Chapter 245 Li Chengqian’s arrangement, a luxurious lineup

The fire raged and the sound of horses’ hooves shook the sky.

Although the rebels were all experienced warriors, they were in chaos as there was no leader in the central army.

Wherever the Tang flags arrived, they all fell to the ground and surrendered.

Overnight.

All 100,000 troops surrendered.

Zhang Liang and his descendants all died in the army, adding a thick stroke to the merit book of others.

In this battle, Cheng Gongying got the first credit due to his planning.

On the second day after the battle, the tightly closed Xuanwu Gate was finally opened.

Li Zhi went to court, supervised the administration of the country, and rewarded people according to their merits.

Ten days later, troops from various places arrived one after another to support the king, and those rebel troops that had previously fled were completely wiped out.

The massive rebellion came to an end.

At this time, all crises in the Tang Dynasty were resolved, and it seemed as if things had returned to the past.

But soon, the northern expedition team returned.

When Li Shimin passed away, the whole country felt sad.

The end of one era marks the beginning of another.

Li Zhi had no time to grieve and began to strengthen centralization of power. His time had already come.

Li Chengqian was unaware of this.

However, when great changes took place in the Tang Dynasty, he also completed the shift of political focus.

The city walls of Liaodong City are towering into the clouds, and the sunlight shines on the bluestone-paved streets, reflecting a prosperous scene.

In a magnificent mansion in the city, Li Chengqian was sitting on the main throne, his face handsome yet majestic. His deep eyes were as calm as water at this moment, slowly scanning the people sitting below.

Starting from Li Chengqian’s seat, the first people who came into view were Li Zhen and Cheng Chumo.

They stood side by side, looking calm. These two were the first to support Li Chengqian, and as the sons of the Dukes, they held prominent positions; they had also made great contributions in many previous battles, so they firmly occupied the C position, and this arrangement was beyond reproach.

Looking further down, the rest are all rising stars.

Among them, although Liu Rengui has entered middle age, his eyes are sharp, revealing the calmness and wisdom of a veteran in the battlefield.

The remaining few, such as Pei Xingjian, Cheng Mingzhen, Gao Kan, Xue Rengui and Heichi Changzhi, were all young and full of vigor and vitality.

Although these young people are still young, each of them exudes a unique temperament and charm.

If we turn back the time to the prosperous Tang Dynasty when there were many brilliant generals and strategists, any one of them would be able to stand out among the many talented people and occupy an important position.

Moreover, the experience of each of them can be called a legendary story, worthy of being passed down through the ages by future generations.

The people in front of him are Li Chengqian’s team.

For some reasons, Li Ji, Li Daozon, Xue Wanche and Zhang Shigui were unable to attend this political meeting.

However, such a lineup is also very luxurious.

At this time, there was silence in the lobby. Everyone was silent, but everyone’s eyes met from time to time, as if they were communicating something secretly.

There is no doubt that everyone is quietly waiting for Li Chengqian to speak.

In fact, everyone present was a sharp-minded person, and they all had some guesses in their minds about the current situation and the actions Li Chengqian was about to take.

Especially now that all the political leaders have been recalled to Liaodong, this premonition has become even stronger.

Li Chengqian will definitely make a big move next!

Li Chengqian’s gaze slowly swept across the crowd and finally stopped on Pei Xingjian.

Speaking of comprehensive abilities, Pei Xingjian can definitely be regarded as the number one figure in Li Chengqian’s team. He is the one who has achieved the highest achievement of a military general – becoming a general and a prime minister.

Before this, he personally commanded Liaodong Road and was fully responsible for all affairs there.

“Shou Yue, what is the current situation on the Liaodong border?”

Li Chengqian asked softly, his tone seemed calm, but in fact he was concerned about the overall situation of the world.

Pei Xingjian quickly stood up, clasped his fists and saluted towards Li Chengqian, then answered in an orderly manner:
“Reporting to Your Highness, it is all thanks to Your Highness’s great power that the Mohe and Khitan tribes that dared to provoke our Tang army have now retreated.”

“In addition, we have already sent envoys to these tribes to sternly question their disrespectful behavior.”

Having said this, Pei Xingjian paused for a moment.

“In addition, the people in Liaodong Road live and work in peace and contentment, resting and recuperating, and no one is disturbed.”

With Pei Xingjian in charge, Liaodong Road was indeed as solid as a rock.

“It’s not my credit. The fact that the people in the four regions of Liaodong can rest and recuperate is all thanks to you.”

“Everyone, do you have any advice for the future?”

Li Chengqian smiled. His two brushes were useless after they were used up.

They have no experience in local governance. They can only talk and the rest of the work is done by these people.

The hall also fell silent.

