"A-choo..."
When the two were talking excitedly, Su Dingfang sneezed, which just made them stop. The two looked at Su Dingfang somewhat bewilderedly. After realizing it was just a sneeze, they were about to continue talking, but Li Xiang came down from the stage.
"You two envoys, there's no need to explain. I understand what you mean, but there's one thing I don't understand. Previously, you and Goguryeo were in opposition. You even submitted memorials to the Tang Dynasty, requesting that we teach Goguryeo a lesson to ease your lives. I remember that correctly, right? Now that Goguryeo is on the verge of destruction, and our three kingdoms are about to become one, this should be a cause for celebration. Why are you helping Goguryeo mediate?"
Li Xiang hit the nail on the head as soon as he spoke. The relationship between countries is not static. It turns out that there was indeed a hostile relationship between the two countries and Goguryeo. At that time, Goguryeo was too powerful and the two countries were too weak. They could only make friends with distant countries and attack nearby ones, hoping to rely on the powerful Tang Dynasty.
But the problem is that Goguryeo is now weakened, and it is so weakened that it can hardly raise its head. If the Tang Dynasty makes another effort, Goguryeo will be gone immediately. The most important thing is that they feel the expansionist desire of the Tang Dynasty. If the Tang Dynasty is allowed to border them to the north, it is only a matter of time before the two countries are annexed.
It was because Gai Yuansu Wen understood this point that he explained the pros and cons to the two countries and asked them to send 60,000 troops to mediate.
"Your Highness, we also don't want our two countries to engage in further fighting. Goguryeo has already realized their mistakes. Why should we let the army continue to fight? This will also cause losses to the Tang army. It is better for both sides to put aside hostility and sit down for talks."
The two of them were a little embarrassed. Gao Mo was older, so this guy stood up and spoke. His face was so dark that you couldn't see any blush.
"Master Gao is right, but I still have a question. If I remember correctly, your two countries have just sent a letter to the people, expressing their willingness to become vassal states of the Tang Dynasty. You should be aware of the responsibilities and obligations of a vassal state. If I remember correctly, your 60,000 troops should now be under my command."
What the two men did not expect was that Li Xiang did not continue to follow their words, but instead talked about another issue. What Li Xiang said was true, just like this time's eastern expedition to Goguryeo, Tuyuhun sent troops to accompany them, and the command was in the hands of Li Xiang. Although Tubo was not a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty, it also sent troops to accompany them. These two armies were also used in combat on the battlefield. Now Silla and Baekje are also vassal states of the Tang Dynasty. Your army was not near the battlefield before, but now that they are on the battlefield, of course they must be under the command of Li Xiang.
“This…this…”
After hearing what Li Xiang said, the two men's faces changed immediately. They didn't know how to respond, because what Li Xiang said was about the rules. In front of the suzerain state, the vassal state did not have much autonomy. If you resist now, it means a break between the two sides. From this moment on, not only will we have no relationship, but we will also become enemies, even more powerful enemies than Goguryeo.
In terms of hierarchy, Goguryeo and the Tang Dynasty have always been enemies, and the two sides have long been fighting to the death, so there is nothing to say. However, your two countries are dependent on the Tang Dynasty. Now that you have become the enemy of the Tang Dynasty, it is equivalent to rebelling against the Tang Dynasty. Facing traitors, the Tang Dynasty will definitely sharpen its sword even more sharply.
"Shouldn't you two gentlemen give me an answer? Now, in the name of the Tang Dynasty's Crown Prince, I ask you two, do your troops obey my command?"
When Li Xiang said this, he had already returned to the main seat. The two of them had just fallen into an empty environment and did not feel that Li Xiang had returned. Their minds were buzzing and they did not know what to say at this time. They brought the army to mediate and increase their voice, but they did not expect to fall into such a pit.
If the answer is to follow Li Xiang's command, then Li Xiang is likely to let these 60,000 troops attack the capital of Goguryeo.
If you refuse to listen, then this matter will become a topic of discussion. In the next offensive, the Tang army will indiscriminately attack your army and the Goguryeo army. Anyway, you are no longer a vassal state of our Tang Dynasty, so there is nothing more to say. Let's just start fighting. We are definitely prepared. As for whether you have the ability to withstand the attack of the Tang Dynasty, it depends on your luck.
The two men's fingers were moving around and sweat was on their foreheads. At this moment, they still didn't know how to answer. After all, the next sentence involved the lives of 60,000 people. If they answered slightly wrong, according to Li Xiang's character, he might order the Tang army to attack at any time.
"Your Excellencies?"
Li Xiang gave them three breaths of time, but the two men still showed no intention of talking. Li Xiang couldn't wait here for them all the time.
"If I want to fight you, I have to tell you something. This general can't hold back his sword. It's just a mere 60,000 troops. What's more, they are vassal states of the Tang Dynasty. If you don't obey, you will be punished."
Su Dingfang said as he thrust his sword in the air. His fierce eyes startled the two envoys. "Is this the general from the Tang Dynasty?" From his eyes, it was clear that he was even more murderous than our own generals.
"Your Highness, all the troops have been reorganized and are ready to attack at any time."
The messenger came in from outside and what he said made the two men start to tremble again.
"Since you two haven't expressed your opinions yet, then I'm not subject to the orders of my sovereign. Any army that stands in my way is my enemy..."
Seeing that Li Xiang was about to declare all-out war, the two men immediately knelt in front of Li Xiang. Li Tan might have been a little unhappy, and was simply pulled to kneel by Gao Mo.
"Your Highness, please wait a minute. The two of us will only follow your orders."
This guy's reaction was praised by the people around him. He stood in the right position at the last moment, but it was still too late. When His Highness wrote to you before, if you had been obedient, you could have at least a share of the pie. Now you have become the pie.
