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

After reviewing a large number of case files and visiting many places, Li Yuanchang finally finalized the selection of the remaining 11,000 people.

These people all came from Shannan West Circuit, such as Fengzhou Zhechong Prefecture, Xingzhou Zhechong Prefecture, etc.

These troops mostly came from areas bordering Liangzhou, seemingly forming a unified whole.

When it was handed over to Li Shimin, it immediately aroused his suspicion.

"Why are they all soldiers from the prefectural garrisons of Shannan West Circuit? You don't want the border troops, so what's the meaning of picking soldiers from remote and impoverished prefectural garrisons?"

"Do you think they can be stronger than the border troops?" Li Shimin frowned.

Changsun Wuji and the others were also completely confused, and it took them a long time to choose these people.

You say he's suspected of forming cliques for personal gain, but he's going to use these troops to fight Goguryeo!

Moreover, given the structure of these military units, it would be impossible for them to rebel.

Li Yuanchang remained expressionless and said directly, "Your Majesty, although their combat capabilities are far inferior to those of the border troops, they have long resided in the mountainous areas of Shannan West Circuit and are better suited to mountain warfare. This is why I chose all the soldiers from Shannan West Circuit."

"I spent several years in Shannan West Circuit and I know the situation there very well. Whether these soldiers are farming or suppressing bandits, they often have to cross a dozen or twenty high mountains on a single trip."

"Such things are commonplace for them, and adapting to local conditions makes them the best choice to go to Goguryeo."

This reason is arguably flawless, because Sannam West Province is indeed mountainous with many ups and downs, and apart from the weather, it almost overlaps with Goguryeo.

After listening, Li Shimin said nothing more.

After much deliberation, he said, "Alright, then it's up to you!"

"What about the officers? This list only includes military personnel, but no generals."

Li Yuanchang said, "Your Majesty, in order to ensure fairness and avoid suspicion, I have decided to conduct a fair selection process to prevent anyone from falsely accusing me of favoritism and malice."

As he spoke, he deliberately glanced at Changsun Wuji, not for any other reason than to disgust the person opposite him.

All eyes turned to Changsun Wuji; wasn't this clearly referring to Lord Changsun?

Changsun Wuji's face darkened for a moment, but he couldn't possibly identify with the person in question.

Li Shimin glanced at Changsun Wuji, then looked at Li Yuanchang, a hint of guilt flashing in his eyes. Perhaps he shouldn't have been so wary.

"Alright, trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust. You don't need to consult me ​​on this matter anymore; you can make the decision yourself."

"However, troop movements and officer selections must be conducted secretly."

"There are spies from Goguryeo within the Tang Dynasty. This is also to prevent information from leaking. In addition, what I will announce to the public is your routine military duties and stationing on the frontier. I will not announce that we are attacking Goguryeo, so as not to cause unrest among the people."

"In this way, it achieves multiple goals at once, do you understand?"

Li Yuanchang breathed a sigh of relief; his strategy of retreating to advance had been the right move.

Only in this way can Li Shimin, who is suspicious in his later years, put aside his grudges.

"Yes."

"Furthermore, I would like to humbly request another person from Your Majesty."

"Tell me, who do you want? Is it the second son of one of those families? Or that famous general in the court?" Li Shimin asked.

Li Yuanchang shook his head: "Neither."

"What I need is the resolute and courageous General Xue Rengui."

When the name Xue Rengui was mentioned, Li Shimin seemed to have some impression of it, but not a deep one.

Xue Rengui was not famous during this period. Even though he was the bravest warrior in the battle of Anshi City and invincible in white robes, he still did not receive enough recognition and was only promoted to the rank of Guoyi.

General Guo Yi was a mid-level general under the Fubing system, which was not really anything special.

What truly propelled Xue Rengui to prominence was the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang.

Li Yuanchang had already made inquiries privately and, based on some historical events, he speculated that due to Xue Rengui's background and his upright and unyielding character, a large portion of his military achievements in the Goguryeo campaign must have been embezzled.

After Li Shimin returned, he rewarded many meritorious people, most of whom were sons of nobles. However, Xue Rengui only received a mid-level general position, which was still within the Fubing system.

Unlike the impersonation depicted in movies and TV dramas, embezzlement without military merit is more common.

This is also one of the reasons why Li Yuanchang wanted people; if he could intercept them and use them for his own purposes, that would be incredible.

Xue Rengui was a true warrior capable of defeating ten thousand men, a true general, unmatched by Wan Jun, Huang Tu, Guo Chao, and others.

They are also the subordinates he lacks most right now.

At this moment, someone whispered something in Li Shimin's ear.

"So this is the person. This young general is quite good. He performed exceptionally well in the battle against Goguryeo and is familiar with the area. You can take him if you want."

"But you only want this person?" Li Shimin's eyes once again showed surprise and doubt.

In his view, Li Yuanchang's selection of soldiers and generals was extremely casual.

The decision was made in just a few days, and he didn't ask for a famous general or a powerful army. He had even been wondering whether to give in if Li Yuanchang's requested army was too elite or the number of personnel too large.

As a result, this is it?

"Yes, Your Majesty, that's all I need. The rest is the preparations for the expedition. I can complete them in less than a month," Li Yuanchang said.

Li Shimin took a deep breath and gave Li Yuanchang a long look.

"Good, I hope you can replicate the feat of the Xueyantuo's military camp."

"Go."

"I will ensure your cooperation in all matters and will not hold you back!"

"Yes!" Li Yuanchang clasped his hands in a fist salute and then left.

"etc."

Li Shimin called out to him again.

Li Yuanchang turned around and bowed.

Li Shimin slowly descended the steps, his steps no longer as vigorous as before, showing a hint of weariness.

"Do you blame me?"

"What's wrong with His Majesty?"

Li Shimin said calmly, "It's about the Gaoshan tribe."

Li Yuanchang shook his head: "The ruler is the ruler, and the subject is the subject. I dare not."

Li Shimin looked at him, seemingly trying to find traces of a lie, but he couldn't find any.

Finally, he reached out and patted Li Yuanchang on the shoulder.

"Seventh brother, you must understand my good intentions. Sometimes I have no choice in the matter."

"However, in my heart, you will always be my most trusted brother. Do a good job, and if you win, I will never treat you unfairly!"

"A man of his word, always keeping his promises!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanchang's face lit up with excitement: "Thank you, Your Majesty! I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

Li Yuanchang smiled with satisfaction: "Go ahead."

"yes!"

When Li Yuanchang turned around, his smile vanished instantly, replaced by a cold sneer in his heart.

When things are peaceful, Zhong Wuyan is there; when things are troubled, Xia Yingchun is there.

Now they're talking about brotherly love and respect, making empty promises. It wasn't like this before. If it was useful, they were used; if it wasn't, they were sacrificed!

You, Li Shimin, may be right, you have your stance, but I, Li Yuanchang, also have mine!