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

Chapter 369 Hou Junji's Ambition, Li Er's Fear! [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

"Wuji."

After watching Yang Shidao and Yun Duan leave, Li Shimin sighed helplessly, then turned to Changsun Wuji beside him and said with a sense of loss, "What do you think I should do now?"

"I understand my father more and more now. I suppose my relationship with him back then was just like my relationship with Chengqian now. He has truly become more and more outstanding!"

This was the first time Li Shimin acknowledged Li Chengqian's excellence, and also the first time he recognized the hardships Li Yuan had faced.

The son of a general of the highest order and the son of an invincible war god bring about equally unsettling results.

Changsun Wuji sighed deeply and said, "How about we reconcile with the Crown Prince and let him truly exercise his power as Crown Prince? What do you think?"

"But I am not reconciled. I am only in my thirties. Do you know how many things I want to do that I haven't finished yet?"

"minister"

Changsun Wuji opened his mouth, hesitated, and finally couldn't help but say, "Actually, Your Majesty can discuss with the Crown Prince what you want to do. Wouldn't it be better if father and son were of one mind?"

"Ha, you think you can just discuss it? I killed my brothers and forced my father to abdicate, and this is the result I got?" Li Shimin sneered, then stared at Changsun Wuji with a gloomy expression, and said, "Where did your courage go when you persuaded me to send eight hundred men?"

"But Your Majesty, times have changed. We are now standing in the position of the retired emperor."

"What retired emperor?! I will never be a retired emperor!"

Before Changsun Wuji could finish speaking, Li Shimin exploded, emphasizing with murderous intent, "I'm telling you, it's never going to happen!"

"This"

Changsun Wuji was speechless.

The atmosphere became heavy.

In fact, Changsun Wuji could completely understand Li Shimin's feelings.

The so-called "spiritual victory method" is just self-deception; it shouldn't be taken seriously.

After all, the problem is there, and if it is not addressed, it will only become more and more serious. When the problem becomes unsolvable, it may well lead to another Xuanwu Gate Incident.

Moreover, judging from the current situation, Li Chengqian's chances of winning are getting bigger and bigger.

Although Li Shimin was certainly superior to Li Chengqian in terms of military talent, he was definitely inferior to Li Chengqian in terms of martial prowess and military equipment.

Therefore, if the father and son really reach the point of no return, the first issues that need to be addressed are prestige and righteousness.

As for prestige and righteousness, Li Chengqian currently has no advantage in either.

After all, the moral standards of this society are there: loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness.

Even though Li Shimin once trampled on this moral standard, its enormous influence cannot be denied.

Therefore, based on these two aspects, Li Shimin can be said to have already secured an invincible position.

Unless he pushes Li Chengqian to the brink and he's ready to do whatever he wants, he'll end up following in Li Chengqian's footsteps.

However, given his understanding of Li Chengqian and his political awareness, he would never push Li Chengqian to the brink.

Therefore, the current situation is that we must find a practical and effective way to suppress Li Chengqian's growth.

Although he had tried many methods to suppress Li Chengqian, each time Li Chengqian would launch a counterattack and even become stronger.

This is also the main reason for his melancholy.

"Tell me, what would happen if I stripped him of his military power now?"

After a long silence, Li Shimin suddenly spoke again in a deep voice.

But Changsun Wuji hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please don't do that!"

"Why?"

"No, Your Majesty, please consider this: the Crown Prince is currently expanding the territory of the Tang Dynasty and stabilizing the borders, which is perfectly fine. If you were to strip him of his military power out of concern for his growing influence, wouldn't that be the act of a foolish ruler?"

"What did you say!?"

"Your Majesty, please calm down and let me finish speaking. When Bai Qi attacked Zhao and Yue Yi conquered Qi, it was because the monarch was worried about their growing power that he ordered them to abandon their campaigns halfway. This also left unnecessary trouble for the later Qin-Zhao and Yan-Qi wars."

"Does Your Majesty wish for the borders of our Great Tang to be forever in turmoil?"

"this."

Li Shimin hesitated for a moment, then said somewhat irritably, "Then what do you suggest we do? I can't just stand by and watch that rebellious son grow powerful and then come back to coerce me, can I? I've said it before, I'm not the retired emperor, and I will absolutely not allow such a thing to happen!"

"But."

"Your Majesty! Minister of War Hou Junji requests an audience!"

