Chapter 217

There was much speculation in the Taiji Hall, and everyone was guessing why Li Er had suddenly called for a grand court.

Everyone felt uneasy.

It had been less than a month since the reform turmoil; would today bring another bloody storm?

"His Majesty arrives!"

With a loud shout, Li Er strode into the Taiji Hall.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

The civil and military officials bowed respectfully.

"Rise!"

"I have called you all here today because there is a major matter to tell you."

Li Er said with a stern gaze.

The atmosphere in the Taiji Hall suddenly became tense.

Everyone held their breath, watching Li Er.

"From today on, the thirty-six Western Regions nations have officially severed ties with the Great Tang."

"Not only that, Great Qin has become the leader of the thirty-six Western Regions nations, and the rulers of those nations are currently discussing an alliance at the Budalagong."

Li Er did not mince words and announced this major event in public.

Boom!

The Taiji Hall exploded instantly!

"What!? The thirty-six Western Regions nations dare to be so bold as to sever ties with our Great Tang privately?"

"Outrageous! Truly outrageous! Our vast Great Tang, a Celestial Empire, has been severed by those small nations; it is a great humiliation!"

"And that Great Qin! It must be Qin Mu inciting them from behind; otherwise, why would the thirty-six Western Regions nations sever ties with our Great Tang for no reason?"

"This is a provocation! This is a naked provocation! Our Great Tang must not sit idly by, otherwise, our imperial prestige will be damaged, and our vast nation will become a laughingstock."

"Yes! We must not let Great Qin off!"

Hearing this news, many officials clenched their fists, filled with righteous indignation.

In this era.

A basic sign of a great nation is having numerous allies.

The thirty-six Western Regions nations have always been on good terms with the Great Tang, and even honored Li Er as the 'Heavenly Khan'.

All along.

This has been one of the things Li Er was most proud of.

He believed that a hundred years from now, his deeds in the history books would be extremely glorious.

Think back to the 'Ten Thousand Nations' tribute; how spectacular was that scene?

But now!

All thirty-six Western Regions nations have severed ties with the Great Tang!

And all the rulers traveled thousands of miles to the Budalagong to pay tribute to Qin Mu in person!

What kind of glory is that?

And what about the Great Tang?

Not only did none of the Western Regions rulers come, but they also sent envoys to the Great Tang to demand princesses and gold and silver!

The Great Tang's beautiful story of the 'Ten Thousand Nations' tribute has changed its nature in an instant!

No matter how you look at it, the Great Tang is a sucker!

Not only did they gain no benefits, but they also lost their princesses and gold!

It's a slap in the face!

And these are not the most important things.

The Great Tang has vast territory and a large population.

These are advantages, but also disadvantages!

A large population means many prosperous towns.

And the border regions that need to be guarded will be sparsely populated.

If one wants to guard such a large empire, one must maintain good relations with the surrounding nations.

Otherwise, if someone comes to rob you today, and comes again tomorrow.

How can the Great Tang's defensive line, stretching nearly ten thousand miles, be fully defended?

To put it bluntly.

Border defense relies partly on one's own strength, and partly on the relations with other nations.