Although Li Xiang wanted to return to Chang'an City as soon as possible because he missed his hometown very much, he had to inspect so many places he had occupied along the way. We can deceive the Nanzhao people, but we cannot deceive these brothers who fought bravely.
So Li Xiang walked and stopped for nearly seven days before he entered Sichuan. The defense line in the border area had been withdrawn. Although there were still various dangers in Nanzhao, Li Xiang had set the tone. Nanzhao would be our barrier to the south in the future, so the border defense line was no longer useful.
"Your Highness has made great achievements and has once again expanded the territory of our Tang Dynasty. On behalf of all the officials in Sichuan, I would like to express my congratulations to Your Highness."
Xiao Yu knew that this trip to the south would bring him merit, but he didn't expect Li Xiang to move so quickly. It has only been a short time, and the entire Nanzhao has been taken over by us. Although the common people still have a Nanzhao Kingdom over there, the people on the border all know that even the border checkpoints have been withdrawn. No matter how good the relationship between the two countries is, it can't be this good. It is obvious that the place is already the territory of our Tang Dynasty.
"Let's not get bogus among our own people. I won't be staying in Chengdu this time. You've done a great job here. You should hand over the responsibilities to the young people. After I leave, you should also return to Chang'an. We need to give more opportunities to the young people here. You can't always hold on to the position of Governor of Sichuan."
What Li Xiang said was definitely what Xiao Yu was most willing to hear. Even if Li Xiang mentioned some other rewards, Xiao Yu would probably not be very willing to accept them. Although Xiao Yu was in high spirits when he came, after this period of time, Xiao Yu also realized that the core of the Tang Dynasty was in Chang'an. No matter how well you govern Sichuan, you have to return to Chang'an when it is time. Otherwise, if you are away from the center of power, in a few years, even the human touch will be gone.
"Please rest assured, Your Highness. When I leave, I will make sure everything here is well arranged. I will definitely not leave any problems for Your Highness. Even if a war breaks out in the south in the future, we will be able to cope with it with everything we have built here."
Xiao Yu knew what Li Xiang was worried about. What he was most worried about now was that Sichuan could not hold up. No matter whether Li Xiang wanted to make some reforms to Nanzhao or continue to advance southward, Sichuan's position was irreplaceable. So at this time, with Xiao Yu's words, Li Xiang felt relieved. What's more, the whole Sichuan was full of Xiao family members. Even if Xiao Yu did not do it for Li Xiang, he had to show his real ability for his descendants.
"With your words, I'm not afraid anymore, but I have to say something upfront. All of your descendants must stay in Sichuan for the next two to three years. No matter what happens, these people cannot be transferred out of Sichuan."
When Li Xiang said this, Xiao Yu also knew that the honeymoon period between the two parties might be over. Now with Xiao Yu being transferred back to Chang'an, Li Xiang had to buy some insurance for himself. He had given many opportunities to the younger generations of your family before, and now it was time for acceptance. If they were qualified, they could be transferred out of Sichuan and promoted in a few years, but if they failed, this would be their end.
"I will obey your Highness. Please train them well. When these children can stand on their own, I will retire and return home."
From Xiao Yu's expression, it can be seen that he has almost arranged things here, so he is not worried about any unexpected events. If they have been teaching for such a long time and in the end they cannot even handle a little accident, it proves that these people are not suitable for officialdom and should go back to Lanling to farm.
Looking at the smile on Xiao Yu's face, Li Xiang admired him in his heart. He had met many patriarchs of large families, all of whom worked hard for their families. But being away from the core of power and coming to this place for nearly two years was probably not something that ordinary people could do.
In this respect, Xiao Yu was definitely far superior to those people. At least he could stay in the remote countryside, and he also had many constructive opinions. If Xiao Yu hadn't been in charge of Sichuan, how could the four chieftains have been eliminated so quickly? Even if Nanzhao was pacified in the south, it would have been more difficult.
"Your Excellency is wrong to say this. I have already submitted a memorial to the Emperor. When you return to the capital, you will surely be satisfied."
Li Xiang did not reveal what his official position was, but Xiao Yu knew it in his heart. It was impossible for him to go back to be the prime minister, and Li Shimin would never allow it. But it was definitely better than being idle at home. In fact, Xiao Yu did not care much about his official position. He was very satisfied that he could pull so many younger generations of the family out this time.
The situation on the road was exactly as Li Xiang said. This guy was riding fast all the way. After separating from Xiao Yu, Li Xiang did not inspect the situation in Sichuan. The people below had already known the situation here very clearly. There was no need for Li Xiang to waste time here, so he rode his horse at full speed to Chang'an.
On the surface, Li Xiang was around Chang'an at this moment, but he secretly lurked back to Sichuan, all in order to paralyze the Nanzhao court. So when Li Xiang returned to Chang'an this time, no one came to greet him at Shili Pavilion on the outskirts of the city. Li Xiang and his men also disguised themselves as merchants and hurried all the way.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling a little uncomfortable?"
Li Xiang looked at Su Dingfang and said that Su Dingfang was indeed a little uncomfortable. Ever since he followed Li Xiang to fight outside, He Changan had always been applauded and welcomed more or less. However, this time, the situation was quite deserted. Except for some people leaving the city, no one from the court was seen.
"It's like we've lost a battle. We've always won before. This time, I'm really a little uncomfortable with it. But this time, we're going back to Chang'an. Do we have to stay in Chang'an for a while?"
Su Dingfang had been wandering outside for a long time, so he was not used to life in Chang'an. After all, this place was full of intrigues, and if he was not careful, he might fall into a trap at any time. If he had to choose, he would still choose to live on the edge of a knife outside. This was the life he wanted most.
"I also want to stay in Chang'an, but this world is full of variables. Any small variable will make it impossible for us to stay in Chang'an..."
Li Xiang also sighed...
