Datang: Rebirth of Li Chengqian, the beginning of the treason interrogation

Chapter 188: Brother-in-law’s highlight moment is coming
The crowd was like a surging tide, instantly submerging Xue Rengui.

Li Jinxing did not gallop far before he immediately turned around and prepared to command the army to intercept and kill the Tang army that was arriving later.

Although Xue Rengui was extremely brave, Li Jinxing did not believe that he could survive the siege of the Mohe cavalry.

The Mohe people were born riders from a young age, and they needed to master riding skills from the moment they learned to walk.

Therefore, they were like fish in water on horseback, moving freely and with great fighting power, not much different from him.

However, the moment Li Jinxing turned around, he was shocked as if he had been struck by lightning.

More than a dozen Mohe knights who were proficient in riding were knocked away at the same time, leaving a vacuum zone where no one could get close to Xue Rengui.

Xue Rengui raised his spear and rushed towards Li Jin, trying to capture him again.

Killing enemy generals has always been his most adept tactic.

Li Jinxing knew very well that it was difficult to resist Xue Rengui's attack by himself.

"Whoever kills this enemy general will be promoted three levels and rewarded with a thousand fine horses!"

Encouraged by the generous reward, the Mohe cavalry, who had just been intimidated by Xue Rengui's momentum, regained their spirits and launched an attack again.

On the battlefield, a scarlet rain of blood was flying all over the sky. Xue Rengui was waving his spear and sword left and right. Every time he swung, a Mohe cavalryman would fall down.

In just a few moments, the ground was covered with corpses.

The strong smell of blood filled the air, further arousing the bloodiness of the soldiers.

At the same time, the warm blood also made more Mohe cavalry feel the threat of death. Their instinct drove them to retreat unconsciously, trying to avoid Xue Rengui's fierce attack.

Xue Rengui relied on his personal bravery to fight against the entire army alone.

"The general is mighty! All soldiers listen to your orders and follow General Xue to build meritorious deeds!"

The Tang army behind him had also rushed over, holding their swords high.

The Mohe cavalry had lost their military strength, and facing the charging Tang army, they had lost their determination to fight.

"Disperse and fight as guerrillas!"

Li Jinxing gave the order decisively. He was no ordinary man, so he led the army to attack from the side.

The Mohe cavalry were not good at military formation tactics, but they had their own unique tactics.

That is to fight alone, giving full play to the mobility of the cavalry and the archery skills of the Mohe cavalry.

Shoot arrows from a long distance. If the enemy advances, I retreat. If the enemy retreats, I pursue.

The guerrilla tactics were fully demonstrated by the Mohe cavalry.

The tactics were tailor-made for the Mohe cavalry, which was their reliance in galloping across the grasslands, something the Tang army did not have.

This not only requires the soldiers to have superb riding skills, but also high individual combat capabilities.

Often, a team of a thousand men can confront an army of ten thousand, and even wear the enemy down.

Therefore, when fighting, the combat effectiveness of the Mohe cannot be measured by the number of people.

If the Jurchens number less than ten thousand, they will be invincible.

But they were facing the Tang Dynasty, and their hostility was towards an agricultural civilization.

The gap in their equipment is too big.

The horse lances, Tang swords and war spears used by the Tang soldiers were all of the highest forging level at the time and were made of fine iron that had been tempered several times.

The armor they were wearing had already covered their vital parts, and the arrowheads made from stones used by the Mohe had very limited killing power.

The Mohe people were mainly nomadic, and their salt and iron were sold by the king of the Central Plains.

Not to mention being able to forge weapons, even iron tools were extremely rare, and it was difficult to distribute weapons throughout the army.

The collision between the northern ethnic groups and the Central Plains dynasties was indeed a confrontation between nomadic civilization and agricultural civilization.

The gap in weapons and equipment caused a huge reduction in their combat effectiveness.

On the other hand, the Tang army was armed to the teeth. Although many of their equipment had not been updated in time, they could not be harmed by light weapons.

In order to counter these armors, heavy weapons began to evolve during the Tang Dynasty.

For example, whips, maces and hammers were gradually applied in military affairs, and soldiers could be shocked or crushed to death only by breaking their armor.

Now, the arrows and weapons of the Mohe cavalry could hardly hurt the soldiers of the Tang army.

The Mohe were not even equipped with complete war blades, let alone armor. How could their flesh and blood bodies resist the Tang army's finely crafted weapons?

Moreover, the Tang army's cavalry still maintained a charging formation. Although there were not many of them, with nearly a hundred knights charging, it was a torrent that the Mohe army could not resist.

In front of the Tang cavalry, they were like paper and would be torn apart with just a poke.

