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

Chapter 431 Li Er, after I've dealt with Liaodong, I'll go back and deal with you. [Seeking monthly votes]

The curtain was lifted, and Li Jing and Pei Xingjian walked in one after the other.

Li Jing was still dressed in his dusty military uniform, his face bearing the vicissitudes and composure of years of battle, but there was a hint of solemnity between his brows that was more noticeable than usual.

Pei Xingjian, with a solemn expression, quickly stepped forward and presented Li Chengqian with an urgent document bearing the emperor's seal.

"Your Highness, His Majesty's decree has arrived by express courier."

Pei Xingjian's voice was very low, but it could be clearly heard in the quiet command tent.

Li Chengqian took the document and quickly scanned its contents.

The candlelight flickered inside the tent, illuminating his calm profile.

Sun Daiyin and Yang Wanchun subconsciously held their breath, both sensing the sudden change in atmosphere.

The handwriting on the document was sharp and carried Li Shimin's characteristic unquestionable tone.

[The core message is exactly what Pei Xingjian just said: An imperial edict orders Duke Li Jing of Wei to immediately relinquish his military duties in Liaodong, hand them over to Crown Prince Li Chengqian, and return to Chang'an at top speed, without delay!]

The reasons are listed prominently thereafter:
[First, hold him and other cabinet ministers accountable for their mishandling of the smallpox epidemic in Chang'an, failing to promptly curb the power grab and rebellion of Prince Shu, Li Ke, and Prince Liang, Li Yin, under the guise of epidemic prevention, which ultimately led to the catastrophic imprisonment of the Empress, coercion of princes and princesses, and chaos in Chang'an!]

[Secondly, he was held accountable for failing to live up to the Emperor's favor as Right Minister and Grand Secretary, and for negligence in the management of the military tally in the capital region, which resulted in the tally falling into the hands of Prince Liang, Li Yin, nearly causing irreparable consequences!]

[Third, he was ordered to return to the capital and, together with the three ministries, thoroughly investigate the matter of Duke of Lu and General of the Left Guard Hou Junji leading his army to approach Chang'an with the intention of plotting a rebellion. He was also asked to explain in detail the matter of having taught Hou Junji military strategy. Hou Junji was dissatisfied and gave a detailed account.]

Each one was like a heavy shackle, carrying the chilling intent of an impeachment.

After reading it, Li Chengqian slowly placed the document on the table, his fingertips lightly tapping the smooth surface, making a soft sound.

He raised his eyes and looked at Li Jing standing below.

"Duke of Wei!"

Li Chengqian's voice was calm and expressionless, revealing neither joy nor anger. "You heard His Majesty's decree?"

Li Jing took a deep breath, stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and his armor clanged: "Your subject, Li Jing, obeys the decree."

"Your Majesty's questions are all reasonable, and I have nothing to say in response."

"Regarding the chaos in Chang'an, although I was far away in Liaodong, I failed to foresee and warn against it. The cabinet certainly bears responsibility for dereliction of duty; as for the matter of the military tally, I am even more culpable. As for Hou Junji..."

He paused, his voice carrying a complex emotion, a mixture of pain and composure: "I did indeed teach him military strategy, but the bond between teacher and student is a private matter, while the relationship between ruler and subject is a public one."

"If it is true that Hou Junji is plotting a rebellion and that I am involved, I am willing to accept any investigation. I will immediately hand over military duties, return to Chang'an, and plead guilty to Your Majesty."

The tent was completely silent.

Sun Daiyin and Yang Wanchun both lowered their heads, not daring to look any longer.

This great military strategist of the Tang Dynasty appeared somewhat forlorn at this moment.

Everyone understands that this return to the capital is not simply a matter of 'apologizing'.

The vortex in Chang'an was far more dangerous than the battlefield in Liaodong.

Li Chengqian looked at Li Jing kneeling on the ground with a deep gaze.

He did not immediately tell Li Jing to get up, but remained silent for a moment.

This silence felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, pressing down on everyone's heart.

"Duke of Wei, please rise."

After a long silence, Li Chengqian finally spoke slowly: "The war in Liaodong has not yet ended, and Wugu City is still in sight. I am aware of Father's decree. The handover of military affairs is urgent, but there is no need to rush it."

He changed the subject, his gaze returning to the map: "Wugu City has a treacherous terrain, and Yuan Nan Jian is putting up a stubborn resistance. Duke Wei is well-versed in military strategy and skilled in attacking fortified positions. Before you leave, could you please give me one last analysis of Wugu City's defenses?"

"In particular, how do we deal with the ambush they might set up using the boiling water and the Maru Mountain Road? Your experience is of paramount importance to me at this moment."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing was slightly taken aback, and then a barely perceptible ripple flashed in his eyes.

