My father, Li Shimin, requests Your Majesty to become the Retired Emperor.

Chapter 51 Su Wan: Your Highness, if you are going on a diplomatic mission to the Dangxiang, you mus

The Eastern Palace.

Li Chengqian finally finished drawing up the blueprints for the crossbow and arrows, and asked Su Gui to take them to craftsmen to make them day and night.

After finishing one task, Li Chengqian felt much better.

He began to think about the Tanguts. What kind of people were the Tanguts?

Wherever his thoughts led him, the simulator screen displayed:

The Tangut people belong to the Qiang ethnic group and originally lived around Qinghai Lake.

"And then?"

The powerful Xianbei Murong clan traveled thousands of miles from the northeast to this region. They occupied Qinghai Lake, and at this time, many Xianbei heroes emerged. The Tanguts were no match for them. Unable to defeat them, some Tanguts remained and submitted to the Tuyuhun, while others migrated to the Hequ region.

"The land of the river bend?"

Yes, this area is located in the Yellow River region. Although it is more remote than Qinghai Lake, it has abundant water and grass, making it suitable for grazing.

Among the Tanguts, the Tuoba tribe was the most powerful and gradually became their leader.

However, unexpectedly, Tibet rose to power. Tibet belonged to the plateau region; they lacked an economic foundation, had a small population, little civilization, and no established systems or people to enforce them. Yet, Tibet grew strong in this seemingly unreasonable way, and they too came to compete for the territory of the Tanguts.

The Tangut people thus survived in the gap between the Tuyuhun and the Tibetan Empire.

What was the relationship between the Tanguts and the Tuyuhun?

[Khan Fuyun had a daughter named Princess Guanghua, who married Tuoba Chici, thus establishing a marriage alliance between their families;]

"I see."

Li Chengqian finally gained some understanding of the Tangut people, and he thought to himself that this ethnic group was also quite remarkable.

At this moment, Su Wan walked in from outside the palace gate.

She went straight to Li Chengqian and asked, "Your Highness, did you proactively request to your father to be sent as an envoy to the Dangxiang?"

"Yes." Li Chengqian noticed that her complexion was off and wondered what had happened.

"I'm telling you, your father has already agreed to Li Tai's mission to the Tanguts and has even gifted him a heavenly horse."

"Really? How did you find out about this?"

"Because Xue'er and your mother's personal maid Cai Xiang are very close, Cai Xiang came and told Xue'er about this."

"I've noticed that your father dotes on Li Tai too much. You know how precious that heavenly horse is, how could he be so reluctant to give it to you?" Su Wan said irritably, her arms crossed.

"It's just livestock, let him have it."

"That's not what I'm angry about. Can't you see the implications?"

Li Tai wanted to take this opportunity to make a name for himself on the frontier.

He already wielded considerable influence in the court by establishing a literary academy and compiling the "Kuodi Zhi" (Records of the Land). If he succeeds in his mission to the Tanguts, he will become even more arrogant and powerful.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian laughed heartily: "Since he wants to serve the Tang Dynasty, then let him go."

"Things have come to this point, and you can still laugh?" Su Wan stared at him with wide eyes.

Li Chengqian stood up, personally poured Su Wan a cup of tea, handed it to her, and slowly said, "I'll tell you a story. During the Three Kingdoms period, after the Battle of Red Cliffs, both Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang wanted to take Nanjun."

Zhuge Liang said, "Grand Commander, our two sides are allies. If you wish to go to Nan Commandery, I naturally cannot contend with you. However, what if you fail to take Nan Commandery?"

Zhou Yu said, "If I fail to take Nan Commandery within a month, you may take it as you see fit."

A gentleman's word is his bond.

A promise made is a promise kept!

So Zhou Yu went to take Nan Commandery first, which was guarded by Cao Cao's brother Cao Ren.

Cao Ren suffered a defeat at first, but later he took out the brilliant plan that Cao Cao had left him before leaving for the north and followed it.

Zhou Yu indeed fell into the trap and was even hit by a poisoned arrow.

While Zhou Yu withdrew his troops to recuperate, Zhuge Liang secretly launched an attack and cleverly captured Nan Commandery.

