Man Tang Huacai

Chapter 594 Making a feint to the east and attacking in the west
There are five temples in Chang'an City today, and the Da Ci'en Temple in Jinchangfang is one of them.

Nalanzhen and Trisong Detsen were not treated harshly. After being controlled, they were sent to a Zen temple in the monastery that was kept quite simple and elegant.

Trisong Detsen had lived here before. After coming in, he naturally opened the window, picked up the fork and set it up, then sat cross-legged on the low couch, fiddling with the Buddhist beads in his hand.

Seeing him lower his eyebrows and eyes, with a solemn look, Nalanzhen became a little angry and said, "You are the Zamp, the ruler of a country. How can you be so comfortable after being captured?"

"Sister, I was not captured." Trisong Dezan said, "Ma Xiang rebelled, and I fled to the Tang Dynasty."

"What's the difference?"

“The difference is being active or passive.”

Na Lanzhen said: "There is a story among the Han people. In the past, the king of Shu was captured and brought to Chang'an. He only knew how to enjoy himself. When others asked him if he wanted to return to Shu, he said, 'I am happy here and don't miss Shu.' Are you the same now? Do you not want to return to Tubo anymore?"

Trisong Detsen didn't even open his eyes, and if it weren't for the Buddhist beads in his hand that were still turning, he would have looked like he was asleep.

After a while, he slowly said, "Back, what matters is the opportunity, not whether I want to or not."

"Give me some ambition." Na Lanzhen said, "If I don't try to go back, will I really leave my fate in the hands of others?"

"It's a long journey back home, and there are treacherous ministers controlling the country. How can I go back without the support of the Tang Lord? Don't worry, sister. One day, he will let me go back. 'Since I'm here, I'll make the best of it.'"

Na Lanzhen kept questioning loudly, and at the same time she had walked around the meditation room to make sure no one was eavesdropping.

She then whispered, "I have contacted Dazalugong, and he has expressed his support for you as long as I can bring you to Shanzhou."

Trisong Detsen's expression changed slightly and he fell into deep thought.

Shanzhou is not far away. If he really has the support of Dazhalugong and holds the military power, he can indeed regain power.

"He wouldn't be lying to us?"

"Enlan Jiewa Qiuyang became a monk." Nalanzhen said, "He saved Samyeshi and united with the nobles, calling himself the 'Seven Enlightened Ones'. He received support from Buddhism. Before I left, Maxiang was negotiating with him."

Trisong Detsen opened his eyes.

For him, this is a very important message. "Enlan" is also Dazha Lugong's surname, which means "evil way, falling astray" in Tibetan. He is not a traditional aristocrat, but has risen in the past decade.

Jiewa Qiuyang is Dazhalugong's cousin and the head of the Enlan clan. Originally, he was a powerful official like Maxiang, but now the interests have changed, and the Enlan family has become a banner to counter Maxiang.

“Can a Qiang family that worships Bon convert to Buddhism?”

“But it happened.”

"It seems that Dazalugong is really against Maxiang." Trisong Dezan said, "I can go to see him."

Na Lanzhen said: "Yes, we don't need to rely on Tang Ting, we can take back the power."

"But we are stuck here, how can we go to see Dazarugong?"

"Don't worry, we will have a chance soon." Nalan Zhen's eyes were firm.

~~
When Yan Quanming entered the Xuanzheng Hall, Xue Bai was reading the memorial submitted by Pugu Huai'en, so he waited aside for a while.

"Du Wulang is not dead. Pugu Huai'en wrote that he was captured by the Bayegu tribe and they are trying to rescue him."

"Bayegu is a Tiele tribe, and has always been close to the Pugu tribe." Yan Quanming said, "It seems that Pugu Huai'en is threatening Your Majesty?"

"I guess so." Xue Bai threw away the memorial in his hand and said, "Pugu Huai'en said that he did not take good care of Du Wulang, and he apologized to me and asked to be relieved of his post as Jiedushi and let Pugu Yan take over."

Yan Quanming said: "I will come forward to rescue Wulang."

"Guo Ziyi will do it." Xue Bai murmured, "I am just wondering, why is Pugu Huai'en so anxious?"

Yan Quanming responded casually: "Maybe he knows that his time is running out."

"possible."