Just as Changsun Wuji was about to say a few more words, a report suddenly came from outside the door.

Li Shimin frowned slightly, then asked in a deep voice, "What is it?"

"Your Majesty, according to the Minister of War, it seems to be because of something that happened in Gaochang!"

"Gaochang Kingdom?"

Li Shimin subconsciously exchanged a glance with Changsun Wuji, who also looked puzzled. So he waved his hand and said, "Let the Minister of War in!"

"Yes!"

There was a response from outside the door.

Soon, Hou Junji strode in: "Your subject greets Your Majesty!"

"Yes, Minister Hou, you may dispense with the formalities!"

Li Shimin nodded, then immediately asked, "I just heard that something happened in Gaochang?"

"Your Majesty, something has indeed happened. I just received news from Chang'an that the Kingdom of Gaochang intends to wage war against our Great Tang!"

"What did you say?!"

Li Shimin's eyes widened, and he said with a look of astonishment, "Has Qu Wentai gone mad? Or is he senile? How dare he declare war on our Great Tang?"

"Your Majesty, the matter is as follows: Some time ago, Gaochang launched an undeclared war on Yanqi because of the road construction issue between Gaochang and our Great Tang, causing heavy losses to Yanqi. The King of Yanqi rushed to Chang'an to ask our Great Tang to uphold justice. At that time, Your Majesty was preoccupied with the war in Liaodong and had no time to deal with it, so you asked the cabinet to handle it."

"After deliberation, the cabinet decided that it would be more prudent for the Crown Prince to handle the matter, since the military alliance treaty signed between Yanqi and our Great Tang was initiated by the Crown Prince."

"However, after hearing about the matter of Yanqi, the Crown Prince was furious and ordered King Qu Wentai of Gaochang to come to the Tang Dynasty in person to give an explanation and pay three times the amount of grain as compensation."

"Wait, what's with this compensation of three times the amount of grain?"

Before Hou Junji could finish speaking, Li Shimin interrupted him out of curiosity.

Hou Junji patiently explained, "According to news from the Crown Prince, it seems that the Western Regions Allied Army's provisions were plundered by the Gaochang Kingdom and the Western Turks, and they plundered them six times in total."

"This"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji exchanged bewildered glances.

No wonder Li Chengqian was furious; the Gaochang Kingdom and the Western Turks were truly audacious.

Fortunately, Li Chengqian was not an impulsive person; otherwise, given his temperament, he would have surely destroyed both countries.

But the problem now is, it was Gaochang Kingdom and the Western Turks who were stirring up trouble, but the Tang Dynasty didn't bother with them because it was concerned about other battlefields. So why are they getting more and more excited?

But Hou Junji, as if seeing through Li Shimin and his companion's doubts, continued, "The reason Gaochang Kingdom intends to wage war against our Great Tang is because its King, Qu Wentai, not only didn't come to the Great Tang in person, but also sent a very lowly official to humiliate us. He said things like, 'Eagles soar in the sky, pheasants hide in the weeds, cats frolic in the Tang court, and mice steal food in their holes—each has its own place. Can't each have its own way of life, its own world?'"

Later, after analysis by the cabinet ministers, it was determined that this showed a complete disregard for the Great Tang Dynasty. Therefore, the cabinet ministers unanimously concluded that this was a provocative declaration of war!

"That's unreasonable!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin couldn't help but fly into a rage: "If evil is not punished, how can good be encouraged! Next year, we will send troops to attack Gaochang!"

"Your Majesty, please calm down. Our Great Tang is already fighting on multiple fronts. If we continue to fight against Gaochang, it will be detrimental to our Great Tang!" Changsun Wuji hurriedly said.

Li Shimin swept a cold glance over them: "Do you want my Great Tang Dynasty to lose all face in front of such a small country?"

"No, Your Majesty. What I mean is, why not leave this matter to the Crown Prince and let him handle it? After all, it was the Crown Prince who previously asked Qu Wentai to give an explanation."

"I cannot agree with what Duke Zhao has said! Qu Wentai has disrespected the face of my Great Tang Dynasty, and he has also disrespected my Heavenly Khan! His Majesty should handle this matter. If the Crown Prince is allowed to handle it, what if Qu Wentai replies, 'Does the Crown Prince make decisions for your Great Tang Dynasty?' Wouldn't that be an even greater humiliation for my Great Tang Dynasty and His Majesty?"

