Chapter Fifty-Eight: A Heavy Snowfall Blankets the Grasslands!

Year 29 of the Kaiyuan Era—November 23rd, urgent news arrived from Shuofang: heavy snow had fallen across the Hetao region, persisting for seven or eight consecutive days. The snow on the plains exceeded five feet in depth, and the weather was bitterly cold. Hundreds of miles of the Yellow River’s surface were frozen solid.

On November 29th, another urgent dispatch came from Hexi: the northern grasslands beyond the desert were blanketed by continuous snowfall for half a month, with snow depth surpassing ten feet. All Turkic tribes suffered devastating losses; their felt tents were buried beneath the snow, and countless people and livestock froze to death.

Shortly thereafter, over a dozen urgent reports flooded into Chang’an, all detailing the mounting disaster of the northern steppe’s heavy snow, with each report grimmer than the last.

In an instant, the court and the capital were shaken; the people’s hearts grew restless and fearful.

Some questioned the unease: the heavy snow struck the northern grasslands, and the Turkic people suffered—what did that have to do with the Tang Empire? Why such widespread anxiety?

This requires some explanation, beginning with the history of the Turkic people.

According to the Northern History, the Turks are a branch of the Xiongnu. In other words, they are descendants of the Xiongnu, a typical nomadic tribe.

During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the Turks grew powerful, supplanting the Rouran to become the new overlords of the northern grasslands. They established the mighty Turkic Khaganate, with territories stretching east to the Liaodong Sea, west to the Caspian Sea, and north beyond Lake Baikal. They commanded hundreds of thousands of archers, and surrounding tribes all bowed in submission.

Even the Northern Zhou and Northern Qi dynasties of Central China sent tributes and princesses in marriage alliances to the Turks to secure peace along the northern frontier.

When the Sui Empire was founded, through formidable military strength and astute diplomacy, it suppressed the Turks, forcing them to split into Eastern and Western factions. Yet even so, the Turks remained a formidable force.

The Sui’s tyranny lasted only two generations before collapse. The newly established Tang Empire was still weak, and the Turks seized this opportunity to raid the interior, plundering people and wealth. In the first year of the Zhenguan era, the Eastern Turkic Khagan, Illig Qaghan, led 200,000 cavalry to the northern bank of the Wei River, just forty miles from Chang’an, shaking the capital.

Emperor Taizong, Li Shimin, disregarding his personal safety, personally led his troops to confront Illig Qaghan across the Wei River. Seeing the disciplined Tang army and enticed by promises of gold and wealth, Illig withdrew his forces, marking the “Alliance of the Wei River.”

This humiliating treaty was a bitter blow for the heroic Taizong, who refused to accept such disgrace. He devoted himself to strengthening the state and military while awaiting the right moment.

In the third year of Zhenguan, a severe snow disaster struck the northern grasslands, killing countless people and livestock. The power of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate plummeted.

Seizing the opportunity, Emperor Taizong dispatched generals Li Jing, Li Shiji, and Chai Shao with 100,000 troops northward, decisively defeating the Turkic forces at Dingxiang, beheading over 100,000, and capturing Illig Qaghan alive. The Eastern Turkic Khaganate was destroyed.

Terrified by Tang’s might, the northwestern tribes all requested that Taizong be honored with the title “Heavenly Khagan.”

In the fourteenth year of Zhenguan, the Western Turks detained Tang envoys and attacked Yizhou. The Tang army launched a counterattack, routing the Western Turkic forces and causing internal collapse. Within a decade, the Western Turks were completely annihilated.

After the fall of both Turkic states, the Tang established the Beiting and Anxi Protectorates to govern the remaining Turkic tribes. They adopted a conciliatory policy, granting the Turks considerable autonomy to recuperate and live peacefully.

Yet, the Tang’s benevolence was met with Turkic treachery.

After decades of recovery, in the first year of Emperor Gaozong’s Tiaolu era, the Turks suddenly rebelled. They enthroned Ashina Nishuofu, a descendant of the Turkic royal family, as Khagan, reestablishing the Turkic Khaganate and repeatedly raiding the northern Tang borders.

Especially during natural disasters, the Turks would invade Tang territory to plunder people, grain, silk, and iron goods to offset their losses.

Now, with the northern grasslands suffering an unprecedented snow disaster and countless livestock perishing from cold and hunger, the Turks would certainly launch massive raids southward. How could the people of Tang remain calm?

Sure enough, on the tenth day of the twelfth month, the Turkic Khagan, Guduo Yefu, sent a diplomatic letter requesting a marriage alliance with the Tang, seeking a princess as bride, accompanied by a dowry of one million dan of grain, half a million bolts of silk, as well as ironware, porcelain, and refined salt.

A marriage proposal in name, but extortion in essence.

This sparked heated debate across the court, dividing opinion sharply.

One faction advised: War always brings heavy casualties; if it can be avoided, it should be. The Turks only want wealth—just give it to them and secure peace through a little tribute.

The other faction argued: Tang is strong and need not fear the Turks. We can repel any invasion. Moreover, the Turks are weakest now, weakened by the snow disaster—this is the perfect time to strike and eliminate this steppe menace once and for all.

The two sides argued endlessly, unable to sway one another.

Meanwhile, rumors from the palace suggested that Emperor Li Longji leaned toward peace and had summoned his senior ministers for deliberation.

