Chang 'an, Great Tang.
After Du Ruhui returned to the Great Tang, he reported his experience and gains from his trip to the State of Qin to Li Shimin.
After learning that Li Lizhi and Fu Su were officially married, Li Shimin was both happy and sad.
"It's a pity that I can't see Lizhi get married with my own eyes.”
In the royal study, Li Shimin sighed and shook his head after hearing Du Ruhui's words.
Even though he sent Du Ruhui to attend the wedding in Qin on his behalf, he couldn't help but feel regretful.
But this was inevitable.
After all, which father in the world wouldn't want to see his daughter get married with his own eyes?
"Your Majesty, this is what the princess asked me to pass to Your Majesty and the queen.”
Du Ruhui took out a brocade box and handed it over with both hands.
Li Shiming's eyes lit up when he heard that it was something Li Lizhi had asked him to bring back. He took it and opened it.
In the brocade box, two safety talismans lay quietly.
At the same time, Du Ruhui said," Her Highness the Princess has specially asked me to tell Your Majesty not to worry about her. She is doing very well in the State of Qin. I wish Your Majesty and the Empress peace and happiness…"
Du Ruhui relayed Li Lizhi's words to him.
Li Shi Min stood there for a long time after hearing that.
Finally, he took out one of the talismans and ordered the eunuch,""Send the brocade box to the Administrative Hall and give it to the Queen.”
"Yes."
The eunuch respectfully agreed, then left the royal study with the brocade box in both hands.
"Beautiful…"
Li Shi Min rubbed the talisman in his hand, his eyes filled with longing.
The other ministers in the royal study could tell that Li Shiming was in a bad mood, so no one said anything.
After a while, Li Shimin calmed down and continued to ask Du Ruhui,"How are you doing the things I asked you to do?”
Du Ruhui had four goals for his trip to Qin.
Trading, witnessing the wedding, spying on the State of Qin, observing Fu Su's character.
Based on the results of Du Ruhui's investigation, the Tang Empire could formulate the next diplomatic policy with the Qin Empire.
"Your Majesty, after this subject's investigation, the Qin State is indeed poor and far inferior to our Great Tang.”
"However, the King of Qin, Ying Zheng, is not an ordinary person. He is an ambitious and talented tyrant.”
Du Ruhui said seriously.
Ying Zheng had left a deep impression on him, especially that suffocating pressure.
"I have never underestimated the King of Qin.”
"Let's talk about Fu Su. What is his evaluation in the State of Qin? How did the King of Qin treat him?"
Li Shimin was not surprised. He had long realized Ying Zheng's extraordinariness, and had a very high evaluation of him.
However, he was more concerned about Fu Su's character.
At the mention of Fu Su, Du Ruhui didn't hesitate at all and said bluntly,""Your Majesty, Young Master Fusu is indeed a calm and gentle person. That's what the people say about him.”
"In addition, the King of Qin also attached great importance to him. Not only did he confer him the title of Lord Shaoyang, but on the day of his wedding, he also gave him the Lulu Sword, which represented the King of Qin.”
"To be able to bestow this sword, it shows that the King of Qin regards him as the next King of Qin to nurture.”
"If he succeeds the throne, he will definitely be a ruler who protects the country.”
Du Ruhui's words surprised everyone. They didn't expect him to have such a high opinion of Fu Su.
"Lulu Sword? If that was the case, then the next King of Qin would definitely be Fu Su.”
Fang Xuanling stroked his beard.
It was obvious that he knew what the Lulu Sword represented in the State of Qin and how significant it was.
"But why would an overlord like Ying Zheng choose a kind-hearted son as his successor?”
Chu Suiliang frowned and thought deeply.
This was also the question in the hearts of the others, because this was really a little illogical.
No one doubted Du Ruhui's judgment because he was famous for being cautious. Since he said that Fu Su was a kind person, then he was definitely right.
Li Shi Min was not surprised and said lightly,"Ying Zheng unified the six states and resolved many internal conflicts. He wanted to end all the problems in his generation.”
"After solving all the problems, the Qin country needs a ruler who can defend the country and not an overlord like him. Otherwise, it will only drag down the country.”
Since ancient times, after a monarch with outstanding martial arts, there was a need for a civil ruler to govern the country.
In Li Shiming's eyes, Ying Zheng was like this.
He had destroyed the Sui Kingdom and strengthened the Great Tang, so the next successor he had chosen was bound to be a ruler who would protect the country.
Unfortunately, Li Chengqian still had many shortcomings.
Thinking of this, Li Shimin felt depressed and jealous of his peers from the two neighboring countries.
