When returning from the Western Regions this time, Li Xiang drew a map for Li Shimin, and it was the Begonia map that was most beneficial to China. This map was sought after by many people in later generations. Of course, there was a reason for the pursuit. This was what Li Xiang called the first territory.
According to what Li Xiang said at the time, all here must be under the direct management of our Tang Dynasty, so that it can be built into a great empire spanning the north and the south. In addition, outside the territory of Begonia, we cannot stop our steps. We can set up various vassal states around them and strengthen military rule over them.
But now the first step to realize the territory of Begonia is to take over the Nanzhao Kingdom. Li Shimin was ambitious and wanted to discuss it with everyone and settle this matter. Part of the army in the Western Regions can also return to the Tang Dynasty. Together with the newly trained army, we have the ability to take over the entire southwest region, but we didn't expect to be blocked here by these two adults.
Those who lead troops are deeply concerned about the lives of their soldiers, just like the veteran generals here. They have spent their entire lives in the military, and the casualties on the battlefield are nothing to them. Where on the battlefield is there no such thing as an unforgettable death? To achieve their ultimate goal, casualties on the battlefield are acceptable.
The most unacceptable thing is this kind of non-combat casualties. Nearly a quarter of the people died on the road. Who would like to fight this kind of war?
This was the original idea of the court inside and outside about Tubo. The court had fought a war with Tubo, but because they were not adapted to the climate on the plateau, almost none of us who rushed forward came back. So whenever the war against Tubo was mentioned, people in the court were opposed. Li Xiang adopted this method, which solved the threat of Tubo.
After the two adults finished speaking, Li Shimin suddenly thought of this point. He didn't want to give up the territory of Qiu Haitang, but he couldn't let the soldiers suffer too much non-combat casualties.
"This seems a bit reckless. So, can we try a different strategy, like we did in Tubo? We can incite internal strife among them, and then support one of them to eventually take over the entire Nanzhao Kingdom?"
After Li Shimin said this, Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji looked at each other and they understood what was going on. Li Shimin was a man who loved to show off and achieve success, but of course he was also very capable. Now that Li Xiang had described the future prospects for him, since the Nanzhao Kingdom was so important, it must be taken down.
Even if we don't use military means to take it down, we must use other political means. In short, this place cannot be criticized by others.
When Li Shimin said this, everyone looked at Changsun Wuji. Almost all the intelligence the court obtained from outside was in the hands of this guy, so he knew a lot about the Nanzhao Kingdom. What everyone wanted to know was whether we had any opportunities in this regard.
"Your Majesty, this is probably a difficult matter. Nanzhao has always been politically stable. Originally, Nanzhao was divided into five countries, but since its unification, the country has been politically stable and the people are living a good life. Therefore, it is difficult to find any destabilizing factors."
When the spies came back, they said that the local people were very happy and loved the local dynasty very much.
There are very few lazy young men in the royal family of Nanzhao Kingdom. Most of them have a very good reputation among the people. Compared with Li Shimin's sons, those people can indeed be considered excellent.
"Didn't you bring this up? Why haven't you said a word so far? Are you just giving up?"
After hearing what Changsun Wuji said, Li Shimin really didn't know what to say, so he could only kick Li Xiang out. All the difficulties have been pointed out. If you still want to realize that Begonia, you must say something real. If you can't say it, then we may not be able to continue attacking the Nanzhao Kingdom. As for the beautiful prospects you described, I'm afraid it will end here.
Hearing Li Shimin's words, Fang Xuanling and Zhangsun Wuji straightened their bodies. Even if His Royal Highness the Crown Prince personally intervened this time, they would stop this matter. They were both devoted to the entire Tang Dynasty and would not easily change their minds because of one person. Got it, got it.
Li Xiang still felt very gratified by the scene before him. If these two people gave up their positions because of their personal relationship, then they would not be able to continue to stay in such a position. Putting the interests of the entire Tang Dynasty first was what Li Xiang wanted.
"Grandfather, gentlemen, what you said makes perfect sense, but you've overlooked one aspect. You've only considered our land advance. Actually, we have another option: we can advance by water, especially by sea..."
When Li Xiang finished speaking, everyone present was stunned. No one had thought that it was possible to march by land and sea. The main reason was that everyone lived in the north and often fought on horseback. Although a navy was established, it was not used.
Li Shimin suddenly remembered that when Li Xiang attacked Goguryeo, he had trained the Dengzhou navy. Now it seems that it should be useful. We can use the navy to transport the army and then transport it to Lingnan Road in the south.
If we march towards the Nanzhao Kingdom from there, the journey will be much shorter. Lingnan Road was established by the previous dynasty, and the Tang Empire set up an administrative agency there, but it did not bring much profit to the Tang Dynasty every year, so the Tang Dynasty did not care much about it. But if we use it as a base for attack, it would be very good.
Li Shimin was well-versed in history books. The world was divided into nine provinces, and the southern region was called Jiaozhou. In addition to Lingnan Road, there was also a part of the land that belonged to foreign ethnic groups, which is now the Kingdom of Annan.
Li Shimin remembered that when he had just ascended the throne, officials from Lingnan Province had submitted a petition hoping that the court would send troops to take back the land occupied by the Kingdom of Annan. However, because the court lacked troops and money at the time, the matter was delayed.
"Come here, fetch the memorial from Lingnan Province in the first year of Zhenguan."
Just when everyone was still digesting what Li Xiang said, Li Shimin suddenly said this. Changsun Wuji naturally remembered what happened that year, and coupled with Li Shimin's temperament, Changsun Wuji secretly said in his heart that something was wrong.