Chapter 4722 The situation in Tubo (continued)
Lu Dongzan has always been afraid of the Tang Dynasty. What's more, he is now pushed out of Luoche City and far away from the center of Tubo power. He has to rely on the support of the Tang Dynasty to lead his family to take root in Qinghai Lake. How can he still have the ability to conquer the Tang Dynasty? ?
He also understood Pei Xingjian's purpose. After the Turks, Xueyantuo, Goguryeo, and Tuyuhun were destroyed one after another, everyone in the Tang Dynasty regarded Tubo as the most powerful enemy in the future. If the Gal family could be encouraged to If the Tubo clan provoked a civil war in Tibet, then whether it was Talu Dongtsen who counterattacked Luoche to seize the Tubo power, or Songtsen Gampo condescendingly defeated the Gar family, both sides would suffer, and the beneficiary would be the Tang Dynasty.
But now, the Gar family actually does not have much choice. He does not want to surrender to the Tang people, but he has to rely on the power of the Tang people to resist Luosu City. If Songtsen Gampo completes the integration of the nobles and lords of Luosu City, , stabilizing the rear, their cavalry will inevitably swoop down from the plateau.
Without the support of the Tang people, the Gar family could only become the fans under the iron heel of Songtsen Gampo.
The Gar family needed the support of the Tang people far more urgently than the Tang people needed the Gar family to resist the iron hoof of Tubo.
Pei Xingjian looked elegant and asked with a smile: "Just ask for anything the Gar family needs. As long as it is available in the Tang Dynasty, we will not be stingy."
Lu Dongzan's eyebrows are very long, and the ends of his eyebrows are drooped, making his eyes appear triangular. His eyes are shining: "What if I want those firearms?"
Firearms were the basis for the Tang army to dominate the world. If the Tibetan people had firearms, they would definitely be able to fight against the Tang Dynasty. However, contrary to his expectations, Pei Xingjian still smiled brightly: "Muskets are not good, and the output is too small, so the Tang army cannot equip them in large quantities. Don't even think about artillery. It's not that I'm reluctant to give it, but I really don't have it...but Zhentian Lei can."
Lu Dongzan's eyes widened: "Really?"
Pei Xingjian nodded: "It's true!"
The secret of firearms lies not only in the formula of gunpowder, but also in the craftsmanship of casting. Lu Dongzan had neither, so even if he was given some firearms, there would be no consequences. Although the Gar family is one of the largest tribes in Tubo, it is still weak compared to Songtsan Gampo. Having firearms can also increase the combat power of the Gar family and consume more of Songtsan Gampo's power.
Lu Dongzan was silent for a while and sighed: "Does the Tang Dynasty really think that the Gar family will have a battle with Luoxucheng?"
Pei Xingjian shook his head: "To fight or not to fight is not something that the people of the Tang Dynasty can decide, but there are only friends and no enemies on the border of the Tang Dynasty."
How can we allow others to snore on the side of the bed? Either you become a friend and get Datang's help to attack the enemy, or you become an enemy and Datang will find friends to attack you.
Lu Dongzan looked sad and was silent for a long time.
From the moment we saw Pei Xingjian coming to Fuqi City, we knew the determination of the Tang Dynasty. The arrival of such a promising and powerful figure in Fuqi City in person meant that the patience of the Tang Dynasty had been exhausted and left There are not many options left for the Gar family.
To put it more politely, "It is not the Tang Dynasty that can decide whether to fight or not to fight." In fact, the Gar family was caught between Luoche City and the Tang Dynasty and had no choice at all. Either merge with Luoche City and dive down over the Helan Pass to invade the Hexi Corridor, or attack Luoche City with the help of the Tang Dynasty.
There are only two ways.
No matter which one you choose, it means huge risks, enough to destroy the entire Gar family.
Even Lu Dongzan, known as "the most wise man in Tubo", was helpless and in a dilemma when faced with such a dead situation.
"This is a serious matter, let me think about it."
"I'm sorry, but now the big food country is coveting the east and is ready to move. That madman Mu'awiya may use all the power of the country to invade the Anxi Protectorate at any time. We must solve the threat of the Hexi Corridor before then. We don't have time to think about it for you. . After I return to Hexi, either countless grains and ordnance will enter Fuqi City to support me, or tens of thousands of well-equipped cavalry will rush out of Helan Pass to fight to the death. You can only choose one of the two."
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The Gar family blocked the Tibetan cavalry at Qinghai Lake for the Tang Dynasty and ensured the safety of the Hexi Corridor. This was what the Tang Dynasty wanted to see. However, the Gar family worked tirelessly to suck blood from the Tang Dynasty and strengthen themselves, which was against the interests of the Tang Dynasty.
The weak Gar family is a shield, while the strong Gar family may become a threat.
Lu Dongzan's eyes flashed fiercely: "Why would the Tang Dynasty be so aggressive and not give the Gar family a way to survive?"
No matter how they choose, they will either face the cavalry of Luosucheng or the Tang army armed to the teeth. Even if the Gar family survives in the end, countless of their children will fall down and stain the land red with blood.
Is this the fate of the weak?
Cannon fodder used in games between powerful countries?
Not willing to give in!
Pei Xingjian refused to give in: "Before your Gar family has paid any price, how can Datang believe that you will be friendly and good neighbors instead of wolves, tigers and leopards? There has never been anything for nothing in this world. If you want Datang's assistance and support, just There is no other way to exchange for it, because every grain of rice, every piece of cloth, and every piece of iron in the Tang Dynasty is the tax of hundreds of millions of people, and no one dares to do so. Let this go to waste.”
