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

Chapter 435 Going to Japan and easily wiping it out [Seeking monthly votes]

The smoke of battle in Pyongyang had not yet completely dissipated, and the Tang army's giant ships on the Taedong River were still slowly cruising, the muzzles of their cannons still warm.

Surrounded by Pei Xingjian, Gao Yanshou, and others, Li Chengqian stepped onto the Daede-ro Mansion, which had once belonged to Yeon Gaesomun.

The dust had settled inside the mansion, but the bloodstains still wet on the beams and pillars silently testified to the fierce battle of the previous night.

He gestured for everyone to sit down, his gaze sweeping over the generals in the hall, and said in a deep voice:

"With Pyongyang now fallen, the situation in Goguryeo needs to be resolved quickly. The reason I have summoned you all here today is to discuss post-war resettlement and long-term strategies for the eastern frontier."

Before he finished speaking, Pei Xingjian stood up first: "Your Highness, now that Yeon Gaesomun has been captured, although the remaining forces in the city have collapsed, the people's hearts are not stable and the food shortage has not been resolved. We must first consolidate the foundation."

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, his fingertips lightly tapping the table:

"I have made a decision. Pass on my order: immediately open the Tang army's granaries and distribute grain to each household, giving each household three shi (a unit of dry measure) to alleviate the immediate crisis."

"In addition, military doctors and medics were dispatched to travel through the streets and alleys to treat the wounded and sick, treating both soldiers and civilians equally."

At this point, he looked at Gao Yanshou beside him, his tone becoming more solemn:

"General Gao, you were originally a minister of Goguryeo and are familiar with the local customs and culture."

"I hereby appoint you as the Deputy Protector-General of the Andong Protectorate, concurrently serving as the Governor of Pyongyang, and granting you the title of Duke of Lelang. You will be in charge of the civil administration of the former Goguryeo territory, responsible for registering households, ensuring the well-being of the people, and restoring agriculture and sericulture."

"You must remember that this place is now part of the Tang Dynasty, and all the people are subjects of the Tang Dynasty. You must not distinguish between them anymore. If any official mistreats the people, you may execute him first and report it later."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yanshou immediately rose and kowtowed, his voice tinged with excitement:
"Your Highness, I thank you for your trust! I will certainly live up to your expectations and ensure that the people of Liaodong live in peace and prosperity, free from the suffering of war!"

He was once forced by Li Chengqian to draw a geomantic map of Goguryeo for the Tang Dynasty, but was later released by Li Chengqian to go back to Goguryeo as a spy. He originally planned to live a carefree life thereafter.

However, he knew how formidable Li Chengqian was, and he also knew that Yeon Gaesomun had imprisoned the King of Goguryeo, so he made up his mind to raise an army in rebellion.

Regardless of the hidden agendas involved, their resolve ultimately rested on Yeon Gaesomun's regicide.

Now that he is highly valued by Li Chengqian, he can both avenge his former master and bring benefits to the people, and he has no more doubts in his heart.

"General, please rise!"

Li Chengqian helped Gao Yanshou up, then looked at Li Siyuan waiting outside the hall and said, "Registrar Li."

"Chen is here!"

Li Chengqian called out Li Siyuan's name, and seeing him quickly enter and bow, he said in a deep voice:
"Your infiltration behind enemy lines has been invaluable. You are hereby promoted to Chief Administrator of the Andong Protectorate, granted the title of Marquis of Baijiang, and awarded a thousand gold pieces. You will assist the subsequent garrison commanders in training troops and preventing a counterattack from the remaining forces in the surrounding areas. You will need to devote more attention to the military affairs in Liaodong in the future."

"Your Highness, I thank you for your promotion!"

Overjoyed, Li Siyuan prostrated himself and kowtowed, saying, "I will dedicate myself to this cause until my dying breath!"

He never imagined that he could rise to the position of Chief Secretary of the Protectorate. He knew that this was a great trust from Li Chengqian, and he had already secretly resolved to repay this kindness with military achievements.

The generals present exchanged bewildered glances.

It is truly unexpected that these two surrendered officials from Goguryeo were given such important positions.

Only Pei Xingjian and his close confidants understood that this was the Crown Prince's strategy of checks and balances.