With Fusu as his successor, Ying Zheng did not need to worry too much.
Zhao Gou of the Song Country only ate, drank, and played all day long. He did not care about the government, but his officials were all better than the previous one. They managed the country well and became stronger and stronger.
Only he was the hardest. The successor was not good, and he had to worry about the reputation behind him. He was diligent and worried about everything.
This was simply too unfair!
The more Li Shi Min thought about it, the more depressed he felt. He had the urge to call Li Chengqian over and beat him up.
However, he eventually suppressed this thought. After taking a deep breath, he asked Du Ruhui,"In short, we can fully support Fusu's ascension to the throne, which is beneficial to the Great Tang.”
"Ke Ming, regarding the arms deal, how did it go with the Qin country?”
Li Shi Min asked.
"Your Majesty, we haven't reached an agreement yet."
Du Ruhui shook his head.
"What's wrong? The Qin country was unwilling to trade according to the original exchange price?”
Li Shiming raised his eyebrows and said unhappily.
The exchange price for the horses and equipment had already been negotiated when Fu Su was sent to the Tang Empire. Could it be that the Qin Empire was going back on its word?
"It's not that. It's just that the amount they want to trade is too large.”
Du Ruhui smiled bitterly and said," The State of Qin wants to take out thirty thousand A-grade warhorses to exchange for one hundred thousand sets of armor, weapons, saddles, stirrers, and other equipment.”
Everyone gasped.
A total of 30,000 A grade warhorses in exchange for 100,000 sets of equipment?!
This was simply a guaranteed profit!
An A-grade warhorse was very precious in any country. It was an absolute strategic resource.
30,000 A grade warhorses in exchange for 100,000 sets of equipment was a huge profit for the Tang Empire!
After recovering from his shock, Li Shi Min couldn't help but ask,""Why does the State of Qin suddenly want such a large amount of equipment?”
Trading was usually done step by step.
The State of Qin had suddenly made such a huge transaction, making him somewhat bewildered.
Although Qin and Tang were allies, there were only benefits between countries. Even if they were allies, they had to be wary of each other.
At first glance, this deal was beneficial for Tang, but Qin could also take the opportunity to obtain a large number of equipment to arm their army!
That was why Du Ruhui didn't dare to easily agree!
"According to what I know, the Qin Country's army has already entered the Zhao Country under Baiqi's leadership. They are constantly in conflict with the Song Country and the situation is tense.”
"Now that the State of Qin has suddenly traded so much equipment, I think they are going to make a big move against the State of Song. Perhaps they are going to take back the land of Zhao in one go.”
Du Ruhui replied. He had only found out after investigating.
The conflict between Qin and Song was not a secret.
Now that the Qin country suddenly made such a big move at the border, it was not difficult to guess that they wanted to make a move on the Zhao land.
After all, once they obtained the equipment, the combat strength of the Qin army would definitely soar countless times!
Moreover, there was a good reason now. How could the Qin country let go of this opportunity?
"The battle for the land of Zhao?"
Li Shi Min frowned as he pondered.
After a while, he looked at Zhangsun Wuji and asked,"Ancestors, do you think we should trade so much equipment to the State of Qin at once?”
He was also a little hesitant, so he wanted to ask for the opinions of others.
If the Great Tang were to hand over one hundred thousand sets of equipment, it would certainly benefit greatly, but the State of Qin would also benefit greatly.
At the very least, the combat strength of the army would increase by countless times!
"I think we can trade."
Zhangsun Wuji only thought for a moment before replying.
"Oh? Tell me your opinion."
Li Shi Min's eyes lit up.
Fang Xuanling, Chu Suiliang, and the others also looked at Zhangsun Wuji.
Among everyone present, Zhangsun Wuji was the most resourceful. This was something that had to be admitted.
Zhangsun Wuji said calmly,"First, ever since our Great Tang and Qin allied, the Turks have been restless and uneasy.”
"Thus, we need more warhorses to arm our cavalry and resist the Turks.”
"Secondly, if the Qin and Song countries were to start a war with each other, it would be beneficial to the Great Tang. At the very least, it could restrain the development of the two countries and cause them to exhaust each other's strength.”
"Thirdly, now that we have already formed an alliance with the Qin country, if we refuse to trade equipment, it will inevitably destroy the relationship between the two countries.”
Zhangsun Wuji methodically analyzed the pros and cons and finally concluded,"Thus, this subject believes that we can trade equipment to the State of Qin, but the quantity needs to be reduced.”
"Lowering the number to 70,000 sets is the most suitable. This way, the number of Qin's armed forces will not increase too much, and it will be enough to support them to fight against Song.”
