Of course, there were even more fantastical claims.

It was believed that many of Liang's great generals were heavenly constellations that descended to earth to bear destiny, including Emperor Gaozu of Liang, the Crown Prince, Prince Qi, Lord Wei, Pingyang Princess, Yuchi Jingde, Wei Zhen, Cheng Zhijie, Qin Shubao, and other important figures, all of whom corresponded to stars in the sky.

These people, with their mission to unite the nation and relieve the suffering of the people, were able to work together with a single heart, without any suspicion.

This claim was even more magical, even more detached from reality than novels, and so, it only circulated among the storytellers.

...

The camera shifted back to the perspective of the players.

To their surprise, although they had quickly pacified the nation, the ultimate trial had still not come to an end.

Clearly, they still needed to thoroughly resolve the threat of the Turkic people.

Since the unification of Liang had occurred a full two years earlier than in history, Jie Li Khan didn't even have the opportunity to support people like Liu Heita in disturbing the Central Plains.

Becase Jie Li Khan began his reign in the third year of Wude, and started his attack on Yanmen in April of the fourth year of Wude, supporting people like Liu Heita only from the fifth year of Wude, and after the fall of Liu Heita, he began to personally lead a large army southwards.

But now, he had only just ascended the throne, and had not even had time to reorganize the internal affairs of the Turkic, when the Liang Dynasty had already speedily completed the unification.

Thus, Jie Li Khan had to advance his plans and take personal action.

After several probing attempts at Ma Yi, he also led a cavalry force of 150,000 southwards, but to Jie Li Khan's surprise, the Liang Army was well-organized and on strict guard, with no good opportunity to strike.

Though there were several looting expeditions, the Liang Army always held firm and did not venture out, but Jie Li Khan did not dare to take too great a risk either.

Therefore, he could only wait for an optimal opportunity.

Jie Li Khan hadn't expected that this opportunity would come so coincidentally, as if... it was a gift from heaven.

...

Inside the Khan's great tent, Jie Li Khan called his confidant to his side.

"What's the background of this Zhao Deyan? Have you checked it out clear? "

The confidant hurriedly answered, "To report to the Khan, it's clear. Though the man is an official of the Liang, he is not favored. Even the Crown Prince of Liang, who has always valued him, holds a grudge against him, and even punished him publicly.

"He requested to join Minister of Rites Tang Jian on his mission to the grasslands."

Jie Li Khan nodded thoughtfully, "You're saying, this man is of use?"

The confidant lowered his head, "The matter entirely depends on the Khan's decision."

Jie Li Khan nodded slightly, "Understood, you may leave now."

He walked a few steps inside the tent and said, "Summon Zhao Deyan to enter!"

...

Zhao Deyan, a minor figure who only left his name in the historical records.

Regarding what position he held before entering the Turkic territories, and what his life was like, there is no record whatsoever.

But this character was considered to be a key figure in the Liang Dynasty's ability to obliterate the Turkic.

The historical records note that in the beginning, the Turkic people had simple and honest customs, and their government orders were simple and unadorned. But after acquiring Zhao Deyan, Jie Li Khan entrusted him with heavy responsibilities.

Then, Zhao Deyan began to wield power alone, making significant changes to the old customs and practices of the Turkic people, and government orders became cumbersome and strict, which greatly discontented them. Coupled with the fact that Jie Li Khan trusted other Barbarians Clans and alienated the native Turkic, endless strife ensued, and heavy snowfalls killed countless livestock, the power of the Turkic rapidly declined.

From the results, it can be said that Zhao Deyan, seemingly loyal to Liang, effectively sowed chaos among the Turkic people, having an impact equivalent to a million-strong army.

But was Zhao Deyan a deep-laid spy, deliberately planted by Lord Qin? Or was he simply an incompetent villain, greedy for power and prestige?

The historical records do not say, and it is unclear.

But for the players, they didn't need to sort it out; as long as he was sent to the Turkic side, regardless of his original motives, the end result was the same.

By common sense, if he were just an ordinary commoner, then the likelihood that Jie Li Khan would value him was almost nil.

So, Zhao Deyan must have been educated, likely having held some official position in Liang. But his position could not have been too high, and he must have been ostracized.

Only such a person would truly be relied upon by Jie Li Khan.

