My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 189 If you can’t rebel, then rebel
Outside Qixia Gate.

Li Chengqian slowed down.

Once we leave Chang'an, it is basically unlikely that His Majesty will send anyone over.

This was his first time walking in the wild at night.

He was only accompanied by fifty guards.

In terms of safety, now is undoubtedly the most dangerous time for the prince.

Because he was going straight out of the city, he didn't even wear armor.

The same goes for the guards behind him.

The only weapon is the sword at his waist.

If someone launched an attack on the prince at this time, there is indeed a high possibility that he would be killed.

But Li Chengqian was not worried about encountering other situations.

Assassinations are always carried out when the opportunity arises. His sudden departure from the city was unexpected not only to others but also to Li Chengqian himself.

Although there was no light in the countryside of Chang'an, the sky was not dark.

The moonlight and starlight complement each other, and the Milky Way in the sky illuminates the way ahead.

Li Chengqian's originally nervous mood gradually relaxed.

The horseshoes made a clattering sound as they stepped on the flat ground, and patches of flashing yellow-green light could be seen everywhere in the grass by the roadside.

The breeze carries the scent of grass, the sweet aroma of flowers, and the mellow smell of earth.

Mountains, fields, trees.

It's peaceful and tranquil.

Forty miles away, it only takes a moment.

Outside the military camp.

The soldiers on duty heard the sound of horse hooves in the dark and suddenly became nervous.

"He who comes is stopped!"

When they saw the figure wearing scarlet and yellow clothes on the white horse, many guards immediately bowed:

"It's His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

"Meet His Highness the Crown Prince."

"Open the gate."

The gate of the military camp opened.

Li Chengqian rode in on horseback and headed straight for the central military tent.

While he was instructing, "Tell all the cavalry commanders to come to the big tent to discuss matters immediately."

After entering the military camp, Li Chengqian finally felt relieved.

Even if His Majesty already knows about his rebellion, he now has enough cards to deal with it.

Five thousand heavy cavalry, in this era, no one would hope to encounter them on the battlefield.

This is like the tank clusters of later generations, the steel torrent on the battlefield.

Once encountered, there is no point except running away.

The charge was like a torrent of steel.

In an age without firearms, the last thing any branch of the military wanted to encounter was a heavy cavalry charge.

Even if the Chang'an Imperial Guards were to go all out, they would have to pay a heavy price to keep back the 5,000 heavy cavalry.

Of course, right now, things haven't gotten to this point.

However, for Li Chengqian, since he had already fled to Chang'an at night, he had to make adequate preparations.

Not long after.

Su Dingfang, Li Dejian, Helan Chushi, Chen Yunchao.

The four of them had already arrived at the big tent.

Several people felt heavy and nervous.

The prince suddenly appeared in the military camp in the middle of the night, which meant something big must have happened.

Otherwise, how could he force open the city gate at night and leave the East Palace?

"Meet His Highness the Crown Prince."

"sit."

Li Chengqian sat at the top, and the other four sat on his left and right.

At this time, the area outside the big tent was under control of Li Chengqian's guards.

No one is allowed to get close.

After the four of them sat down, they were all silent with solemn expressions, and no one asked why the prince left Chang'an at night.

Li Chengqian glanced at everyone.

Then he slowly said, "Tonight, I received a secret report from Li Anyan, the commander of the Taiji Palace guards, in the East Palace that Fang Xuanling entered the palace to meet the emperor late at night, and there may be changes."

"After careful consideration, we opened the gates of Chang'an, left Chang'an, and returned to the military camp."

After he finished speaking, Li Chengqian's gaze fell on Su Dingfang.

Because apart from him, Li Dejian, Helan Chushi and Chen Yunchao all knew about the rebellion.

They soon realized that the key was not that Fang Xuanling went to the palace to meet the emperor late at night.

But it was Li Anyan's secret report.

There was a bitterness on Su Dingfang's face.

The commander of the guards surrounding His Majesty reported the secret to the Crown Prince.

what does that mean.

At this point, even a fool can understand it.

The prince was planning a rebellion, and I'm afraid the plan had already been exposed by Fang Xuanling.

"Your Highness had already learned the specific news when he left the palace." Li Dejian asked first.

Li Chengqian shook his head slightly: "It's still possible to know, but there's no time to know."

"Since Li Anyan has reported it secretly, it means that there must be something unusual happening with Fang Xuanling, otherwise it wouldn't be like this."

"Now that the Eastern Expedition is imminent, there is no room for error."

Several people nodded.

At this critical juncture, we must be extremely careful.

Helan Chushi said with some concern: "What if Li Anyan made a mistake?"

"The news that Your Highness forced the city gate open would definitely reach Your Majesty. If Fang Xuanling didn't have the evidence, wouldn't this be..."

Helan Chushi didn't dare to say anything about being guilty. If he said that, it would be an offense to the prince.

But everyone can understand the meaning.