The Crown Prince's words, seemingly a request for advice on military affairs, were in fact an opportunity for him to demonstrate his value and express his true feelings before his departure.

Or perhaps, there is a deeper meaning?

He immediately composed himself and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness's inquiry is my duty."

After speaking, he stood up, slowly walked to the map, and pointed precisely at several key points with his finger. His voice regained its usual calm and sharpness:
"Your Highness, the danger of Wugu City is indeed as General Yang said, because it is surrounded by mountains and rivers."

"However, every dangerous and strategic place has its oversights. The flood season of the Boiling Stream is approaching. If Yuan Nan builds a dam, its foundation must be located in the Black Wind Valley upstream, where the terrain is gentler and it is easier to extract soil for construction."

"Your Highness can send a skilled team, carrying the 'Thunderbolts' you brought, to infiltrate this place. There's no need to destroy the dam; simply bury a few at key points in its foundation..."

"When the dam is nearly full, detonate it. The dam will collapse on its own, and the floodwaters will backflow into its own fortifications, causing it to crumble without a fight!"

"As for the traps on the Wandu Mountain road..."

A cold glint flashed in Li Jing's eyes: "What Yuan Nanjian used was nothing more than rolling logs, rocks, crossbows, and pitfalls."

"Before the attack, our troops can use small bombs to bombard the mountain walls on both sides of the mountain road from a distance, causing a small-scale landslide. This can clear obstacles and also probe the position of their ambush troops."

"Once their ambush formation falls into disarray, we can then advance with musketeers in formation, advancing step by step, and the treacherous mountain path can be overcome!"

Li Jing's analysis was precise and ruthless, making full use of the characteristics of the new firearms and turning a dangerous situation into an opportunity.

Sun Daiyin's eyes lit up with admiration, and even Yang Wanchun couldn't help but nod in approval, thinking to himself that the title of "God of War" was indeed well-deserved.

"The Duke of Wei is indeed as sharp as ever."

After listening, Li Chengqian showed a satisfied expression: "This plan is excellent, I will proceed accordingly."

He paused, looked at Li Jing, and softened his tone slightly: "In that case, Duke of Wei may begin the handover process. Pei Xingjian."

"Chen is here!"

"You will assist the Duke of Wei in completing the handover of military affairs with generals such as Su Dingfang, Xue Rengui, Yu Gushe, and Pei Xuan, ensuring that nothing goes wrong."

"I obey!"

Li Jing bowed again: "Thank you, Your Highness. Your subject... will go and make preparations immediately."

He bowed, took a deep look at the city of Wugu on the map, which was about to face the flames of war, and then turned and left the command tent with Pei Xingjian.

The curtains were drawn, blocking out the outside light.

Li Chengqian stood alone in front of the map, his fingers lightly tapping the location of Wugu City, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

The recall of Li Jing was a manifestation of the emperor's anger, a power struggle within the court, and a test of Li Chengqian's character.

What he needed to do was to stabilize the situation in Chang'an while taking Wugu City and sweeping away Goguryeo.

His gaze gradually turned cold.

"almost."

He muttered to himself, as if declaring to the city and the entire world: "Once I've dealt with Liaodong, I'll go back and deal with you one by one."

……

Meanwhile, in Wugu City, the city lord's mansion was lit up all night.

Yuan Nanjian, clad in armor, stood atop the city wall, gazing at the distant horizon.

The night wind lifted his battle robe, revealing the black gold sword hanging at his waist.

It was a gift from Yeon Gaesomun himself, with the words "Defend the land and protect the country" engraved on the scabbard.

Footsteps sounded behind him, and his deputy, Gao Yanfu, came over carrying a cotton armor and said in a low voice, "General, it's getting chilly, put this on."

Yuan Nanjian didn't turn around, but stared into the distance: "Any news from Anshi City?"

Gao Yanfu's voice deepened: "Half an hour ago, the scouts reported... Anshi City has fallen, and Yang Wanchun has surrendered to Tang. Li Chengqian's army will probably arrive at Wugu City within three days."

The city gate tower fell into a deathly silence.

The wind blew through the arrow tower of the city wall, making a 'whooshing' sound, as if it were crying.

Yuan Nanjian slowly turned around, took the cotton armor but didn't put it on, instead clutching it in his hand, his knuckles turning white: "Yang Wanchun... he actually surrendered?"

"I heard that Li Chengqian used firearms to blast open the city walls and was going to massacre the city. Yang Wanchun surrendered the city for the sake of the people in the city."

Gao Yanfu added in a low voice: "The scouts also said that the Tang army has hundreds of new cannons, as well as thunderclap bombs that can blow up city walls, far more powerful than last year's firearms."

"No matter how powerful our firearms are, they cannot stop the spirit of Goguryeo!"

