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

Chapter 229: Each one has his own calculations, Zhang Liang's is like an abacus
During the period when Fang Xuanling was away from politics, many major events had already occurred in the court.

Not to mention these small promotions.

"Have you all forgotten the two young masters in the Duke of Wei's mansion?"

"There is no such thing as a bad son in a general's family. The two young masters have always been by the side of the Duke of Wei. Under their influence, their military tactics must be far superior to ordinary people. Besides, the eldest son Li Dejian has fought in the Goguryeo and made many military achievements. Under the current circumstances, no one can be more qualified than him."

Xu Jingzong said.

"What Zuo Pushe said makes sense, but is it appropriate to let Li Dejian take charge of the power? After all, in Zhang Liang's letter, he stated that he was seeking justice for the former crown prince, and Li Dejian and the former crown prince Li Chengqian had a close relationship. If all this was planned by the former crown prince Li Chengqian, then the consequences can be imagined."

Chu Suiliang replied worriedly, it’s not that they can’t think of it, but they have considered too much.

Li Dejian was implicated in Li Chengqian's incident and impeached by court ministers, which is why he was never given an important position.

Li Dejian's return did indeed leave many people with doubts.

However, the Duke of Wei's Mansion was so powerful that no one dared to confront it head-on.

At such a sensitive time, if the wrong person is appointed, everything will be over.

"Former Crown Prince Li Chengqian is a meticulous thinker with an unconventional strategy. When he was fighting against the Three Kingdoms, he used all kinds of ingenious tactics. It can be said that he defeated the opponent without bloodshed. We have to be on guard against him."

Chu Suiliang also made an in-depth analysis of the wars between the three kingdoms of Goguryeo. As a scheming person, he naturally saw deeper than others.

Go up to the army and plan.

Li Chengqian was very dangerous. Many times, before anyone arrived, he had already made plans.

Even though it is now certain that Li Chengqian is far away in Goguryeo, we still have to be on guard.

It is very likely that Li Dejian was a flag carefully arranged by Li Chengqian.

Moreover, he also knew that Xu Jingzong had achieved his current status because of Li Chengqian's support, so he had to be on guard against him.

“When the country is in danger, it is even more important to employ those whom you doubt and not employ those whom you doubt.”

"The Duke of Wei is the Duke of the Tang Dynasty, and they are all loyal ministers and generals of the Tang Dynasty. How could they have the heart to rebel?"

Fang Xuanling spoke up and decided to appoint Li Dejian.

He was one of the only three people who knew some of the inside story, so he didn't worry too much about it.

He was also extremely certain that Zhang Liang's rebellion had nothing to do with Li Chengqian.

"Since Duke Liang also thinks it is feasible, then let's make the decision. Moreover, we should make arrangements without delay. Tang Jian has been out of the city for a long time."

Chu Suiliang also took the opportunity to change the subject. He really couldn't offend anyone too much.

He doesn't know the inside story and can only make suggestions based on actual facts.

With the approval of Duke of Liang Fang Xuanling, his worries were unnecessary.

"Then let's split up. Doctor Chu, you should go to the Duke of Wei's mansion again and let Li Dejian and Li Dejiang act in secret."

"I'd also like to trouble Zuo Pushe to go to Wang Fangyi privately to announce the decree."

"I will immediately go to guard the city defenses to prevent any news from leaking out."

There must be many eyes and ears in Chang'an City.

In order for the surprise attack to be successful, secrecy is essential.

After the three of them clasped their fists to each other, they left.

Tang Jian was unaware of the arrangements made by the Tang Dynasty.

At this time, he took it as his responsibility to shoulder the responsibility of the world, disregarding life and death, and went to Zhang Liang's camp without fear of danger.

"Duke Ju, I haven't seen you for a long time. I hope you are doing well!"

Tang Jian was led into a large tent.

Zhang Liang was sitting behind the desk, looking at Tang Jian with the attitude of a victor, with a faint smile on his face.

A typical look of a villain who succeeds.

Once upon a time, when I saw these dukes, I had to lower my head and dared not look sideways.

But now, I can look down on it.

Prince and general, would you rather have a kind?
At this moment, Zhang Liang felt that this sentence best described himself.

Your background cannot determine how high you stand.

But Zhang Liang forgot, how many people since ancient times could stand in that position as a commoner?

"General Zhang, you are truly a traitor. Even if you hold a high position, it is difficult to change your bad nature. It is true that it is difficult to change one's nature."

Tang Jian raised his head and spoke sarcastically.

In his heart, he still looked down on Zhang Liang, who came from a poor family.

"Tang Jian, I respect you, so I call you Duke, but don't forget your situation? As long as I give an order, you will be reduced to ashes."