"you!"

Changsun Wuji's expression changed, and he glared angrily at Hou Junji: "What nonsense are you spouting?! How can you think of this like that?!"

"It's not that I was being rash, but rather that the arrogance of the Kingdom of Gaochang is something the Duke of Zhao has failed to grasp!"

Hou Junji remained remarkably calm in the face of Changsun Wuji's angry glare. He simply said, "What nonsense about eagles flying in the sky and pheasants hiding in the grass, each having its own way of life, is just a way of advising my Great Tang not to meddle in other people's business! Such arrogant remarks only prove that Qu Wentai has already prepared for the worst. If my Great Tang goes to war with Gaochang, he will fight to the bitter end!"

"In that case, if our Great Tang does not go to war with the Gaochang Kingdom, how can we have the face to dominate the Western Regions?"

“But you know the current situation. Our Great Tang is not suited to fighting on multiple fronts. Moreover, the Xueyantuo has only just been destroyed, and the army needs to stabilize the situation locally. Even the Crown Prince did not rashly destroy Tuyuhun, but instead stabilized the situation in Fu'ai City. How can we launch another long-distance war?” Changsun Wuji argued forcefully, “Furthermore, Gaochang Kingdom is backed by the Western Turks. Our Great Tang simply does not have enough troops and supplies to start a war of annihilation.”

"How much army and supplies would it take to destroy a tiny country like Gaochang? Give me 30,000 troops and I'll make sure Gaochang is wiped out!"

"you!"

"enough!"

Seeing Hou Junji and Changsun Wuji arguing endlessly, Li Shimin finally lost his temper; "I have already said that we will send troops to attack Gaochang next year!"

After finishing his sentence, he turned to Hou Junji and said in a deep voice, "Minister Hou, I hereby appoint you as the Grand General of the Western Regions. I will transfer 30,000 troops from Li Ji and have Zhang Gongjin assist you in going to Gaochang!"

"Yes!"

Hou Junji immediately accepted the order, then seemed to remember something and said, "Your Majesty, there is one more thing I must mention. What should I do if the Western Turks send troops to assist the Gaochang Kingdom?"

"this."

Li Shimin hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Changsun Wuji and frowned, saying, "If the Western Turks send troops to assist, we can mobilize the Xueyantuo troops to be under your command!"

"His Majesty!"

Changsun Wuji was shocked and was about to speak when Li Shimin said in an unquestionable tone, "Alright, this matter is settled!"

"My lord, take the order!"

Hou Junji immediately bowed and greeted them, while secretly smiling coldly to himself.

As he had predicted, Li Shimin ultimately chose to strip Li Chengqian of his military power.

Although it wasn't an overt stripping of power, the facts were already clear.

And he himself could finally leave Li Shimin and lead a war to destroy a country.

What's so great about Li Jing? He only destroyed the Eastern Turks, right? He's not only going to destroy the Gaochang Kingdom, but he's even going to destroy the Western Turks!

Once I've destroyed those two countries, let's see who still dares to call themselves Li Jing's apprentice!
Why is someone who doesn't even dare to participate in the Xuanwu Gate Incident so admired by so many people?

And Li Chengqian, why does he look down on himself?

It's always about targeting yourself!
This time, I'm going to show everyone that I, Hou Junji, am no less capable than anyone else!

Having made up his mind, Hou Junji turned and left without saying another word.

Changsun Wuji, who watched him leave, stood there silently, his expression unreadable.

As for Li Shimin, he also did not say a word.

Although Changsun Wuji's previous analysis was not without merit, the current situation is that he has no choice but to suppress Li Chengqian.

Even if Li Chengqian was indeed expanding the territory of the Tang Dynasty, who said that expanding the territory required him to be the crown prince?

Can't others do it just the same way? They just have to go a little slower.

After all, for Li Shimin, the current situation is that slower is better than faster, because Goguryeo is more difficult to defeat than he imagined.

He simply couldn't achieve the same level of efficiency as Li Chengqian.

If Li Chengqian continues to destroy countries like this, his title as the Grand General of Heavenly Strategy will become a joke.

Therefore, even at the cost of sacrificing some of the country's interests, he was determined to curb Li Chengqian's momentum.

Hou Junji is a good choice.