They all knew that serious business was about to begin.

Although they were all intelligent and brave, they were unable to guess what Li Chengqian was thinking.

Even if I could guess it, I couldn’t tell.

The mind of a monarch is hard to fathom; how can it be investigated by his subjects?

“We are stupid, please show us your instructions, Your Highness!”

After a long time, the mature and steady Liu Rengui stood up and spoke.

This group of old Deng is too steady.

No one spoke first, allowing Li Chengqian to speak freely.

“The Mohe, Khitan and other countries have invaded our border without reason. How can we just give up? I have decided to station troops and horses to go on the expedition next year!”

Li Chengqian made the decision immediately.

“Your Highness, the troops have been dismissed. The newly recruited soldiers are not good at fighting, and there are not many of them. I am afraid it will be difficult to start a war next year.”

Pei Xingjian said worriedly.

Less than a year after the battle ended, war broke out again. It was obvious that the conditions on all sides did not allow it.

“General Pei is right. Moreover, we all know that the Mohe, Khitan, and Shiwei countries all acted under orders. If we launch a war against them, the Tang court may also take action.”

Liu Rengui also advised.

In their view, the four regions of Liaodong definitely do not have the strength to compete with the Tang Dynasty.

They could only take a defensive position and rely on the mountain city’s defense to avoid defeat.

“They are just some minions. Weren’t the Japanese pirates also destroyed by Your Highness? Maybe those people in the court would like to see this.”

Li Zhen said that he had the latest information.

Not to mention small countries like Mohe, even the Tang Dynasty would have the military strength to withstand it by next year.

“How could you not know that the Tang Dynasty does not want to destroy the surrounding countries?”

Cheng Chumo simply spoke frankly.

The Tang Dynasty was warlike in nature.

From the end of the Sui Dynasty to the reign of Emperor Gaozong, there was not a single year without war.

Loving peace and tolerating foreigners are just slogans.

During the Zhenguan period, countless countries were destroyed. Those who talk about civilization, including all nations, are just flattering themselves.

“That being said, this is undoubtedly an excuse for the court.”

Several of them had experienced military affairs, so who wouldn’t know about the military affairs of the Tang Dynasty?

All a small country needs to be destroyed is an excuse.

Gaochang Kingdom’s attack on Lin Kingdom had nothing to do with the Tang Dynasty, so it still paid all the tribute it was supposed to.

The excuse was that they were not peace-loving, and so their country was destroyed.

This is the true face of the nuclear-loving Tang Dynasty.

“Hasn’t the imperial court already taken action against us? Why do we need another excuse? The rebellion of the Mohe and Japanese pirates was caused by this.”

“I also know that now that peace has just been achieved in various places, it is not appropriate to start a war. However, if we do not remove his minions before the court is stable, they will surely become a hindrance to us in the future.”

This is a fighter plane.

Anyway, he could not get along well with the rulers of the Tang Dynasty.

It’s better to strike first.

Moreover, the surrounding countries must always achieve unification.

It’s better to do it sooner rather than later.

“Since Your Highness has made this decision, we will certainly do our best to implement it. Please give us your instructions.”

After several people looked at each other, they stood up almost at the same time and spoke in unison.

They had to admit that when it came to strategic vision, each of them felt deeply that they were far inferior to the prince in front of them.

At this moment, Li Chengqian’s sharp eyes like an eagle slowly moved downwards, and finally landed steadily on the last row of seats.

In an instant, Gao Kan and Xue Rengui felt their whole bodies tremble violently.

In terms of the closeness of their relationship with His Highness, they obviously could not be compared with Li Zhen and Cheng Chumo;

When it comes to the ability to lead troops in battle and the use of tactics and strategies, they are also no match for Pei Xingjian and Liu Rengui.

However, at this moment, Li Chengqian shouted loudly: “Gao Kan, Xue Rengui, listen to my orders!”

In fact, Li Chengqian already had a plan in mind on how to deal with those countries in the north.

If you want to completely conquer these countries, simply relying on some conspiracy to defeat the other side is often only a superficial victory and cannot truly win their hearts.

After all, the northern region has always advocated the use of force. Only by defeating them in the field of combat, which they are best at and most proud of, can they develop a sense of awe for the Tang Dynasty from the bottom of their hearts and be convinced.

Among the many generals, Xue Rengui can undoubtedly be regarded as the pinnacle of military strength in the Tang Dynasty.

Especially when facing a northern country like Mohe, which is known for its bravery and fighting skills, sending Xue Rengui to the expedition is simply the most appropriate choice.

Gao Kan was also a man of extraordinary martial arts skills. He was good at using spears and swords. He would always break through the enemy lines during every charge. His military exploits were all earned with his sword and spear, laying the foundation for the Gao family of the Tang Dynasty.

