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

Chapter 238 This is not a peace talk, but a surrender
"Together with Abusi of the Luo tribe, I pay my respects to the general of the Kingdom of Heaven!"

The bonfire was burning brightly, illuminating the surroundings in red.

Beside the bonfire, several foreigners dressed in strange clothes slowly walked over. Their clothes were colorful and decorated with various bird feathers and animal furs, which was very different from the people in the Central Plains.

The leader was a burly man with a rough face. He walked with heavy steps to Su Dingfang, then bent his body slightly, lowered his head deeply, clasped his hands together, and saluted Su Dingfang with an extremely respectful gesture.

Su Dingfang sat upright on the horse, looking down at the group of people in front of him.

His sharp eyes were fixed on Albus, as if he wanted to see through his appearance to his innermost thoughts.

At this time, the two armies were fighting, and any disturbance could affect the direction of the war, so Su Dingfang had to remain highly vigilant.

"Although it is said that envoys should not be killed when two armies are at war, if you cannot give me a reasonable reason today, then don't blame me for being cruel and ruthless!"

Su Dingfang's voice was cold and majestic, and contained an irresistible aura.

Albus felt the strong pressure from Su Dingfang, but he still tried to straighten his body and try to appear calm.

However, when he met Su Dingfang's sharp gaze, his heart couldn't help but tremble.

"General, please calm down. We came here with sincerity. On behalf of the Xueyantuo tribes, I hope to have peace talks with you."

As Albus spoke, he secretly observed the reactions of Su Dingfang and the soldiers around him.

"Peace talks?"

Su Dingfang narrowed his eyes slightly when he heard this, and a hint of surprise appeared on his face.

Then he withdrew his gaze and turned to look at the generals beside him.

The generals looked at each other, and then burst into laughter.

"Hahahahaha..."

The laughter resounded through the night sky, and the numerous Tang army soldiers laughed so hard that they fell backwards, as if they had heard the biggest joke in the world.

Some people even bent over with laughter and couldn't stand up straight.

"Humph, a bunch of defeated generals! Who gave you the courage to even talk about peace talks?"

Su Dingfang's face was grim as he glanced at the group of people in front of him, his words full of disdain.

He crossed his arms, raised his chin slightly, and continued in a condescending manner:
"With just one command from me, I can turn you into dust and ashes in an instant!"

After saying this, an invisible pressure emanated from him, as if to crush all the people present.

At this moment, Su Dingfang's tone was extremely domineering, and he did not take the people opposite him seriously at all.

In negotiations, only by showing absolute strength can you gain as much benefit as possible for your side.

Facing Su Dingfang's fierce momentum, Albus couldn't help but feel nervous, but he still responded calmly:
"Wherever your army goes, it is unstoppable. It is truly an invincible army in the world. My Xueyantuo tribe knows this very well, and naturally we also know that we are no match for your army."

He paused, then continued:
"The reason why the Xueyantuo tribes committed a serious mistake this time was not our own intention. It was all because of Naba Zhuo's stubbornness and self-willedness. He led the army without authorization and offended the supreme majesty of the Heavenly Khan."

"Now, Bazhuo has been captured alive by our army. When the time comes, he will be escorted to your army's camp. I hope that the general will be magnanimous and forgive the crimes of our Xueyantuo tribes!"

After hearing what Abusi said, Su Dingfang just responded calmly: "Oh!"

Afterwards, his originally arrogant attitude was slightly restrained.

"In that case, what you are doing is not called peace talks, but should be called surrender!"

Su Dingfang corrected with a serious face.

However, he still had doubts about what the other party said.

After all, the strategy of feigning surrender has been common since ancient times, and it can often achieve a surprising reversal in an unfavorable situation.

How could a battle-hardened man like him be completely unprepared for this?
"If your tribes are truly aware of the crimes they have committed, then you should immediately send the culprit to our army to prove your sincerity!"

Su Dingfang's expression was solemn, his eyes were sharp as torches, and he stared closely at Abusi opposite him.

Hearing this, Albus couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief and responded quickly:
"So, the general has already agreed to this? As long as we hand Bazhuo over to your army, the general will forgive our sins?"

Su Dingfang shook his head slightly and said slowly:
"This matter is not beyond the power of this general to make the final decision. As for whether to absolve you of your guilt, you need to report this to His Majesty the Saint and ask for his judgment."

