Han Shizu

Chapter 2100 Taizong Chapter 47 The World in the Shadow of the Han Dynasty (Part )

At the end of the year, the new year is approaching, and the entire imperial capital, starting from the imperial city, is in a state of busyness. Under the leadership of the eunuchs, the palace people carefully decorated the palace, cleaned the roads, and decorated the palace with lanterns and colors.

However, as the size of the palace staff was further reduced, the palace attendants, including some foremen and female officials, were able to do their own work.

What is worthy of praise and admiration is that by the end of the sixth year of Yongxi's reign, in the entire Ziwei City, in addition to the guards of the Suwei Palace, there were less than 5,000 eunuchs and maids who directly provided services to the royal nobles. .

Compared with Shizu in his later years, more than 80% of the palace was directly cut off, and in the past six years, no new people have been added to the palace. The emperor's behavior left people speechless. All they could say was compliments and appreciation. After all, this was behavior consistent with the character of a wise king.

Even though, for many people, they actually don’t really want the emperor to restrain himself like this. In the past two or three years, many poems and articles describing and praising this event have been produced in the literary world of Xijing. In the court, when some ministers mentioned this, they were "touched" and said that His Majesty had "wronged" them so much.

No matter what people's hearts are like, at least under the example of Emperor Liu Yang, the Han Empire from top to bottom has become more and more prosperous.

In the joyful atmosphere, Emperor Liu Yang rarely put down his state affairs, walked out of the palace, and took a walk in the palace aimlessly. This kind of leisurely experience is really rare for Liu Yang today.

Unconsciously, Liu Yang's back became a little rickety like Emperor Shizu's before. Although the degree was not serious, it was rickety after all.

In front were two maids holding lamps to guide the way, followed far behind were three eunuchs and a group of guards, Liu Yang was among them, and more importantly, there was a child holding his hand.

Now, Liu Yang is also a grandfather. The boy holding one of his fingers under his knees is his eldest grandson. He was born in the winter of the third year of Yongxi's reign by Liu Wenhuan's wife Chang. He is now three years old and named Jiyuan.

At the same time, the second son, Linzi Duke Liu Wenji, also got married in the fifth year of Yongxi's reign. The person he married was not a "rich family". Of course, he was still among the nobles. He was the great-granddaughter of the late Jiuyuan Marquis Li Wanchao, the founding father of the country.

Originally, Concubine Xiao Zhuang wanted to give Liu Wenjin a virtuous wife of ordinary background, but it was Liu Yang who decided to get married. During his Northern Tour (the second tour in Yongxi's fifth year), he stayed at When he arrived at the Li family, he fell in love with the young lady of the Li family and took her as his daughter-in-law.

Not long ago, Mrs. Li also gave birth to a grandson to Liu Yang, both of whom were born in the same family. Witnessing the continuation of the bloodline with his own eyes gave Liu Yang a very special experience. Therefore, Liu Yang is in a good mood recently.

Cross-generation relatives do exist, just like Liu Jiyuan beside him. As the eldest grandson of the eldest son, no matter what he thinks of Liu Wenhuan, Liu Yang is extremely happy for this grandson.

Of course, the good mood did not last long, and it was difficult for the Han Empire to let Liu Yang really calm down to entertain his grandchildren and enjoy his family.

"Sit!" In the palace, Liu Yang looked at King Lu Liu Ai who came to pay his respects.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Over the years, Liu Ai has become more and more comfortable in his position as Zhongshuling. The embarrassment in the early days can no longer be seen on his face, and what remains is just calmness. At the same time, Liu Ai was also in charge of the Ministry of Rites and the Lifan Yuan in the court, which was real power.

In contrast, of course, it is Zhao Wang Liu Fang. In addition to being a counselor in political affairs, Liu Yang also gave him the title of "Advisor to the Ministry of War and Privy Council." You can understand its power.

"What's the matter?" Liu Yang stopped greeting Liu Yan and asked directly.

"It's a matter about Khotan!" Liu Yan frowned slightly and replied, "Today I met with Wei Chibao, the envoy from Khotan. He expressed to me that he hopes the court can reconcile the conflict between Kangju and Khotan."

After hearing this, Liu Yang immediately realized something was wrong and asked for details. Only then did Liu Yan slowly tell the story of the disputes between Kangju and Khotan in recent years.

