Early Tang Dynasty: forge ahead

Chapter 467: Another Attack
"Father!"

Lun Qinling was anxious. He rode non-stop to the Tubo capital and went straight to the Dalun Palace.

The Tang court was a formidable opponent, and with a famous general like Su Dingfang, it was even more difficult to deal with. They really couldn't do anything to Su Dingfang, so they could only use the stupidest method to save Su Dingfang's life, but at the same time, they were also saving their father Gal Dongzan's life.

His father and Su Dingfang were from the same generation and were only a few years younger than each other.

Su Dingfang is seventy-three years old this year, and his father is sixty-five.

Su Dingfang's campaigns to the east and west consumed a lot of resources, and his father also worked hard for Tubo.

Especially after breaking with the Tang court, they suffered unprecedented suppression.

He suffered defeat again and again at the hands of Su Dingfang, and the losses of his troops were substantial.

There was also considerable turmoil within the country, and there were even signs of abdication and military rebellion. It was all thanks to his father's superb tactics, either suppressing or appeasing, and finding another way to gain the support of the power of the Arab Empire. Through maritime trade with the Arab Empire, the interests of the major nobles were maintained, and thus the situation was maintained.

It is easy to say that Su Dingfang's life will be wasted, his military talents will be used to hone oneself, but the price behind this is bloody and there is no other way.

Lun Qinling was always worried that Su Dingfang would not fall, but his own father would fall first.

When Lun Qinling suddenly received this urgent news, he immediately felt ominous.

"Where is Father!"

Lun Qinling threw the horsewhip to the steward who came to greet him.

"In the lobby!"

Tubo adopted the system of hegemony, in which all state policy affairs were handled by the Dalunfu, while the Tubo Zamp was responsible for sacrificial tasks.

The lobby of Dalun Mansion was the administrative center of Tubo. Hearing that his father was still handling official business, he didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

"Father!"

Lun Qinling walked into the lobby and saw a familiar old figure writing at the desk. His nose felt slightly sore, but he felt at peace in his heart.

Gal Dongzan raised his head from the desk, smiled at his beloved son, and said, "Come, rub your shoulders for me. I'm old now, and my shoulders are not in good shape. They are a little sore."

Lun Qinling stood directly behind his father and kneaded him gently.

Galdongzan enjoyed his son's care and took a piece of silk clothing from the corner of the table with some joy, turned up the cuffs, revealing densely written words.

"I just got the news that Su Dingfang has been feeling unwell since he retreated from Qinghai to Shanzhou. He must be sick..."

Lun Qinling's hands froze, and he felt mixed emotions. After a moment, he said, "Is the news true?"

Logically, he should be happy.

We have put in so much effort and lost so many soldiers, isn't it all for this day?

But Lun Qinling unexpectedly did not feel happy.

As an opponent, Lun Qinling understood Su Dingfang's strength better than anyone else, and he was more eager than anyone else to defeat him fairly. But for the sake of Tubo, he had to use any means, no matter how dishonorable.

Galdong praised: "It should be true. Our people are lurking near Su Dingfang's Anji Ambassador's Mansion. Su Dingfang likes to hang out with soldiers the most. Even though he is a general who is second only to the emperor, he often goes to the military camp and eats and lives with the soldiers. He spends more time in the military camp than in the Anji Ambassador's Mansion. Because of this, the Tang army soldiers are deeply impressed by his righteousness and are willing to die for him..."

Lun Qinling was well aware of this, as Su Dingfang, who was fighting against him, rarely charged into battle. But as long as he was at the front line, the soldiers' momentum and fighting spirit were completely different.

The same soldiers will have different effects when they are under the command of others and under the command of Su Dingfang.

"But it has been more than two months since Su Dingfang returned to Shanzhou. He actually lived in the Anji Ambassador's Mansion most of the time, which is very unusual. We can't get the exact information, but we learned from others that the amount of charcoal used in the Anji Ambassador's Mansion is more than five times that of the past."

"Su Dingfang is not a person who enjoys life comfortably. He doesn't have any extra servants in his house, so he doesn't need so much charcoal. The only possibility is that he is sick and can't stand the cold."

When Galdongzan said this, his words were filled with unconcealable joy.

If Su Dingfang didn't die, he would not be able to hold on.

Lun Qinling also thought of the previous battles. Su Dingfang rarely appeared on the front line, and the ones who were truly responsible for the attack were several generals under the opponent's command.

Among them, Wang Xiaojie, Tuoba Jun and Xi Junmai are old acquaintances.

