sovbooks Chapter 60: Li Tai Takes Over the Controlled Prefecture and Celebrates a Happy Marriage
Chapter 60: Li Tai Takes Over the Controlled Prefecture and Celebrates a Happy Marriage
"Brother, there is one more thing I need to tell you. Father has issued an edict to change the Dangxiang into a tributary state, and appointed Tuoba Chici as the governor of Xirong State, bestowing upon him the surname Li. Moreover, the state has been incorporated into your jurisdiction," Li Tai said.
Upon hearing this, Su Wan was so angry she felt like she was going to vomit blood.
She and Li Chengqian risked their lives together, only to find it was all for naught, but it helped Li Tai expand his territory and increase his power.
Li Chengqian felt indignant upon hearing this, but he felt that if the two brothers competed for credit in front of outsiders, it would make them a laughing stock.
So he forced a smile and said, "In that case, I must congratulate you, for you have gained another prefecture under your rule."
Li Tai smiled broadly: "Brother, we are brothers. If my territory has one more state, isn't that the same as yours having one more state?"
Besides, you are the crown prince; the whole world will be yours in the future. I'm just temporarily helping you guard it.
The leader of the Xifeng tribe asked, "Your Highness, did you meet with Khan Fuyun on your trip to Tuyuhun? What was his opinion on our Tang Dynasty's surrender to the Tang? Did he say he would cause us trouble?"
"This—." Li Chengqian hesitated for a moment.
Su Wan said, "I saw him. He even praised Tuoba Chici as a good son-in-law, someone who knows the times and is doing the right thing. They also plan to surrender to the Tang Dynasty."
"Oh, I see. So, does he have any letters as proof?" The leader of the secret service was still a little unsure.
"Yes, there is an agreement here. Please take a look." Su Wan said, taking out the forged agreement.
After reading it, the leaders of the seven tribes believed it to be true: "Then we can rest assured."
Li Tai said, "Let me see it."
Someone handed the agreement back to Li Tai.
After reading it, Li Tai was overjoyed. He thought to himself that Heaven was really going to let him make a name for himself in the Western Regions. He had already persuaded the Dangxiang to surrender, and if he could also persuade the Tuyuhun to surrender, then his merits would far surpass those of Li Chengqian.
Tuoba Chici invited Li Chengqian and others to rest in the city.
Li Chengqian said, "Since the King of Yue has come and is here to take charge, I will not go."
He was isolated and returned to Chang'an to report to his father, the emperor.
If you have any issues here, just discuss them directly with the King of Yue.
When Tuoba Chici and the other seven tribal leaders saw that Li Chengqian insisted on leaving, they did not force him to stay.
"Brother, since you are returning to Chang'an, I will not see you off. Take care on your journey." Li Tai said, glancing at Su Wan and Xue'er, as if recalling some past events.
Su Wan raised her face and completely ignored him.
Li Tai glared at Fa Tong again, thinking to himself, "You stinking monk, you accepted so many benefits from me back then, agreeing to work with me to deal with Li Chengqian. I never expected that you would protect him at every turn and dare to play tricks on me. You just wait and see."
Fatong looked at his nose with his eyes, his mouth with his nose, and his heart with his mouth, keeping his eyes straight ahead, as if he hadn't seen him at all.
Li Tai approached Du He again and bowed respectfully: "Teacher, it's been a while. How have you been?"
Du He looked at him and thought to herself, "The sun must have risen in the west! I never expected Li Tai to take the initiative to bow to me."
However, he quickly realized that the young man was intentionally trying to impress the leaders of the eight Tangut tribes by appearing humble and polite.
Du He returned the greeting: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well!"
Li Chengqian, Su Wan, and others returned to Ashina She'er's military camp.
Ashina She'er and Princess Hengyang hosted a welcoming banquet for them.
Li Chengqian briefly recounted the details of his mission to them.
Princess Hengyang was terrified upon hearing this: "Amitabha, that Heavenly Pillar King is truly ruthless. If it weren't for Fatong, it probably wouldn't have been so easy for you to come back."
"Yes, Fatong has done us a great favor this time, and I will reward him handsomely!" Li Chengqian said.
Fatong clasped his hands together and said, "Your Highness, monks are free from worldly desires. I haven't been able to help you much. I'm just atoning for the sins of our Tuyuhun."