At the Qinzheng Wuben Tower in Xingqing Palace, four young eunuchs hoisted a massive map measuring over fourteen feet long and eight feet high. It detailed the fifteen circuits, 328 prefectures, and the four protectorates of the Tang Empire. Neighboring vassal states—Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje, Xi, Khitan, Nanzhao, Tibet, the Turks, Tuyuhun, and others—were all marked. Tibet and the Turks were highlighted in deep red, signifying them as the empire’s most formidable threats.

Emperor Li Longji stood before the map, his brows furrowed in deep thought, silent.

Gao Lishi stood to the left, holding the letter from the Turks.

The Crown Prince, Li Heng, stood to the right, doing his usual act of immobility, eyes flickering only between his nose and mouth.

Prime Minister of the Right, Li Linfu, and Prime Minister of the Left, Li Shizhi, along with dozens of senior civil and military officials, stood a little further back, all watching Li Longji’s every move, hoping for a sign of his decision.

Faced with the Turks’ unreasonable demands, should Tang go to war or seek peace?

After long contemplation, the clouds of worry on Li Longji’s face slowly dispersed, replaced by a faint smile—he had made up his mind.

However, as a seasoned sovereign, he would not reveal his decision outright but first gauge the opinions of others.

“Crown Prince, what is your view on the Turkic matter?”

“Father, you are wise and all-knowing. I will obey whatever you decide.”

“But I want to hear your own thoughts.”

“I... I... don’t know.”

The Crown Prince suddenly knelt, trembling uncontrollably, unable to utter a coherent word.

Watching his weak and inept son, Li Longji’s feelings were mixed: seventy percent irritation, thirty percent relief.

Irritation that such a brilliant ruler had begotten such a spineless son, so unlike himself—how could he entrust the realm to him one day?

Relief that the Crown Prince’s timidity posed no threat to imperial authority, allowing Li Longji to rest easy.

“Right Prime Minister?”

“I am here, Your Majesty!”

“The Turks have suffered severe disaster and will inevitably raid south. War will bring heavy casualties on both sides. For the sake of peace for all under heaven, I intend to agree to the marriage alliance. What say you, minister?”

“Your Majesty, I believe this is ill-advised!”

“Oh? Why so?”

Li Linfu was renowned for his servile compliance; he never contradicted the emperor. Today, however, he boldly opposed the sovereign’s plan—leaving the court in stunned silence.

Calmly, Li Linfu continued: “Your Majesty, the Turks are treacherous and untrustworthy. Agreeing to marriage and sending riches would be like adding fuel to the fire—no matter how much we give, the fire won’t die. Though Tang’s coffers are full, how many times must we endure their extortion?

“Better to fight courageously. Tang’s armies are strong, the nation prosperous, and Your Majesty a peerless ruler. With the unity of civil and military officials, we will defeat the Turks, pacify the northern steppes, and restore the glorious legacy of Taizong—the Heavenly Khagan!”

“Right Prime Minister speaks well. I concur!”

“I concur!”

“I concur!”

Though Li Linfu’s motives were unclear, as leader of the Right Prime Minister faction, his call for war was echoed by his allies.

Li Longji said nothing, turning his gaze to Li Shizhi, the Left Prime Minister.

“Left Prime Minister, your thoughts?”

“Your Majesty, Tang has stood for over a century without fearing foreign invasion. This matter needs no lengthy debate—the only way is to bravely fight. After careful consideration, I see ten reasons why Tang will prevail against the Turks.”

“Pray, share these ten reasons with me.”

“First, the Turks’ raids are unjust, while Tang’s defense is righteous. History shows evil never triumphs over justice—this is a moral victory.

“Second, the Turks are weakened by the snow disaster; their tribes diminished and fighting spirit reduced. Meanwhile, Tang enjoys favorable weather, abundant resources, and a well-prepared army—this is a victory of strength.

“Third, though the Turks claim unity, they are divided into hundreds of tribes fighting over pastures, water, and livestock, harboring deep grudges and never truly united. Tang’s court stands united—a victory of hearts.

“Fourth, the Turks’ metallurgy is primitive; their weapons crude. Some tribes still use bronze and bone arrowheads. Tang soldiers wear sturdy armor and wield sharp blades, strong bows, and crossbows—a victory of arms.

“Fifth, the Turks attack while Tang defends—an advantage of terrain.

“...

“With these ten reasons, and the blessings of heaven, gods, and ancestors, Tang’s victory is certain!”

Li Shizhi spoke eloquently, each point resounding with authority. His faction, the Left Prime Minister party, also voiced strong support.

In short, the ministers assembled for the council were unanimously in favor of war.

“Ha! Both Prime Ministers speak wisely. Tang is at its zenith—what fear of foreign invasion is there? My decision is made: no marriage alliance. We shall marshal the empire’s might and march north to confront the Turks. This battle will destroy their nation and lineage, eradicating this lingering threat!”

Li Longji laughed heartily, recalling his accession oath to become a sage ruler like Emperor Taizong, revered throughout history.

Decades of diligent governance had ushered in the Kaiyuan Golden Age. In civil affairs, he could stand shoulder to shoulder with Taizong.

But in military achievements, he lagged far behind—a bitter regret.

Now, with the great snow disaster and the Turkic invasion, a glorious opportunity for martial glory had arisen. How could he let it slip away?

This war was decided.

His earlier talk of peace had been a test—to discern which ministers had weak spines, which were merely talkers, and which were true pillars of the realm.

The results were all laid bare.