Datang: Just been appointed as the crown prince, the counterattack system is here

Chapter 348 Li Er, skilled at employing people, killed his son with a single sentence! [Seeking monthly votes]

"Report——!"

"Your Majesty! A great victory! Your Majesty!"

Li Shimin, who was originally sitting in the central army commanding the overall situation, immediately stood up from his seat upon hearing the report. He then took the report from the person in three quick steps, took the report from him, and unfolded it to examine it.

After only a cursory glance, Li Shimin's face broke into a bright smile. He then waved the victory report in his hand to Changsun Wuji and the others not far away, and said with a smile, "Gaimu City has been captured, and Zhang Jian has also taken Jian'an City. Double happiness!"

"Hahaha--!"

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji and the others burst into laughter.

But then Li Shimin said, "Zhang Liang's fleet has already crossed the Bohai Sea and successfully landed at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula. Right Valiant Guard General Cheng Mingzhen has led his troops to Beisha City. If we take Beisha City, we can then advance into Liaodong City!"

"May Heaven bless the Great Tang! May Heaven bless His Majesty! Victory after victory!"

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji and the others immediately offered their congratulations in loud voices.

Li Shimin smiled happily but didn't say much. He then walked to the sand table map and examined it, saying, "Shabei City is a formidable castle that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. It is surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides, with only the west side being climbable. If we attack from the west, we must do so at night."

After considering it carefully, Li Shimin said to Changsun Wuji, "Wuji, I remember that the Crown Prince's scout battalion has been sent out, right? Is there any news about Shabei City?"

"Have!"

Changsun Wuji stepped forward with great certainty, pointing to Shabei City on the sand table map and said, "According to the news from the reconnaissance camp, there has been continuous drizzle in the vicinity of Shabei City these past few days, and the surrounding vegetation is lush. However, the next three days may be sunny. If we follow His Majesty's wishes and attack from the west, the next three days will be particularly important."

"In addition, according to information from the reconnaissance battalion, the defenses in Shabei City are loose, and the defenses at the west gate are the weakest, so we can launch a strong attack on the west gate."

"But the only thing we need to be prepared for is street fighting. Their people have already infiltrated the city and can guide the army and design ambush locations."

Good guy!
Is the prince's reconnaissance battalion really that powerful?

They can even predict the weather, and they even managed to sneak into the heavily fortified Goguryeo city. That's amazing!
As Changsun Wuji finished speaking, all the civil and military officials around him were shocked.

It should be noted that the Tang Dynasty was not without scouts and spies, but none of them possessed such a comprehensive understanding of the battlefield environment.

It can be said that Li Chengqian brought them not only a wealth of weapons, but also a variety of tactics.

But Li Shimin laughed with great satisfaction: "Then let the reconnaissance battalion cooperate with Zhang Jian, Zhang Liang, and Cheng Mingzhen to launch a night attack on Shabei City!"

"Yes!"

Changsun Wuji responded and was about to leave when Hou Junji suddenly stood up and asked, "Your Majesty, in a few days we will arrive at Liaoze, but Liaoze is a hundred miles in swamp, which is impassable for men and horses, and cannons cannot be used in water. Should we build a road in advance so that the army can pass through smoothly?"

"How many days would it take to repair a road in a swamp?"

Before Li Shimin could respond to Hou Junji, Li Xiaogong suddenly said, "I think it would be better to take a detour to avoid further delay!"

“Taking a detour won’t work! If we want to get from Liaoze to Hexi, taking a detour will be even more difficult!” Li Daozong directly rejected the suggestion.

The surrounding civil and military officials couldn't help but look at each other in bewilderment.

But Cheng Yaojin said somewhat speechlessly, "Isn't it just building a road in a swamp? What's so difficult about that? I heard that His Highness the Crown Prince built that cement road in Jiangling, which could be built in water, let alone a swamp!"

"Concrete road?"

The civil and military officials were slightly taken aback.

Then Yuchi Gong chuckled and added, "Have you all forgotten those pillars at the Academy of Sciences? They're made of cement, and they were supposedly finished in just a few days—that's fast!"

"Oh, I remember now, it's concrete! What cement road? That's called a concrete road!" a minister corrected as if he had just realized what was happening.

Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong shrugged indifferently, then turned to look at Li Shimin.

Li Shimin smiled and nodded, saying, "Since there's a way to repair a road within a few days, then inform Yan Lide and have him go to Liaoze to oversee the road construction."

"Wait, Your Majesty!"

Before Li Shimin could finish speaking, Changsun Wuji interrupted him awkwardly, taking three steps at a time to approach him and lowering his voice, saying, "Your Majesty, the cement plant is the property of the Crown Prince. If we need a large quantity of cement, should we inform the Crown Prince first? Otherwise, I am worried that the cement plant will not supply us."

"what are you saying!?"

Li Shimin glared and said, "The whole world belongs to me. Are there any workshops that dare not supply me?"

"Well, that's true, but since it's the Crown Prince's property after all, in my opinion, it would be best to inform the Crown Prince first, which would also be more convenient."

"you!"

Li Shimin was so angry at Changsun Wuji's words that he was speechless for a moment, but after glancing at the civil and military officials, he gritted his teeth and said, "If I didn't know that rebellious son, would I not be able to get a lot of cement?"

"this."

Changsun Wuji hesitated awkwardly for a moment, then said helplessly, "Logically speaking, it should be possible. After all, in the Tang Dynasty, as long as you have money, you can buy anything you want!"

"Then pay up! I'll pay for it myself, I won't beg that rebellious son!"

"But Your Majesty, it seems your imperial treasury is empty."

"How could I be short of money? I am not."

At this point, Li Shimin suddenly seemed to remember something and immediately shut his mouth.

Seeing the uncertain look on his face, Changsun Wuji cautiously reminded him, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten? All the money in your imperial treasury has been used to reward the soldiers."

After saying that, he couldn't help but suggest, "How about we get some money from the Empress?"

"You scoundrel! How could I possibly..."

Li Shimin stared wide-eyed, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

The assembled civil and military officials looked at each other in bewilderment once again.

Thinking to himself, our Emperor is really in a terrible situation. He has neither money nor resources when he is away from home. It's really too miserable.

However, emperors are generally not expected to receive sympathy, because they always come up with solutions that others cannot.

But then Li Shimin seemed to realize something and said, "Send someone to inform the Ministry of Revenue that the court wants to purchase a batch of cement for the construction of defensive fortifications, and have Ma Zhou transport it over as soon as possible, without delay!"

"Uh, this"

Changsun Wuji's lips twitched, thinking to himself, "Your Majesty really knows how to use people!"

"Alright, let's arrange it this way. We'll talk about the rest after we take Shabei City!" Li Shimin said decisively, waving his hand.

The civil and military officials exchanged glances and quickly accepted their orders and withdrew.

Late that night, Tang general Wang Dadu, with the cooperation of the reconnaissance battalion, led a suicide squad to climb up the west gate of Shabei City.

By the time the Goguryeo defenders realized what was happening, the suicide squad had already scaled the city gate.

The two sides then engaged in close-quarters combat.

After a bloody battle, Wang Dadu quickly led his troops to open the city gates, guiding Cheng Mingzhen's army into Shabei City.

Immediately afterwards, the Tang army and the Goguryeo army engaged in fierce street fighting.

During this period, thanks to the outstanding performance of the reconnaissance battalion, the Tang army wiped out the Goguryeo troops guarding the city before midnight and captured more than 8,000 people.

"Okay! Okay!"

Upon seeing the latest battle report, Li Shimin repeatedly praised it.

It should be noted that recently, the Tang army has been winning one battle after another on the Liaodong battlefield, advancing with unstoppable momentum.

Meanwhile, Goguryeo's military strongholds in Liaodong were repeatedly lost.

Next, the focus of the struggle between the two sides was Liaodong City.

Li Shimin took this very seriously and immediately ordered those around him, "Immediately order Li Xiaogong and Li Daozong to lead their troops south and surround Liaodong City!"

"As ordered!"

Soon, a messenger received the order and set off.

Li Shimin, watching the messenger leave, smiled and looked at Changsun Wuji, saying, "Fuji, as usual, spread our battle report throughout the country!"

"Yes!"

Changsun Wuji smiled and responded, then seemed to remember something and said, "I wonder how things are on the Crown Prince's side. There are no battle reports from there. I'm a little worried about the Crown Prince!"

