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

"My dear ministers, Goguryeo's great enemy No Yeon Gaesomun murdered the king and usurped the throne. Goguryeo's fourth prince Gao Ao has come to our Tang Dynasty to ask for help. What do you think?" After Gao Ao left the hall, Li Shimin asked, stroking his beard.

"Your Majesty, I think that Goguryeo is located in a remote area. It is inappropriate to send troops on a long expedition to deal with its internal affairs. As for the four princes of Goguryeo, our Tang Dynasty can protect them." said Wang Dan, the counselor.

"It's ridiculous. Goguryeo has already submitted to the Tang Dynasty and is now a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty. King Yeongryu Go Jianwu is a vassal king of the Tang Dynasty.

Seeing the traitor kill the emperor and usurp the throne, the Tang Dynasty sat back and did nothing. Where is the prestige of the Tang Dynasty? How will the foreign states view the Tang Dynasty? "Huangmen Shilang Chu Suiliang said.

"Mr. Chu, this is their internal affairs. Why should the Tang Dynasty interfere? Moreover, the Sui Dynasty sent more than two million troops to conquer Goguryeo three times, but they were all in vain, wasting national strength, labor and money, and returned without success. This shows that Goguryeo had a strong army and good combat capability.

Although the Tang Dynasty is now more powerful than the previous dynasty, who can guarantee that the Tang Dynasty will not repeat the mistakes of the previous dynasty in a war with Goguryeo?" Secretary General Ma Zhou objected.

"Ma Binwang (Ma Zhou's courtesy name was Binwang), since the first year of the Zhenguan reign, our Tang Dynasty has been invincible in all foreign wars. When Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty faced the invasion of the Eastern Turks, he cried out in fear in Yanmen City. As powerful as the Eastern Turks were, they were no match for our Tang Dynasty. We won the battle in one battle.

How can the fighting power of our Tang army be compared with that of the previous dynasty? Just because a small group of Goguryeo defeated the previous dynasty, do you think you are scared?" Zhang Liang, the crown prince's secretary, said sternly.

The ministers held their own opinions and argued with each other. Shangshu Zuo Pushe Fang Xuanling looked at the ministers arguing and the chaos in the court, frowned and shouted.

"Gentlemen, please be quiet. It is not proper to make noise in the court. Gentlemen, please wait for the prince's opinion."

This has become the norm in the Tang Dynasty court in recent years. When there are political issues that cannot be decided in the court and the ministers are arguing, they will ask the prince to express his opinion, and the prince's words often settle the court dispute.

"Gentlemen, please do not be impatient. Listen to me. Although Goguryeo is located in a remote area, it sincerely submitted a petition to the Tang Dynasty to pledge its loyalty. My father also sent an envoy to confer the title of King Yeongryu Go Jianwu as the King of Goguryeo. Goguryeo has accepted the title and is a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty, and Go Jianwu is a minister of the Tang Dynasty. Now Yeon Gaesomun has disregarded the moral principles, murdered the king and usurped power, and dismembered his own king and threw him into a ditch. How can such behavior be like that of an animal?

Moreover, Goguryeo was a vassal state, and the Tang Dynasty should protect it. When the monarch of a vassal state was killed by a rebel, the Tang Dynasty raised an army to avenge the monarch of the vassal state, kill the rebels, restore order, and uphold justice. This is our duty and our righteousness.

Moreover, the four princes of Goguryeo escaped death and traveled thousands of miles to Chang'an, our Tang Dynasty, to ask for help. If our Tang Dynasty turns a blind eye and turns a deaf ear to them, where is our Tang Dynasty's dignity? Where is our faith and loyalty? Wouldn't the other vassal states be horrified to see our Tang Dynasty act like this?

As for the previous dynasty's long expedition, which ended in failure? The previous dynasty's defeat was due to the abuse of people's power, lack of unified deployment, too long a battle line, difficult logistics supply, fighting alone, and underestimating the enemy. If our Tang Dynasty fights Goguryeo today, I think the enemy will lose three times and we will win three times.

Yeon Gaesomun killed his king as a minister, which was extremely treasonous. He killed his monarch, which angered both humans and gods. There was no morality left. But our Tang Dynasty avenged the ruler of a vassal state and killed the rebel. This is the great justice. Justice is on my side. This is the victory of justice.

Yeon Gaesomun was cruel and bloodthirsty. As a descendant of Mokriji, he was even more brutal and licentious. The people of Goguryeo had suffered for a long time, and Yeon Gaesomun had lost the hearts of the people. Yeongryu King Go Geonmu loved the people and was deeply loved by the people. Our Tang Dynasty could win the hearts of the people of Goguryeo by helping his son return to the country and ascend the throne. Where the people's hearts are, the way is. This is the second victory of the way.

Goguryeo was a small country with few people. How strong could it be? With few soldiers and generals, how strong could it be? Moreover, Yeon Gaesomun killed the king to gain the throne. How could the generals and officials in the army obey him? The national strength of our Tang Dynasty is far greater than that of the previous dynasty. Our Tang army has many famous generals and fierce generals. Our Tang Dynasty is like a mountain pressing down on the top of the head, like a lion fighting a rabbit. With one mind, how can we not win? This is the third victory of Wu.

Today, our Tang Dynasty has sent troops to Goguryeo in the name of comforting the people and punishing the criminals and killing the rebels. This is the right time; the four princes of Goguryeo can serve as guides for the army, which is the right place; Yeon Gaesomun has lost the support of the people, and our Tang Dynasty has helped the son of King In to return to the country and ascend the throne. The people's support is on our side, which is the harmony of people. The right time, the right place, and the harmony of people are all on our side, and we will win this battle.

