Tang Dynasty: The Holy Prince, the Dragon that Reigns Over the World

Gaochang Prince Qu Zhisheng led an army of 15 out of the capital to fight against Li Chengqian. The troops of both sides lined up, and Qu Zhisheng said loudly.

"Prince of Tang, why did you invade Gaochang?"

"My Tang Dynasty went to war with the Eastern Turks, and you, Gaochang, dared to send troops to support Jie Li. This is disrespectful to my Tang Dynasty and you are an enemy of my Tang Dynasty," said Li Chengqian.

"Li Chengqian, let's be frank. You led your army here simply because you took a fancy to Gaochang's important geographical location on the road to the Western Regions." Qu Zhisheng said sarcastically.

"You're right, what can you do?" Li Chengqian admitted indifferently.

"You, Li Chengqian, you are the crown prince of a country, but you are so shameless. Do you really think that I, Gaochang, am afraid of you?" Qu Zhi said angrily.

"Then let's fight, stop talking nonsense." Li Chengqian picked his ears and said slowly.

"Charge." Qu Zhisheng gave the order in anger. The Gaochang army charged the Tang army. Li Chengqian saw that the Gaochang army had fewer cavalry and more infantry, and they were rushing towards him in a dense formation. He smiled.

"This Gaochang prince is very hospitable. Seeing that I am swarming in front of him, he still rushed towards me in such a dense crowd. He is truly ignorant and fearless. Since the Gaochang prince is so hospitable, let's not be polite." Then he waved the whip.

The commander of the Xuanwu Army, who was operating the "swarm", saw Li Chengqian's order and immediately shouted, "Release."

In an instant, thousands of arrows were fired at the same time, and they flew into the Gaochang army like a swarm of bees, exploding in the dense military formation. The Gaochang army suffered countless casualties in an instant.

Gaochang Prince Qu Zhisheng and the Gaochang army soldiers had never seen such a sharp weapon before, and they were frightened and at a loss for a moment. Li Chengqian saw this and waved his whip again. Qin Huaiyu led the Feilong Army to shout slogans, galloped out, and quickly attacked the Gaochang army. Li Dejian also led the Xuanwu Army to shout slogans and rushed straight into the enemy formation.

The Feilong Army and the Xuanwu Army were able to crush the Eastern Turkic cavalry. Not to mention the Gaochang Army, whose combat power was far inferior to that of the Eastern Turkic cavalry.

The Flying Dragon Army instantly penetrated the Gaochang Army's formation, and heads rolled everywhere they went. The Black Tortoise Army, holding shields in one hand and axes in the other, killed the Gaochang Army and forced them to retreat step by step. Within an incense stick of time, the Gaochang Army's formation was in chaos. The Gaochang Army soldiers were killed and fled in all directions without any armor or weapons.

Seeing this, Gaochang Prince Qu Zhisheng had no choice but to gather as many defeated soldiers as possible and flee to Gaochang City. Of the 15 Gaochang soldiers who were killed, only 2 fled back to Gaochang City with Gaochang Prince Qu Zhisheng. The rest were beheaded, 7 were captured, and the remaining 5 fled and disappeared. However, the Feilong Army and the Xuanwu Army suffered no casualties.

"It's over in less than half an hour. With this level, you still want to be the enemy of the Tang Dynasty." Li Chengqian said with boredom when he saw the Gaochang army fleeing.

Gaochang Prince Qu Zhisheng led the remnants of his army to flee back to Gaochang City. The Gaochang monarch and his ministers were horrified to see that only 15 of the 2 troops had escaped. Gaochang King Qu Wentai was shocked and angry.

"Prince, the Tang army only has 7 soldiers. You led 15 soldiers out of the city to fight. Why did these people come back?"

"Your Majesty, the Tang army used a new type of weapon that could fire explosive arrows. As soon as the battle started, the Tang army fired thousands of arrows at once, killing countless of our Gaochang warriors.

The armor of the Tang army was extremely strong, and the swords of our Gaochang warriors could not cut it at all, but the Tang army was able to slaughter our Gaochang warriors at will. "Father, I really can't beat them." Gaochang Prince Qu Zhisheng knelt down and cried.

"Arrows that explode." "Armor that cannot be cut through." "How can we fight this?" The ministers of Gaochang State were discussing the matter at the same time.