Zhang Liang's smile froze. Even at this point, he still failed to get the respect he deserved from these nobles.

"So what? Your so-called annihilation is just your own imagination. If you are sure, why don't you attack the city?"

Tang Jian stepped forward, appearing very confident in the negotiation.

Who else would I be?

No matter what, you must not lose your momentum and must show absolute strength during the negotiations.

But we must also find a limit. If we are too forceful, the negotiations will break down.

If we lose momentum, we will be easily bullied by the other side.

However, Tang Jian was able to grasp this balance very well.

In this way, he was able to escape danger every time and achieve remarkable feats time and time again.

Some people need to charge into battle and kill the enemy in order to achieve success.

Some people, just by talking, can rival the might of ten thousand soldiers and thus be promoted to higher positions.

Tang Jian belongs to the latter, and one man can defeat thousands of soldiers.

Don’t think that Tang Jian is nothing special except telling tales?
He was very capable and Li Yuan obeyed his advice completely.

This was a great achievement during Li Yuan's enthronement.

Li Er was in charge of external affairs, while half of the internal affairs during the Wude period were handled by Tang Jian.

After all, at that time, Fang Xuanling, Zhangsun Wuji, Du Ruhui and others were just staff members of the Qin Palace.

Tang Jian has become a big shot in front of Li Yuan.

Later, he suppressed the rebellion of Dugu Huai'en and destroyed the Eastern Turks.

The relationship with the northern ethnic groups has always been handled by him as the Minister of Rites, and he has made considerable contributions to maintaining national stability.

The title of Duke is well deserved and absolutely valuable.

"It's not that we dare not attack the city, but God is merciful and kind, and General Zhang is kind and righteous, so he just wants to give you a chance to live."

When Tang Jian heard the voice, he looked over and saw a Taoist priest sitting on one side. He was very calm, with no expression on his face.

"Who are you and what do you think you are to speak to me like that?"

Tang Jian snorted coldly, but he already understood in his heart that this person must be the one planning for Zhang Liang behind the scenes.

Otherwise, with Zhang Liang's brain, he would definitely not come up with such a marching strategy.

It directly threatened the capital city Chang'an.

"Duke Ju, there is no need to do this. I am just an outsider, not worth mentioning."

They are all strategists with high IQs, and Cheng Gongying also heard that Tang Jian was trying to find out his background.

"What a vicious person! He has thrown the whole country into chaos. I have never seen such a vicious person."

Tang Jian faced it squarely, this was a tough opponent.

From the moment he stepped into this place, the negotiation competition had already begun. "Mencius said: Those who are righteous have many supporters, while those who are unrighteous have few supporters. Crown Prince Li Chengqian has launched a new policy to benefit the people, bravely resist Goguryeo and keep the country safe."

"Why did the treacherous ministers advise Your Majesty to depose the crown prince?"

"The soldiers of the three armies are just speaking up for Crown Prince Li Chengqian. How can they stir up trouble in the world?"

Cheng Gongying had a clear gaze and eloquent speech. He did not lose the battle, but instead took the initiative.

"No matter what you say, it cannot change the fact that he is a traitor. Li Chengqian disobeyed the emperor's order and established his own mercenary army, which is also an act of treason. All of you are nothing but traitors."

"Since ancient times, good has never prevailed over evil. If you surrender quickly and turn back from your mistakes, you can still keep a chance of survival."

Tang Jian did not give in at all and shouted angrily.

It was as if he had forgotten his current position and was completely unaware that he was deeply trapped in the enemy's camp.

"The Duke of Ju is not only courageous and admirable, but also extremely smart. If we continue to debate like this, I don't know when it will end."

"However, Duke Ju would not be unable to see the current situation. The winner is the king, and the loser is the bandit. The standard of justice has always been set by the victor, so we are the righteous side."

"It is you, the Duke, who should turn back from your wrong path!"

Cheng Gongying said this with a cold smile, as if telling Tang Jian that he had it figured out.

"Why do you think you are the winner?"

Tang Jian asked back.

"Isn't the situation clear? Our general is well aware of the number of soldiers in Chang'an City. There are less than 10,000 of them. How can they stop our army's advance?"

Cheng Gongying returned to the present and wanted to put pressure on the other side militarily.

This is their advantage.

“When did the victory or defeat of a war come to be determined by the number of soldiers or generals?”

"General Zhang Liang, you have followed His Majesty in many battles. When have you ever seen His Majesty overpower others with force? When have you ever seen His Majesty not defeat the enemy with a smaller force?"

Tang Jian turned and looked at Zhang Liang.

