My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 308 Secret War
In Luoyang City, the night is as dark as ink, but the workshop is brightly lit.

Artillery is one thing, but sufficient ammunition is even more important.

In fact, one hundred and twenty artillery pieces are enough.

But there is no way, Li Chengqian himself suffers from lack of firepower anxiety.

What if the artillery runs out of ammunition while firing?

"Your Highness, the gunpowder reserves have been prepared as you instructed, but the collection of sulfur and saltpeter has become increasingly difficult." Su Dingfang quickly walked to Li Chengqian and whispered.

Li Chengqian frowned slightly, "Find a way to ensure the supply of ammunition for the artillery. Also, have the craftsmen speed up the debugging of the artillery to ensure that each can exert its maximum power on the battlefield."

"Yes, Your Highness." Su Dingfang took the order and left.

Li Chengqian walked alone to the corner of the workshop, where some broken artillery parts were piled up.

He squatted down, picked up a piece of debris, and rubbed it gently. "These cannons should have been the weapons for my Tang Dynasty to expand its territory, but now they are used against my own father..."

Li Chengqian muttered to himself, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

This civil war is unavoidable and there is nothing he can do about it.

At this time, the eunuch Wen Zhong came running over and said, "Your Highness, the spies have reported that a large number of troops have been assembled in Chang'an, led by Generals Li Jing, Yuchi Jingde and Cheng Yaojin, and will arrive in Luoyang soon."

Li Chengqian stood up suddenly, his eyes flashing with a gleam of light: "Good, I want to see what they can do to me. Pass the order to strengthen the city defense, recruit more able-bodied men for training, and closely monitor the movements of the Chang'an army."

"Yes, Your Highness." Wen Zhong turned and left.

Li Chengqian paced back and forth in the workshop.

Consider how this battle should be fought.

Killing a large number of Tang soldiers was naturally not the result that Li Chengqian wanted.

Therefore, artillery is mainly used for deterrence rather than killing.

These people will be his soldiers in the future.

There is no reason to kill one of your own people.

What's the point of fighting a battle at Xiangji Temple?

The key lies in how to successfully undermine the opponent's morale.

You must know that Li Jing is the military god of the Tang Dynasty.

If it really comes to a fight to the death, it will benefit no one.

At the same time, in Chang'an City, King Wei Li Tai was very excited when he heard the news that his father, Emperor Li Shimin, had led an army to attack Luoyang.

He paced back and forth in the mansion, with greed glittering in his eyes.

He knew that if Li Chengqian was defeated, he would have a great opportunity to compete for the position of crown prince.

At the same time, in Chang'an, Prince Li Tai of Wei heard that his father had sent troops to Luoyang, and he paced excitedly in his room. Greed flashed in his eyes, as if the position of crown prince was within reach. "Haha, Li Chengqian, you have come to this day! If you fall, the position of crown prince will be mine." Li Tai said to himself, with a smug smile on his face.

"Someone, please quickly invite Cui Shengyu, the eldest son of the Qinghe Cui family, to come here!" Li Tai ordered anxiously.

Soon, Cui Shengyu, dressed in a blue shirt, walked into the study room gracefully. He walked calmly, with an unfathomable smile on his face, as if everything was under control. "Your Highness, King Wei, I wonder why you summoned me?" Cui Shengyu bowed slightly, with an elegant gesture.

Li Tai hurried forward, eyes full of expectation, "Master Cui, now that my father has sent troops to Luoyang, this is a good opportunity. If Li Chengqian is defeated, I will soon be crowned the crown prince. I hope you can give me some advice to ensure victory in this battle, so that I can reap the benefits."

Cui Shengyu stroked his sleeves lightly, nodded slightly, sat down on a chair beside him, and said calmly: "Your Highness, the Five Families and Seven Clans have been operating in this world for many years, and their power is intertwined and flourishing. Now that they have united to deal with Li Chengqian, they will surely make it difficult for him to deal with both ends."