Indeed, Zhao Deyan's strategem could not be said to be purely a trap for the Turkic people.

Historically, many Central Plains people fled to the grasslands to offer their counsel to tribal leaders, gaining both reemployment and riches and causing headaches for the dynasties of the Central Plains.

Zhao Deyan suggested to Jie Li Khan that he reform his policies and strengthen centralization; from a divine perspective, it was an entirely correct strategy.

Later nomadic tribes rapidly rose to power and established governments that ground the Qi Dynasty into the dust partly because they gradually discovered the most suitable form of governance, narrowing the institutional gap with the dynasties of the Central Plains.

From Jie Li Khan's view, the power of the grassland tribes was indeed scattered, and he as Khan could not completely unite the Turkic people to accomplish great deeds—there was a natural desire to strengthen centralization.

Had he succeeded, then perhaps there would have been an early emergence of a Northern Barbarian power on the grasslands.

Unfortunately, his adversary was the Liang Dynasty, and he did not possess the strength nor the prestige to bring about such reform.

Now, the players had to replicate history, devising ways to send Zhao Deyan to the Turkic people ahead of time.

Moreover, this time Zhao Deyan's mission was not only to fool Jie Li Khan into reforming but also to carry another important task.

...

Inside the grand Khan's tent, Jie Li Khan and Zhao Deyan were engaged in a very amiable conversation.

Zhao Deyan's opening words immediately captivated Jie Li Khan.

"Khan, do you know why the Liang country was able to unify so rapidly and its power continues to grow by the day?"

Jie Li Khan pondered, "Is it because Prince Qi, Lord Wei, both good at waging war? Or is it because Liang, as if blessed by the heavens, took advantage of the mutual defeat suffered by Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande to profit as the fisherman?"

Zhao Deyan smiled slightly, "Neither!

"The strength of Liang lies in its institutions.

"Liang, or rather the emperor of the Central Plains, controls all power. Thus, when Liang goes to war, soldiers, horses, money, and grain are all at the emperor's command. Any minister who dares to obstruct faces death without pardon!

"This is why Liang is able to concentrate its superior military forces and rapidly sweep away other powers.

"Now look at the Turkic, while they also have horses, soldiers, and bows and arrows, these are all controlled by the eighteen tribes.

"If you as Khan wish to march south and attack Liang, you need the support of the leaders of the eighteen tribes to muster a hundred-thousand-strong army. But if the war becomes heated, Khan might find it difficult to persuade the other tribes to continue the fight.

"In this case, can Khan still hold an advantage when leading an army against Liang?

"At this moment, Turkic strength is formidable, while the power of Liang is weaker. If Khan gathers a great army and marches south now, perhaps some advantage can still be gained; but if you wait till Liang has recovered and gradually becomes more powerful, as they rise and Turkic declines, what chance of victory will Khan have then?"

Jie Li Khan nodded involuntarily, "Your words are very true! Thus, I hope you can help me realign the tribes and reform the polices!"

Up to now, things had developed more or less like the historical script.

But Zhao Deyan smiled slightly, for he had a new twist to add.

"Besides this, I have brought another gift for the Khan."

Jie Li Khan's eyes lit up, "Oh? Please tell, sir!"

He was curious about the kind of gift that Zhao Deyan would save for last – it must be very important.

Zhao Deyan lowered his voice and spoke mysteriously, "Right now, in Chang'an city, the discord between the Crown Prince and Prince Qi is intensifying, and it might erupt any day.

"Although the Crown Prince currently has the support of the emperor and holds greater power, Prince Qi and Lord Wei have rendered unparalleled services in the conquest of the empire, making their conflicts even sharper.

"In my opinion, it won't be long before the conflicts erupt, leading to a life-and-death struggle.

"In such an ideal situation, if Khan can reorganize internally and consolidate power, when the political upheaval takes place, you can then lead your great army southwards, straight to Chang'an!

"Then, with Khan occupying the Central Plains and unifying the world, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Jie Li Khan's eyes shone with excitement, "Is this true?"

Zhao Deyan nodded, "Of course! If Khan does not believe it, you can send someone to Chang'an to gather information.

"The discord between the Crown Prince, Prince Qi, and Lord Wei is known to all!"

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