“The general is here!”

Immediately afterwards, two figures walked out side by side, their steps steady and powerful, their postures as straight as pine trees.

The two men held their heads high, their eyes sparkling, revealing immense confidence and heroism, and their voices were full of energy.
Fighting on the battlefield is the highest honor for a soldier; although these two had followed others to fight before, their achievements were not outstanding. Now that they have the opportunity to fight on their own, they are naturally very happy.

After all, who doesn’t want to use their own strength to create something earth-shaking?
You have to know that before this, they mostly acted under the command of other generals, and even if they achieved some success, most of the credit would often be taken by their superiors.

But this time it was different. They finally got the opportunity to lead the battle alone and fully realize their ambitions.

It just so happens that both of them need such an opportunity.

At this time, how could Li Chengqian not do what he wanted and be grateful to them for their help?
“Generals, I believe you are aware of the current situation in our states. We are short of soldiers and food.”

“But I need to intimidate the barbarian country. If I allocate 5,000 elite cavalry to you, do you have the courage to lead this army deep behind enemy lines and demonstrate our military might?”

Li Chengqian stared at the two people in front of him with a serious tone.

Li Chengqian is now taking the path of elite troops.

Sending these 5,000 cavalrymen to attack the northern country is not only to show off one’s strength, but also to take this opportunity to train the new recruits and improve the overall combat effectiveness in order to cope with more difficult battles.

Hearing Li Chengqian’s question, Xue Rengui and Gao Kan looked at each other and answered in unison: “We, the generals, are willing to sign a military order and swear not to return until we have conquered their country!”

Before he finished speaking, the two men knelt on one knee, clenched their right fists in front of their chests, and looked solemn, showing their heroic qualities. They were like two gods of war, exuding a fearless aura.

Both of them are brave and good at fighting, and one of them dares to charge into the army alone.

With five thousand cavalry under his command, how could he be afraid of the enemy?

In fact, five thousand cavalrymen are already a lot, and their combat effectiveness is comparable to that of an ordinary army of 50,000.

In the past, a cavalry army of 5,000 would require at least 30,000 logistical supply troops.

During the Han Dynasty, Huo Qubing led 50,000 cavalrymen to attack the Huns, and the logistical support troops numbered more than 200,000. That battle also greatly consumed the Han Dynasty’s foundation.

“Okay, we should have the glory of our dynasty, but listen carefully, we only have 5,000 cavalry and no other logistical supplies.”

Li Chengqian said again, it was obvious that he wanted to gain the greatest results at a very small cost.

You don’t give the horse grass to eat, but you still want the horse to run.

Upon hearing this, all the generals’ faces darkened.

Deep behind enemy lines and without any guarantee, no matter who comes, no one can guarantee that they can complete the mission.

“We will definitely live up to your highness’s expectations!”

Xue Rengui and Gao Kan held their heads high, and only in this way could the challenge be made more difficult.

“In the past, the Champion Marquis could penetrate deep into the northern desert with only 800 cavalrymen, and use battles to support his war. We are the descendants, and we also have the experience of our predecessors, so why should we be afraid?”

“Your Highness, I would like to emulate the heroic deeds of the Champion Marquis and lead 800 warriors to attack their country.”

Xue Rengui said again that although he was eager to achieve success.

But this was not entirely an act of hot-blooded impulse; it was also the result of careful consideration.

Without post-supply, the more people you lead, the more difficult it will be to solve the problem.

“General Xue is right. If our predecessors could do it, why can’t we? I am willing to lead only 800 Tiger Cavalry to destroy their country. I will not return until the country is destroyed.”

Gao Kan’s bloodiness was also aroused.

Their lofty ambitions make people’s blood boil.

“Great! I have approved it. Within the four regions, anyone that the two generals like can be selected without further notification.”

Li Chengqian approved it immediately without any hesitation.

He also had great trust in Xue Rengui and Gao Kan.

To others, this is impossible.

However, what both of them did were historically impossible.

Gao Kan led 8,000 soldiers deep into the enemy’s territory, crossed thousands of miles, destroyed the Chebi Khanate, captured Chebi Khan alive, and presented him to Chang’an.

His achievement was the Tang version of Fenglangjuxu.

The territory of the Tang Dynasty was extended to the northernmost area north of the Altai Mountains, which was also the northernmost part of the territory.

If it were in other dynasties, Gao Kan’s reputation would surely be at its peak.

However, during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, such achievements could only allow him to be included in the ranks of famous generals.

Needless to say, Xue Rengui conquered Tianshan with three arrows and 100,000 Tiele people surrendered.

“promise!”

After the two men bowed, they stepped back together and joined the line.

(End of this chapter)