Tibet

Chapter 296 News from the Imperial Concubine
Li Ye visited with a big ceremony, and Li Longji gave him a seat. This time the prince, the five prime ministers, and Gao Lishi were all present.

Li Longji took out Li Ye's report and said with a smile: "Thanks to the little general for his trip to the Western Regions, which gave me a deep understanding of the situation in the West. Only then did I know that the world is so vast, and there are distant Africa and the Roman Empire split into East and West Rome. It turns out that our silk and porcelain were shipped to the distant states of Europe and the Eastern Roman Empire."

Li Ye bowed and said: "Europa is still a dark and ignorant era, with many small countries, which is equivalent to our Spring and Autumn Period, but the rituals and music are broken, the people are dull, temples and secular kings are fighting for the ruling power, but the big food is stronger, and We also implement the county system, and their caliphate is very powerful."

Li Longji nodded and said: "Soon the Great Food Envoy will come to Chang'an for negotiations, I really want to hear your opinion, just speak up."

Li Ye bowed and said: "Your Majesty, the first thing is etiquette. The other party's messenger is called Mansur. He is the younger brother of Abbas' caliph and the second person in the black-clothed food. It is rumored that Abbas is in poor health. Before long, this al-Mansur will be the second Caliph of the Great Eclipse."

Yang Guozhong next to him said displeasedly: "Who knows if he will be the second King of Dashi? It's all your guess, right?"

Li Ye smiled lightly: "Any guesses must be based on facts. Abbas himself has no heirs. Mansur is the second most powerful figure in Dashi. He holds the military, political and financial power of Dashi. The legal heir, unless he dies unexpectedly, then he must be the heir to the Caliph."

Yang Guozhong was speechless for a while, and Li Longji waved Yang Guozhong, signaling him not to interrupt Li Ye's report.

"I still want to know, what exactly are we talking about when we negotiate with Dashi?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, I will actually talk about three aspects. One is the issue of prisoners of war. Nearly [-] prisoners of war are mining and smelting in the Talas Silver Mine. They must be released, but on what terms?
Second, the relationship between the two countries involves borders, trade, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, such as sending Tai students to study in each other's capital.

Among them, Wei Chen suggested that the current actual control of the border should be used. The northern section is bounded by the Wuhu River, and the other side is called the Amu Darya River. The southern section is bounded by the Mughal River, which is actually the dividing line between Tocharian and Persia. , Weichen has the map in the report. "

Li Longji turned to the map in the report, looked at it carefully, nodded and said, "Continue!"

Li Ye leaned forward and continued: "The third most important point is the ownership of the Hezhong area. There is no doubt that the Hezhong area must belong to us. This is the result of our victory over the opponent. However, since it is a negotiation, we also need to make appropriate concessions. Wei Chen suggested that they be allowed to spread the Dashi Cult normally in the Hezhong area and the Tocharian area."

The crown prince next to him, Li Heng, frowned and said, "Didn't General Li say in his report that the biggest purpose they want to seize Hezhong is to spread the Dashi Cult?"

Li Ye hurriedly said: "His Royal Highness does not know that there are two ways to preach, one is to force the people to believe in religion by the government, and the other is to preach normally. I know Tocharian and the Hezhong area very well, and the people of Tocharian Buddhism is the main religion, and Zoroastrianism is the main religion in the Hezhong area, as long as it is not forced to change beliefs, even if Dashi preaches for 100 years, it will be useless."

Li Longji nodded, "I understand, you will write another report to me later, this time you were sent to the Western Regions, and you also participated in the Battle of Juyanhai, the Battle of Shiguo and the Battle of Hezhong, and you made great contributions. You have also firmly maintained Ning Yuanguo's loyalty to the Great Tang, you can be called a model for the children of the Great Tang royal family, and I will definitely reward you heavily in the future."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your love!"

"Go! Take a good rest for a few months, and I will consider letting you return to the Western Regions."

Li Ye walked out of the imperial study room, followed by Gao Lishi and said with a smile: "Young general, go and sit with my court official!"