Then, the Tang army's infantry pushed forward, with shields in front and spears behind.

It is no mistake that cavalry is the first branch of the military and is naturally antagonistic to infantry.

But this is also on the same level.

Now the Mohe cavalry had to use their flesh and blood to break through the iron body of the Tang army.

How can this be done?

Only heavy cavalry can break the formation.

Just like the Black Armor Army, wearing heavy armor and charging into battle.

The dog bites the turtle and has no idea where to start.

The Mohe cavalry kept their distance and the two sides started shooting at each other.

They were all able to shoot through the target from a hundred paces away, but they could not penetrate the armor of the Tang army.

The Tang army did not have such advanced archery skills, but they did fire in volleys, not pursuing accuracy but requiring overwhelming numbers.

Hundreds of arrows fell, and the Mohe knights and horses were turned into bloody hedgehogs one after another.

Upon seeing this, the Mohe cavalry became thrown into chaos, again because of the infighting.

It was impossible for Li Jinxing to command, as he had to rely entirely on the individual combat capabilities of the Mohe cavalry.

Push forward!

Under the command of Xue Rengui, the Tang army advanced forward in an orderly manner. After several rounds of volleys, they moved forward again, closely following the already chaotic Mohe army.

There were also brave men among the Mohe cavalry who launched a charge against the Tang army.

But this is like throwing an egg against a rock.

After their enthusiasm was extinguished several times, they all retreated.

The battle did not last long at all. The Mohe cavalry fled after leaving behind hundreds of corpses.

The Mohe cavalry came and went like the wind, and it would be impossible to wipe them out completely without a careful plan.

Li Jinxing stood in the distance, looking at the Tang army and Xue Rengui, feeling fear in his heart.

It’s not that their knights are not brave enough, nor is it that their tactics are ineffective.

Rather, there was an insurmountable chasm between them and the Tang army - equipment.

Li Jinxing realized that this was no longer a battle that could be won by tactics alone.

This mountain city is also an insurmountable chasm for the Mohe people.

"Perhaps, the only ones who can deal with the Tang army are the Tang army."

Li Jinxing murmured weakly.

"General Xue, I am willing to lead the army to pursue the fleeing enemy."

The deputy general on the side spoke.

Xue Rengui looked at Li Jinxing in the distance, his eyes full of fighting spirit, but his fighting spirit was overcome by reason.

"Your Highness once said that the Mohe cavalry is unrivaled in the world. They are good at guerrilla warfare but not good at attacking cities. We should focus on defense."

"Also, although the Mohe were defeated, they were not routed. Their commander was even more confident and fearless. I'm afraid there was an ambush."

All war preparedness resources were transferred to Baekje by Li Chengqian. The Tang army in the north could only enter a defensive posture and was not suitable for launching large-scale battles.

Xue Rengui now received an order to guard Xincheng and prevent the Mohe from going south. Chang'an, East Gate.

Today the occasion is particularly grand, with all the officials standing in line, because this is the day when Changsun Wuji, the commander-in-chief of the Tang Dynasty's Guannei Road troops, is leaving for battle.

Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty was here, leading all the officials to see him off.

This is how my brother-in-law is treated.

Apart from the several famous commanders of the Tang Dynasty, Changsun Wuji was indeed an excellent commander. However, in front of such a prominent lineup of famous generals in the Tang Dynasty, Changsun Wuji's military talents were overshadowed.

If he didn't have some ability, Li Erke would not have entrusted him with such an important task.

Once the defense line of Guannei Road was breached, the Xueyantuo troops could reach Chang'an directly, just like the Eastern Turks before.

In fact, Changsun Wuji is more like a strategist like Zhang Liang, who offers advice to the king.

Changsun Wuji was present in many war decisions, and sometimes his opinions and guidance were provided.

Changsun Wuji seems particularly proud and high-spirited as he can now lead the army alone.

Several of his sons were also assigned to the army and held important positions.

Zhang Liang was appointed as deputy military commander. Although he was incompetent, Li Shimin did not want to give such power to the aristocratic clan.

Today's Tang Dynasty also has many great generals.

For example, Su Dingfang, who was previously recommended by Li Chengqian to lead the defense of Guannei Road.

His talents are little known to the public, but Li Jing knew that if Li Chengqian had not become independent, he would definitely have been useful in defending against the Xueyantuo.

However, because of Li Chengqian's recommendation, he became the object of Li Shimin's concern.

Not only was he not promoted to a new position, but a military order was issued to abolish his position as chief and keep him in the army as a subordinate.

The defense of Guannei Road is extremely important, as it is the gateway to Chang'an.

It can not only resist the Xueyantuo, but also guard against the outbreak of Goguryeo.

