In my dream of returning to the Tang Dynasty, I snatched Wu Zetian from my lap.

Upon hearing this, the imperial study fell silent.

Everyone, including Changsun Wuji, was pondering Li Yuanchang's words. Although they were somewhat disrespectful, they were not without reason.

Li Shimin thought for a moment and said, "But there are still many powerful foreign enemies outside the Central Plains. If we do not stabilize Tibet, the Tang Dynasty will face certain strategic constraints."

"The Battle of Songzhou is a case in point; I do not wish to engage in conflict with Tibet for the time being."

"The Tuyuhun have already granted us a marriage alliance. If I refuse them, they will probably take this opportunity to stir up trouble again."

"Furthermore, the plateau you mentioned is also a major reason. Do you think I don't want to wipe them out?"

"The plateau and supply lines are insurmountable barriers, yet the Tibetans can freely cross it and harass the Tang Dynasty's borders. I am not afraid of them, but I must consider the well-being of the people, mustn't I?"

Li Yuanchang did not deny that Li Shimin's considerations were not wrong, but he had God's perspective.

"Your Majesty, it's still pointless!"

"The marriage alliance with Tuyuhun was a reward; the relative strengths of the two nations determined their relationship."

"But Tibet is different. It is difficult for the Tang Dynasty to truly conquer them. Seeking peace through marriage alliances is unreliable, or rather, it has strong limitations and timeliness."

"In conclusion, I believe that a blockade is preferable to a marriage alliance!"

Most people would have been unhappy, but Li Shimin calmly asked, "What is this blockade?"

Li Yuanchang blurted out: "Technological blockade, economic blockade!"

"Not only will we prevent them from intermarrying, but we will also severely restrict the entry of tools, seeds, salt, wine, sowing techniques, weaving techniques, and so on from the Central Plains into Tibet."

"As for the economic blockade, it means a complete restriction on merchants in the Hexi Corridor and the Western Regions, and increased tariffs on Tibetan goods, so that Tibet cannot benefit from trade through mutual markets."

"In short, we must suppress and restrict Tibet at all costs, ensuring it never dares to attack the Tang Dynasty again!"

Hearing such a strong and crazy idea, even Fang Xuanling and the others were shocked!

This is even more radical than the military's opinion!

The military's most likely response would be to station troops on the border to prevent unrest.

But Li Yuanchang's actions were no longer mere precautions; they were a comprehensive attack, which went against the tide of history and the will of the entire court and the people.

"Your Highness, isn't this inappropriate?"

"If we do as you say, the Tang Dynasty and Tibet will inevitably go to war. What the court wants is peace and no war."

"But doing this is just stirring up trouble. The Tang Dynasty has been encouraging trade for a long time. Suddenly raising taxes is like driving people to their deaths."

"Moreover, you should know that the reason our dynasty was able to achieve a price of only one coin for a pound of millet is precisely because of our inclusive trade system." Changsun Wuji was merciless, practically saying that Li Yuanchang was just being ridiculous.

Li Yuanchang also knew that what he said was out of touch with the times and too ahead of its time.

Saying things the way they are shows higher emotional intelligence than saying them the opposite way.

However, when faced with such a momentous event that could affect generations of the nation, he could not go against his conscience. He disliked marriage alliances in the first place, let alone one that was meaningless.

The Tang Dynasty will suffer the consequences of its own actions, and it will be the common people who suffer in the end!

"Lord Changsun, at least this is better than a marriage alliance that brings numerous benefits."

"Any act of bestowing scriptures, seeds, or technology is unacceptable!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Suiliang and the others' expressions subtly changed. They hadn't even asked how the Prince of Han knew.

Changsun Wuji frowned: "No!"

"A virtuous person should win people over with virtue; to resort to violence is not the right path!"

"Lord Changsun, history has proven time and again that virtue alone cannot win people over," Li Yuanchang replied immediately. He wasn't targeting anyone in particular, but rather the matter at hand.

He was even being very polite in his speech.

However, it was clear that the atmosphere in the Imperial Study had become slightly tense, and Li Yuanchang and Changsun Wuji had their first clash over political views.

Fang Xuanling immediately stepped in to smooth things over.

"Lord Changsun, Your Highness the Prince of Han, this matter is not yet settled; we can wait and see."

"Yes, in any case, it's all for the long-term stability of the Tang Dynasty. Whether or not to form a marriage alliance, how to do it, or how to prevent it, these are all things that can be discussed."

With the intervention of the brothers Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, the atmosphere eased slightly.

As for Li Shimin, he remained deep in thought, seemingly considering the words of Li Yuanchang.

The meeting lasted for several hours, until noon, but no agreement was reached.

Ultimately, the meeting adjourned.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, the Prince of Han."

Li Yuanchang turned around and saw that the eunuch Chang had chased after him.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has instructed me to inform you that you should not return to Liangzhou for the next few days, but remain in Chang'an."

"He still needs to carefully consider the matter of a marriage alliance."

"Your Highness, please consider this a few days of rest."

Li Yuanchang was helpless; he longed to go home, but Li Shimin kept him there.

Could it be that Li Shimin wants him to escort the bride again?

He no longer wanted to do this; the Tuyuhun affair had completely destroyed any goodwill he had developed towards Li Shimin.

"Very well, I understand."

"yes!"

The eunuch bowed and then returned.

Li Yuanchang walked out of the palace area of ​​the Imperial Study and then prepared to leave the palace along the palace avenue. He had been forcibly given a holiday, so he could only spend two days having fun with Li Chongzhen.

But before he could take more than a few steps, he bumped into a large group of palace maids and eunuchs, and the one being fawned over was an old acquaintance.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to Consort Shu!"

"Oh, His Highness the Prince of Han is here." Consort Yang was surprised and smiled. She slowly stepped forward, and the palace maids and eunuchs behind her bowed.

"Your Majesty, I just came from the Imperial Study," Li Yuanchang said, unable to resist glancing at her again. She was gentle, virtuous, and exuded a grand air of the imperial court.

She has the same style as Empress Zhangsun, no wonder Li Shimin likes her.

But any man would probably like this type, and she's probably only in her early twenties.

"I see. I've come to add incense and serve medicine to His Majesty."

"Is Your Highness leaving the palace?" Consort Yang asked warmly.

"right."

"Cai'er, go and fetch some ginseng and lingzhi that I seized from Gaochang, and send some to His Highness the Prince of Han."

"Your Majesty, how could I possibly accept this?" Li Yuanchang said with a smile.

"Your Highness, you are a great hero of the Tang Dynasty. These are just some tonics. Consider them a gift from me to the Princess Consort of Han," Consort Yang said with a sweet smile.

Li Yuanchang could even smell the fragrance between the lips and tongue.

"Then I, on behalf of the Princess, thank Consort Shu for her generous gift."

As he spoke, his eyes flashed and he saw a woman among the palace maids behind Consort Yang who had been looking at him. She was dressed as a female official and was none other than Li Su, a member of the imperial family.

Her face was beaming with joy, her cheeks even turning red. She was very excited to see Li Yuanchang again, but she didn't dare to greet him casually, and could only keep casting glances at him.

Li Yuanchang grinned, surprised to find himself running into someone here.

He realized what was happening and suddenly said, "Um, Your Highness, could I ask you for a favor?"