Zhang Liang's face changed as well. No matter if they were enemies or friends, everyone expressed admiration for Li Shimin's military abilities.

"Your Majesty, the Saint, is indeed a master of military strategy, but there is only one person like him in the world. But now that Your Majesty is on the expedition to the north and is not in Chang'an, who can stop him?"

Cheng Gongying spoke immediately.

"Your Majesty's talent is unmatched. There is only one person like you in this world, but can you compare with Wang Shichong and Liu Heita?"

"If I remember correctly, General Zhang was just a horse keeper in Wagang before?"

Tang couldn't stop laughing.

"Tang Jian, are you looking for death? Do you believe I will kill you immediately?"

Zhang Liang jumped up, holding the scabbard in his hand, and he didn't seem to be joking.

He is now in a high position and wants to aspire to the throne.

Such an unbearable past has become its Achilles' heel.

"Haha, I, Tang Jian, have seen all kinds of situations. I have entered more dangerous tiger dens and have never been afraid. Why should I be afraid of your sword?"

Tang Jian took a step forward, stretched his neck, and waited for Zhang Liang to chop him.

"Why, you don't dare now? With your courage, how can you convince others if you can't do what you say? In my opinion, you are probably just instigated by others."

"I have seen too many heroes, and you are really far behind."

Then Tang Jian shook his head and showed a look of contempt.

"Tang Jian, you dare to insult me ​​like this. After the city is captured, I will definitely exterminate your entire clan."

Zhang Liang was so angry that he drew his sword and chopped down.

However, the sharp sword stayed at Tang Jian's neck.

Tang Jian couldn't help swallowing, and drops of sweat appeared on his forehead.

When a scholar meets a soldier, he cannot explain his reason clearly.

Tang Jian was confident about the other people, but he was not sure about Zhang Liang, who came from a grassroots background.

I'm really afraid that he will kill me with one knife.

Because Zhang Liang has no foresight, does not consider gains and losses, and has no tolerance for others.

A reckless man.

"Haha, I thought you, Duke, really weren't afraid of death?"

Seeing Tang Jian lose his composure, Zhang Liang drew back his sword with satisfaction and laughed loudly.

The momentum had already intimidated Tang Jian.

"I'm afraid you don't have the ability to do so. If you were confident that you could break into the city, I wouldn't be in the military camp where you're waiting, but in prison."

"I will not waste any more words with you. If you withdraw your troops now, His Majesty will show mercy and forgive your transgression this time. Otherwise, it will not be Tang who will be exterminated, but you all."

Tang Jian also immediately adjusted his mentality and came back to his senses from the previous shadow of death.

"It is not difficult for us to withdraw our troops. Just do as the previous letter said, hand over the treacherous officials who slandered Crown Prince Li Chengqian, abolish the current Crown Prince Li Zhi, and restore the Crown Prince Li Chengqian to his position."

The conditions stated by Cheng Gongying are absolutely impossible to be agreed to.

From beginning to end, they never thought of retreating.

The reason why we haven’t attacked the city yet is simply because the time has not yet come.

They marched in a hurry and had no siege equipment with them. Faced with the high and thick walls of the Tang capital, they had no choice but to give up.

On the one hand, he sent letters to alienate the mutual trust between court ministers and Li Zhi.

On the one hand, he secretly persuaded the aristocratic families to cooperate internally and externally.

Another thing is to manufacture enough siege equipment in case of a violent attack.

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

Tang Jian blurted out without even thinking.

Although he did raise the price, he did not ask for as exorbitant a price as the other party.

"These are our conditions for withdrawal. If you haven't made up your mind, Duke, then wait until you have, and then go back."

"Come here, the Duke has come from afar and must be exhausted. Take him away to rest."

Without giving Tang Jian any room to react, two soldiers on the side pulled Tang Jian down.

"Zhang Liang, you are disrespectful to the civility of the people. How can you treat an envoy like this?"

Tang Jian's voice gradually faded away until it disappeared in the noisy military camp.

Negotiation is nothing more than a strategy.

"I never thought that we could catch a big fish like Tang Jian. Now we have nothing to worry about."

Zhang Liang smiled.

"General Zhang, we can't relax yet. Although we have Tang Jian as a hostage to make the people in the court cautious, there is no guarantee that they will not take risks and launch a sneak attack on us."

Cheng Gongying said carefully.

They were very afraid of a sudden attack by the Tang army.

Although there are a hundred thousand people, none of them has the ability to lead a hundred thousand people.

Now we have set up camp for dozens of miles and cannot take care of both ends.

If you passively face the enemy, you will definitely lose miserably.

Therefore, several people discussed and decided to use strategy to tie down the power of the court until the siege equipment was completed.

(End of this chapter)