Chapter 3: The Simple Moral Views of the Tang People

This is the path of strength for the Tang Empire

It is rumored that the princess insists on marrying far away in the grasslands, largely to avoid the Empress. However, even if this is true, in the eyes of the military officials and court officials, the Fourth Princess's actions of not relying on His Majesty's favor, proactively retreating in the face of the Empress, and avoiding the escalation of conflicts among the imperial elite are also seen as a display of great understanding and exceptional virtue.

The Tang Dynasty established its nation through military strength, characterized by a simple yet valiant and fierce populace, earning the title of the strongest nation in the world, particularly valuing dignity. However, if one were to completely eradicate the nomadic tribes of the grasslands, it is feared that the nation's strength would be significantly depleted.

When the imperial cavalry embarked on their expedition into the wilderness, the rebel forces in the south surprisingly did not seize this opportunity to intensify their offensive. Instead, they retreated into the mountains and lakes, seemingly unwilling to hinder the empire at this moment. The insurgent rabble may not all be driven by a sense of national righteousness; some among them might wish to take advantage of this fortuitous opportunity. However, they had to confront a reality: the impoverished populace, who had previously supported them in silence, along with many grassroots leaders and soldiers within the rebel army, expressed their staunch opposition through their footsteps and silence when the decision was made to seize this chance.

The most remarkable quality of the Tang Empire is manifested in the evaluations of this matter during the most perilous moments and in the countless years that followed

The historical status of Emperor Taizu of the Tang Dynasty, who won this battle, is not particularly high, even within the empire itself. Whether in historical texts or in the tales told by storytellers in taverns, the evaluations of this great ruler often revolve around themes such as being overly ambitious, favoring sycophants and petty officials, enjoying harsh laws, seeking immortality without virtue, and similar criticisms

Given the strength of the Tang Dynasty and the might of its military, it has never considered the politically humiliating strategy of marriage alliances, whether facing the nomadic tribes of the grasslands or other states in the Central Plains. Aside from a few early instances where the founding emperor's most loyal tribal generals married several royal women, such situations have not occurred again.

It is unfortunate that no one anticipated that several months ago, the young Chanyu suddenly passed away. The Chanyu's brother forcefully ascended to the throne, and the situation along the borders became complex and tense once again

To support this costly war, the court dispatched one hundred thousand laborers and requisitioned livestock from three prefectures in Hebei. The fields around Minshan lay fallow, with nine out of ten houses empty. Taxation in the south had quadrupled, leading to widespread public discontent. Officials in the court were utterly unable to manage state affairs, and the realm teetered on the brink of turmoil and even collapse.

However, from the moment that slender young girl knelt before the Daming Palace and independently decided on her marriage contract, a precious peace reigned along the northwestern border of the Tang Empire for a full four to five years. It must be said that the majority of this was due to the efforts of Her Highness the Princess

Thus, their feelings towards Her Highness the Princess were quite complex, encompassing a certain inexplicable anger, yet also an unavoidable sense of gratitude. Ultimately, these various emotions gradually transformed into a subtle respect that was difficult to articulate to others.

However, whether it is the most pedantic scholar, the most indifferent professor of the academy towards royal authority, or the most resentful farmer-merchant against taxation, they will find various reasons to vehemently criticize that founding emperor. Yet, no one has ever considered that the war, which was waged solely due to the king's anger and drained the nation's resources while causing suffering to the common people, should not have been fought

This is precisely why the most powerful nation in the world is called Tang

The most famous example occurred in the later years of the founding emperor.

Whoever bullies me, I will strike back at them

It is well known that the Fourth Princess of the Tang Dynasty is not a fool, but rather a highly virtuous and capable royal.

Once this matter was made known, the world was shocked, and discussions erupted everywhere. The elderly civil officials were heartbroken and submitted memorials in great distress. His Majesty the Emperor, in a fit of rage, shattered countless jade cups. The Empress, with her complex emotions, remained silent. However, none of this could deter the determination of the young princess. The Khagan of the steppe felt honored upon learning of this matter and was even more pleased with the princess's character. He sent envoys with five thousand cattle, sheep, and horses to the court, humbly and earnestly seeking a marriage alliance. Ultimately, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty had no choice but to reluctantly agree to marry his daughter to the steppe in the eleventh year of the Tianqi era.

