Five days later, they were one hundred and fifty miles outside Liangzhou City.
As the full-power negotiating representative of Tuyuhun, Prime Minister Midu had so many wrinkles on his brow that they could kill a fly.
He had already sent people to deliver letters to the two generals in Liangzhou City, expressing Tuyuhun's willingness to end the war. Of course, he did not say it so clearly, but the other party had not responded. Now he received a secret report from Tuyuhun spies in the Tang Dynasty, saying that the entire Tang Dynasty was mobilizing for this war. Could it be that they really did not want to negotiate peace?
"Prime Minister, don't worry. I believe the Tang Dynasty is merely making some gestures. Their current financial situation is not good. The two campaigns against Goguryeo last year and the year before last have almost exhausted the Tang Dynasty's treasury. Continuing the war would be quite disadvantageous to them."
One of his advisers saw that Prime Minister Midu was depressed all day long, so he quickly expressed his analysis.
Before receiving these secret reports, Prime Minister Midu had the same idea as them. The Tang Dynasty was only strong in appearance, but they had used up most of their money in the process of the Eastern Expedition to Goguryeo. Although Tuyuhun was the opponent of the Tang Dynasty, it could still hold on. The Tang Dynasty needed at least five years to recuperate.
But the letters sent back were not fake. They came from several places in the Tang Dynasty. Thousands of miles of territory were mobilized. If it was just a bluff, it would be too bluffing. What's more, mobilizing so many prefectures and counties is not a matter of a single word.
Furthermore, the two generals in Liangzhou ignored his belief, which made Prime Minister Midu even more suspicious. Could it be that Li Shimin had ordered the war to continue to the end? Was he determined to destroy Tuyuhun?
If this were the case, it would certainly cause indelible trauma to the society of the Tang Dynasty, but the Tang Dynasty was a large country spanning the north and the south after all. Their territory and people could slowly recuperate. As long as they endured the pain for the time being, Tuyuhun would disappear. This is the difference between a big country and a small country. No matter how powerful a small country is, it cannot beat a big country in the face of true strength.
"Bring me some pen and ink."
Prime Minister Midu hesitated again and again, feeling that he had to write another letter. Although if he wrote another letter, the status of Tuyuhun would decline a lot. After all, no one wanted to take the initiative at this time. But if the Tang Dynasty was determined, then this letter must be written. Before the Tang Dynasty army supported the southwest, he had to sign this peace agreement.
"Please think twice, Prime Minister."
Since these people present can stand in this tent, it means that they have extraordinary brains and can certainly understand what Prime Minister Midu means.
"Grinding ink..."
The Prime Minister did not listen to the advice of the people around him, because he naturally had a scale in his heart. In the current situation, if he missed such an opportunity, he would probably regret it in the future. Now the Prime Minister missed the previous meeting. If the last negotiation could be agreed upon, perhaps there would not be such a great loss on the grassland.
"I, the Prime Minister, have been entrusted by the Khan to handle this matter with full authority. I will bear all consequences myself."
Prime Minister Midu knew what these people were thinking. They were all afraid of taking responsibility. After all, with the signing of this agreement, we would be in danger if we stuck our heads out, and we would be in danger if we withdrew our heads. If you are too eager, the blow from the Tang Dynasty will be deeper, and everyone will be embarrassed at that time. They are also afraid that the Khan will hold them accountable.
After the Prime Minister finished speaking, he no longer cared about the reactions of these people and put all his thoughts into writing his second letter. This letter was more proactive than the first one, and even had a humiliating meaning of asking for peace. This was because the Prime Minister knew very well that negotiations before the war might be able to save Tuyuhun. But when the Tang army arrived, even if you wanted to take the blow, you would probably have no chance. Think about the Turks back then, and you should know what the result would be.
On the surface, Li Shimin was one with the ethnic groups outside the Great Wall, but the defense of the Tang Dynasty's borders had never weakened, and was even increasing. From this, it can be seen that Li Shimin did not relax on them, but was only giving them a pass for the sake of face. In addition, this new grandson of the emperor adopted a tough policy towards various countries. Now the Tang Dynasty really has the possibility of destroying Tuyuhun.
In this situation, Prime Minister Midu had no time to hesitate. If he hesitated for one more day, the Tang Dynasty would likely have assembled tens of thousands of troops, and Tuyuhun would be in danger.
After the letter was written, Prime Minister Mi Du handed it to a reliable subordinate and asked him to deliver it to Liangzhou City as soon as possible. He hoped that the letter would not be delivered too late so that the two generals would have room to reply. The distance between Liangzhou and Chang'an was not close, and it would take several days to go back and forth.
A few hours later, General Qin Qiong received the letter. Everyone in the room burst into laughter. Everything was in Li Xiang's plan, and they were relieved. They were originally afraid that Prime Minister Midu would see through Li Xiang's plan, and then they would have to send troops out. This would be a bit difficult for the current Tang Dynasty.
Although the generals outside plundered a lot of things, compared with the huge military expenditure, this could only offset a part of it. If the army was to go out, it would have to destroy Tuyuhun, which would take at least three months. The court's finances could not support it at all, and everyone knew this.
What's more, except for Li Xiang's army, which does not need logistical support, other armies need to transport supplies from Liangzhou City. At that time, one fighting soldier will need two logistical personnel, and the people in the border areas will also suffer from the war.
They have already lost their homes. If we force them into the army now, it might provoke a civil uprising. So after weighing all aspects of the situation, we can only put on a show for the Tuyuhun people, make them humiliate themselves and beg for peace, and then we will pursue the greatest benefits.
"According to the date, I should write back to him in ten days."
Qin Huaiyu counted on his fingers. The letter arrived in Chang'an, then stayed there for two days before returning to us. Ten days later, we wrote back to him. This speed was already considered fast. If it was too early or too late, things would change easily. Prime Minister Mi Du was also a cunning man...