Chapter 135:
In a valley not far from Song Zhou City, the main forces of the Tubo were stationed. Standing on the hillside and looking down, you could see a continuous line of tents. A rough count revealed that the Tubo people were straightforward. Unlike some commanders in other regions who boast about having a million soldiers when they had only two hundred thousand, the Tubo people were honest about their troop numbers. Even when they had thirty thousand troops, they didnt falsely claim to have sixty thousand.
Since the Tubo envoy intended to establish peaceful relations with Li Er, Songtsan Gampo voluntarily withdrew his army to this location. This move demonstrated his sincerity towards the Tang Dynasty and took advantage of the strategic value of the area being nestled by mountains and rivers for encampment.
After being in the field for nearly two months, the Tubo army started adopting a more leisurely lifestyle. Lu Dongzan initially found this displeasing and took action against some noble sons to curb this trend. However, despite the ongoing conflict, he couldnt control Songtsan Gampos desire for indulgence, especially in this picturesque valley.
Songtsan Gampos choice of this campsite, with its mountainous terrain and pleasant climate, was indeed suitable for habitation, but it wasnt a practical choice for warfare. Occupying the high ground would give the enemy the upper hand, making it easy for them to rain arrows or launch attacks. This strategic oversight might lead to a significant loss of the 200,000-strong army.
Lu Dongzan found himself in a difficult position as Songtsan Gampo insisted on this location. Despite his reservations, he moved his operations here. In Lu Dongzans tent, dressed in traditional Han clothing, he was unable to focus on his reading due to the concerns at hand.
Since hearing that the Tang Emperor was open to forming a peaceful alliance, Songtsan Gampos arrogance had grown. Having always been victorious, he considered even the mighty Tang Emperor ordinary.
As soon as he led his troops to pressure the other side, they immediately agreed to ally. What did this indicate? Without a doubt, it showed that the Tang Dynasty was wary of Tubo. Lu Dongzan couldnt help but sigh. Young and proud individuals were bound to face setbacks. If it were in a different context, he would be content to see Songtsan Gampo face a setback. However, when dealing with the formidable Tang Dynasty, any oversight leading to failure could spell doom for Tubo. Therefore, success was the only option.
Songtsan Gampos confidence had been steadily growing. If it wasnt for Lu Dongzan continually restraining him, he would have already launched a war against the Tang Dynasty. In his view, the Tang Dynasty was just thata dynasty. They might be strong, but no matter how formidable they were, it was unthinkable that they would dare face his 200,000 troops with only 50,000.
Songtsan Gampo felt a deep sense of humiliation from this number. Did the Tang people not regard Tubos warriors with any respect? At this point, Lu Dongzan inquired, Li Daozong is a prominent Tang prince with remarkable military accomplishments, making him a formidable adversary. But who exactly is this Su Li, and how did he rise above Li Daozong to command the army?
Clearly agitated, Songtsan Gampo answered, This Su Li is the son-in-law of the Tang Dynasty. He is said to have married the Emperors favorite daughter. He is a renowned poet in the Tang Dynasty; you might have heard of him, Father.
The Great Tang Poet? Lu Dongzan asked curiously.
Songtsan Gampo nodded and then gritted his teeth, saying, Thats why I said the Tang Dynastys Emperor is going too far! They dare to send their poet, a mere figurehead, to command troops against us.
Lu Dongzan was shocked, and then his expression turned somber. He had intended to advise Songtsan Gampo that, as a ruler, he should maintain a demeanor that didnt reveal his emotions. The way he was acting now wasnt fitting of a qualified king.
However, after hearing Songtsan Gampos account, even Lu Dongzan felt his blood pressure rising. It was as if Li Er had clearly displayed his disdain for Tubo for all to see. Sending 50,000 troops to attack Tubo might not necessarily indicate contempt, given the strength of the Tang army. But appointing his son-in-law, a man known for his poetry and not for warfare, to lead the troops into battle No matter how you looked at it, it was a grave insult.
