Chapter 266: Meeting the King

“Your Highness, the Northern Territory is now peaceful and stable. General Pei Xingjian is here to report this.”

Pei Xingjian was seen wearing a majestic military uniform, followed closely by several fully armed soldiers. They marched in neat steps, crossed the gate of the mansion, and walked straight towards Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, a look of relief on his face: “General Pei has been traveling all the way, it must be very tiring! Please take a seat and have a rest soon.”

During this period, with the tacit consent of Li Chengqian and Li Zhi, the originally tense situation gradually eased.

Both sides gained a precious breathing space and were able to readjust their strategic deployment and troop arrangements.

Because Li Shimin adopted the strategy of enfeoffment, a unified and powerful force has not yet been formed within the Xueyantuo.

Therefore, the pressure from the north is relatively small and is not enough to pose a serious threat to the northern border of the Tang Dynasty for the time being.

Xueyantuo had just suffered a new defeat and was severely damaged. It would be difficult for them to organize a large-scale invasion to the south in the short term.

Hearing Li Chengqian’s words of comfort, Pei Xingjian couldn’t help but look ashamed, sighed and said:
“Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness, but I really failed to live up to your trust in this expedition!”

This was the first time that everyone saw Pei Xingjian showing such a discouraged expression in front of the generals.

Li Chengqian waved his hands quickly and said in a gentle voice, “General Pei, please don’t blame yourself like this. In fact, I have already anticipated the current situation in the northern border.”

In more than a month, Pei Xingjian not only failed to attack the interior of the country.

Instead, the army led by Su Dingfang pushed back two states.

This made Pei Xingjian feel extremely frustrated.

“It is because I am incompetent!”

The more Li Chengqian acted like this, the more Pei Xingjian blamed himself.

“It’s not that the general is incompetent, but that the other side’s commander is too powerful. In our camp, only you, General Pei, can resist Su Dingfang.”

“Su Dingfang became famous long ago. He defeated many famous generals such as Li Xuantong, Li Ji, Li Daozong, and Luo Yi. He has deep experience in battle formations. It is a great victory that General Pei has not been defeated.”

“If it were anyone else, I’m afraid they would have been defeated.”

Li Chengqian did not exaggerate at all. Although Pei Xingjian was talented, he was just a younger brother in front of Su Dingfang.

Fortunately, Pei Xingjian was sent to Li Jing for half a year of retreat before that, otherwise it would have been difficult to resist.

During the Zhenguan period, Li Shimin and Li Jing competed for the first place, and the third place definitely belonged to Su Dingfang.

It was a great fortune that we were not quickly defeated by Su Dingfang.

According to records, Pei Xingjian was promoted by Su Dingfang, which led to his subsequent achievements.

No matter how Li Chengqian tried to persuade him, Pei Xingjian still couldn’t let it go.

Defeat is defeat.

“General Pei, you can’t do this. The situation is tense now, and I still hope that you can take charge of the overall situation.”

Li Chengqian encouraged again.

“I will not give up and will only fight harder and harder. Please give me your orders, Your Highness.”

Pei Xingjian adjusted his mindset and strengthened his faith.

“Okay, this is the kind of commander-in-chief I need!”

Li Chengqian nodded and smiled with satisfaction.

Defeat may not necessarily be a bad thing for Pei Xingjian.

Smooth sailing can also make them feel proud.

“Before this, all the generals have fought against the generals under Li Zhi, so they all know each other well.”

“This time, I met with Li Zhi to peacefully resolve the issue of the division of the Tang Dynasty. If the talks go well, there will be no war. If not, a decisive battle will surely break out.”

Li Chengqian glanced at the generals.

Almost all the generals who could be mobilized were mobilized.

If peace talks fail, then the only option is force.

“I am willing to serve your highness!”

All the people bowed and saluted.

They were only one step away from being granted the title of nobility and becoming prime minister.

“Pei Xingjian, you will be in full command of this battle. I will go to negotiate immediately and will not be interested in anything else.”

“Pei Xingjian’s order is my order. Anyone who dares not to obey will be punished according to military law.”

Li Chengqian said sternly.

This battle is a matter of success or failure.

The opponents they face will not give them the opportunity to make mistakes.

“I will obey your orders.”

All the generals said in unison that at this critical moment, everyone would put the overall situation first.

Otherwise, you’re just asking for trouble.

“Pei Xingjian, you must immediately arrange military operations. Liu Rengui, ensure the supply of food. Be especially careful, as Li Zhi will send people to cut off our food supply.”

Li Chengqian further detailed the plan and entrusted all military operations to Pei Xingjian and Liu Rengui.

