Gaer Qinling annihilated the enemy troops and captured the enemy emirates alive and returned. The imperial cities of Luo were filled with cheers, and at the same time, the mood of the crowd was filled with resentment. Regardless of whether it was the nobles or commoners, they all came here to see for themselves what the legendary “Killing Demon King” Hou Junji looked like.

Hou Junji was sitting on the saddle tied behind his back. His expression was ice-cold as he looked at the group of Tibetan people in front of him who were cursing loudly and cheering loudly. He was as calm as if he was going shopping and walking along an alley.

Gaer Qinling rode beside him, looked at him and smiled, “General Hou, how does it feel to be spurned and cursed by all the people?”

“Very good.” Hou Junji smiled coldly and said, “The people you speak of are my enemies. Being hated so much by the enemies at least proves that Hou Junji is quite competent as a general.”

Gaer Qinling frowned, “Have you ever thought about how you’re going to die?”

“This kind of brain-wrenching question should be for you to think about. Why should I worry about it?” Hou Junji continued to sneer, “Anyway, as long as I live, you will serve my food and drink. Let’s be clear first. It’s not good wine and meat. If you starve to death, all your plans will be in vain.”

Gaer Qinling gritted his teeth and turned his head to ignore Hou Junji. He thought to himself, This Hou Junji seems to be brave, but in fact, he still has some shrewdness and foresight. Unfortunately, due to his personality, if he wanted to fight with the court, he would definitely be far from being a match for people like Eldest Sun Wuji and Qin Mubai. Earlier, he had been excluded by Eldest Sun Wuji, but now, he had been used and abandoned by Qin Mubai … If this person was born on the plateau, he would definitely be my right arm! Because in our Tibet Dynasty’s temple, there are not as many intrigues and tricks as Tang Yan. What he relies on is his strength!

Before the imperial city was surrounded by people from all over the mountains, Gaer Qinling’s army blocked a path and prepared to enter the city. The anger of the people on both sides gradually rose. Many people shouted that they would tear Hou Junji into pieces and swallow him up one mouthful at a time. There were even more people desperately trying to rush in and pounce on Hou Junji. There were even some extreme Tibetans who ignored Gaer Qinling and walked beside Hou Junji, throwing stones at him. After provoking Gaer Qinling, ordering him to draw his saber to intimidate and capture a few overly arrogant civilians, the turbulent crowd finally calmed down slightly.

Finally entering the imperial city, Gaer Qinling ordered the sergeant to take Hou Junji to a secret room and imprison him. He kept a close watch on him, not allowing anyone to approach him. He also ordered the medical officer to treat Hou Junji’s injuries.

Gaer Qinling personally brandished his saber and cut the ropes on Hou Junji’s body. He glanced at him and strode away.

Hou Junji laughed loudly and shouted, “I want to roast the whole sheep, I want your Zan Pu to drink wine! I also want to take a hot bath and change into new clothes. If I don’t take care of you properly, I’ll smash my head against the wall!”

Guan Zhao’s Tibetan soldiers were so angry that their faces were red and their necks were thick, and because the marshal would not dare to disobey, they swallowed their resentment into their stomachs.

Gaer Qinling went to see Zan Pu.

When Qizong Nongzan saw Gaer Qinling, he let out a long sigh of relief and stepped forward to catch him. “Qin Ling, there’s no need for us brothers to thank each other. In short … this country can have no Qizong Nongzan, but we definitely can’t have Gaer Qinling without you!”

“Zan Pu’s words are too heavy.” Gaer Qinling sighed softly, gritted his teeth and frowned. “I have 10,000 reasons to kill Hou Junji. Really, I really want to bite every piece of his meat myself. I can swallow it alive without drinking water. But if Zan Pu is unwilling to let him die, I can’t kill him.”

“Everyone in the world misunderstands Qin Ling. They only treat him as domineering and arrogant. Only I know that Qin Ling has always valued the country in his heart, and I, the useless brother of Zan Pu, am always in his heart.” Qizong Nongzan smiled bitterly and pulled Gaer Qinling to sit down and personally pour him a cup of wine, saying, “Please drink this cup full as if you are grateful to me!”

