I am Li Shen and Li Shimin, the free kings of the Tang Dynasty

What happened in Yanjin City was happening at the same time in the sixty prefectures and counties of Goguryeo. The difference was that the western areas were all sent to the border military camp, while the eastern areas were all sent to the port and shipped back to Dengzhou.

"Report to General Cheng, there is more food for us to receive."

In the Datang military camp on the border, less than a hundred miles away from Liaodong City, a deputy general came in to report.

"Well, you go and send someone to receive it and store it. Remember not to touch the food, otherwise military law will be engaged."

This person's name is Cheng Mingzhen, the Protector of Dongyi Protectorate. A few months ago, he received an imperial decree and led an army of [-] people. He crossed the border three miles and was stationed here. He trained every day and did not fight.

Cheng Mingzhen didn't understand what the court was thinking. Just tell me to restrain you here.

The Dongyi Protectorate is different from others. They specialize in managing the northern barbarians and can directly drive the Khitan warriors. This time, ten thousand Khitans came with them.

Six or seven days ago, a scout suddenly came to report that a group of hundreds of chariots and horses had come from the direction of Liaodong City. When these people arrived in front of the camp, both sides understood immediately.

This team is a team for His Majesty’s tenth son, Prince Ji, to purchase grain from Goguryeo. The grain will be temporarily stored in the military camp.

Cheng Mingzhen was still a little hesitant because there was no letter or anything, but the other party told him that he would arrange for people to send the food in. After these people wanted to go back, he immediately stopped worrying.

It is impossible for the enemy to send you food. Could it be that the food is poisoned? That is impossible. People have said that this is King Ji's food and he is not allowed to eat it.

Just when Cheng Mingzhen was puzzled, another scout came to report that another large number of convoys were coming out of Liaodong City towards the military camp.

The result was still the grain purchased by King Ji. After that, a large number of convoys came out of Liaodong to the military camp every day.

One day someone found the military camp and asked Cheng Minzhen to send someone to deliver food, because the Goguryeo people they hired did not dare to come. It can only be sent thirty miles away from Liaodong City.

It stands to reason that a Protector of the Protectorate can refuse this matter. Even if you are a prince, you have no rights.

What if there is an ambush?

But Cheng Mingzhen was very curious. He wanted to know how much food the Tang prince could buy from Goguryeo, so he sent hundreds of people to respond.

After that, the endless response began, which lasted for six or seven days in a row. I heard that there will be more in the future.

"Have you checked it? How much has been shipped?"

Cheng Mingzhen asked the deputy general on the side.

"Back to the Protectorate, as of yesterday, there were more than 40 shi in total. I heard that the entire western part of Goguryeo is buying it."

"More than 40 stones?" Cheng Mingzhen said in surprise, it only took six or seven days.

He stood up and paced back and forth in the tent. Thinking about something.

"My general is indeed right. The imperial court has made a big move. Otherwise, why would it purchase such a large amount of grain? Even if it is used as military ration, it is enough to attack Goguryeo.

The order is passed, all units will resume training starting tomorrow, make all pre-war preparations, and return to normal diet, so that the soldiers are well fed so that they have the strength to train."

Cheng Mingzhen felt that the imperial court was raising military rations so that they would not have to transport them all the way from the Central Plains. Is this a clever move?

If Li Shen knew what he was thinking, he would definitely say with disdain, "How can we collect food if there is a war?"

"The Protector, won't you let us 5 troops attack Liaodong City?" the deputy general asked worriedly.

As a border city, Liaodong City is a fortified city and a fortress city.

The city wall is high and wide, with three floors inside and outside. There are all kinds of equipment and towers on it. When Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty attacked Liaodong City with an army of 30, they failed without success. Now they only have [-] troops.

"Why, are you scared? Hmm, don't worry, your Majesty is a wise king and will not let me wait for a mere 5 troops to die. I guess there will be troops coming later." Cheng Mingzhen is not a fool, the most important thing is that he I feel that the imperial court is not a fool and will not use them as cannon fodder.

