Fu Tang

Neither Li Congjia nor Mousa thought that the Principality of Kievan Rus, who had been cowardly before, would directly declare war on the two countries. Is Yaropolk I too crazy, or did he have a certain victory in his hand? the hole card?

Li Congjia suddenly felt a little regretful. If he had known this way, he shouldn't have put his eyes and ears in Kievan Rus Principality because he disliked it too far and easily lost manpower. It doesn't need too many people and they don't need them to send news back from time to time, as long as they are at critical moments. Just be able to come in handy.

With regard to the Kievan Rus principality, Li Congjia did not summon the cabinet and the Privy Council, and there was nothing to discuss about this matter. With the letter of war already in hand, what else is there to say?Get ready.

However, if the Principality of Kievan Rus wants to fight Datang, it must first kill Kara Khanate, so Datang actually still has time to prepare. Compared with Datang, Kara Khanate should be more anxious.

The more Li Congjia thought about it, the more he felt strange, and turned to look at Shi Xueting: "You said...does the Principality of Kievan Rus understand us?"

Shi Xueting asked: "Which aspect are you talking about?"

"Weapons." Li Congjia was very straightforward. Now Datang's weapons, he can pat his chest and say that they must be world-class, there is no one.

In this case, the Principality of Kievan Rus also dared to fight, so they had to consider whether they had any trump cards in their hands.

Shi Xueting did not answer, but suddenly asked: "Did you not notice?"

Li Congjia looked at him blankly: "What are you paying attention to?"

Shi Xueting put down the letter of war that he was reading carefully just now and said: "The signature on it is not Yaropolk I."

Li Congjia quickly took it over, and then found that... I couldn't understand it. Although the letter of war was written in Chinese, the signature at the bottom corner was signed by the Grand Duke of Kievan Rus himself, using their own language, that is, Arabic. language family.

Li Congjia looked up at Shi Xueting: "Do you understand?"

Shi Xueting pondered for a moment: "I understand a little."

Li Congjia was a little puzzled: "When did you learn it?"

"I'm often exposed to these news, so I naturally want to focus on them, and I'm not as busy as you, so I always have free time to study."

Although Shi Xueting said lightly, but Li Congjia didn't believe a word, Shi Xueting is not as busy as him?Just kidding, in fact, Li Congjia can push things down if he wants to not be busy. It can be said that he is busy when he wants to be busy, and he is not busy when he doesn't want to be busy.

But Shi Xueting is different. The entire intelligence department is in his hands. The importance of the intelligence department is beyond doubt. He must manage the intelligence department well. In this case, he will learn a few languages ​​by himself—— Li Congjia didn't think that Shi Xueting had only learned this language, thinking that when he went to Tubo before, what he wanted to speak was also Tubo.

But he didn't say much, he just leaned over and kissed Shi Xueting as a reward, and then asked: "You said that this signature is not King Yaropolk I, so is this gauntlet also fake?"

Li Congjia recalled that Funan's surrender letter was tampered with. Could it be that...someone in Kievan Rus principality did this on purpose?

But Shi Xueting shook his head and said: "No, this is true, but the person who sent this letter of war is not Yaropolk I, but Vladimir I."

After Li Congjia heard this, he was quick-witted: "You mean... Vladimir has successfully usurped the throne?"

Shi Xueting nodded: "That's right, otherwise there is no way to explain this gauntlet and the signature on it."

Li Congjia clicked his tongue twice: "Yaropolke stepped down so soon, I really can't beat him, is he dead?"

Shi Xueting shook his head: "I don't know, I just saw this signature and thought that the Grand Duke of Kievan Rus may have changed."

Li Congjia frowned: "If it is replaced by Vladimir I, then this can be explained."

When Vladimir I's caravan was destroyed, Vladimir just sent a letter of condemnation, but he could not do anything else, because Yaropolk I did not agree, and because he was in the middle of talking with Yaropolk at the time. The critical juncture in Erke's struggle for power, now that he has defeated Yaropolk I, it is natural to start to settle the score.

Li Congjia asked again: "What is the reaction of the Kara Khanate now?"

Shi Xueting chuckled: "Musa seems to be trying to explain, hoping that Vladimir will not be impulsive, and also wants to unite with Vladimir to deal with Datang."

Li Congjia was not angry, nodded and said, "This seems like something he can do."

Shi Xueting looked up at Li Congjia: "What are you going to do?"

Li Congjia snorted: "It doesn't matter, let's look at the Kievan Rus principality's movements, and now the focus is still on Tubo, oh, Tubo is not willing to be lonely, right?"