“promise!”

Pei Xingjian and Liu Rengui walked out together.

“Heichi Changzhi, in addition to the transfer order, leads 3,000 elite cavalry. He can act according to the situation, attack or retreat, and make his own decisions.”

Li Chengqian looked at the other person again and gave Heichi Changzhi special permission.

What a preference this is.

As the king of raids, Blackfang is often able to turn the tide of battle in times of adversity.

Of course, it is worthy of Li Chengqian’s important task.

“I will do my utmost to repay your kindness! I will never let you down!”

Heichi Changzhi’s excited heart seemed to be about to jump out of his throat, and even his lips were trembling slightly, so that he seemed to stutter and be extremely nervous when he spoke.

“During this period, Xue Rengui will lead his personal troops to protect me.”

Li Chengqian spoke again, his words revealing an unquestionable majesty.

Li Chengqian was fully confident in letting Xue Rengui take on this important task. After all, as a personal guard, Xue Rengui was undoubtedly the best candidate in terms of martial arts and loyalty. It was no exaggeration to say that he was the strongest bodyguard.

In this case, even if Li Zhi attempted to take the enemy by surprise and carry out beheading, it would probably be impossible.

“The last general takes command!”

After hearing Li Chengqian’s order, Xue Rengui could not hide his excitement.

To be entrusted with such an important and glorious mission and to become the commander of Li Chengqian’s personal guards, this requires such a deep trust.

Compared to charging into battle and killing enemies, this job is much better.

Moreover, as long as I have this special identity, even the princes and nobles would be courteous and give me seven points of respect when they see me.

Li Chengqian was fully aware of the abilities of his subordinates, and this arrangement was a decision made after careful consideration.

As for what effect these arrangements will ultimately have, we will only know when the war begins.

At the same time, Li Zhi also made corresponding arrangements.

Also prepared for the decisive battle.

Whether it was Li Chengqian or Li Zhi, they would not allow the Tang Dynasty to split.

This is the insight of a ruler.

There is no doubt that Su Dingfang was also appointed as the commander-in-chief of the three armies.

Generals such as Cheng Zhijie and Yuchi Jingde were stripped of their military power and retired at home.

After all, their identities are extremely sensitive.

Most of those who are appointed to important positions today are rising talents.

The time has come as expected.

June 648st, AD.

Thirty places outside Zezhou City.

Both sides had large numbers of troops, and according to the agreement, each side was only allowed to bring one thousand people to the alliance.

“Your Highness, please think twice!”

Liu Rengui suddenly stood in front of Li Chengqian.

“Ever since King Xiang shot an arrow and wounded the King of Han, there has been a precedent of the king not meeting the king in later generations. If you want to go, you need to make a foolproof plan.”

Although, this alliance was initiated by Li Chengqian.

But it does not mean that the other party has no chance to interfere.

Considering Liu Rengui’s evil nature, the alliance meeting was unsafe.

“In my opinion, we can select people who are similar to Your Highness from the army and form an alliance with them. If they see the new emperor Li Zhi, we can rob or kill them.” “In this way, the enemy’s army will definitely be in chaos, and we can wait for an opportunity to defeat them.”

The people Liu Rengui wanted to repay were Li Shimin and Li Zhi, neither of whom he had ever met, so he could only treat them in this way.

“Your Highness, General Liu’s words are not without reason. The way of war is tricky!”

Pei Xingjian also advised.

What they are most worried about now is whether Li Zhi will also use such a sinister trick.

It is really wrong to let Li Chengqian take risks.

“If I go back on my word now, will you still believe in my words in the future?”

Li Chengqian chuckled.

As a ruler, your words must be lawful.

“Your Highness, this is different.”

Liu Rengui wanted to persuade him again, but he could not think of any reason to refute.

Even if they believe it, what about others?
“If something unexpected happens to me, it means that God will not help me. If so, you all must obey my will, lay down your weapons, and surrender to the new emperor.”

Li Chengqian said.

“Your Highness!”

Hearing this, everyone was shocked.

“In fact, Li Zhi is also a great leader. The current situation is no longer a struggle for the world, but a fight between us brothers. It is not as bad as it is for the people of the world.”

“Besides, isn’t the policy he is implementing now what this palace and the other gentlemen want to see?”

“If anything unexpected happens, everyone, remember to follow the trend and avoid a land-splitting dispute that would plunge the people into war. Otherwise, this would go against my original intention.”

“What I hope for is that there will be more fairness in this world and that the people of the world can have enough food and clothing.”

“General Xue, let’s go.”

After saying that, Li Chengqian led the way out.

Too many people died in the Tang Dynasty.