-----split line------

"Qi Mo Li Zhi. Reports have just come from all over the country. People from the Tang Dynasty have purchased grain in various states and counties. Now the total amount is nearly one million dan."

In Molizhi Mansion, Yuan Gaisuwen was listening to reports from his subordinates. In the past few days, news came from various places that people from the Tang Dynasty were purchasing grain at five times the price.

Its purpose was unknown, which gave Yeon Gaesumun a bad feeling.

"Have you heard any news from the treasure king's people?" Yeon Gaesumun asked the confidants below.

"The news came back that the Treasure King was patrolling various cities in the west. Our people said that he enjoyed that feeling very much. He was happy and reluctant to miss Shu."

"Hmph, tell our people to report back immediately if there is any change. As long as he is obedient, he can still enjoy the rights he deserves. After I finish taking care of Silla, I will see if he is valuable."

After Yeon Gaesumun finished speaking, he thought for a while and then said to his confidants:

"In the name of Mo Lizhi, I will invite Chen Dade, the special envoy of the Tang Dynasty, to my house for a banquet in the afternoon. I want to see why they are purchasing grain like this?"

In fact, he is not worried about the food problem at all. The purchasing season is coming soon. He was only afraid that Datang would have some conspiracy, which would be bad.

In the past few months, it can be said that he was on tenterhooks, fearing that the Tang Dynasty would increase its troops to Silla, otherwise he would not have stationed 15 heavy troops in Liaodong City.

In the afternoon, Chen Dade took several members of the mission to the Moli branch office in Yeungai Suwen. After the two parties met, Yeon Gaesumun warmly greeted Chen Dade to the table.

"Special Envoy Chen, who is this?" Yuan Gaisuwen asked after seeing Wang Xuance beside Chen Dade.

He had met almost everyone in the mission, so he had many questions when he saw Wang Xuance's unfamiliar face.

"Come on, Mo Lizhi, this is the long history of the residence of His Highness Prince Ji of the Tang Dynasty. He is one level higher than Chen." Chen Dade introduced Wang Xuance to Yuan Gaisuwen, specifically mentioning that he was higher than him. Level [-], which made Yeon Gaesumon take it seriously.

"Oh? It turns out to be Wang Changshi, disrespectful."

Sure enough, after hearing that it was the long history of the prince's residence, Yuan Gaisuwen began to pay attention to Wang Xuance.

"Mo Li Zhi has long admired his name, and they say that Mo Li Zhi is both civilized and military, capable of prospering a country with his literary skills, and capable of ruling a country with his military skills. Today, seeing how extraordinary Mo Li Zhi is, it seems that the rumors are indeed true."

"Hahaha, Wang Changshi is so impressed. Please sit down and let the banquet begin."

At this time, people in Goguryeo were still sitting on their knees, unlike in the Tang Dynasty because Li Shen basically popularized tables and chairs.

After all the food and drinks were served, Yeon Gaesumun picked up the wine glass and said to the two of them:

"Here's a toast to you two,"

After speaking, he drank it all in one gulp, as did Chen Dade and Wang Xuance.

"Mo Lizhi, you invited me here today. I don't know what you have to say." Chen Dade put down his wine glass and asked.

"Actually, it's nothing. Special Envoy Chen came to Goguryeo twice, and Special Envoy Chen and I hit it off, so I'll tell you the truth.

I wonder why Special Envoy Chen wants to purchase grain from all over Goguryeo? What is the profound meaning in it? It would be better for Special Envoy Chen to tell the truth truthfully. If someone is grateful, he will be grateful. "

(It is now 2023:8:22 in the morning on August 02, 53. I have finished coding the third update. I originally wanted to add an update chapter for you during the Chinese Valentine's Day, but I have something to do during the day and I have no time so I can only code in the middle of the night. I still have to code. slow.

There will be no update today. I owe you a chapter and I will try to add it to you before July [-]th.

Finally, I give you a poem:

Thousands of tears of missing each other all night turned into a glass of wine in my hand. Who can understand the pain of my lovesickness? I would like to drink strong wine and get drunk a thousand times.

I wish you a happy Chinese Valentine's Day. )