Everything happened because we, Tuyuhun, broke the alliance and violated the borders of the Tang Dynasty. It was all Tuyuhun's fault.
As a subject of Tuyuhun, I feel deeply guilty; how could I dare to hope for any reward?
Li Chengqian remarked with great emotion: "You see, Fatong has made great progress after staying at Daxingshan Temple for several years. He speaks so humbly, which shows that his enlightenment is now very high."
If all the Tuyuhun people thought like him, how could they have caused all those troubles?
"It's all because my grandfather was too greedy."
It was already a great blessing that Tuyuhun was able to restore its kingdom, and that my father was able to return to Tuyuhun safely under the protection of the Tang Dynasty. However, they were still not satisfied, which is truly a sin!
They should go before Buddha to repent.
"So, do you intend to go to Tuyuhun, or return to Daxingshan Temple?"
"This humble monk has not yet finished reciting the sutra, so naturally I must return to Daxingshan Temple."
After dealing with this matter, Li Chengqian asked Princess Hengyang, "Aunt, what do you plan to do?"
Princess Hengyang glanced at Ashina She'er and said, "I will stay here for the time being."
Su Wan smiled upon seeing this: "Since you are already engaged, and His Highness is your matchmaker, and the Emperor himself has approved your marriage, I think we should hold the wedding here on your behalf."
Upon hearing this, everyone exclaimed, "That's excellent!"
Li Chengqian said, "Instead of choosing a date, let's just pick one! Tomorrow, we'll get married tomorrow!"
Ashina She'er was naturally overjoyed, because Li Chengqian had not only brought him money, masks, and weapons, but also a beautiful bride.
Ashina She'er immediately issued an order that the entire army be given a three-day leave, and each soldier was given a bottle of wine and a piece of meat. The soldiers were naturally happy and helped to prepare and decorate the bridal chamber.
Where would one find a bridal chamber in a military camp?
It was nothing more than decorating Ashina She'er's tent.
With lanterns and decorations, and red carpets laid out, it was quite festive.
Princess Hengyang didn't care about any of that; all she wanted was to marry Ashina She'er.
The next day, witnessed by everyone and presided over by Li Chengqian and Su Wan, Ashina She'er and Princess Hengyang bowed to heaven and earth.
Princess Chengyang was also happy for them, and her beautiful eyes looked at Du He.
Du He was like a block of wood, putting on the airs of a scholar.
Princess Chengyang was so angry that she pinched his waist again.
After paying homage to Heaven and Earth, Ashina She'er ordered a banquet to be prepared.
Li Chengqian raised his wine cup: "Gentlemen, today is a joyous day. My aunt and Ashina She'er are getting married here. Although the setting is a bit simple, I am happy for them!"
It's said that the two of them were destined to be together. It was because Su Gui chased Ashina She'er so hard that Ashina She'er had nowhere to hide, so he had to escape into Princess Hengyang's mansion. Unexpectedly, this led to a happy marriage!
Su Gui was the real matchmaker.
Let us all drink this toast to the newlyweds!
Everyone laughed when they heard this, and they all drank their wine.
Su Gui felt embarrassed.
Su Wan smiled broadly: "The saying 'fate brings people together even from a thousand miles away' is truly true. Ashina She'er is a Turk. Who would have thought that after suffering a defeat, he would suddenly have the idea to go to Chang'an to borrow troops?"
However, he was a bit unlucky. At that time, the emperor ordered the expulsion of all Turks in Chang'an. So, he disguised himself as an old man. Unexpectedly, he happened to run into Chang He and Su Gui, who were checking the streets. They found him suspicious and the two sides started fighting.
This action had serious consequences; Ashina She'er was injured, but he was very tenacious and managed to escape to the princess's residence despite his injuries.
Since ancient times, beautiful women have loved heroes, and Princess Hengyang was someone who would only marry a hero.
Although Ashina She'er was injured, he did not lose his heroic spirit and truly caught the eye of Princess Hengyang.
Princess Hengyang not only saved his life, but also offered herself to him to help him by borrowing troops and defeating Xue Yantuo's army.
Therefore, we should learn from Ashina She'er's indomitable spirit, and at the same time, we should also learn from Princess Hengyang's discerning eye for talent.