The Kangju State, with the Shule area as its core ruling area, borders the Khotan State, which also involves a geopolitical issue. Conflicts are inevitable, it's just a question of whether both parties are willing to exercise restraint.

From the perspective of Khotan, of course it hopes to live in harmony with its neighbor Kangju, but Kangju's king Liu Ye is not a peaceful person. To be honest, Liu Ye was the first to provoke the fight.

When the Han Dynasty conquered the Black Khanate to the west, Khotan sent troops to distribute food. Following the Western Expedition, they still drew a lot of nutrients from the bodies of the Black Khanate, especially in terms of territory, which expanded northwards. Less area.

These territorial disputes began with the "religious wars" between the Black Khan and Khotan and continued until the establishment of the Kangju State, and Liu Ye would also completely inherit them.

Of course, all disputes are motivated by interests, and what Liu Ye values ​​​​is a security interest. After all, judging from the map, the border of Khotan was too close to Shule, his royal city. The threat of this kind of sleeping plan would be unbearable for anyone, let alone Liu Ye.

Even though it was unlikely that Khotan would take the initiative to attack Shule northward, Liu Ye still couldn't bear it. Therefore, starting from the third year of Yongxi's reign, after completing the basic organizational work of the Kangju feudal state, Liu Ye began to set his sights on the Khotan Kingdom in the south. He repeatedly sent people to provoke, and conflicts along the border between the two countries, increasing day by day.

Although the Kingdom of Khotan has been in decline over the years, it is still a country with history, foundation and faith. Even the once powerful Black Khanate has been defeated. How can a Kangju Kingdom that pretends to be a fake and powerful country scare them.

In the face of Liu Ye's provocation, Khotan was naturally very angry and made some targeted arrangements, but on the whole it was restrained. Of course, it was not Kang Juguo and Liu Ye that they were afraid of, but the Han Empire behind them.

Small conflicts gradually turned into big disputes. In the sixth year of Yongxi reign, as the "Kang State" became more and more aggressive, the Khotan State could no longer bear it. In particular, a group of Kang State cavalry brazenly invaded the important town of Ya in the north of Khotan. The children looked at (Yarkand) and looted it. This was a real act of war.

However, Liu Ye and his Kangju state could be unscrupulous and fearless, but Khotan still had scruples, so he sent his clan and general Yuchi Baoxiang to Luoyang to communicate the matter and make the final decision to eliminate the dispute in this winter and spring. effort.

At the same time, Khotan has been deploying troops to strengthen its border defenses. A vassal war in the western frontier of the Han Dynasty may also happen in the blink of an eye.

Prime Minister Yuchi Bao came here, saying that he was seeking mediation, but in fact it was more like complaining and complaining. While stating his attitude, he also had a hint of questioning.

In his words, if the dispute between Kangju and Khotan was instigated by Kangguo without permission, then the central government should play its role as the suzerain to bridge the gap between the two countries to avoid further escalation of the situation;

If the Han Dynasty is also responsible for the Khotan ministers, then please explain the blame, and the ministers will definitely correct themselves and make amends;

If the state of Kang continues to make trouble unreasonably, use weapons and force, and push people too far, then the state will take countermeasures and hope that the central government will uphold fairness and justice and treat them fairly.

The rhetoric was so reasonable that even Liu Ming was speechless. He could only comfort him, saying that he would investigate and report it.

As for the disputes between the two countries, it is impossible for the court to know nothing about the disputes between the two countries for so many years, even as far away as Luoyang. At least the general situation is clear. As the party provoking the trouble, Kang Guo is certainly unreasonable, but it is a feudal state of the Han Dynasty. Even if the court is dissatisfied, it is not easy to express its attitude rashly. Until now, the Khotan Kingdom has sued Luoyang, and the central government must have an explanation.

"The south has not calmed down, and the west has started to make trouble again!" Liu Yang beat his head sadly, with obvious dissatisfaction in his tone, and asked Liu Shu: "What do you think about this matter?"

Regarding this, Liu Yan also seemed to have a toothache, but he had obviously considered it before and said directly: "To be fair, the thirteenth brother went too far, and he initiated the conflict. As a vassal of the Han Dynasty, Khotan Kingdom has been , Always be cautious when it comes to serious matters, and pay tribute continuously. This is for a friendly country. What the thirteenth brother did is indeed inappropriate!

Khotan has already restrained its aggression against Shule. If Luoyang's attitude had not been taken into account, war would have started. Although Prime Minister Yuchi came here to ask for mediation from the court, he actually wanted an explanation from the court.