"Let's talk about the Zheng family in Xingyang first. The eldest son, Zheng Yuxuan, is meticulous and decisive. The grain farms he runs around Luoyang are all first-class rich places. Now not only have they stopped supplying grain to Li Chengqian, they have also secretly sabotaged the grain transportation roads, set traps, and destroyed bridges. He once told me that if Li Chengqian wants to obtain grain and grass from the surrounding areas, it will be as difficult as ascending to heaven. Those grain transport teams will be trapped as soon as they step into the area he has arranged, and they will be unable to escape. In this way, Li Chengqian's army will be like a tiger without teeth without grain and grass, and it will be difficult for them to do anything big."

"Li Ruiwen, the eldest son of the Longxi Li family, has extensive connections and is well-informed on the business road. He used his family's influence on the business road to block the transportation of strategic materials such as sulfur and saltpeter to Luoyang. Li Ruiwen analyzed that although Li Chengqian's Thunderbolt Fire is powerful, without gunpowder, it is just a pile of scrap metal. Moreover, he has arranged a lot of spies. Once they find that materials are trying to be transported to Luoyang, they will try their best to intercept them, so that Li Chengqian's gunpowder reserves will be exhausted and the power of Thunderbolt Fire will be limited."

Even today, although the specific formula of Thunderbolt is still unknown, sulfur and saltpeter are no longer a big secret.

Li Tai's eyes lit up and he asked eagerly, "Are there any other measures? I hope Master Cui can tell me in detail."

Cui Shengyu smiled slightly and continued, "In terms of public opinion, Lu Zhijie, the eldest son of the Fanyang Lu family, is outstanding in talent and good at using public opinion to create momentum. He arranged for his eloquent sons to frequently travel in academies and restaurants between Chang'an and Luoyang. Lu Zhijie once discussed with me that in today's world, the support of the people is crucial. In the academy, they provoked a heated discussion on Li Chengqian's "crimes", making those well-read students criticize Li Chengqian verbally and in the restaurant, making the diners sneer at Li Chengqian. They spread rumors that Li Chengqian intended to rebel and would bring war and disaster to the people, disrupting the morale of the army and the people, affecting your majesty's judgment on Li Chengqian, and strengthening your majesty's determination to quell the rebellion. As long as the people are in chaos, Li Chengqian will find it difficult to stabilize his rule even if he has elite soldiers and gunpowder."

"Wang Jinghui, the eldest son of the Wang family in Taiyuan, is a smooth-talking person with complicated relationships with officials in the court. He used the in-laws of his family and officials in the court to form a public opinion force in the court. Wang Jinghui believed that your majesty's decision would be greatly influenced by the ministers in the court. So he asked the officials to speak impassionedly at the court meeting, urging your majesty to resolutely attack Li Chengqian. He also frequently communicated with many ministers in private, explaining the benefits and disadvantages to them, and moved them with emotion, so that these ministers stood firmly in your majesty's camp to attack Li Chengqian, thereby influencing your majesty's decision-making and support for the front-line troops."

"In addition, we contacted the small forces that are friendly with the Five Surnames and Seven Families. These small forces are constantly causing trouble around Luoyang like ants, attacking Li Chengqian's grain transport team and patrol soldiers, dispersing his troops and energy, making it difficult for him to fully deal with the Chang'an army. Although these small forces are not strong individually, they are numerous and elusive. They are like a thorn in the flesh, giving Li Chengqian a headache."

Li Tai clapped his hands excitedly, "Wonderful! Young Master is very wise. I will contact other family leaders and discuss this matter together."

Soon, the eldest sons of the five surnames and seven families gathered together. The atmosphere in the spacious meeting room was solemn.

Cui Shengyu of the Qinghe Cui clan stood in the hall and explained the pros and cons to everyone: "Everyone, Li Chengqian has his own army and is very powerful. If he wins, the interests of the five surnames and seven families will be damaged. Now that your majesty has sent troops, it is our chance. Unite and make Li Chengqian vulnerable to attack from both sides."