Upon hearing this, Su Wan seemed to understand: "Your Highness, what do you mean by that?"

Li Chengqian picked up his teacup and gently blew on the tea leaves floating on top: "My meaning is very simple. The Dangxiang are probably not so easy to deal with. I will do it when Li Tai fails."

"But what if Li Tai manages to pull it off?"

"Wouldn't it be better if that were the case? Our Great Tang would have gained another vassal state."

"Then wouldn't Li Tai have established merit on the frontier?"

"We must prioritize the greater good. As long as it benefits the Tang Dynasty, we are willing to go to hell."

"I'm not as noble as you."

My concern is that by then, once he has achieved success, it will be even more detrimental to you.

"You don't need to worry too much, I'll be fine." Li Chengqian took a sip of tea, his gaze resolute.

"No matter what, this time, if you go to Tangut, you must take me with you!"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian spat out a mouthful of tea: "What did you say?"

"Last time, you took Princess Gaoyang with you to Daxingshan Temple, but you didn't take me with you. This time, you can forget about getting rid of me, hmph!" Su Wan put her hands on her hips.

"I went to Daxingshan Temple, and I almost died. Was it a trip for fun?"

This mission to the Tanguts may be even more dangerous than the last one. How can you possibly go?

"I don't care, I'll follow you wherever you go."

Li Chengqian looked helpless, thinking to himself that no wonder Confucius said, "Women and petty men are the most difficult to deal with." Indeed, no woman is easy to handle.

Not long after, news came that Li Tai had led five hundred guards to the Dangxiang, but they had fallen into an ambush and all five hundred were captured. Fortunately, Li Tai was riding a celestial horse, which was fast, and he managed to escape back alone in a sorry state.

Li Shimin gave him a severe scolding, calling him a good-for-nothing and a useless piece of trash. Li Tai was so frightened that he quickly packed his things and went back to Yangzhou.

Li Chengqian requested again to be sent as an envoy to the Dangxiang, and Li Shimin nodded in agreement, telling him to be very careful.

morning.

Daxingshan Temple, East Meditation Hall.

Li Chengqian brought gifts to visit Master Xuanzang.

The two were very happy to see each other again.

Xuanzang, with a kind and benevolent expression, clasped his hands together and said, "I am already deeply honored that Your Highness has come to visit me. Why did you bring these gifts?"

"Master, this is just a small gift, nothing more. I hope you will accept it with a smile," Li Chengqian said.

"In that case, on behalf of the abbot and disciples of Daxingshan Temple, I thank Your Highness."

At this moment, Yuan Ce came over and took all the gifts away.

Li Chengqian first recounted what happened after the last time at Daxingshan Temple.

Xuanzang was terrified upon hearing this: "Amitabha, excellent, excellent! Your Highness, it is truly fortunate that you were able to escape this calamity safely."

"It was also thanks to the master's prior warning that there were armored soldiers lying in ambush inside the temple that we were prepared; otherwise, the outcome would have been hard to predict."

"This is the will of Heaven, but the fact that you brothers are killing each other is deeply painful for this humble monk."

"Does this mean the Xuanwu Gate Incident is about to repeat itself?" Xuanzang asked, his expression filled with grief.

Li Chengqian remained silent.

"What brings you to see this humble monk?"

Li Chengqian then recounted his upcoming mission to the Tangut people and also briefly introduced Li Tai's mission.

"What? All five hundred guards have been captured?" Xuanzang was very surprised.

"Yes."

"So the Tanguts are quite cunning after all."

"Master, do you have any good advice for me?" Li Chengqian asked earnestly.

"This humble monk is a monk who does not concern himself with worldly affairs."

"Does the master intend to watch those five hundred people end up trapped and dying?"

Xuanzang pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "This is not a good matter."

If Li Tai hadn't been sent as an envoy to the Tanguts beforehand, this matter would have been easier to handle.

But now that they have hostages, we're at a disadvantage.

"What the master says is absolutely right."

"The Dangxiang and Tuyuhun are different; we must treat them differently."

