At dawn the next day, Li Mu took 3,000 men and horses, together with the refugees from the Yin tribe, and rushed to Gaochang. He went this time to participate in the ceremony of Zhang Xun's succession to the throne, and because of "research" it was found that he was the Zhang family of Gaochang.
Descendants, so this succession is not a 'coronation' but a succession. We must first pay homage to our ancestors, and do something similar to telling our ancestors how many generations of grandchildren have lived up to expectations and successfully restored the country...
Zhang Xun has been preparing for decades, so he knows all the details here, and there is no need for Li Mu to worry about it. Li Mu's trip is not entirely for congratulations, he still has an important thing to do.
Li Mu made Zhang Xun the king. No matter how he made excuses, this matter touched Li Shimin's objection. Even if Li Shimin didn't have an attack this time, Zhang Xun would not be able to sit on the throne when the Tang Dynasty was recuperating and its troops were strong.
Sure. Li Mu also had to give an explanation to Li Shimin, so he went there this time to completely change the country of Gaochang and make it a 'neutral country'.
When Li Mu was thinking about the future of Gaochang, he thought of many ways. For example, it was similar to some countries in the world before he traveled through time, including constitutional monarchy, parliamentary electoral system, etc., but after thinking about it, none of them were very suitable.
Zhang Xun wanted to be the emperor so much that he went crazy. He would not accept being a puppet. And the fine works under his hands were spread all over the Western Regions. This was something Li Mu valued and something he was afraid of. What Li Mu wanted was
Let these details be used by Datang to manage the Western Regions instead of causing trouble, so he must make certain concessions to Zhang Xun.
But he couldn't let Zhang Xun grow bigger, so he had to put some restrictions on Zhang Xun. Therefore, the neutral country was a compromise he thought of.
At dusk, the troops arrived in Gaochang. Li Mu had already sent people to notify them, so Zhang Xun had been waiting here for a while. When he saw Li Mu bringing the refugees, he did not express his disapproval. For a country, the population is very high.
It is a very important resource. Li Mu killed thousands of people from the Ju family in Gaochang and brought thousands more people, basically filling up the population.
Seeing Zhang Xun again, Li Mu could clearly find that Zhang Xun's temperament had changed a lot, and his demeanor was calm. He, the King of Gaochang who had not been formally canonized, was already more like him than the formally canonized Marquis of Zhulu.
A prince.
After entering the city, the city was in order without any panic. When the people saw Zhang Xun and the people who took the initiative to say hello, Li Mu couldn't help but be very surprised. His father-in-law really had some tricks. In just a short time,
In just a few days, he gained recognition from the people, which is something most people would never achieve.
Because the succession ceremony will be held tomorrow, the city lords of the Twenty-Two Cities of Gaochang are also here. Zhang Xun arranged for the Yin people to stay in the ruins of the Gaochang Palace, and ordered people to give them food for temporary settlement. Then he and Li Mu returned
Twenty-two city lords from Gaochang came to the largest restaurant in Gaochang City, which was temporarily 'requisitioned' and became his temporary residence.
However, in fact, this restaurant is actually run by people under Zhang Xun. It is ridiculous that the Ju family and his son are being watched right under their noses without even realizing it.
Zhang Xun prepared to serve the dishes, but was stopped by Li Mu. Li Mu looked at everyone, took off Shang Fang's sword and put it on the table. Everyone fell silent when they saw Shang Fang's sword. Li Mu took out Shang Fang's sword every time.
They almost saw blood. They didn't know what Li Mu wanted to do today.
Zhang Xun didn't know Li Mu's true plan, but looking at Li Mu's expression, he guessed that there was going to be another change. Zhang Xun hesitated, called the maid over, and asked her to invite Zhang Tianai. Since there were city lords there,
He had no intention of letting Zhang Tianai attend the occasion. But now that something happened, he thought that Li Mu might have some sympathy in front of Zhang Tianai and not do things too badly.
Li Mu noticed it, but did not stop it. Even if Zhang Tianai spoke, he could not change what he had decided.
"Everyone has also seen that I have shown the sword of Shangfang. What I said next is not my intention, but a decree on behalf of the emperor. I have received the emperor's decree, how to arrange the future of Gaochang, His Majesty the Emperor
The decision has been made."
"I'm waiting to receive the order -" Zhang Xun immediately left the banquet with the city leaders and wanted to kneel down, but was stopped by Li Mu: "There is no need to kneel down, sit and listen. If there is anything you don't understand, you have to discuss it, too.
Don’t be too restrictive.”
