Control your ancestors and create an immortal family starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty

Chapter 172 Liaodong Sui'an, Court Upheaval (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Pyongyang has become a living hell.

The cries of agony echoed through the heavens and earth. The Tang army didn't even enter the city, leaving behind only corpses scattered everywhere.

And the group of women and children who were weeping over the corpse.

Hate it?

Perhaps there will be, but the strongest emotion towards the Tang army is fear.

These people hate Yeon Gaesomun the most.

Yeon Gaesomun was a tyrannical man who was not kind to the people of Goguryeo. Now he has brought such a terrible disaster upon Goguryeo. How could these people not hate him?

Of course, the most crucial thing is—

Yeon Gaesomun's entire clan was slaughtered.

Li Shimin personally appointed a Goguryeo nobleman who had completely lost his courage as king, leaving all subsequent matters to him to handle.

Moreover, the Tang army also took away hundreds of thousands of dan of grain and fodder, as well as a considerable number of weapons, from Pyongyang.

Although these weapons were far too outdated for Kyushu.

But bringing it back and melting it would also be useful.

Moreover, this move would truly weaken Goguryeo.

Given Goguryeo's productivity, it would be difficult for it to prosper again within a century after this.

And then——

The Tang army went to Baekje again.

The massacre was not too severe, as Baekje was not particularly strong. However, the Tang army did take away some of the country's food supplies.

Without even needing a reason, they then supported a relatively weak nobleman.

This was Gu Jing's idea.

The sudden rise of a weak noble to power will cause dissatisfaction among other nobles.

However, due to the support of the Tang Dynasty, they dared not go all out, and the internal conflicts between the two sides would definitely not end in the short term.

It is worth mentioning that the King of Silla was clearly a man of intelligence.

He saw through Li Shimin's thoughts.

They actually chose to pay tribute, handing over most of the country's grain, fodder, and military equipment.

The reason is quite simple.

The military action was to help Silla. Silla could not allow the Tang Dynasty to bear the expenses alone, so it even sent several of its sons as hostages.

However, Li Shimin still altered the power structure of Silla, appointing a prime minister with considerable power to the kingdom.

Internal strife is inevitable.

It's human nature, even within the entire Nine Provinces.

Let alone these barbarians?
Actually, this is not a clever tactic; even among barbarians, some people can see through it.

But what can be done about it?

In Liaodong today, no one dares to oppose the Tang Dynasty!
Hundreds of thousands of dan of grain and countless military weapons were taken away, which naturally had to be done by sea.

Gu Jing originally wanted to return from the sea, but Li Shimin forced him to stay by his side.

Anyone could see what Li Shimin was thinking.

His health is deteriorating, and the ailments he suffered during his years of war have fully manifested themselves as he gets older.

In addition to this expedition.

Even Li Shimin himself felt that he might die at any moment.

This is why he brought a group of ministers with him.

Now that Gu Jing is by her side, who can't see what she's thinking?

October of the 20th year of Zhenguan.

Outside Besa City, the sea breeze howled.

A fleet of ships laden with provisions and weapons lay moored on the shore, ready to set sail. Before them, a solemn sacrificial ceremony was being held in the sea breeze.

Li Shimin, the once mighty Khan, is now covered in snow.

He refused help and climbed the makeshift altar step by step on his own.

The howling wind swept across the empty coastline, stirring up sand and dust, and tearing at the wisps of smoke rising from the altar.

Li Shimin stood on the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the drifting wisps of smoke, looking towards the vast expanse of sea and sky in the distance.

In a daze, he seemed to see his former self, riding a horse and full of vigor.

He instinctively tried to straighten his back.

However, time is ultimately merciless.

No matter how much he struggled internally, his once straight spine now bore an undeniable hunchback.

Ah, time.

Li Shimin smiled calmly and shook his head slightly.

He immediately abandoned his upright posture and recited the eulogy amidst the sea breeze, comforting the spirits of the fallen soldiers in this battle.

End of October.

The expeditionary force, with its banners waving, embarked on its journey home.

Unlike the anxiety he felt upon arrival, Li Shimin was now able to calm down and carefully examine this newly pacified foreign land.

The car moved slowly forward, and he looked out the window at the vast land outside—the Pyongyang Plain, ravaged by war, now appearing empty and desolate.

The fertile fields stretch out quietly beneath the autumn sky.

A thought suddenly arose in his mind.

"Why not relocate people from all over the country to settle the border and cultivate this fertile land?"

"Or... educate all the people here, so that their hearts are with China, and they will eventually become loyal subjects of our Great Tang?"

Just as grand plans were forming in his mind, a familiar, tearing cough suddenly struck, interrupting his racing thoughts!

"Cough cough...cough" He arched his body violently, enduring the churning pain and suffocation in his lungs, his large hands pressed tightly against his chest, his knuckles turning white from the force.