"Really, after knowing that the Kievan Rus Principality is going to declare war, Tubo seems to have sent people to the Kievan Rus Principality to form an alliance with them."

Li Congjia curled his lips: "Whimsical."

No matter what the Duchy of Kievan Rus is, it is not comparable to Tubo. What is the existence of this country?That is a country that dares to confront Byzantium head-on. The Kara Khanate asked for an alliance. They may have to think about it. Tubo... this mess, people may be worried about dragging their feet!

As for using Tubo as a breakthrough... Kievan Rus Principality's land is relatively flat, and basically they don't know what the plateau is like. Even if they really send people to Tubo, whether they can survive after arriving in Tubo is still a matter of opinion!

Li Congjia thought about it and wrote another transfer order. Shi Xueting looked at it and couldn't help being surprised: "Send troops? There are always [-] troops over there, which is not a small number. Is it necessary to use so many?"

Li Congjia said while writing: "Although we all know that the Principality of Kievan Rus cannot really join forces with Tubo, we have to prevent Tubo from holding chicken feathers as arrows. If he insists that the Principality of Kievan Rus has already formed an alliance with them, Vladimir Maybe it will be acquiesced, anyway, one more helper is better than one more enemy, and Tubo may be able to recruit reinforcements from neighboring countries at that time, so don't be careless."

Shi Xueting had no choice but to say: "Vladimir's letter of war has messed up the whole situation."

Li Congjia sighed: "Who said it wasn't?"

Originally, Li Congjia planned very well, first Tubo, then the Kara Khanate, as for the Ghaznavid Dynasty and the Saman Empire... Now Li Congjia also wants to understand that it is impossible to completely wipe out a religious country. Since it can develop, it is not so easy to be destroyed.

Since it cannot be destroyed, you can only choose the aspect that is most beneficial to you. Take Islam as an example. Now it has been divided into secular sects and conservative sects. Secular sects are obviously more in line with Datang's interests, so Datang supported Sa. Man Empire, it's a pity that this country is a bit disappointing. Of course, it may also be because Musa's brainwashing ability is too strong. Anyway, the conservative sect has the upper hand now.

Li Congjia only needs to suppress the conservative sect, and he does not need to destroy it. The secular sect will definitely take the initiative to exterminate this group of people, after all, they are the enemies of life and death.

Then there is the Khitan. Now the Khitan is not as good as the rising Jurchens for Li Congjia's attention. If the Khitan is willing to cooperate, it is best to let them join the Federation. If the Khitan is really destroyed, there will still be losses.

The Khitan people are better at certain aspects, such as grazing and raising horses, than Datang.

However, everything is in chaos now. Li Congjia can only do his best to follow the original steps. As for the Principality of Kievan Rus... what he can do is to strengthen border defenses and be vigilant according to the previously formulated three-level combat readiness. Go to the western border.

The most depressing ones are the Ministers of the Ministry of Households and the Minister of Industry. Once the whole country enters a state of combat readiness, many previously approved funds must be stopped. The first thing to stop is some research by the Ministry of Industry. Of course, research on weapons will definitely not stop. , only those that benefit the people's livelihood are the first choice.

After all, the country is about to start a large-scale war. If there is not enough money, food and grass, and the Tang Dynasty will be gone by then, who will use those inventions?

Hubu Shangshu and Gongbu Shangshu silently cursed Vladimir, and then started to work on their own. Hubu Shangshu needs to summarize the world's granary, and then prepare for the dispatch route after the fight.

Datang is making intensive preparations. Like Datang, the Kara Khanate seems to have let himself go, and did not make much preparations. Musa seems to be sure that Vladimir will forgive him and will not attack Datang. I don't know where the confidence comes from.

After two days, Shi Xueting came over to Li Congjia and said, "Musa really... has already started to discuss with Vladimir how to divide the spoils."

Li Congjia just finished approving a memorial, looked up at him wonderingly and asked, "Split the spoils? What do they have to divide the spoils?"

Shi Xueting laughed and said: "I have already started dreaming about whether to occupy Datang after defeating Datang, or let Datang pay compensation."

Li Congjia laughed suddenly, but with a ferocious smile: "Okay, I really didn't realize that he still has such big ambitions."

Shi Xueting put down the Chinese book in his hand and said: "It's just that Vladimir doesn't seem to have had much contact with him, and he doesn't know what he's thinking. It's really strange."

Li Congjia shrugged: "Whatever he thinks? If he really calls, then we will follow up."