The original homeland of the Tangut people was occupied by the Tuyuhun, so they migrated to the Hequ region, where their land was then seized by the rising Tibetans. They have always lived in the gap between the Tuyuhun and the Tibetans; therefore, the Tanguts are worth winning over.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian couldn't help but feel a deep sense of respect: "The master never leaves his home, yet he knows everything about the world."

"That's not the case. Your father entrusted me with the task of going to the Western Regions to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Therefore, I must understand the situation of the various countries in the Western Regions."

Fuyun Khan's grandson is at Daxingshan Temple; why don't you have him accompany you?

Li Chengqian thought the idea was good: "It's good, but he might not be willing."

"Please allow this humble monk and his master, Bopo, to speak."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Master."

After Xuanzang finished speaking, he got up and left the meditation hall.

Before long, Bopo followed Xuanzang to the meditation hall.

After exchanging greetings, the three people took their seats as host and guest.

"Your Highness, I heard that you wish to have Fatong accompany you to the Tanguts?" Bopo asked.

"Yes, Abbot."

Bopo looked troubled: "Your father and your brothers have all treated our Daxingshan Temple well. Logically speaking, if you encounter any trouble, we should do our best to help you. However, when I passed through Tuyuhun, Khan Fuyun treated me with great courtesy and trust. For this reason, he entrusted his grandson to me."

Now, you're sending Fatong with you on this mission to the Tanguts and the Western Regions. The risks are immense! Can you guarantee his safety?

"Please rest assured, Abbot. Although there has been some friction between our Great Tang and Tuyuhun, I know that this matter has nothing to do with Fatong. Now that our Great Tang has returned Fatong's father, we will never make things difficult for Fatong again. We can ensure his safety."

"As the Crown Prince, Your Highness, I completely believe what you say."

Xuanzang also tried to persuade him, and the abbot finally nodded in agreement: "I just don't know what Fatong himself thinks. I'll call him over to ask him questions."

A short while later, Fatong arrived.

After everyone had exchanged greetings, Bopo explained the purpose of Li Chengqian's visit.

Since his wrestling match with Li Chengqian, Fatong had greatly admired him and immediately said, "I am willing to go. After I return, I will persuade my father and grandfather to live in peace with the Tang Dynasty and not invade each other's territory."

Everyone nodded, it seemed that after being educated here, Fatong had become more sensible.

After bidding farewell to Xuanzang and Bopo with Fatong, Li Chengqian returned to Chang'an and, after careful preparation, embarked on his journey to the Tanguts.

Those who accompanied Li Chengqian on his mission to the Western Regions included Su Wan, Su Gui, Xue'er, Princess Hengyang, Du Zhenglun, Du He, Princess Chengyang, Fatong, Mujishe, and Shuijishe, as well as some attendants.

Du Zhenglun genuinely didn't want to come.

Li Chengqian asked him, "How effective is the deer antler velvet?"

Du Zhenglun laughed and said, "That thing is really good. I feel like I've become ten years younger."

"Are you satisfied with your concubine, Chunyan?"

"Before, I was always the one who would reach out to her every night. Now, it's the other way around; she's the one who always reaches out to me."

Would you like another box?

"That's great!"

"If you want, then accompany me on a mission to the Dangxiang."

"this……."

"What, you're not happy about it?"

"How long will it take for you to come back? If it's been a long time, I'm worried that Chunyan won't be able to stay home alone. What if she cheats on me?"

"It'll only take ten days or half a month."

"Alright then, but you'll have to give me three boxes when I come back from this trip."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian thought to himself that this guy was actually bargaining with him: "Alright, three boxes it is. However, you must personally drive the carriage for Princess Hengyang."

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Du Zhenglun's mouth stretched into a wide grin.

"You must understand, I wouldn't even allow an ordinary person to drive for the princess," Li Chengqian said intentionally.

"That's true."

"If you behave well, I might reward you with another box."

"Your Highness, you said it yourself, so don't try to renege on your promise later." Du Zhenglun repeated himself, afraid that he might not keep his word.

On the ancient road.

Two large carriages moved slowly, driven by Su Gui and Du Zhenglun. Behind them were more than ten supply wagons, covered with cloth so their contents were not visible. These wagons were pulled forward by dozens of fine horses and more than a dozen camels.

