Back then, Xiao Liuzi was just a servant of the Cui family, and he only did low-level work. If Li Xiang hadn't promoted him, he would probably be busy somewhere now, and he would never have his current status.
Songtsen Gampo and the other chieftains had finally understood over the past two years that Li Xiang was behind everything. But what could they do now that they understood? Could they possibly restore the way things were before?
During these two years, Tubo had gone through various wars and its overall national strength was no longer what it used to be. Although it was still one of the more powerful countries around the Tang Dynasty, it was simply impossible for it to challenge the Tang Dynasty as before.
Take the army under Songtsen Gampo for example. Originally, he could gather 50,000 to 60,000 men, which were specifically used for attack and could ensure that all parts of Tibet were under his rule. But now, Songtsen Gampo found it difficult to defend the existing land, let alone attack.
The original family was divided into two families, and the two families are still fighting. If the original situation still exists, it would be really weird.
"Get up. Although this is the first time we meet, I have heard this many times in Xiao Liuzi's heart. Although you are young, you are very capable. I have also sent people to find your home in the Han area. All the gifts have been given. Stay by Xiao Liuzi's side and help him implement his various plans."
This person was originally a Han Chinese and lived honestly in the area of the two lakes. But later, because of a disaster in his hometown, he went to the plateau. Later, he was discovered by Xiao Liuzi. He was considered a capable person.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Highness. I will definitely assist Sixth Master well."
The class concept is quite serious on the plateau, and this guy has lived on the plateau for many years. People like Li Xiang are the honorable grandson of the emperor, and he is just a rescued slave, so he dare not look up at all when speaking, for fear that he will be beheaded after breaking various rules.
Tubo's social system was relatively backward, and the lives of slaves were not protected at all. If you wanted to survive on this land, you had to understand what to do. If you didn't understand this, you probably wouldn't have enough heads to chop off even if you had ten.
"Don't be nervous. Find a place to sit down. Xiao Liuzi may not have told you this, but you'll understand as we get to know each other better. We're all family, so there's no need for all this nonsense. Give me a detailed report of what happened on the plateau. Tell me everything you know. I'll ask you if there's anything I don't understand. Just continue talking without me interrupting."
Except for Long Er behind him, everyone else in the tent had left. Since he was alone with his own people, Li Xiang was too lazy to go through the formalities. If he had to pretend for a long time with his own people, his efficiency would be too low.
It was indeed the first time that Wen Cunhai had seen such harmonious nobles. Even though Xiao Liuzi had already given him a heads-up, Wen Cunhai still couldn't believe it. This was the emperor's grandson, a god-like existence.
Such a person spoke so gently that Wen Cunhai pinched himself. When he felt the pain, he realized that all this was true.
Not to mention such existence on the plateau, even the ordinary chiefs would speak extremely harshly to their subordinates. If you said something wrong, the chief would immediately raise the whip in his hand and would never stop until he beat you until you were covered in blood.
When he first started reporting, Wen Cunhai was very cautious. He would pause after speaking to see if Li Xiang had any questions, but he soon found that there was no need to pause. Li Xiang's mind was very quick. Although he had not been in Tubo for a long time, Li Xiang had an extraordinary understanding of the place.
The current Tubo is completely different from when Li Xiang left. At that time, Tubo still had a certain strength, but after two years of intermittent wars, 60% of the social wealth was lost. Neither the chieftain nor Songtsen Gampo has much power now.
Although Xiao Liuzi has not yet developed into the king behind the scenes, he still has a certain status when it comes to speaking on the plateau. Now three poles have been formed on the plateau.
The most powerful force naturally belongs to Songtsen Gampo. He is the king of the plateau. Although he has undergone various weakenings during this period, it is undeniable that he is still the king of this region. Whether it is the land he controls or the army he has, he is the most powerful in this region.
The second is the chieftains. The power and army they control are second only to Songtsen Gandzan, but their potential is huge because the areas they control are the richest areas. They have not yet exploited the territory under their hands to the limit. If they really exploit it to the limit, they may not be able to defeat Songtsen Gandzan.
The third pole is Xiao Liuzi. Originally, Xiao Liuzi and his people hid behind the chieftains. They only did some shady things and just provoked wars between the two sides. But now Xiao Liuzi has come to the fore. They have their own territory and have also won over some frustrated chieftains and tribal leaders.
Although Xiao Liuzi and his people are the weakest, because they control the trade channels with the Tang Dynasty, all kinds of goods are shipped out of Xiao Liuzi's hands, so they are the ones that the other two forces cannot afford to offend the most.
Songtsen Gampo had evil intentions before, hoping to unite with the chieftains and then eliminate Xiao Liuzi. However, Xiao Liuzi quickly crushed this conspiracy and did not need to do anything else. The hatred between Songtsen Gampo and the chieftains was too deep. Xiao Liuzi only needed to say one thing: If I am killed by Songtsen Gampo, can you support me next?
The chieftains were not fools. They knew that their abilities were far inferior to those of Songtsen. The reason they were still able to hold on and live a very comfortable life was because of the Tang Dynasty forces represented by Xiao Liuzi. If they were killed, Songtsen would be able to free up his hands to deal with them.
Although this period of time may be a little longer, the chieftains all understand that if Songtsen cadres really take it seriously, none of them will have a chance to survive.
