In the main hall, the Tubo envoy turned pale and looked at Su Li with trembling lips.
On the other hand, many veteran officers eyes were shining, eager for action. Su Lis forceful words truly resonated with them. Otherwise, how could he rely on his talents to stand out and make such convincing points? How did his mind work?
Just look at the three conditions he proposed. They were indeed audacious and invigorating.
Cheng Yaojins gaze towards Su Li was so enthusiastic that he seemed ready to ask Su Li for an autograph. The Tubo envoy gazed at Su Li, his mouth opening and closing several times, unable to find the right words to say.
Indeed, what else could he say
This time on his mission, the Tubo envoy felt he had given his all. Tubo had planned to use minor matters to gain greater benefits when dealing with the Tang Dynasty.
Before his departure, Prime Minister Lu Dongzan had specifically instructed him to display extreme humility when meeting the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. He had even brought a gift worth 10,000 taels of gold.
Lu Dongzan had straightforwardly explained that benevolence and righteousness in the various Xia Dynasties primarily focused on preserving face. Being polite was crucial, and even addressing someone as Dad was acceptable. Then, offering a gift worth a substantial amount of money would give the Tang Dynasty ample face.
Following Lu Dongzans instructions, the Tubo envoy had gone through his mission smoothly. Yesterday, Li Er had already summoned him to the palace to discuss the specifics of the marriage proposal. He initially assumed that todays court meeting would be a formality. But unexpectedly, when Li Er was about to make a final decision, Consort Su Su Li suddenly emerged?
Who could endure this?
Moreover, this consort, Su Li, paid no heed to the dignity of their country. Despite facing the humble Tubo, he relentlessly pressed forward and made increasingly audacious demands.
The Tubo envoys attempts to lure him had failed. He had intended to show his determination and follow the example of Lin Xiangru by using threats to achieve his goals.
But the other party didnt buy into his tactics and even used phrases like Those who challenge us, no matter how strong, will be defeated.
This Tubo envoy had been on three missions to the Tang Dynasty, and it was the first time he had encountered such a resolute Tang Dynasty officer.
He realized that continuing to argue with Su Li would be meaningless. However, the situation wasnt entirely without hope. As far as he knew, Li Er was ultimately the decision-maker in the Tang court.
Despite his tough words, he understood that Su Li was still just a prince consort. He had risen to a high position at a young age, likely due to his status as a consort, which gained him Li Ers favor.
With this thought in mind, the Tubo envoy believed he clearly understood the situation. He turned his head towards Li Er, knelt again, and burst into tears.
Your Majesty, Tubo has no intentions of disloyalty towards the Tang Dynasty. Your Majesty, please understand! Su Consorts aggressiveness is merely his own conjecture. Would Your Majesty deny Songtsan Gampos sincerity based on Su Consorts one-sided claims?
Li Er seemed to smile, but not quite.
The Tubo envoy kept repeating the same phrases, and now he was trying to sow discord between him and his son-in-law, Su Li. Li Er was growing increasingly displeased with his behavior.
Earlier, Su Li had cornered Li Er, leaving him without words. But now, as Li Er reflected on it, he felt that what Su Li said made sense. At the very least, Tubo certainly had ambitious intentions.
Assessing someones character should be based on their actions, not just words. The same applied to a country.
When youre faced with a city under siege, still proclaiming to recognize me as your father, whats the use of such an unfilial child? Li Er thought.
Moreover, Li Er had already observed Su Lis attitude.
Didnt Su Li say he wanted to point his sword at Tubo?
Since he had said it himself, it wasnt unreasonable to let him deal with it, right?
Li Er was currently in a state of mind where he held a hammer and saw everything as a nail.
Tubo was easy to defend and difficult to attack. It didnt matter. Su Li would handle it anyway.
Furthermore, the three suggestions Su Li had proposed impressed Li Er.
Li Er really liked this rogues methods
Thats it for today, and we will discuss the matter of marriage later! Li Er waved his hand.
In the Tubo envoys sorrowful and angry cries, the court meeting ended anticlimactic. However, the military commanders were all in high spirits, leaving the group of civil officers led by Zhangsun Wuji feeling quite puzzled.
How could you all be so confident out of nowhere? A few days ago, didnt you say that Tubos advantageous position made it difficult to attack?
Zhangsun Wuji and his companions were at a loss.
At this point, Li Er had already summoned Su Li to a side hall. Li Er didnt waste time and directly spoke up.
Your recent words were quite impressive. Since you know Tubo well, you must be aware that its easy to defend and difficult to attack. If youre not sure, bravado alone wont help. Remember, barbarians fear power, not virtue. If you intend to fight, you must subdue them.
After a pause, he continued, Li Jing himself admitted that hes not confident in taking down Tubo. Your words suggest youre prepared to lead the troops into battle?
Su Li couldnt help but furrow his brows. Your Majesty, whether I go to war or not doesnt significantly impact the Tubo matter. With your wisdom, cant you see that Tubos intentions are ambitious and pretentious?
Li Er sighed and said, Under the walls of Song Zhou City, the Tubo forces have been bolstering their troops and sending small cavalry units for demonstrations daily. How could I not be aware? However, no one can come up with a practical solution among all the civil and military officers in the court.
The Qi epidemic, which is altitude sickness, must be resolved before we can thoroughly defeat the Tubo people. When Tang soldiers arrive on the plateau, they are like victims of a curse, unable to exert their full strength. If even you lack the confidence for a decisive strike, in the end, I may have to choose a marriage alliance.
Despite knowing that Li Ers words were partially provocative, Su Li couldnt help but feel a surge of anger.
Seeing the anger on Su Lis face, Li Er was pleased rather than upset. No one understood better than him how difficult this son-in-law was.
Back then, he had to persuade and deceive him to get him to join the army. Now that Su Li was finally taking the initiative, Li Er knew he had to seize this opportunity. Otherwise, his years as an emperor would be in vain.
Of course, if youre planning to lead the troops and can ensure victory You can name any conditions. Ill do it without question as long as its within my power.
Li Er indeed had a policy of clear rewards and punishments for his officers, but this practice of giving someone a blank check to fill in the amount had never been done before. While Su Li didnt care about the rewards Li Er mentioned, his words did catch Su Li off guard.
Let me think about it. Su Li said.
After all, Changle was about to give birth, and Su Li was uncertain whether he, like ordinary people, would suffer from altitude sickness upon reaching the plateau. He found himself in a bit of a dilemma.
So, Su Li didnt immediately give a response.