"I have come to report to your majesty that we have captured the spies that Dazhalugong had planted in Chang'an. The identity of the chief envoy is not ordinary. Your majesty also knows her. She is the Tibetan princess Nalanzhen."

"Really? She didn't mind the distance. She made the trip twice in three years."

"Maybe he wants to see Your Majesty." Yan Quanming smiled.

Xue Bai didn't want to joke with him, so he said, "Don't be harsh on Trisong Detsen and his brother. We will have to send them back later. What we need to do now is to make them truly respect us."

"The Zamp is a smart man and has been cooperative all along. But the princess is very strong-willed. She told me that she is willing to exchange a piece of information for her and Trisong Detsen's freedom."

"She lied to you."

"I am not someone who can be easily deceived." Yan Quanming said, "She said that she had seen the letter between Pugu Huai'en and Dazha Lugong with her own eyes. They planned to join forces with the Huihe people to attack Chang'an. If this letter is true..."

"Even if it's true, it doesn't prove that Pugu Huai'en would really raise an army. It could be a bluff or to have multiple escape routes."

"But if the Tibetans were able to do something in Chang'an, there must be someone helping them. According to the clues I have found, it is very likely that they are court officials who have been bribed by Pugu Huai'en for many years."

"So what? Whether he rebels or not, the court's attitude will not change in the slightest."

Yan Quanming came here today because he felt a little uneasy. Nalan Zhen's determined eyes made him feel that she was not lying. It was very likely that Pugu Huai'en, Dazha Lugong and Yidijian had really joined forces.

However, the emperor was still full of confidence and was unwilling to compromise at all.

"Your Majesty, I am not trying to appease Pugu Huai'en, but I am worried that relying on Guo Ziyi alone is not enough."

"How about this." Xue Bai tapped the map and said, "The troops and food have been properly mobilized. Wang Nan is ready to attack Liangzhou at any time. You help him."

The two discussed it carefully.

Then, Yan Quanming arranged for someone to bring Na Lan Zhen to see Xue Bai.

When passing by Danfeng Gate, Nalan Zhen looked up at the majestic Daming Palace, and finally realized that although Tubo could compete with the Tang Dynasty, there was actually a huge gap in national strength.

She walked through the empty palace and felt how insignificant she was in a foreign country. At the end of the stone steps, she stepped into the hall. The man sitting in the hall looked the same as before, but he had such a powerful aura that he looked like a god.

Every detail of the palace and the hall, including the height, color and various decorations, is carefully designed to highlight the king's supreme authority.

"Master, you finally did it." Nalan Zhen looked around and said, "In Tubo, there is no need for such a palace. Every mountain, river and stream is more magnificent than this one."

"I know."

"The Tibetans' minds are as broad as the mountains and rivers, and they don't have so many conspiracies and intrigues."

Xue Bai said: "What you learned from me back then was conspiracy and trickery."

Na Lanzhen showed a trace of anger for a moment, and said: "I sincerely want to form an alliance with the Tang Dynasty, so that our two countries will never fight again, but you betrayed our alliance."

Xue Bai didn't need to explain to her, whether she was truly naive or just pretending.

He just glanced at her indifferently, and the look of the superior made her feel dissatisfied, and she sneered even more.

"I want to talk to you alone." Na Lanzhen said.

The palace was very large, and the light could only reach a part of the place, while the corners were dark. In fact, there was no one else in the light, but she believed that as the emperor, there must be someone hiding in the darkness to serve and protect him.

Xue Bai said: "No matter what the secret is, you can just tell it directly."

"I remember when I met you, your name was Xue Bai. Based on my understanding of you, I am very sure that you have assumed an identity and usurped the throne."

"Yes, you can tell me all these things."

"What if I plan to assassinate you in the palace?" Nalan Zhen's eyes became fierce, like a she-wolf, and she even took a few steps towards Xue Bai.

"You can try."

Perhaps because he looked down on her, Xue Bai took a few steps towards her and stood in front of her.

Nalanzhen clenched her fists, but did not take action. Instead, she said, "Whether you believe it or not, I witnessed the covenant between Dazhalugong and Pugu Huai'en with my own eyes. I memorized every word of it and can recite it to you."

"My letter."

"You don't believe it." Nalan Zhen said, "You think I am trying to sow discord and destroy your relationship between the monarch and his subjects, but think about it, without Pugu Huai'en's support, how could I have entered Chang'an City to rescue Trisong Detsen?"

