Chapter 372 The Western Turks and Shiwei launched the first attack
The next day.
The day of court assembly arrived once again.
The central hall of Taiji Palace... Liangyi Hall.
The tables and desks were arranged in an orderly fashion, and palace maids and eunuchs were busy going in and out carrying trays.
The main purpose of this court assembly was to host a banquet for foreign guests.
Therefore, the court assembly was still held in the Taiji Hall.
But after meeting with Li Shimin, the Tang Dynasty would certainly do its duty as a host and host a banquet for the envoys from various countries.
"Your Majesty, we have come to pay our respects!"
After Li Shimin ascended the dragon throne, the court officials paid their respects.
"No need for formalities!"
Li Shimin sat upright on the dragon throne, dressed in an exceptionally dignified manner.
That's right!
Li Shimin has a new dragon robe!
Right now...
His voice is much louder than before.
After several months of development at Wenyun Pavilion, Li Er's personal savings have been replenished again.
"Your Majesty, this is my report."
As soon as he finished speaking, Doulu Kuan stepped forward and reported, "The Great Tang Dynasty enjoys a great reputation abroad, and all countries admire it, including Baekje, Silla, Tuyuhun, Tibet, and the Eastern Turks..."
After listing the names of various countries, Doulu Kuancai said, "The monarchs of these countries have sent envoys to inquire about the Tang Dynasty's well-being... They are currently waiting outside the palace for an audience. Shall we summon them?"
"Announce!"
Li Shimin was also somewhat excited.
In the seventh year of the Zhenguan era, natural disasters occurred frequently.
However, the Tang Dynasty became increasingly cohesive and powerful, gaining several more states that submitted to it than in previous years.
"Greetings, Your Majesty the Tang Emperor (Heavenly Khan)!"
Envoys from various countries entered the Taiji Hall in an orderly manner.
Upon meeting Li Shimin, they greeted him using the unique etiquette of their own country.
No need for formalities.
Li Shimin smiled calmly: "You have all traveled thousands of miles to the Great Tang Dynasty. You must be tired from the journey. If you have any needs, please feel free to explain them to the Great Tang."
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Tang Emperor."
All the envoys returned the greeting once more.
"Your Majesty, there is something we do not understand."
After a few words of restraint, the Western Turkic envoy suddenly spoke.
"What is it?"
Li Shimin still had a smile on his face.
"Baekje deeply admires the Tang Dynasty and has traveled thousands of miles to Chang'an. Why has the Tang Dynasty cancelled their return gift?" the Western Turkic envoy asked respectfully.
"Well, that's a problem..."
Li Shimin turned to look at Fuyu Yici: "You can ask Crown Prince Yici."
No sooner had he finished speaking than the Western Turkic envoy immediately replied…
"Khan, we have already heard the reason for this..."
"It's nothing more than a merchant's problem. If we cancel the return gift to Baekje because of this, it's really incomprehensible to us."
"If the Tang Dynasty does not give a clear answer."
"Once the news gets back, I fear the kings of other countries will become suspicious of the Tang Dynasty."
"I don't even know what to bring for next year's pilgrimage."
The language of the Western Turks was rather sharp.
The Tang Dynasty is indeed powerful now.
However, the respect that other countries held for the Tang Dynasty was not so strong.
The reason for this is...
The Tang Dynasty never really hurt them!
Their visits to pay tribute were largely motivated by the expectation of receiving gifts in return...
"Um."
Li Shimin was not displeased.
This problem was exactly what he had expected.
"Your Majesty, this is my report."
At this moment, Wei Zheng suddenly stepped forward: "This matter is between the Ministry of Commerce and the Crown Prince of Baekje. Why don't we let the Ministry of Commerce explain it to the envoys?"
"allow."
Li Shimin adopted a haughty demeanor: "Where is Wei Shuyu?"
"Your subject is here!"
Wei Shuyu stepped forward last.
Because of his position, envoys from all countries turned around.
Damn it...
You have to turn around to speak.
Aren't you tired?
"Minister Wei, come to the front of the palace."
Li Shimin seemed to realize the awkwardness of the situation.
In the past, when speaking with envoys from various countries, I was always at least a third-rank official standing at the front.
This is the first time.
"promise."
Holding his official tablet, Wei Shuyu stepped forward step by step.
However, before he could reach the front of the hall, a man with a broad face, wide ears, and a burly build stepped forward...
