C102

Duan Xingzhi announced that the princess had been unable to attend the birthday banquet due to her illness and decided to make up for it on another day. Although many people were surprised, they did not say anything. After all, this birthday banquet was something that Duan Xingzhi had requested to be held in broad daylight. Since he had said that he would not be able to do it today, then he might as well do it another day.

Some of them felt they had missed an opportunity, while others were secretly rejoicing.

To this day, the Great Li Nation was no longer the stubborn kingdom that could survive in the cracks between the two kingdoms. The outer forms were undergoing earth-shaking changes, while the Great Li Country was still maintaining the foundation left behind by its ancestors, not changing at all.

Under such circumstances, it was bound to cause a lot of trouble.

This problem includes not only external, but also internal.

Duan Xingzhi had only just ordered the people who came to drink to withdraw. Before he even entered the room, a servant came to report that the Prime Minister requested an audience.

Duan Xingzhi rubbed his forehead and said, "Didn't I say that today is the day of the princess' birthday? I won't talk about the matters of the nation." What matter does the Prime Minister wish to seek an audience with? "

That person didn't know what to do, so he said, "The Prime Minister didn't say."

At this time, Qu Hongyan walked out from the house and said, "Up above, since the Prime Minister wishes to see you at this time, he must have something important to discuss with you. Why don't you listen to what he's saying? "

When Duan Xingzhi saw Qu Hongyan, he calmed down. He turned to the servant and said, "Tell the prime minister to meet me at the palace."

That person nodded in agreement and went off to return the favor.

"Does the king want to return to the palace?" Qu Hongyan said.

"This King has probably guessed why the Prime Minister is looking for This King." Duan Xingzhi said with an uncomfortable expression.

Qu Hongyan hesitated slightly before saying, "Could it be because of matters in the north?"

Duan Xingzhi nodded his head and frowned, "The Prime Minister has sought out this king many times for this matter." This King did not make a good decision. "It really gives me a headache."

As Duan Xingzhi spoke to here, he lightly sighed and said, "Today's matter with the princess concerns Fan Fan Fan. That didn't make me worry any more. "If Tuofan were to participate, I'm afraid …"

Duan Xingzhi did not continue speaking, but the meaning behind his words were self-evident.

Qu Hongyan naturally understood the meaning behind Duan Xingzhi's words. "Chenqie also understands Your Majesty's meaning. If it weren't for the fact that Volkswagen wanted to come, he wouldn't have appeared in my Dali. Moreover, this matter is of utmost importance, thus chenqie decided to go in person. Even though chenqie is a woman, she is also willing to help the King resolve his difficulties. "

Duan Xing Zhi sighed emotionally as he walked over and put his arm around Qu Hongyan's shoulders, saying: "This prince has truly been fortunate to be able to obtain an imperial concubine!"

Duan Ling Tian's words could be considered as tacit approval of Qu Hongyan's actions.

Qu Hongyan did not say anything more, and seemed to have thought of something.

Duan Xingzhi left the princess' estate and returned to the palace. Naturally, Qu Hongyan was no longer staying in the princess' mansion. She had more important things to prepare, and naturally, she had to go to the Temple of Bitterness in three days' time. And must be ready to go.

Eight years ago (Gongyuan 1244), when Mongolia invaded Dali, the Emperor of Dali, Duan Xiangxing sent Gao He to battle with Mongolia in the Lijiang Jiuhe area, Gao He was killed. And this Gao He was the younger brother of the current Minister Gao. Gao Taixiang had the ability to rule a country, and the history book said that he "raised talented people at that time, and at the end of the year, he ruled a country." Reappointed Duan Xiangxing and Duan Xingzhi as two prime ministers. He was also the leader of the largest major warring faction in the Great Li Dynasty.

At that time, when Mongolia invaded Dali, he was the one who requested for a "war". This was also why he, who was one person above tens of thousands, wanted his little brother to die. As far as he was concerned, all of this was something that those who were "loyal" had to do.

Eight years later, Mongolia again desired to invade Dali. In the same place, Gao Taixiang had once again used his strength to fight against the court master and the people from the court. Once again, he had hoarsely requested "fight" and "no compromise" from the court.

Why do you say that? Before now, Brother Meng had already sent an envoy to demand the surrender of Dali. However, Duan Xingzhi had delayed giving an answer, and it was impossible for him to give an answer. It was impossible to surrender first. If he did not surrender, it would be a battle, so he decided to just ignore it. It could drag on for a few more days.