Letting the Goguryeo people govern Goguryeo would both appease the people and create checks and balances between them.

After settling his deputies in civil and military affairs, Li Chengqian changed the subject, his gaze becoming increasingly profound:

"Liaodong, backed by the Tang Dynasty and facing the East China Sea, holds a strategically vital position. For long-term stability and security, a valiant general must be stationed there. After much thought, I believe there is only one person who can fulfill this responsibility."

Upon hearing this, all the generals held their breath and waited.

Li Chengqian slowly spoke: "I wish to recommend Xue Rengui as the Grand General of Pyongyang Road, to oversee all military and political affairs in Liaodong and guard the former territory of Goguryeo. What do you all think?"

"what?"

Xue Rengui was taken aback and stepped forward, saying, "Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Ren Gui, please calm down!"

Li Chengqian smiled and raised his hand to interrupt Xue Rengui, then looked around at the generals and said:

"Xue Rengui was the bravest of the three armies and made great achievements in his early years. During the siege of Pyongyang, he led his troops to capture the southern fortress of the city and killed several Goguryeo generals. His prestige was enough to awe all around."

"With him here, Liaodong can be at peace."

"Your Highness is wise!"

Pei Xingjian immediately echoed:
"General Xue is not only brave and skilled in military affairs, but also understands how to govern an army and cares for his soldiers. Having him guard Liaodong will not only stabilize the morale of the army, but also appease the people. He is truly the best candidate."

"Excellent! Commander Xue is suitable!"

"General Xue is stationed in Liaodong, and it is only right that he should take the lead!"

The other generals also agreed.

After all, Xue Rengui's military achievements and prestige had long been deeply rooted in the hearts of the Tang army, and no one dared to disobey him when he was stationed in Pyongyang.

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, then took out a tiger tally and handed it to Xue Rengui, saying, "I will give you three years to ensure that this land will never again harbor rebellious thoughts. Is that possible?"

Xue Rengui knelt on one knee, his voice booming: "This humble general will ensure that Goguryeo will forever serve as a bulwark for the Tang Dynasty. If anything goes wrong, I will bring you my head!"

"it is good!"

Li Chengqian nodded in satisfaction and then instructed:

"Remember three points: First, implement the equal land distribution system so that people have land to cultivate."

"Second, build schools to teach Chinese language and characters."

"Third, select talented individuals from Goguryeo to enter the Chang'an Academy of Sciences and Military Academy. Shared cultural origins are the way to long-term stability and security."

"The last general takes command!"

Immediately, Li Chengqian ordered someone to draft a memorial and send it by fast horse to Chang'an to request the emperor's approval.

Once this matter was settled, he abruptly changed the subject, his gaze turning to the east outside the hall, his tone becoming sharper:
"Now that Goguryeo has been pacified, the Japanese in the East China Sea are still stirring up trouble."

"I have heard that Japan has sent envoys to contact Goguryeo on several occasions in recent years, secretly providing Yeon Gaesomun with provisions and weapons in an attempt to contain our Great Tang."

"If these clowns are not eliminated as soon as possible, they will surely become a major threat to the eastern border in the future."

Upon hearing this, all the generals in the hall showed expressions of surprise.

During the time that Gao Yanshou and Li Siyuan returned to Goguryeo, they also heard about the actions of Japan.

Gao Yanshou was the first to stand up and say:

“Your Highness is absolutely right! Japan has repeatedly invaded the Korean Peninsula since the Sui Dynasty, and now it is secretly colluding with Yeon Gaesomun. Their ambitions are not small. If they are not punished, I fear they will continue to harass the coastal prefectures and counties of our Great Tang in the future.”

"Not bad!"

Li Siyuan echoed, "Back when we were in Chang'an, they contacted us several times, plotting something sinister. They also kidnapped many artisans from the Tang Dynasty and stole a lot of information. Such a despicable country must be eliminated!"

"Your Highness," Pei Xuan cautiously began, "our army has just fought a major battle; should we take a break?"

"My mind is made up. Once the situation in Liaodong has stabilized, I will personally lead a large army across the East China Sea and wipe out the Japanese in one fell swoop!"

