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

Chapter 377 Li Chengqian's Memories! Li Shimin's Wrath! [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

Youzhou City, the Prince of Yan's Mansion.

The once lavishly decorated bedroom was now filled with a strong smell of blood and the bitter aroma of herbs.

Li You lay on the huge bed, his face as pale as paper, his eyes closed, his lips cracked, and each weak breath aggravated the wound on his left shoulder, which was wrapped in thick burlap, oozing a glaring dark red.

Several of the most famous doctors in Youzhou City surrounded the bed, each with sweat beading on their foreheads and a solemn expression.

They carefully stitched up the deep, bone-revealing wound with boiled mulberry bark thread, applied a special wound medicine powder, and then tightly wrapped it with layers of clean linen to stop the bleeding.

"Your Highness has lost too much blood, and your pulse is weak and slippery. This is a sign of deficiency of both qi and blood, and invasion of pathogenic factors!"

An elderly doctor with white hair and beard stroked his beard, and said worriedly to Yin Zhihong, who was guarding the bedside, "The wound has been treated, but the biggest fear is that it will cause a high fever, and whether the dagger was poisoned... If he doesn't survive the next two days, I'm afraid..."

Yin Zhihong's face was equally gloomy. He stared intently at Li You's lifeless face, his eyes filled with complex and unfathomable emotions.

There was shock, there was lingering fear, but more than anything, there was a sense of relief that the plan had been executed perfectly, and a hint of something hard to detect... coldness.

Upon hearing the doctor's words, he turned his head sharply, his eyes flashing with cold light: "What are you afraid of?! Use the best medicine at all costs! If anything happens to His Highness, your whole family will be buried with him!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling aura.

The doctors were so frightened that they trembled and quickly kowtowed in agreement, working even harder to treat the patient.

"Uncle... Uncle..."

Li You, who was in a coma, seemed to be disturbed by the oppressive atmosphere. He groaned unconsciously and called out "Uncle" indistinctly. His voice was full of pain and a childlike dependence and grievance.

The call made his eyes flicker for a moment, but they were quickly covered by a deeper gloom.

He leaned down, close to Li You's ear, and spoke slowly in a voice only the two of them could hear, with a strange sense of comfort and guidance: "You'er... don't be afraid... Uncle is here... Uncle knows you're in pain... It was the Crown Prince... it was that hypocrite Li Chengqian... he sent people to harm you... he wanted to get rid of you, this threat... how cruel he is... he doesn't even spare his own brother..."

His voice was deep and seductive, like a viper's hiss, clearly imprinting the words "Crown Prince," "Li Chengqian," and "harm you" into the depths of Li You's hazy consciousness.

Li You, who was in a coma, seemed to have been strongly stimulated. His brows furrowed in pain and his body twitched slightly.

Yin Zhihong straightened up, a satisfied glint flashing in his eyes.

He turned to the kneeling guard leader, his face ashen, and the other guards who had participated in the pursuit, his voice as cold as ice: "A bunch of useless trash! You couldn't even protect His Highness! Where is the assassin?! Has he been caught?!"

The head guard slammed his forehead against the ground, his voice filled with fear and despair: "Reporting...Reporting to the Chief Secretary! Those two assassins were extremely familiar with the terrain of Youzhou City, and their skills were exceptional, especially the one disguised as a woman...climbing over walls and into alleys like a ghost...We...we lost them...we only...we only found this one deep in the alley..."

With trembling hands, he presented a piece of black cloth stained with snow and mud, its intricate patterns something no ordinary cloth workshop could produce.

"Useless! You're all useless!"

Yin Zhihong grabbed the tattered cloth and ordered sternly, "Seal off the entire city! Search every house for me! Dig three feet into the ground and find those two assassins! Live or dead! Also, immediately send someone to inform His Majesty! Report everything truthfully!"

"Yes Yes!"

The guards, as if granted a pardon, scrambled out of the room.

Meanwhile, inside Hunzhou City.

When Li Chengqian received the urgent report from the Crown Prince's residence in Chang'an, he was completely stunned.

After a long while, he turned to look at Pei Xingjian and asked, "Are you aware of this?"

“I don’t know! Chang’an’s prevention and control measures have always been very strict. If there were a plague like smallpox, it would be impossible for there to be no news at all!” Pei Xingjian shook his head, equally shocked, but then asked the person who reported, “Does Commander Yang know about this?”

