Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

Besides the dozen or so officials who were seated, there were dozens more officials who were not qualified to sit down, either of whom were of the sixth or seventh rank or were junior Tibetan generals.

Jiang Zhao gently set down his teacup and looked down, breaking the silence: "Recently, several small Tibetan tribes have been disturbing the surrounding borders. I wonder what the purpose is for the actions of King Dongzhan?"

“The Pacification Commissioner is unaware of this,” Renduo Baozhong hurriedly replied. “Our king was entrusted by the late king to be granted the title of Zanpu. However, a group of petty people, led by Muzheng, are deliberately provoking our king’s majesty. Some small tribes are following suit, and they are truly unrestrained.”

Both sides know exactly what happened in this situation.

Now, the Dongzhan tribe is in a precarious situation, and Renduo Baozhong can only offer a humble explanation.

“I understand why Dongzan Zanpu lacks prestige and is unable to win over the people.”

As he spoke, Jiang Zhao sighed, "In fact, the Great Zhou Dynasty never had the ambition to expand its territory to the seven prefectures of Xihe. However, the Tibetan tribes frequently invaded Xizhou, so His Majesty sent me to the frontier. It can be said that it was a matter of timing and fate."

Rendo Baozhong's expression changed slightly.

The seven prefectures of Xihe, also known as the Hehuang region.

This place is exceptionally fertile.

The loss of the seven prefectures of Xihe was undoubtedly a major blow to Tibet.

Unfortunately, the territory has been lost, and no matter what the victors say, the losers can only accept it.

"Mu Zheng has already stationed troops in Qingtang, intending to seize Huangzhou, Kuozhou, and Xiningzhou, thereby unifying Tibet." Jiang Zhao's expression darkened slightly, and he rebuked, "This move is undoubtedly a heinous crime."

"This time, I specially summoned the envoy to Xihe for a meeting, in order to find out what Dongzhan Zanpu meant."

Jiang Zhaoping said calmly, "In the end, whether it is Mu Zhengying or Dongzanpu Ying, it is an internal matter of Tibet."

However, the Great Zhou Dynasty, having endured Tibetan incursions for nearly a century, had suddenly expanded its territory by seven prefectures, and its morale was high. To control its people and prevent further territorial expansion, the only way was for Emperor Dongzhan to provide financial support and appease them.

The implication was clear: they wanted some benefits.

"The Pacification Commissioner's words are an exaggeration." Rendo Baozhong snorted coldly. He spoke in a humble tone in order to better negotiate terms, rather than to allow others to take advantage of him.

He retorted, "The seven prefectures of Xihe are newly expanded territories and need time to recuperate. If my king is no match for Mu Zheng, he will have no choice but to risk his life to advance eastward. Furthermore, if Mu Zheng unifies Tibet and joins forces with Western Xia to advance eastward, the soldiers of the seven prefectures of Xihe may not be able to hold onto the territory they have gained. You should know that two of the seven prefectures of Xihe are part of Western Xia territory."

Jiang Zhao glanced at it indifferently.

What Rendo Yasutada said was indeed the truth.

Given Dong Zhan's military strength, if he were to join forces with the Western Xia to invade the Great Zhou, he would surely be double-crossed by the Western Xia.

This is also why Dong Zhan did not search for the Western Xia.

But if Mu Zheng were to unify Tibet with nearly 100,000 troops, he might not necessarily be afraid of the Western Xia.

Therefore, it is natural that an alliance can be formed.

If the Tibetans had 100,000 troops, and the Western Xia had 100,000 to 200,000, the seven prefectures of Xihe might not be able to hold out.

"The envoy's words make sense," Jiang Zhao smiled and agreed.

"Thus, both Dongzanzanpu and Dazhou are concerned about Dazhou's westward expansion and Dongzanzanpu's eastward expansion, and both have a desire for peace. As the Imperial Appointed Pacification Commissioner, I have the authority to decide all border affairs. I just don't know if Dongzanzanpu is willing to negotiate?"

From the very beginning, Jiang Zhao wanted peace between the two sides in order to develop Xihe Road and consolidate the territory.

As for asking for benefits, it's best if you get them, but it's also understandable if you don't.

Rendo Baozhong's expression relaxed: "The Zanpu also has this intention."

"I have long heard of Dongzan's integrity," Jiang Zhao praised.

