateful to Dade for being really kind to me from now on. Since there is no practical meaning in making peace with relatives, why should I send the bloodline of the same clan into the fire pit? This time, I am going to refuse to be close to each other. Look at him Chisong Dezan, what can you do to me?"

Li Sheng bowed his hand a little excitedly: "Your Majesty is wise! With Your Majesty here, I will never compromise with Tubo!"

After a while, Xiao Yunhe said, "Actually, I left you here because I have another important matter to discuss with you. ”

Li Sheng straightened his color, arched his hand and said, "Please give it to Your Majesty." ”

"To put it simply, it's about Huaixi and Hebei. Xiao Yunhe said, "Since you returned from the expedition, I have not asked you to discuss the war and the situation over there in detail about other matters. At the end of last year, Emperor Taishang issued an edict to appease Li Xilie in Huaixi and the people in the three towns of Hebei. Later, due to the heavy snow in the Kannai blocking the main road, there has been no news from there. Liangqi, do you think Li Xilie and the others will accept the appeasement?"

Li Sheng frowned slightly, stroked his gray long beard, and nodded slowly: "If nothing else, I should accept it." ”

Xiao Yunhe woke up a little and said, "Why?"

Li Sheng arched his hand and replied: "Your Majesty, when Weichen and Yi Shen were fighting Li Xilie in Bianzhou, they found that he was not very peaceful internally. Although Li Xilie is the absolute commander, his subordinates are intriguing and forming gangs. Otherwise, we wouldn't have found their loopholes so lightly and repelled his army of 100,000. ”

"In Li Xilie's camp, the generals Chen Xianqi and Wu Shaocheng are the representatives of the two factions. Even on the battlefield, they fought on their own and threatened each other. After Li Xilie was defeated and returned to Huaixi, due to his own internal discord, he would definitely not be able to plot the Central Plains in a short period of time. Besides, after the battle of Bianzhou, Li Xilie's losses were also very large, and he also needed time to recuperate. What's more, at the beginning, they used the Qing monarch's side as an excuse to oppose the imperial court. Now, the Emperor Taishang has given the throne to His Majesty, and everyone in the world agrees with this result. They are unknown, and if they continue to cause chaos, no one in the world will spare them. The anger of the public is not to be offended, and I believe that Li Xilie will not be stupid enough to do this. ”

Therefore, Weichen thought that Li Xilie would inevitably accept the appeasement. Since Huaixi is willing to be attached, the three towns of Hebei will have less internal response in the Central Plains, and they will not dare to risk the disapproval of the world to make waves at this time. Originally, it was extremely difficult for them to cross the line of Ma Suidu, so they were counting on Li Xilie to give them a breakthrough. Now that Huaixi has no hope, the three towns of Hebei will definitely pick up the ladder and be willing to make peace with the imperial court. ”

Xiao Yunhe nodded approvingly, and said: "According to this, it is not difficult to appease the three towns of Huaixi and Hebei. It would be best if Tibet could make peace with us, and Huaixi and Hebei would no longer make trouble. I finally have the time to do what I'm willing to do. ”

What are you willing to do? Li Sheng muttered in his heart: What is that? He let everyone else go and left me alone...... Could it be that it's about the army?

"There is one thing I want to hear from you. Xiao Yunhe said. "You are sixty-two this year, and Ma Sui is still a year older than you, sixty-three. You have fought all your life for the Great Qi, and who is not scarred and stubbornly sick. Now that I'm older, my body can't stand the toss of marching and fighting. As it stands, at least for the last few years. There shouldn't be a very heavy battle in Daqi. My idea is to let both of you return to the court to be prime ministers, and assist me in some important things by my side. I don't know what you think?"

Li Sheng was puzzled: "I don't know Your Majesty...... What's important to do?"

Xiao Yunhe smiled slightly: "Naturally, it is related to the military." ”

Li Sheng suddenly realized: "Your Majesty wants to reform the military system?"