After a while, the heart-stopping cough gradually subsided, leaving only the heavy smell of blood in the throat and the burning pain in the chest.

Li Shimin leaned wearily against the carriage wall and did not call for anyone.

This is an old problem.

He has so many hidden injuries from the past that they are impossible to completely heal.

I took a few deep breaths of the slightly cool air, waiting for my surging blood and qi to calm down.

Li Shimin's gaze once again fell upon the vast and unfamiliar land outside the window, and a desolate sigh escaped his lips almost imperceptibly:

"This picturesque land will ultimately be entrusted to future generations."

Changan.

Because news of the recent battles in Liaodong had not yet arrived, the atmosphere in the court remained somewhat heavy.

It seems this battle will end in failure.

This is everyone's judgment.

Although the Tang army captured many cities and Goguryeo suffered heavy casualties, it seemed like a victory no matter how you looked at it. However, if the victory was not completely achieved, it was a defeat for the Tang Dynasty.

Because Li Shimin had already declared that he would completely wipe out Goguryeo and destroy Yeon Gaesomun.

Under the scrutiny of all parties.

As long as Yeon Gaesomun is alive, the prestige of the Tang Dynasty is destined to be greatly affected.

And most importantly—Li Shimin's health.

The court officials were well aware of the emperor's temperament, and given that Li Shimin's health had been deteriorating over the years, it would be disastrous if they were to withdraw like this.

Can this arrogant emperor withstand it?
A gloomy atmosphere hung over the entire court.

Although no one brings it up on their own initiative, it still affects everyone.

Li Chengqian was indeed capable.

He has always adhered to Li Shimin's unwavering path, which is the most similar thing between the father and son.

But there are also differences—

Compared to Li Shimin, Li Chengqian was more autocratic and domineering.

Things were fine when Li Shimin first left.

He could suppress his feelings, but as time went on, the flaws in his personality gradually surfaced.

For example, regarding the Western Regions, Li Shimin always left the matter to local officials.

This refers to the Gu family members currently residing in the Western Regions.

The approach employed was a combination of carrot and stick.

However, Li Chengqian directly intervened and issued a massacre order against the rebellious forces in the Western Regions.

In his words, "The Western Regions have been educated by the Tang Dynasty for many years, but now there are still those who do not submit to its teachings. We must re-establish our authority."

Actually, this is not a wrong decision.

The trade routes to the Western Regions could indeed bring great revenue to the Tang Dynasty, but the education and cultural activities were also the area where the Tang Dynasty spent the most money.

Li Chengqian was still young, so it wasn't surprising that he made this decision.

But this behavior—

It might have an effect anywhere, but it's different in the Western Regions.

The Western Regions were home to numerous religious sects with a large number of followers.

Simply establishing authority will only provoke greater resistance from them, which is the biggest reason why it is so difficult to civilize the Western Regions.

To fully integrate the Western Regions into the Nine Provinces, a combination of kindness and severity is needed, along with a long-term commitment.

This matter caused a huge uproar.

First, officials from various regions in the Western Regions submitted memorials, but in the end, it was Gu Lei, who was closest to Li Chengqian, who persuaded him to give up.

There was actually no major chaos within the imperial court.

But this action alone was enough for the court officials to see Li Chengqian's character.

The residence of Prince Wei.

Because of Li Shimin's special favor towards Prince Wei, Li Tai, this prince's mansion was located only one block away from the imperial palace, which shows how great the imperial favor was bestowed upon him.

In fact, Li Shimin had considered having Li Tai move directly into the Wude Hall within the palace.

However, Gu Quan was alive at the time, and after explaining the reasons, he directly rejected the matter.

Even so, the grandeur of the Prince of Wei's residence was far beyond that of an ordinary prince's mansion.

The mansion was filled with distinguished officials and talented individuals.

It is a replica of the time when Li Shimin, the Prince of Qin, established his government and recruited talented people.

However, at this moment, the once bustling Prince Wei's mansion was filled with a heavy and stagnant atmosphere of depression.

Li Tai slumped into the large chair, his magnificent royal robes unable to conceal his deep weariness and dejection.

One heavy, suppressed sigh after another escaped from his mouth.

It stood out vividly in the empty study.

Li Tai was somewhat desperate.

Yes, it's despair. His past glory is matched only by his current misery.

Li Shimin's decision to appoint Li Chengqian as regent solidified Li Chengqian's position.

The court officials weren't fools, so naturally they stopped paying attention to Li Tai's attempts to win them over.

In addition, this was due to Li Chengqian's personality.

After assuming the regency, he would intentionally or unintentionally target Li Tai, including his confidants, which made Li Tai feel depressed.

His future seemed to be blocked.

All illusions are ultimately shattered in the face of reality.

