Chang'an, Hanyuan Hall of Anqing Palace, Li Zuoguo was wearing a yellow robe, with a yu belt around his waist, and only a golden crown on his head. At this time, Li Zuoguo was not reviewing the memorials inside, but was standing in the Hanyuan Hall. Under the corridor of the courtyard, there is a huge garden outside, complete with rockeries and ponds. A covered corridor passes through the entire courtyard, connecting the whole scenery together. Walking in this corridor, you can see all the things in the courtyard. The beautiful scenery comes into view. "" first release
At this time, Li Zuoguo was in the corridor. It was raining lightly and the sky was gray. It could be seen that the rain was already pouring heavily, but the rain in spring was not as violent as the rain in summer. Moisturizing, the raindrops fell one by one, washing the flowers and trees in the whole garden with spring. Watching the scenery in the rain was an elegant thing. It was rare for Li Zuoguo to take a rest. There were only two or three palace attendants around him. Zheng Chunyun, who never left Li Zuoguo's side, was ten steps away from Li Zuoguo and did not affect Li Zuoguo's interest. He stood expressionless under the corridor.
There is a stone table in the corner of the corridor where Li Zuoguo is. Two or three palace servants are laying out a yellow tablecloth, taking out some snacks with wine and two bottles of wine from the food box. It seems that Li Zuoguo is going to After having a few drinks at the time, Zheng Chunyun stepped forward and set out the bowls and chopsticks, but there were three pairs of bowls and chopsticks. After placing the bowls and chopsticks, Zheng Chunyun waved the palace servants to leave, leaving only himself to serve. It seemed that Li Zuoguo not only I came here to enjoy the scenery, but I also have other things to do.
After a while, there was movement on the other side of the corridor, but it was Chu Tianshu and Duan Tian. The eunuch leading the way pointed to where Li Zuoguo was when he arrived at the corridor, and did not accompany the two adults. Naturally, there were guards of Li Zuoguo on both sides of the corridor. Guarding, the two men, with their sleeves fluttering, arrived at Li Zuoguo's side not far away.
"Your Majesty, I'm so interested. The scenery here is also pleasant. It's really good to enjoy it." Chu Tianshu and Li Zuoguo were familiar with each other, so they didn't see outsiders, so they just took it casually and didn't take it into consideration.
Li Zuoguo smiled: "As the saying goes, everyone has a love for beauty. What's more, it is spring time now. I have a few drinks while enjoying the scenery. It can be said that the gods are at ease. Today, there is no need for any monarchs or ministers. Come, come, Tianhe sits here and Tianshu sits over there."
Li Zuoguo greeted the two of them to sit down, and he addressed them as if he were greeting two brothers. Although they had different surnames, they both had the same surname as Tian. Chu Tianshu and Duan Tianhe only hesitated for a moment, and then sat down generously. They are not pedantic people who don't know how to adapt. They will die if they seize etiquette.
After the three of them sat down, Zheng Chunyun stepped forward and poured wine for Li Zuoguo first, and then for the two adults. Li Zuoguo raised his glass and smiled: "Come on, you and I have known each other for many years. Ever since we came to Chang'an, we have been together." We no longer have time to drink together, so today I will thank you both for your hard work with this glass of wine."
Li Zuoguo drank the wine in the cup in one gulp. Chu Tianshu and Duan Tianhe couldn't help but feel warm in their hearts. The Holy Master was always thinking about his own merits. He didn't even dare to drink the wine in the cup. The wine the three of them drank was top-quality Anxi Chun. This is a high-quality white wine that looks clear and transparent, but is extremely strong. Drinking it in your mouth is like swallowing the red sun, and you feel a warm current rushing straight into your belly, so there is His personal name is Jiaoyang.
Li Zuoguo knew that this feeling was caused by the high concentration of alcohol, and there was nothing strange about it, but now this high-altitude wine is simply a god-like nectar. Especially the grassland tribes in the north like this kind of spirit the most, every year. Low-quality spirits with only strong strength and no taste can be sold at a good price. Like the top-quality wine that Li Zuoguo and the others drank, which is warm but not strong in the mouth, a small jar can be exchanged for a good horse in the north, but a jar of wine can only How much does it cost? It can be seen that the price difference between buying and selling is huge.
Li Zuoguo kept silent about state affairs, and just recalled the old things in Anxi with the two of them, and said that they were happy. Li Zuoguo laughed loudly, and the three of them drank the side dishes in front of them, chatting and laughing in the morning rain, although Chu Tianshu and Duan Tian Both of them felt that Li Zuoguo must have something to do with them, but they also felt extremely comfortable in this environment.