In addition, Heichi Changzhi and Cheng Wuting were new generals transferred from the Northeast. They both performed very well, but neither of them made him feel the oppressive threat.

Could it be that at that time, Su Dingfang's body had already become abnormal?
Lun Qinling asked, "Could there be any trickery involved?"

He did not dare to be careless at all towards the Tang army.

Gal Dongzan said: "Our people dare not believe it easily. After reporting to father, they continue to investigate the news. Not long ago, Tang general Wang Xiaojie carried a tiger into Shanzhou, which attracted onlookers. The reason was to drive away the cold for Su Dingfang..."

Lun Qinling was dumbfounded again after listening to this. What on earth was going on?
If Su Dingfang concealed his illness in order to stabilize the situation, this incident should not have happened.

But if this is a strategy, what kind of strategy is it?

Galdong praised: "My son is very talented in deploying troops and fighting the enemy in battle. I am far behind him. However, you still need to pay more attention to the details and the people's hearts. Remember, knowing yourself and the enemy will ensure victory in every battle. You can't just focus on powerful opponents like Su Dingfang and Chen Qingsi."

"It is indeed a pleasure to fight against the strong. But it is difficult to achieve the final victory by enjoying it. The key to victory or defeat lies mostly with the weak..."

"Wang Xiaojie is a loyal and brave man, rough but meticulous. But his meticulousness is not used in the right way, but used to flatter. In fact, his flattery skills are not very good, and he often makes some jokes. But there is no doubt that he has feelings for Su Dingfang... This time he went up the mountain to hunt tigers, it must be his personal behavior."

"Making such a big fuss is one of his tactics. It's not very clever, but it's very practical."

"If it weren't for Wang Xiaojie, father wouldn't be sure whether it was true or not. With Wang Xiaojie, father thinks Su Dingfang might really be sick."

Lun Qinling had already developed a certain respect for Su Dingfang, but in the overall situation of the country, this admiration was insignificant. His eyes gradually became firm and he said, "Father, tell me, what should we do!"

Gal Dongzan said: "If we fight again, we can't let Su Dingfang have the chance to recuperate. My son will continue to move south. If Su Dingfang comes back, we will fight him as usual. If it's not Su Dingfang, it's time to show my son's ability. If we lose to Su Dingfang, it's understandable. If we lose to other Tang generals, then we Tubo can only defend the plateau and apologize to the great Songtsen Gampo together."

In all Tang Dynasty books, it is recorded that the prosperity of Tubo was due to the efforts of Gardongtsen. This shows that Gardongtsen's ability was recognized by both Tubo and the Tang Dynasty.

Songtsen Gampo was undoubtedly the most outstanding king of Tubo, but he died too early and only laid a foundation. The real foundation was laid by Galdongtsen.

However, in Galdongtsen's heart, Songtsen Gampo was the only king of Tubo, the one to whom he swore allegiance until death for the rest of his life.

Lun Qinling said: "Don't worry, father. As long as the opponent is not Su Dingfang, I am confident that I can win."

"Good!" Galdong praised: "You don't have to worry about logistics. The Tang court has demonstrated its terrible power through this Fengshan ceremony, and has also successfully aroused the fear of the Arab Empire. As long as the attack on the Tang court can consume the Tang court's strength, the Arab Empire will not be stingy with some supplies."
-
Chang'an, Chen's Residence. When Chen Qingsi returned home that day, he learned that Wu Minzhi was visiting and was waiting in the living room.

Chen Qingsi handed his heavy robe to the steward and walked quickly towards the reception room.

See Chen Qingsi walk into the living room.

Wu Minzhi quickly stood up to greet him: "Hello, sir!"

There was a rare look of worry on Wu Minzhi's handsome face.

Chen Qingsi looked at the elegant young man in front of him with some surprise. Wu Minzhi gave him the impression of a "spoiled" child.

Wu Minzhi did not go astray, so he could not be called spoiled, but he was frivolous and proud, often acting aggressively to save face, and often fighting with others. Most of the people he fought with were opponents of the same level, and he would not seek a sense of superiority over ordinary people.

At least Chen Qingsi had never heard of Wu Minzhi doing any evil.

Wu Minzhi respected him as a teacher very much. Chen Qingsi did not deny that he accepted Wu Minzhi as a student in the beginning, partly because of Empress Wu, but after spending a few years together, he still felt some concern for this student.

"what happened?"

Chen Qingsi was not too distant with Wu Minzhi, so he did not even return the greeting. He just patted him on the shoulder and asked him to sit aside and talk.

Walk to the main seat and sit down.

Wu Minzhi said: "I am here to send you an invitation. I will be getting married in the first month of next year."