However, within two days, Li Congjia actually received another letter of credence from the Kievan Rus Principality. This time it was not a letter of war, it was barely... considered a letter of credence for threats.

The letter of credence means that the Kara Khanate has agreed to compensate the Kievan Rus principality for the loss. How does Datang choose?Compensation or fight?

Yang Xin read this letter of credence in front of all the bigwigs at the court meeting. After reading it, he shrank to one side and acted like a quail, not daring to say anything else.

Because based on his knowledge of Li Congjia, such a letter of credence would not scare Li Congjia at all, it would only irritate him. When Li Congjia was angry, whoever hit the gun would be unlucky, oh, except for his master.

But unexpectedly, Li Congjia was not very angry, and just asked casually: "Let's talk about it."

As the head of the Privy Council, Li Hongji was naturally the first to speak out. He said angrily, "It's unreasonable. Is Kievan Rus bullying me that there is no one in the Tang Dynasty? They fight if they want to, and I invite you to fight!"

With Li Hongji making a statement, the remaining generals of the Privy Council naturally followed suit. Anyway, they followed suit. If the cabinet disagreed, Li Hongji would be the first to bear the gunfire.

It's just that Li Hongji has the support of the emperor, so he probably won't be punished.

Unexpectedly, not only did the cabinet not object, Wei Renpu even said: "The Tang Dynasty has always ruled the world with benevolence and morality, and never easily bullied other countries. Unexpectedly, it has been seen clearly for a long time without using force. Then it is time for everyone to re-understand Let's go to Datang."

Li Congjia looked at Wei Renpu with admiration. He probably would never learn the ability of these bigwigs to tell lies with their eyes open.

Never bully other countries easily... Japan that was destroyed, Goryeo, and Funan that joined the federation would probably want to beat people. As for Tubo, who is being threatened now... well, what the old man said is not easy Bullying other countries, pay attention to the country character, Tubo is not a country now.

However, it was rare for the entire court to have such a high degree of unity of opinion. Naturally, Li Congjia had nothing else to say, and said directly: "Can you hear me, Honglu Temple? Just go back to Kievan Rus Principality."

If you say yes, if you want Li Congjia to come, you may reply with six words: If you want to fight, then fight!

It's a pity that these six words do not conform to the format of the national letter. Although they have already torn face with the other party, these big shots probably still can't see Li Congjia's problems in etiquette.

There is no other way but to reply to the letter according to what Wei Renpu just said.

When this letter of credence arrived at the Principality of Kievan Rus, the prince's wedding date was approaching.

Vladimir looked at the two credentials on the table, his face turning green and yellow. These two credentials came from two different countries - the Kara Khanate and the Tang Dynasty.

The credential of the Kara Khanate seemed to make Vladimir very comfortable, his words were respectful, and he was showing weakness inside and outside the words, and there were countless gold, silver and jewelry along with the credential.

Vladimir killed his brother by force and took the stage. Fighting a war is a very expensive thing. He is thinking about where to find compensation. After all, the Kara Khanate is interested.

However, Datang's letter of credence made Vladimir not very happy. Every line was full of contempt for him, as if he was not afraid of him hitting him at all.

If it was Vladimir who had just ascended the throne, he might have really led his troops to fight there. However, now... After understanding the overall situation of the country and starting to embark on the road of governing the country, Vladimir did not dare to act rashly at all. .

This country has been almost corrupted by his elder brother. He struggled with his elder brother for power, causing the country's finances to make ends meet. The most important thing is that he has a younger brother who is eyeing him.

The Vichy family has been fighting for the position of grand duke for a long time, and his superiority has set a different example for his younger brother. He must be on guard against this younger brother, so as soon as he took office, he sent his younger brother Oleg Svi Yatoslavich drove him far away, and placed him on the poorest soil in the whole country.

However, this did not reassure him. At the beginning, Yaropolk also tried to deprive their brothers of their rights. At that time, Vladimir was still the prince of Novgorod, and his brother had almost driven him out of Novgorod. Rhodes, he had almost nothing at the time.

But now he still sits in the position of Grand Duke?The only thing that can make him feel at ease is the dead. Vladimir thought twice, gritted his teeth and prepared to let Oleg lead troops to attack Datang, well, let him take his own soldiers and horses, and then go to Kara Khanate.

Doesn't the Kara Khanate want to show off?Just let them try the strength of that eastern country.

Anyway, Oleg has his own kingdom. If he really can't beat Datang at that time, he can completely hand over Oleg to appease Tanghuang's anger.

While thinking about it, Vladimir began to sign the conscription order, but before the conscripts were ordinary civilians, they needed to be sent to serve as soldiers, but now he is issuing to his younger brother.