"However, you can rest assured. With the wisdom, bravery, generosity and benevolence of His Majesty, as long as you hand over the culprit and have no disrespect in your heart, the possibility of being pardoned is still quite high."

After saying that, Su Dingfang quietly stared at the envoys from Xueyantuo in front of him, trying to catch some clues from the changes in their expressions.

Before this, they had also received news about the internal strife within the Xueyantuo.

It can be seen that the Xueyantuo's desire to surrender is somewhat credible.

The situation became clear, and the only way for the Xueyantuo tribes to survive was to surrender.

"Thank you, General. I will return immediately and send Bazhuo to your army. When I speak, please speak well of my tribesmen in front of His Majesty the Holy Khan."

Albus immediately wanted to retreat.

They really had no other choice but to hope for Li Shimin's kindness.

"Before sunrise tomorrow, I will see Bazhuo."

The threat in Su Dingfang's words is self-evident.

"General, rest assured, Bazhuo will be brought here tonight."

"We will take our leave now!"

Albus bowed and said goodbye.

The negotiations went very smoothly.

Xueyantuo expressed his intention to surrender.

The Tang army had no intention of massacre.

"Tell General Zhishishili to come here and join our army."

"Also, tell all the army corps to stop chasing the defeated Xueyantuo soldiers for now, surround them but don't attack, chase them but don't fight, and wait for further orders."

According to the changes in the situation, Su Dingfang also made quick adjustments.

After Li Shimin became seriously ill, the command of the entire army was transferred to Su Dingfang.

This was Li Shimin's trust in his ability and also a test of his loyalty.

Various signs indicate that Su Dingfang will be another important official entrusted by Li Shimin to take care of his son.

There are candidates to handle state affairs, but there is still no outstanding candidate in charge of military and political affairs.

Su Dingfang, Zhangsun Wuji and Li Daliang were all on the list.

The important ministers entrusted with the care of the young emperor may not be just one person, but may very likely be a group of people.

It is best for everyone to take responsibility and do their job well.

Avoid a single dominant power, which would directly threaten the imperial power. Time is running out.

Five days later.

In Lingzhou City.

City Lord's Mansion.

At this moment, in the spacious and bright hall of the City Lord's Mansion, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, was half leaning on a brand new chair.

Li Shimin was seen with his eyes closed, his face ruddy, looking like he had just recovered from a serious illness. There was a hint of spirit in his eyes, and his whole body exuded an ultimate confidence.

When people are happy, they are in good spirits,

In this battle, the Lord of the North was captured again. How could he not be in high spirits?

Suddenly, Li Shimin slightly opened his eyes that were as sharp as longan, and in an instant, a suffocating pressure so strong that it seemed to spread slowly from him.

Although Li Shimin was already terminally ill, the imperial power he had cultivated over the years became increasingly strong.

The oppressive atmosphere quickly filled the entire hall, making everyone present feel terrified.

When the king is angry, blood will flow for thousands of miles.

And now that Li Shimin was on the verge of death, the situation became even more dangerous.

"Bazhuo, I have treated you two with the utmost kindness, right? I have appointed you as the Khan of Xueyantuo, and you are in charge of a piece of land, enjoying wealth and glory. Isn't such a generous treatment enough for you to be grateful?"

Li Shimin's voice was low, and contained a hint of anger that was difficult to conceal.

His sharp gaze shot straight at Duomi Khan Bazhuo who was kneeling on the ground like a knife, as if to pierce through him.

Faced with such powerful pressure and questioning, if it were someone else, they would probably have been trembling with fear and sweating profusely.

However, Ba Zhuo did have some backbone. After all, he was the ruler of a country, and he met Li Shimin's gaze without flinching.

"It's just a matter of success and failure! Heavenly Khan, you enfeoffed my father and me as Khans. In the final analysis, it was just to divide my Xueyantuo tribe so that you can control the overall situation more easily. How can such a sinister act be called a favor?"

After hearing this, Li Shimin was stunned and was speechless for a moment.

Indeed, his various arrangements for Xueyantuo were not entirely out of sincere favors, but more out of political calculations and considerations.

But he didn't expect that his little trick would be exposed in front of him by Ba Zhuo, which made him feel embarrassed.