His words made sense.
After hearing Zhangsun Wuji's analysis, the others nodded in agreement.
"If the Qin and Song start a war, it's best if our Great Tang doesn't interfere.”
Tang Jian nodded in agreement.
There was no direct conflict of interest between Song and Tang, so there was no need to start a war, but they were not afraid.
"That's right. Then do as the auxiliary engine says.”
Li Shi Min didn't say anything else and directly agreed with Zhangsun Wu Ji's opinion.
There was another reason why he agreed.
Since Du Ruhui had determined that Fu Su would be the ruler of the country, he might as well lower his guard against the Qin country.
After all, any war would only end in Ying Zheng's generation. When Fu Su succeeded to the throne, Qin and Tang would have a long period of peace and friendship.
After discussing some other matters, the ministers took their leave.
However, Li Shiming called out to Zhangsun Wuji alone.
"Your Majesty, is there anything else I can do for you?”
Zhangsun Wuji said respectfully.
Looking at Zhangsun Wuji, Li Shiming hesitated for a moment before patting his shoulder and sighing,""Go back and comfort Chong-er. This one has let him down.”
"If he takes a fancy to any woman in the future, I will personally help him matchmake and bestow him with a marriage.”
Li Lizhi and Fu Su getting married, he could imagine how sad Zhangsun Chong would be.
After all, he had watched Zhangsun Chong grow up, so he felt a little guilty and did not want to disappoint Zhangsun Wuji.
"I understand."
Zhangsun Wuji had a complicated look in his eyes. He bowed to Li Shiming and left.
........
Immortal Remaining Tower.
This was one of the most famous brothels in Chang 'an, but the entire brothel was booked tonight.
The person who booked the entire place was none other than Zhangsun Chong.
"Come, come, come! Drink! Drink!"
"Tonight's expenses will all be paid by me!”
Zhangsun Chong was holding a beauty in his left hand and a jug of fine wine in his right as he spoke drunkenly.
"Young Master Zhangsun is so forthright!"
"As expected of Young Master Zhangsun, you're really heroic! How admirable!"
"Young Master Zhangsun, let me toast you!”
........
Zhangsun Chong's words drew cheers from the other customers.
Ever since Li Lizhi married into another country, Zhangsun Chong had been lingering in the brothel, often returning drunk.
Out of guilt, Zhangsun Wuji did not care about him in this aspect and let him play outside.
Zhangsun Chong also became more and more indulgent.
"Drink it all for this Young Master! Tonight, I won't go home until I'm drunk!"
Amid the compliments from the surrounding people, Zhangsun Chong laughed wantonly and kept pouring wine into his mouth.
Unfortunately, his alcohol tolerance was not that good. After drinking two pots of wine, he was drunk and lay in the warm and soft arms of the woman beside him.
In his drunken daze, Zhangsun Chong seemed to see the beautiful face that he had been dreaming of, standing in front of him and smiling at him.
She was slender and elegant, as beautiful as a green lotus.
"Beauty, beauty!"
Zhangsun Chong's eyes were blurred as he reached out and pulled her into his arms. He hugged her tightly and said,"Do you know how much I love you?"
"Aiya, Young Master is really annoying!"
The person in his arms said in a delicate voice, pulling Zhangsun Chong back to reality.
He lowered his head and looked into his arms. There was no Li Lizhi. She was just a beauty who accompanied him to drink.
Zhangsun Chong's nose suddenly felt sour and he could no longer bear it. After pushing away the beauty in his arms, he burst into tears. His cries were heart-wrenching.
"What happened to Young Master Zhangsun?"
"Could it be that you've caught a horse's wind? Hurry up and call for help!"
"He should be drunk."
……
Everyone in the brothel looked over in shock. They did not know why the eldest young master of the High Duke's Public House was so heartbroken.
The beauty accompanying Zhangsun Chong was also a little flustered. She hurriedly waved her hand and said,"This, I don't know what's going on either."
Most of them did not know what was going on. Only a small number of people who knew the inside story understood why he had lost his composure. They all looked at him sympathetically.
Zhangsun Chong lay on the table and cried until he could no longer move. Only then did he fall asleep.
In his dreams, he dreamed that Li Lizhi was wearing a red dress, looking extremely beautiful and moving.
However, the person accompanying her was not him, but the handsome Fu Su.
The two of them looked so compatible when they stood together.
He watched as the two of them walked away hand in hand and entered the bridal chamber. He felt as humble and pitiful as a dog.
Unknowingly, Zhangsun Chong, who was in a deep sleep, sobbed softly as two streams of tears flowed down from the corners of his eyes.
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