"What does Your Majesty mean by this?"
"We've traveled thousands of miles to the Tang Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty only sends a child to answer our questions?"
"Could it be that the Tang Dynasty has no one left to use?"
Li Shimin glanced at the other party's clothing and quickly identified their country.
Shiwei.
A fence-sitter.
The Turks were powerful, so we sided with them.
The Tang Dynasty was powerful, so they sided with it.
"How dare you be so arrogant in my Great Tang Dynasty?"
"How dare you tarnish the reputation of my Great Tang Dynasty in the imperial court!"
"Your Majesty, the Shiwei have shown disrespect to the Tang Dynasty. We implore Your Majesty to punish them severely!"
Li Shimin did not answer, and the civil and military officials immediately rebuked him.
Now, Xiao Wei represents the Tang Dynasty...
Even if there is great hatred, it must be put aside at this time.
"What? Did I say something wrong?"
The Shiwei envoy remained defiant: "We have come to pay homage on behalf of various countries; this is a solemn and sacred matter!"
"The Tang Dynasty received him as a child."
"What exactly does that mean?"
“Anyone who doesn’t know better would think that the Tang Dynasty is arrogant and looks down on us other countries.”
The courtiers snorted coldly.
You think you're so great?
We're not going to scold you anymore, let Xiao Wei do it himself!
“You are mistaken, sir.”
After bowing to Li Shimin, Wei Shuyu turned to look at him and said, "You should have heard it just now. This matter concerns the Ministry of Commerce and Baekje."
"As the head of the Ministry of Commerce, it is perfectly reasonable for me to stand up!"
"and……"
"I am an official of the Tang Dynasty, and my every word and action represents the Tang Dynasty."
"Where does this 'arrogance' come from?"
Wei Shuyu remained neither humble nor arrogant, and spoke in a calm tone.
This performance earned him silent nods of approval from the courtiers.
Does Xiao Wei need our support?
No need!
Let's just sit back and watch how they get flamed...
"On the contrary, it is this envoy."
"As an envoy of the Shiwei, you now openly question officials of the Great Tang Dynasty..."
"On what grounds are you raising this question?"
Have you considered the consequences?
"Do you mean what the entire Shiwei region means by saying this?"
Wei Shuyu's three consecutive questions left the Shiwei envoy stunned.
I had long heard that there was a father and son in the Tang Dynasty who were particularly eloquent.
I've seen it all today...
However, being able to serve as an envoy to the Tang Dynasty, his eloquence was naturally quite impressive.
"Even if the Tang Dynasty didn't look down on us, that's fine."
The Shiwei envoy replied unwillingly, "But I still feel it's inappropriate for the Tang Dynasty to send out a mere child!"
"Children are still children. What if they say or do something wrong?"
"Would the Tang Dynasty simply use his young age as an excuse to cover up its mistake?"
"Wouldn't that make this pilgrimage seem rather frivolous?"
These words quickly won the approval of the envoys from various countries.
"This envoy."
Wei Shuyu retorted, "When you questioned me just now, it seems you already said something wrong, didn't you?"
Gaa.
The Shiwei envoy was speechless for a moment.
This is like digging a hole and burying yourself.
"And what you mean by childish games?"
As he spoke, Wei Shuyu's eyes narrowed.
His words gradually became sharper, and his overall aura suddenly surged.
He kept in mind Old Wei's words: the prestige of the Tang Dynasty must never be diminished!
"Please remember..."
"Whether I am old, weak, sick, or disabled, or strong and healthy!"
"I represent the Great Tang Dynasty!"
"If you continue to question me, the Tang Dynasty will regard it as the Shiwei provoking the Tang Dynasty!"
"besides……"
Thump.
Wei Shuyu took a step forward.
He appeared even more sharp and aggressive...
"If it were just me, you could call me a liar!"
"But now, with His Majesty the Great Tang Dynasty in person, with all the civil and military officials in person, and with the envoys from all countries in person!"
"You dare say this is child's play on such an important occasion?"
"At that time, war will be launched..."
"Even if it were you, let alone the ruler of Shiwei, personally come forward to explain, the Tang Dynasty and other countries would not accept your apology!"
Holy crap.
The courtiers were dumbfounded.
Xiao Wei's jet thrust has increased again...
The Shiwei people were clearly in cahoots with the envoys of various states.
They were forcibly turned to the opposite side...
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