However, just as Vladimir finished writing the issuing order, his confidant minister rushed to say: "Grand Duke, Prince Temutaragan's whereabouts are unknown!"

"What?" Vladimir was a little surprised.

Prince Temutaragan is the current title of his younger brother Oleg, and Temutaragan is his fiefdom. Oleg has been fighting hard in his fief before. As far as Vladimir knows, his younger brother has even Ready to attack Kiev.

Why did he turn his head and disappear?

The minister's face was solemn: "Not only is Prince Temutaragan gone, but his subordinates are also gone, but the country has not received any news about him yet, Grand Duke, now..."

Vladimir's complexion was a little ugly. Although he is now the Grand Duke, he still has insufficient control over the country. Oleg's running away at this time was indeed beyond his expectations.

"Look for it." Vladimir squeezed out a word from his mouth: "We must find him no matter what!"

Oleg will be an important prop for him to test Tang, how could he disappear?What's more, Oleg who is hiding is even more vigilant. Vladimir doesn't want to live a life of worrying about his brother's rebellion every day, so he has to find out.

The minister took the order and left. Vladimir couldn't help but sighed as he looked at the requisition order he had just signed in his hand.

Vladimir did not act rashly, as if the previous gauntlet was just a random post. Li Congjia saw that the other party had not moved for several months, so he stopped paying attention at all, and began to focus on the prince's wedding ceremony.

He had never cared about the Principality of Kievan Rus, and naturally he was unwilling to delay Li Zhongyu's wedding because of such a trivial matter.

And the other ministers didn't say anything. Firstly, the auspicious day was chosen long ago. Secondly... If the prince's wedding ceremony is postponed because of this matter, it may cause panic among the people.

It's better now, except that everyone knows that Tang is at war with Tubo, but they don't know anything about Kievan Rus Principality at all, so let's continue to maintain this peaceful and prosperous world.

To Li Zhongyu, Li Congjia said very simply: "It's not a big deal, your good days are coming soon, don't worry so much."

Li Zhongyu almost had a kind of blind admiration and trust towards his father, since he said it was all right, then it must be all right.

There is still a month to be an auspicious day, and Li Congjia, who had been the shopkeeper before, had to follow along. First, he confirmed that the East Palace had been redecorated, and then there were various etiquettes.

The only tricky thing is whether the Crown Princess needs to visit Li Congjia's harem. There are only two of Li Congjia's harems, and now they are all like invisible people. People don't pay attention to them at all. Now, the ministers are not committed to getting Li Congjia to marry a wife up.

The prince is so old, and he is about to marry a wife and have children. Now if the emperor marry a new queen, wouldn't that offend the prince to death?Unless it is certain that Li Congjia will marry a certain lady, give birth to a son, and then abolish the prince to support the youngest son, no one would dare to offend the future boss like this.

It's just that these two have no sense of existence anymore, and they are also the elders of the Crown Princess. The Crown Prince can ignore it. Just see each other together.

As for the meeting, there is no need, Yelu Trigu and the others do not have enough status.

Li Congjia's decision needs to be notified in advance, and Yelu Trigu and the others need to make preparations in advance, auspicious clothes and gifts must be prepared in advance.

After solving this matter, Li Congjia complained very depressed: "I really want to go crazy and set a rule that you can marry a male queen, and then marry you back. I will not care about this kind of thing."

After hearing this, Shi Xueting couldn't laugh or cry: "But I'm not suitable to care about these things."

Even if it is a male queen, she is still a man, and she is not good at things in the backyard by nature.

Li Congjia was just complaining, and he didn't really want to be an enemy of the world. To be honest, if the ministers agreed to establish a male queen, it would be better to save energy and roam around with Shi Xueting in the future.

Compared with Li Congjia, Zhao Kuangyin, who had been urging marriage before, was actually very busy. He wanted to work hard to add a little weight to the princess, but he was a general, and he had nothing else to do except fight, so he set his sights on military system.

Datang’s current military system is rather strange. There is a recruiting system and professional soldiers. It feels like a collision between the ancient military system and the modern military system. At the beginning, this situation made everyone feel fresh and thought it was not bad, but after a long time, various problems will appear.

There are not many problems now, but Zhao Kuangyin decided to solve these problems first, after all, this is also his professional counterpart.

Apart from these two sides being busy, other people and some countries were also busy giving gifts. Not to mention the ministers, some small countries in the surrounding area were very generous.

Li Congjia glanced at it, and then found a very surprising name on the gift list