Chapter 247 What the Tang Dynasty lacks is a world map

“If there is any use for the old generals, I will certainly make arrangements.”

“However, now that it is freezing cold, the old generals should not think too much. We already have a commander-in-chief, and we want to start the war next year.”

“But the situation is changing so fast right now, we can only let them go first.”

Li Chengqian had finally managed to keep these people under his control, but when the situation was unclear, he still found it difficult to entrust them with important tasks.

These three people were all loyal generals of Li Shimin.

Xue Wanxue’s eyes were full of disappointment. He might not have thought so much, he was just warlike.

“Oh, Your Highness has already chosen someone?”

Li Dao Zong asked, with a hint of worry in his tone.

The present division can only be described as civil strife.

However, judging from Li Chengqian’s statements, he always regarded himself as a minister of the Tang Dynasty, so the four regions of Liaodong were actually Tang territory.

If the army is sent out carelessly, it will be the Tang State that will suffer.

Moreover, marching in the cold winter is too complicated and only veterans who have experienced many battles can be responsible for it.

“King Jiangxia is also very familiar with these two people. They are Xue Li and Gao Kan who were under your command before.”

Hearing this, the three of them nodded in agreement. They all had an impression of these two people.

This is also what they wanted to cultivate rising stars.

“These two are both extremely brave and powerful, and are both rare warriors in a century. However, they are still too young and do not have much experience in battle. It would be a bit risky for them to lead an army alone.”

Li Daozon advised against it.

Bravery cannot be directly linked to leadership ability.

“King Jiangxia is right about what he is worried about. These two are still young. It would be best if we use them as deputies and select an experienced veteran as the main general.”

“Moreover, this can also be used to train the two of them. After some time, they will be able to take charge on their own.”

Zhang Shigui immediately echoed.

Almost all famous generals started from the grassroots level and worked their way up step by step.

Few people can lead an army in their coming-of-age years.

“What the old generals said makes sense, but I think that leading an army is a talent. Otherwise, among tens of thousands of soldiers, only a few can become famous generals.”

“And Gao Kan and Xue Li are both like the Champion Marquis Huo Qubing. They are both natural born generals. Even if they are not as good as the Champion Marquis, they are not much worse. It is enough to attack the barbarians in the north.”

Li Chengqian remained unmoved.

Knowing the good in people is his only advantage.

“Your Highness, this battle is of great importance. Success or failure not only affects the life and death of one army, but also the survival of the people of the four directions.”

Li Daozon explained the pros and cons and wanted Li Chengqian to change his mind.

“When the situation is life and death, I should trust my subordinates more, right? And I should give young people more opportunities, right?”

Li Chengqian remained indifferent, as if he was unaware of the impact of failure.

“That being said, there are many generals in the four paths now, so it is not the time to risk everything. I hope Your Highness can consider it carefully.”

“I hope Your Highness will think twice!”

The three of them bowed in unison.

“I am taking a risk. I wonder if you old generals have any suitable candidates to recommend?”

To be on the safe side, we do need a commander to take charge of the overall situation.

Moreover, Xue Rengui has another curse.

When he was a deputy general, he was victorious in every battle.

But when he became the main general, he was defeated miserably.

The three of them looked at each other, and all of them seemed to want to recommend themselves.

They all wanted to show their might again.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince has a keen eye for talent, and he must have a suitable candidate in mind. We will not embarrass ourselves.”

How could they not know that Li Chengqian was extremely opinionated and had his own candidate in mind?

“I’ll let you think about this again.”

After these words were spoken, several people’s eyes were filled with disappointment.

Sure enough, there was still no place for them.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is still wary of them.

“promise!”

“The disaster is so severe that we will not stay here for long. We must go and pass on the Crown Prince’s order to rescue the victims.”

The three of them wanted to leave at the same time, and the matter they had reported was also resolved.

“My old generals, I see that you are still strong despite your age. If we go to war, would you be willing to form a separate army?”

Li Chengqian’s thoughts also changed. These three were all famous generals of the time. If they were kept in their scabbards, they would never be able to show their edge again.

“Yes! Of course I do!”

The three of them looked up suddenly, their eyes shining.

After a life of military service, I am not willing to let it end like this.

“I don’t know where your highness wants to send troops. If he wants to counterattack Tang territory, I’m afraid it will be difficult for us to obey.”