Although he said these words, he knew better than anyone that Li Shimin definitely wanted to know news about Li Chengqian.

The truth was exactly as he expected.

The moment Li Shimin heard him mention Li Chengqian, he said noncommittally, "Isn't that rebellious son very capable? Why are you worried about him?"

"Heh heh, after all, he's the crown prince of the nation, how could I not worry?" Changsun Wuji chuckled and chimed in. Li Shimin frowned, then said seriously, "Do you think he will fail?"

Changsun Wuji thought for a moment and said, "It's unlikely to be a failure, but I'm afraid Li Daliang, Qiu Yu and others won't get along with the Crown Prince. Your Majesty should know the temperaments of Li Daliang and Qiu Yu; they are not easy to get along with!"

"Ha, isn't that perfect? ​​It's better if we don't get along!"

Li Shimin laughed: "If everyone gets along well with him, he will think that conquering the world is easy and governing it is even easier. He really doesn't know the cost of firewood and rice until he's in charge of the household!"

"However, it is war after all, and I am worried about what might happen."

"No, Li Daliang and Qiu Yu are not people without a sense of proportion. They know what's important when it comes to the big picture!"

Li Shimin shook his head, then said somewhat strangely, "But that rebellious son, he set off around the same time as me. I've already reached Liaodong City, so logically, he shouldn't have made no move at all!"

"Yes, that's why I'm worried about the Crown Prince. Is there some problem?"

"Yes, your concerns are valid!"

Li Shimin nodded in deep agreement, then turned to Yun Duan outside the tent and said, "Yun Duan! Go and check on the situation with the Crown Prince. Report back to me immediately if you find anything!"

"Yes!"

Yun Duan responded and quickly left the tent.

At the same time, Wu She rushed in and reported, "Your Majesty, the former Minister of War, Duke of Cai, Du Ruhui, has passed away."

"What!?"

Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji were taken aback and stood there dumbfounded, speechless for a long time.

"We've all won, so why didn't Kemin wait for me to return!"

After a long while, Li Shimin finally murmured through tears.

Changsun Wuji, standing to the side, shook his head and sighed, "The Duke of Cai fell seriously ill before we set out on our campaign. I never expected him to pass away so soon. It's truly a case of heaven being jealous of a talented man!"

"Didn't that unfilial son treat him? How come it's not working at all?"

"this."

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji was momentarily at a loss for words to respond to Li Shimin.

But then Li Shimin said sadly, "Wu She, convey my decree: posthumously grant Du Ruhui the title of Minister of Works and change his title to Duke of Lai!"

"Yes!"

Wu She responded with a sound of agreement and then carefully retreated.

Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji, however, lost all interest in discussing anything and simply stood there, stunned and speechless.

Although they all knew about Du Ruhui's illness, Du Ruhui was an old friend who had fought alongside them, so how could they not be saddened?

Li Shimin, in particular, would often consult with Du Ruhui on major wars, and now that this man was gone all at once, it was really hard for him to accept.

Without realizing it, he suddenly felt how short life is and how unpredictable things are.

After a long pause, Li Shimin suddenly asked, "Wuji, do you think everyone must die?"

"This"

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji was greatly shocked.

There was a time when Li Shimin repeatedly mocked Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han for pursuing immortality, so why is this being brought up now?

Could it be that His Majesty has also begun to fear death?
Thinking of this, Changsun Wuji hesitated and said, "Life is unpredictable. There is birth and there is death. This applies to all things. Your Majesty need not worry about it!"

"Then tell me, after I die, will you still be by my side?"

Li Shimin seemed to have developed a strong interest in the matter of life and death, and was determined to get to the bottom of it.

However, before Changsun Wuji could answer him, Yun Duan rushed back in a hurry and reported, "Your Majesty, there is news from the Crown Prince!"

"Oh?"

Li Shimin frowned, then immediately asked, "What news?"

"According to the news I just received, the Crown Prince and the eldest prince of Xueyantuo engaged in a siege battle outside Ganzhou City. The Crown Prince, amidst thousands of troops, killed the enemy general and led a thousand cavalry guards to break through the Xueyantuo army's formation, successfully relieving the Ganzhou governor's army from the siege!"

