Chapter 82: The thief is not dead

Anningfang, Qingtian Restaurant, is a small restaurant with not many customers and a lonely business.

Gesang stepped in and the shopkeeper came out with a smile on his face: "Customer, are you going to have a meal or rest?"

"Do you have any plum blossoms here? Let me give me a few." Gesang is now wearing a Tang Dynasty casual outfit, and a Chang'an accent, a Tang Dynasty man with a full set.

The shopkeeper opened his mouth and didn't come back to his senses for a long time: "Plum blossoms? It's May now, so where is the plum blossom? If you want plum blossoms, you have to winter."

Plum blossoms are naturally cold-resistant and chanted by others, but they will only bloom in winter. It is amazing to buy plum blossoms in the hot summer season, and the shopkeepers will not be surprised.

Gesang said seriously: "There is a kind of plum blossom that blooms all year round, and you are too ignorant."

A scholar wearing a mat hat came over and said with a smile: "This brother must be a flower lover, it's rare! My family happens to have the ever-invincible plum blossoms you mentioned. If your brother doesn't like the road is a bit far, you can go to my house to take a look."

"Then I'm thankful for my brother." Gesang looked at the scholar briefly and nodded in agreement.

The scholar turned sideways and invited him, "Please!"

Gesang said politely and left the shop. The scholar took out his usual money and put it on the counter: "Don't find any money for alcohol and drinks." He followed him out.

The shopkeeper threw the copper coins in his hand and shook his head disdainfully: "It's true that I'm buying plum blossoms in Mayday, and my eyes are blooming!"

Under the leadership of the scholar, Gesang got on the scholar's car. The scholar knocked on the carriage, and the sound of the car was shaking, and the horse was driving slowly on the street.

The scholar clasped his fists and said, "How dare you ask what you call a big shot?"

Gesang answered truthfully: "I am Gesang. I don't know where your fairyland is?"

"I am here at Ruan Dacheng, from the hometown of plum blossoms." Ruan Dacheng took off his hat and smiled and said, "Lord Gesang is here, Ruan Dacheng is very rude, so please forgive me."

Gesang smiled and said, "Mr. Ruan is so serious. I have long admired the great name of the envoy. I saw him today and it is indeed true. Gesang has politeness here." He clasped his fists and bowed.

Ruan Dacheng stopped him and said, "I should have asked Lord Gesang to go to my residence and have a drink of wine, but the current situation must be clear. Ruan Dacheng cannot treat guests, I am really sorry!"

Gesang smiled heartily: "Mr. Ruan is so serious! After the matter is done, we will gather together."

"Well said!" Ruan Dacheng praised.

Gesang frowned and asked, "I wonder what important things are there for your sect to invite me?" The reason why Gesang was able to come to Chang'an this time was because the Crescent Sect invited me and said there were important things to discuss with Tubo.

Originally, Tubo had spies in Chang'an, and if there was something wrong with the Crescent Moon Sect, they could deal with it and not send people to Tubo. However, the Crescent Moon Sect insisted, and Tubo sent Gesang to Chang'an in the name of a mission.

Ruan Dacheng said proudly: "Tell me the truth, I have not only invited you Tubo this time."

Gesang raised his eyebrows: "Is there someone from the Turks too?"

The Later Turks and the Tang Dynasty fought for 20 or 30 years, and the two countries had the same power. If the Crescent Sect wanted to do something, they would have to rely on external forces. The two countries that were enemies of the Tang Dynasty were naturally the targets they fought for.

Ruan Dacheng neither admitted nor denied it, but changed the topic: "Master Gesang, can you tell me why my sect asked you to send someone?"

Do you still need to think about this question? It's obvious! Gesang said lightly: "The Tubo Plateau is too high, you can't breathe, so we have to send someone here, right?"

Collusion with the Crescent Sect is also beneficial to Tubo, and sending an envoy is not a big deal.

Ruan Dacheng shook his head and said, "My Lord Gesang, my sect is for your Tubo. It can be said that if it weren't for our Crescent Sect, your Tubo would be destroyed by Li Tang, and it would be unclear why."

"Want to destroy Tubo?" Gesang smiled contemptuously, shook his head and sneered: "You are exaggerating! The Great Tubo has fought with the Tang Dynasty for decades, and only we can harass the Tang Dynasty. Can the Tang Dynasty do anything to me? If it cannot be defeated, the Great Tubo can withdraw from Shibao City. Even if the Tang Dynasty wants to destroy Tubo, it will not be possible!"