"I told you, Xin, just tell me what you want."

Nalanzhen was stunned for a moment, then said: "It is of no benefit to us that Dazalugong and Tiele people have joined forces to attack the Tang court. Even now, I am still willing to live in harmony with the Tang court. If you let me and Trisong Detsen go back, I will persuade Dazalugong not to interfere in the affairs of the Tang court and help me deal with Maxiang instead."

As she said this, she gritted her teeth and bowed to Xue Bai.

"Let's forget about the past. I was not good enough in my training. I admit my defeat. The proposal now is good for both parties. You can focus on dealing with Pugu Huai'en, and I will deal with Ma Xiang. It's you who taught me 'win-win', isn't it?"

She had a bad temper, but Xue Bai had worn her down over the years and she had learned to weigh the pros and cons at times like this.

Xue Bai shook his head.

Na Lanzhen asked: "What do you mean?"

"You were not very good at learning before, and you still are not very good at learning now."

Xue Bai turned around, walked to his desk and looked at the map.

"I don't have to cooperate with you. I plan to defeat Dazalugong and take over Shanzhou, Liangzhou, Ganzhou, and Suzhou."

"Impossible." Na Lanzhen said: "I have already said it just now, Pugu Huai'en..."

"He 'said' he would help you fight, but he may not really help you fight. A few loose Hu tribe alliances cannot resist my determination to conquer the Northwest Court."

"You're too arrogant."

"Since you don't believe me, I can send you to Dazarugong to see for yourself."

Xue Bai waved his hand after saying this.

Na Lan Zhen didn't want to retreat. She stared at Xue Bai and hesitated before rushing over to hold him hostage, her eyes full of unwillingness.

~~
Ten days later, the Gobi Desert west of Longshan Mountain was already reflected in Nalanzhen's eyes.

There was only a small group of people escorting them westward, led by a young general who didn't talk much and probably didn't have much experience.

Along the way, one could see the Tang army gathering and transporting food and fodder in the Qinlong area, preparing to attack Puguo Huai'en in Lingwu.

Trisong Detsen was a very patient person. He practiced Buddhism while sitting in a covered wagon along the way and didn't talk much.

Nalan Zhen would think of the conversation with Xue Bai that day from time to time, and wondered in her heart, could it be that the Tang army she saw along the way was not intended to attack Pugu Huai'en, but to attack Tubo?

But how could Xue Bai be sure that Pugu Huai'en would not rebel? Even if he was 70% sure, as the emperor living in Chang'an, he should still be concerned about the remaining 30% huge risk.

Things have their priorities. Is it worth it for Xue Bai to take such a big risk and spend so much manpower and financial resources to connect the four towns of Anxi?
This requires great determination.

Ahead, we are almost reaching the border of Shanzhou.

Shanzhou was originally the seat of Longyou Road in the Tang Dynasty, and Dazha Lugong took advantage of the Anshi Rebellion to occupy this place.

Finally, the Tang army’s flag could no longer be seen in front, and instead, the large flag of Tubo was standing.

Dazha Lugong built a pass to the east of Shanzhou City, named Chishankou.

"Hey!"

A group of Tibetan cavalry saw the team at the pass, shot a few arrows at them, and shouted, "Who are they?"

The Tang army here responded loudly.

"We sent back the Tibetan king!"

~~
"Did the Tang court send the Zamp here?"

Dazalugong was somewhat surprised, but at the same time he felt that this was expected.

He was very sure that it was useless for the Tang court to take Trisong Detsen away and just detain him. They would have to release him and let him fight with Ma Xiang to maximize their benefits. And he and the Tang court could reach an agreement on this matter. After all, the Tang court was worried about Pu Gu Huai En, and he had no intention of advancing eastward, but wanted to compete with Ma Xiang for power.

In fact, when Nalan Zhen contacted him, he realized that his chance to hold the emperor hostage was coming. So he frequently contacted Pugu Huai'en, not really wanting to join forces to attack Guanzhong, but to use this as a bargaining chip to force the Tang court to compromise with him.

Sure enough, Xue Bai made the most suitable choice.

"Be prepared to welcome the Zamp. I will go to meet him personally!"

Dazalu Gong stood up and walked out.

After walking a few steps, he remembered something and called a confidant over and told him, "Stand up the Buddha statue."