"Of course, there might be some secret to Ashina She'er's success in winning Princess Hengyang's heart. You can ask him for advice after the banquet."
Ashina She'er grinned foolishly at Princess Hengyang. The princess was wearing a bright red cheongsam today, adorned with jewels and ornaments; she looked stunning.
He quickly waved his hand and laughed, "As for the secret that Miss Su Wan mentioned, I absolutely do not have it. As the saying goes, sincerity can move mountains, and I think the most important thing is to move people with sincerity."
Du He said, "Really? You must have some special tricks up your sleeve. I'll treat you to drinks later and ask you for advice privately."
"That's a good idea," Ashina She'er said, beaming. "First of all, I thank Your Highness. It was Your Highness who made my marriage with the princess possible. I will always remember this kindness."
Secondly, I thank the princess. I am a barbarian, unfamiliar with the etiquette of the Central Plains, and my appearance is quite ordinary. However, the princess did not dislike these things and was willing to marry me. I am truly flattered and overwhelmed. This is something I never dared to imagine before.
Although I am a Turk, I understand the principle of gratitude and repaying kindness. From this day forward, I will certainly be loyal to the Tang Dynasty and obey Your Highness's commands.
Li Chengqian said: "Buddhist teachings say: all beings are equal."
Whether they were Turks, Tanguts, Tuyuhuns, or Tang people, everyone was born equal, without distinction of rank or status.
"The world is one family. I hope that all ethnic groups can live in harmony and that there will never be war. We will never use force to bully any country or ethnic group first."
"Your Highness is wise!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was overjoyed.
night.
Li Chengqian's camp.
He sat in his versatile wheelchair with his hands tucked into his sleeves, his head resting on the back of the chair, deep in thought.
He recalled the entire process of his mission to the Tanguts and Tuyuhun, and overall, it went relatively smoothly.
However, Qingque's actions were truly infuriating.
He first deserted, and then, after everyone else had almost finished negotiating, he came to reap the benefits.
However, since he is the younger brother, and as the crown prince, it is not appropriate for me to compete with him for credit, I will just let him have it.
Li Chengqian then thought that the situation in the Western Regions was complicated. Although the Dangxiang had surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, there were still Tuyuhun, Gaochang, and Tubo.
What kind of country was Tibet? And who was their king?
Wherever his thoughts stirred, the simulator screen displayed:
The Tubo Kingdom was also a remarkable country, its regime established on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
"Who is their king?"
[He was a fifteen-year-old boy named Songtsen Gampo;]
"Songtsen Gampo?"
When Li Chengqian heard the name, he felt it was very familiar, because in the original owner's memory, there was a story about Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng in his junior high school history textbook.
【Yes. 】
"And what kind of person is he?"
Songtsen Gampo was truly remarkable, possessing both literary and martial talents.
He was the 33rd Zanpu of the Tubo Dynasty, but in reality, he was the founding emperor.
His father's name was Nangri Songtsen, and his mother's name was Satiegem.
He was his father's only son.
He loved horseback riding, archery, fencing, and martial arts from a very young age. Through rigorous training, he progressed rapidly and became a renowned warrior by the age of ten.
"Is that so? If I remember correctly, Ashina She'er was the bravest warrior in the army at the age of eleven. So, he is even more powerful than Ashina She'er."
They are two completely different people and are not comparable.
Songtsen Gampo was a very cultured person who loved historical heroes and legends;
Moreover, he can write poetry and he also likes Go;
He is of high moral character, and the people around him are all upright individuals.
"So, he's a very interesting person?"
Just then, the curtain was lifted, and Su Wan walked in from outside.
"Your Highness, are you aware that Ashina She'er and Princess Hengyang have already entered their bridal chamber?"
Li Chengqian smiled: "They've already paid their respects to heaven and earth, they're husband and wife now, isn't it perfectly normal for them to consummate their marriage?"
"Tell me, when will we be able to be like them?"
Li Chengqian looked embarrassed: "We're not even engaged yet, how can we talk about marriage?"
When do you plan to get engaged?
I remember when Ashina She'er and Princess Hengyang got engaged, wasn't it a very simple affair?
Ashina She'er handed a mask to Princess Hengyang, and the marriage was thus arranged.
Li Chengqian gave a wry smile: "Their engagement was arranged under special circumstances. Normally, a princess's engagement is a major event; how could it be done so hastily?"