Not long after Yinan's death, Bazhuo stirred up a bloody storm within Xueyantuo.

Without hesitation, he raised his butcher knife against the other Khan who was enthroned by Li Shimin.

At this point, Bazhuo successfully removed all obstacles within the Xueyantuo and achieved the true unification of the Xueyantuo.

During Yinan's reign, Xueyantuo had a unique political structure, with one great khan and two small khans ruling together.

When it came to Duomi Khan, they became the only dominant power.

At this time, Li Shimin's face flushed slightly, and he looked a little embarrassed, but he still spoke slowly:
"The reason why I made this arrangement is actually for your sake, isn't it?"

He knew very well that his words might not be convincing, but as a winner, everything he said seemed so reasonable.

"The facts have fully proved that my decision was correct. You Xueyantuo people lack wisdom and strategy. If only one Khan governs the country alone, it will inevitably lead to autocracy. Therefore, we need multiple Khans to cooperate with each other and manage together to ensure the long-term stability of Xueyantuo."

"Now that Xueyantuo is controlled by you alone, what will happen?"

Facing Li Shimin's aggressive questioning, although Ba Zhuo was filled with anger and unwillingness, what could he do as a loser at the moment?
He could only snort coldly to express his strong dissatisfaction.

"Don't be so unconvinced! You are doomed to lose before the battle even begins. The fundamental reason is that you are only good at singing and dancing, not at fighting."

Li Shimin sat upright on the dragon throne and said leisurely.

"I still vaguely remember that the dance performed by Jie Li last time was truly wonderful and made everyone applaud!"

After saying this, he couldn't help but clap his hands gently, as if he was still immersed in the cheerful atmosphere at that time.

"I remember this clearly."

Yuchi Jingde, who was standing aside, echoed with a smile on his face.

"That day, His Majesty personally beat the drum to cheer, and Jie Li Khan danced to the beat of the drum. The scene was truly one of great joy, and peace and prosperity were felt throughout the country. This story has long been spread across the world!"

As he spoke, Yuchi Jingde could not help but burst into laughter, his heroic spirit was evident in his words.

"I don't know, Domi Khan, how does your dance compare to that?"

Li Shimin leaned forward and asked with interest.

Ba Zhuo, who was tied to the ground, glared at Li Shimin and the others and shouted:

"As the Khan of Heaven, why do you have to humiliate me like this? You can kill me if you want, or cut me up if you want, it's all up to you. A soldier can be killed but not humiliated!"

"If I succeed this time, you will eventually become my prisoners. What's so funny about this?"

Ba Zhuo's roar echoed in the court, venting the extreme unwillingness and resentment in his heart.

"Bazhuo, you little brat, stop bragging here! How can you compare your mere firefly light with the radiance of the sun of the Heavenly Khan? You are simply overestimating your own abilities!"

At this time, another person quickly stepped forward, knelt down, kowtowed, and said.

"Your Majesty, this Bazhuo is truly insane and has no sense of reason. He even dared to defy fate and commit such a heinous crime. I beg the Khan to quickly order him to be beheaded in public, so as to comfort the many heroes who died because of him."

The person who spoke was Albus, who at this moment prostrated himself on the ground with a look of grief and indignation on his face.

He came with the army and met Li Shimin to discuss the surrender of Xueyantuo.

Li Shimin, who originally had a playful look on his face, immediately straightened his face and became serious, and said in a deep voice:

"When did I say I would kill Bazhuo? Young people are full of passion and it is inevitable that they make mistakes under impulse occasionally."

At this moment, a roar as loud as a bell was heard:

"Is it possible for you to influence His Majesty's decision?"

Yuchi Jingde stepped forward. His rough voice was deafening, and together with the majestic aura emanating from Li Shimin, they put pressure on Abusi.

Although Ba Zhuo has now become a prisoner of the Tang army, it cannot be ignored that the Xueyantuo still has some manpower left.

For Li Shimin, he could not kill them all, so as not to cause greater turmoil.

But at the same time, we will never let them go so easily.

You can't beat them to death, but you can make sure they don't live a good life.

"Calm down, Khan. That's not what I meant!"

Abusi, the hero of the grassland, now can only tremble in fear under the majesty of Li Shimin.

(End of this chapter)