It is also to stop the imperial court. If the two countries' swordsmen meet, the Thirteenth Brother will be the unnamed army, while Khotan will fight morally. At that time, it will be inconvenient for the court to take sides due to circumstances and reasons."

"Your analysis makes some sense!" After listening to Liu Ai's answer, Liu Yang nodded, but his frown did not ease. He thought for a moment and said, "But the matter has come to this, what can be done?"

When asked, Liu Yan did not answer directly, but looked at Liu Yang and pointed out one point: "If the imperial court does not intervene, the current situation between the two countries will inevitably lead to war!"

"Has Liu Ye given an explanation on this matter?" Liu Yang asked nonsense.

Liu Yan shook his head and said: "Thirteenth brother, I know clearly after thinking about it that the imperial court will never agree to his request, so I have never asked for permission in the dispute with Khotan. Previously, I requested assistance from the imperial court for the sale of artillery and gunpowder factories, perhaps. Just prepare to use it in the battle against Khotan."

"If the two countries start a war, who can win?" After thinking about it for a long time, Liu Yang asked this question coldly and quietly.

Liu Ming was slightly surprised, and he regained consciousness. After thinking for a moment, he replied cautiously: "I don't dare to make rash decisions regarding military matters.

It’s just that in the opinion of my ministers, if Kang is defeated, he can still retreat to Shule, but Khotan will not dare to go north to destroy his country. If Khotan is defeated, there is the worry of destruction.

Therefore, once the conflict cannot be resolved, the whole country will fight to the death in Khotan, and the thirteenth brother"

"This is the reason why Liu Ye is so emboldened and unscrupulous!" Liu Yang looked ugly and scolded sternly: "If he regards the big man as the support for his gambling expansion, or if he targets Khotan, who is also a vassal, how can he decide that after the defeat? , will the imperial court take care of the consequences?"

Although he said this, Liu Yang knew very well in his heart that if that situation really happened, even if it was a pile of shit, the court would still have to take action to clean it up. After all, the Shule area was no better than other places. Thinking of this, Liu Yang couldn't help but complain about the late emperor, why did he grant Shule to Liu Ye? If the two countries were still separated under the rule of Gao Changdao, where would the current troubles come from?

Of course, maybe Shizu's consideration at that time did not include the conflict in the direction of Khotan, and he only wanted to give Liu Ye a family fortune. Or maybe Shizu was thinking of letting Liu Ye destroy Khotan, a "country with a different surname"?

At this time, the emperor Liu Yang was inevitably worried. It was really the Han kings and his brothers and nephews who were too restless and troublesome.

Facing the "Controversy between Kang and Yu", Liu Yang even came up with the idea of ​​letting them fight, regardless of winning or losing. When they calmed down, the court would step in to clean up the mess.

However, it was just a thought. According to Yongxi's political philosophy, war should be avoided as much as possible within the controllable scope. Once the two countries go to war, Anxi and Gaochang will inevitably be affected, not to mention distant places.

When conflicts between vassal states reached the point where they needed to be resolved by war, where did the authority of the court lie? To put it seriously, Liu Ye's provocation of disputes between the two countries was a challenge to the immature new vassal state system of the Han Empire, which must not be tolerated. Otherwise, once you get started, you won’t be able to control it easily later.

Therefore, after serious and careful consideration, Liu Yang made a decision: "Send an envoy to the northwest to bring Liu Ye and the King of Khotan together to resolve the dispute! I do not want and will not allow the two countries to fight!"

"Who is going?" Liu Yan was not surprised by Liu Yang's decision and asked for instructions.

"Let Yang Yanlang serve as an envoy to mediate this matter on behalf of the imperial court. In addition, inform Sui Ye that Liu Min will also attend the meeting to accompany him!" Liu Yang said seriously.

"Yes!"

"The artillery and ammunition allocated to Shule are still on the way!" Liu Yang explained again: "Send the order to stop the transaction and hold it for now! It will not be delivered until a result that satisfies the imperial court!"

Hearing the emperor mention this matter, while Liu Yan agreed, he couldn't help but raise a question: "According to the temperament of the thirteenth brother, what if we surrender first and then launch an attack on Khotan after receiving military aid?"

As soon as Liu Ming finished speaking, Liu Yang raised his eyes and stared at Liu Ming. There was a hint of meaning in his complicated eyes, which made Liu Ming extremely uncomfortable.

