Chapter 17

Luo Shixin did not understand this. What he said was actually Li Tang's strategy to deal with the Turks, but that method was only produced after Li Shimin ascended the throne, and it was not his achievement alone. It was the result of the combined wisdom of talents like Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Li Jing.

Although Li Shimin realized that the Turks would be a serious threat, it was impossible for him to plan to deal with the Turks at this time. After all, he was only the Prince of Qin, not the ruler of a country, and some matters were beyond his capabilities. As a practical realist, he never thought about things beyond his reach, so he did not seriously consider how to fight the Turks. He only thought about it idly when he lay in bed, bored, and thought about the Turks.

Today, Li Shimin merely brought it up to test Luo Shixin's abilities, to see if he had misjudged him or if there was another genius behind Luo Shixin who had helped him.

As a result, Luo Shixin's methods posed a fatal threat to the Turks. Li Shimin, being a discerning person, understood the value of the six words "sowing discord, dividing, and supporting."

"If I were the ruler of the Great Tang, I would certainly use this method to deal with the Turks!" Li Shimin thought to himself, his eyes slightly revealing a desire for the supreme power that seemed within reach. That desire flashed and then turned into a burning light, as if his gaze wanted to devour Luo Shixin.

Luo Shixin felt a chill down his spine under Li Shimin's gaze, a feeling of hair standing on end, like Little Red Riding Hood being stared at by the big bad wolf.

Li Shimin left his seat and said, "General Shixin, come sit with me! Let's have a good chat!" Without waiting for a response, he warmly pulled Luo Shixin to sit beside him, treating him with special favor.

Li Shimin asked, "What is sowing discord? What is dividing? What is supporting?"

Luo Shixin's hand was still being held, and he was not quite used to this way of interacting with ancients. He said stiffly, "There are unstable factors within the Turks. I remember that besides the Khan Jiali, there is another figure named Tulisi who also has ambitions."

"It's Tulisi. He is the son of Shibi, named Ashina Shibobi. Before Shibi died, Tulisi was too young to take on the responsibility, so the position was passed to Shibi. When Shibi ascended the throne, he promised to hand over power to Tulisi when he grew up, but in the end, the position was passed to his younger brother Jiali."

Compared to Luo Shixin's half-knowledge, Li Shimin was more informed.

"Yes, that's Tulisi!" Luo Shixin also remembered this figure and continued, "Tulisi is not weak and has ambitions. Sowing discord between Tulisi and Jiali will certainly lead to the division of the Turks. The Turks have over a hundred large and small tribes. Only the internal strife between Tulisi and Jiali will cause limited damage. But if we use strategies to lure the remaining tribes to take sides, joining either Tulisi or Jiali, it will create an adversarial situation, plunging the entire Turkic tribe into chaos. The Turks grew strong under Shibi and reached their peak under Jiali. Jiali has a fatal flaw: he is insatiable and ruthlessly exploits the nomadic tribes that depend on him, causing widespread resentment. There must be those who deeply hate the Turks but fear their power."

Li Shimin listened with great interest. Seeing Luo Shixin pause, he urged, "Go on, go on."

Luo Shixin could only smile bitterly and did not want to back down. He said, "Once the chaos in the Turks is formed and with the support of the Great Tang, this tribe will become an incredibly sharp blade in the hands of the Great Tang. However, this blade can also turn against us, so we must be cautious. If the three strategies of sowing discord, dividing, and supporting succeed, the Turks will be easily defeated."

"Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!" Li Shimin clapped his hands and laughed, "What a great strategy of sowing discord, dividing, and supporting. I have learned a lot today. General Shixin, you have such foresight. I am ashamed that I did not realize it earlier."

Luo Shixin did not dare to be too arrogant. Overacting would make him look foolish. Li Shimin's questions had historical answers, and he could bluff his way through. If he were asked about something not in history, he would be exposed. He quickly said, "These past years of warfare have been nothing but killing. I felt a bit tired. In recent years, I have read more books and feel that I have made some progress."

Li Shimin finally understood, and the anomaly in his heart was resolved. There were many people like Luo Shixin, and the growth of talent depended on enlightenment. Once enlightened, progress was rapid. Just like Zhang Liang, who in his early years roamed the world with a sword, engaging in anti-tyranny activities, with some radical and stubborn plans to restore the state of Han, unable to see the big picture. But after failing to assassinate Qin Shi Huang, he went into hiding in Xiapi, met his mentor Huang Shigong, and studied diligently. When he came out of seclusion, he had transformed into a master strategist, capable of planning from afar and winning battles.

Luo Shixin was young, but six years of military service were enough to transform and enlighten a person.

Li Shimin was delighted to have gained a strong ally. He ordered tea and snacks to be brought and planned to talk through the night with Luo Shixin.

They discussed current events, interesting stories, and ancient and modern topics.

Fortunately, as a person from the future, Luo Shixin had broad knowledge and managed to cope. Occasionally, he made mistakes, but Li Shimin did not find it strange, instead thinking it reasonable: Luo Shixin had just been enlightened, and his performance was already remarkable. If he could be as flawless as Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Li Jing, he would be a genius.

Luo Shixin, who was initially restrained, gradually relaxed under the influence of the atmosphere. Li Shimin, a man of many talents, had exceptional literary skills, his own political insights, and outstanding military strategy. Many of his views left Luo Shixin in awe.

Luo Shixin also played to his strengths, learning. His ability to absorb knowledge far exceeded others, like a sponge absorbing ancient knowledge, especially Li Shimin's unique insights, which benefited him greatly.

Li Shimin also gained something. The historical events Luo Shixin inadvertently revealed sparked his imagination.

Just as they were in the midst of a lively discussion, a guard outside the door called out, "Your Highness, Prince of Qin, there is an urgent report from the front lines."

Li Shimin's interest was interrupted, and he was somewhat displeased, "What is so urgent?"

The guard said, "General Chai advanced overnight and was hit by an arrow at the city of Yizhou, and has passed away."

"What!"

"What!"

Li Shimin and Luo Shixin both exclaimed in shock.

Chai Shao was Li Shimin's brother-in-law, the husband of Princess Pingyang, and had a familial relationship with the Li family. Chai Shao's death made even the usually calm Li Shimin lose his composure.

Luo Shixin's mind was filled with one thought: history has changed...

Luo Shixin could not remember exactly when Chai Shao died, but he was certain that in the campaign against Liu Heita, no high-ranking Li Tang general except Luo Shixin died.

Now, because of his穿越 (穿越 means "穿越" in Chinese, which translates to "穿越" in English, but in this context, it means "time travel"), Luo Shixin had survived, but Chai Shao had died mysteriously.

PS: In modern novels, Princess Pingyang is often portrayed as Li Shimin's sister. Historically, although it is not explicitly recorded whether Princess Pingyang was Li Shimin's older or younger sister, it is recorded that Li Shimin called Princess Gaomi his older sister. Princess Gaomi was Li Yuan's fourth daughter, while Princess Pingyang was the third daughter. It is clear that Princess Pingyang was Li Shimin's older sister.

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