"Excuse Gao Weng!"

Gao Lishi's court room was very close, and Li Ye walked into the room. The room was very elegant, with thick carpets on the floor, a large couch with a table on it, and memorials piled up in the frame next to it.

Gao Lishi asked Li Ye to sit down, and asked the little eunuch to serve tea.

The two sat down across the table, Gao Lishi smiled and said: "I haven't seen you for more than a year, the little general has changed a lot!"

"The Western Regions are full of sunshine, with strong wind and sand, and my skin has become dark and thick. My family and friends say that I look like I have come back from hard work for a year."

"It feels like this!"

Gao Lishi smiled again: "But the change I'm talking about refers to the internal change. You are much more mature and stable than last year. Your eyes are more confident and calm. Today you performed very well in front of the emperor."

Li Ye smiled and asked: "Gao Weng, tell me about this year's competition! How is the Tianpeng polo team doing?"

"It's not bad. I also made it to the top five, No.4 in the top five. It seems that my Tianpeng polo team's best result was last year, winning No.3."

Li Ye nodded, "Tianpeng is already a veritable strong team."

Gao Lishi pondered for a while and said: "Actually, I came to you because I have an important matter to talk about, about your grandfather!"

Li Ye immediately straightened his waist and said, "Gao Weng, please tell me!"

"Do you know why the emperor's reward for you has been delayed?"

Li Ye shook his head, expressing that he knew nothing.

Gao Lishi sighed and said: "Accordingly, your reward is your own credit and has nothing to do with your grandfather, but in fact, you are the grandson of Li Xiangguo, and your reward is closely related to your grandfather."

"Gao Weng has something to say, just say it!"

Gao Lishi nodded, "The Son of Heaven hopes that your grandfather will take the initiative to resign, resign from the position of Prime Minister, and give up the right to recommend."

Li Ye pondered and said, "Is it related to the assassination of Yang Guozhong's son that my grandfather resigned?"

"There is something to do with it. Although the emperor is very clear that the assassination of Yang Guozhong's son has nothing to do with your grandfather, this incident has affected the conflicts in the political affairs hall. The serious faction struggle has affected the normal operation of the court. The emperor wants to take advantage of this This is an opportunity for your grandfather to take the blame and resign as the person most responsible."

"Is the emperor ready to deal with officials?"

Gao Lishi said indifferently: "It has been delayed for a month, and it is impossible to keep dragging on. A group of important officials including Wannian County, Jingzhao Mansion, Criminal Department, Dali Temple, and Taichang Temple, which is in charge of the Jiaofang, will all be dealt with. Then as the political affairs hall, there must be a minister to take responsibility, and you know, it can only be your grandfather!"

"Then what does my grandfather get?"

"I will discuss this with him. You first convey the emperor's intentions to your grandfather. If your grandfather is willing to take the initiative to resign from the aspect, I will discuss various conditions with him."

Li Ye nodded, "I'll talk to my grandfather when I get back today."

Gao Lishi laughed again: "Besides, the imperial concubine wants to see you!"

Li Ye was startled, with a puzzled expression on his face, he said: "I have nothing to do with the imperial concubine or empress!"

Gao Lishi smiled and said: "A few days ago, the imperial concubine had the same dream for several nights in a row. She dreamed that she was taken away by the Dashi army, and then a young Tang from Suiye rescued her and sent her back to Chang'an. He is a young man from the royal family, the Holy Majesty thought that this dream should belong to you, and then the imperial concubine said that when you come back, she will see you, and the Holy Majesty agreed."

Li Ye knew very well that dreaming was just an excuse, and she was worried about the incident at the Da Ci'en Temple last year, and now that her grandfather was about to retire, she must confirm with herself again.

Li Ye nodded, "Your Majesty wants to see the younger generation, so the younger generation should follow her orders!"

"Okay! I'll arrange it. The time is tomorrow afternoon. Come to my place tomorrow afternoon. I'll take you to see the imperial concubine."

(End of this chapter)