Soon, Zhang Shigui’s smile faded.

Everyone could guess that Li Chengqian would fight against the Tang mainland later.

But no one dared to be an enemy of Li Shimin, and no one dared to lead the troops to commit rebellious acts.

Li Chengqian smiled in return and asked them to lead the troops to attack the Tang mainland, as he was still worried.

“Wu Xing, bring in my world map!”

Li Chengqian yelled at the door.

Soon, Wu Xing walked into the hall, followed by two personal guards.

They were carrying a large wooden board.

On the wooden board, a huge colorful painting is outlined.

“What is this?”

At first glance, no pattern can be seen. From an aesthetic point of view, this is not a beautiful picture.

It’s neither fish nor fowl, like an object but not a thing.

“Three old generals, please look, this is our four lands, and the place marked in red is the mainland of the Tang Dynasty.”

Li Chengqian walked to the wooden board and pointed at it with his hand.

“Your Highness, if that’s the case, then there is such a vast land outside of our Tang Kingdom? Before, I thought that our Tang Kingdom was the largest territory, but it seems that I was just looking at the world from a well.”

Li Daozon came forward and stroked the world map with his hand.

His first reaction was not to question the authenticity of the map, but to think that there were so many territories outside the Tang Dynasty.

“Compared to the world, what is the territory of the Great Tang? Where can the power of the Great Tang extend?”

Li Chengqian couldn’t help but sigh.

When this world map was first drawn, Yan Lide made multiple copies.

The Tang Dynasty was only one map away from ruling the world.

How could Li Chengqian not produce it?
It is indeed impossible to use Li Daozon, Xue Wanxue, Li Ji and Zhang Shigui to counterattack the Tang mainland, but they are very suitable for expanding the territory outward.

Li Chengqian had this idea when he took control of several people.

“Your Highness, please give us the order. Where do you want us to march?”

The three of them also knew Li Chengqian’s intention.

At the same time, they also wanted to see the world outside the Tang Dynasty.

“If you cross the sea to the east, you will reach a new continent. I call it North America. It will take three months to half a year to sail there.” “There are natives there, but most of their weapons and equipment are from the Stone Age. It is not difficult to conquer them. The main thing is to educate them.”

Li Chengqian explained everything in detail.

“Your Highness, why do you know so much?”

At this time, Li Daozon realized that they were much older and had never heard that there were other territories on the other side of the sea.

Before that, there was no news exchange.

“The soldiers from the sea have been here before and brought back several sacred objects.”

Li Chengqian did not explain too much. If he talked too much, he would not be able to explain himself clearly.

“This palace wants all the old generals to lead the troops to take this continent as Tang territory, educate the barbarians, and enhance the prestige of our Tang Dynasty.”

“Moreover, North America is rich in crops and resources, and there are many things that can replace grains.”

War is for the purpose of plundering resources.

Otherwise, why start it?
“In that case, we are willing to go, which has solved the urgent matter.”

The three of them did not hesitate at all. They were all very interested in conquering a completely new nation.

“Then the three old generals, please go down and prepare first. Afterwards, I will arrange for you to go to Baekje and depart by sea to America.”

“However, the three generals need to be careful, the symptoms of the long-distance illness may flare up.”

Li Chengqian’s blueprint has already begun.

It is not difficult to conquer primitive tribes, but we are afraid of the spread of diseases.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. We are not rookies anymore. We will be careful.”

“If everything is alright, I will go down and prepare as well.”

The three of them left together, and there was an unexpected surprise.

If they can expand their territory again, their contributions will rise several levels.

But there was one person who didn’t seem that excited.

That is Li Ji, Duke of England.

In this military operation, Li Chengqian certainly did not miss Li Ji, one of the Ten Sages of the Temple of War.

Let Li Zhen inform him.

“Father, why do you seem unhappy? This time, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has appointed you as the commander-in-chief to conquer the barbarian lands. This is a free achievement.”

Li Zhen looked at Li Ji who was lost in deep thought and was puzzled.

“A tall tree attracts the wind. My father has fought countless battles in his life. Now he has been awarded a title for his merits and has reached a high position. My father wants to retire after his success, but I don’t want to be swept into this torrent again.”

Li Ji sighed. When it comes to being careful, he is even more careful than Li Jing.

“The prince’s chessboard this time is too big. He asked us to go to the barbarian land. Another purpose is to send us old immortals away so that he won’t have to worry about us.”

