Li Xiang has always been concerned about these chieftains. Even though he had blessed them in the past, in the hearts of many ordinary people, they were still unwilling to change their lives that had been going on since ancient times.
The reason they gave in at that time was because they had no other choice. Now that their lives have settled down a little, the idea of resistance has emerged again.
Of course, this group of people does not account for a large proportion, but even if it is not large, it is still one of the factors of regional instability, so Li Xiang needs to pay attention to them.
Li Xiang had written letters to all the officials who had been in charge of Sichuan since Old Man Xiao, asking them to keep a close eye on these people. If there were any signs of rebellion, they must be killed and this kind of thinking must never be allowed to rise.
Even when he arrived at the King of Chengdu, Li Xiang had someone write a letter. Although the relationship between the two cousins was not good, the King of Chengdu did not dare to neglect it since it concerned the safety of his territory.
Along the way, Li Xiang was also carefully observing these 5,000 soldiers. Some of them were willing to follow the Tang army because after coming down from the battlefield, their status could be improved, and they could also earn a lot of money to improve their family's life.
But a larger number of people were unwilling to go out. In their view, fighting meant death, and if they lived quietly in the mountains, how could they possibly die? All of this was brought upon them by the Tang Dynasty.
Even though the Tang Dynasty has changed their living environment, the only thing they want is to make their warriors bleed for the Tang Dynasty. This kind of thinking is still quite common. Li Xiang can't think of how to deal with them for the time being, so he can only use force to send them to the battlefield.
The integration between the two races is not that simple. Being too tough won't work, and being too soft won't work either. We must find a suitable middle ground, and we are still exploring this.
When he was free on the road, Li Xiang called Zhang Jiuli over. This guy had also been in charge of Sichuan. It was unknown whether he had any good ideas about this matter, but Li Xiang did not have much hope. After all, when this guy was in charge of Sichuan, the relationship between the two ethnic groups did not improve. At that time, due to the weak military strength, this guy almost brought shame to the Tang Dynasty court.
Of course, there is no way around it. The chieftains occupy the mountains and act as kings. If you want them to surrender, you have to defeat them like Li Xiang did. If you expect a favor, forget it.
"I've visited them recently and found that people hold two different attitudes, and we can only find a solution from this side."
After listening to Li Xiang's words, Zhang Jiuli immediately expressed his own views. Half of this side was naturally close to the Tang Dynasty, and the other half hated the Tang Dynasty.
"You mean to win over the close ones?"
Li Xiang understood what this guy meant. He was indeed a genius. No matter what the problem was, he could always provide a solution. Of course, you still had to consider it carefully, because this guy's solutions always came at a high cost.
"Your Highness, please forgive me for being innocent."
Zhang Jiuli looked at the army marching outside. All those around were soldiers brought from Chang'an City. They would not have too much contact with the armies of these chieftains, so even if they heard it, there was no need to worry about it getting out.
"It seems that your method is not very glorious. Then just say it. We are all wicked people."
The reason why Zhang Jiuli was willing to follow Li Xiang was because Li Xiang was more practical in what he said and did. Take what Li Xiang said now, for example. The people in power in all dynasties did not dare to say it. They all portrayed themselves as upright and honest. These bad things were done by the people below. How could it be related to them?
But Li Xiang is not like that. He can tell you what he wants to say openly, but he himself is not an upright person. He can do anything to maintain the rule of the Tang Dynasty.
"I hope Your Highness can split the Tusi army into two parts, of course not so obviously. One part is naturally close to us, and we should let them follow the Tang army. The other part, since they already have evil intentions in their hearts, should be completely wiped out on the battlefield! The most important thing for a nation is its young labor force. When their young labor force disappears, the remaining old, weak and sick will be of no use."
Zhang Jiuli lowered his voice, which surprised Li Xiang. He didn't expect that you kid would be so brave. Now they are wearing the armor of Tang Dynasty soldiers. If it gets out, we two will be in trouble, and the image that Li Xiang has established may also collapse.
Seeing Li Xiang's fierce eyes, Zhang Jiuli quickly knelt down, but Li Xiang still helped this guy up. Although what he said was a bit excessive, it was also a solution.
"Politics is always dirty. I'll leave this matter to you. Divide them into two groups and make sure to carefully identify them. Of course, don't divide them too clearly. If some people have evil intentions, then we won't let them come back this time."
When Li Xiang said this, he suddenly remembered another thing. After all, he came from modern society, and respect for life was already imprinted in his mind.
"Is it possible to keep them in our newly occupied territories and let them help us manage our overseas territories?"
Although these people still harbored evil intentions, Li Xiang still felt that they should be given a chance. After all, they were already citizens of the Tang Dynasty. Li Xiang felt a little uncomfortable with treating them like this on the battlefield. If it were people from Goryeo or Fuso, Li Xiang would not even frown.
"That's not impossible, but we can't let their families go there in the short term. We can only let them stay there by themselves. This way we can control them. Otherwise, they will easily fight for dominance, which will then cause another disaster."
Zhang Jiuli also agreed with Li Xiang's suggestion. After all, there was too much newly occupied land, and they were more trustworthy than the local troops.
Moreover, every time they occupied a new place, the local resistance would be fierce. When they were stationed there, they did not have the time to think about how to resist the Tang Dynasty. They had to suppress the local situation first. Otherwise, they would face various assassinations every day, and before they could react, they would lose their lives.
"Then don't separate them for now, so as not to alert the enemy."
Li Xiang looked at the Tusi army in the distance and said thoughtfully...
