Chapter 207 Li Longji Repents and Takes Overall Control (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

— Li Longji is ill.

Gu Xuan's few words completely shattered his dignity and exposed all his problems to the world.

He couldn't argue.

They could no longer rebuke the Gu family.

If someone else had said these words, they might have been labeled a "treacherous minister."

Although this also has a somewhat forced feel to it, at least on the surface, it might still be possible to maintain Li Longji's own dignity.

But this is the Gu family!
The Gu family member who held the last edict of Emperor Taizong, who had been hailed as the "Emperor of a Thousand Ages"!
Moreover, from any perspective, the Gu family has no problems.

First, Li Longji abandoned the Gu family.

The Gu family had no complaints about this.

Secondly, when Li Heng ascended the throne, it was the court officials who supported his ascension, and the Gu family still did not participate in it, nor did they invoke Emperor Taizong's edict.

When he returned to public life, the emperor personally visited the Marquis of Champion's residence and appointed the Gu family.

What does this have to do with the Gu family?

That is why, from all perspectives, Li Longji could not deny Gu Xuan's words.

Similarly, he no longer seemed to have that idea.

The words spoken by Gu Xuan, through Gu Yi, seemed to finally awaken the emperor who clearly had the opportunity to become a "great emperor of all time".

He accepted his fate.

Although it was meaningless, he still summoned the world to acknowledge Li Heng's imperial throne as the retired emperor.

Then——

He even issued an edict of self-reproach, which was then sent throughout the land.

He claimed that he had forgotten his original aspirations and the earnest teachings of the Marquis of Zhongxiang in the past, and that he had finally come to a complete understanding.

Given his current status, naturally no one cares about these things.

But when this matter is considered in the context of the entire world, things naturally change.

Gu Yi naturally wouldn't care about any of that.

Whether Li Longji was genuinely repentant or simply afraid, he didn't care at all. After resolving the matter, he immediately rushed to Tongguan.

Gu Yi would naturally not interfere in the war.

He is well aware of his current level; compared to those generals who have made their mark on history, he is indeed no match.

This move, besides using the Gu family's name to stabilize morale, was also intended to...

They also want to learn from experience.

Although these experiences may not be of much use in modern times of peace.

But Gu Yi was absolutely certain—

These things may come in handy someday in the future.

This is a calamity that the Gu family must face for its eternal prosperity.

In fact, now that he has entered the game, Gu Yi values ​​his learning opportunities even more than when he first started playing.

This was something Gu Yi completely overlooked when he first entered the game.

His initial plan was simply to build a family through the game, so that he could achieve great success in the modern world.

But perhaps it was witnessing firsthand how generations of Gu family members had sacrificed themselves for the entire family that subtly changed his mind.

A meteoric rise to success is just the beginning.

If he wants the Gu family to remain prominent in modern times, then his abilities also need to grow.

Only in this way can we say that we have lived up to the efforts of generations.

The Gu family's reputation needs no further explanation.

When Gu Xuan, representing the Gu family head and leading a group of Gu family members, arrived at Tongguan, the panic in the soldiers' hearts and all the external disturbances instantly ceased on that day.

—The morale of the troops is boosted!
Although Gu Xuan didn't say much, the soldiers' resolve was strengthened when the Gu family appeared.

The imperial flag of the Tang Dynasty and the banners of the Gu family rose above Tongguan.

At the same time—

Gu Yi also manipulated Gu Xuan, using the title of Gu family head, to denounce An Lushan as a traitor and treacherous minister, thus influencing An Lushan's morale with an even more powerful force.

Don't forget that An Lushan's pretext for this rebellion was "for the sake of the peace and stability of the nation, to depose the incompetent and establish a wise ruler!"

He thought Li Longji would stay on the throne forever.

But the current emperor is Li Heng, and he has reinstated the Gu family and handed over power to Gu Xuan.

This alone is enough to discredit An Lushan's reputation.

Of course, this move could not directly quell An Lushan's rebellion.

But titles are such a thing.

Its status in Kyushu has been quite different since ancient times.

This represents a greater good.

February of the first year of the Zhide era.

The Gu family of Julu also seized the opportunity to rise up, using the pretext of "suppressing the rebellion and punishing the bandits" to integrate the rebellious forces in various parts of Hebei and began to launch organized harassment attacks on the rear of the rebel army, focusing on attacking the supply lines of An Lushan's army.