After drinking for three rounds, Li Zuoguo put down his glass. Chu Tianshu and Duan Tianhe thought that something had happened. Li Zuoguo said: "I have given you a copy of the news from the west and the north. What do you think? ?¡±
Chu Tianshu wanted to confirm and asked: "Is it about the Uighurs and Dashi?"
Li Zuoguo nodded, and Chu Tianshu said: "The Uighurs sent an envoy to Shuofang, and General Li Yi sent a message, saying that it will be delivered in the near future. The Uighurs want to surrender to me, the Great Zhou Dynasty, and they just want to get the consent of the original Tang Dynasty. Their pasture, I thought, might as well be allowed to the Uighurs. The Uighurs themselves are not weak in national strength, and they are also a country that trusts their promises. If there are allies like the Uighurs in the northwest, they can sit back and relax. Device: No ads, full text, more updates."
A few days ago, Li Yi's excerpt came and was discussed at the court meeting. At that time, there was still the issue of large food. Now, after the cultivation of the Western Regions in the past few years, the countries in the Western Region have become more and more closely integrated. Therefore,Because they all know that if they don't unite, it is estimated that Da Zhou will go into battle naked and swallow him up. The two iconic countries, Dashi and Tochar, have formed allies as early as last year. In addition, there are the other seven Da Zhou countries. The so-called Western Region Alliance was formed.
On the surface, this alliance is about carrying out various business transactions, but who is actually targeted at it? Even a herdsman knows this. Although Dashi has gone through several years of civil war, Anxi is fanning the wind in the middle. , selling weapons and food on both sides, and devastated a powerful Dashi. It would be a lie to say that the new king of Dashi, Zerfar Abbas, did not pay attention, but Zerfar has always wanted Anxi. , just pretend not to see it.
What's more, in the later period, the entire diet became dependent on Anxi's assistance. Not only weapons and equipment had to be purchased from Anxi, but also half of the food gap in the diet during successive years of war was purchased through Anxi. Last year, Zerfalden After taking the throne, he fully understood the disadvantages of relying entirely on Anxi. After starting to form an alliance with Tocharia and other countries this year, a large part of the food was purchased from these allies, while at the same time increasing domestic recovery.
Several years of war caused Dashi's national strength to decline, and it owed huge debts. Many minerals in Dashi became collateral for debt repayment. The mined ores were simply processed and transported back to Anxi, where they were turned into various minerals. A variety of goods and weapons were sold back to Dashi. This trade was a devastating blow to the original handicraft industry of Dashi. Many of Dashi¡¯s traditional skills were transferred to Anxi. The safe and protected environment was nothing compared to the battlefield. Much stronger.
Not only did the handicraft industry go bankrupt or move to Anxi, but the rest of the weapon production, pottery, golden sheep's wool crafts production, etc. were almost all transferred to Anxi. Zerfar became the king, but in addition to having to be mined in the hands of the Anxi people for hundreds of years In the future, the mines, as well as the hundreds of thousands of troops who were stunned by the war in their hands, almost crippled the entire Dashi.
Years of civil war have caused the hungry people to flee to the surrounding areas, forming a huge refugee crisis. Anxi has received the most refugees, followed by the surrounding Tochara. Since its defeat, Tochara has been working hard to develop its agricultural and military power. In the past few years, He quickly recovered his vitality, and at the same time continued to trade through Dalun Pass and Anxi, and also gained considerable benefits.
Li Zuoguo's all-out war in the Central Plains is actually not a secret. For Tochar and Dashi, this is a rare opportunity. It is almost like an appointment with the Uighurs. Together with the Uighurs, there are a total of 20 countries, all of which have submitted to the Uighurs. Da Zhou asked for submission, paid tribute to Da Zhou, and also asked Da Zhou for rewards.
This move is very powerful. According to the original rules of the Tang Dynasty, any country that declares itself as a vassal and pays tribute must show its generosity. As the saying goes, it is loose to the outside but strict to the inside. The Uighurs are the best example. It turned out that they surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, but their land was less than half of what it is now. Instead, they followed the Tang Dynasty to fight, and paid tribute every year and sent envoys to pay homage to the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. As a result, they were rewarded with various pasture lands, and the Uighurs suddenly got the land they dreamed of, and became a A nomadic empire with 300,000 strings under its control.
??The opportunity for these countries to seize is that the Zhou Dynasty is now destroying the Tang Dynasty. They make a fuss on their own. In order to successfully destroy the Tang Dynasty, will they give some benefits to Li Zuoguo? This issue was discussed at the court meeting the day before yesterday. The ministers all advocated giving rewards to various countries according to certain specifications. Don¡¯t the Uighurs want pasture? Just give it to him. The Uighur cavalry can also be used by Da Zhou. It is very cost-effective to exchange the desolate pasture for a hardcore ally on the border. As for Da Shi's proposal to return some refugees and minerals, can some of the minerals be recovered in advance? Establishing a trading city with Dashi and other requirements.