“Tell me honestly, when will the prince use his troops?”

Li Ji stared at Li Zhen and asked. With his keen insight, he had already guessed some of Li Chengqian’s intentions.

“I don’t know, His Highness didn’t say it clearly!”

Li Zhen shook his head.

“Four roads accumulated land, to attack a country’s might, what is our prince thinking, I don’t know how to evaluate it, should I say he is brave, or that he is ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth?”

Li Ji couldn’t see through Li Chengqian’s depth.

“But with your Royal Highness’s intelligence, you shouldn’t do anything you are not sure of. So what are your chances of success?”

In anyone’s opinion, the situation in the four newly conquered territories was completely uncertain.

“If Your Highness acts, you will be 100% sure.”

Li Zhen said firmly that he had participated in all of Li Chengqian’s plans, which was why he was so sure about it.

“Oh, it seems that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has made some big move. Since you are so confident, I have nothing to worry about.”

Li Ji turned sideways and faced west. The only person he could think of who could make things happen at the touch of a button was that person.

Rather than saying it was His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s plan, it would be better to say that someone was fanning the flames?
“Father, please don’t worry too much. As the incident is a secret, I’m sorry that I can’t tell you everything.”

Li Zhen lowered his head, looking very apologetic.

“Every generation has its own ways. Your Highness, since you want me to take charge, it means you value my Duke of Yingguo Mansion. I will repay you with my death.”

“I don’t know when I will return from this trip. My son, be careful in everything. Although you hold a high position and are trusted by your superiors, you must not get carried away. Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger. In ancient times, only a handful of powerful people had a good ending.”

Li Ji warned that it is lonely at the top.

The reason why Li Ji was able to escape unscathed from the mixed doubles attack of Zhangsun Wuji and Li Zhi was due to his caution.

Just accept it as soon as you see fit.

“My child knows that he should tread carefully on thin ice.”

“It’s a long journey, I hope you take care of yourself, father. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has already sent soldiers to open the route, so I don’t think there will be too much danger.”

Li Zhen nodded.

“The battlefield is straightforward, the most difficult is the court, the situation is uncertain, I am afraid of the sky falling.”

Li Ji couldn’t help but shook his head, recalling his previous casual chats with Li Zhen.

He already knew what kind of force and what kind of enemy they were dealing with.

The picture is too big.

Even their generation had to rely on the power of the gentry.

“With the prince here, the overall situation can be settled.”

Li Zhen is still as confident as ever.

Li Ji was hesitant to speak, but finally he could not bear to undermine Li Zhen’s self-confidence.

“Two generals, the situation has changed. Now there is heavy snow and disasters are happening everywhere. We are in urgent need of food and grass. I am going to start the war ahead of time. Are you ready?”

In the city lord’s mansion, Li Chengqian met with Xue Rengui and Gao Kan.

“Your Highness, we are always ready, and the soldiers have been selected and can set off at any time.”

Gao Kan was full of fighting spirit and they were eager to stand up immediately.

“The road is covered with ice and snow, and it is difficult to travel. Have you taken all of this into account? It is possible that you will freeze to death on the road before you even encounter the enemy.”

The weather is not too cold now, but when it gets deep into winter, the temperature will be dozens of degrees below zero.

Not to mention fighting, even simple survival would be a problem.

“It’s not too cold now, so we can march. In this kind of icy weather, we can also lower the enemy’s vigilance. If we want to win a great victory, we have to do things that ordinary people can’t do.”

Only by taking the enemy by surprise can you use the weak to defeat the strong.

Neither of them was afraid of this.

Li Chengqian looked at the two of them. He felt relieved about Gao Kan.

After all, when they went to war against Chebi Kingdom, they faced such icy and snowy weather.

Xue Rengui is full of uncertainties.

“Generals, do you have any other requests?”

It is impossible to guarantee everything 100%, so Li Chengqian decided to let the two of them do it.

These two people are his key targets for training and he should give them full trust.

“We no longer have any requests. We have already selected all the necessary supplies and weapons. We have no other requests except to fight as quickly as possible.”

The two seemed a little impatient.

“In order to facilitate your march, I will change some of your food and fodder rations and use a new crop instead of military rations.”

It is the only way to support them all.

To perform well in wartime, we still have to rely on these leading generals.

(End of this chapter)