After a long time, Liu Yang withdrew his gaze, casually picked up a memorial, and while reading it, he said: "For openly defying the emperor's orders, violating the imperial edict, and then deceiving the emperor, what is the crime and what punishment should be received?"

"I understand!" Liu Yan responded respectfully. As for what he understood, he didn't dare to mention it any more.

After Liu Yan retreated, Liu Yang meditated on the imperial case, his expression was serious, and he was still a little worried. He frowned and thought for a long time, and then told Zheng Yuan, the leader of the chamberlain who was waiting at his side: "Pass the order, next spring, we will set off to the west. I have been to the south, and I have been to the north, so it is time to go and see the west."

"Yes!" Zheng Yuan responded quickly.

----

In the seventh year of Yongxi's reign, in the third month of spring, in the west of Gaochang Road, in Kucha Prefecture and Wachi County.

This small border county built on the Toshgan River has become a mediation site for disputes between the two countries "Kangyu". Facts have proved that when Luoyang's firm and clear imperial order was conveyed, no one dared to assassinate him, even as unruly as Kang Wang Liu Ye.

On the bank of the Toshgan River, a camp rose from the ground. A battalion of the northwest frontier army was closely guarding it. There were also the vehicles, honor guards and entourage of the "four kings" around.

Yang Yanlang, commander of the Hexi capital, as a special envoy of the imperial court, came to Wachi County to preside over this "reunion meeting". Among those present, in addition to the two principals, Liu Ye, the king of Kangju, and the old king of Khotan, Yuchi Sangharama, the king of Anxi, Liu Min, was ordered to "secure the government", and the prince of the Northern Court, Liu Wenggong, was also present for some unknown reason.

I don't know if it was because the deterrence of the emperor's order was too strong, but this military meeting was much easier than Yang Yanlang imagined. There was no too fierce dispute, and both sides put forward their respective demands in a relaxed manner.

In the end, it was discovered that the only point of contention between the two sides was one place. Liu Ye proposed that both parties should jointly manage the city of Ya'er, which was something that the Khotanese side could not compromise on.

Ya'erkan City is the most important military fortress in the north of Khotan. It can be called the key to the north gate. It is also an important stronghold on the east-west trade route. Business is prosperous and trade is developed. At that time, surrounding this area, Khotan The war with the Black Khanate had been going back and forth for several years, and many people had died. How could it be easily shared with Kang Juguo?

Liu Ye's most important consideration was that Ya'er saw that this place was too close to Shule, and the threat on the side of the bed was really stuck in his throat and he could not let go.

Seeing that Khotan's side was resolute, they retreated to the next best thing and demanded that Ya'er be "demilitarized". Only administrative and security personnel would be retained for management on weekdays, and Khotan's troops would be withdrawn and not allowed to move in.

There seems to be room for discussion on this point, but not even a single soldier is stationed, which is not something Khotan can accept. After repeated pushback, King Khotan agreed to only garrison a thousand troops in Ya'er, and Liu Ye accepted this.

The most difficult thing to talk about, Ya'er, seems to have been discussed, and the rest of the matters are no longer a big problem. Therefore, on March 12, the seventh year of Yongxi's reign, under the witness of the imperial court, Anxi, and Beiting, the two countries "Kangyu" and "Kangyu" reached a consensus in Wachi County and signed the "Japanese Treaty".

This can be regarded as a fair treaty. The two parties agreed to restrain their armies, stop attacking each other, control border conflicts, resume border market trade, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of merchants on both sides. In addition, Ya'er looks at the garrison treaty in the area.

Judging from the content, Khotan still adopted a certain compromise attitude. After all, it was Kang who initiated the incident, and they were the ones who took a step back in the end. There is no way, might makes right, and big things are not that easy. Who taught them that their surname is Yuchi instead of Liu?

In fact, compared to official history, the Kingdom of Khotan was relatively lucky. After all, it did not experience the forty-year-long religious war with the Black Khan Dynasty. The country's vitality was retained a lot. It was under the wings of the Han Empire and gained great success. Less affordable.

However, when Kang Juguo, who also came from the Han Empire system, began to covet it, the response measures it took were still lacking. The pressure of a unified empire on the surrounding small countries was too great. Khotan does not have any depth or natural defenses.

This time, through the tough attitude of war and borrowing the power of the center, Kang Wang Liu Ye was able to stop his plan, but what about next time? No one knows how long this "peace treaty" will last.