Except for Chu Tianshu and Duan Tianhe, the two chief civil servants who did not express their opinions, almost all the courtiers were smiling. They felt that so many countries had surrendered to the newly founded Zhou Dynasty. It was a blessing for all countries to come from all over to congratulate them. This is so great, I wish I could agree to all the conditions so that I can show the domineering majesty of the heavenly kingdom.
Li Zuoguo did not express his position at that time. He just ordered everyone to go back and think carefully before retreating. Today he invited Chu Tianshu and Duan Tianhe to come and asked about this matter. They knew what was going on and were afraid that they would come to a conclusion today. If the court meeting at that time was really in line with Li Zuoguo's wishes, Li Zuoguo would have agreed. Li Zuoguo did not express his position, saying that he did not agree with the reward plan.
Chu Tianshu considered the words and said: "I believe that the most important thing for the Great Zhou Dynasty now is to wipe out the remnants of the Southern Tang Dynasty. As long as this is done well, then hundreds of thousands of elites will be able to march westward and northward, and the border will be clear. Wuyou, we might as well make concessions to these countries now. How to deal with the army's return is not something that can be decided by the Holy One."
Duan Tianhe nodded when he heard what Chu Tianshu said, thinking that Chu Tianshu's consideration was very thoughtful, but Li Zuoguo pointed at Chu Tianshu and said: "Tianshu, you are still a bit bookish. Let me ask you, what is the national strength and military strength?" Dashi and Tochar are strong, so will these countries attack the Great Zhou?"
Chu Tianshu replied: "Of course?Meet. "
Li Zuoguo said: "So when Zhou Dynasty becomes stronger, will these countries believe that Zhou Dynasty will not attack them?"
Chu Tianshu had stayed at the border for a long time and knew some inside information. Even though he seemed to be in peace, the Zhou army at Dalun Pass and Anqis Pass would be dispatched every few days, euphemistically called cutting. Firewood is actually just a matter of going deep into Dashi and Tocharia to rob. This is the natural advantage of a strong country over a weak country. It has nothing to do with morality, but only with strength.
Chu Tianshu replied: "If our country is strong, neighboring countries will regard our country as a great enemy."
Li Zuoguo clapped his hands and said: "Yes, if the opponent becomes stronger, they will definitely attack us. Even if we don't attack them, they will still be hostile to us. So why should I give you land and property if I accept it?" Am I a fool?"
Li Zuoguo stood up, looked at the gradually fading rain, and said: "How did the Zhou Dynasty establish a country? In the early stage, it was just a typing, the soldiers and horses were strong, and everyone was defeated, and the world was settled. Now that we have won the world, we must put away our swords and let our horses go." Start talking morally and rationally with others? Then you forget how you got the world. This is forgetting your roots. In fact, the surrounding countries are enemies in my eyes. The Great Zhou Dynasty will use these neighbors as objects of conquest from generation to generation. Once a land is conquered, new adjacent lands will appear. Only by maintaining endless enemies can the Great Zhou Dynasty become more powerful through continuous conquests."
"Qin destroyed the six kingdoms and unified the world. The strategy of Qin was to attack from far and near. This is correct. Now these Tocharian and Dashi people want to take advantage of the time when Da Zhou is dealing with Li Longji and his son to jump out and threaten Da Zhou. They retreated, the site was cheap, but they never thought that the national power of Zhou Dynasty was not something they could compete with. There is only one outcome for doing so, and that is destruction." After Li Zuoguo said this, his mouth was a little dry, and he picked up the wine glass in front of him to drink. After taking a glass, Zheng Chunyun quickly filled it up.
Chu Tianshu said with admiration on his face: "Your Majesty is really the most talented and strategic hero since the Yan and Huang Dynasties. His external momentum is comparable to that of five people."
Duan Tianhe said worriedly: "Your Majesty is powerful in martial arts, but conquests and wars will cause a lot of damage to the national power. Let's look at the powerful Han's conquest of the Huns and the collapse of the national power. This is what we are worried about."
Li Zuoguo smiled: "Sima is right to worry. When have you ever seen me gain nothing in a war?"
Chu Tianshu and Duan Tianhe immediately realized, yes, Li Zuoguo has made a lot of money in every battle since joining the army, and he has never suffered a loss in a war.