“Thank you, brother!” Gaer Qinling sighed heavily and said, “Brother, what are you going to do next?”

“Li Shimin has already given the order to fight me head-on. Qin Mubai has led 400,000 troops to attack the plateau and is pressing forward step by step. At this moment, the enemy is strong and we are weak. The situation is critical.” Qizong Nongzan knitted his eyebrows and said, “However, the Han people have always been deeply involved in politics. At any time, they are more concerned about interests.” Actually, even if they conquered the plateau, they might not really have much benefit. Not to mention that war consumed a large amount of national strength, even the many troubles after the war was enough to perplex the Tang Dynasty for ten years. Whether it was Li Shimin or those ministers, it was impossible not to consider this-that was to say, Li Shimin’s attitude was tough on the surface, and he was also very hesitant in his heart. He had been calculating whether this war was worth it or not. This also means that the alliance is not completely out of the question. ”

Gaer Qinling nodded his head calmly and said, “Just as brother said, the war has not broken out yet. It is the last chance for the alliance.” Once Qin Mubai waved his head onto the plateau, even if the arrow had to be fired, there would be no chance for him to join the alliance. I have always opposed any kind of alliance, but … out of respect for Zan Pu, I can no longer do as I please. Perhaps it would be good to try out other ways of governing the country and diplomacy. “In front of us, even if we win ten or twenty years of breathing space, it’s still good.”

Qizong Nongzan smiled in relief and nodded, “Thank you, Qin Ling.” You are well versed in sinology and are familiar with the han people, so you should know that when they are forced to kill by foreign enemies, they will do their best to the outside world. Once the four seas were calm and there was no foreign invasion, one’s own people would be caught and killed, causing internal problems. The current Tang Dynasty seemed to be rich and powerful, but in fact, its internal worries were quite serious. Li Shimin’s sons had almost all reached adulthood. Not long ago, they crippled Crown Prince Cheng Qian. Now, the Eastern Palace had always been vacant. This was the real problem in his heart. At this time, we shouldn’t disturb him. We should let a group of people in their own court fight to the death, exhausting Li Shimin. “This is a good opportunity for us to take a rest and get a lot of things from the Tang Dynasty-such as resources like money, grain, cloth, tea, iron smelting, weaving, planting, pottery refining, and many other cultural essences that take years to learn and apply.”

“Yes.” Gaer Qinling nodded decisively and said, “I have to admit that the Great Tang has a splendid civilization that we cannot reach.” The deeper I study sinology, the more I feel ignorant and shallow. Previously, I had always believed that we should take advantage of our country’s strength to defeat the Great Tang and seize all of this. Now I understand. So Zan Pu is right. The current Great Tang was indeed unparalleled. “But he is not invincible-the chance of victory may lie in what Zan Pu just said, when their internal worries erupt!”

“En!” ‘”Qin Ling, you are still the same as before, my flesh and blood brother and true friend. However, I want to know that your attitude when you led the troops to battle yesterday was quite tough. Why did you suddenly change your attitude today?” Qizong Nongzan smiled and nodded his head in satisfaction once more, saying, “Qin Ling, you are still the same as before. My flesh and blood brother and true friend.”

“Because of Hou Junji.” Gaer Qinling knitted his eyebrows and said, “It was him who changed my view of the Han people, changed my understanding of the current situation, and shook the eternal faith in my heart!”

“Why?” Qizong Nongzan asked in surprise.

Gaer Qinling picked up a glass of wine, took a sip and knitted his eyebrows. “I’ve never met a general like Hou Junji in my twenty years in the army, and I’ve never met an army like the one he brought out. Brother, do you know that even though we have won this battle, victory is not martial? I checked carefully and found that every Tang soldier had at least ten wounds on his body-and they were not light wounds. Before the intense battle, at least ten thousand of the twenty thousand plus Tang soldiers, including Hou Junji, should not be able to afford to be seriously injured. However, all of them fought to the end, not a single deserter, not a single captive other than Hou Junji, not even a single corpse with all four limbs … This was truly terrifying! “It’s Hou Junji, it’s this army. I saw the terrifying power contained within the body of the Han people!”