Yuan Nanjian slammed his cotton armor to the ground, his voice ringing out: "Yang Wanchun has surrendered, but I, Yuan Nanjian, will not! As long as Wugu City stands, I stand; if Wugu City falls, I die!"

He strode down the city wall and headed towards the city lord's mansion, with Gao Yanfu quickly following behind.

Inside the council chamber of the mansion, more than a dozen generals were already waiting, each with a solemn expression.

Upon seeing Yuan Nanjian enter, everyone rose and bowed, but no one spoke. They already knew of the fall of Anshi City, and a sense of panic filled their hearts.

Yuan Nanjian walked to the main seat and sat down. His gaze swept over everyone, and his voice was loud and clear: "As you all probably already know, Anshi City has fallen, and Yang Wanchun has surrendered to Tang."

"Next, Li Chengqian's army will attack Wugu City. The reason I've gathered everyone here today is not to discuss 'surrender or fight,' but to discuss 'how to fight!'"

A young general couldn't help but ask, "General, the Tang army's firearms are too powerful. Even Anshi City couldn't withstand them. Can our Wugu City... hold out?"

"Why couldn't it be defended?"

Yuan Nanjian slammed his hand on the table and stood up: "Anshi City is backed by a plain and has no natural defenses, which is why the Tang army cut off its supply lines. Our Wugu City is backed by Wandu Mountain and has the Boiling Stream in front. As long as we make good use of the terrain, even if the Tang army has firearms, or even if they have heavenly soldiers and generals, they won't be able to easily break through the city!"

He walked to the map and pointed to the Boiling Water: "Gao Yanfu, you take three thousand soldiers and build a dam along the west bank of the Boiling Water first thing tomorrow morning. The dam doesn't need to be too strong, just enough to stop Jianjun."

"In addition, we will bury explosives under the dam. When the Tang army crosses the river, we will first release the floodwaters and then detonate the explosives, so that they will perish in the river!"

This 'explosive' was a result of Anshi City's success in holding off Li Shimin's army.

"The last general takes command!"

Gao Yanfu bowed in response.

"Li Jixun, take five thousand soldiers and set up traps on the mountain road of Wandu Mountain."

Yuan Nanjian then pointed to the mountain path: "Pile huge rocks on the cliffs on both sides of the mountain path, dig traps, and lay camouflage. If the Tang army wants to launch a sneak attack from the mountain path, we'll push the huge rocks down and make sure they never return!"

"The last general takes command!"

A burly general stepped forward, his voice booming.

Yuan Nanjian then looked at the other generals: "The rest of you, follow me to reinforce the city walls. Build a second line of defense on the inner side of the walls. Even if the Tang army blows open the city gates, we can hold them off on the second line of defense."

"Furthermore, all grain and fodder in the city will be centrally managed and prioritized for the soldiers. The army will provide a portion of the civilians' rations. Only when the army and the people are of one mind can we defend Wugu City!"

"The general is wise!"

The generals shouted in unison, their initial panic gradually dissipating, and fighting spirit ignited in their eyes.

After the meeting, all the generals left, except for Gao Yanfu, who remained.

Looking at Yuan Nanjian's tired face, he said in a low voice, "General, you haven't slept for two nights. Why don't you rest for a while? I'll keep an eye on the dam construction and the setting of traps."

Yuan Nanjian shook his head, walked to the window, and looked at the city lights.

In the darkness, faint lights emanated from the houses of the people, and the occasional cry of a child could be heard, but it was quickly drowned out by the soothing voice of the mother.

He said softly, "I cannot rest. I am the garrison commander of Wugu City. If I rest, the soldiers will panic and the people will be afraid."

After saying that, he turned to look at Gao Yanfu, took out a letter from his pocket, and handed it to him:

"This is a letter I wrote to Pyongyang. Send someone to deliver it to my brother Yeon Gaesomun overnight. In the letter, I have explained that Ugok City will fight to the death, but I ask him to send reinforcements as soon as possible."

"As long as reinforcements can arrive within a month, we can attack from both inside and outside and defeat the Tang army."

Gao Yanfu took the letter, and his heart ached.

He knew that Yeon Gaesomun was currently busy quelling a domestic rebellion, and reinforcements would likely be unable to arrive in time.

But he didn't say it aloud; he simply bowed and said, "This humble general will take care of it immediately."

After Gao Yanfu left, Yuan Nanjian remained alone in the council hall, picked up the black gold sword on the table, and drew it from its sheath.

Moonlight streamed through the window and shone on the sword, giving it a cold, sharp glow.

He ran his fingers along the blade of the sword and whispered:

“Father, elder brother, I will defend Wugu City and not let the Tang army set foot in it. If the city falls, I will atone with my death and have no shame before Goguryeo!”

The sword trembled gently in the moonlight, as if in response to his vow.

