Fox friends and dog friends are also friends.

The relationship between Gu Qing and Yang Guozhong is that of a typical fox-friend relationship. They share blessings together, but will definitely not share the same responsibility for difficulties, and may even add insult to injury.

The big brother and the little brother call each other affectionately in front of each other, but secretly they are always keeping an eye on each other's future. If there is any sign that the future is unstable, they will immediately draw a clear line and turn against each other.

These are the rules of the game in the adult world.

Friends are certainly plastic friends, but... money is real before your eyes.

Gu Qing's letter was as enthusiastic as ever, and "Mr. Yang" and "Brother Yang" were so intimate that it could make people melt on the spot.

The meaning of the letter is very clear. We need war horses, food and weapons, and Anxi needs Prime Minister Yang's full support.

Then Gu Qing also drew a big picture for Yang Guozhong in the letter. Anxi has strong soldiers and horses, weapons and food, and stronger fighting power. He can easily make contributions to the Tang Dynasty by sweeping across the Western Regions, which will bring honor to His Majesty. Your Majesty is happy. I will add a few words to the victory report.

Thanks to Prime Minister Yang for his unswerving logistical support to Anxi over the years. This contribution naturally belongs to Prime Minister Yang. His Majesty is very happy, and Prime Minister Yang can certainly benefit from it.

Even though he is already at the top of his rank, if he does more meritorious deeds, wouldn't it be nice if the Duke of the country is promoted to the title of county king?

Gu Qing's letter made Yang Guozhong feel comfortable. He made the request straight to the point, then analyzed the pros and cons for him, and finally painted him a fragrant and sweet pie.

If these are all imaginary, then the five thousand taels of silver cake and one hundred taels of yellow gold placed in front of you are real good things.

After Yang Guozhong read the letter, he looked at the ten big boxes in front of him. He felt as happy as drinking nectar and felt extremely comfortable.

Although Gu Xiandi is thousands of miles away, he is still a close friend who knows dignity and kindness.

Nowadays, although Yang Guozhong is worshiped as Zhongshu Ling, he is a very popular minister, but in fact many officials in the court look down upon him. It is known to the world that Yang Guozhong himself has no knowledge and has not passed scientific examinations. His career depends entirely on

Cousin Yang Guifei is a typical favored minister.

Since he became the right prime minister, the courtiers have labeled him many times behind his back, such as "uneducated and incompetent", "courageless", "flattery and bully", etc. There is no good word for him. Although Yang Guozhong has a low IQ, he has

He is not a pure fool, and he is naturally aware of other people's opinions.

Nowadays, Gu Qing is the only one who respects him as always.

The important thing is that Gu Qing knows how to be a good person. He and Yang Guozhong never play tricks. They talk about feelings first, then the pros and cons, and finally get straight to the practical stuff. I am very lucky to have such an informed and knowledgeable friend these days.

Yang Guozhong decided that his friendship with Gu Qing must be sublimated again, reaching the point where mountains have no edges and heaven and earth are in harmony before he dares to be with Jun Jue.

There is An Lushan in the north with whom he disagrees. It doesn't matter. My Yang Guozhong is not a friend who has no military power. There is Gu Qing in the Anxi Army in the west. In the court, I am still strong-willed.

After reading the letter, Yang Guozhong immediately wrote a note to the three provinces, instructing Wei Jiansu, Minister of the Ministry of Armed Forces, to allocate war horses, grain, grass and weapons to the Anxi Army as appropriate. He then asked his subordinates to write a memorial detailing the allocation of war horses to the Anxi Army.

The necessity of food, grass and weapons. Judging from Li Longji's current nature of overjoying success, especially Gu Qing's victory in annihilating the Tibetan army, Li Longji would probably not object.

After writing this, Yang Guozhong sat in his study and pondered for a long time. He took out the statement he had just written, crossed out the word "discretionary", and added specific figures after thinking about it.

"An additional 10,000 war horses, 20,000 weapons and crossbows, and 500,000 arrows and crossbows each will be provided. Food and grass will be provided to meet the needs of the entire Anxi army for half a year. Guanzhong civilians will be recruited to send to the Anxi Protectorate."

After reading it again, Yang Guozhong nodded with satisfaction.

Since the favor needs to be given, it must be given in a real way. If the quantity is small, it will not hurt. Gu Qing may not appreciate it, and it will easily affect the mutual friendship between the two parties.

After finishing writing and drying the ink, Yang Guozhong was about to call the court guests in. The servant reported outside the study door that the emperor summoned the courtiers from three provinces to Xingqing Palace to discuss matters.