Inside the carriage, Su Wan asked, "Your Highness, what's with that long face? Are you unhappy that I came along?"

Li Chengqian forced a smile: "What do you mean? You are exceptionally intelligent. Accompanying me on this trip will make you my strategist."

"So, do you think I'm capable of taking on this important task?"

"You have a flawless plan; it will definitely work."

"Stop flattering me. I'm just a weak woman, powerless to even kill a chicken. I'll be grateful if I don't become a burden to you."

"Why have you become so humble lately?"

"People often say that birds soar far when they follow the phoenix, and people's character improves when they associate with virtuous people. I'm often with you, and haven't I been influenced by you to some extent?"

"Can I affect you?"

"That's for sure. Now, tell me, where do you plan to go first?"

"What do you think?" Li Chengqian asked in return.

Su Wan's big eyes darted around: "I think we should learn from Li Tai's failed mission to the Tanguts. As the saying goes, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.'"

Li Tai was too reckless; they had already laid out a trap for him, but he insisted on walking in.

"you're right."

"Therefore, I suggest that we go to Ashina She'er's army first, as the army is our trump card."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian was somewhat worried: "Father is very angry because Ashina She'er has not yet returned the two thousand imperial guards."

"You must take this matter seriously. It was not easy for Wei Zheng to speak well of you to your father and spare Ashina She'er from punishment. If you fall out with your father again because of this, it will not be good."

"You are right."

Su Wan grasped Li Chengqian's hand: "Your mission to the Dangxiang is of great importance. Whatever you do, you must think carefully before you act."

Li Chengqian nodded, his expression turning serious: "Gaochang is located in the Western Regions, along the northern route of the southern Tianshan Road. The roads are rugged, and we will have to cross deserts and swamps on our way there."

"What's the big deal? I'll just go see the desert scenery and experience some exotic charm."

Li Chengqian grinned, thinking to himself, "What's so interesting about that vast desert except for endless yellow sand?"

They traveled by day and rested by night. They settled down early in the evening and waited until dawn, had breakfast, and then set off again.

It was the third watch of the night.

Yangguan.

Bin Gui Inn.

Li Chengqian was sitting in his desk reading the Analects.

He thought the book was excellent, and he gained new insights every time he read it.

In the original owner's memory, there was a remarkable person in the Song Dynasty named Zhao Pu, who helped Zhao Kuangyin conquer the country.

He once said, "Half of the Analects can govern the world."

It is evident that the Analects is not merely a Confucian work; it also contains many principles and methods of governance.

Li Chengqian also rejected the Legalist ideology.

He wondered which emperors admired Legalism.

Wherever his thoughts stirred, the simulator screen displayed:

Qin Shi Huang favored Legalism, implementing harsh punishments and cruel laws, which ultimately led to widespread public resentment and discontent.

Emperor Wu of Han dismissed all other schools of thought and exclusively honored Confucianism. In reality, he was two-faced, and deep down he still admired Legalism.

Emperor Xuan of Han reprimanded the crown prince on the spot for advocating Confucianism.

Why did these emperors favor Legalist doctrines?

Because the Legalist school of thought aligned with the ideas of imperial autocracy and dictatorship;

Who are some of the representative figures of Legalism?

Shang Yang and Han Fei were representative figures of the Legalist school of thought; at the same time, they both paid the ultimate price for their theories.

"It is indeed respectable that someone would sacrifice their most precious life for their theories and doctrines!"

Shang Yang was ultimately executed by being torn apart by chariots, and there was a reason for his downfall; he offended not only the crown prince's tutor, but also the aristocracy and the common people. He was ambitious, loved grandstanding, and did not know how to be humble.

Once Duke Xiao of Qin died, he would be all alone.

Tragically, his escape failed.

Why is this happening?

Because he wanted to stay at an inn but had no identification, they dared not let him stay, which was exactly what he himself had ordered in Qin. This is a classic case of reaping what you sow.

"Yes, there's a saying: the sword hanging over someone else's head may one day hang over your own. Sometimes, people make such basic mistakes."

The host is absolutely right.

"And how did Han Fei die?"