Datang: Rebirth of Li Chengqian, the beginning of the treason interrogation

Chapter 195: Treason and Collaboration
Behind every war there are always conspiracies and intrigues. Often, the outcome of a war is decided before it even begins.

That is a strategic victory.

However, nothing is absolute. Part of it depends on the adaptability of the generals in the battle.

The general direction is victory, but there will be a mistake in an important link.

As a result, a single move will affect the entire body.

Just like Changsun Wuji's strategy before, this also gained priority in the grand strategy.

But the prerequisite is that Zhang Liang can defend Xiheng Pass, otherwise everything will be in vain.

There are too many things involved in a battle.

There are also those who each have their own interests.

That night, Cheng Gongying appeared in the Xueyantuo army, holding an envoy's staff.

He was treated with courtesy by the Xueyantuo.

When the two armies are fighting, the envoy will not be killed.

"You are the Tang envoy. Why do you want to see this Khan?"

Duomi Khan sat on the felt platform with an indescribable defiant look on his face.

The Tang envoy came at this time, definitely to ask them to withdraw their troops.

You can withdraw your troops, but you have to have something.

This is also one of the reasons why Duomi Khan agreed to meet Cheng Gongying.

After all, it is best to achieve the purpose of war without damaging military forces.

To conquer the enemy without fighting.

"Domi Khan, this envoy represents the Tang Dynasty. Is it not proper for you to treat him with such courtesy?"

Cheng Gongying snorted coldly. Even though he was in the enemy camp, he still had a unique sense of superiority.

That is the pride that comes from being a great country. Deep down, he still looks down on these barbarians.

"Give the Tang Dynasty envoy a seat!"

Duomi Khan said slowly that he did not think there was anything wrong with the Tang envoy's request.

Because they were already accustomed to the tone of the Tang envoy, they would be surprised if this envoy spoke in a weak tone.

Soon, a soldier placed a chair in front of Cheng Gongying.

We still have to give the face that is due.

Although the two countries were hostile, giving face to the Tang Dynasty was also a benefit to themselves.

"Now, can you tell me why the Emperor sent you here? Do you want a truce?"

"If you want a truce, that's fine, but the conditions, Emperor Tang knows."

Duomi Khan's tone was more playful.

With victory in their grasp, they could now open their mouths as wide as a lion and take a big bite out of the Tang Dynasty.

Cheng Gongying looked around at the generals on his left and right, seeming to want to say something but stopping himself.

"Mukena stay, everyone else leave!"

Duomi Khan waved his hand, knowing that the conversation might involve top secrets.

"Now you can tell me what conditions the Tang Emperor offered me to withdraw my troops?"

Duomi Khan asked directly and frankly, and he was also full of confidence in himself.

The Tang envoy must be afraid to meet me now that he is here.

"Withdraw the troops?" Cheng Gongying also showed a mocking look.

"Isn't it? Aren't you Tang Dynasty afraid that my Xueyantuo army will enter the pass and cause great suffering to the people of your Tang land?"

Duomi Khan's smile faded and he looked furious. Was he trying to play a trick on him?
"The Khan is also a man who has accomplished great things. How can he be so emotional?"

"I am on this diplomatic mission to discuss important matters with His Majesty the Khan, and I am not representing the Emperor of Tang." Cheng Gongying remained calm.

"How dare you deceive this Khan? I will kick you out of the camp."

The country represented by the envoy and the will of the monarch.

Otherwise, as a Khan, it would be impossible for him to meet Cheng Gongying.

"Khan, why not listen to what he has to say? How dare he tease me, the Khan of Xueyantuo? Why not kill him?"

Mu Kena advised that seeing Cheng Gongying's fearless look, he must have done something that was in the interests of Xueyantuo.

"It seems that there are also smart people among the Xueyantuo. Then the great plan can be accomplished!"

Cheng Gongying smiled and said, three parts sincerity and seven parts falsehood.

"You can tell me now, what is your intention in using the name of the Tang Emperor to attack our army?"

Mu Ke Na asked, while at the same time being secretly alert. This person was so bold, he must have something to rely on.

"I am here on this mission only as a representative of General Zhang Liang, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Guannei Road Army, to discuss cooperation with the Khan."

Cheng Gongying stood up at this time, full of flattery.

"How can a small general like you be qualified to talk to this Khan? In other words, you are not an envoy of the Tang Dynasty."