Zhang Xun and others sat down tremblingly. Li Mu cleared his throat and said, "Let me talk about His Majesty's decree first. Since it was sent by Fei Ge, there is no imperial decree. There is only a note that briefly explains His Majesty's intention. I also
Without beating around the bush, he went straight to the point. What His Majesty meant was that Gaochang did not choose to join the Tang Dynasty. He was very disappointed, but he also respected the choice of the people of Gaochang. He named Zhang Xun King of Gaochang and took over the throne of Gaochang. However, there are three chapters of the agreement.
If these three conditions cannot be complied with, the Tang Dynasty will send troops immediately to pacify Gaochang, move the people of Gaochang to the Central Plains, and the Gaochang Kingdom Zuo will cease to exist."
All the city lords panicked, but Zhang Xun remained calm. He stood up, saluted, and asked carefully: "I wonder what the three chapters of His Majesty's agreement are specifically?"
"Let me talk about the first one first. Gaochang is located between the Tang Dynasty and the Turks. Although now, the Tang Dynasty and the Turks have formed an alliance to become brotherly countries. Let's talk about swords and weapons. But when it comes to eternal peace, no one can say for sure. Gaochang is located between the Tang Dynasty and the Turks.
Among them, we should remain neutral and not be biased towards any party." After a pause, Li Mu added: "I feel that this is your majesty's foresight. It is for the good of the Tang Dynasty, and especially for the good of Gaochang. Gaochang is related to the Tang Dynasty and the Turks.
The ratio is completely unworthy of praise. The result of leaning to either side is destruction, so it is best to remain neutral."
Anyone can understand this, and it has lessons learned from the past. Zhang Xun himself felt that there was nothing he could not agree to, and said: "There is no problem with this at all. Even if the Turks and the Tang Dynasty attack again in the future, Gaochang will definitely stand by the Tang Dynasty."
Side."
Other city lords also echoed: "Yes, we are all Han people, of the same clan, and we must be on the side of the Tang Dynasty."
"Everyone is wrong. His Majesty the Emperor's request is for Gaochang to remain neutral." Li Mu said solemnly: "His Majesty's request is neutrality, and this is what I conveyed. You'd better not add fuel to the fire. It's not good to misunderstand His Majesty's meaning.
"
Zhang Xun secretly looked at Li Mu. Li Mu saw his eyes looking over and gave him a small hint. Zhang Xun said: "Whatever your majesty says is whatever it is. Let's just do it."
Li Mu nodded and continued: "The second reason is that Gaochang is located at the gateway of the Western Regions. The Tang Dynasty must follow the Han Dynasty and operate the Silk Road, but there are too many small countries in the Western Regions, and the Tang Dynasty is very difficult to manage.
It is inconvenient, so your Majesty wants Gaochang to take on the responsibility of interpreting. To put it simply, as a transit place, when small countries in the Western Regions come to do business with the Tang Dynasty, they first go to Gaochang, and then trade in Dingxiang.
The Tang Dynasty will not let Gao Changbai work, and will give certain concessions in terms of tariffs."
Everyone was stunned and couldn't believe their ears. Especially Zhang Xun, who looked at Li Mu up and down, a little doubtful whether the Li Mu in front of him was real. Could anything be so cheap in the world?
How many countries are there in the Western Regions? Thirty-six with surnames, large and small, add up to hundreds. If these merchants were to trade with the Tang Dynasty, they would pass through Gaochang first. They would be able to eat a bowl of rice in Gaochang until they died.
Zhang Xun has been serving as a municipal order officer for several months and knows how much money there is to be made.
Li Mu would take advantage of me so much? He couldn't believe it.
"Thirdly, when the new king of Gaochang ascends the throne, he must accept the canonization of the Emperor of Tang Dynasty."
After Li Mu finished speaking, he looked at everyone, and everyone looked at him, as if waiting for the next words. However, after waiting for a long time, everyone realized that Li Mu had indeed finished speaking.
Zhang Xun still couldn't believe it, so he asked cautiously: "My dear son-in-law, is that all?"
Li Mu looked businesslike and said: "King Gaochang, don't call me that. Shang Fang Baojian is here to face you. I am conveying the decree on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor and cannot discuss personal feelings."
"That's right, that's right." Zhang Xun stood up quickly and bowed to the end: "King Gaochang obeys the will of His Majesty the Emperor."
Just at this time, Zhang Tianai came. Seeing Zhang Xun saluting Li Mu, his expression turned ugly. When Li Mu saw his wife coming, he didn't dare to put on airs anymore and quickly pulled Zhang Xun up. Zhang Xun was happy in his heart.
, also helped Li Mu cover up, and called the maid to serve the food quickly. Li Mu was thinking about what he would talk to Zhang Xun privately later, and couldn't eat much, but he didn't make it easy for Zhang Xun, so he called Li Chongyi up to replace him.