As he said, the Tang Dynasty fought against Tubo for decades, and Tubo repeatedly harassed the Tang Dynasty's Hexi land with the geographical environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Once the war was unfavorable, Tubo would retreat, and with the almost obstruction of the Tang army's advancement.

It has always been the wish of the Tang Dynasty to deal with Tubo, but Shibao City was too dangerous and could not be defeated, which made the Tang Dynasty's efforts go to waste. It was precisely because of this that Li Longji wanted to change this strategy and ordered the attack on Shibao City regardless of everything during the Tianbao period, and even cured the crime of "adopted son" Wang Zhongsi.

Ruan Dacheng stared at Gesang without saying anything, allowing Gesang to laugh alone. After a while, Gesang realized something was wrong, and his smile froze on his face. He looked at Ruan Dacheng in surprise: "What you said is true?"

"If you believe, you will be true; if you don't believe, you will be false!" Ruan Dacheng said an ambiguous sentence.

This vague statement is very powerful. Gesang suddenly became anxious and asked for advice: "I dare to ask Lord Ruan, where does this start?"

Ruan Dacheng said slowly: "Master Gesang, do you know why Li Tang gathered heavy troops in front of Shibao City without attacking Shibao City?"

Tubo was a belligerent country, so he always paid attention to the movements of the Tang army. The Tang army was very abnormal this time. After fighting for several days, it should be withdrawn according to the previous practice. However, the Tang army not only did not withdraw, but also increased its troops. The Tang army gathered in front of the pass was almost close to 100,000.

It has never been in the history of the Tang Dynasty and Tubo. The Tubo upper class was also confused and determined to figure out the intentions of the Tang army, but after many efforts, it was not in vain. It was precisely because of this that the Crescent Sect asked Tubo to send people, and Tubo agreed.

Gesang wanted to know the whole story, but he couldn't lose in front of Ruan Dacheng. He endured his shock and pretended to be careless: "They can't beat it, and they will retreat for a while, there is nothing to make a fuss."

Ruan Dacheng smiled, laughing wildly, pointing at Gesang and said, "Gesang, Gesang, you are used to being arrogant and want to be arrogant! I tell you that within two months, Shibao City will inevitably be captured by Li Tang. Without Shibao City, Tubo will have no gates. He opened his chest and let Li Tang fight and destroy you."

"Two months? I don't know how many two months it is?" Gesang said sarcastically.

Ruan Dacheng restrained his smile: "Gesang, let me explain to you that Li Tang is building a sharp weapon. If this kind of sharp weapon is enough, conquering Shibao City is just a matter of Gu Jian."

"Sharp weapon?" Gesang didn't believe that there was a sharp weapon in the world that could capture the Stone Castle City: "The Tang Dynasty's craftsmanship was superb, and it was true that the swords and swords made were cut like mud. If you want to cut the Stone Castle City out of nowhere, you would daydream! Could it be a god with endless magic power?"

A ironic statement, if it were normal, would be extremely correct, but now it is extremely wrong!

Ruan Dacheng looked solemn: "Architecture! Have you heard of it?"

"Architecture?" Gesang muttered: "What is that? What's the use?"

Ruan Dacheng didn't know what the cannon was, and he just heard Cui Shi talk about it, and it was not too clear. It doesn't matter if he didn't understand it, but it's important to increase the bargaining chips and force Tubo to exert more force.

In order to maximize the effect, Ruan Dacheng began to blow magic snails for artillery that had not yet been released: "Master Gesang, this cannon is amazing. Such a big stone will be blown to pieces with just a bang. Do you think it's amazing? If this cannon appears in front of the stone castle city, do you think you can still defend it?"

While talking, he gestured and compared a stone the size of a washbasin. Such a large stone cannot be blown up by ancient artillery, but at least it also requires modern cannons.

Of course, the more you brag, the more you are, the more you are, the more you are afraid of Gesang. The more you are in this operation, the more you will be in Tubo’s efforts, and the more benefits the Crescent Sect will be!

"Can such a big stone be blown up? Even thunder cannot do it!" If Gesang believed it, there would be a ghost.

Ruan Dacheng twitched his lips: "Master Gesang, let me tell you this. This news is absolutely true. It was told by someone I saw with my own eyes."

"Who is it?" Gesan became interested.