Yang Guozhong sighed, he knew what the emperor wanted to discuss.

It seems that Gu Xiandi is really good at making troubles. He even went as far as Anxi and came up with a "strategy to pacify Tubo". The emperor summoned several important ministers to discuss it in the past few days. It ended at midnight for several days in a row. The next day

Then discuss.

This matter is so big that it almost risks the fate of the Tang Dynasty. Several prime ministers and officials from the three provinces have different opinions. Half of them are opposed to it and those in favor of it. This is the reason why a decision has not been made after many days of deliberation.

He ordered the maid in the mansion to change into official uniform for him. During the change, Yang Guozhong even flirted with the maid who was changing his clothes. His hands were full of fresh tofu and he couldn't bear to wipe them. He put his hands in his sleeves contentedly, and after leaving the study, he changed into the sanctimonious right minister.

He got into the carriage with an unsmiling face.

Entered Xingqing Palace and entered the main hall to discuss matters.

Chen Xilie stood outside the main hall door. When he saw Yang Guozhong approaching, Chen Xilie took the initiative to salute and say hello.

Chen Xilie was much older than Yang Guozhong, and he was the left prime minister after all. Yang Guozhong did not dare to take advantage of him, so he hurriedly smiled and exchanged greetings.

After chatting for a while, Chen Xilie came over and asked in a low voice: "Today we are probably still discussing the policy of pacifying Tubo. I wonder if Prime Minister Yang has a final conclusion?"

Yang Guozhong shook his head: "Gu Qing's strategy is a bit risky, and the Tang Dynasty's treasury may not be able to afford such a large expenditure..."

Chen Xilie said with a smile: "I and Yang Xiangzheng have the same view of heroes. This plan is not the right way, it is a dangerous move, and it will do more harm to the country than good, so it should not be done."

Yang Guozhong smiled and said, "Has Prime Minister Chen ever thought about why His Majesty called us again and again to discuss this strategy?"

Chen Xilie's eyes flashed and he asked tentatively: "Does your Majesty have any ideas?"

Yang Guozhong said slowly: "Whether Gu Qing's policy against Tubo is good or bad, I will not comment, but there is no doubt that His Majesty is very tempted, otherwise he would not have called us again and again for discussion, even if the court officials opposed it

Quite a few, His Majesty still wants us to discuss endlessly, why? Your Majesty is clearly grinding you and me until everyone has to agree, and then this policy can be implemented..."

Looking at Chen Xilie's old and weathered face, Yang Guozhong said with a smile: "So, Prime Minister Chen can't always stare at the memorial in his hand, but should look up at His Majesty's face. What if the memorial is full of flowers or brings disaster to the country and the people?

Your Majesty's face can decide the affairs of the world."

Chen Xilie shook his head. The old man had been conservative and cowardly throughout his life, and it was difficult for him to hold a big position. However, he still had very upright views and disagreed with Yang Guozhong's remarks.

Different road non-phase plan.

Chen Xilie smiled gracefully, and the chat ended.

Yang Guozhong also laughed and glanced at Chen Xilie's profile with contempt in his eyes.

The pedantic and old-fashioned old man thinks that he is a loyal minister by doing things down-to-earth. He can't even understand the emperor's face. No wonder he can't become the right minister even when he is about to be in a coffin.

One despises the other as an old-fashioned person, and the other despises the other as a treacherous villain. The two people with different views smile at each other, and each has ten thousand spitting horses galloping in their hearts.

The eunuch walked out of the palace, smiled at the two prime ministers and said, "Two prime ministers, Your Majesty summons you to see them."

The two walked into the palace, which was as warm as spring. In front of the seats of the guests and guests, there was a copper pot of charcoal fire. Li Longji was wearing light clothes, lying on the bed in the middle with his bare feet.

Close your eyes and rest your mind.

Yang Guozhong and Chen Xilie arrived late, and two courtiers were already seated in the palace, namely Zuowei General Guo Ziyi and Military Secretary Wei Jiansu.

Seeing the two prime ministers entering the palace to salute, Li Longji opened his eyes, nodded lightly, and said: "Since we are all here, let's continue the discussion. This policy is confidential and cannot be announced to the public. I will discuss it with you courtiers

Discuss."

Looking around at everyone, Li Longji said slowly: "The strategy proposed by Gu Qing to pacify Tubo has advantages and disadvantages. It is difficult to weigh the pros and cons. The matter is so big that it cannot be ignored. Therefore, I hope you will think carefully about whether this strategy is feasible.

It’s all between you and me, the king and my ministers.”

