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

It took Xue Rengui a long time to calm down before he bowed and clasped his hands in greeting: "Your Highness, this humble servant is willing to serve as Your Highness's vanguard in the campaign against Goguryeo!"

"A general as fierce as you is wasting his talents as a mere foot soldier. I want you to be the vanguard general!" Li Yuanchang blurted out.

In any army, the vanguard general is a highly important general, and such people have the highest probability of gaining merit.

The saying "In Shu, there are no great generals, so Liao Hua is made the vanguard" has been a laughing stock for thousands of years. Generally speaking, people without a rich resume simply cannot serve as vanguards.

Xue Rengui was taken aback and filled with doubt.

"Your Highness, it's me?"

"Yes, you!"

Xue Rengui frowned: "Your Highness, I was originally just a lowly soldier. Fortunately, I have made some contributions and become a brave soldier, but I am far from being a vanguard of the army. I don't quite understand why Your Highness values ​​me so much."

"I don't understand why Your Highness, with your status, would condescend to bring your family to the Prince of Han's residence on my behalf."

A hint of appreciation flashed in Li Yuanchang's eyes.

Most people, upon encountering such a wonderful event, would be so excited that they would immediately express their gratitude.

But Xue Rengui did not. Despite such a huge promotion, he remained calm and true to his original aspirations, and had a clear understanding of himself.

Do you believe in fate?

"Destiny?"

Xue Rengui paused for a moment upon hearing this, then nodded: "When I was young, a wandering Taoist priest once told me that no matter how much a person schemes, it is no match for the casual stroke of fate."

"I believe that many things are indeed predestined; otherwise, so many capable people wouldn't have met such an untimely end."

Li Yuanchang smiled, and then began to speak: "After I decided to do this, one night I had a dream."

"An old immortal sat on a rock, with a giant crane beside him. In my dream, he gave me a plaque."

"It says 'Longmen County, Jiangzhou, Xue Lang'."

"He said that I was destined to have this person in my life, and that you were destined to have me in yours. We had a bond in our past life, and we will surely be brothers in this life."

Upon hearing this, Xue Rengui was astonished.

Is that amazing?

But thinking about it, it makes sense. Otherwise, how could His Highness the Prince of Han know about him?

"I searched and searched, and I actually found it."

"You are the one I dreamt of!"

"The moment I first saw you, I felt an immediate sense of familiarity."

"Your Highness, I also have one!" Xue Rengui exclaimed in shock. Could it be that he really knew him in his past life?

Li Yuanchang almost laughed at himself, thinking that with his enthusiasm and constant address of "Brother Xue," it would be strange if he didn't feel close to him.

Although he was talking nonsense, his motives were good.

In ancient times, people believed in gods and dreams. Sharing such dreams could immediately bring two people closer together.

While the bond between Xue Rengui and Li Shimin's fathers wasn't yet too strong, he quickly intercepted them.

This person was already the strongest general during the late Zhenguan period and the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang. People like Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong were really getting old.

"Not only that, I have the ability to recognize talent. You will surely achieve great things in the future, and your accomplishments will be no less than those of the twenty-four ministers of Lingyan Pavilion!" Li Yuanchang blurted out, his expression solemn.

Xue Rengui was startled, feeling both embarrassed and excited: "Your Highness, this humble servant dares not."

"What is there to be afraid of? Trust me, you are definitely not mortal!"

"Even if you are just a lowly soldier, I firmly believe that you can soar to great heights and become an unparalleled general!"

Upon hearing this, how could Xue Rengui remain unmoved?

He was just a country bumpkin with no connections, yet he was so admired.

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Before Li Yuanchang could finish speaking, he stood up again and said, "I also checked, did someone embezzle your military achievements in Goguryeo?"

Xue Rengui shook his head: "No, no, Your Highness, we fought together and everyone shed blood, so naturally we should share the spoils equally."

This statement essentially confirmed the claim.

"Hmph, these noble sons only know how to covet merit. I knew that with your fighting strength, you shouldn't have only been granted the title of Guoyi. Have they been suppressing you?" Li Yuanchang said indignantly.

Xue Rengui was clearly right, but he was afraid that Li Yuanchang would stand up for him.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, but no, it's not true."

"I have already received the reward and am very satisfied."

Li Yuanchang took a deep breath: "Alright, but from now on, I'll protect you. Don't be afraid of anyone."

Upon hearing this, Xue Rengui felt nothing but gratitude and warmth.

The person who appears in the dream is a predestined connection from a past life, a mentor and a horse, a champion of justice, and all sorts of buffs are stacked on top of each other.

"This humble servant thanks Your Highness for your kindness!"

"If Your Highness does not find it offensive, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse!"

He cupped his hands in greeting, his words brief, but they sounded different coming from someone as somewhat dull and unfamiliar with officialdom as him.

Some people talk to everyone they meet, while others keep their word.

Li Yuanchang reached out and helped the person up.

"With you by my side, what do I have to fear from Goguryeo!"

"Come, I, the King, will personally present you with a set of fine equipment!"

"Your Highness, I cannot accept rewards without merit," Xue Rengui said, feeling embarrassed.

"Oh, that's too polite. Come with me!"

Li Yuanchang grabbed him without warning and led him away. His enthusiasm and friendliness made it impossible to tell that he was a prince, let alone the Prince of Qin, who held the greatest real power.

Even if a landlord in Chang'an were recruiting long-term workers, he wouldn't be this enthusiastic.

……

With Xue Rengui joining his ranks, Li Yuanchang's forces grew even stronger.

At this time, from Li Shimin to the civil and military officials, no one knew the true potential and combat power of Li Yuanchang's seemingly impossible army of 20,000 men.

Since Li Shimin had already given the word that Li Yuanchang had full authority to make the decisions, he did not need to select military officers in Chang'an with the intervention of the imperial court.

He decided to postpone everything until they met at Tongguan.

He then spent ten days securing the necessary supplies and provisions for the army.

Because of his position as Minister of War, he had great convenience in doing things. All the supplies and warhorses were the best. With Li Shimin's approval, no one dared to cause him any trouble.

As for provisions, in addition to those brought from the imperial court, Li Yuanchang also had his own channels, with two major merchant houses from the Northern Song and Southern Qin dynasties providing him with supplies.

Although transportation is difficult, at least it is guaranteed.

As of May 7th.

Li Yuanchang had completed all the work required for the army's departure, and he began to prepare for various family matters after his departure.

First, he went to the Han Prince's Mansion, where he spent time with his family and gathered a group of trusted confidants, including Su Gui, Guo Chao, and Yuan Tong. Apart from the hundred people from the Gaoshan tribe, he did not intend to take anyone else with him.

This guard, which still numbers about three hundred men, is the pillar of strength he left for the Prince of Han's residence, and it will be of great use in critical moments.

In addition, he left three brocade pouches for Su Gui, instructing her to continue managing the affairs of the Prince of Han's residence.

But this time was different from the last. Last time, Su Gui was in charge of all matters, but this time Wu Meiniang was also entrusted with many things.

However, Wu Meiniang never appeared in the Han Prince's Mansion, and no one knew that Ling Shuang of the Eastern Palace was Wu Meiniang.