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

Chapter 27 The Right Commander

"Cheng Qian, why do you object to my leading the army in person? I want to keep you in Kyoto as regent. This is also a good opportunity for you to gain experience."

There was no one around, and Li Shimin looked like an old father.

"Your Majesty, Goguryeo cannot be underestimated. The possibility of a decisive battle is not high. Your Majesty, can you lead the army in person for five years or ten years?"

Li Chengqian asked back, but he wasn't being so aggressive. The two of them were just discussing something, so there was no need to be impatient.

Because Li Chengqian knew the outcome of this battle.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin nodded, feeling deeply gratified that Li Chengqian had a strategic vision. If the ruler of a country does not have a strategic vision, he can only be a king who maintains the status quo.

However, in Li Shimin's opinion, Li Chengqian was still too young.

"My Tang Dynasty is strong and powerful, and we can attack both by land and sea. Can't we conquer Goguryeo in a year?"

The Tang Dynasty was founded on military power, and it had fought countless battles, both large and small, and had many unrivaled generals. With him personally commanding the army, how could it not win? He was confident that he could pacify Goguryeo within a year.

"Your Majesty, do you think that Duke Weiguo Li Jing was able to destroy the Eastern Turks, whose area was several times larger than that of Goguryeo, in a very short period of time? Do you think that one year is enough to destroy Goguryeo?"

A smile appeared on Li Shimin's lips, and the answer was yes.

"Your Majesty may have forgotten that Goguryeo is heavily fortified, unlike the Turkic plains. It may take more than a month to capture each fortified city. It is definitely impossible to destroy Goguryeo in a year."

Li Shimin opened his mouth slightly, wondering how could he have ignored such a thing?
As an emperor, he certainly cannot keep going on expeditions outside and ignore state affairs!

This was indeed the case with Goguryeo. Its walls were high and thick, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack. It would definitely be very difficult to advance. It would take a long time to destroy the country.

If the emperor leads the army in person, he can win, but he cannot destroy the country.

"Moreover, if we cannot destroy Goguryeo in one battle, then when our Tang army retreats, those important cities will surely be taken back again. If we don't destroy the country, our Tang will only be in vain and waste our national strength. There will be no benefit."

"If we cannot destroy their country by attacking them, then it is better not to attack them. If we want to attack them, we must destroy their country, and this will not be accomplished in one year. Your Majesty, do you think you are still suitable to be the commander-in-chief?"

Li Chengqian exhausted his brainpower to analyze and explain the interests involved.

"If we fight, we will destroy their country. Otherwise, it is better not to fight."

Li Shimin was greatly shocked. With his military talent, how could he not know the essence of what Li Chengqian said.

"Cheng Qian, I never thought you had such military talent. It's true that my father ignored you too much in the past and never discovered your talent."

Li Shimin felt both ashamed and extremely gratified. Li Chengqian's unique military insights were refreshing to him and he believed that Li Chengqian would surely shine in the future.

"Cheng Qian, in your opinion, who is the most suitable candidate for the commander-in-chief of the expedition to Goguryeo? Li Ji? Zhangsun Wuji?"

Li Shimin naturally had a candidate in mind, but this was not only a test, but he also wanted to know if Li Chengqian had any other unique insights.

"Neither!" Li Chengqian shook his head.

"Cheng Qian, it seems that you don't know much about the ministers in the court. However, because you have little contact with court affairs, you will slowly understand it in the future."

Li Shimin was not disappointed, and said patiently: "The most suitable person is Li Ji."

"If it weren't for me, then what Your Majesty said is right. Li Ji is the most suitable candidate." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"You?" Li Shimin was shocked again, but still shook his head. "You have unique military talent, but you have almost no practical experience. The position of the commander-in-chief of the three armies is related to the life and death of the soldiers of the three armies. I will not hand it over to you."

Li Shimin has now discovered Li Chengqian's military talent and will certainly let him participate in this expedition to train him, but his position will definitely not be the commander-in-chief of the three armies.

“During the Han Dynasty, didn’t Han Xin directly wear the seals of the three armies?” Li Chengqian was determined to obtain the position of commander-in-chief this time, because it was directly related to his promotion.

Even a powerful emperor like Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, was only able to truly control power after being a puppet for many years. This was also the case with Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi.

After Li Shimin died, he came to the throne again, but he simply replaced Li Zhi with himself, Li Chengqian. As for the real power, it still fell into the hands of Zhangsun Wuji and Li Ji, who exercised the power to assist the country.

But Li Chengqian really didn't want to be a puppet. As an emperor, who would tolerate being controlled by others?
"But not everyone is Han Xin!" Li Shimin still refused.

"I believe that His Majesty will definitely give me the position of commander-in-chief of the expedition to Goguryeo." Li Chengqian raised the corners of his mouth slightly, appearing very confident.

"Are you so sure?" Li Shimin was stunned. He didn't want to give such a position to Li Chengqian at all.

"Your Majesty will, because I have no prestige in the army. How can I lead the army and defend the country in the future?" Li Chengqian answered a question that was not asked.

Li Shimin's eyes became sharp. At this moment, he thought a lot. It was time for him to consider the next successor.

"I hope you can be a qualified commander." After a while, Li Shimin said solemnly.

In some aspects, victory or defeat is no longer important, and will the Tang Dynasty lose? No.

Then why can't the prince be allowed to go down and gain experience in gilding his rank to consolidate his future supreme position?

"I cannot go on the expedition to Goguryeo, so you can go on my behalf. If you destroy it, your reputation will reach its peak."

That’s right, Li Shimin would pave the way for Li Chengqian, and that way was the Goguryeo Kingdom.

However, whether he can establish his authority depends on Li Chengqian's real ability.

Li Chengqian needed prestige to ascend to the throne and needed to be recognized by the vast majority of generals in the army. In other words, Li Chengqian had to have his own people, not just Li Shimin's old ministers.

"During this period of time, you should also read more military books. If you have any questions, you can come to the palace at any time."

Li Shimin decided to train his successor himself, as he believed that those Confucian scholars were only suitable for educating the world, not for teaching the king.

"I will remember this, Your Majesty. I want to ask you for someone."

Li Shimin was in good spirits, and Li Chengqian spoke immediately.

"Want someone? Who?" Li Shimin did not agree immediately. He wanted to know who it was. After all, Li Chengqian was playing by unconventional means now.

"Pei Xingjian, a student from Hongwenguan!" Li Chengqian said.

"It's just a student. You don't have to tell me. With your status as the crown prince of the Eastern Palace, are you afraid that the Hongwen Academy will not let you in?" Li Shimin smiled bitterly, thinking that Li Chengqian was being too cautious now.

"By the way, the Eastern Palace was implicated a few days ago, and everyone in your palace was imprisoned. I will send a few people to protect you."

After several cases of treason, the safety of the heirs must be guaranteed.

Li Chengqian's safety became the top priority.

(End of this chapter)