Li Dejian said hesitantly, "Could it be that Fang Xuanling has tricked us?"

Fang Xuanling had experienced such things before. Previously, the King of Wei brought Hegannuo, the son of Hegan Chengji, into the palace to report the Crown Prince for treason.

It was to lure the prince into killing to silence the witnesses.

All is fair in war, and it seems normal to use this trick now.

The more people thought about it, the more they felt that this was possible.

Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "It is useless to say these things now. Whether it is true or false, at this moment, I can only leave the East Palace first."

"Even if there is only a one in ten or two chance, you can't gamble."

"If I stay in the East Palace and wait for news, I will be like a fish on the chopping board, at the mercy of others."

These words stabilized the morale of the troops.

Indeed, the prince now has soldiers in his hands, and even if he knows that Fang Xuanling is deliberately setting a trap, he can only jump into it reluctantly.

At this time, Su Dingfang said: "It is useless to say more now. I think that in addition to investigating the news in the palace, the military camp should also be ready to set off at any time."

"Chang'an City has many soldiers and generals, and the military camp is only forty miles away from Chang'an City. It will only take half an hour for the army to arrive."

"To avoid unexpected events, always be prepared."

"It would be best if we set off for Luoyang in advance."

"If Fang Xuanling really has evidence, we have to conduct an investigation to find out. If there is no evidence, Your Highness will only be reprimanded by the Crown Prince."

In just half an incense stick of time, Su Dingfang had already accepted the fact that he had boarded the prince's pirate ship.

At this point, he has no way out.

Since you are already following the prince, then just join him in the rebellion.

If it were in Chang'an City, it would still be a bit confusing.

We are all in the army, what are we worried about? If the prince is defeated, he will die.

Helan Chushi said worriedly, "But if we march ahead of time, how can His Majesty not become suspicious?"

"At this time, Fang Xuanling only needs to report some evidence, and this matter can be confirmed."

"What if His Majesty issues an imperial decree and orders Your Highness to return to Chang'an?"

Su Dingfang snorted coldly and said, "Then we will rebel."

"Even if Your Majesty has doubts, it is impossible to directly issue an imperial edict to abolish the position of Crown Prince before the matter is confirmed."

"In this case, we can go to Luoyang first. Your Highness's instructions remain the same. The Luoyang defenders will definitely open the city gates. We will give up the Eastern Expedition and stay in Luoyang."

"Luoyang has been a famous city since ancient times. It has a strategic location, high walls and deep moats."

"To the east is the dangerous Hulao Pass, to the west is the solidity of the Xiaohan Pass, to the north is the natural moat of the Yellow River, and to the south is the majestic Funiu Mountains."

"Occupying Luoyang is like holding the throat of the world."

"Use this as a base, we can attack when advancing or defend when retreating."

"If the imperial army came to attack, Luoyang's walls are strong and its fortifications are perfect. It would not be easy for the army to break through the city."

"The city has sufficient food and supplies to support long-term warfare."

"Luoyang has a well-developed water system, is prosperous, and has a sufficient population, which can provide a continuous supply of troops."

"At the same time, the terrain around Luoyang is complex, with mountains and rivers as natural barriers, where we can set up ambushes and effectively block the invading enemy."

"There are many people in Luoyang. Although not as many as Chang'an, there are still hundreds of thousands of people. If the prince can appease them well, he can win their hearts."

"The prince previously invented bamboo paper, the curved plow, and the Lantern Festival poems on the jade table, which were already what the people wanted."

"We can use the name of clearing the emperor's court to announce to the world that your majesty has been deceived by a villain and wants to kill your son. This way, we can have a legitimate reason."

Su Dingfang's words left several people stunned.

Now everyone is still discussing how to respond to His Majesty's questioning and whether Fang Xuanling has any evidence.

When it came to Su Dingfang, he simply raised the banner of rebellion, occupied Luoyang, and cleared out the court.

Li Chengqian couldn't help but look at Su Dingfang differently.

This Su Dingfang is a ruthless person.

He is indeed worthy of being the first famous general of the Tang Dynasty after Li Shimin and Li Jing.

Strategic vision is long-term.

Li Chengqian was wondering before whether Su Dingfang would have any ulterior motives after he suddenly mentioned the matter of treason.

I never thought that it was so thorough that even the path to follow in the rebellion had been planned.

Li Chengqian clapped his hands and applauded: "General Su's strategy is very much to my liking."

"There is one more thing you can let General Su know. Hou Junji, the commander-in-chief of the Liaodong Road Army in this eastern expedition, is also my man."

Su Dingfang was overjoyed. He didn't expect that even Hou Junji was the prince's man.

He immediately said: "Great things can be accomplished."

"If Your Highness occupies Luoyang, Your Majesty will certainly order the Eastern Expedition Army to counterattack Luoyang."

"If Your Majesty does not know about the Duke of Chen, then Your Highness can cooperate with Duke Chen and use a little trick to swallow up the 100,000 troops sent to the east."