Lu Dongzan's face was ashen, his lips moved, and his tone was low: "But how can Datang guarantee that it will always support the Gar family to the end?"
He was afraid of going to war with Luoche City; but he was even more afraid if Datang broke the contract midway!
At present, the situation can still be maintained, but once the war begins, it will be unstoppable. When the soldiers of the Gar family attack the plateau and approach the battlefield, the Tang Dynasty suddenly withdraws all aid. The earth is not functioning properly, what can I do?
Pei Xingjian sat on his knees, with his hands on his legs, his upper body leaning forward slightly, his eyes sharp and sharp: "As I said before, you have no choice. Every country on the border of the Tang Dynasty is either a friend of the Tang Dynasty or a friend of the Tang Dynasty. What kind of enemy does the Prime Minister want to be? ”
Lu Dongzan closed his eyes in pain.
No matter which one you want to be, you must go to war with Tubo, otherwise the Tang Dynasty will first concentrate on destroying the Gar family, obtain Fuqi City, and then rely on Helan Mountain to deal with Tubo.
As for whether Datang will provide assistance to the end, or whether it will withdraw halfway and leave the Gar family on the plateau, it all depends on Datang's conscience.
However, in recent years, the Tang Dynasty has consistently advocated that "the interests of the empire are above all else." Face, reputation, conscience, etc. are worthless in the face of the interests of the empire. If the Gar family and Tubo, who are both harmed by each other, are in line with the Tang Dynasty's border strategy, then this When retreating, they must retreat without hesitation, leaving the Gar family on the plateau to face Songtsen Gampo's army alone.
……
Pei Xingjian walked very gracefully, his broad robes and belt were galloping on his horse, and his clothes and sleeves were fluttering in the wind like an immortal. He had the perfect temperament of a child of a noble family.
Lu Dongzan in Fuqi City fell into a long cough, his face was as red as blood, and he almost coughed out his internal organs...
"Father, have you ever felt better?"
The eldest son, Zan Xiruo, sent Pei Xingjian away. After returning to the city, he noticed something strange about his father. He quickly stepped forward and patted his father on the back to cheer him up. Just as he was about to call a doctor, Lu Dongzan raised his hand to stop him: "No need to make a fuss, it was suddenly interrupted." gas That's all, how can those witch doctors cure diseases? They just burn some talismans and let me drink them. On the contrary, they make people panic. At this critical moment, they must not let anyone know about my illness."
Speaking of this, I felt more and more regretful and regretful about not being able to get married back then.
With the strength of Tibet at that time, once it successfully made peace with the Tang Dynasty, it could confidently ask the Tang Dynasty to marry talents in various fields such as agriculture, smelting, medicine, etc. Tubo would surely dominate the plateau and its national power would skyrocket. How could there be even a single person in the country who was proficient in medicine? I can't even find any doctor. When I'm sick, I only know how to plant ashes?
One wrong step after another, and watching the fate of the country slip away before his eyes, how could Lu Dongzan not feel depressed and regretful?
After taking a sip of water, Lu Dongzan finally calmed down and gasped: "Be prepared. As soon as the food, ordnance, and firearms promised by the Tang Dynasty are in place, we will start a battle against Luoxe City and attack the plateau."
Although he was outside the door during the negotiation just now and did not know the details, he was not surprised by Lu Dongzan's decision. Caught between two powerful countries, it is impossible to have both sides, and you can only choose one side and follow it. Compared to Luoshou City, where the Hengar family is immortal, the stronger Tang Dynasty is obviously a better choice.
Zan Xiruo shook his head and said hesitantly: "What the people of the Tang Dynasty hope most is that we and Luoxue City will both suffer losses, and we can no longer threaten the foothills of Helan Mountain. If Pei Xingjian swears today, he may not add insult to injury in the future."
Lu Dongzan panted violently again, grabbed the eldest son's hand, and said with earnest eyes: "You must remember, no matter what happens after this battle, you must bring all your brothers and nephews to submit to the Tang Dynasty, and be loyal to the Tang Dynasty for all your life! ”
Zan Xiruo was shocked: "How can this happen? Although our Gar family is unlucky, we have a strong foundation. Even if our strength is weak for a while, as long as we can calm down, we can still run rampant in Tubo and dominate the Tang Dynasty!"
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"Fart!"
Lu Dongzan cursed loudly, causing another fit of coughing. After a long time, he said: "Stop wishing for anything. The Gar family, sandwiched between the two countries, will only end up being turned into powder and ashes. If you want to pass on the bloodline, They can only submit to the Tang Dynasty. The people of the Tang Dynasty have the ambition to dominate the world and dominate the world. They don't care about their family origins and will use them as long as they have talents. Only in the Tang Dynasty can the Gar family continue."
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Zan Xiruo's wisdom was only slightly inferior to that of his father. Now he understood Lu Dongzan's painstaking efforts, and he also agreed with Lu Dongzan's vision and determination. However, he was young after all, and his blood was boiling in his heart, and his resentment was soaring, and he said in a hateful voice: "But even so, there is no need to use the skills of the children of my Gar family. Is it necessary to sacrifice one's life to make this declaration to win the trust of the Tang people?" A war that he knew was bound to fail pushed the children of the clan into the abyss of eternal destruction, just for the direct descendants of the Gar family to completely gain the trust of the Tang Dynasty and integrate into the Tang Dynasty. It was hard for him to accept it for a while.