Duomi Khan lost all his patience and showed murderous intent, and he wanted to kill Cheng Gongying.

Cheng Gongying was not a messenger, so he was killed.

"Isn't what I said clear enough? I am not an envoy of the Tang Dynasty, but an envoy of General Zhang Liang. General Zhang now has hundreds of thousands of troops and is in charge of the Guannei Road. As long as General Zhang raises his arm and calls for help, he can seize half of the Tang Dynasty. I wonder if I, as an envoy of General Zhang, am qualified to talk to you, Khan?"

Cheng Gongying raised his head and said, he was not afraid of Duomi Khan's newly formed aura of superiority.

"Are you saying that Zhang Liang is planning a rebellion and is up to something bad?"

"But as far as I know, the one who led the army is your Tang Dynasty's Zhao Guogong Changsun Wuji. Do you think you can fool our Khan with such a lowly trick?"

Mu Kena said coldly, half believing and half doubting Cheng Gongying's words.

There have been many cases of treason in every dynasty.

Especially those generals who hold great power.

"Before we reach an agreement, you will never get any military reports from me about the Tang Army. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. The opportunity is right in front of you."

Cheng Gongying is also an old fox, and his answer was flawless.

"If the Khan can reach an agreement with our General Zhang, Xiheng Pass will no longer be a checkpoint to guard against Xueyantuo, and the Khan can take all the materials in the Central Plains."

This is a huge temptation, if that is the case.

Without the Great Wall to block their advance, the Central Plains would truly become their pasture.

"So what do you want, General Zhang?"

Duomi Khan was moved and asked.

"It's very simple. It's to reach a cooperation with you, Khan, to resist the Tang army together, and even destroy the Li Tang Dynasty."

"Once our General Zhang starts a rebellion, it will inevitably cause the Tang Emperor to be furious and lead troops to suppress us, so we need to form an alliance with the Khan and advance and retreat together."

Cheng Gongying said truthfully.

"Your General Zhang really has a good plan. He wants this Khan to lead the army to resist the Tang army, and Zhang Liang to profit and become king. Do you think this Khan is so stupid?"

"If you really want to cooperate, then show some sincerity."

Duomi Khan believed it to some extent, because no minister in any dynasty would dare to plot in the name of rebellion, which was intolerable to the royal family. Therefore, he concluded that Zhang Liang really had the intention of rebellion.

"Khan, you can't say that. I let you go. Doesn't that show enough sincerity?"

It is possible that Cheng Gongying will still bargain.

"Let him go? Humph! You cunning fellows are just trying to take advantage of me! You just want me to be a bait to attract the Tang army so that you can take advantage of the situation!"

Duomi Khan's eyes were as bright as lightning, so sharp that they seemed to be able to pierce directly into a person's soul. He stared at Cheng Gongying intently, as if he could see through all the secrets deep in the other's heart.

However, facing Duomi Khan's accusations and insights, Cheng Gongying appeared to be unusually calm. The corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a barely perceptible smile, without any sign of panic.

"Khan, this is wrong. How can this be called exploitation? Our cooperation is a win-win situation. If we act separately, I'm afraid it will not benefit either of us."

"Only if you, Khan, agree to join hands with our generals to fight against the Tang army and promise to maintain peace forever, will our army open the gate of Xiheng Pass and allow the Khan to pass through unhindered."

At this point, Cheng Gongying paused deliberately, a sly look flashed in his eyes, and then he continued:

"If the Khan insists that this is a plot by our general, then we have no choice but to hold on to Xiheng Pass and fight to the death. By then, Khan, you may never set foot in the Central Plains in your lifetime. Perhaps, this beautiful landscape will become the burial place of the Khan and your soldiers!"

After hearing this naked threat, Duomi Khan did not get furious or angry like he had done before.

On the contrary, a strong sense of crisis surged in his heart. From Cheng Gongying's words, he keenly perceived some clues that the Tang army might have formulated an action plan specifically targeting him.

Thinking of this, Duomi Khan frowned and fell into deep thought.

"Guarding Xiheng Pass, as long as this Khan passes your current conversation to the ears of the Tang Emperor, your General Zhang can wait for death. Maybe Xiheng Pass will fall by itself without a fight."

Duomi Khan smiled proudly and said that in fact, they have already entered into negotiations.

"Khan, do you think that the Tang Emperor, with his wisdom, would believe your simple plan to sow discord?"

I've already thought of the excuses.

For Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty, the credibility of Duomi Khan's words was extremely low.

Nothing to worry about.

"Well, I can't play tricks on you Tang people. I will ask you a question."

Duomi Khan's patience has been worn out.

"How can you prove that you really want to cooperate with me? You must at least show your sincerity and make me believe that you are not trying to deceive me."

At this time, Cheng Gongying also became cautious.

The fish has taken the bite.

"Then I wonder, what does the Khan want us to do to show that we are sincere?"

Cheng Gongying asked back, it was time for the other party to make an offer.

"It's very simple. Don't you want to start a rebellion? Then send the heads of those disobedient generals to this Khan."

This is a means to determine whether Zhang Liang has rebellious intentions.

"can!"

Cheng Gongying agreed without even thinking about it.

"Wait, I haven't finished yet. After I help Zhang Liang gain the world, your dynasty will have to pay tribute to my Xueyantuo."

What you get for free is definitely better than what you steal.

Doesn’t Duomi Khan want to become the next Li Shimin?
Why is he honored as the Heavenly Khan by all countries?

"Okay, I will agree on behalf of General Zhang, but the amount of tribute can be discussed in detail after the establishment of the country."

The only solution now is to get Duomi Khan to agree to cooperate.

As for paying tribute, it is a courtesy that a weak country should pay to a strong country.

As long as the country becomes strong, the content of the talks is no longer important.

"Okay, go back and tell Zhang Liang that as long as the heads of the Tang army generals appear in front of this Khan, this Khan will immediately lead his troops into the pass."

Duomi Khan wanted to see the scene of Zhang Liang killing many Tang generals with his own hands before he would lead his troops into the pass without hesitation.

He didn't want to fall into Zhang Liang's trap.

He naturally knew that many of the Tang army's generals were from powerful clans.

Once these people are killed, Zhang Liang will have no way out.

"Okay, then it's a deal."

"However, in order to show our sincerity, I, the envoy, can first tell you the important matter concerning the survival of Xueyantuo."

"Changsun Wuji has led his elite troops out of Xiheng Pass and is preparing to go around the Khan from another checkpoint. He wants to cut off your army's food supply and then attack the base camp, and cooperate with General Zhang Liang from inside and outside."

Cheng Gongying revealed all of Zhangsun Wuji's plans.

Mukena and Duomi Khan didn't even look at each other, as this plan was exactly the same for them.

But what is being tested is speed. Whoever arrives faster will gain the upper hand.

However, the answer is obvious, it must be Changsun Wuji who is faster.

Horses can run much faster than humans.

"Are you telling the truth?"

Mu Ke Na was still somewhat skeptical. The Tang people were too cunning, each one more sinister than the other.

The scheme may also be one after another.

"Whether it is true or not, I know your army's control over the grasslands now. As long as we are on guard, we will get the news soon."

Cheng Gongying stood up, turned around, walked out of the tent, and disappeared into the night.

All conspiracies must remain hidden.

Death in the light.

"The envoy's words are somewhat credible. Could this be a trap set by the Tang army?"

After a long time, Duomi Khan finally spoke.

He also wanted to join forces with Zhang Liang, but he was afraid that it was a plan of the Tang army.

"This is probably true. Once we see the bodies of the Tang army generals, we can be sure of it."

"Also, if Zhang Liang really has rebellious intentions, there will be a result within these two days. If not, then we will adopt the previous plan."

"However, we do need to pay attention to the movements on the grassland. We are afraid that the Tang army intends to get involved with us here and send an army to disrupt our rear."

Mu Ke Na also said very worriedly.

All the elite troops are out, and there are no cities for defense on the grassland, so they survive as tribes.

If the Tang army behaved like this, the consequences would be unimaginable.

However, the actual situation was much worse than they had imagined.

During this period of time, Li Daliang had already penetrated deep into the heart of Mobei, the location of the former Eastern Turkic royal court.

Because Li Daliang was already familiar with the daily routines of the northern nomadic peoples and the pastures in the north, he quickly found the Xueyantuo tribal gathering place.

Without much protection from the main forces, brutal massacres are taking place one after another in the heart of Mobei.

The degree of bloodiness is not much less than the Three Alls Policy implemented by Li Chengqian in Japan.

In the spirit of humanitarianism, Li Daliang spared the lives of men and women below the waist, but killed all the other men.

Anyone who offends our prosperous Tang Dynasty will be killed and subdued.

(End of this chapter)