Eat. No matter what the occasion was, Li Chongyi ate just as Li Mu asked him to eat. Half of the large table with more than 20 people went into his stomach.
After the banquet, they arrived at the place where they were staying. Zhang Xunping retreated, and Li Mu also asked Zhang Tianai to go back to rest first, and followed Zhang Xun to a secluded place.
"Xian son-in-law, please tell me clearly what your plans are."
"Father-in-law, haven't I made it clear enough?"
"Ha," Zhang Xun sneered and said: "The three requests you made are not like requests at all, but like sending money to Gaochang. They involve the diplomatic relations between the two countries. I don't believe that His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty is so kind-hearted.
people."
"Father-in-law always thinks so badly of others. I am your son-in-law, how can I not think about you?"
Zhang Xun sneered and said: "Then tell me in detail, what does the so-called neutrality mean?"
"Oh, this." Li Mu laughed, moved a little closer to Zhang Xun, and said: "Neutral means that the two sides will not help each other. To put it simply, no matter which company in the Western Regions fights with which company in the future, it will have nothing to do with Gaochang.
."
"In other words, Gao Chang can't even hit others if he wants to?"
"This is natural and neutral."
Zhang Xun sneered and said: "Li Mu, do you know that you are breaking your own arms! I only have one daughter, Tianai, and her children will be the successors of Gaochang Guozuo. If you impose restrictions, you will suffer."
It’s your son!”
"Oh, father-in-law, don't say that." Li Mu said sternly: "Although you are not in good health, I don't think you will die in a while. When I return to Chang'an, I will visit famous doctors and ask for a cure for you.
The prescription can't guarantee that you will still have a child. Anyway, I will never let my child become the King of Gaochang, and don't even think about you."
"Then I can't promise you even more."
"Why?" Li Mu spread his hands and said: "Father-in-law, who do you think Gaochang has the ability to invade now? You will definitely not be able to defeat the Tang Dynasty, and you can't even think about the Turks. Apart from the Tang Dynasty and the Turks, they are next to Gaochang.
, only Tuyuhun and Yanqi are left. Tuyuhun's cavalry is not a vegetarian. I think Gaochang's people are quite embarrassing. Yanqi is quite capable, but Yanqi saved the great Turkic Khan Nisse. If Yanqi was killed,
It's impossible for the Turks to ignore the attack. From this point of view, you can't defeat the surrounding countries. So why not stay neutral and make more passing money? What a good thing. If I hadn't married your daughter, this good thing would have happened in my turn.
You?"
"I admit that I may not be able to see Gaochang invade other countries in this life, but there is no guarantee that Gaochang will not be able to have strong soldiers and horses in the future!"
"Then you can talk about it later, okay?" Li Mu interrupted Zhang Xun and said, "Father-in-law and son-in-law think that people are content with what they have. As the old saying goes, those who steal the hook will be punished, and those who steal the country will be martyred. You are considered a country thief.
Come on, you are not just a prince, you are a king. That’s it, that’s almost it.”
"Once Gaochang becomes a permanent neutral country in the Western Regions, Gaochang will become a special existence in the Western Regions. And I can promise you that after Gaochang becomes a neutral country, any enemy who tries to invade Gaochang will be regarded as an enemy of the Tang Dynasty, and there will be no need to fight.
If you fight against Gaochang, Datang will help you fight, and the Turks will fight for you. You only need to bear a little food and grass. What do you think, father-in-law?"
"snort!"
"And the second point I mentioned just now is that Gaochang will become an important part of the situation in the Western Regions in the future. I have already discussed with Nishu that the Turks will set up a market in Luotuo Valley, and then the Turkic tribes will
Transport your excess supplies, such as furs, etc. to this market and trade with the Tang Dynasty through Dingxiang. Other small countries in the Western Regions can only trade with the Tang Dynasty through Gaochang. I lowered the tariff in Gaochang to ensure that
The small country in the Western Region will not take the Turkic route, which is equivalent to giving you money."
"In addition, I will allocate this unclearly defined land between Dingxiang and Gaochang to Gaochang, so that Gaochang's territory will reach thousands of miles, as compensation for my father-in-law's resettlement of the Yin people. My father-in-law will get people, and he will get land.
, this business can make a profit without losing money. By then, Gaochang will be thousands of miles away, with wealth coming from all directions, and we won’t have to worry about being coveted by neighboring countries. I really don’t know why my father-in-law doesn’t agree to such a beautiful thing."
Li Mu was frothing as he spoke, as if Zhang Xun had taken advantage of him, but Zhang Xun had already figured out the problem and didn't say anything, just sneered!