"My ministers, be silent. The Tang army has already reached the gate of the royal city. Now we have no choice but to unite as one, rely on the royal city, and do our best to deal with the Tang army while waiting for the arrival of the troops from all over the country.

When reinforcements arrive, the Tang army will run out of food and grass and will have to retreat. Don’t panic, the walls of our Gaochang Royal City are strong and the Tang army will have difficulty breaking through. Gaochang King Qu Wentai said loudly.

On the second day, Li Chengqian led his army to the city of Gaochang, and Qu Wentai stood on the top of the city wall in a luxurious armor. Qu Wentai saw Li Chengqian in a white prince's uniform, with his hair tied up with a red string and casually draped down, and spoke.

"The man on the other side is Li Chengqian, the crown prince of Tang, and I am Qu Wentai, the king of Gaochang. The crown prince has raised an unjust army and sent his troops on a long expedition, which is unwise. Now the troops from all over Gaochang are coming to support the king at any time, so the crown prince had better withdraw his troops as soon as possible to avoid losing his life."

"What are you doing? I have brought 7 troops from a thousand miles away. Do you know how much suffering I have endured? You said to withdraw, so I will withdraw. I don't want to save face." Then, Li Chengqian looked at Qu Wentai like an idiot and ignored him. He directly ordered to prepare for the siege.

"How dare you, a boy, be so rude? All troops prepare for war." Qu Wentai said angrily.

Li Chengqian ignored him and dismounted. The Feilong Army brought chairs and tables and laid out wine and snacks. Li Chengqian and Ziyang Zhenren sat down, drank and watched the battle. Seeing that everything was ready, Li Chengqian ordered an attack on the city.

The 5 Gaochang soldiers captured yesterday roared and charged towards Gaochang City with ladders. The Gaochang defenders were horrified. Qu Wentai shouted from the top of the city wall, "You are all Gaochang soldiers, why are you helping the tyrant to commit atrocities?" The 5 Gaochang prisoners seemed not to hear him and rushed towards the top of the city wall like crazy.

"Hey, I say, you won't train them into war slaves, will you?" Master Zi Yang asked with a frown, looking at the situation in front of him.

"I'm not that heartless. Do you think they look like war slaves?" Li Chengqian said after taking a sip of wine.

"Then why is it so?" asked Master Zi Yang with a puzzled look on his face.

"You ask him." Li Chengqian pointed backwards.

"Old immortal, do you still recognize me?" Wang Lianghe said with a smile while standing behind.

"Poison King, you have become Li Chengqian's subordinate? Did you poison them?" True Man Zi Yang turned around and saw Wang Lianghe and said in surprise.

"I am now the pacification envoy of the Jinyiwei Weaponry Department under my lord. I fed these people the 'One-Day Ascension Powder'. After taking this powder, people will feel euphoric and extremely excited. But if they don't take it for one day, they will be in excruciating pain." Wang Lianghe said with a smile.

"You brat, this is a national war. You actually use such despicable means, using drugs to control the captives and kill their own compatriots. You are committing a sin of murder." Zi Yang Zhenren said angrily.

"Hmm? Old man, there is a saying that goes, 'I'd rather die than let my friend die.' When two armies are fighting, at a time of life and death, any means that can reduce our casualties and achieve victory is a good means, so why not use it?

And old man, I haven't thrown away the pot that cooked you yet." Li Chengqian said with a sidelong glance at Ziyang Zhenren. Upon hearing this, Ziyang Zhenren kept silent and drank by himself.

"It's like a candle. It won't light up unless it's lit. You're so old, but you still don't know better." Li Chengqian said with a sneer.

At this time, 5 captured Gaochang soldiers finally captured the city wall of Gaochang after paying a heavy price in casualties.

Soon, the gates of Gaochang were opened, and the Feilong Army and the Xuanwu Army immediately entered the city through the gates. An hour later, the Feilong Army escorted Gaochang King Qu Wentai, members of the royal family, and civil and military officials out of the city. Li Chengqian walked up to Qu Wentai and said regretfully.

"Hey, Old Qu. What's your level? It's not even lunch time yet and you're already done. I haven't had enough fun yet." Li Chengqian glanced at the crowd and found a woman in the crowd who was graceful and charming. Li Chengqian sighed after seeing her.

"Old Qu, you may not be very capable, but you are very good at finding beauties." When the woman saw Li Chengqian speaking, she knelt on the ground and said.