At the same time, many members of the Gu family went to various parts of Hebei.

They used the name of the Gu family to appease the people who had been misled by the rebels.

—The flames of war spread far and wide.

At this time, An Lushan's army had approached Tongguan. Although its route of advance was consistent with the original historical trajectory, mainly consisting of rapid marches, its speed in capturing Luoyang was much slower.

The main reason was the restraint exerted by the Gu family.

The various measures secretly promoted by Gu Yi have brought considerable trouble to An Lushan.

The scene of the defenders surrendering at the mere sight of the rebels, as was the case in history, is unlikely to be repeated.

In just over a month.

What should have been a simple battle of offense and defense quickly turned into a grueling tug-of-war.

At the same time, there was also the Western Regions.

The Gu family's operations in the Western Regions over the years have not been without progress. Under their influence over the decades, it cannot be said that the entire Western Regions have been completely integrated into the Central Plains.

But in the Western Regions.

There were also quite a few people who considered themselves to belong to the Tang Dynasty.

The Gu family's branch in the Western Regions also enjoys considerable influence in the region today.

As Gu Yi's envoy arrived in the Western Regions.

The entire Western Regions were mobilized in an instant. Gu Yi cleverly compared "Tubo" to the Xiongnu of the past.

And the Xiongnu—

What was left for the people of the Western Regions was a deep-seated fear!

With the Gu family's immense influence in the Western Regions, the entire region was quickly mobilized at their call to arms to repel the Tibetan invasion.

This was also part of Gu Yi's plan.

What is meant by commanding the overall situation?

Even someone like Gu Yi, knowing his own lack of combat ability, makes various arrangements and entrusts the more detailed battles to his generals!
Of course, although Gu Yi had considered all the possibilities, given that history had already changed, he could not be omniscient or omnipotent.

Take this pirate raid as an example.

Gu Yi had never expected this, never imagined that someone would be so crazy as to attack the current Tang Dynasty.

However, there was no opportunity not to take it.

The key to breaking this deadlock lies in Ryukyu!

The Ryukyu navy is undoubtedly the strongest naval force in the world today, relying on the powerful foundation of the Tang Dynasty and the unique living environment of Ryukyu.

This will inevitably lead to this.

Although the sea routes are currently in chaos, it is difficult to contact Ryukyu.

But Gu Yi remained completely calm. Don't forget, there have always been members of the Gu family within Ryukyu.

Although the talents of the Gu family members are gradually diminishing, given the current clear situation, the Gu family members within Ryukyu will certainly take action!

And whether it was the troops from Goguryeo or Baekje.

Or perhaps they were other pirates.

These people have no chance of stopping the Ryukyu army!
As for the unrest in the Jiangnan region, we can only deal with it after the overall situation has gradually stabilized.

Tongguan.

Shouts of battle rose from all sides.

Although he personally went to this place, Gu Yi did not interfere with any of Feng Changqing, Gao Xianzhi and others' choices, allowing them to lead their troops to resist An Lushan.

I myself played a symbolic role, including learning from experience.

Of course, it seems like nothing was done.

But if we win this battle, the greatest credit will still go to the Gu family, since Gu Xuan was nominally in charge of the entire battle.

An Lushan has been attacking Tongguan for several days.

However, the situation changed too quickly, whether it was Li Heng's sudden ascension to the throne and his heavy reliance on the Gu family, or Li Longji's final edict of self-reproach.

The major events that have occurred in recent days have been a fatal blow to him.

Although he had suppressed the news.

But there are no secrets in the world, and these things will eventually affect the morale of the troops.

especially--

Their rear is now also unstable.

This has a very serious impact on morale.

At this moment, inside the rebel camp.

An Lushan, Shi Siming, and the others had grim faces, and the tent was deathly silent.

There was no other way; their situation was far too difficult.

In their original plan.

This expedition aimed to draw the Tang army's attention with the help of the Tibetan offensive, allowing them to advance directly into Luoyang and destroy the Tang central government.

As long as the overall situation is stable by then.

They then have plenty of time to clean up the mess.

Although the idea was risky, it was actually within the realm of possibility, because An Lushan was well aware of the fighting strength of his soldiers who had been stationed on the frontier for many years.

Everything was going smoothly and according to plan.

He was even excited when he heard that Li Longji was going to flee to Shu, because it would only make his offensive easier.

But they never expected that Li Heng would ascend the throne and give great importance to the Gu family.

