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

Li Yuanchang did not rush to make a decision, but instead planned to let his subordinates argue and discuss it first.

He was determined to go.

Even if Changsun Wuji and his ilk had ill intentions, he was still going.

Firstly, he had a close relationship with Murong Khan and Princess Honghua. In fact, when Li Yuanchang was in trouble, the two even wrote to the court to plead his case.

Now that their country has been destroyed and their families have perished, Li Yuanchang naturally cannot sit idly by.

Secondly, he was familiar with the trajectory of history.

Once the Tang army enters the plateau for combat, altitude sickness and logistics will become deadly killers.

Without the use of gunpowder, the Tang army could not have conquered Tibet.

He didn't want the Great African Union to suffer another crushing defeat, as it would be a painful experience for the entire nation and its people.

Thirdly, the Tibetan Empire was part of his plan, and taking it over would be a crucial barrier for the entire Chinese nation for thousands of years!

After nightfall, he hosted a banquet for Cheng Chuliang.

The two sat down for a long talk.

Cheng Chuliang still played the role of a messenger, and did not persuade Li Yuanchang to go on the western expedition, completely respecting Li Yuanchang's own wishes.

Li Yuanchang then inquired about many things in Chang'an from Cheng Chuliang.

"Alas, that's the situation. His Majesty is indeed caught in a dilemma, unable to extricate himself from either side."

"The ministers suggested that Your Majesty lead the western expedition, and Your Majesty was thus somewhat dragged into it."

"I just wish I could be on the battlefield, fighting and driving these Tibetan barbarians out!"

"What a pity, the higher-ups don't think much of me. If they did, I really wanted to go and meet these Tibetan barbarians. Those damned bastards, how dare they challenge the might of my Great Tang!"

boom!

As he spoke, Cheng Chuliang took a big gulp of wine and slammed the bowl heavily on the table, his whole demeanor filled with indignation.

As a meritorious second-generation descendant of the Tang Dynasty, and even a member of the imperial family, he had pride. The invasion of Tibet was tantamount to a slap in the face.

Not only him, but many young people in Chang'an probably feel the same indignation as Cheng Chuliang.

Li Yuanchang patted him on the shoulder with a smile: "Don't be angry, calm down."

"The annexation of Tuyuhun by the Tibetan Empire and its eastward expansion were historically inevitable."

Whether this problem is solved or not is inevitable.

Cheng Chuliang was stunned for a moment, completely confused, and widened his eyes: "Did you know all along that this was going to happen?"

"I suppose so," Li Yuanchang said.

"Tibet was an extremely powerful empire. As the saying goes, two tigers cannot share one mountain. It was difficult for the two sides to achieve both in trade and military affairs."

"During the reign of Emperor Taizong, there was an intention to form a marriage alliance. At that time, I expressed my resistance, believing that a marriage alliance would at most bring only a short period of peace. However, the court at that time did not listen to me."

"Fortunately, it was because I insisted that His Majesty canceled the excessive aid to Tibet."

"Otherwise, it looks like we've lost a fortune," Li Yuanchang joked.

Cheng Chuliang frowned: "Brother, is Tibet really that strong?"

"I've heard they still eat raw meat over there, and fathers and sons share a wife. How can such uncivilized barbarians threaten our Great Tang?"

Li Yuanchang nodded, his eyes serious: "Very strong!"

How strong is it?

"Even if I were to lead an army of 200,000 to attack the Tibetan homeland, I might not be able to win."

"Huh?" Cheng Chuliang was shocked, his eyes almost popping out of his head.

"Even with 200,000 troops, brother, victory isn't guaranteed? Don't you have those terrifying Han Lei?"

Li Yuanchang shook his head: "Han Lei is a lethal weapon; it cannot allow the Tang army to cross the plateau, which is known as a no-man's-land."

"It also cannot be used for logistical purposes."

"In terms of terrain, it is a hundred times more terrifying than Goguryeo."

"In terms of logistics, it was a hundred times more difficult than Goguryeo."

"In terms of military capability, Tibet could easily defeat the former Goguryeo!"

After hearing this, Cheng Chuliang was stunned, as if his worldview had been completely refreshed.

"Wouldn't that mean Tuyuhun could only watch as Tibet seized it?"

Li Yuanchang said: "No."

"Although Tuyuhun borders Tibet, there are still significant differences. Although the altitude there is also high and the roads are difficult to travel, it is still much better than Tibet. I have been there, and it is not a problem for me to regain control of that place."

"The Tang Dynasty's national strength can overcome all logistical challenges."

"Brother, will you go?" Cheng Chuliang asked cautiously, emboldened by the alcohol.

Li Yuanchang smiled.

"go!"

"If I don't go, it will confirm the internal discord within the Tang Dynasty and the division of power during the transition, and the Tibetan barbarians will become even more arrogant."

"Tuyuhun is a natural pasture, and it is also related to the entire Hexi Corridor and even the Western Regions' interest structure, so it cannot be lost."

"Once lost, endless troubles will ensue. The Tibetan army can send troops from Qinghai Road at any time to plunder our people."

Cheng Chuliang took a deep breath: "My elder brother has a much broader perspective, unlike Changsun Wuji, who is self-serving despite his public-spiritedness!"

"Big brother, can you promise me something?" He suddenly changed the subject.

"you say."

"Brother, if you really want to go, take me with you! I want to see if those Tibetan barbarians have three heads and six arms!" Cheng Chuliang was eager to try, a pure warmonger.

"Hahaha!"

Li Yuanchang laughed loudly: "I guessed it."

"Brother, is it possible? The court needs you to deal with the Tibetans, so this is definitely a minor issue!" Cheng Chuliang said with a chuckle.

"Well," Li Yuanchang hesitated, "we'll talk about it later."

"Why?" Cheng Chuliang's expression changed.

"For the time being, you cannot become a trusted follower of this king; you can only be a subject and messenger of the court!" Li Yuanchang said.

Cheng Chuliang has matured a lot over the years, and he understood what was going on when he heard this.

"Brother, I'm not afraid. Besides, this is about resisting the Tibetans!"

Li Yuanchang shook his head.

Seeing the determination in his eyes, Cheng Chuliang had no choice but to give up: "Alright."

"Enough of this talk. Now that we've met, brothers, let's drink until we drop tonight!"

"Hehe, what you say is absolutely right, brother. We don't even know when we'll meet again. Li Chongzhen and the others miss you terribly."

"I'm lucky to have gotten this job."

"Haha, come on!"

"..."

More than half an hour later, Cheng Chuliang collapsed first because he drank too fast, snoring loudly.

Li Yuanchang was also quite drunk. After having Cheng Chuliang sent back, he felt like he was going to vomit and rushed back to his study.

"vomit!!"

The stench of alcohol filled the air instantly, and the servants scrambled to their feet.

This distilled spirit has a stronger aftereffect than those of later generations, mainly because it is not counterfeited or adulterated.

The intense discomfort caused Li Yuanchang to lean against the wall with one hand, his whole body trembling as he vomited.

A hand gently patted his back.

"Madam, please go out first. You'll feel better after you throw up. It smells terrible." Li Yuanchang pushed her away, his words barely coherent, the acid reflux making him feel unwell.

"Brother-in-law, it's me."

"Why did you drink so much?"

Li Yuanchang was taken aback when he saw the handkerchief being handed to him.