In my dream of returning to the Tang Dynasty, I snatched Wu Zetian from my lap.

"Your Majesty, you mustn't!" Changsun Wuji was still the first to object.

Even Li Jing and Fang Xuanling frowned at this moment, thinking that Li Yuanchang's request was a bit too much.

But Li Yuanchang was very determined. He raised his head and said, "I know this is against the rules, but I want to ensure the success of the attack."

"This offensive by me will be different from any previous battle of the Great Tang Dynasty. I will select generals and soldiers who are suitable for mountain warfare."

"Soldiers must also be selected who can adapt to various harsh climates."

"Most importantly, the appointment of generals will directly determine the efficiency of command. If Your Majesty were to give me an elite force of 20,000 men right now, which would be completely ready-made, it would take me some time just to adapt to it."

"I hope to select people myself, to choose suitable people, to increase efficiency. At the same time, I also want to make some targeted changes to the system and strictly eliminate those cowardly and opportunistic scoundrels."

"Only when everyone is of one mind can a single, decisive blow be delivered!"

After saying this, Li Yuanchang cupped his hands and bowed, indicating his resolute decision.

Li Shimin remained silent, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

The appointment and dismissal of military personnel were all handed over to Li Yuanchang, which meant that the imperial court had no control over this army.

But what Li Yuanchang said also seems to make a lot of sense.

He had heard of the Xueyantuo surprise attack and the three-three system used to suppress bandits in Liangzhou. He knew that their organization was different from the traditional organization of the Tang Dynasty's border troops, but it was very efficient.

"Granted!" He remained silent for a long time before responding forcefully.

Changsun Wuji's expression changed slightly.

But Li Shimin reached out a hand to stop him from speaking, and then stared intently at Li Yuanchang.

"I grant you special privileges. Apart from the Imperial Guards, you are free to select soldiers from all over the country. I also give you the authority to make personnel appointments and dismissals."

"However, this matter is beyond the bounds of the law. All military officers and their wives, children and families must remain in Chang'an."

This was how ancient imperial power restricted armies fighting abroad. There was almost no room for negotiation on this matter; if you tried to talk about it, it would be seen as plotting against them.

Li Yuanchang understood that although Li Shimin did not say anything to him, the subtext was clear: the family members of the Prince of Han's residence could not leave his side for even a moment.

Feudal politics has always been like this.

So Li Yuanchang was prepared and nodded directly: "Yes!"

Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction.

Changsun Wuji and the others' expressions calmed down a bit. For Chang'an, these family members who stayed behind were the pillars that controlled the army outside.

……

As Li Yuanchang emerged from Xuanwu Gate, his mood inexplicably became somewhat heavy.

He had no intention of threatening imperial power and believed he had acted in accordance with his conscience, yet he still ended up in this situation.

This incident with the mountain tribe completely alienated him from Li Shimin.

He looked up at the gloomy winter sky and exhaled a puff of white mist.

Where should we go from here?

Goguryeo must be attacked. Only by attacking can he legitimately preserve his power while leaving Chang'an and the most dangerous region.

But after defeating Goguryeo, his achievements overshadowed the emperor's, which was obvious.

Li Shimin wanted to punish and warn him for not destroying Goguryeo, let alone for achieving such an unparalleled feat.

"Ugh."

A faint sigh emanated from within the ancient and secluded palace walls.

Two pairs of eyes gazed at Li Yuanchang's lonely figure as he left.

"Is the Duke of Yingguo lamenting for the King of Han?" Fang Xuanling's white hair fluttered in the wind as the two stood side by side.

Li Ji nodded, his voice calm and composed, steadfast despite the trials and tribulations he had endured.

"The King of Han was too sentimental. For the sake of more than a hundred personal guards, he took on the mission from Goguryeo."

"To be honest, I'm not optimistic about this mission."

Fang Xuanling frowned: "So you think the King of Han is bound to lose?"

Li Ji shook his head: "It's not fair to say that we're bound to lose. After all, the Prince of Han is not a greenhorn. He has extremely strong military talent. He has already proven himself in the battle against Xueyantuo."

"It's just that Goguryeo is too difficult to conquer. There are too many challenges from non-combat factors. As Duke Wei said, there is no way to take down Goguryeo in a short time."

"In my opinion, the King of Han may not necessarily lose, but it will be difficult for him to conquer Goguryeo."

"But he made a pledge."

"I was worried for him."

"If the King of Han hadn't brought this up, things would have been fine. But now, it's creating a vicious cycle."

Fang Xuanling understood the unspoken meaning and couldn't help but feel melancholy.

"The King of Han is a talented person, a rare talent."

"But he is at odds with too many people and has affected the interests of too many people. From His Majesty's perspective, he has his reasons."

"It's just a pity, a real pity for the King of Han."

"He didn't do anything wrong."

"well……"

As he spoke, he sighed. As a senior official during the Zhenguan era, his position was also quite complex.

On one side was Li Shimin, whom he was loyal to and trusted.

On one side was Li Yuanchang, whom he admired and was grateful to.

He didn't know how to put it, but things seemed to be heading towards an unbalanced situation.

If things continue like this, Li Yuanchang is bound to fall into a huge pit; this is almost foreseeable.

Li Ji then looked at him with a wry smile: "Lord Fang, I suddenly realized that if the King of Han really manages to take over Goguryeo, things will get really interesting."

Fang Xuanling was taken aback upon hearing this, and then his aged and kind facial expression suddenly became strange and complicated.

"this……"

"The probability is too low, isn't it?"

"Even if the probability is small, it's still possible. Look at how Han Wang looked just now. He didn't seem to be just saying it out of anger. In all these years, he has never failed." Li Ji frowned.

Fang Xuanling gradually realized this problem as well, and exchanged a glance with Li Ji.

The expressions of the two men were both serious and solemn!

The two spoke in cryptic language, and although they didn't say it clearly, they both understood each other perfectly: Li Shimin's magnanimity and Li Jing's reclusive nature.

This is a tacit understanding between the ruler and his minister; if either of them goes too far, everything will fall apart.

In some ways, Li Yuanchang was more threatening than Li Jing.

Why?

No matter how much of a military genius Li Jing was, how unparalleled his military strategy was, or how much prestige he enjoyed in the army, he was never of royal blood, which fundamentally determined the impossibility of certain things for him.

But Li Yuanchang was different.

This is the Crown Prince's own uncle, a true descendant of the Great Ancestor.

Once one's military achievements are outstanding, one's prestige is astounding, and one has the support of a large number of wealthy merchants...

The thought sent a chill down Li Ji's spine.

Since ancient times, those who achieve great merit will inevitably overshadow their ruler! Now is the time for His Majesty to support the Crown Prince and make preparations for his succession.

The two dared not speak any further, and all that remained was silence, and more silence.

My heart is filled with complex emotions, and even more complex ones.

"..."

After leaving Xuanwu Gate, Li Yuanchang was preoccupied with many thoughts and didn't want to return to the Prince of Han's residence immediately, nor did he know how to tell his family.

He wandered around aimlessly, and before he knew it, he had arrived near Changhong Temple.

Since he was already there, he simply went inside. Consort Yin possessed extraordinary intelligence, resilience, and maturity; she was a true older sister.

He also wanted to talk to relieve his frustration.