Tang Dynasty military camp.
"Your Highness, according to the information we have gathered, the envoys from the various countries in the Western Regions have already arrived outside the border. They are camped about ten miles away from us."
When it comes to diplomatic affairs, Li Xiang handed the matter over to Lord Zhao. After all, the people under him are professionals. If you let Niu Jinda talk to envoys from various countries, this guy will probably beat them up in a few words.
Niu Jinda is a straightforward person. He can be asked to do some things, but he has no patience for things like diplomatic wrangling.
"How is the King of Qi preparing?"
Although Li Xiang has said almost the same thing as Li You, there is no guarantee that this guy will do something unexpected at the critical moment.
"Please rest assured, Your Highness. His Highness the Prince of Qi has already made a preliminary understanding of the surrounding situation and is now awaiting your orders."
During this half month, Eunuch Han and his men were not idle. They kept sending spies to various countries in the Western Regions. They also knew the attitudes of the countries in the Western Regions. So now Li You is completely different from when he first came. He is now ready to go out and be the boss.
The situation in the coalition camp is no secret. As long as you spend some money, you can immediately know the situation over there. The countries in the Western Regions have already reached a consensus. No matter what trouble Li You causes in their country, these people will serve him obediently and will never disobey Li You in any way.
In this situation, Li You felt like he would be at a disadvantage if he didn't set off quickly. He didn't want to see Li Xiang these days, so he asked Eunuch Han to come over often, hoping that he could set off earlier and not stay stuck in this military camp.
"Have you explained everything that needs to be explained?"
Li Xiang was also unwilling to see Li You about some things. Although the two were uncle and nephew, their philosophies of life were so different. Li Xiang would rather talk to Handesi about some things than to this guy.
"It's ready."
Lord Zhao also didn't want Li You to stay here any longer. Although this guy didn't leave the house every day, many soldiers outside would pay attention to what was happening inside. Making that kind of noise every day would not be a good thing for him to stay in the barracks for a long time.
"What about you?"
Li Xiang knew the recent situation in the military camp, but after all, it concerned a prince of the court, so he had to ask everything he needed to ask. If something really went wrong because of the preparations, Li Xiang would not be able to escape responsibility. Niu Jinda was responsible for escorting two thousand soldiers along the way, so the preparation of these people was also very important. Once they left the border of Gaochang, Li You's safety would depend on these two thousand people.
The prestige of the Tang Dynasty is one thing, and the soldiers under your command are another. If you meet some particular people, then the prestige of the Tang Dynasty is much more important than these two thousand soldiers. Although the two thousand soldiers are strong in combat, it is impossible for them to conquer all the countries in the Western Regions. Sometimes, relying on a mouth and the prestige of the Tang Dynasty can do it.
But this is only the case when they meet those particular people, that is, the so-called people with brains. If they meet a group of warriors, then the prestige of the Tang Dynasty may be useless. In their view, the Tang Dynasty is too far away from here and cannot take care of the things in the Gobi Desert at all. Here they have to rely on the swords in their hands.
If we encounter these people, we will have to rely on these two thousand soldiers.
"Your Highness, we were fully prepared for battle last time, but Kang Ying was such a coward and simply handed his scouts over to us. This time, we went in with ease, but I don't know which country our prince has chosen."
Niu Jinda said nonchalantly that the soldiers under his command were like roaring little tigers, especially after they were equipped with all kinds of new equipment. Even if they were trapped in the enemy's siege, he had all kinds of tactics to kill them, unless they were surrounded by a 100,000-strong army. But these people were not fools, so how could they fall into the enemy's trap?
What's more, Li Xiang also has support troops. Five thousand people are ready. As long as the range does not exceed 500 miles, they can kill us on the same day. Even if the range exceeds 500 miles, they can hold on for a few days. Therefore, our safety in the countries of the Western Regions is not a problem.
"Then you should set off tomorrow. Since everything is ready, and this guy is always causing trouble in the barracks, why not hurry up and cause trouble for others? Let the nations in the Western Regions know that if they don't agree to our so-called terms, they can expect to serve this demon king."
Li Xiang had to resort to this desperate measure. The two sides were deadlocked here, and there had to be someone to break the deadlock. Li You was this person. As long as he made the people of the Western Regions countries unbearable, then someone would restart negotiations. At that time, it would be you who brought it up again. Our demands are not the same as before.
"Is there no problem with Xiao Shougui? According to His Majesty's decree, he should be with His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi. Now that he is with Wadahan, if he has any complaints, his memorial can be sent directly to Chang'an."
Niu Jinda suddenly remembered another thing. Xiao Shougui came to the Western Regions to serve as Li You's deputy. Now he was used by Li Xiang for other purposes. Li You went to various countries in the Western Regions. If he was not taken with him, it would be hard to say what would happen if something went wrong.
"You guys go ahead. If nothing serious happens, I'll let him stay with Wadahan. Wadahan is no simple man. Just having some armed soldiers isn't enough; he needs someone with brains. If anything happens to you, I'll have someone send him over as fast as possible. Xiao Shougui has a very useful brain and can help you solve any problems."
Li Xiang values Xiao Shougui very much. Of course, this is also related to his personal ability. If this guy can't do anything, how could Li Xiang keep talking about him?
Xiao Yu and Lord Zhao also have a relationship. Lord Zhao originally wanted to mention it, but now after hearing Li Xiang's proper arrangements, Lord Zhao kept silent. This clearly means that he treats Xiao Shougui as his own. In the northwest, as long as Li Xiang can treat you as his own, then you can just wait to reap the credit. But if they are two families, then you have to reflect on why others get all the credit, while your credit is taken away.
After arranging these matters, Li Xiang's orders were issued, and the Western Regions camp also received a notice from the Tang army...