12dz Chapter 2308 One Time, Another Time
Chapter 2308 One Time, Another Time
"Your Majesty, in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken."
Changsun Wuji said in a deep voice, "We can levy additional taxes on pacifying Chu, persuade wealthy households and merchants to donate, and even... temporarily use part of the imperial treasury to alleviate the immediate crisis."
"At the same time, local officials were strictly ordered to expedite the collection of autumn grain taxes to ensure the supply of military rations."
"If we can get through the first few months, the situation may ease after spring planting."
This was undoubtedly a short-sighted and detrimental approach, but Li Shiming also understood that he had no other choice.
He gritted his teeth and nodded with difficulty: "As the Prime Minister says! This matter will be handled by the Ministry of Revenue together with you, and must be done as soon as possible!"
"This old minister obeys the decree."
Changsun Wuji paused, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes, and then revealed his most important and daring third strategy:
"Thirdly, Your Majesty, you may send envoys north to make contact with the Northern Desert Scorpion Clan!"
"The Scorpion Clan?"
Upon hearing this, Li Shiming's expression changed drastically. He looked at Changsun Wuji with surprise and resistance in his eyes.
"Prime Minister! Helian Hui has just suffered a defeat at the hands of Chu Ning, losing all 50,000 of his main force. It is no exaggeration to say that he and Chu have become mortal enemies."
"But invite the Scorpion Clan to enter the pass and join the war? This... this is like inviting a wolf into the house!"
"Back then, my alliance with Chu Xuan, which led the Scorpion Clan southward, was already criticized by later generations. How can we repeat such a risky move now?"
"If the Scorpion Clan enters the pass and turns the tables, wreaking havoc on the Central Plains, wouldn't I become a sinner for all eternity?!"
Changsun Wuji seemed to have anticipated Li Shiming's reaction. He remained calm and analyzed the situation rationally:
"Your Majesty's concerns are clear to this old minister. However, times have changed."
"After the battles of Jianghuai and Yingzuiwan, the elite forces of the Scorpion Clan Royal Court suffered heavy losses. Helian Hui was killed in battle, and internal turmoil is bound to occur, greatly weakening its strength."
"This old minister estimates that the number of troops they can currently mobilize is no more than 100,000, and most of them are old, weak, or newly recruited, whose fighting strength is far from what it used to be."
He took a step forward, lowered his voice, and spoke with a calculating air:
"Our Great Tang only needs to provide them with some grain, cloth, salt, and iron to help them through this harsh winter famine; for them, that would be like sending charcoal in snowy weather!" (Scorpion)
"The tribe has always valued strength and gratitude. If you win their favor, they will surely be grateful to Your Majesty."
"At that time, Your Majesty will again use the promise of joint revenge and the division of interests in the northern border of Chu as bait."
"Invite them to send troops south after the spring of next year to harass the northern border of Chu and tie down part of Chu's army... They will surely agree!"
Changsun Wuji's eyes gleamed with cunning: "In this way, Chu will be threatened by the Scorpion Clan to the north and will not dare to attack us with all its might."
"Our Great Tang can take this opportunity to consolidate its defenses and train a new army. When the time is right, we can even join forces with the Scorpion Clan to launch a pincer attack from the east and west, thus countering the Chu Kingdom!"
"As for the danger of inviting wolves into the house... Your Majesty, the Scorpion Clan has just been defeated and is internally unstable. They also rely on the support of our Great Tang. In the short term, they have neither the ability nor the courage to cause trouble within the territory of the Great Tang."
"After we defeat the Chu Kingdom and our Tang Dynasty recovers its strength, it will not be too late to try to appease or suppress the Scorpion Clan."
These words, analyzed layer by layer, clearly laid out the interests involved.
Joining forces with the Scorpion Clan might seem like a desperate move, but given their current overwhelming disadvantage, it appears to be the only external bargaining chip that can increase their chances of winning and alleviate the pressure.
Moreover, Changsun Wuji's assessment of the current situation of the Scorpion Clan and his plans for utilizing them sound quite feasible.
Li Shiming remained silent.
He paced slowly before the imperial desk, his hands behind his back, his brow furrowed, a fierce internal struggle raging within him.
Allying with foreign tribes has always been a major taboo for the orthodox dynasties of the Central Plains. The historian's pen is like a knife, and he was well aware of the consequences.
But without joining forces, can the Tang Dynasty withstand Chu Ning's possible thunderous attack next year, given its current state?
He had no confidence whatsoever.
Only the crackling of burning charcoal and the heavy footsteps of Li Shimin remained inside the hall.
Time passed slowly, and the sky outside the window grew increasingly gloomy, as if a heavy snowfall was imminent.
After an unknown amount of time, Li Shiming finally stopped.
He turned around to face Changsun Wuji, the struggle on his face gradually fading, replaced by a desperate determination and a weary ruthlessness.
He slowly closed his eyes, then opened them again, his voice dry and low, as if he had used up all his strength:
"As the Prime Minister has said."
“A secret envoy was sent north, carrying grain, cloth and generous gifts, to contact the new Khan of the Scorpion Clan.”
"Tell them that I am willing to form an alliance with them to jointly resist the tyrannical Chu, avenge the loss of Khan Helian Hui, and promise to share the spoils of Chu's northern border after defeating it."
"Please make sure that after the spring of next year, they send troops south to harass the borders of the Chu Kingdom!"
"This matter... must be handled in complete secrecy! Not a single word must leak out!"
Changsun Wuji bowed deeply, his face showing little joy, only a solemn and dignified expression.
"Your Majesty, I will obey your decree! I will make proper arrangements and live up to your expectations!"
Inside the Zichen Palace, the decision has been made.
A more complex and dangerous game has quietly unfolded in the depths of winter.
The Tang Dynasty, once a powerful empire that dominated the Central Plains, was forced to extend its reach to the perilous northern grasslands once again in order to survive after suffering a severe blow.
Trying to grab that rope that might save their life or strangle them.
Meanwhile, the Chu Kingdom, far away in the south, was completely unaware of this, still basking in the afterglow of victory and mourning for its meritorious officials, preparing for a thunderous northern expedition the following spring.
The chessboard of the world is undergoing a subtle yet dangerous shift due to Han Xing's death and Li Shimin's struggle.
An hour later, the voice of an attendant came from outside the Zichen Palace: "Your Majesty, General Li Jing has been summoned to an audience."
"Xuan."
Li Shimin sat behind his desk, his expression slightly calmer than before, but the worry between his brows was still deep.
He needs to hear the veteran's opinion, especially on military matters.
The heavy palace doors were slowly pushed open, and an old general, dressed in worn armor, with white hair and beard but a straight back, walked in with steady and powerful steps.
It was Li Jing. He was over sixty years old, his face covered with deep wrinkles like weathered rock, but his eyes were still sharp as an eagle's, showing little sign of age.
He had already distinguished himself during the reign of Emperor Taizu, and was known for his skill in defense. He had experienced many border battles and was very experienced.
Because of his upright character and repeated outspoken criticisms, he was disliked by Li Shimin and has been gradually marginalized in recent years, living in seclusion in the capital.
When he was urgently summoned again, his face showed little excitement or resentment, only a calm and solemn expression.
"This humble general, Li Jing, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
Li Jing walked to the imperial steps, knelt on one knee according to etiquette, and spoke in a loud and clear voice.
"General Li, please rise."
Li Shimin personally rose, offered a slight gesture of support, and said in a very polite tone, "Please take a seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Li Jing stood up, but did not sit down immediately. Instead, he remained standing respectfully with his hands at his sides.
"What brings His Majesty to summon me in such urgent need?"