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, it was Commander Yang who discovered the smallpox plague, and he discovered it in the palace!" the messenger replied hastily.

Li Chengqian and Pei Xingjian were startled again.

But Li Chengqian said incredulously, "You're saying the smallpox plague was discovered in the palace? What happened? Tell me in detail!"

"Yes!"

The person who reported responded and immediately explained the ins and outs of the smallpox plague.

It turns out that the smallpox plague was first discovered in Xiangling's place. Later, everyone who had come into contact with Xiangling was infected, except for Empress Zhangsun.

Li Chengqian guessed that it was probably because Empress Zhangsun had practiced the "Tai Xuan Yang Sheng Jing" that she was immune to all poisons.

But the key question is, how did Xiangling get infected?
Later, with the help of Yang Nannan, the coroner from the Dali Temple, and other relevant people in the palace, they were able to figure out that Xiangling had started feeling unwell after using a cup that the Empress had given her.

Later, after Empress Zhangsun recalled the events, it was confirmed that the cup was actually a gift from the princess of Tuyuhun.

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian quickly recalled that such an incident did indeed occur.

The cup was not actually given by the Queen of Tuyuhun herself, but was given to Li Ke's mother, Lady Yang, as a gift.

In other words, there are two key points here. First, did Li Ke and his mother know that the cup contained smallpox? Second, was the cup part of a conspiracy by the Tuyuhun princess?

Li Chengqian cannot confirm the first key point yet, but he will be able to confirm the second key point soon.

Since the Tuyuhun kingdom had already fallen, although the Tuyuhun queen had fled with Dayan Mangjiebo, it was not difficult to find her.

In addition, Li Chengqian had previously inquired about Fu Yun's condition from Murong Shun. Although Murong Shun did not provide much detail, some of the details suggested that Fu Yun may have had smallpox, but somehow managed to control the disease.

However, Li Chengqian at the time did not think of smallpox as a plague, but assumed that Fu Yun had contracted some strange disease.

After all, it's not uncommon for rare and unusual diseases to appear in high-altitude areas.

Now, Li Chengqian can summon Murong Shun to reconfirm the smallpox epidemic and the matter of Princess Fuyun.

He immediately ordered, "Someone! Go and fetch the Prince of Xiping! Tell him I have urgent business with him! Be quick!"

"Yes!"

One of the Imperial Guards responded and immediately turned and left.

Li Chengqian then turned his gaze back to the person who had just reported the news and asked solemnly, "What is the situation in Chang'an? Has the smallpox plague spread?"

"Your Highness, when I left the city, Chang'an had already begun its lockdown, and no one was allowed to leave their homes. The situation at the imperial palace seemed even more severe..."

"What about the medical school? Have they cooperated with the palace to control the epidemic?"

"Yes! Your Highness! Commander Yang went to the medical school to find Doctor Sun as soon as he discovered the smallpox epidemic! The people at the medical school also actively cooperated with the Embroidered Uniform Guard in carrying out epidemic prevention operations! But the problem now is that the smallpox epidemic is fierce, and even Doctor Sun cannot cure it in a short time."

The person reporting nodded repeatedly, then explained the situation in Chang'an in as much detail as possible: "Moreover, as the number of infected people increases, some noble ladies in the palace have started clamoring to leave. Empress Zhangsun is also extremely busy, trying to appease them while cooperating with epidemic prevention..."

Hearing this, Li Chengqian had already deeply realized the severity of the situation in Chang'an.

However, in his mind, smallpox was not as terrible as he had imagined. As long as he was vaccinated, he could effectively prevent smallpox.

After a moment's thought, he picked up a piece of white paper and wrote down in detail the method for making the smallpox vaccine, as well as various prevention and control measures. He continued writing until he had filled three large sheets of paper. Only then did he put down his pen, his hand slightly tired, and asked the person who had reported, "What is your name, and what is your current position?"

The person who reported this paused for a moment, then subconsciously glanced at Pei Xingjian, cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, my subordinate is Kou Zhong, currently working in the Jinyiwei's Records Department, mainly responsible for the transmission of official documents!"

"Good! Kou Zhong, I hereby appoint you as a general of the Great Han! Deliver this document to the Chang'an Medical College within five days! Can you do it?"