In order to prevent more families from being ruined and more people from being killed, Li Chengqian was willing to take such a risk.

“Your Highness, take care!”

All the generals bowed.

“Where is Cheng Mingzhen?”

Pei Xingjian shouted.

“The general is here!”

Cheng Mingzhen roared and stood out from the line.

“I order you to lead 10,000 soldiers out of the west city, line up in front, and be ready at any time!”

Pei Xingjian had a blank expression on his face, his eyes fixed on the figures of the team in front.

“The last general takes command!”

Cheng Mingzhen stepped back and disappeared into the crowd in a blink of an eye.

“General Black Tooth, although you are not under the general’s orders, I am entrusting His Highness’ safety to you.”

Pei Xingjian turned around and bowed to Heichi Changzhi.

“General Pei, why do you have to do this? I dare not accept it.”

Heichi Changzhi was quick to act and grabbed Pei Xingjian’s arm.

“It is my duty to protect His Highness. Even if Heichi Changzhi is torn to pieces, I will not let His Highness get hurt.”

Heichi Changzhi was deeply moved. The monarch and the superior were like this.

How could he, a surrendered general, not repay the enemy with his own death?

“Soldiers, follow me and protect His Highness!”

Heichi Changzhi also turned around and jumped onto his warhorse.

“Send a message to the three armies. Prepare for battle. Wait for the order. Prepare to break into the city.”

Pei Xingjian waved his sleeves vigorously and gave the order to spread it to the entire army.

Even if something unexpected happened to Li Chengqian, given this general’s character, he would not give up.

In the rear of Liaodong, Li Chengqian had two more sons.

They will definitely support the young master and fight Li Zhi to the end.

Obeying orders is loyalty.

How can protecting the young master not be loyalty?
“Li Chengqian is very cunning. I’m afraid he has other intentions in inviting me to the alliance this time. Your Majesty really cannot take risks.”

At the gate of Zezhou City, a group of ministers also admonished Li Zhi.

No matter how you look at it, this banquet was a Hongmen Banquet.

“Li Chengqian’s military tactics are correct, but he is upright and honest. He is a great ruler in the world. How could he resort to such mean actions?”

Li Zhi shook his head.

The hero sees the same.

Li Zhi was also a resolute monarch. He ordered his carriage to clear the way, ignoring the objections of his ministers.

A king is different from a minister.

They have different intentions.

A minister is loyal to his lord and does not let the lord take risks. This is loyalty.

It is the king’s duty to care about his people and not let them fall into trouble.

The sun was blazing.

The two marching columns were arranged opposite each other.

Li Chengqian and Li Zhi walked towards each other, each with a soldier beside them, namely Xue Rengui and Lou Shide.

“Brother, I haven’t seen you for many years. I hope you are well!”

After meeting each other, Li Zhi was the first to speak. He possessed the fortune of the Tang Dynasty, imperial power, and the dragon robe on his body. In terms of momentum, he completely overwhelmed Li Chengqian.

“Now, should I call you Your Majesty or your slave?”

Li Chengqian is calm and fearless.

The atmosphere also froze at this moment.

“I won’t embarrass you, let’s sit down and talk business.”

Li Chengqian waved his hand, and several soldiers came forward and arranged the tables and chairs.

The two of them took their seats one after another.

The two people who originally had little intersection are now on opposite sides of each other.

Li Zhi, who originally had little ambition, found it difficult to let go after he tasted power.

“Prince, why did you come here as agreed?”

Li Zhi asked knowingly in order to seize the initiative.

“Zhi Nu, although you have ascended the throne as the emperor, you are still a little impatient. Drink some tea first.”

Li Chengqian raised his hand and chuckled.

Before he knew it, Li Chengqian had already taken control of the entire rhythm.

Li Zhi was also secretly shocked and felt even more pressured.

Compared with Li Chengqian, his methods really seem too immature.

Li Zhi also raised the teacup in his hand as if possessed by a ghost and took a sip of tea.

A mouthful of bitterness.

“I invited you here, so I think you know why, right?”

Li Chengqian spoke at this time.

“Since the end of the Sui Dynasty, the world has been in constant war, and eight out of ten people have been killed. The Tang Dynasty cannot allow war to happen again.”

“And the Tang Dynasty must not be divided, lest the country be in danger. You and I, our descendants, will not be able to see our ancestors again.”

“Your Highness, you have come here to peacefully resolve the dispute between you and me, which is also in line with my wishes.”

Li Zhi stopped beating around the bush and was no match for his elder brother.

Both of them were tacitly aware of this.

But who should be the master?
(End of this chapter)