Chapter 17

Upon hearing Li Er’s words, everyone was somewhat taken aback.

Tubo?

Why would His Majesty suddenly think of that country?

In the eyes of the officials, Tubo was located in a remote region with a harsh climate and a terrible geographical environment; it was simply not worth considering.

Li Er’s eyes flickered with a profound light.

He was an extremely sharp politician, always able to foresee in advance which force posed the greatest threat to the Great Tang.

For a long time, the Great Tang’s greatest enemy had been the Turks.

But now, Li Er had a vague feeling that Tubo would become a more terrifying enemy than the Turks.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, there seems to have been no news from the direction of Tubo recently. According to scouts, the Tubo border was completely closed several days ago, and no one is allowed to enter or leave."

Du Ru stood up and spoke.

Ever since Fang Fang Xuanling went on a diplomatic mission to Tubo, he had temporarily taken over official business regarding that region.

"Your Majesty, Tubo is merely a barbaric land. It is said that the people there drink blood and eat raw meat, and do not speak human language. Why bother with such a remote, desolate place?"

"Well said. Your Majesty, now that ten thousand nations have come to pay tribute, this is an unprecedented grand event in our Central Plains. We must host it properly."

"Yes, that makes sense!"

The officials in the Taiji Hall were filled with excitement.

Rather than wasting time discussing Tubo, it would be better to think about how to celebrate this once-in-a-century grand event.

Li Er did not pay attention to the officials' praise, but was curious about the news of the Tubo border closure.

Under normal circumstances, unless something extremely unusual had occurred within the country, such a move would not be made.

In that war in Tubo, who exactly won...

Li Er muttered to himself.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, Tubo has submitted a state letter. Their ruler, Songtsen Gampo, admires Great Tang culture and has already sent envoys to the Tang. They will arrive in Changancheng in a few days." Tang Tang Jian, the Vice Minister of the Secretariat, walked into the Taiji Hall in a hurry, holding a state letter.

"Oh? Present it quickly!" *** **CHAPTER 35**

Li Er immediately perked up, ordering an attendant to present the state letter, which he read through carefully.

"Good! It seems that in a few days, our Great Tang will witness a once-in-a-century grand tribute ceremony."

After finishing the letter, Li Er nodded with a smile, finally feeling relieved.

It seems.

The army that fought against Songtsen Gampo wasn't much after all.

Inside the Taiji Hall, waves of praise and acclamation rose one after another.

On the official road outside the gates of Changancheng, there was a constant stream of carriages and horses.

A caravan dressed in exotic clothing was slowly driving toward Changancheng.

However, people did not feel surprised.

In recent days, countless merchant groups and diplomatic missions from the Western Regions had arrived; they were already accustomed to it.

Inside the most luxurious carriage of the caravan, Qin Mu and Fang Fang Xuanling sat opposite each other.

After several days of arduous travel, this "Tubo diplomatic mission" had finally arrived at Changancheng.

Fang Fang Xuanling looked silently at Qin Mu, who was resting with his eyes closed, lost in thought.

During this time, he and Qin Mu had been together day and night, talking about everything. Although their positions were at odds, they had unexpectedly formed a friendship across generations.

Qin Mu’s erudition and insight left Fang Fang Xuanling deeply shocked.

He concluded.

Given time, this young man would become a powerful ruler who would command the attention of all nations.

"Your Majesty, we are about to reach Changancheng."

Outside the carriage, the voice of Wei Wei Zhongxian drifted in slowly.

"Hmm, we've arrived?"

Qin Mu opened his eyes, his deep pupils flashing with a complex light.

It was a kind of...

Excitement mixed with hatred!

"Your Majesty, this humble minister has something to say, though I do not know if I should speak."

Fang Fang Xuanling pondered for a moment, deciding to have a serious talk with Qin Mu.

"Minister Fang, although our positions differ, we can be considered confidants. If you have something to say, speak freely."

Qin Mu’s demeanor was Wu Li Ke that of a true Son of Heaven, steady yet lacking nothing in dominance.

Fang Fang Xuanling felt a chill in his heart. He paused and continued: "Your Majesty, this humble minister has lived for more than half a lifetime and has never seen a young, heroic ruler Wu Li Ke you. To be honest, Tubo—ah, no, Great Qin—in your hands will surely become a grave threat to the Great Tang in the future."

"Hmm, though the words are blunt, they are sincere. Continue."

Qin Mu nodded and said in a deep voice.

"However..." Fang Fang Xuanling’s tone shifted abruptly. "Although Your Majesty has grand ambitions, it is not advisable to treat the Great Tang as an enemy. If the two countries could form an alliance, that would be a cause for joy for all."

"Oh? Why is it not advisable?"

Qin Mu looked at Fang Fang Xuanling with interest, a confident smile playing on the corners of his mouth.

It seemed that the Great Tang was not a source of trouble for him at all.

"Your Majesty, you are mistaken." Fang Fang Xuanling straightened his back and said with pride: "From the journey from Tubo, Your Majesty has seen the prosperity and strength of the Great Tang with your own eyes. The population, grain, and more have long since exceeded those of surrounding nations by several times. Technologies Wu Li Ke the curved-shaft plow and refined salt must have also opened Your Majesty’s eyes. Apart from the Great Tang, no other country in the world can compare to these."

"Furthermore, the military power of the Great Tang has undergone earth-shaking changes. I wonder if Your Majesty has heard of horseshoes?"

Fang Fang Xuanling’s inscrutable expression made Qin Mu want to laugh. *** **CHAPTER 36** **[36-0] Using my things to show off? You really are something (Seeking flowers, seeking votes)**