Ruan Dacheng would not have been fooled by him, and immediately changed the topic: "Lord Gesang, this is my member of the Crescent Sect, please forgive me. If we hadn't known that Li Tang wanted to build a powerful cannon, we wouldn't have asked you to send someone."

According to the idea of ​​the Crescent Sect, as long as the Tubo and the Turks came, they would make an alliance and get external forces. However, Cui Shi actually leaked the secret of the artillery. Ruan Dacheng didn't believe it at first, and compared Cui Shi's words with the people who captured Chen Wanrong in the Crescent Sect, and believed it eight or nine out of ten.

Ruan Dacheng's smart man's first thought was to seek more benefits from Tubo. If you want Tubo to give more benefits, they must be jealous and just reveal the artillery matter to Gesang. Gesang will inevitably be shocked. If you don't give benefits, you will not be able to meet this time.

Gesang still didn't believe it, but he didn't dare to take it lightly. Whether this matter was true or not, we had to find out clearly. Otherwise, if it was true, the Tang army pulled the cannons in front of Shibao City and blasted them. After the Shibao City was finished, the Tubo would be exposed to the attack of the Tang army. The Tang army had advanced equipment, changed tactics, and strong combat power. Once it appeared on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the consequences would be unimaginable. Even if Tubo did not destroy the country, its strength would be greatly reduced.

Nodding, Gesang asked a very smart question: "Mr. Ruan, do you know which craftsman made the cannon?"

Ruan Dacheng regarded Chen Wanrong as a person who would be of great use in the Crescent Sect in the future, so he naturally would not say to Gesang: "Master Gesang, you also know that such a powerful weapon cannot be completed by a craftsman. Li Tang mobilized many craftsmen and sent heavy troops to guard it. Even if he knew, he would never be able to get the person out."

If you choose between artillery and Chen Wanrong, Ruan Dacheng will choose Chen Wanrong without hesitation, and will never let Tubo hurt Chen Wanrong, so he said this.

"You don't know either." Gesang said calmly and pulled the corners of his mouth.

This is a provocation method, and Ruan Dacheng is not fooled: "Master Gesang, just save money. This little trick is useless to me."

Gesang's face turned red and he stopped talking. Ruan Dacheng then threw the bait: "Master Gesang, this cannon is never allowed to be kept in the world. My sect decided to destroy the cannon. If you give me some help, this matter will be done!"

Destroying artillery is a last resort. The best way is to make it work for yourself. Of course, you can get the craftsman and master the artillery technology will be more perfect.

Gesang had his own thoughts, but nodded and praised him very much: "What Lord Ruan said is very reasonable. We are willing to help you. I just don't know what we can do for you?"

Ruan Dacheng did not answer positively: "When I have made arrangements, I'll bother you again."

"How long will it take?" A question that Gesan is very concerned about.

Ruan Dacheng's answer was even more vague: "Low. Be prepared and wait anytime. However, Lord Gesang, what kind of help can you give if my clan is in trouble?"

Clever! Gesang secretly scolded Ruan Dacheng in his heart, but his face looked like he was smiling: "What you need most when you rebelled is that you cannot let the Tang Dynasty move troops south. We will launch a large-scale attack on Hexi. The Hexi Corridor is the lifeblood of the Tang Dynasty's connection with the Western Regions. The Tang Dynasty will not ignore it, and will inevitably send a large army. At that time, your pressure will be much less."

With the most national strength of Tubo, he can only do so much. Ruan Dacheng happily agreed: "It's so good! With Lord Gesang's guarantee, the destruction of artillery this time will be successful no matter what!"

This is a threatening statement, implying that if you dare to change your mind, let the Tang Dynasty use artillery to bombard the Stone Fort City.

How could Gesang not understand? What he thought was, "If the artillery is not destroyed, we cannot defend the Shibao City, and we cannot help you even if we want to help you. Do you dare not do your best? Besides, sending troops to Hexi is the wish of the Great Tubo for a hundred years, but the Tang Dynasty is too strong, and many troops have ended in failure. If you want to raise a case, when you fight fiercely and the Tang Dynasty is unable to look north, we will send troops to reap the benefits of the fisherman and get the land of Hexi!"

"That's thank you!" Gesan pretended to be happy.

Ruan Dacheng stretched out his right hand: "You're welcome, we're friends!" The smile on his face was so kind.

Gesang stretched out his right hand, held Ruan Dacheng's right hand, and smiled and said, "We are friends! We will always be friends!"