"The Xueyantuo are ambitious and have no regard for the grace of the Heavenly Dynasty. They led their troops to slaughter the people of the Tang Dynasty, so I ordered an attack on them."

"The auspicious time has arrived, and the army is on the march."

Li Shimin stood on the top of the city wall, his figure looked a little thinner than before.

"We will not let your majesty down. We will spread the prestige of our country and put down the rebellion of Xueyantuo."

Zhang Sun Wuji and his generals bowed from afar at the foot of the city, then turned around and set off.

Tens of thousands of troops marched towards the northern border like a long dragon.

This time, the aristocratic clans were extremely supportive, donating money, grain and manpower.

When the barbarians invaded, we still knew what was right.

Because in the eyes of Xueyantuo, there was no difference between the nobles of the aristocratic clans and the common people of the Tang Dynasty, they could all be killed and robbed.

Even after the long line had gone away, Li Shimin was unwilling to return to the palace.

He now looks like a strong and energetic man, but in fact he is just strong on the outside but weak on the inside.

The same was true for the Tang Dynasty. All nations came to pay tribute, but it could not withstand too big fluctuations, otherwise the empire would have collapsed.

In the east, the former crown prince Li Chengqian wanted to replace him, in the north, the Xueyantuo troops were advancing, in the west, Tubo was eyeing him covetously, and in the south, India was ready to make a move.

These are all hidden dangers. In the eyes of foreign nations, the Tang Dynasty is too rich, and everyone wants to get a piece of the pie.

As long as there are borders, there will always be conflicts.

"Prince, from now on, you will be the regent."

What makes Li Shimin feel gratified now is that Li Zhi is still a teachable boy, and in a short period of time, he has inherited his imperial mentality.

Most of the senior officials in the court were absent due to the war.

It was also the time for Li Zhi to begin establishing and training his own team.

"My son's ability is still insufficient, I am afraid it is difficult for me to take on this important task."

Li Zhi said timidly.

Everything is fine, except that I am a little timid.

Li Shimin couldn't help but think of Li Chengqian, who was only eleven or twelve years old and could serve as regent.

In comparison, Li Chengqian was much bolder and more ambitious.

Li Shimin was clear about Li Chengqian's intentions, but his plans were too big and even he, as the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, found it difficult to cooperate.

"This day will always come. You have already handled government affairs very skillfully. What you lack is just some experience."

Without comparison, there is no harm.

Under the leadership of Li Chengqian, Goguryeo, Baekje and other regions prospered, and a series of measures restored people's livelihood.

He is truly the ideal heir.

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi felt unprecedented pressure coming.

"Help me return to the palace."

"Prince, what do you think of Goguryeo?"

This extremely sensitive topic was brought up by Li Shimin.

"I don't understand. I don't understand why the former crown prince would go against the will of the emperor and force himself into the abyss."

Li Zhi replied cautiously.

He has always been by Li Shimin's side and understands Li Shimin's attitude towards Goguryeo better than anyone else.

It's not hatred, but regret.

Otherwise, with Li Shimin's iron-blooded approach, how could he allow rebellion to exist?

"I don't understand either, but I really don't want to see you killing each other."

Now that things have come to this, the only outcome is war.

"Don't worry, Father. If it really comes to that, I will not stain my hands with the blood of my brothers and sisters."

Li Zhi said with a solemn oath.

However, whether he can defeat Li Chengqian is another matter.

"The situation is such that I'm afraid it won't be up to you when the time comes."

"You have already been involved in government affairs, and you must have felt that there is an invisible force blocking your decision-making. The emperor, the supreme ruler, cannot do whatever he wants. The more you want to become a wise ruler in history books, the more you must follow this force. This is what the historian said, obey the will of the people."

In history books, what kind of person you are is decided by scholars.

Hundreds or even thousands of years later, they will also modify your deeds and even historical materials.

Li Shimin did not point it out, but was guiding.

The royal family has too many enemies, and they are always scheming for power.

If I were still able to walk, I might be able to attack from both inside and outside and eradicate the root of this disaster for the Tang Dynasty.

"Is this the clan that Father is talking about?"

This idea was almost instilled deep into Li Zhi's mind.

"Let me ask you, how will you deal with the constraints on the clans and the powerful families?"

Li Shimin asked, the demise of the Sui Dynasty was still fresh in our memory, so how could his Li family not be a prominent family?

How can we not take this as a warning?

This has always been a concern for Taizong and Gaozong.

"Recruit the humble and restrain the powerful."

Although Li Zhi's idea was good, how could he guarantee that those children from poor families would be loyal to the royal family?
His situation is not like Li Er's. The ministers and generals under him are all loyal to him and have shared weal and woe with him.

(End of this chapter)