After discussing it for several days, the courtiers present here probably figured it out.

It seems that the emperor very much hopes that Gu Qing's policy of pacifying Tubo will be implemented. After all, it is an excellent opportunity to get rid of Tubo, a century-old problem. The difficulty is that most of the country's capital accumulated over the years during the prosperous period of the Tang Dynasty may be spent because of this policy. What if?

It was self-defeating, and the wasted national capital was wasted. The risk was too great.

However, for the emperor who was so happy about his success, the pros and cons were actually obvious.

If you fail, you will start all over again, if you succeed, you will be far ahead of Taizong and Gaozong. Is it worth the gamble?

Li Longji's choice is obvious and worth betting on.

What should I do if the courtiers don’t agree? It doesn’t matter, we will wait until you agree. This is the purpose of convening them for several days. Sitting in this position, if those in the palace still don’t understand Li Longji’s thoughts, such a high position

Even if you sit there in vain.

The pros and cons are no longer important. What matters now is the character of the courtiers here, whether they are upright and continue to oppose, or whether they change their tune and agree when the situation changes.

Although Chen Xilie was conservative and cowardly, he was still quite upright, so he said first: "Your Majesty, I think this strategy is not feasible. It is certainly a great achievement to pacify Tubo, but the time and place are not right. Tianbao has been nine years old, and the Tang Dynasty has just conquered the Western Regions.

The country of Dashi had fought a battle, and it was barely a draw. However, the Tang Dynasty also lost more than 20,000 soldiers. The countries in the Western Regions were just about to attack the Western Regions. If they tried this strategy against Tubo again at this time, what would happen?

If we are defeated, Tubo will surely become angry and raise troops to attack. At that time, we, the Tang Dynasty, may not even be able to protect the Western Regions. The risk is too great."

Li Longji hummed, frowned and said displeasedly: "Didn't Gu Qing just annihilate the 20,000 Tibetan army in the Western Region? This battle has already wounded Tubo's muscles and bones, and Tubo will not dare to raise any more troops within a few years. Isn't the right time and the right place?"

also?"

Chen Xilie shook his head and said: "The Anxi Protectorate is bordered by Tubo to the south and Dashi to the west. There are many nomadic tribes within the territory that have not yet become kings, which can be described as internal and external troubles. Although the Marquis of Gu County won the battle, he still faces countless crises. If we deal with it again,

Tubo is taking this risky strategy, and I am afraid that the Marquis of Gu County will find it difficult to deal with it."

Guo Ziyi on the side suddenly interjected: "I think the advantages of this strategy outweigh the disadvantages, so I can give it a try."

"The most wonderful thing about this strategy is that there is no need to use weapons and soldiers. It is the best to use money and food to weaken the enemy's country. In a war between two countries, there is no strategy that does not take risks. Chen Xiangfei is not the person who leads the army, so he is a safe man. But for us

When it comes to military generals, Gu Qing's strategy is very peaceful, and the winning rate is very high."

"Even if it fails, the loss will only be money and food. If it succeeds, it will be of great benefit to the Tang Dynasty. From then on, the neighboring countries around the Tang Dynasty will have no strong enemies. The Tang Dynasty can let go of its hands and remove part of its troops and return to the fields. These

The troops will be used as labor when they return home, and within a few years the national treasury will be rich again, so I think this strategy is feasible."

Chen Xilie was angry. Just as he was about to say something, Yang Guozhong spoke before him: "I also think this strategy is feasible. The reason is the same as General Guo. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and the victory outweighs the defeat. Even if we fail, we will only lose some."

With the Tang Dynasty's national strength, the money and food could be afforded within three to five years. As for what Xiang Chen said about Tubo being angry, this... is a bit unreasonable. Even if we can't do this, wouldn't the Tubo's nature not take the initiative to join the invaders?

Don’t forget that the Tubo invaded Khotan a few months ago, captured its city, and massacred its people. They also invaded without any reason. In this case, why couldn’t the Tang Dynasty take the initiative to carry out this vicious plan and counterattack the enemy?”

Seeing that the opinions of the courtiers were finally becoming more inclined, Li Longji became more and more happy. He turned to look at Wei Jiansu, the Minister of Military Affairs who said nothing, and said with a smile: "If Wei Qing has any ideas, just tell me.

"

Wei Jiansu pondered for a long time and said: "I also agree with what Xiang Yang and General Guo saw, but I have one more thing to do. If you want to implement this strategy, then the location of the Anxi Protectorate is very important. Most of the people involved in this strategy will
To be continued...