"In addition, before the expedition, the Crown Prince led his troops in a surprise attack on more than 20 Tuyuhun tribes in one night and successfully annihilated more than a dozen of them!"

"This"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji were dumbfounded.

Li Shimin, in particular, seemed to see a reflection of his younger self.

Back then, he was in the same situation, almost always winning battles with fewer troops, and always leading from the front.

However, in terms of bravery, he is still somewhat inferior.

But then he said with a hint of sourness, "That rebellious son just loves to take risks. The Crown Prince is so prudent!"

After saying that, he seemed to remember something and asked, "Why did he attack the Tuyuhun tribe? Did he want to start a two-front war in Longyou? Did Li Ji lead his troops there?"

"Your Majesty, I have not yet learned the reason why the Crown Prince attacked the Tuyuhun tribe, but General Li Ji did not lead troops to Longyou!"

"What did you say?!"

Li Shimin asked in surprise, "You said Li Ji didn't lead troops to Longyou, so how did the Crown Prince fight against the eldest prince of Xueyantuo, and how did he launch a night attack on more than twenty Tuyuhun tribes and wipe out more than a dozen of them?"

"this."

Yun Duan hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Changsun Wuji and said, "As far as I know, the Crown Prince did not send General Li Ji to Longyou. It should be the Six Guards of the Eastern Palace, or the troops from Ganzhou and Liangzhou!"

"How is this possible? Yi Shi Dadu led 100,000 elite Xueyantuo troops to Longyou. His small force of the Eastern Palace, plus the troops from Gan and Liang provinces, only amounted to 50,000 to 60,000 men. How could they fight on multiple fronts?" Li Shimin asked incredulously.

Changsun Wuji, who was standing to the side, also asked with some doubt, "Could it be that the Musketeers participated in this war?"

"No, the Musketeers are not with the Crown Prince!" Yun Duan shook his head and said.

Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji were completely stunned, thinking to themselves, "What is this guy doing? Does he really think he's Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Chu?"
"Nonsense! This unfilial son is utterly ridiculous!"

Li Shimin rebuked him angrily, "Does he think he represents only himself? He represents my Great Tang! If he falls into the hands of the enemy, how can my Great Tang face the world?!"

After saying this, he coldly ordered, "Immediately issue my decree ordering the Crown Prince to return to Chang'an! It's better to let him return to Chang'an and cause trouble than to send him to his death."

"Your Majesty, wait!"

Before Li Shimin could finish speaking his decree, Changsun Wuji hurriedly interjected, "In my opinion, the Crown Prince never fights a battle he is not confident of winning. Since he dares to do this, he must have a deeper plan. I think it would be best if we did not interfere with him!"

"What deeper schemes? He just likes to think he's so clever, treating everyone else like fools!"

Li Shimin glared at Changsun Wuji with annoyance and said in a deep voice, "If he were only fighting against Xueyantuo, that would be fine, but he insisted on provoking Tuyuhun. If Tuyuhun and Xueyantuo join forces and attack him from both sides, even if he has the courage of a hegemon, can he really defeat thousands of troops?"

"But it will take time for this news to reach Liaodong; the Crown Prince might already be at war with them."

After saying this, Changsun Wuji looked up at the clouds again.

But Yun Duan hurriedly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. When I went to investigate matters concerning the Crown Prince, I happened to encounter a messenger, which is why I reported to you so quickly. The messenger set off two days ago, so..."

Before he could finish speaking, he saw that Li Shimin's face had turned ashen.

Clearly, the matter has reached a point of no return.

"Oh! This unfilial son!"

Li Shimin finally let out a long sigh, raising his hand to his forehead; "They're really nothing to worry about! If I had known this would happen, I would have..."

At this point, as if suddenly remembering something, she pressed Yun Duan for an answer: "How is things on the Shu King's side? Has he sent people to deliver the grain I requested?"

"Uh, this."

Yun Duan hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, it arrived yesterday!"

"Good, good, good! Finally, I have a son who makes my life easier!"

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji felt a chill run down his spine.

As the saying goes, what is said unintentionally may be taken to heart by the listener.

Li Shimin probably never dreamed that a careless remark he made would lead to the death of his "troublesome" son.

(End of this chapter)