"I am Princess Gaochang, Qu Jingwen. Please, Your Highness, the Crown Prince of Tang, spare my family. I am willing to serve Your Highness as a slave."

"Okay, then you will be responsible for my daily life from now on. And remember, you are no longer Princess Gaochang, but my, Li Chengqian's maid. Come, call me master." Li Chengqian stretched out his hand and lifted Qu Jingwen's chin and said.

"Yes, Master." Qu Jingwen said with a blushing face. Qu Wentai was about to open his mouth to refute, but Li Chengqian waved his hand impatiently, and the Flying Dragon Army immediately covered Qu Wentai's mouth and took everyone away.

Two days later, Li Chengqian appointed Li Dejian as the chief general and led 4 Feilong and Xuanwu troops to continue sweeping the cities in Gaochang. At this time, Gaochang was in disarray and the various forces could no longer stop the Tang army's conquest. After Li Chengqian made the appointment, he led 1 Feilong troops and escorted the Gaochang captives back to Beijing.

Li Chengqian hurried along the way, wanting only to return to Chang'an as soon as possible. He hadn't been home for half a year, and Li Chengqian really missed home. Qu Jingwen served Li Chengqian attentively along the way, and Li Chengqian was very satisfied.

Li Chengqian and his party hurried and finally arrived outside Chang'an before the end of the year. Li Chengqian saw the familiar Chang'an city wall from afar and shouted excitedly.

"Haha, I, Li Chengqian, am finally back."

"Master, is this your home? What a magnificent city." Qu Jingwen stuck her head out of the carriage and sighed as she looked at the majestic Chang'an city wall.

"Well, this is my home, and it will be your home in the future." Li Chengqian nodded.

"Wherever the master is, there I am." Qu Jingwen said with a blushing face.

On the way back, Qu Jingwen heard the Deng brothers talk about how brave Li Chengqian was in the battle of Tangtu. She also saw with her own eyes how Li Chengqian broke through the Gaochang King City in a snap. She fell in love with Li Chengqian and served him even more attentively.

Although Li Chengqian is 14 years old physically, he has lived two lives and his mental age is over 40. With a beauty by his side every day, he finally couldn't help himself. One night, while drunk, he took the virginity of 17-year-old Qu Jingwen.

Li Chengqian and his party walked a few miles and saw civil and military officials and many Chang'an people standing on the road. When the civil and military officials and Chang'an people saw Li Chengqian coming, they all knelt down to salute. Li Chengqian turned over and dismounted, and walked quickly. Seeing Li Chengqian coming, the leader, Changsun Wuji, stood up and said loudly.

"In compliance with the decree of the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty: Crown Prince Chengqian, carrying out the mandate of Heaven, defeated the enemy and expanded the territory of our Great Tang Dynasty by thousands of miles. Now he has returned in triumph, and I have ordered all civil and military officials to welcome him ten miles outside the city of Chang'an." Li Chengqian and his entourage immediately knelt down and saluted.

"Your servant Li Chengqian, I bow to thank God for His grace." After Li Chengqian bowed to express his gratitude, Changsun Wuji knelt down and congratulated him.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is so mighty and mighty." Amid the cheers of everyone present, Li Chengqian hurriedly helped Changsun Wuji up with both hands, and then helped everyone else up with his hands, saying with a smile.

"Uncle, why do you have to be so generous? I feel bad for you. Gentlemen and fellow villagers, please stand up quickly. I have made only a small contribution and I am not worthy of your generous gift."

"Haha, Dalang, your uncle is not bowing to his nephew, but to the prince who eliminated a great threat to the Tang Dynasty and expanded the territory by thousands of miles. From now on, our Tang Dynasty will no longer be threatened by the Eastern Turks, and the people can live in peace. Dalang, I accept this bow." Changsun Wuji stroked his beard and smiled.

"Uncle, why didn't father inform me in advance so that I could make preparations." Li Chengqian said in a low voice.

"Haha, your majesty wants to give Dalang a surprise, and more than one." Zhangsun Wuji laughed. Hearing this, Li Chengqian was afraid that Li Shimin would do something else, so he quickly asked Qu Jingwen to change his clothes and put on the prince's court clothes.