The next morning, Wugu City was bustling with activity.

Gao Yanfu led his soldiers to build a dam on the west bank of the Feiliu River. Soil and stones were piled up on the riverbank, and a low dam was quickly formed.

Li Jixun then led his soldiers into the mountain path of Wandu Mountain, piled boulders on the cliff, dug a trap more than ten feet deep in the mountain path, and covered it with branches and dry grass to make it indistinguishable from the ground.

The people in the city also came out in droves. Some helped the soldiers carry bricks and stones to reinforce the city walls, while others sharpened weapons at home. Even the elderly and children carried buckets to help the soldiers carry drinking water.

At noon, a scout rode back into the city and shouted from below the city wall: "General! The vanguard of the Tang army has reached the east bank of the Boiling River and is less than twenty li away from Wugu City!"

Yuan Nanjian was inspecting the city wall from the city tower when he heard the news. He immediately climbed up the tower, raised his binoculars, and looked eastward.

On the distant horizon, a black army was slowly advancing, with armored cavalry in front and musketeers behind, their ranks orderly and their momentum imposing.

Even from twenty miles away, one could feel the chilling aura.

"General, the Tang army is here!"

Gao Yanfu strode up the city wall, his voice somewhat hurried.

Yuan Nanjian lowered his binoculars, his gaze resolute:
"What's the panic? Pass down the order: the entire army is on high alert. Gao Yanfu, go to the west bank and keep an eye on the dam. If the Tang army begins to cross the river, report back immediately!"

"Li Jixun, you guard the entrance to the mountain path. If you spot the Tang army launching a sneak attack, immediately light a fire as a signal!"

"promise!"

The two responded in unison and turned to leave.

Yuan Nanjian looked eastward again, and the figures of the Tang army became clearer and clearer.

He saw the Tang army stop on the east bank of the Boiling River and begin setting up tents, but there was no sign of them crossing the river immediately.

He knew that Li Chengqian was observing the terrain, looking for an opportunity to breach the city.

But he is not afraid.

Although Wugu City's walls were not as sturdy as Anshi City's, it had the terrain, the morale, and the soldiers and civilians willing to live and die with the city.

"Li Chengqian, if you dare to come, I will let you taste the power of Wugu City!"

Yuan Nanjian gripped the black gold sword in his hand, his voice low and firm.

Below the city gate, the people were still busy, and no one panicked because of the arrival of the Tang army.

An elderly man with white hair carried a basket of steamed buns to the foot of the city wall and handed them to the soldiers guarding the city: "Children, eat more, so you can have the strength to protect our home."

The soldier took the steamed bun, his eyes slightly red: "Don't worry, old man, we will definitely not let the Tang army into the city!"

As Yuan Nanjian watched this scene, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

He knew that as long as the army and the people were of one mind, even if the Tang army had the most powerful firearms, they would not be able to break through Wugu City.

He took a deep breath and shouted down towards the city walls:

"Soldiers and civilians! The Tang army may be strong, but it cannot take away our spirit! Today we are not only defending Wugu City, but also the land of Goguryeo!"

"As long as we work together, we will surely defeat the Tang army and protect our homeland!"

The soldiers on the city wall shouted in unison: "Defend our homeland! Hold Wugu City to the death!"

Shouts echoed throughout the city, and the people raised their tools and joined in the chant: "Defend Wugu City to the death!"

The sound echoed over the boiling water and reached the Tang army camp on the east bank.

Pei Xingjian, who was inspecting the cannons, frowned upon hearing the shouts and said to Li Chengqian beside him, "Your Highness, Yeon Namgyeon is truly good at boosting morale. This Wugu City will probably be difficult to capture."

Li Chengqian gazed at Wugu City on the west bank, and upon hearing the deafening shouts, he smiled: "The harder it is to conquer, the more meaningful it will be. Yuan Nanjian wants to defend it, so I will defend it with him. Let's see if his terrain is more advantageous, or if my firearms are more powerful."

He raised his hand to signal: "By order of the general, the musketeers shall form ranks on the east bank. Once the cannons are set up, fire three test shots at the city tower of Wugu City."

"There's no need to actually destroy it; just let Yuan Nanjian know that I've arrived."

"promise!"

Soon, the roar of cannons echoed from the Tang army's ranks.

Three cannonballs whistled through the boiling water and landed beside the city gate of Wugu City, sending shards of rock flying several feet high.

Although the soldiers on the city wall were prepared, they were still startled by the power of the cannons and took a few steps back.

Yuan Nanjian stood in the center of the city tower, letting the rubble fall around him, his eyes fixed on the Tang army formation on the east bank.

He knew that this tough battle had officially begun from this moment on.

He gripped the black gold sword tightly, with only one thought in his mind.

They held out in Wugu City until the very last moment.

(End of this chapter)