Lu Zhijie, the eldest son of the Fanyang Lu family, stroked his beard and nodded, "Brother Cui is right. Our Lu family will fully cooperate. We will make sure that the rumor spreads more widely, causing panic among the soldiers and civilians in Luoyang. I have arranged for the young men of our family to go deep into every corner of Luoyang City and interact with people from all walks of life, so that the rumor will be known to the whole city. In a few days, the people of Luoyang City will be panicked, and the soldiers and civilians will be alienated."

Zheng Yuxuan, the eldest son of the Zheng family in Xingyang, said, "We have made all the arrangements. The grain supply has been cut off and the grain transportation roads have been damaged, making it difficult for Li Chengqian to obtain grain. I have also arranged for people to infiltrate some forces in Luoyang City to incite their dissatisfaction with Li Chengqian and create conflicts within Li Chengqian."

Wang Jinghui, the eldest son of the Taiyuan Wang family, smiled confidently, "We in the Wang family will make the voices supporting Your Majesty to quell the rebellion prevail in the court, and urge Your Majesty to resolutely fight. I have reached a consensus with several ministers. They will advise Your Majesty at the critical moment and urge Your Majesty to increase the offensive against Luoyang and not give Li Chengqian a chance to breathe."

Li Ruiwen, the eldest son of the Longxi Li family, said: "Our clan has many spies in the business world, so it is difficult to transport strategic materials to Luoyang. Small forces will continue to cause trouble for Li Chengqian. I have also asked some masters in the family to secretly monitor Li Chengqian's every move. Once we find any new moves from him, we can respond in time."

Everyone agreed, and a secret plan against Li Chengqian was quietly launched. They each arranged their own personnel to closely implement the plan, and a big net slowly tightened around Li Chengqian.

In the Chang'an Palace, Li Shimin sat on the dragon throne, frowning and looking solemn. The battle report in his hand recorded in detail the defense deployment of Luoyang City and Li Chengqian's military operations, and every word was like a huge stone weighing on his heart.

"This rebellious son has managed Luoyang so steadily."

Li Shimin murmured, anger and helplessness intertwined.

His eyes were filled with fatigue, as if he had aged in an instant. His once lovely son had now become a serious threat, how could he not be heartbroken. "Your Majesty, General Li Jing has made preparations for the expedition, but Luoyang City is easy to defend but difficult to attack, and a strong attack may result in heavy losses."

Changsun Wuji said cautiously, looking at Li Shimin's haggard face, he felt worried.

Li Shimin nodded slightly: "I know, the situation is urgent, we have to attack. Pass on my order, order Li Jing to formulate a detailed battle plan as soon as possible, and the Ministry of Revenue to increase the supply of food, grass and weapons to ensure that the soldiers on the front line have no worries."

The voice was tired but firm.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Changsun Wuji took the order and left in a hurry.

Li Shimin leaned back on the dragon throne and closed his eyes. The image of Li Chengqian as a child emerged in his mind. The beautiful memories of riding horses, shooting arrows, and talking about governing the country together seemed like yesterday.

But now, his son has betrayed him and attempted to split the Tang Dynasty.

"Cheng Qian, why did you go this far?"

My heart aches and tears fall.

In Li Jing's tent, three generals sat together in a serious atmosphere. A map of Luoyang City was spread out on the table, with information marked in different colors.

"Luoyang City has high walls and Li Chengqian's troops are strong. A frontal attack is not a good idea."

Li Jing frowned and stared at the map, as if looking for the key to breaking the city.

Yuchi Jingde scratched his head, with a simple face: "Manager Li, what should we do? We can't just sit there and wait."

Cheng Yaojin also nodded: "Yes, Old Cheng does not want to fight with the prince, but the emperor has ordered, and we cannot disobey."

Li Jing pondered for a moment, then looked at the two generals: "I have a plan. We will set up an ambush outside the city to cut off the food supply, and send people to secretly burn down the granary in Luoyang. When the city is in chaos and short of food, we can launch a general attack, which will be more effective. But we need to pay close attention to the movements in Luoyang to prevent any accidents."