Although Li Ji did not take sides between Li Chengqian and him, Li Ji's appreciation for Li Chengqian was exactly the same as Li Jing's.

Therefore, it was almost impossible for Li Ji to curb Li Chengqian's momentum.

But Hou Junji was different. Through previous observations, Li Shimin keenly discovered a problem: Li Chengqian was not close to Hou Junji, and even somewhat disliked him.

Every time Hou Junji spoke, he would retort without hesitation.

Don't know what the reason is.

In any case, Li Shimin thought it was a good choice to send Hou Junji to contain Li Chengqian.

Just as Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji fell silent, Li Xiaogong rushed in excitedly and said, "Your Majesty! Good news! Sun Daiyin just sent someone to deliver a message that he has agreed to surrender to our Great Tang!"

"real?!"

Li Shimin's eyes widened, and he stepped forward with a look of surprise, asking to confirm, "Xiaogong! Are you telling the truth?"

"It's true! Absolutely true! He ordered us to lead our troops to Baiyan City tomorrow to accept their surrender!"

"Hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin couldn't help but laugh heartily: "Excellent! Very good! This Sun Daiyin is very sensible! I will reward him handsomely tomorrow!"

Li Shimin, who was originally very depressed because of Li Chengqian's matter, was immediately dispelled by the gloom.

Changsun Wuji did not say a word at this time.

Because he knew that Li Shimin probably wouldn't listen to anything he said now.

On the other side, in White Rock City.

Li Qi successfully completed the task assigned by Sun Daiyin, and was treated well by the general Li Xuan, who was waiting for the city to be opened and surrendered the next day so that he could be released to show off his achievements.

However, just as Li Qi returned to Sun Daiyin's residence with great joy, a shocking scene suddenly appeared before his eyes.

Sun Daiyin's residence was surrounded by soldiers in red, carrying torches.

If he wasn't mistaken, these soldiers in red should be Yeon Gaesomun's personal guard.

But how did Yeon Gaesomun's personal guard end up in Baekam Fortress?

Could it be that Yeon Gaesomun has come to Baekam Castle?
How is this possible? Why haven't I received any news from them?

Just as Li Qi was filled with shock and disbelief, a cold voice suddenly came from the side: "Clerk Li, where have you been busy?"

"This"

Li Qi shuddered and looked in the direction of the voice. He saw a one-eyed, cold-faced general walking towards him with a half-smile: "General Jin, what brings you here?"

He stopped there.

Because he had already seen the one-eyed general draw his sword.

"By order of Da Dui Lu, I am tasked with eliminating all of our spies. Heh heh, do you think Da Dui Lu is so easily fooled? Da Dui Lu has long had his spies planted in Baiyan City, and I am not only the deputy general of Baiyan City, but also the Red-Clad Inspector of Baiyan City!"

After saying this, he slowly lowered the knife in his hand to Li Qi's neck, raised an eyebrow and said, "Let's go, come with me to see General Sun!"

"I... um, I don't know anything."

"Enough talk! Let's go!"

Before Li Qi could even defend himself, the one-eyed general coldly stopped him, then, with his sword at the ready, forced him step by step into Sun Daiyin's room.

At this moment, Sun Daiyin also had a knife to her neck, and several corpses resembling personal guards lay around her.

Around Sun Daiyin, besides several generals from Baiyan City, there was also a small animal whose wounds were infected by gunpowder.

But then the one-eyed general laughed and said, "General Sun, do I need to say more?"

"General Jin, this is all a misunderstanding! I had no intention of surrendering to the Tang Dynasty. It was all Li Qi's idea, and it has nothing to do with me!"

General Sun, you...

"Shut up! How dare you contact the Tang army in secret and betray my Baiyan City! I will not let you off today!"

After saying this, he prepared to stand up and kill the witness.

But the knife on his neck remained unmoved.

The one-eyed general glanced at the other White Rock City generals with a half-smile and said mockingly, "So, General Sun, you don't intend to surrender?"

“He said he wouldn’t surrender before, but he secretly contacted the Tang army. We don’t trust him unless he kills the Tang envoy and Li Qi!”

"That's right! Kill the Tang Dynasty envoy, kill Li Qi!"

"."

Several generals from Baiyan City immediately echoed his sentiments indignantly.

The one-eyed general smirked and said, "Then we'll see how General Sun performs tomorrow."

(End of this chapter)