The group entered the Chang'an city gate and saw from afar that both sides of Chang'an Street were full of people, all looking at Li Chengqian with admiration. There was a stage in the middle of the street, and there were palace servants standing in front of the stage. Li Chengqian turned around and asked Changsun Wuji.

"What's going on here?"

"Haha, the people were not arranged by Your Majesty. They acted spontaneously. As for the stage? Dalang will know when he goes there." Changsun Wuji said with a smile.

Seeing this, Li Chengqian had no choice but to ride forward. The people along the street, seeing Li Chengqian entering the city, all bowed their heads and saluted, saying, "Congratulations to His Royal Highness the Holy Prince on his triumphant return. Long live the Saint, and a thousand years to the Holy Prince." Li Chengqian bowed his hands to express his gratitude and nodded in return with a smile.

Arriving in front of the stage, the palace maid stepped forward and spoke loudly.

"Your Highness, the Saint has a message."

"I kneel to listen to the imperial edict." Li Chengqian and his men dismounted and knelt on the ground.

"The Sage's edict: The Crown Prince has worked hard and made great contributions, so he is given the 'Qin Emperor Breaking the Formation Dance' on Chang'an Street. After the Crown Prince enjoys the dance, he will meet him at the palace gate." The palace servant said in a loud voice.

"I accept your instructions and thank you." Li Chengqian said loudly. Then the palace band played the graceful and beautiful, high-pitched and highly appealing "Qin Wang Po Zhen Dance". After Li Chengqian watched "Qin Wang Po Zhen Dance", the group walked towards the palace.

At the gate of the palace, Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wugou were dressed in court robes, sitting on the sedan chair and waiting for Li Chengqian. When Li Chengqian saw Li Shimin and Zhangsun Wugou, he quickly turned over and dismounted, walked quickly to the two of them, lifted his robe and knelt down. He said loudly.

"Your servant, Li Chengqian, has been ordered by the emperor to attack the bandit Eastern Turks and the rebellious country of Gaochang. I rely on the emperor's divine power and the soldiers' loyalty. Fortunately, I have fulfilled my mission and returned victoriously. I have now escorted the traitor Qu Wentai, the ruler of Gaochang, to the capital. I await your decision."

"Lord of Gaochang, will you surrender?" Li Shimin asked, stroking his beard.

Qu Wentai stepped out, knelt down and said, "I am willing to surrender."

"Appoint Qu Wentai, the ruler of Gaochang, as the General of the Left Guard and Duke of Jincheng County." Li Shimin said with a smile.

"I thank you for your grace." Qu Wentai said sadly.

"My son, you have worked hard. Prince, listen to the title: Prince, you obeyed the will of heaven and conquered the bandits and rebels. You have expanded the territory of the Tang Dynasty by thousands of miles and opened the road to the Western Regions. Your contribution is inestimable. Now, you are conferred the title of General of Heavenly Strategy, Minister of the Chancellery, and the title of the Minister of the Government Office." Li Shimin said. Li Chengqian was shocked. This was the treatment of Li Shimin, the King of Qin, during the Wude period. The title and reward were a bit heavy.

Li Chengqian looked up and saw Li Shimin smiling and nodding at him, then he lowered his head and said.

"I thank the emperor for his great grace."

"Da Lang, get up quickly and come to your mother." Changsun Wugou missed her son so much that she didn't care about anything else and called Li Chengqian over.

Li Chengqian stood up, lifted up his robe and ran towards Changsun Wugou. He came in front of Changsun Wugou, knelt in front of her, grabbed her hand and cried.

"Mother, I miss you so much."

"Mother wants to kill my son too. Dalang has lost weight." Changsun Wugou touched Li Chengqian's face and cried. Li Shimin asked everyone to disperse and the ministers would go to the palace for a banquet tomorrow to celebrate the prince's triumphant return.

"Hey, Guanyin, you should be happy that Dalang is back. Look at you two crying." Li Shimin said with a smile.

"Yes, I'm happy. Don't blame me, Erlang. When Dalang was fighting outside, Erlang was always worried and couldn't eat. When he heard that Dalang was coming back, he counted the days on his fingers every day. Last night he was so happy that he danced with joy." Changsun Wugou wiped his tears and smiled. Li Shimin's old face flushed.

"Yeah, mother, let's go home. I'm hungry." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Yes, let's go home." Li Shimin said with a smile. The three of them rode in the same sedan chair and headed towards the palace.