"Yes."

Dazalugong has always been a devout Bon believer. If there is no great benefit, he would rather die than change his faith.

But now, Mashang, who is also a Bon believer, has committed treason. He has deposed and enthroned the king and persecuted Buddhism. Not only has he turned the Jokhang Temple built by Songtsen Gampo into a slaughterhouse, he has also killed many innocent people. Such perverse behavior must be stopped by Daza Lugong.

He decided to welcome back Trisong Detsen, convert to Buddhism, and lead Tubo to resist Mashang.

One thing we have to admit is that Dazha Lugong did not have such ambition and drive as Cao Cao at first. He had always been a loyal general, but now he was influenced by Xue Bai.

Xue Bai came to power by suppressing the civil strife in the Tang Dynasty, so why can't he, Dazalugong, do the same?
Striding out, a young man was already standing there leading Dazalugong's horse.

"General."

"Shang Jiezan." Dazha Lugong took the reins and said, "We have rescued the Zamp. Come with me to welcome him."

"Yes."

Shang Jiezan agreed and reminded: "This is a good thing, but the general should also take some precautions in case the Tang army is deceiving."

"A time like this?"

If someone else said it, Dazalugong would not care, but Shang Jiezan was different. He was a descendant of the Nang family and was smart and clever.

It was he who fled to Dazha Lugong's army as soon as possible after the Maxiang coup and offered advice, which not only changed Dazha Lugong's position but also changed his beliefs.

It can be said that the strategy of welcoming back the Zamp and confronting Maxiang was formulated for him by Shang Jiezan.

"Well, I will go to meet the Zamp first, and you lead a group of soldiers to meet us."

"Yes."

Shang Jiezan knew that Dazha Lugong was extremely brave, so he did not try to persuade him. He took the military order and returned to the army.

On the other side, Dazalugong led a small team of cavalry and headed straight for Chishankou.

~~
Nalanzhen looked up and saw that the Tang army general had already entered Chishankou with Trisong Detsen.

She wanted to shout it out to alert the Tibetan army to the Tang army's tricks.

But when the words came to her lips, she swallowed them back.

After finally rescuing Trisong Detsen, how could she possibly speak and put him in danger?

She was hoping for a lucky break, hoping that Trisong Detsen could return to Tubo safely and that the Tang army would not take the opportunity to capture Shanzhou.

Sudden.

A scream was heard from the pass, followed by the sound of fighting.

"Be careful, the Tang army is plotting! Don't hurt the Zamp!" Nalan Zhen shouted.

Then, a soldier dragged her to the back.

"kill!"

This team of Tang troops quickly broke into the city and soon captured it.

But they were outnumbered and it was impossible for them to continue to capture Shanzhou or even defeat Dazalugong.

While Nalan Zhen was still thinking about this, she suddenly felt the ground trembling slightly. She turned around and saw dust flying in the east, flags waving, and the overwhelming Tang army rushing towards the battlefield.

Just from the situation along the way, she knew that the Tang army had been preparing for a long time. Unfortunately, Dazha Lugong still thought that the Tang army was going to attack Pugu Huai'en, and was not prepared, and was still on the way to meet the Zamp.

"You win!"

Na Lanzhen suddenly shouted.

She thought of the conversation she had with Xue Bai in Daming Palace that day, and ran towards the Tang army general desperately.

"We will hand over the Hexi Corridor and all the Tang territory we have occupied over the years. There is no need to fight anymore. Don't hurt the Zamp... Trisong Detsen, say something. You admit defeat!"

The ground inside the pass was littered with corpses. Trisong Detsen was closing his eyes and praying for the dead. He did not react at all when he heard what the elder sister said.

The young general who led the army to occupy the pass was Hun Yu. Upon hearing this, he sneered and said indifferently: "What are you talking about peace talks? You know very well in your heart that you have occupied the territory of the Tang Dynasty. Your so-called sincerity is just based on taking advantage."

Nalan Zhen stopped and was speechless.

She kept scolding Xue Bai for betraying the alliance, but she knew very well in her heart that both of them were considering the greatest interests of their country. She lost simply because she was not as strong as Xue Bai.

Hun Yu knew that what she said was not reliable, so he shouted, "Prepare for a surprise attack on Dazalugong!"