After that distinguished lady entered Weicheng, he was exceedingly cautious and tense. Little did he expect that Ning Que would so boldly make such a harsh assessment, and he believed that Ning Que's evaluation was unjust, which made his expression even more unpleasant

After months of fierce battles, the enemy cavalry was utterly defeated. This seemingly simple description and the seemingly elegant conclusion conceal the terrifying price that the Tang Empire paid for this victory

This is the foundation of the Tang Empire's establishment

Ning Que is an ordinary soldier, and he is unsure whether he can comprehend the complex emotions of the general. Even if he could understand, he likely would not care, as the matters he is currently striving for involve his personal safety, and he has always believed that few things are more important than his own life. Therefore, he pretends not to notice the general's gloomy expression and continues, "I have roughly counted the arrow slits on the carriage. That newly appointed Chanyu is ruthless and decisive; I estimate that the princess's guard has lost at least half of its men on the grasslands"

Since the founding of the nation, the people living on this land have consistently upheld and defended a simple principle: I will not bully you, but do not think you can bully me. Even if I have bullied you, you still...! ... should not think you can bully me!

In order to protect a married princess from an attack, the empire fell into turmoil and hardship. This may seem like an impossible occurrence, but in fact, such stories, which can be described as impulsive or characterized by grand ambition, frequently appear in the history of the Tang Dynasty.

At that time, a certain group on the grasslands slaughtered the white sheep in a village along a certain road, resulting in the complete massacre of one hundred and forty villagers. An imperial envoy was sent to seek justice, but was instead met with the arrogance of the chieftain of that tribe, who had his ears cut off and was sent back. The founding emperor was furious and immediately decided to lead a campaign to the grasslands. The entire empire was mobilized to support a grand army of eighty thousand cavalry heading north. The tribe was greatly shaken with fear and fled at the sight of the impending threat, braving the wind and snow straight into the northern wilderness, while the Tang cavalry relentlessly pursued them. After several months of continuous battles, they ultimately annihilated the entire opposing tribe.

It is said that they encountered bandits. "" Ma Shixiang's expression while speaking was somewhat unnatural, probably even he did not believe this statement.

The imperial customs are open, and it is yet another late-night private conversation in the military tent. However, upon hearing the words "the idiot princess," Masixiang's expression could not help but become tense and unsightly.

Even if it were the Khitan chieftain, he would not dare to brazenly attack the princess of the Tang Dynasty, so it must be... it can only be bandits. However, everyone knows who is impersonating those bandits. Ning Que continued, "But upon further reflection, this doesn't add up. Everyone knows that the bandits are impersonated by the new Khitan cavalry. Where does that barbarian get such audacity? Does he not fear that the court will be enraged and send troops to flatten his camp afterward?"

The princess had been married to the Chanyu for less than half a year, and the couple respected and harmonized with each other. The once ambitious and valiant leader of the barbarian tribes had transformed into a calm lion of the grasslands, quietly guarding his territory, gazing into distant lands, yet no longer initiating conflicts.

For seasoned generals like Ma Shixiang of the Tang Dynasty, they are not afraid of war, nor do they fear the barbarians. The prospect of a princess marrying into the enemy's ranks even feels extremely humiliating to them—yet no one would refuse the gift of peace bestowed by heaven

However, three years ago, when the grasslands began to show instability and the largest tribe of the barbarians, under the secret instigation and support of the hostile nations of the Tang Dynasty, revealed their rebellious intentions, the fourth princess, who was then in her early teens and deeply favored by His Majesty, actually knelt before the steps of the Daming Palace, weeping blood. Ignoring the opposition of the entire nation, she was willing to abandon the splendor of Chang'an and insisted on marrying far away to the grasslands to become the consort of that Khagan of the Golden Tent.