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

Chapter 71 Is it the virtue of surrendering to His Majesty?

"Establish a martial arts temple, appease the fighting spirit, protect our country, and protect our people!"

Li Shimin stood on the high steps, his figure looked particularly tall. He raised his right hand and shouted from the height. His voice spread out like thunder, shaking everyone's heart.

He glanced at the people in the audience, his eyes sparkling.

The establishment of this martial arts temple is not only to commemorate those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country, but also to give current soldiers a sense of belonging, unite the military, and forge a fighting spirit.

"Burn incense to commemorate the war spirit of the Tang Dynasty!"

As Li Shimin finished speaking, the two huge iron doors of the Martial Temple were slowly pushed open by the guards, making a dull sound.

The ground seemed to feel the solemn atmosphere and vibrated slightly. The vibration spread from near to far like ripples, as if the entire Chang'an city could feel the solemnity.

Through the gradually widening gap in the iron door, one can clearly see a huge monument standing inside the hall, but it is covered by a thick layer of white cloth.

This monument is dozens of feet high, like a towering mountain, which makes people feel awe. At a glance, there are countless such huge stone tablets in the Martial Temple, which are neatly arranged together to form a solemn and majestic forest of tablets.

In front of each stone tablet, there is a bronze tripod filled with incense ash, which is obviously used for worship. The body of the tripod is carved with various animal patterns, and the ears of the tripod are hung with copper rings, which can make a crisp sound when gently shaken.

"Military personnel from all states entered the temple to unveil the stele!"

Li Shimin's voice rang out again, with unquestionable majesty.

From the crowd on the right, an iron army came out. This army was not from a certain state, but was composed of soldiers from various counties.

They wore worn-out military armor, but each of them exuded a strong aura of killing. When they took the first step, a wave of killing emanated, as if it could swallow up mountains and rivers, making everyone tremble with fear.

This army is a battle-hardened army, and every soldier is an elite who has been selected and trained. They represent various states and counties to participate in the national celebration.

However, in Li Chengqian's eyes, they seemed very tragic. They fought for the country, but did not get the proper treatment and respect. They wore tattered uniforms but carried the heavy burden of the country on their shoulders.

Li Shimin stood on the high platform with a slight smile on his lips, watching these mighty soldiers climb the stairs step by step, a proud smile appeared on his face.

These soldiers represent the glory and strength of the Tang Dynasty, which makes him feel extremely proud.

"Father, what did you see? Why are you smiling so happily?" Li Chengqian walked closer to Li Shimin and asked softly.

Li Shimin tilted his head and replied with a smile: "I saw the battle-hardened army of our Tang Dynasty. They were brave, loyal, and victorious in every battle. I saw the vast mountains and rivers of our Tang Dynasty, which were prosperous. I saw the tributes from all nations, all of which showed respect to our Tang Dynasty."

There was a gleam in his eyes as he saw the glorious scene of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

Li Chengqian's expression turned serious, and he sighed softly and said:
"But what I saw was an exhausted army. They had been through war and were exhausted both physically and mentally. What I saw was that the country was facing a crisis and was heading towards decline. What I saw was rebellion in foreign countries and unrest on the border."

Hearing this, Li Shimin's expression suddenly changed. His eyes became stern and fierce, and he said in a low voice:
"Cheng Qian, please watch your words!"

How could such a magnificent scene taste different in Li Chengqian's mouth?

If it wasn't for this kind of situation, he would have definitely cursed loudly.

"Your Majesty, don't you see the armor on the soldiers? How can they have superb fighting power if the armor is worn out? It is true that they are a team that has fought hundreds of battles, but that was in the past. They are no longer like this because they are now a tired army that cannot fight again."

Li Shimin was also stunned, and his eyes focused on the armor of the soldiers.

Before, he only saw the soldiers' overwhelming momentum and ignored their equipment. That was also true, the soldiers were like this, so it was not surprising. The reason why the Black Armor Army could win every battle and fight against 100,000 with 3,000 soldiers without losing was because of this.

It has a lot to do with the equipment they are wearing. They are wearing black armor and are invulnerable to swords and spears. This is the basis of their invincibility.

Li Shimin had been in battle for a long time, so he naturally knew very well that equipment could greatly improve the combat effectiveness of soldiers and even affect the outcome of a battle.

"It has indeed been a long time since I changed my combat equipment. Cheng Qian, you have reminded me."

"After returning to the palace, I will immediately ask the Ministry of Revenue to allocate funds to purchase weapons and armor, which will not affect the battle against Goguryeo."

Li Shimin was still able to hear the advice, he looked at Li Chengqian and nodded.

My prince is good and has a unique strategic vision.

"Father, I'm afraid this is far from enough!"

Li Shimin still didn't know the root cause, and this was just a superficial solution and did not help.

"Yeah!" Li Shimin frowned slightly.

"Cheng Qian, what do you mean? What do you mean by national crisis? And what about the foreign rebellion?"

Li Shimin couldn't help but think about what Li Chengqian had just said.

"Father, do you know why the foreign nations are so attached to our Tang Dynasty? Is it because of your character?"

Li Shimin's face was as black as the bottom of a pot. "Can't you praise my martial arts? What about my character?"

Isn't it just that thing?

Bully your father, kill your brother, kill your younger brother, butcher your son and oppress your younger brother's wife?
They must have picked out these minor flaws because they thought my civil and military achievements were impeccable.

The royal family has been the most ruthless since ancient times, and I am not the only one who has massacred my relatives.

"They must be afraid of the national strength and military power of our Tang Dynasty." Li Shimin said unhappily.

Although the territory conquered by the Tang Dynasty was large, it was not able to hold on to it. It was no match for Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, who basically incorporated all the territory he conquered into his territory.

In later generations, it has also become the country in people's minds.

What about the Tang Dynasty? When Wu Zetian was in power, the equal-field system and the military system were completely destroyed. The military strength was gone, and various places rebelled and sought independence.

"But the national power and military strength of our Tang Dynasty will not be as prosperous as they are now. By then, how can the border not be in chaos? Will the country ever have peace?" Li Chengqian asked back.

"No, no, how could the military power of our Tang Dynasty decline? The Fubing system can be passed down for generations, and the military power will not be weakened."

Li Shimin couldn't believe it and quickly waved his hands to deny it. He said that the military system was derived from the previous dynasty and was the most suitable military system.

The government soldiers have been a group of soldiers since they joined the army. In addition to doing farm work, they are training and maintain great combat effectiveness.

Now that the Tang Dynasty has vast territory and abundant manpower, how could it have a shortage of military strength?
(End of this chapter)