Li Zhi, don't be a coward

Datang is an exciting and magnificent era, and it is a rare shining point in Chinese history.

However, that doesn't mean it's perfect.

It will still make mistakes, it will still perish, and its rulers and ministers will still make foolish moves.

In real history, after the destruction of Goguryeo, the monarchs and ministers of the Tang Dynasty did not pay enough attention to the eastern peninsula and did not put their heart into managing it. Instead, they quickly shifted their strategic focus to Tubo. This was a huge mistake made by the Tang Dynasty.

Of course, there are various objective reasons for this error.

For example, Li Zhi's physical condition was relatively poor at that time, for example, the war consumed a huge amount of national power, for example, Tubo continued to provoke at the border, and so on.

These reasons also forced the monarchs and ministers of the Tang Dynasty to shift their strategic focus, and the newly conquered peninsula was really difficult to take into account.

Now that Tang has Li Qinzai, everything is different.

Some things must be nipped in the bud early.

Li Qinzai's face was cloudy and uncertain, Song Sen looked at him puzzled.

For Song Sen, the affairs of the peninsula are too far away from him.

He didn't know why County Lord Li looked so dignified when he heard that Silla was giving gifts in Chang'an.

"Mr. Li, cough, if you have nothing to do, I'm an official... take your leave first?" Song Sen said cautiously.

Li Qinzai said absent-mindedly: "Lao Song has worked hard, don't rush to leave, stay for a meal..."

Song Sen said pleasantly: "Mr. Li County, are you crazy? This is the first time you take the initiative to leave an official for a meal. How terrified are you!"

Li Qinzai finally came to his senses: "Huh? Did I take the initiative to keep you? No, you heard it wrong. It's getting late and everyone is busy, so I won't stay..."

Before he finished speaking, Song Sen rushed towards the front hall with a stride, and said in his mouth: "Mr. Li is staying with guests, how dare I refuse to refuse. I have heard for a long time that your mansion's delicacies are a must for Chang'an. Today, I am very lucky! Thank you! County Lord Li is generous."

Li Qinzai opened his mouth. After being promoted to an official position, it is not clear whether his skills have improved, but his skin has indeed become thicker.

Can't you hear the polite words?The world feeds the dog...

And still come to the door empty-handed.

Of course, Li Qinzai wasn't stingy to that extent. Song Sen was an old friend and had helped him a lot, so he didn't mind letting him have a meal.

The delicacies of the Duke’s Mansion are well-deserved, Song Sen devoured them voraciously, and there was a sound of gurgling and slurping during the banquet. Just listening to the sound gave him an appetite. Pigs have never eaten slop so happily, and it was a great way to save face.

Cengfan is Cengfan, Song Sen's etiquette is still very measured, knowing that this is the Duke's Mansion, it is already a great honor for him, a sixth-rank official, to have a meal, and he doesn't drink a drop of wine.

The class is here, Song Sen knows that he is not qualified to drink happily in the Duke's mansion, that is not something an official of his rank can do.

After eating four full bowls of rice, Song Sen was finally fed up, put down the bowls and chopsticks, and saluted Li Qinzai with difficulty with his chubby belly.

"Thank you, County Lord Li, for being able to have a meal at Yinggong's mansion, I will have the capital to brag about in my life, and the delicacies of your mansion are unforgettable for me in my life."

Li Qinzai stared blankly at the messy cups and plates on the low table opposite, and sighed, "I can see that you really don't see outsiders at all. When I went to Bingzhou to provide disaster relief, those refugees were nothing more than that..."

Song Sen smiled awkwardly: "Forgive me for being rude, but the delicacies of your mansion are so delicious that I just let go of my belly and ate to my heart's content."

"My family's food can't be eaten for nothing, can it?"

Song Sen was taken aback, and smiled wryly: "No wonder County Lord Li is so generous today, so he was waiting for me here, what orders does County Lord Li have?"

"It's a small matter, don't make things difficult for you. Send two smart subordinates to spread the news that the envoys of the Silla Kingdom wantonly bribed my courtiers, especially let Liu Rengui know."

"Liu Rengui?"

Li Qin laughed: "Although that old bastard Liu Rengui has a noble and stinking problem, he has to say that his eyes are indeed accurate. He knows that Baekje should not invite outsiders. His eyes can't be mixed with sand, so he will know. How do you do it?"

Song Sen was puzzled and said: "Your Majesty is very fond of Li Xiangong. If Li Xiangong advocates that the Tang Dynasty should not abandon Baekje after the destruction of Goguryeo, why not directly advise His Majesty, but use Liu Rengui's hand instead?"

Li Qinzai said leisurely: "There are people who are willing to charge forward, why should I take the risk? You just need to help me disclose this news to Liu Rengui in a casual way."

Song Sen smiled relaxedly: "This can cover the meal fee of the subordinate official? It's too easy."

"I found that you are really simple and honest sometimes, heh, Chenghui, the meal money is double, thank you."

…………

Song Sen really didn't eat this meal for nothing, and he did work very quickly after eating.

In a day's time, news from the government and the public in Chang'an was flying all over the sky.

Originally, the news hotspot in Chang'an City recently was the congratulations of the envoys from various countries. For the subjects of the Tang Dynasty, this was a matter of great face.

However, the next day, a piece of news from Chang'an City finally cooled down the temperature of this pride.

After entering Beijing, the envoys of the Silla Kingdom were restless and dared to openly bribe the courtiers of the Tang Dynasty. There were more than [-] courtiers who accepted bribes, all of whom were high officials in the court.

There were many rumors, and there were different opinions in the court and market, so those who had good things were naturally curious.

Silla is a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty. Its country is barren and depends on the sea for its livelihood. The ruler of the country is willing to pay such a price to bribe the courtiers of the Tang Dynasty. What is their plan?
Wouldn't it be the Lord of Silla who was anxious for the public and righteous, and voluntarily gave up his family wealth to help the poor in Datang?
People haven't reached that level yet.

So there are rumors of a sequel.

The reason why Silla paid such a huge price to bribe the courtiers of the Tang Dynasty was that they wanted the bribed officials to initiate a court meeting, suggesting that the court hand over the land of the former Baekje State to the Silla State after the destruction of Goguryeo.

Public opinion in Chang'an City suddenly boiled.

Originally, although the common people talked a lot about national affairs, they didn't know enough.

Whether Baekje should be abandoned or kept, the folks have their own opinions.

However, the envoys of the Silla Kingdom sneakily gave gifts to the courtiers, and this behavior makes people have to doubt it.

Without great benefits, would you pay such a high price for no reason, just to persuade Datang to withdraw from Baekje?
You Silla benefited from occupying Baekje, so on the other hand, did Datang suffer a big loss?
This is not kind, why should I give you Silla the land that my Tang Jianer laid down?When the Tang and Luo coalition forces attacked Baekje, you Silla were only in charge of logistics and transportation, and it was my soldiers from the Tang Dynasty who charged forward.

Now that Baekje is gone, you Silla want to pick the fruits.

The crowd was furious and rampant.

The spread of these rumors disrupted the overall plan of the Silla envoys.