"this…."

Kou Zhong hesitated for a moment, then immediately straightened his back: "I can do it!"

"Alright! As long as you successfully deliver this document to Chang'an Medical College, I will promote you to the rank of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!" Li Chengqian said generously.

Kou Zhong's face flushed with excitement, and he immediately knelt on one knee: "Your subject swears to complete the mission to the death!"

"Don't die! Live well! I might give you an important position in the future! I will live up to your name, Kou Chong!"

"Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

"Go!"

Soon, Kou Zhong, carrying a package personally packed by Li Chengqian, embarked on his journey to Chang'an.

.........

Five days later, in Liaodong City.

After Li Shimin captured Baiyan City, he established it as Yanzhou and appointed Sun Daiyin as the governor of Yanzhou.

Immediately afterwards, Gaimou City, which was the first city to be captured, was established as Gaizhou.

Even before the Tang army captured Gaemok, Yeon Gaesomun had already transferred troops from Gashik to garrison the city.

When the city fell, the soldiers all requested to join the Tang army, wanting to serve the Tang Dynasty, but Li Shimin refused.

Li Shimin's reason was simple: their families were in Gashi City, and if they served the Tang Dynasty, Yeon Gaesomun would surely slaughter their families.

Therefore, after capturing Baiyan City, he also did not want to slaughter the innocent people of Baiyan City. From this point of view, Li Shimin truly deserves to be called a wise ruler.

But as Li Chengqian said, he was sometimes a bit too soft-hearted and failed to distinguish between the roles of a wise ruler and a commander.

Therefore, after capturing Baiyan City, his army, just as Li Chengqian had analyzed, stopped at Anshi City, the last major military stronghold in Liaodong.

"How many days has it been!? Why can't we take Anshi City yet!?"

Li Shimin paced back and forth in the military tent, somewhat displeased.

Meanwhile, the civil and military officials in the military tent looked at each other, speechless.

Of all the Goguryeo strongholds in Liaodong, Anshi City was the most unique.

Strictly speaking, it is in a semi-independent state.

Because Yeon Gaesomun held absolute power, he seemed to be showing no regard for the King of Goguryeo.

This angered the lord of Ansi Fortress, who was loyal to the King of Goguryeo. He not only disobeyed Yeon Gaesomun's orders but also submitted several memorials impeaching Yeon Gaesomun.

This caused Yeon Gaesomun to harbor resentment towards the lord of Ansi City, cutting off all his resources and effectively turning Ansi City into an isolated city.

However, the lord of Ansi Fortress was an extremely capable person. Not only did he not die at the hands of Yeon Gaesomun, but he also transformed Ansi Fortress into a self-sufficient and impregnable military fortress.

This forced Li Shimin's army to halt its attack on Anshi City.

"Speak up! Are you all mute?!"

Seeing that all the ministers remained silent, Li Shimin suddenly stopped and then glared at them.

"Uh... Your Majesty, in my opinion, winter is just around the corner, and it is not advisable for the army to fight in winter. I think it would be better to wait until spring to attack Anshi City?"

"Yes, Your Majesty! In this freezing weather, the soldiers' weapons are practically stuck to their hands. How are they supposed to fight?"

"Your Majesty! Why not wait until the weather is warmer before attacking the city?"

As Li Daozong responded with a forced smile, the other civil and military officials immediately echoed his sentiments.

Li Shimin's face grew increasingly dark at this moment.

What he needs most now is time.

Because Li Chengqian had already destroyed two countries.

Even though he used some underhanded methods to get Hou Junji to restrain Li Chengqian, Li Chengqian's actions did not stop.

In other words, Li Chengqian would destroy the third country after spring.

And he, the General of Heavenly Strategy, the Heavenly Khan, His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty, had not even reached the homeland of Goguryeo!
This is absolutely a huge joke!

Unless he can successfully take over Anshi City.

Once it is captured, the Tang Dynasty's expeditionary force can sweep across the Liaodong Peninsula, then cross the Yalu River and seize Pyongyang in one fell swoop.

In Li Shimin's view, conquering Goguryeo was only two steps away. Once Ansi Fortress was completed, the war would already be more than half won.

How could he possibly give up so easily?

"Report——!"