After letting go of his hand, Gesang said goodbye: "Mr. Ruan, then I will say goodbye."

"Mr. Gesang, go!" Ruan Dacheng didn't leave the passengers, knocked on the carriage, and Gesang got out of the carriage. Looking at Gesang's back, a sneer appeared on the corner of Ruan Dacheng's mouth and muttered: "You will take care of it, let's enjoy it!" The carriage was driven again, and Ruan Dacheng stretched comfortably, thinking, "It's time to discuss with the Turks."

After getting off the car, Gesang immediately got on the carriage following behind. This was his carriage. With an order, the carriage drove straight towards the inn. When he returned to the inn, Fanxi sat on the chair and looked at the inn sleeping lying on the table. The inn gave Fanxi some sweat medicine. After he fell asleep, Gesang went out.

As long as the postman falls asleep, it’s fine to deal with the other postman, and send a few people to talk and keep talking.

Back in the house, Gesang sat down, spread a piece of paper, grabbed the pen and wrote it. After writing, he sealed it with wax balls and made a wax ball book. He called Dabu and ordered, "Go back immediately and handed the letter to Zanpu."

Dabu responded and took the wax balls and sewed them into his clothes. Then he rode out of the inn and rushed towards Tubo.

After seeing Dabu off, Gesang kept paced with his hands on his back. He never expected that this time he would gain such a great harvest on Chang'an. Zanpu would definitely reward him when he returned.

The cannon can actually blow up stones as thick as a basin. It is so powerful that it is unimaginable. If you get it, transport it to Longshou Plain and hide it. When you go to court, when the ruler and ministers of Ruizong gather together, you will bombard the Daming Palace, what will happen?

Needless to say, the king and his ministers must have suffered heavy casualties. Even if Ruizong did not die, half of the ministers would be injured, or even half of them, and the strength of the entire Tang Dynasty would decline a lot, and at least for a long time. In this chaos, the Xinyue Sect would definitely raise trouble, and the Tang army would inevitably go south to quell the rebellion.

At that time, Tubo seized the opportunity to leave Hexi, cut off the Hexi Corridor, and let the allies Dashi Empire fight in the Western Regions, and wipe out the Tang Dynasty's army in the Western Regions, and Tubo can swallow the Western Regions with Dashi.

If you get the Anxi land and then the Hexi Corridor, Tubo's strength will increase greatly. What's more important is that the strategic channel to enter the Central Plains will be opened, and the Tubo army can threaten Chang'an and enter the Central Plains by serving the machine. What would it be like?

This future is really wonderful, Gesan feels dizzy when he thinks about it.

To achieve this goal, the Turks must participate. At that time, the Turks will go out of the north and restrain the Tang army in the north. The Turks were destroyed by Emperor Taizong of Tang, and Jie Li Khan was captured alive. The Turks regarded it as a great humiliation and were always thinking about revenge. What's more coincidental is that the Khan of the Post-Turks is precisely the descendant of Jie Li Khan. Will they miss such a good opportunity?

The answer is yes: absolutely not!

Should the Khitan participate? The Khitan is too small and is located in Liaodong. Since defeating Wu Zetian, she has been unable to hide. She only occasionally harassed the border and has not made any big noise. The Khitan is too small, and it doesn’t matter whether they participate or not. However, it is better to have it than not. It is also good to let the Khitan restrain the Tang army in Liaodong.

That's it! Gesang smiled yinly and thought, "It's time to lobby the Turks and Khitans now." With their help, this matter can be accomplished. He made a certain idea. Gesang changed into casual clothes, disguised himself, and left the inn.

After Ruizong and the others left, Chen Wanrong devoted himself to making artillery. Today, everything went smoothly, and the cannon would become in a few days. Looking at the cannon with copper light, Chen Wanrong was also happy.

Wang Shaohua quickly came over: "Brother Chen, Brother Shuhan has something to come to you."

Geshuhan would not come here without any major issues. Chen Wanrong hurriedly followed Wang Shaohua. Wang Shaohua led Chen Wanrong to a room, and saw Geshuhan sitting on a chair having tea, his expression was leisurely.

Chen Wanrong clasped his fists: "I've met Brother Geshu."

Ge Shuhan returned the gift and said his purpose: "Brother Chen, I have something important to tell you this time. Cui Xi is an important figure in the Crane Moon Sect in the court. This morning, my people discovered that he and Han Ping went to Yunzhen Temple!"
Chapter completed!