Li Xiang's wish was good, but with the arrival of an imperial edict from Chang'an City, Li Xiang's wish was shattered. These Turks could not be taken to the front line because they had more important tasks.
According to the imperial edict, these Turks must be transported to Chang'an, because in the propaganda in Chang'an City, the Tang army had never been defeated, and they had been marching northward with great momentum. The people across the country also thought so, so these Turks had to be taken to Chang'an to let all the people see that we really won the battle.
Of course, the court did this for a reason. There were some sinister elements within the Tang Dynasty who spread rumors in society, saying that the Tang Dynasty had lost a battle on the grassland. This could not be considered a rumor, after all, it was really a defeat, but the Tang Dynasty court did not disclose it to the outside world. Even a fool could tell what these people were thinking when they said this, so Li Shimin decided to let Li Xiang send these people back to Chang'an, which was also a practical action to fight back against these conspirators.
This wasn't a big deal; wasn't it normal for a country to tell lies? Furthermore, for the sake of the stability of such a large empire, a few lies were understandable, but the next decision in the imperial edict was intriguing...
The King of Wu was seriously injured on the battlefield. Although Li Xiang brought a doctor with him, it would be better to send him to a stable place. If he was on the grassland, the weather would not be conducive to recovery. Many wounded had to be sent back to Chang'an, but Li Shimin let the King of Wu recuperate on the grassland.
"Your Majesty, this is a very good plan. It seems that our victory this time was in vain. I don't think it's possible to expect Your Majesty to give us promotions."
Niu Jinda was a loyal and honest man who generally did not talk nonsense, but after seeing this imperial edict, he felt a little uncomfortable. The brothers ran from Goguryeo to here, a distance of more than 2,000 miles, and it could be said that they had almost no stops. Except for taking a rest when they were very tired, they never left their horses at other times.
Let's not even talk about winning the battle. Even if we didn't win, the court would have to acknowledge our hard work. But what is the court doing now? They're letting the King of Wu stay on the grasslands to recuperate. That means the King of Wu is still the leader of this army. Since the court hasn't declared them defeated, any subsequent victories will be theirs. We're essentially working for free. No matter how many people die or are injured, they can't reveal it to the world.
"Your Highness, this matter cannot be handled this way. It wouldn't matter if it were just us. Our current positions are high enough. If the emperor doesn't reward us, then forget it. But what about these brothers under us? What about our brothers who have died? Don't their families deserve this honor?"
Su Dingfang was already unable to suppress his anger, and now when he heard that Niu Jinda was not satisfied, he immediately stood up and said, "Although the number of our brothers who died is not large, there are more than 800 of us. The families of these 800 people were originally waiting for their sons to return. After all, we won the victory in Goguryeo, and they also wrote letters to their families. Now they have died on the Xiongnu grassland. Who will explain to their families?"
"Don't be so nervous for now. I think this is just a temporary solution. Let's not react too much for now. The emperor should explain to these people. Otherwise, the families of so many people will not be a small matter."
At this time, Li Xiang couldn't be too angry. If he was angry, the people below would follow Li Xiang's footsteps, and they might make some remarks expressing dissatisfaction with the court. Once the soldiers below knew about it, there would be no need to fight in the north. We could just stay where we are.
On the one hand, the soldiers fight on the front line for the honor of the country, and on the other hand, they also hope that their families can live a better life. But now everyone knows what the emperor is doing, that is, to make people like Li Xiang unsung heroes. This tough battle was won by you, but the honor has nothing to do with you. This all belongs to the army of King Wu, and you have come from afar to help.
If it was a convenient thing, Li Xiang is not the kind of person to care about it, and Niu Jinda and Su Dingfang are not that kind of people either. They will just help you get this thing done. But now our people have really died, and you don't want to acknowledge the honor of these people. Do you want them to rest in peace in the underworld?
"Elephant..."
Just as several people were discussing, Li Xiang suddenly heard Li Ge's voice. After half a month of recuperation, and with the medicine provided by Li Xiang, King Wu Li Ge's body had almost recovered. Although he was still unable to sit up, he was no longer in danger of death. As long as he was carefully cared for, there should be no problem in recovering to his original state.
After hearing this voice, the three people looked a little embarrassed. When they were discussing just now, they forgot that there was another person in the tent. However, they knew that King Wu Li Ke was not a sinister villain.
"You're awake, Third Uncle. It's time to change the dressing today."
Li Xiang quickly asked Su Dingfang to take the golden wound medicine next to him. Although it can also be exchanged in Li Xiang's system, this kind of medicine is more effective. So when Li Xiang uses the medicine, he will take the advantages and make up for the disadvantages, and use whichever one is more useful.
"I heard everything you said. The court was wrong in this matter. As a son, I can't say that my parents did something wrong. But don't worry, I will return to Chang'an with these people, including my subordinates. Those who can fight will go with you. They also want to earn some merit. If they can't fight, let them return to Chang'an with me."
King Wu Li Ke's words made everyone present unable to raise their heads. We were just discussing him, but now his behavior made us a little embarrassed. King Wu Li Ke was an upright person, and the three of them were convinced about this matter. Although they knew it before, they knew it more deeply now.
"Uncle, this is an imperial decree. If you return to Chang'an now, you will be violating the imperial decree. Grandfather Huang will not forgive you then. This matter needs to be considered carefully."
Li Xiang shook his head. This matter could not be done this way. Li Shimin's will could not be violated by others, not even his own son.