……

The sun slowly sets in the west, casting its crimson rays over the mountain, dyeing it like blood. Perhaps this place is named "Chishan" for this reason.

Nalanzhen looked around and saw Dazalugong's flag gradually approaching in the blood-red setting sun.

When she turned around, she saw that the other side of the city was full of ambushed Tang troops.

"boom!"

As the firearms thrown by the catapults exploded, Dazalugong's main force was shed in blood in the setting sun.

~~
"Boom."

A loud noise from far away reached Shang Jiezan's ears.

He was startled, pulled the frightened horse, and shouted, "What's going on?"

No one could answer him, so he sent scouts to the front to find out what was happening, and at the same time ordered the cavalry to change horses and prepare to rescue Dazalugong.

Soon, he saw large flags of the Tang army erected on the distant mountains, fluttering in the wind.

"how come?!"

Shang Jiezan was shocked and murmured, "Why would the Tang court send so many troops to attack Shanzhou?"

He quickly figured out the various reasons, so he arranged for troops to support the defeated army and immediately recruited his trusted generals.

"You must immediately go to Lingwu to meet Pugu Huai'en and tell him that all the troops that the Tang court has transferred to Qinlong have already moved westward, and Chang'an is empty. This is a golden opportunity for him to raise an army. You must convince him!"

"Yes!"

Shang Jiezan immediately recruited another team and ordered: "Go find the Huihe people. No matter what, tell Yidijian to join forces with Pugu Huai'en to send troops as soon as possible. Otherwise, the Tang court will definitely support Yehu and kill him sooner or later."

~~
At the same time, Lingwu.

Pugu Huai'en was shirtless as he let the doctor apply medicine to him, his forehead was covered with sweat.

"Marshal Jie has been too busy lately."

The doctor washed a golden needle used to remove gangrene in a basin of water, wiped the blood off his hands, and said, "We can't go on like this. The sore is getting worse. Marshal Ji needs to rest."

"I see." Pugu Huai'en said, "You didn't tell anyone about this, did you?"

"Don't worry, Marshal Ji. I always keep my mouth shut."

Pugu Huai'en put on his clothes and looked at the doctor's back with murderous intent in his eyes. After a moment, he shook his head and gave up the idea of ​​killing to silence him.

In any case, it doesn't make much sense.

After a while, Pugu Yan walked in and said, "Grandpa, I just saw a doctor leave. What happened, Grandpa?"

"It's all because of you that I can't sleep well."

"It's because I'm incompetent that I can't gain the trust of the court."

Pugu Huai'en frowned and waved his hands, meaning that it was not Pugu Yan's problem, but the court was sorry for Pugu's family.

"Mr. Guo...are you here yet?"

"Not yet." Pu Gu Yan said, "The court said that they want Guo Ziyi to replace you, but I don't think he would dare to come. He has been hiding in Jingyuan for so long. I don't think he would obey the court's orders. You, why don't you write him a letter? Ask him if he is willing to rebel against the court together, even if it means serving him as the leader."

Puguo Huai'en hesitated, because he was afraid of Guo Ziyi, which made him feel that many things were very difficult to deal with.

But if Guo Ziyi was willing to join the rebellion, he would be able to make up his mind.

"Well, then send someone to see Mr. Guo."

As soon as the messenger was sent out, the soldiers guarding the city ran back in panic.

"Come on!"

"Why are you so nervous?"

"Guo Guo Guo... they really have come and have entered the city gate."

Because of Guo Ziyi's prestige, the soldier guarding the city did not dare to call him by his name out of guilt.

"Mr. Guo, you're here so soon?"

Pugu Huai'en was stunned for a moment, then his eyes widened in anger and he glared at Pugu Yan fiercely.

He was an old general of Guo Ziyi and knew that Guo Ziyi was very popular in the Shuofang Army. Once he arrived, things would only become more difficult. But Pugu Yan was tricked and thought that the other party was in Jingyuan.

"Quick, I'll go and welcome them! How many people did Mr. Guo bring with him?"

"There are probably more than ten people."

Pugu Yan was following his father with his head down. When he heard this, he had an idea and thought to himself that if he could kill Guo Ziyi before the Shuofang soldiers knew about it, his prestige would be of no use.

It was Guo Ziyi who wanted to conceal his actions, so that others could not blame him.

(End of this chapter)