Early Tang Dynasty: forge ahead

Chapter 295 On Haidong

After a series of events, Chen Qingsi's strategic talents have been recognized and recognized by the public.

Especially Li Zhi, in his mind at this moment, Chen Qingsi is the only one in terms of strategy.

Although his status is the lowest among this group of people and he has no initial say, they are not willing to show their shame in front of him.

Li Ji gently stroked his beard and said: "Mr. Xiao Chen is the most knowledgeable about the study of the East China Sea and the East Peninsula. Why don't you let him share his views first?"

Chen Qingsi bowed to Li Ji first, and said modestly: "Now there is a delicate balance among the three countries of Haidong, Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje. Goguryeo is afraid of our army and does not dare to attack Silla with all its strength. Baekje just wants to take advantage of the chaos. Taking advantage, they were unwilling to increase their offensive and attract the hatred of Silla, lest Silla bring back the main force to deal with them. Both sides had concerns. There were wise men in Silla and good strength, so they stabilized the situation for some reason. "

"As long as our army remains inactive, this situation will remain in stalemate for a long time until a fourth force intervenes to break the balance among the three."

Li Zhi, Li Ji, and Ren Yaxiang all heard the meaning of "the fourth party" and were shocked at the same time.

Li Zhi asked: "Ai Qing's implication is that besides us, there are other forces staring at Haidong? Impossible!"

Li Ji and Ren Yaxiang also meant the same thing.

The Haidong Peninsula is located in the extreme northeast, where there is nothing but nothing, and it is located in the corner.

If he hadn't been obsessed with it and wanted a stable rear area so that he could develop westward with all his strength, Li Zhi would not have been willing to pay attention.

In a place facing the sea on three sides, would there be other forces coveting it?

As for Su Dingfang and Jiang Ke, they didn't know what they were talking about.

Both of them rose to power by virtue of their military exploits and were out-and-out warriors, but in essence they were still rough men.

Su Dingfang was unparalleled in the world in commanding on the spot and facing the enemy in battle, but he was still slightly inferior in the details of the general strategy.

Chen Qingsi said calmly: "Your Majesty, please don't forget that there is a Japanese country south of Silla and Baekje, across the sea."

Li Zhi didn't have much impression of the Japanese country, but he knew that there was indeed a small island country in the east. Because the Japanese state neither paid tribute nor claimed vassal status, it was not well received by the court.

"Ai Qing is saying that they might also covet Haidong?"

Li Zhi's hands in his sleeves tightened. With Chen Qingsi, he could always hear something unexpected, which made the originally clear situation more complicated. But he knew better that the other party's analysis and judgment had never been wrong.

"Of course!"

Chen Qingsi answered without hesitation and said: "I have had contacts with Japanese businessmen. I heard most of the things about Haidong from the Japanese businessmen. I have a feeling about the Japanese people I have come into contact with. A small courtesy but no great righteousness, a fear of majesty but no virtue.' Their arrogance can also be seen in the credential written by them and the former Emperor Yangdi, which said, 'The emperor is in the place where the sun rises and the emperor is gone in the book.' "

Li Zhi was very unhappy. Although the credential was given to Yang Guang, what was the difference in identity between him and Yang Guang?

Chen Qingsi has some understanding of the small life of this era. So far, the Japanese state has sent three waves of envoys to the Tang Dynasty. However, at this time, the Japanese state did not have much respect for the Tang Empire far to the west. The three envoys sent to the Tang Dynasty were all small in scale, with a small number of people, not well organized, and the personnel were not neatly equipped. The key is They did not come to pay tribute and were not taken seriously by the court.

It wasn't until the Battle of Baijiangkou that the Tang Dynasty slapped the Japanese state in the face. Only then did they know what "virtue" was, and they began to send Tang envoys on a large scale. They also personally participated in the Zen ceremony of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, and even imitated Li Zhi. The title of the emperor.

Chen Qingsi continued: "The Japanese country once occupied a place in Haidong called Renna. At that time, many wealthy Japanese families moved here. It was destroyed by Silla a hundred years ago, and the survivors of the Japanese country were protected by Baekje. For some reason, Baekje and the Japanese country The relationship between the two countries is very good. The two sides are allies of each other and the relationship is extremely close. It is possible for the Japanese country to get involved at a specific time."

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit dull, he immediately smiled and said: "But there is no need to worry too much. The strength of the Japanese country is limited. They can break the situation on the Haidong Peninsula because we do not attack. Once we attack, it is not worth mentioning."

Li Zhi felt relieved instantly, and for the first time he heard the words from Chen Qingsi about the opponent's lack of strength.

Chen Qingsi had repeatedly talked about how powerful Tubo was, which made him doubt his own strength.

"Therefore, I think that even if it is not appropriate to send troops at this moment, we may be ready to attack to prevent Silla from being destroyed by the joint efforts of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Japan."

The terrain of the Haidong Peninsula is complex. Without Silla's assistance, even if the Tang army could win, the price they would pay would be incalculable.

Although Chen Qingsi hates Silla, the predecessor of Bangzi, he also knows that Silla cannot be destroyed now.

The main opponent of the Tang Dynasty was Tibet, and it could not lose too much national power for Haidong.

Li Zhi nodded.

"Besides..." Chen Qingsi came to the most critical point. He looked at the superior Li Zhi with burning eyes and said, "I think that if we want long-term peace and stability in Haidong, the best way is to destroy Baekje first."

Li Zhi looked at Chen Qingsi in shock.

Several surrounding ministers also looked puzzled as to why they were involved in destroying Baekje again.

Only Li Ji understood it first and nodded slightly.

Chen Qingsi did not dare to show off, and said directly: "The balance of the three countries in Haidong will be destroyed by the intervention of the fourth party, including us, who are powerful. If the imperial court sends a large number of troops to Goguryeo, Goguryeo will most likely be shaken up and down. Because of fear, the main force of troops and horses will be transferred to Liaodong to resist. This will leave a void in the rear area. Silla has been coveting the southern territory of Goguryeo for a long time, so why not not take it?"

"Your Majesty, you must know that the rich areas of Goguryeo are all in the Han River Basin in the south, and most of the population is concentrated here. On the contrary, the surrounding areas of Liaodong are mostly fortresses and mountain cities. We can attack the opponent's fortified city, defeat the opponent's main army, and obtain the sparsely populated and barren areas. , but let Silla take advantage, why?”

There was recognition in Li Zhi's eyes that attacking Goguryeo would definitely be a loss economically. If Silla still takes advantage of the few benefits, doesn't that mean making wedding clothes for others?

Doesn't he deserve to die?

He didn’t know that in history, he actually let Silla make a move.

Chen Qingsi continued: "Destroying Baekje can avoid this situation. Silla has Goguryeo watching over it, and there is no extra strength to seize Baekje's land. Goguryeo is restrained by Liaodong and Silla, and even if it wanted to come to support, it would not have many troops. As long as Once we capture Baekje, we can join forces with Silla, take control of the command, and attack Goguryeo from both sides. At that time, we will be able to eat our own meat, and how much we share will depend on His Majesty's mood."

(End of this chapter)