But now, news of the border was constantly being spread. Kublai Lie and General Mao were closely assembling their army and horses, and would soon be heading south to attack Dali. The situation was urgent and aggressive.

After experiencing the defeat eight years ago, Duan Xingzhi no longer dared to directly say that he would fight. Furthermore, he couldn't compare to eight years ago. As such, Duan Xingzhi remained indecisive for a long time. Meanwhile, Gao Taixiang had come many times to ask Duan Xingzhi how his decision was.

Gao Taixiang rushed over to the palace like a servant and just happened to be Duan Xingzhi who had just arrived.

Duan Xingzhi covered his forehead as he announced his presence. Gao Taixiang was already half a hundred years old, but he was still full of energy. He looked like he hadn't aged in a long time. After seeing Duan Xingzhi saluting him, he directly opened his mouth and said, "Your Majesty, the borders are extremely urgent now. In a few months, Mongolia will invade Dali. I wonder if His Majesty has any countermeasures? "

He didn't directly ask Duan Xing Zhi if he wanted to fight or not. He was a loyal man of one generation and a subject of two lifetimes, so he naturally knew the difference between a king and his subjects.

Duan Xingzhi slightly smiled and said, "The Prime Minister is worried about me, so this king can be honest. Then, according to the view of the Xiang Kingdom, how should this matter be handled? "

"Mongolia has violated my Dali several times. It was the same eight years ago, when I was also the Prime Minister. Naturally, he was not willing to compromise with the tigers and wolves and strived to fight them head-on. In the end, it did not disappoint me and the people of Dali, exorcism Mongol wolf ambition. "Even now, I still have the same opinion!" Gao Taixiang's voice was loud like a bell.

"For the good of this king, the Prime Minister is willing to serve the nation wholeheartedly. Sun Zi's military skills included the Cloud Soldier, the major events of the nation, the land of life and death, and the path of survival. Mongolia has been planning for a long time, aggressive and unstoppable. Once the war begins, I will inevitably sink into a abyss of suffering. As the ruler of a nation, I, your highness, have put my people in an irrecoverable situation, so what should I do? " Duan Xingzhi said.

"Since ancient times, when two countries have been at war, there must have been casualties. If there were no casualties, it would not be peaceful. The king knows that Mongolia's iron heart will take me in, and if I don't fight, then where will the king go? Where will the rest of us go? It was the old man who continued to insist on his opinion. Didn't you hear that the 'battle between enemies' should be stopped with war? " Gao Taixiang said solemnly.

When Duan Xingzhi heard this, he fell silent for a moment. He sighed and said, "If my officials and officials were like the Prime Minister, they would not have come to this stage. As far as I know, my Dali troops are scattered everywhere, making it difficult to unify their manpower. This King just received news that Tofu had colluded with Mongolia to help it invade my Dali. How could This King be willing to surrender? There's a great disparity in power, so it's hard to resist! "

Hearing this, Gao Taixiang was startled, and his face turned ugly. How could he not understand the great disparity in military strength? If he had no selfish thoughts, then it would definitely be impossible for him to be from the first minister's side, below ten thousand people. If the Duan Clan were to be annihilated, he, the Gao Clan's prime minister, would naturally disappear as well.

"Tofu has never had anything to do with me. It was also reasonable for him to go to Mongolia. Since Mongolia could win over Tofu, why didn't I contact the Song Dynasty to resist Mongolia together? Furthermore, when the late emperor was alive, this subject did the same thing. The Song Dynasty was also willing to help me seek justice. " Gao Taixiang said.

When Duan Xingzhi heard this, he said, "I nearly forgot about this matter." But then he frowned and said, "I'm afraid the Song Dynasty could not even protect themselves. Why would they help me? Do you not know that the northern side of the Song Dynasty needs troops to defend as well?

"This matter is not within our consideration. The Song Dynasty had been bullied by Mongolia for a long time. If my principles are extinguished, then the next would definitely be the Song Dynasty. I think that the Song Dynasty must also know of this principle, and they must be able to think of a way to help me. Even if they didn't send troops, some other relief would have been fine. In this way, we must also let the Mongols know that I, Dali, am not one side fighting. Gao Taixiang said.

"The Prime Minister's words are true. "But who can send a mission to the Song Dynasty?" Duan Xingzhi said.

"Li Mi is a good talker, he has to understand the general situation. "This is an important task!" Gao Taixiang said.

"Alright. "Prepare an edict for me and inform Lee Mi to set off for the Song Dynasty in the future." Duan Xingzhi said.

"As you command!" Gao Taixiang cupped his hands and said.