Qizong Nongzan’s expression changed slightly! It was almost the first time he had heard Gaer Qinling say the word’terrible ‘after knowing him for so many years!

“I used to think that our Tibetan people were the most brave people in the world, the most loyal, courageous and fearless people. But compared to Hou Junji and his army, we are only brave.” Gaer Qinling furrowed his brows and said with a cold gaze, “The strength that Hou Junji and his soldiers displayed seems to surpass the strength of a human being.” “I was puzzled by what allowed them to overcome their fear of death, and what allowed them to exceed the limits of the injuries that humans could endure … Now I understand.”

“What is it?”

“Faith.” Gaer Qinling’s expression darkened as he said, “It is the Han people of the Central Plains. The accumulated culture and civilization over the past thousand years have allowed them to possess a powerful spiritual power that ordinary people do not possess.” In fact, just comparing physique, strength, equestrian skills, archery and fighting skills, our Tibetan army is indeed invincible in the world. But … we lack faith, or lack faith. The reason why our soldiers fought so hard was because of the rewards after the war or the punishment for fear of being defeated. At that moment, it seems that these can stimulate the army’s combat strength, the han army is indeed generally unable to beat us. But … if the fighting spirit of the Han people was truly aroused, the faith in their hearts would turn into an incomparably terrifying force, causing them to all transform into mad warriors like devil gods, almost invincible-just like the army of Hou Junji! ”

“That’s why we need to pursue and establish our dao system as soon as possible!” Qizong Nongzan punched the table and said in a deep voice, “A country cannot be ruled for long by war horses and scimitars alone.” He had to have his own dao system to educate the people and influence future generations. Only by cultivating the Dao can one truly subdue the hearts of the people and maintain the long-term stability of the country. Qin Ling, I have talked with you about the legalism and Confucianism in Sinology many times before. You always think that the Fa Clan is the most capable of ruling a country and strengthening the army. I agree with this. The fact also proves that you have indeed accomplished it. In just a few short years, our Tibet Empire has strong troops, and our army is invincible throughout the world. But if we want to pursue long-term peace and prosperity, we still need to deal with people’s hearts. Just relying on the intimidation and punishment of severe punishment and the expansion of the military country to plunder, we can only do it for a short period of time, not for a long time! ”

“Ah …!” Gaer Qinling sighed again and shook his head, “I was too anxious. Now, it’s time for me to put down my posture and ask the Great Tang for peace and learn from them. The only thing I’m worried about now is that the enmity between the two sides is too deep, and the Great Tang won’t be able to accept the alliance so easily. Also … there’s the biggest obstacle in front of me!”

“You mean, Qin Mubai?”

“Yes.”

Qizong Nongzan pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, “Qinling, have you ever thought that Qin Mubai is actually very similar to you?”

Gaer Qinling was stunned for a moment, then said calmly, “Perhaps!”

“Actually, he is also a rare talent. He can command a thousand troops on horseback, and he can pass through the country after dismounting.” Qizong Nongzan said, “Qin Mubai is not an ordinary general. Otherwise, with Li Shimin’s deep knowledge of people and imperial techniques, it would be impossible for him to send him to Lanzhou to take the lead.” The implication was that the current Qin Mubai appeared to be only a commander-in-chief on the surface, but in reality, he already had the ability to influence the important national policies of the Imperial Court. Besides, we’ve already seen it, haven’t we? –Hou Junji, isn’t it a man-eating magical beast that he released? The goal was to stimulate ethnic conflicts and break the two countries apart. A complete outbreak of war was irreparable? He’s always been a tough main warrior! ”

“Brother, you mean to say that you still have to be a Bell Solver? If you want to join the alliance, you have to convince Qin Mubai first?” Said Gaer Qinling.

“That’s right.” Qizong Nongzan nodded. “I know it’s very difficult. It’s quite difficult. But if you try, it may not succeed. If you don’t try, you definitely won’t have a chance. Also, have you thought about why Qin Mubai is so strong? Could it be that his father, Qin Shubao, is the only one who influenced him?”