Li Zuoguo tapped his forehead with his index finger and said: "This actually depends on fighting a war. There is no need to occupy some places. It does not mean that we have to send troops to occupy all visible places. Costs and marginal costs must be considered. War is a means, not Purpose, for the country, all wars are for the purpose of achieving national interests, which is the best reason to launch a war. The grasslands in the north have a harsh climate and the land is barren for farming, so we can completely treat those tribes Don¡¯t take the initiative to start a war, just plunder.¡±
Li Zuoguo saw that both of them were listening with great interest, and then said: "The so-called trade plunder is actually a strong positioning in conjunction with the country's force. For example, if the grassland herdsmen want to sell a horse to us in Dazhou, the official price will be consistent, then The herdsmen can only sell to us consistently, which is called strong pricing. The tea, salt and other goods they need can be priced very high. This is the advantage of having strong pricing power. Unless the grassland people come to grab it directly, otherwise they will Everything will be plundered by us.¡±
"As for the land that can be used, we must adopt the strategy of occupation. For places such as Nanzhao and Dashi, the distance is nothing. The strength of an empire is actually dominated by culture and economy. Dazhou is now a In a highly civilized center, all foreigners who come to Zhou Dynasty can speak a few words of Chinese. This is from a relatively far away country. In countries such as Japan and Baekje, the citizens can all speak fluent Chinese. You think, if the Great Zhou conquers these countries one day, will they quickly identify with the Great Zhou?"
Chu Tianshu nodded: "I'm afraid so. They all think that being a Han Chinese is something they are very proud of. These words of the Holy Master are really shocking. All external state affairs can find solutions from them. Wei Chen surrenders. ¡±
Duan Tianhe also nodded. He didn't expect that Li Zuoguo could actually say such a thing, but now it seems that it is good. However, Li Zuoguo was not proud and said seriously: "Every inch of our territory in Dazhou cannot be destroyed." It is given to other countries for free, so no matter how good the conditions are proposed by the Uighurs, I will not agree to it. If the Uighurs want to make trouble, they can, let the Uighurs go to Li Yi to make trouble, and see how Li Yi deals with them. As for the big food and Tocharia," a smile appeared on Li Zuoguo's face: "I have wanted to take care of it for a long time. Dashi is a powerful country, and we also robbed Dashi's Khorasan area.?There will never be permanent peace, and the national power has been consumed for such a long time. King Zerfar is not very smart, so he wants to negotiate terms with me. He thought it would be very difficult to defeat Li Longji and his son, Li Zuoguo. , It¡¯s a joke. Li Longji and his son are like earthly dogs. Chu Sikong, starting tomorrow, you will order your officials from the Seiyi Pavilion and the envoys of the Uighurs and Dashi to rip off the skin. Now I forgive them for not daring to use troops. , just drag it on, anyway, it won¡¯t take long for the south to solve everything. "
When Li Zuoguo, Chu Tianshu, and Duan Tianhe were formulating their strategy against the Uighurs and other western countries in the palace, the three-pronged army's imperial army was extremely smooth. Li Hu had the strongest troops, and the entire Jiangnan West Road was under Li Hu's control. After capturing Changsha County in one day, there was basically no suspense. Li Hu kept his horses and conquered the entire Jiangnan West Road. Then his troops went straight to Lingnan Road. In the entire Tang Dynasty, Lingnan Road had the smallest military strength. He also felt a sense of belonging to the Tang Dynasty. It was bad, so everything went smoothly for Li Hu, and he basically eliminated three problems in two months.
The emperors of the Tang Dynasty, Li Longji and Li Heng, were imprisoned at almost the same time, but they were captured in different ways. Li Longji was surrounded by Li Qi's army in Yizhou and was persuaded to surrender for the first time. Afterwards, Li Longji surrendered directly, and Wang Yi, the Jiedu envoy of Jiannan Road, also surrendered at the same time. Li Qi was overjoyed to win over Li Longji, and quickly sent people to escort Li Longji back to Chang'an overnight.
As for Li Heng, during the siege of Hangzhou, Guo Bei broke through the outer city wall of Hangzhou in just two days, and directly lost half of the 70,000 Tang army. Li Heng did not expect the Zhou army to be so powerful in combat, and decided that Hangzhou could not be defended. , so he took a boat and tried to escape from the sea. As a result, he ran into He Donghai's fleet as soon as he left the mouth of Qiantang. After sinking seven ships, a total of 13 ships took Li Heng's ship and landed. Yes, He Donghai captured Li Heng alive.
Three days later, the whole city of Hangzhou was defeated. General Wei Chichang Gong committed suicide. At this point, the only strong army that retreated from the north was completely destroyed. The two emperors Li Longji and Li Heng were all captured. Li Heng's younger brother, Prince Fu Li Ying directly announced his surrender to Emperor Zhou in Quanzhou and sacrificed Li Heng's family. At this point, the entire south was basically pacified. The Great Zhou Dynasty destroyed all the foundations of the Tang Dynasty in the south. The Great Zhou Dynasty unified the north and south of the Yangtze River and truly became a huge empire. of empire.