"I think those are secondary. Aren't they living quite happily now?"
"Yes, for now, they seem to be very happy."
"So what do you mean? Don't you like me? Do you really like that Chengxin? Or do you like that Japanese woman, Yakushi Keiko?"
Li Chengqian was speechless: "Wan'er, how can the selection of the Crown Princess be decided by me alone?"
"Your mother came to see my mother and proposed our marriage. Your mother agreed, so why can't she make the decision?"
"Uh—," Li Chengqian didn't know how to answer her after hearing what she said. "We'll discuss this matter again after we return to Chang'an."
"Alright, we'll get married once we get to Chang'an."
Let's return to Chang'an tomorrow morning.
To everyone's surprise, Li Chengqian shook his head: "I have two more things to take care of, so I cannot go back for the time being."
"Which two things?"
"First of all, the agreement you gave Qingque is fake. If he really goes to persuade Tuyuhun to surrender, wouldn't he have fallen into their trap? I am very worried about this."
Upon hearing this, Su Wan said irritably, "I've noticed something wrong with you."
Although Li Tai is your younger brother, he has tried to kill you time and time again. Where is the brotherly affection in his heart?
This time, he went even further. We had finally managed to get things going with the Tanguts, but he took advantage of our absence to win them over and claimed all the credit. Moreover, your father even changed the Tanguts into a prefecture and placed them under his jurisdiction. Why?
Why is your father so biased?
I'm starting to suspect you were picked up from a garbage dump.
"That being said, if he rashly tries to persuade Tuyuhun to surrender, wouldn't he risk the annihilation of his entire army?"
"Who cares? It's better if they're all dead!" Su Wan said, not knowing what else to say to vent her anger.
Li Chengqian looked worried: "Let's put Qingque's life or death aside for now, but those 2,500 soldiers are the elite of the Tang army. Are we just going to ignore them too?"
"Those soldiers are good, but they're not your men, and they don't listen to you. Why do you care whether they live or die?"
Li Chengqian shook his head: "They are soldiers of the Tang Dynasty. No matter whose command they are under, they are all Tang soldiers. How can we distinguish them so clearly?"
"So what do you want?"
"If they are really in danger, we'll have to find a way to rescue them."
Su Wan was at a loss for words after hearing what he said.
"What's the second thing?"
Li Chengqian was thirsty, so he stood up and drank a bowl of tea: "I feel that it is not easy for us to come out here. I have heard that Tibet is also very remarkable, and their king Songtsen Gampo is also a remarkable hero. Therefore, I would like to visit Qiongba."
"What? You're planning to go on a diplomatic mission to Tibet?" Su Wan was shocked to hear this.
"Yes, why not?"
Su Wan paced back and forth inside the tent, resting her chin on her hand: "When you left Chang'an, it seems you only told your father you were going to be an envoy to the Dangxiang, so why are you now going to be an envoy to Tibet?"
"Plans can't keep up with changes, and besides, a general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders."
"I heard that the Tibetan people are very fierce. They belong to the plateau group and have lived on the plateau for a long time. Later, they somehow became very powerful."
They also seized the Hequ region from the Dangxiang people; the Tibetans seem rather unreasonable.
Moreover, the weather there is unpredictable, fluctuating between hot and cold, with extreme temperature differences between day and night. Going there could be dangerous; I think you'd better not go.
Li Chengqian seemed to be thinking about something, and then said: "In the past, Father Emperor was busy with internal strife and had no time to look westward. Now that the internal strife has been quelled and the Eastern Turks were destroyed last year, Father Emperor should shift his attention to the Western Regions and the frontier."
With the rise of Tibet, the relationship between the Tang Dynasty and Tibet was also very important. If handled well, it would benefit the people of both countries; if handled poorly, it would provoke disputes and even lead to war.
Now that I am here, I might as well take this opportunity to pay a visit to Songtsen Gampo.
Su Wan knew Li Chengqian's temper; once he made up his mind, nothing could change it.
So Su Wan said, "Alright, since you insist on going to Tibet, then I will go with you."
"Your journey to Tibet is fraught with peril, and your fate is uncertain. You'd better not go."
"No, you can't leave me behind. Wherever you go, I'll follow."
Li Chengqian couldn't persuade her otherwise, so he had to agree to bring her along.