Compared to Crown Prince Li Chengqian, who was granted the power of regent by his father and acted as emperor, Li Tai, no matter how much favored he was, was ultimately just a prince confined to his palace.

The vast chasm between them cannot be bridged by mere favor.

"Bring me the wine!"

Li Tai became increasingly agitated, and involuntarily slammed his hand on the table, roaring loudly, wanting to drown his sorrows in alcohol.

Just then, without being announced, Imperial Son-in-Law Chai Lingwu walked straight into the study, which was filled with an atmosphere of dejection.

Seeing that Li Tai was still so dejected, he frowned and sighed heavily, his voice deep and resonant: "Your Highness! How did you fall to such a state?"

"If you continue to wallow in decadence, will Your Highness still covet the throne in the future?!"

As Chai Shao's second son and one of Li Tai's most trusted confidants, Chai Lingwu also possessed a noble air about him.

He speaks very directly.

“Not despondent? What else can I do if I’m not despondent?!” Li Tai suddenly turned his head, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Chai Lingwu, a bitter smile that was more painful than crying tugged at the corner of his mouth, and said self-deprecatingly, “Father has entrusted the affairs of the country to the Crown Prince.”

"Since he was appointed regent, his power has grown increasingly stronger!"

"What can I, the king, do?"

His voice was hoarse, and the bitterness seemed to drip from between the lines.

Upon hearing this, Chai Lingwu remained silent for a moment, then sighed softly.

The current situation is indeed precarious for their faction, fraught with danger.

however--

This is by no means a dead end!

As long as Emperor Taizong of Tang is still healthy and the situation remains uncertain, there is still a glimmer of hope for a comeback!
Thinking of this, Chai Lingwu's gaze suddenly turned sharp as a knife.

He lifted his robe and sat upright in the armchair next to Li Tai, leaning slightly forward, and solemnly said, "Your Highness! Such self-destructive thoughts must never be entertained again!"

"Your Highness, do you know that we have already embarked on this path with you, and behind us lies an abyss with no way back!"

"The Crown Prince has been overseeing the country for a long time. Can't Your Highness clearly see through his character and methods?"

"Does Your Highness truly believe," Chai Lingwu's voice lowered even further, carrying an almost cold-blooded clarity, "that even if we surrender now and cripple ourselves, the Crown Prince will grant us a way out when he ascends the throne?"

"Would they really tolerate Your Highness, a prince who once rivaled him and enjoyed the Emperor's favor?"

This is a bloody, self-evident answer.

Who among the high-ranking officials in the court did not know Li Chengqian's character?
His rule was very similar to Li Shimin's ambition and strategy, but he was becoming increasingly stubborn, autocratic, and vindictive. If Li Chengqian were to inherit the throne, even if he could let Li Tai go, what about Li Tai's ministers?

Infighting and the struggle for succession in the imperial court have always been the case.

Once you take that first step, it's like an arrow shot from a bow—there's no turning back.

Whether it's Li Tai himself or his trusted confidants like Chai Lingwu, they can only move forward.

Upon hearing this, Li Tai's expression changed drastically, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes: "What do you mean by that?"

"Could it be that the Crown Prince will kill me after he ascends the throne?"

"We're brothers."

His words grew weaker and weaker as he spoke.

He couldn't help but wonder if he would let Li Chengqian and his brothers off the hook after he ascended the throne.

Obviously not.

Leaving aside the other brothers, Li Chengqian absolutely had to die.

This is for sure.

In an instant, all color drained from his face, and an undisguised fear flashed in his eyes. His voice trembled almost imperceptibly as he grabbed Chai Lingwu's sleeve, nearly losing his composure, and demanded:

"What should we do now?!"

"The Crown Prince is overseeing the state and holds absolute power! Father Emperor is on a distant expedition to Liaodong and cannot reach him!"

Li Tai spoke rapidly, as if he wanted to pour out the panic that had been building up in his heart, "In the court, the officials avoid me like the plague!"

"Even if I, the King, am not utterly dejected, so what?!"

A profound sense of powerlessness and fear of the future completely overwhelmed Li Tai, throwing him into disarray.

Chai Lingwu clearly had a plan in mind.

His eyes sharpened, and he abruptly stood up, leaning close to the unsettled Li Tai's ear. He lowered his voice and began to secretly impart his secrets.

As Chai Lingwu whispered, Li Tai's expression changed rapidly, from initial surprise and uncertainty, to a struggle and weighing of options, and finally to utter disbelief and horror.

"If we proceed with this plan," Li Tai's voice was extremely dry, his Adam's apple bobbing, "those...those who went to offer advice, wouldn't they face a near-certain death?!"

"Hmph!" Chai Lingwu snorted coldly, his face showing no emotion, only a cruel clarity. "Your Highness! Whether we advance or retreat, we are walking on thin ice, every step fraught with danger!"

"To sit and wait for death is certain."