“I’ve thought about it …” Gaer Qinling said. “Qin Mubai is not only a general, but also a politician. He should be thinking more about his own political future. As far as I know, Qin Mubai and King Wu Li Ke are the closest, and the relationship between King Wei Li Tai and King Jin Li Zhi, who are most likely to be appointed to the throne, is mediocre. If Li Tai and Li Zhi succeeded to the throne, they would definitely be a guardian monarch, and it wouldn’t be of much use to someone like Qin Mubai. Therefore, I suspect that Qin Mubai is trying to change the fate of himself and Li Ke, using unparalleled military merits and prestige to support Li Ke to come to power, so as to ensure that he will remain standing for decades to come! ”

“Go straight to the heart of the matter!” Qizong Nongzan praised, “So, if you want to persuade Qin Mubai, you have to start with Li Ke-coincidentally, Li Ke is currently in Qin Mubai’s army, serving as a supervisor!” Hou Junji was Qin Mubai’s confidant, but in the eyes of the Imperial Court, he was a great rebellion. Therefore, we cannot kill Hou Junji. The enemy of the enemy is our friend, so we can make use of him. “Hou Junji is a very important person. We must make a big fuss about him!”

“Oh?” Gaer Qinling cried out in surprise, “Brother, do you have any plans?”

“No” Qizong Nongzan shook his head, “I just want to give it a try first. Li Ke’s position was different from Qin Mubai’s. No matter how close the relationship between the two of them was, in the face of such a big right and wrong, what should be opposed would still be opposed. Therefore, as long as we are willing to pay tribute sincerely and honestly, it will be beneficial to the Great Tang Dynasty. As the mouthpiece of the Imperial Court, Li Ke has no reason to reject our offer. The han people are dead to face, they advocate peace is precious, do not fight and aggrieved soldiers as the best policy. We Tibetans, unlike the Han people, do not like to seek false fame and suffer from real tiredness, so what does it matter if we become ministers and pay tribute? After ten or twenty years, we are strong, they are in civil strife, no matter if it is reputation or benefits, we can get back a sense of shame. In the history of the Han people, wasn’t there a legend about King Goujian of Yue who had to bear the brunt of his hardships? –And, I suppose, the Great Tang, who presumes to be the richest man in the world, will accept our surrender and submission, but will not take our tribute at all; Not only would he not want it, he would also send the princess and her relatives in accordance with the previous agreement and give her a considerable dowry. This was their personality! –Qin Ling, do you think this kind of business is worth it? ”

“Brother, you’re still smart.” Gaer Qinling smiled and said, “However, at that time, my brother might suffer some infamy and grievances.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore!” Qizong Nongzan laughed loudly, “Even if I, Qizong Nongzan, am going to Chang’an as a hostage, I can do it.” Together, we created Tibet. While enjoying its riches and honor, we must also take responsibility for this country, right? Compared to those warriors who died on the battlefield, what can I be considered to be? Furthermore, I went to Chang’an, and you can stay here to assist my son. I’ve already said that Tibet can live without me, Qizong Nongzan, but we definitely can’t live without Gaer Qinling! As long as Qin Ling is still alive, Tibet will definitely rise one day! The words I said to you today can also be regarded as entrusting myself to an orphan! If there really comes a day when I go to Chang’an, I definitely won’t come back. Just pretend that I’m already dead. Tibet, it’s all up to you! ”

Gaer Qinling’s entire body trembled as he stared at Qizong Nongzan. He raised his glass and said, “Brother, let me toast you!”

“The Heart of Xing Fan will not die, the Heart of Dying Tang will not die!” Qizong Nongzan raised his glass and said, “Qin Ling, no matter what happens tomorrow, will we brothers still be together? Please remember this sentence!-Ten years, twenty years, even a hundred years, I hope that one day our clansmen will plant the Tibetan totem flag at the top of the imperial city of Chang’an in the Great Tang Dynasty!”

“The Heart of Xing Fan will not die, the Heart of Dying Tang will not die!-Cheers!”