The tone shifted: "However, the matter of peace talks ultimately involves the intersection of two countries, and cannot be based on my personal opinion alone. I wonder what the sincerity of King Dongzhan is?"

Now that the goals of the peace talks are aligned, the next step is to add leverage to the negotiations.

Rendo Baozhong was prepared and said, "President, please state your conditions."

As Dong Zhan's confidant, he knew the leader's bottom line.

Jiang Zhao sets a price, and he can negotiate a lower price accordingly.

"The tea-horse trade benefits both countries. I intend to establish a special 'border market' to promote border trade, allowing Tibetan tribes to exchange horses and furs for tea, salt, porcelain, and other goods. However, trade between Tibet and the Western Xia and Liao dynasties is prohibited."

Horses were definitely a weak point for the Zhou army.

The Great Zhou Dynasty, which occupied the south, had virtually no good horse breeds.

Tibet had excellent horses, and they would exchange them for items of minor value, such as tea, salt, and porcelain, which would not affect the country's strength. They would make a profit on every horse they acquired.

Once Tibet opens its policies, there will certainly be no shortage of merchants selling horses.

As for whether Tibetan merchants would feel that this was treason and weakening of the country, and therefore stop doing business with them?

A businessman with a conscience will never become rich!

“Okay,” Renta Yasutada replied.

The Tibetan tribes did indeed need tea, salt, and porcelain.

Similar transactions and smuggling have occurred in the past.

This time the requirements were a bit stricter, with the addition of a ban on selling warhorses to the Western Xia and Liao dynasties.

“If any small Tibetan tribes submit to the Great Zhou, Emperor Dongzan must not obstruct them,” Jiang Zhao added.

“Okay.” Renta Yasutada nodded.

Tibet was a tribal society that was prone to division. This might have been unacceptable to states like the Great Zhou and Western Xia, but it was still within acceptable limits for Tibet.

"We must allow the Great Zhou to build fortresses on the border, and the banks of the Yellow River and Tao River will be handed over to the Great Zhou army for defense," Jiang Zhao said slowly.

Rendo Yasutada was startled and reacted strongly: "Impossible!"

If the Tibetan Empire and the Western Xia were to communicate, they would certainly have to cross the Yellow River and the Tao River.

Once this was agreed to, Tibet would never have another chance to unite with Western Xia.

Along the Yellow River and the Tao River, there is no need to station too many troops, two or three thousand will suffice.

With two or three thousand troops stationed there, it could be ensured that no one could communicate with the Western Xia through the Yellow River and the Tao River.

"Then it's pending." Jiang Zhao smiled faintly.

As he spoke, Jiang Zhao looked over.

Rendo Baozhong's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stated his request: "The tea-horse trade must allow the exchange of ironware."

"Impossible." Jiang Zhao waved his hand, directly refusing.

The Great Zhou Dynasty always restricted the flow of strategic materials such as ironware, agricultural tools, and salt into Tibet. If it weren't for the need to exchange them for warhorses, there wouldn't even be any salt in the tea-horse trade.

Rendo Baozhong's expression froze.

This is only the first condition!

He calmed himself down and said, "The emperor must marry a noblewoman from Tibet as a concubine for the purpose of forming an alliance. Alternatively, the Great Zhou can marry a princess to him."

"Impossible." Jiang Zhao waved his hand, refusing once again.

The old emperor is too old to marry a Tibetan woman.

Marrying a princess was even more impossible.

The Great Zhou Dynasty expanded its territory, making it a "victorious nation".

After both of his conditions were rejected, Rendo Baozhong became somewhat impatient: "My king has already shown sincerity, but I have not seen the sincerity of the envoy!"

This statement implies a willingness to "wait for the right price."

If they still don't agree, then we can't reach an agreement.

Jiang Zhao pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded. "That makes sense."

Perhaps recalling something, he showed a look of regret: "The seven prefectures of Xihe are garrisoned with 100,000 troops. If you include the Yulongke tribe, that's 200,000 troops."

"Such a large army is likely the source of Dongzanpu's unease."

As he spoke, Jiang Zhao hesitated and looked down.

Ren Duobao was startled.

Could it be?

"Can the Pacification Commissioner reduce the number of troops stationed in the seven prefectures of Xihe?" Renduo Baozhong asked eagerly.

If the number of troops stationed in the seven prefectures of Xihe could be reduced, even if that was the only condition, then there would still be room for negotiation.