"With 100,000 Tiger Guards and your Highness's 5,000 heavy cavalry, even the city of Chang'an can be easily defeated."

Although the Tang Dynasty had an army of 700,000, the borders needed to be guarded and troops were needed in other places.

In fact, even Li Shimin could only mobilize a total of about 300,000 troops.

The army that marched east this time was the elite force of the Tang Dynasty.

According to Su Dingfang's strategy, with Hou Junji as the internal supporter and the commander-in-chief of the Liaodong Road army, he could set up a big tent to hold meetings and gather Li Ji, Li Daozon, Liu Hongji, Zhang Shigui, Yuchi Jingde and others.

It will be a surprise attack again, or a Hongmen Banquet, to catch them all in one swoop.

All the famous generals of the Tang Dynasty became prisoners of the Crown Prince.

With 100,000 elite troops and the defense of Luoyang city, it can be said that they were invincible at this point. They occupied half of the Tang Dynasty and were able to compete with Chang'an.

These words made everyone in the account feel a little excited.

Originally, everyone was a little uneasy about the rebellion.

After hearing what Su Dingfang said, I suddenly felt that the future was bright.

If we continue to develop along this path, we may be able to achieve great things.

Li Chengqian felt emotional.

Fortunately, he had recruited Su Dingfang under his command in advance.

He is indeed a capable person who has made great contributions to history and his reputation is well deserved.

Helan Chushi suggested: "Your Highness, why don't we set out tomorrow morning and arrive in Luoyang first?"

"This is the army's marching route. If there are any changes in Chang'an, we can respond better."

At this point, Helan Chushi also let it go.

Just rebel directly.

Li Dejian objected, "That's not right. The situation is still unclear. Even if Fang Xuanling appeals, it's impossible to get a result in a few days."

"Your Majesty will not send a large army to attack immediately after hearing the news. Things have not yet reached that point."

"General Su said earlier that we should prepare for the worst-case scenario. We should not be too impatient and should respond to any changes with the same attitude."

At this point, Li Dejian paused for a moment and said, "It's just that Your Highness can no longer return to Chang'an."

Li Chengqian nodded.

Since we forced the city gates open and fled Chang'an at night, it is naturally impossible to go back.

Even if Fang Xuanling had not reported the charge of treason, Li Chengqian had no intention of returning to the Eastern Palace.

The Eastern Expedition will only take a few days.

Although life in the military camp is not as good as that in the Eastern Palace, Li Chengqian is not a person who is greedy for pleasure. Under the current circumstances, it is impossible for him to hand himself over just for pleasure.

Even if it is an imperial decree from His Majesty, I can only disobey it.

Li Chengqian said: "Then we should wait for news tomorrow and keep our troops in place for now."

"But the army must be prepared to march out at any time to prevent any unexpected events."

The reason why he didn't run away immediately was that all the gunpowder was still in the East Palace.

There are also thousands of horse-drawn carriages in Chang'an.

Including a large amount of other baggage and supplies.

These all take time to transport.

Su Dingfang suggested again: "Maybe nothing will happen tomorrow, but if Fang Xuanling reports it, Your Majesty may keep it secret considering the current situation."

"I suggest that Your Highness send someone to secretly control Baqiao Posthouse first."

"Baqiao Posthouse connects Chang'an with other important areas. It is the key to entering and leaving Chang'an, and people travel frequently."

"If we control it secretly, we can better understand the situation in Chang'an and transport supplies and food."

Li Chengqian thought about it and finally his eyes fell on Chen Yunchao.

"Yun Chao, tomorrow you will lead 300 cavalrymen, under the order of my crown prince, to secretly occupy Baqiao Posthouse and inquire about the situation in Chang'an."

Chen Yunchao has always been quiet, but his loyalty is impeccable.

As the Prince's Left-Handed General, Chen Yunchao would have no way out as long as the Prince rebelled.

He is different from others. He is the prince's confidant and has followed him for many years. His status is equal to that of the eunuch Wen Zhong.

Under the current circumstances, Su Dingfang needs to stay in the army.

Compared with Li Dejian and Helan Chushi, Chen Yunchao is more suitable.

Three hundred cavalrymen will not have much impact, but they can still control Baqiao Post.

"Yes, Your Highness." Chen Yunchao bowed.

By now, Chen Yunchao is also very clear.

In terms of military, he was no match for Su Dingfang.

In terms of connections, he cannot compare with Li Dejian and Helan Chushi.

The only thing that can be of use to the prince is absolute loyalty.

It was also because of his loyalty that Chen Yunchao was able to serve as one of the thousand cavalry commanders.

Li Chengqian said, "Okay, let's see what happens in Chang'an and then make a decision."

"It's late at night, everyone should go to bed early."

At this point, basically all kinds of response strategies have become very clear.

It all depends on what happens in Chang'an City.

Everyone bowed: "Yes, Your Highness."

(End of this chapter)