Just as Li Shimin was about to unleash his fury, a report suddenly came from outside the tent: "Your Majesty, according to scouts at the front, an army of about 150,000 men is heading towards Anshi City, and it seems to be reinforcements for Anshi City!"

Wow!
This statement caused an uproar in the audience!
Even Li Shimin was somewhat at a loss!
What does 150,000 reinforcements mean? It's an army mobilized across the entire nation!

It was all the troops and reserves that Goguryeo could mobilize!

However, Anshi City was originally an isolated city, and logically, it should not have received any reinforcements.

Could it be that Yeon Gaesomun has come to a realization?

He decided to put aside his past grievances with the city lord of Anshi City and join forces to protect Anshi City to the death.

If that's the case, the situation will become increasingly serious!

"hateful!"

Li Shimin slammed his fist on the edge of the sand table map, sending up countless grains of sand and stones, startling all the ministers present, whose eyelids twitched wildly.

It is clear that they have missed the best opportunity to attack the city.

But all of this is actually closely related to Li Shimin. Because of the incident at Baiyan City, the soldiers under his command became increasingly reluctant to work, which led to their repeated failures in their attempts to capture Anshi City.

"His Majesty….."

Yang Shidao opened his mouth, wanting to comfort Li Shimin, but Li Shimin waved his hand to interrupt him: "To gain it is my fortune, to lose it is my fate! Even Yeon Gaesomun can understand this, so what can't I understand?"

After saying this, he glanced at all the civil and military officials and sighed, "How about we bypass Anshi City and take Jian'an City in the south first? What do you think?"

"Your Majesty!"

Sun Daiyin immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands and said, “Jian’an City is in the south, and Anshi City is in the north. The Tang army’s supply transit is in Liaodong City. If we bypass Anshi City and attack Jian’an City, then the rear supply line will definitely be cut off by the enemy.”

"Conversely, if we attack Anshi City first, Jian'an City will be within our grasp!"

What does it mean to know yourself and your enemy, and to win every battle?
As the former lord of Baiyan City and the current governor of Yanzhou, Sun Daiyin can be said to be the Tang general who knows Liaodong best.

Li Shimin, after hearing his opinion, naturally accepted it quickly.

As for the other civil and military officials, although they did not understand Liaodong as well as Sun Daiyin, they also highly agreed with Sun Daiyin's opinions.

This city of Anshi must be attacked.

However, due to the current new circumstances, we can only hold back for now.

Thus, a military conference that could have enraged Li Shimin was abruptly ended by Sun Daiyin's two sentences.

However, just when the ministers thought everything was settled, another report came from outside the tent.

"Your Majesty! Urgent report from Chang'an!"

"Your Majesty! Urgent report from Youzhou!"

"Ok?"

Li Shimin was visibly startled when he heard the continuous stream of urgent reports. He then turned to look at his ministers and found that they were also full of surprise.

"What happened?!"

Li Shimin's face turned cold, and he asked in a deep voice.

"Your Majesty, a smallpox epidemic has broken out in Chang'an!"

"Your Majesty! The Prince of Yan has been assassinated in Youzhou, and the assassin appears to be an assassin sent by the Crown Prince!"

Boom!

The two reports, like thunderclaps, sent chills down the spines of everyone present.

Even the relaxed atmosphere that had just been there because Li Shimin had temporarily abandoned the attack on Anshi City was completely swept away.

what happened?

How could a smallpox epidemic have broken out in Chang'an?
And what's going on with the Prince of Yan?

Why would the Crown Prince send assassins to kill the Prince of Yan?

Countless questions and shocks converged on everyone's faces, making their expressions incredibly interesting!
Li Shimin, in particular, and Changsun Wuji, who had been silent all along, stared wide-eyed, their eyes filled with a mixture of emotions, including bewilderment, confusion, anger, and shock.

"Nonsense! How could the Crown Prince possibly send someone to assassinate the Prince of Yan!"

Changsun Wuji was the first to recover from his shock. He angrily rebuked the person who had reported this and vehemently explained to Li Shimin, "This is slander! Your Majesty! They are slandering the Crown Prince!"

"Shut up!"

Li Shimin, enraged, rebuked Changsun Wuji and then roared towards the outside of the tent: "Bring in the urgent report so I can see it!"

"Yes!"

The two messengers were so frightened that they scrambled into the military tent.

(End of this chapter)