Li Chengqian stood up, interrupting Pei Xuan's words, walked into the mansion, and said with a deep gaze:
"I do this for two reasons: first, to eliminate future troubles in the eastern border; and second, to demonstrate the might of our Great Tang to the world, so that neighboring countries will not dare to invade our territory again." "Your Highness, the eastern expedition requires the reliance of the navy."

Su Dingfang thought for a moment, then said:

"The dozen or so giant ships on the Daedong River today are the newly built 'Sea-Suppressing Ships' of our Great Tang Dynasty. They are sturdy and powerful, and are sufficient to deal with the Japanese navy."

"But Japan is located in the East China Sea, and the journey is long. We need to prepare food and fresh water in advance, and draw detailed nautical charts to prevent getting lost."

"Commander Su has considered everything thoroughly."

Li Chengqian approved, saying, "This matter will be entrusted to Pei Xingjian."

After saying that, he turned to Pei Xingjian and said, "Xingjian, you should immediately send someone to contact the Jiangling Navy and dispatch twenty 'Zhenhai Ships' to Pyongyang to join us."

"Prepare for another three months' worth of food, fresh water, and sufficient gunpowder and shells."

"Furthermore, have Hilde send men by ship to the coast of Japan to investigate its port defenses, naval movements, and draw up detailed nautical charts."

After saying this, he paused, then looked at Gao Yanshou:

"General Gao, you are responsible for pacifying the people of Liaodong, restoring agriculture and sericulture as soon as possible, ensuring sufficient food and fodder supplies in Pyongyang, and providing logistical support for the army's eastward crossing."

"Li Siyuan, you will assist Xue Rengui in training troops and selecting elite soldiers to be incorporated into the Eastern Expeditionary Army. You must ensure the army's combat effectiveness."

"promise!"

Everyone accepted the order in unison, and the atmosphere in the hall immediately became lively.

Destroying Goguryeo was already an unparalleled achievement. Now, if we can succeed in the strategy of destroying the Japanese, it will be a great feat of expanding the eastern frontier and spreading our might to the world. Which of the generals present would not want to participate in it and leave their name in history?
Looking at everyone's expressions, Li Chengqian was also quite excited.

He raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and said in a deep voice, "I plan to depart from Pyongyang and cross the East China Sea a month from now, on the first day of next month. Before that, everyone must perform their duties and make sure to make all the necessary preparations."

"I want the Japanese to know that those who offend our Great Tang, no matter how far away, will be punished!"

"As Your Highness commands!"

The generals shouted in unison, their voices so loud that the beams and pillars of the palace trembled slightly.

For the next month, Pyongyang was bustling with activity.

Gao Yanshou sent people all over Liaodong to appease the people, register their households, distribute grain seeds, and encourage farmers to return to the fields.

In just a few days, hundreds of thousands of people returned to their homes, and the fields were once again filled with the sight of people working in the fields.

Li Siyuan assisted Xue Rengui in selecting elite troops from the Tang army and surrendered Goguryeo soldiers to form an expeditionary force of more than 50,000 men. They trained day and night to familiarize themselves with naval warfare tactics.

Pei Xingjian traveled between Pyongyang and Gangneung, mobilizing the navy and preparing provisions.

Upon receiving the order, the Jiangling Navy quickly selected elite ships and sailors, loaded them with provisions, fresh water, and munitions, and rushed to Pyongyang day and night.

Hilde also sent people, led by Chang Wei, to sail out to sea and go deep into the coast of Japan to draw up detailed nautical charts in order to find out the deployment of the Japanese navy.

Although the Japanese navy had hundreds of warships, most of them were small vessels with outdated equipment, and they were no match for the Tang Dynasty's "Zhenhai Ship".

At this moment, the morning mist over the Daedong River had not yet dissipated. Li Chengqian stood on the deck of the "Zhenhai No. 1" ship, gazing at the sailors inspecting the cannons.

The sea breeze, carrying a salty, damp scent, swept over his armor. His fingertips had barely touched the cold cannon barrel when Pei Xingjian, carrying a gilded bronze box, hurried aboard, his expression urgent.

"Your Highness! An urgent message from Chang'an, delivered by His Majesty himself!"