This was a fatal blow to him.

He's stuck in a rut, unable to get in or out!
But what good will this drag on?
Not to mention that they didn't have much food left, even if they had plenty, it would be difficult for their soldiers to rebel under such overwhelming pressure.

No matter how you look at it, this seems to be a dead end!

But how could we possibly get them to give up so easily?

Relinquish military power.

Then they will definitely die.

These people are very clear about this.

"Commander!"

In the dead silence, Shi Siming's brows furrowed so tightly they were almost knotted together. Finally, he spoke in a hoarse voice: "No matter what, we must fight to the death!"

"Hebei has already changed."

"Given the Gu family's abilities, if they were to consolidate their power in Hebei and launch a pincer attack on our army, we would undoubtedly be defeated!"

"How about...let the soldiers have a good meal, and then launch a full-scale attack on Tong Pass!"

"The garrison at Tongguan is mostly composed of newly recruited soldiers, and it is the last line of defense for Luoyang! As long as we can break through this pass, our army can advance unimpeded and take Luoyang directly!"

"At that time—the predicament will resolve itself, and the fate of the world will be sealed!"

No one's expression changed.

Although this was the first time someone had spoken of this, the person who had come here to discuss matters was an experienced general who had already seen through everything.

"...That's the only way." An Lushan remained silent for a long time before finally nodding heavily.

Immediately, another suffocating silence descended.

An Lushan seemed to have thought of something; the muscles on his face twitched suddenly, and he slammed his fist on the table, roaring throughout the tent: "You dog of the Gu family! You are utterly ungrateful!"

"I, the commander, offer three sacrificial animals and nine rites to Heaven and Earth, with utmost sincerity!"

"He was even offered half the country—such immense wealth and power, yet he still discarded it like trash!"

"If we had received the Gu family's help, we wouldn't be in this situation!"

"With my fierce and powerful army, and in accordance with the Gu family's wishes, where in this world can't we take it?!"

Indeed, he has already sent an envoy to Julu to make his promise.

I thought that by offering incentives and sowing discord, I could somehow entice the remaining members of the Julu family.

But to my surprise, it had no effect whatsoever.

Looking at An Lushan before them, the expressions of the people in the tent gradually became complicated.

If it were any other family, perhaps some of them would have done the same thing as An Lushan.

But this is the Gu family.

If the Gu family could refuse the world that was within their grasp in the past, why would they care about the half of the world that An Lushan had given them now?

And so the matter was settled.

An Lushan had exceptional execution skills; once he made up his mind about something, he would not hesitate for a moment.

This may be the true nature of every tyrant.

After treating his soldiers to a good meal, he personally led them in a fierce attack on Tongguan the very next day.

This time, he truly gave it his all.

They didn't even care about the rear anymore, only sending out scouts.

Below Tongguan Pass.

The sounds of battle were deafening, and smoke and dust obscured the sun.

The rebel army surged like a raging tide, wave after wave crashing against the towering city walls.

Arrows rained down like locusts, and logs and stones fell like raindrops, each impact accompanied by a piercing scream.

Corpses littered the city walls and surrounding areas, blood soaking every inch of the land before the pass, the air thick with the stench of blood and the smoke of gunpowder. Both sides fought a frenzied battle on the brink of life and death.

The fighting strength of the Tongguan garrison was indeed inferior to that of the rebel army.

But don't forget, Tongguan was a dangerous pass in the first place!

Moreover, the current garrison is driven by conviction.

This is the faith brought by the Gu family.

Because the Gu family has never been defeated in the hundreds of years since they became famous!
Most importantly, Gu Yi will not make the mistake that Li Longji made in the original history—forcing the soldiers to leave the city to fight.

This was also a crucial turning point in the original history of the An Lushan Rebellion.

It was Li Longji's urging that led to the reduction of more than 100,000 soldiers to only a few thousand, allowing An Lushan to directly march back to Luoyang.

An Lushan today would also use this tactic.

But how could Gu Yi fall for it?

Despite An Lushan's various attempts, Tongguan remained standing, offering no opportunity for him to exploit the situation!
And it is under these circumstances.

As the Hebei army gained increasing momentum, all that remained for An Lushan, Shi Siming, and their followers was despair!
(P.S.: Requesting monthly votes at the end of the month. I've had a pitifully small number of votes this month, so please give me some support, brothers! I'm so grateful!)

(End of this chapter)

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