Yuchi Jingde and Cheng Yaojin looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

"Manager Li's plan is brilliant. Cutting off their food and grass is like cutting off their lifeline."

Yuchi Jingde said loudly with excitement in his eyes.

Cheng Yaojin grinned and said, "That's right. When they are too hungry to have any strength left, we will charge in and capture them easily."

However, they know that the plan will not be easy to implement.

The terrain around Luoyang is complex, so Li Chengqian will definitely strengthen the protection of food and fodder transportation.

But in order to fulfill His Majesty's order, we have to do our best.

As time went by, the atmosphere in Luoyang and Chang'an became increasingly tense. Inside Luoyang, Li Chengqian stepped up his defenses.

Watchtowers were added to the city walls, and soldiers observed the outside of the city day and night, with their eyes as wide as bells, not missing any suspicious signs.

There are many obstacles at the city gate, including chevaux de frise and antlers that look like steel defense lines.

"Your Highness, according to the spy's report, there is some movement in Chang'an. The food supply around Luoyang is difficult. Rumors that are unfavorable to us are spreading in the city. The grain transport team and patrol soldiers were attacked by unknown forces."

Su Dingxiang reported to Li Chengqian with an anxious look on his face.

Li Chengqian sneered, his eyes angry, "Humph, it must be the Five Surnames and Seven Families and Li Tai who are behind this. Send out orders to strengthen the vigilance in the surrounding areas, thoroughly investigate the grain and grass problems, arrest the rumormongers, and stabilize the morale of the army and the people. Send more troops to protect the grain transport team and strategic materials, and resolutely fight against the attackers."

Li Chengqian's voice was cold and he was furious.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Su Dingfang took the order and made arrangements quickly.

The people of Luoyang City felt the tension of the coming war, and there was a sense of uneasiness in the streets.

The market is no longer bustling, the stalls are sparsely populated, and the vendors look worried.

People gathered and talked about the war in low voices, their eyes filled with fear and confusion.

"What should we do? I heard that the Chang'an army is coming soon. Will we be in trouble?"

The old woman was worried, her face was wrinkled and her eyes looked helpless.

"Alas, I wonder if the prince can defend Luoyang." The middle-aged man sighed and shook his head helplessly.

Under the influence of the rumors, some people began to doubt Li Chengqian and became panic-stricken.

But there are also people who firmly support the prince.

In this tense atmosphere, Li Chengqian and Li Shimin were secretly preparing for and competing fiercely. The participation of the Five Surnames and Seven Aristocrats made the situation more complicated. Both sides were confident that they could win, but no one knew how the storm would end.

Everyone is like a chess piece in a huge chess game, and the fate of the chess pieces is unpredictable.

The shadow of war was like a thick dark cloud, covering Luoyang City and Chang'an, making it hard to breathe, just waiting for the thunder to break out...

In Chang'an, King Li Tai of Wei closely followed the progress of the plan and summoned the eldest sons of the Five Surnames and Seven Families from time to time for questioning.

"Mr. Cui, how is the rumor spreading now?" Li Tai asked anxiously.

Cui Shengyu smiled, "Don't worry, Your Highness, the King of Wei, the rumors are spreading widely in Luoyang City, and the people are unsettled, and the effect is significant. Now the people of Luoyang City are in a panic, and their trust in Li Chengqian is gradually disintegrating."

"Okay, very good! What about the interruption of food supplies and attacks by small forces?" Li Tai asked.

"The Zheng family of Xingyang and the Li family of Longxi have successfully blocked the supply of grain and materials. The small forces continue to cause trouble, and Li Chengqian is a little overwhelmed. According to the information I received, Li Chengqian has already dispatched a lot of additional manpower to protect the grain transport team, but those small forces are elusive, making them hard to guard against." Cui Shengyu answered confidently.

Li Tai laughed after hearing this: "Great! If you continue like this, Li Chengqian will definitely lose. I am one step closer to the position of Crown Prince."

(End of this chapter)