Li Chengqian raised his hand to stop the noise on the deck, and when he took the bronze box, his fingertips could already feel the residual warmth of the box.

These are the traces of a fast horse traveling day and night.

As he unfolded the bright yellow imperial edict, his gaze swept over the words "Recall Li Tai" and "Remove Fang Xuanling and Li Jing from their positions as Ministers of Works." His brows furrowed suddenly, and his knuckles unconsciously tightened around the corner of the paper.

"The King of Wei is returning to Chang'an?"

Li Chengqian repeated it in a low voice, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. However, he did not show any displeasure.

But when he saw the words "Remove Li Jing from the position of Left Minister", he couldn't help but stop and ponder.

"Your Highness, the imperial edict also mentions that Li Ji will serve as Minister of War and Dai Zhou as Minister of Justice."

Pei Xingjian added: "There is also a secret letter saying that more than ten officials suspected of concealing the epidemic have been detained in Chang'an, and the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review are investigating the case overnight."

Li Chengqian unfolded the secret letter that had accompanied the imperial edict, his gaze quickly sweeping over it, his expression gradually darkening.

"Your Highness, His Majesty's move is intended to establish a balance of power," Pei Xuan couldn't help but interject from behind.

Li Chengqian turned around and said calmly, "What does Commander Pei think?"

Pei Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "His Majesty's dismissal of Chancellor Fang and Li Weigong is ostensibly an accountability measure, but in reality, it is a way to eliminate His Highness's supporters. The appointment of Wei Zheng as Right Minister is most likely to reassure His Highness."

"Wei Zheng is an upright and incorruptible man who will surely be able to rectify the court. Moreover, he has always supported Your Highness and will not allow the court to deviate from its course."

"What about Liu Ji?"

"Liu Ji is shrewd but lacks vision. Your Majesty appointed him as Left Minister to use his 'sharpness' to counterbalance Wei Zheng's 'uprightness'."

Pei Xuan's eyes flashed with wisdom: "As for summoning the Prince of Wei back to the capital, His Majesty is trying to create a rival for Your Highness to prevent Your Highness from becoming too powerful and overshadowing the emperor."

Li Chengqian scoffed, "Qingque? With him?"

"Your Highness must not underestimate the enemy."

Pei Xuan said solemnly, "The Prince of Wei enjoys a high reputation among scholars and has the support of some Shandong gentry. In addition, he has made meritorious contributions to disaster relief in Jiangnan. Now His Majesty has clearly shown his fear of Your Highness, and those forces that were originally neutral will probably side with the Prince of Wei."

Pei Xingjian interjected, "The most troublesome part is Dai Zhou's investigation. The chaos of the epidemic in Chang'an has far-reaching implications; what if someone takes the opportunity to frame us?"

"They don't dare."

Li Chengqian said with certainty, "I have destroyed four kingdoms and made unparalleled contributions in Liaodong. If anyone dares to cause trouble in Chang'an now, they are courting death."

After saying this, he walked to the table and spread out a map of the East China Sea: "Let's put aside these court infighting for now. The most urgent task is to launch an eastern expedition against Japan."

Pei Xuan couldn't help but frown and said, "Your Highness has just pacified Goguryeo, and now the court is in turmoil. Is it too hasty to launch a campaign against Japan?"

"It is precisely because we have just defeated Goguryeo that we must press our advantage and pursue them."

Li Chengqian pointed to Tsushima Island on the map:

"In recent years, Japan has been constantly harassing Silla and Baekje, and even secretly supporting Goguryeo. Its ambitions are not small. If it is not eliminated as soon as possible, it will surely become a future problem."

"As for the court..."

Li Chengqian couldn't help but sneer: "Let them run wild for a few more days. Once I've destroyed the Japanese, I'll go back and deal with them!"

Upon hearing this, Pei Xuan and Pei Xingjian exchanged a glance and said nothing more.

Although they did not know why Li Chengqian was so determined to destroy Japan, he had shown his disgust for Japan ever since he came into contact with Japanese envoys in Chang'an.

Even when Japan served as a lackey for the Tang Dynasty, they were still reluctant to accept it.

A month later, a massive fleet set off from Liaodong and slowly sailed toward Japan.

(End of this chapter)