"How about this," Jiang Zhao sighed, "we can implement a policy of land reclamation for the 100,000 soldiers of the Yulongke tribe, instead of having them regularly stationed there. What do you think?"

Rendo Yasutada let out a long breath.

That's awesome!

Implementing the policy of military-agricultural settlements, even if it requires gathering people, still takes a certain amount of time.

Soldiers returning to their fields and the reduction of regular garrison troops—this is sincerity!

"Where is the Great Zhou army?" Renduo Baozhong asked, trying to negotiate.

“If the Great Zhou is allowed to build fortresses on the border, and the banks of the Yellow River and Tao River are to be guarded by the Great Zhou army—” Under Rendo Baozhong’s expectant gaze, Jiang Zhao slowly said, “I promise that I can reduce the number of soldiers by 20,000!”

"Is what the Pacification Commissioner said true?" Ren Duobaozhong was greatly shocked.

One move was land reclamation, the other was troop reduction.

If this policy can be implemented, the number of border troops regularly stationed in Xihe Road will only be 60,000 to 70,000.

This number must be around 30,000 to 40,000 to guard against the Western Xia.

The remaining 30,000 to 40,000 were distributed across eight prefectures and counties, and their strength was already quite dispersed.

Such a number of soldiers undoubtedly gives people peace of mind.

"A gentleman's word is as good as his bond!" Jiang Zhao said calmly.

Originally, he had policies of land reclamation and troop reduction to implement, thereby ensuring the supply of food and provisions for the army to a certain extent.

If a peace agreement is reached based on this, it would be comparable to getting something for nothing.

Steady profit without losing!

“Alright, then we will allow the Great Zhou to build fortresses on the border and hand over the banks of the Yellow River and the Tao River.” Renduo Baozhong made a decisive decision.

Of the 200,000 troops, only 60,000 to 70,000 remained permanently stationed.

That's incredibly sincere!

Jiang Zhao smiled broadly, stood up and beckoned, saying, "Men, prepare the oath and a banquet. I wish to drink with General Ren Duo Baozhong."

Peace talks are in order!

For a time, the civil officials of the Great Zhou and the Tibetan envoys were in high spirits.

Holy crap! In the last three days, the votes increased by more than a thousand, so I have to add four more chapters.

No, I must pull myself together and repay the kindness of these men.

I'll hold onto the manuscript for a while and try to release it after the Dragon Boat Festival.

Chapter 111 Governing a Region!

The peace treaty was negotiated in Xizhou, and the envoy returned west.

This move signifies that the two countries have reached an effective consensus, formed an alliance, and will not invade each other's territory.

Of course, no one can say for sure how long such an alliance will last.

However, every alliance has a so-called "honeymoon period," during which the alliance is absolutely valid for at least three to five years.

Less than ten days after the peace talks, an imperial edict was issued and spread throughout the land.

The Emperor decreed:

I, having received the mandate of heaven, have expanded the western frontier. Now, the seven prefectures of Xihe have newly submitted, and Tibet has sued for peace. This land, with its fertile fields stretching for thousands of miles, is truly a region where the emperor's influence has not yet reached. Considering the people on the borders who are in dire need of food and the lack of talented individuals, I hereby issue this imperial edict to widely recruit outstanding talents, in order to secure the borders and promote education.

I. Special quotas for the imperial examinations were set aside to encourage outstanding talents.

Beginning in the eighth year of the Jiayou reign (1849), the Xihe Circuit established a special imperial examination for twenty Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest level of the imperial examinations), forming a separate "Longyou List." All candidates from this circuit, regardless of whether they were from the Central Plains or the Western Regions, and who were registered as border residents, were allowed to submit their applications to take the exam. The top three candidates were awarded the title of Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest level of the imperial examinations), while the rest were granted the title of Tongjinshi (successful candidate in the highest level of the imperial examinations). They were eligible to participate in the examination for Shujishi (probationary officials) and be granted official positions, concurrently overseeing land reclamation and tea-horse trade.

Second, land was allocated and taxes were reduced to ensure the well-being of the people.

All those who migrate to Xihe, regardless of whether they are educated or not, will be granted permanent land. Every adult male will be given 20 mu of irrigated land and 5 mu of mulberry land. Newly reclaimed land will be exempt from grain purchases for the first year.

Third, women were brought to the border to become wives.