As Wu Minzhi spoke, he took out an invitation from his sleeve, handed it to Chen Qingsi, and then took a seat.

Chen Qingsi took the invitation and flipped through it. Seeing that the girl's surname was Yang, he knew what she meant.

Hongnong Yang family.

The power behind Empress Wu's mother.

The Hongnong Yang family was once a prominent family. Yang Zhen was the Taiwei of the Eastern Han Dynasty and was known as the Confucius of Guanxi. His son Yang Bing, grandson Yang Ci, and great-grandson Yang Biao were all Taiwei. They were known as the fourth generation of Taiwei and the famous family of Tokyo, which was three times more impressive than Yuan Shao's four generations of three dukes.

However, during the Jin Dynasty, because they crossed the Yangtze River late, they were marginalized, and there was a lack of talent, and they lost their glory.

After finally showing signs of rise in the Sui Dynasty, it was completely ruined by Yang Xuangan's trouble.

Now, because of Empress Wu, the maternal generation is very active.

After all, Empress Wu was the mother of the country and had a say among the ladies of high rank.

It was not within Empress Wu's power to arrange for family elites to serve as officials, and the Yang family did not enjoy much real power.

Wu Minzhi was an exception, because Wu Minzhi inherited the title of Wu Shiqi, and was a member of the Wu family, so he was Li Zhi's nephew. Naturally, he had to take good care of his own nephews.

Wu Minzhi's marriage to Yang was probably forced by his elders.

This is not even a political marriage.

The Yang family really doesn't have much power in the political arena.

Chen Qingsi said: "Don't you like this marriage?"

Facing Chen Qingsi, Wu Minzhi did not lie, but said: "I really don't like Yang, and I don't like this arrangement even more."

Chen Qingsi said, "If you don't want to, why didn't you tell me earlier? Now the invitation has been sent, the matter is settled, and there is nothing you can do."

Originally, this was the Wu family's family affair, and it was not convenient for him as an outsider to interfere. However, because of the relationship with "Mr.", he knew about this matter in advance and had some room for maneuver.

Now that invitations have been sent out, it means that the three matchmaking and six engagement procedures have been completed. In name only, Yang is already the legal daughter-in-law of the Wu family, but she has not yet married into the family. Everything is a foregone conclusion.

If you regret it now, how will the woman react?

The girl didn't provoke anyone.

Wu Minzhi shook his head and said, "I just don't want to hide it from you, sir. I don't have any intentions or options."

Wu Minzhi was just eccentric, but he had a clear mind. He understood many things, such as his mother hated Chen Qingsi, and his aunt Empress Wu also hated Chen Qingsi, but he always pretended to be friendly.

But what can he do?
He can’t even control his own last name, so what else can he do?
He didn't want to embarrass Chen Qingsi, and he didn't want his mother and aunt, who were already at odds with each other, to come into direct conflict with the teacher he admired, so he didn't even think of seeking his help.

He had already accepted his fate.

There's nothing wrong with being alive like a puppet.

At least there are people who flatter her, and when she is in a bad mood, she can even confront others. Anyway, Empress Wu is standing behind her, and no one dares to offend her.

Chen Qingsi could hear Wu Minzhi's helplessness and could also feel the anger in his heart.

In history, because he was still resentful, Li Zhi suppressed the Wu family, slept with his sister, and forced Empress Wu to take action against her own niece.

Wu Minzhi, who had no power to resist, chose the most extreme way and became Empress Wu's stepfather...

Empress Wu is having a bad time now, so she shouldn't be suppressed anymore, and those dirty things won't happen in the short term.

As long as he can get along with this, he shouldn't go to extremes.

Chen Qingsi said: "What do you mean by that? There is no easy path in life. Compared to most people in this world, you have already reached a destination that ordinary people cannot reach in their lifetime. You feel that you are not free and are being manipulated by others. But you have never looked back to see those envious eyes."

"Minzhi, if you want to be free, you have to accept your current unfreedom. Accept their kindness and let them free you. Then you can say no to them loudly. Self-pity and submission will only make it easier for them to control you."

"Treat the girl well. If you don't like her, she may not like you."

Wu Minzhi, who had a mouthful of chicken soup, was a little unhappy when he heard this and said, "Sir, you are wrong. Just based on your student's appearance, few girls can refuse him."

He bowed respectfully and said, "I understand. Thank you for your teachings, sir. Getting married is the most important event for me. Please be sure to attend, sir."

"Okay! I'll go!"

Chen Qingsi agreed immediately.

(End of this chapter)