The two men had not slept all night, and Li Xiang originally planned to let them rest, but when they walked to the door, Li Xiang suddenly remembered another thing.
"During your investigation, did you detect anyone harboring rebellious intentions towards the Tang Dynasty?"
The two of them had already walked to the door, and when they heard Li Xiang say this, they immediately turned around.
To be honest, if it were something else, the two might have had some doubts, but there was really no doubt about this matter. No one in the entire Nanzhao Kingdom was disrespectful to the Tang Dynasty. This was also why the two were puzzled by Li Xiang's policies. Why did they treat us so respectfully, and why did we have to take them over? It would be nice to make them a vassal state and strengthen our rule.
"To reply to Your Highness, we have not found anything."
Qian Ping is not a simple person. He used to be the chief eunuch of the Eastern Palace. After following Li Xiang, his observation ability has improved a lot. Since he answered like this, he must have not discovered anything.
Zhang Jiuli next to him didn't say anything, which meant that no one noticed it either.
"Do you think I'm too domineering?"
Li Xiang knew what the two were thinking, so he had to dispel their doubts. If he continued with this doubt, something bad might happen in the future. This was related to the eternal foundation of the Tang Dynasty, so Li Xiang dared not slack off.
"I dare not."
Both of them were Li Xiang's subordinates, and to put it bluntly, they had both led the team and made great contributions. Who would dare to comment on Li Xiang's gains and losses at this time? If they said something wrong, who knows what the result would be.
"It's normal to have doubts. I can see that it's just like what happened with Tuyuhun back then. Everyone thought forcing Tuyuhun to surrender would be enough, but I thought occupying them was the only solution. If I had to choose between a vassal state and the real Tang territory, I would choose the real Tang territory."
Li Xiang originally wanted to have a good chat with them, but suddenly thought of the limitations of these people in this era. Even if you tell them that they want an outlet to the Indian Ocean, these people probably don't know where the Indian Ocean is. In short, let them understand that there is no harm in occupying this place.
The news about Tuyuhun has spread throughout Chang'an. Fortunately, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince acted decisively, otherwise how could there be so many cheap war horses now? Although Tuyuhun is still a vassal state, it is under the management of the Tang Dynasty. The Tuyuhun royal court is just a puppet.
Moreover, after Li Xiang's campaigns in the south and the north, the people of the Tang Dynasty also felt that instead of establishing a so-called vassal state, it would be better for them to strengthen their rule and treat this place as the territory of the Tang Dynasty, which would make things much more convenient in the future.
Apart from the formal management of the original leaders, all other military affairs will be managed by the Tang Dynasty. This will ensure a peaceful transition without giving them too much power, which is of great benefit to the Tang Dynasty.
When the two went back to rest, Su Dingfang took on most of the affairs. They were still discussing the temple matters yesterday, and today Nanzhao had made arrangements for Li Xiang to meet their national teacher, Master Jinghong.
Li Xiang had heard of this person a long time ago. He was a famous Buddhist master in the southwestern region and was said to have traveled to India to listen to Buddhist teachings.
"If Your Highness doesn't want to go, I'll just reply to them."
After Su Dingfang finished his report, he knew that Li Xiang was unwilling to meet these religious figures. According to Su Dingfang's understanding, these people were purely demagogues. Apart from sucking the blood and sweat of the people, they did not play any other role. They were nothing more than a tool of the rulers.
Li Xiang had told them before that it was not about preventing ordinary people from having similar beliefs, but about not allowing such beliefs to go beyond a person's normal life. If it went beyond normal life, the court would crack down on such beliefs.
"Why are you pushing it off on me? This is a respected master, yet you're acting like a king, making sure everyone knows that I, too, am a Buddhist."
When Li Xiang said this, Su Dingfang widened his eyes. Even if he beat him up now, he would not believe that Li Xiang was a Buddhist. We have known each other for quite some time. What is it about you that makes you have a connection with Buddhism?
"I'm not saying what kind of expression you have, but do I look like a Buddhist?"
When Li Xiang saw Su Dingfang's expression, he felt his self-esteem was hurt. You are clearly doubting me, and you don't even hide it.
"Your Highness, Buddhists don't kill. What are we doing? How many people have we killed on our way from Tuyuhun to Goguryeo? If you said someone else was a Buddhist, I might just accept it. But if you said that, even if you knelt in front of that temple for a month, I don't think Buddha would dare to have a believer like you."
After Su Dingfang finished speaking, many people in the room wanted to laugh but didn't dare to. However, what Su Dingfang said was the truth. Buddhism emphasizes not killing, and there are all kinds of good thoughts, but this has nothing to do with Li Xiang.
"You know shit. Wine and meat may pass through your intestines, but Buddha remains in your heart. Someone like you will never be able to show up in public. Hurry up and reply to that letter. Don't ask for a fight here."
When Li Xiang said this, Su Dingfang repeated it twice. It was a nice thing to say, but it sounded a bit uncomfortable, as if it was a far-fetched argument.
When he reached the door, Su Dingfang came to his senses. Our prince must be the same as before, not knowing much about Buddhism. The reason for such a big show is to let the people of Nanzhao see that the Tang Dynasty also advocates Buddhism. There is nothing wrong with your current belief, and you must continue to learn it in the future.
In history, when Princess Wencheng entered Tubo, she brought with her exquisite porcelain and a large number of Buddhist books in order to allow such a place to vigorously develop religious beliefs. As long as you invest a large amount of comprehensive national strength into it, how can your country not weaken?
Although it may not be visible for the time being, as time goes on, this belief will consume a large part of the national strength. It’s just that the belief is not formed in a day, and it will take more than a day to get rid of it. By the time the rulers realize it, they find that they are powerless and can only go with the flow.