Whether it was due to fatigue from the journey or depression, the King of Khotan died shortly after signing the "Japanese Peace Treaty" and returning to the Kingdom of Khotan. This triggered a civil strife in the Khotan royal family. In the end, Yuchi Baoxiang, who was sent to Luoyang as an envoy, became the final winner and successfully seized the throne.

When Liu Ye learned about this, he felt it was a pity that he had missed an opportunity to annex Khotan. However, at that time, Liu Ye could no longer care about Khotan.

Because Liu Min, the king of Anxi, is leading the two kings Kang Ju and Beiting to do a big thing: the Western Expedition!

Shortly after the peace talks between the two countries of "Kangyu", also in Wachi County, Liu Min, Liu Ye, Liu Wen, uncle and nephew, took the opportunity to have an alliance, and the three parties agreed to conquer the Samanid Dynasty.

In less than ten years, Liu Min has carried out a thorough transformation of the Anxi Kingdom. The camp system he built has been completely rolled out under Anxi's rule. The Anxi army and people who have been satisfied with their political and class treatment are also stable, and a strong and powerful army has been established. The aggressive feudal regime was also born under his hands. At the same time, it took another six or seven years to improve the system, restore production, and develop the economy.

Even Liu Ye's Kang State had the energy and strength to plot in Khotan, not to mention the Anxi State, which was the main inheritor of the Han Dynasty's Western Expedition?

The possible second YSL coalition failed to form successfully because the Arab world was in chaos during this period.

The Bweshi dynasty, which once "held the emperor to order the princes," was in civil strife, with internal fighting within the family and conflicts between the Turks and the Delam people, which led to the rapid decline of this once powerful dynasty, which was on the verge of splitting.

The Saffar dynasty, which occupied the eastern part of Iran, also began to enter the end of its dynasty. The Ziyar dynasty in the north was even more of a loser, with only the fate of being humiliated.

The only decent Ghaznavid dynasty, although its national power is still developing upwards, is wholeheartedly attacking the YSL brothers, attacking Safar in the west and Samanid in the north. As for the dignity of the Arab world and the glory of YSL, they still care about it for the time being. Not on.

As a neighbor, the Samanid dynasty was also on the verge of collapse. The capital Puhualuo (Bukhara) basically lost its binding force on the local area. It was difficult to control the governors and generals, let alone the Han people in the east.

Under such a situation, how can Liu Min sit still, and the Anxi system he built needs to expand to absorb nutrients and enhance its vitality. As the mother country, the Han Dynasty certainly could not be the target of conquest. The only people the soldiers pointed at were the Samanid Dynasty.

So, in the summer of the seventh year of Yongxi's reign, in April, when Emperor Liu Yang of the Han Dynasty was still on his way to patrol the west, he received news from Anxi. The war still started, but it was not a small war between the two countries of "Kang and Yu". It was a small commotion, but the Anxi Three Kingdoms launched a large-scale westward expedition.

With Liu Min as the commander-in-chief, the three kingdoms sent a total of more than 40,000 infantry and cavalry troops to gather at Juzhanti on the south bank of the Hong River. The target was the important town in the river where the Han army's counterattack stopped in the previous war: Samatan (Samarkand). ). This time, the Three Kingdoms were obviously aiming to destroy the Samanid Dynasty.

Liu Yang was speechless for a moment. For a moment, he didn't know whether he should support them or not. In the end, they chose to serve as the backing of the Three Kingdoms. Of course, it was impossible to provide free gifts. Only Hexi and Gaochang were allowed to raise supplies and livestock to prepare for sale to the Three Kingdoms.

Don't worry that the Three Kingdoms can't afford it. After all, the Samanid Dynasty is an old Hezhong dynasty and has some financial resources. Hexi and Gaochang may also be able to follow the Three Kingdoms and drink some broth.

At the same time, Liu Yang also ordered that the artillery and ammunition originally intended for "military aid" to the Three Kingdoms be sent to the Three Kingdoms as soon as possible. They would obviously be useful on the battlefield.

Different from the anxiety caused by the "Kang Yu Conflict", the Western Expedition of the Three Kingdoms also caused Liu Yang to have small doubts, but his mentality was calmer. The fundamental reason is probably that this time there is no need for a big man to end the war himself, and there is no need to waste military and civilian money and food and national power.

(End of this chapter)