"Not bad. Xiao Yunhe nodded and said, "We have talked about it many times when we chatted before. The mercenary system is a heavy burden for Daqi. And there are hidden dangers everywhere. I want to take advantage of the fact that there is no major event in the current peace of the world, and make some changes to the military system to eliminate this hidden worry and burden. ”

Li Sheng's brows furrowed deeply, and he said worriedly: "Now there are seven or eight hundred thousand troops in the world. and was directly controlled by the imperial court. But 300,000. Nearly two-thirds of the soldiers and horses were in the hands of the warlords of the three towns of Hebei and those towns in Huaixi. His Majesty wants to reform the military system, and the pressure and resistance are very great!"

"It's a hassle. That's why I asked you and Ma Sui, as well as Li Huaiguang and Chu Yan to help. Xiao Yunhe said, "Only with you people helping me to sit together can things be done." Not to mention anything else, in the past few decades since the mercenary system was implemented in Daqi, the treasury has become more and more empty year by year. A mercenary must be raised by the court throughout his life. Food, clothing, housing, transportation, ordnance and horses, military salaries, and food were originally not a large expense. Needless to say, the wounded and died in battle, but also the medical treatment and pension are also a huge expense. If only that's all. That's fine. But these people have been raised in the army when they are old, and they can neither fight nor do anything, and they have to be raised by the imperial court. Even if he retires from the service, he also enjoys a lifelong salary. Over the past few decades, more than 300,000 mercenaries have been retired. The imperial court has kept them to this day. If it is a few decades or a hundred years, how can the country afford it? It has become one of the heaviest burdens of Daqi. Reform is imperative!"

"But Your Majesty!" Li Sheng said, "Aren't the soldiers who are born and die for the sake of the country just to feed their families with three meals a day? If the mercenary system is abolished in this way, how will the livelihood of those soldiers be solved? How should they live if they have fought a lifelong battle for the country, survived by luck, and then retired from the army, and have no land or assets? If they fail to solve their livelihood problems, it will become an even greater problem! No one can guarantee what those retired bloody warriors will do after they have no livelihood guarantee. It was more disturbing than the riots and riots of the common people. ”

"Well said. Xiao Yunhe said approvingly, "The reform of the military system cannot be fast, not too ruthless, but gradual and slow." My plan is to promote the experiment first in the army controlled by the imperial court. Now the country has more than 100,000 troops to defend it, plus Ma Sui's 100,000 horses, all of which are under our direct control. In addition, there are soldiers and horses from Xichuan, Shannan, Jingyuan, Fengxiang, Shuofang, and some Fang towns in Guannei, and it should not be a problem to control them. The total number of centaurs is estimated to be around 350,000. I will first make rectifications in my most trusted Jianchuan Army and set an example. When the time comes, it will be good to command the other armies. ”

"Jingyuan Army, there is absolutely no problem. Li Sheng arched his hand and said seriously, "As long as His Majesty gives an order, we men will not have a word to go to the sword mountain and the sea of fire." But here's the problem...... Your Majesty and the imperial court can't treat these soldiers too badly!"

"That's for sure. Xiao Yunhe said, "My idea is to temporarily implement a semi-employment and semi-compulsory system. You also know the situation in the Jianchuan army. Many of them were poor peasants who had lost their land in Xichuan, professional soldiers who had served for many years, and even captives of the Tibetan region and warriors of other southwestern barbarian states. It would be unwise to leave them all alone at once. I want to streamline the administration of the army in Jianchuan. For the old, disabled or homesick soldiers in Xichuan who do not want to join the army anymore, a lump sum of money is paid to them enough to return home to operate. Then, they were given land in the locality so that they could live and work in peace when they returned home. At the same time, the local government will provide support, tax reduction, and conscription to such retired servicemen, and give them certain preferential treatment. For those who are homeless or don't want to go home. The imperial court will continue to employ them as mercenaries. Of course, those who can stay must be the elite of the elite. Such mercenaries are worth their price. Those who are not capable of doing things but want to mix things up, eat and drink together, and rely on the army will be forcibly dismissed. You say, is my idea feasible?"

Li Sheng's eyes widened in astonishment, and even his mouth opened, and he was stunned for a long time before he said, "Your Majesty." Wechen has to admit that this idea and idea is very fresh and sounds very feasible. But the core of the problem is: Where will those retired soldiers get the land to let them live and work in peace and contentment?"