"By taking this risky move, as long as His Majesty can return safely, we may be able to fight our way out of this desperate situation!"

"Why not?!"

Li Tai's brows remained furrowed, and the struggle in his eyes had not faded. After a moment of silence, he asked hesitantly, "Does this plan make me seem too cold-hearted and ungrateful?"

Chai Lingwu's plan was very simple.

That was to have Li Tai's confidants constantly advise Li Chengqian.

He's gambling—

They were betting that Li Chengqian's personality would get out of control and what kind of mistakes he would make.

If he does this, Li Shimin will be furious when he returns to court, and may very well depose Li Chengqian from his position as crown prince.

“Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles!” Chai Lingwu said resolutely, bowing deeply to Li Tai. His words were firm and resounding. “Your Highness only needs to make a solemn vow to ensure the wealth and well-being of his family after his death, and that will already be a great favor!”

"As for us, Your Highness—we will serve you to the death, even at the cost of our lives!"

The study was deathly silent.

Li Tai's gaze was fixed on Chai Lingwu's face, which was filled with determination and loyalty, and time seemed to stand still.

He remained silent for a long time before finally nodding slowly.

Time flies by.

The urgent battle report was finally sent back.

When he heard that the royal army had captured Pyongyang, and that Li Shimin was unharmed and would return at a later date,

The entire Tang Dynasty court was shaken!
The tense atmosphere dissipated instantly, and Li Chengqian was overjoyed. He immediately ordered the news of the Tang army's great victory to be spread.

A grand ceremony will then be held so that people all over the world can celebrate together.

This is the Tang Dynasty as it is today.

Its national strength had reached an extremely exaggerated level, so holding celebrations was naturally a given.

Although this move may seem somewhat presumptuous, it was reasonable given that Li Chengqian had the power to oversee the country.

But, unsurprisingly.

As soon as Li Chengqian mentioned this matter, he was immediately met with a group of ministers offering their "advice".

The reason given was that holding a grand ceremony for all people as Li Chengqian's status as crown prince was against etiquette, and Li Shimin's advocacy of frugality was also a reason for his remonstrance.

Although this matter may seem ordinary, the political climate of the Tang Dynasty was what it was all about.

But the courtiers quickly realized something was wrong.

Because almost all of these people who offered advice were henchmen of Li Tai, the Prince of Wei.

Chai Lingwu is right; these ministers also had no choice.

Because Li Chengqian was too cold to them.

This is also the biggest difference between Li Chengqian and Li Shimin. After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Shimin was willing to recruit and recruit capable people under Li Jiancheng's command.

But Li Chengqian would not.

Since assuming power and acting as regent, he has been neglecting these people and using a series of methods to weaken their authority.

This behavior already doomed these people from joining him.

If they want to retain their power, they have no choice but to support King Wei, Li Tai, until the very end.

An invisible struggle instantly erupted within the Tang Dynasty.

The imperial court was in an uproar.

The court officials began to discuss the matter, with some supporting Li Chengqian's actions and others opposing them.

And that's not all.

From that day onward, whatever Li Chengqian wanted to do, ministers would immediately offer their advice, regardless of whether it was a major or minor matter.

Even though Li Chengqian did not make any obvious transgressions of etiquette, the ministers who were driven to remonstrate always managed to make a big deal out of his "virtue" and persisted in doing so.

Among these flaws, his extravagance is the most vulnerable and difficult to refute.

Within the Eastern Palace, the furnishings became increasingly luxurious, and the utensils grew ever more precious.

As Li Shimin's expeditions dragged on for a long time, Li Chengqian's living expenses visibly increased.

Even the court officials could not speak up for him on this matter.

The imperial court was in turmoil.

The courtiers all understood what this meant.

And it is precisely because of this that the majority of non-partisan officials are increasingly walking on thin ice, and dare not take sides.

Li Chengqian had been restraining himself the whole time.

But as this situation became more and more frequent, he became increasingly irritable and violent, and only Gu Lei could slowly calm him down.

Just half a month later, the fuse was finally lit.

When Li Chengqian intended to hold an unprecedented and extravagant memorial ceremony to commemorate his mother, Empress Zhangsun, the familiar, abhorrent wave of remonstrances surged forth once again!

The pent-up volcano erupted with a roar!

Back at the Eastern Palace, Li Chengqian, who was under immense pressure, went mad.

His eyes were bloodshot and bloodshot. He suddenly rushed to the imperial desk and violently swung his arms—

“Crash!!!!”

The mountain of memorials, writing brushes, inkstones, and paperweights piled on his desk were swept to the ground by him.

"Kill them."

Li Chengqian's chest heaved violently, and he uttered low, twisted murmurs, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

"I will definitely kill them!!"

Thinking of the faces of those people when they offered their advice, his anger surged even higher, and his voice grew louder and louder:
"I must kill them!!!"
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(End of this chapter)