Gentlemen, if you don't take what God has given you, you will suffer the consequences. " Li Chengqian said.

"Well, what do you think of what the prince said?" Li Shimin said with a smile, stroking his beard.

"What the prince said about the three victories and three defeats all hit the nail on the head. I agree." Shangshu You Pushe Changsun Wuji bowed and saluted.

"We second the motion." The ministers bowed and said in unison.

"Okay, order the Secretariat to write a manifesto to fight the rebels. After I approve it, send it to the Tang Dynasty and the surrounding countries. The Crown Prince will discuss the plan of fighting Goguryeo with the Ministry of War and the Chinese officials of the various armies.

In this battle, our Tang Dynasty avenges the ruler of a vassal state, punishes the criminals, and kills the rebels. This is a war of justice. I hope you will do your best and win this battle. "Li Shimin stood up and said firmly.

After leaving the court, Gao Ao was overjoyed when he heard that the Tang Dynasty had decided to send troops to Goguryeo, and he was very grateful to Li Chengqian.

The Secretariat wrote a manifesto to fight the rebels, and after being approved by Li Shimin, it was sent to the Tang Dynasty and the surrounding countries. When the people of the Tang Dynasty heard that the ruler of the vassal state was brutally murdered by his subjects, they were all filled with righteous indignation and supported the Tang Dynasty to send troops to uphold justice. When the surrounding vassal states heard that the Tang Dynasty sent troops to avenge the ruler of Goguryeo, they all said that the Tang Dynasty was a wise ruler and that they could rest assured with the protection of the Tang Dynasty.

After discussing the strategy of sending troops with the Ministry of War and the generals of various armies, Li Chengqian went to the palace to report to Li Shimin.

"After discussing with the Ministry of War and the Chinese officials of the various armies, I think that our army should not mobilize a large number of troops this time, but should attack with elite troops. This will not only facilitate dispatch, but also reduce the pressure on logistics.

The troops were to be dispatched in three routes, one of which was by land. Er led his troops from Youzhou to Liaodong and entered Goguryeo. He took Xincheng as a base and advanced towards Pyongyang step by step.

The second route was by water, where Zhang Liang, Duke of Yun, led 40,000 soldiers from Jiang, Huai, Ling, and Xia from Laizhou to Pyongyang by sea. The water route took Beisha City as a base, and when the land army arrived, the two armies surrounded Pyongyang.

Silla has always respected our dynasty and has always had a grudge against Goguryeo. Our Tang Dynasty can send envoys to Silla to explain the benefits and risks and promise to divide up the benefits of Goguryeo after the war. Order them to send troops to contain the troops in the southern border of Goguryeo. This is the third route.

This is the strategy for the war against Goguryeo. Please make your decision, father."

"Well, that's feasible. Dalang's military tactics are becoming more and more like a master." Li Shimin nodded and smiled.

"Father, you are too kind. This is the wisdom of everyone. I dare not take all the credit for it." Li Chengqian said modestly.

"Okay, pass on the decree. I have decided to lead the army in person and personally lead the Pingdong Grand Commander. I will accompany the Crown Prince's army. I order Gao Ao, the fourth prince of Goguryeo, to lead the Pingdong Deputy Commander and accompany the Crown Prince as the guide of the army.

He appointed the crown prince as deputy governor of Pingdong and commander-in-chief of the Liaodong Road, and ordered him to lead 15 troops by land.

He appointed Li Ji, Duke of Yingguo (Li Ji's original name was Xu Shiji, with the courtesy name Maogong. Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Li Yuan, gave him the surname Li, and later changed his name to Li Ji to avoid the taboo of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin) as the deputy commander-in-chief of the Liaodong Road, leading an army of 6 to follow Dalang as a reserve.

Hejian Prince Li Xiaogong was appointed as deputy governor of Pingdong and commander-in-chief of the Pyongyang Road, and Yun Duke Zhang Liang as deputy commander-in-chief, leading 4 soldiers from Jiang, Huai, Ling and Xia to take the water route.

"We will send 25 troops this time, but claim to have 80 troops. After receiving the imperial edict, the troops will prepare for battle." Li Shimin said.

"Father, this war will require a long and tiring expedition, so just leave it to me. Why should you go through the trouble yourself and lead the army in person? Father, just stay in Chang'an and wait for the victory report from me." Li Chengqian advised.

"You idiot, do you think your father is too old to ride a horse or draw a bow? Your father is in good health, eats a dou of rice and 10 jin of meat, and can still fight on the battlefield." Li Shimin said with a smile. Li Chengqian wanted to persuade him again, but Li Shimin stopped him with his hand.

"I know that Dalang is filial, but I have been fighting on the battlefield since I was 16 years old, fighting in countless battles, big and small. As I grow older, I miss the scenes of galloping on the battlefield, beheading generals and capturing flags more and more. I am getting older, and I don't know if I can wait until the next time to fight the enemy. Dalang, just think of it as fulfilling the last wish of an old veteran who is about to bid farewell to the battlefield." Li Shimin smiled warmly.

"Father, you are as strong as a dragon and a tiger, and you will live a long and healthy life. In the future, when the Tang Dynasty expands its territory, you can enjoy it as much as you want. Our emperor has made achievements that surpass those of the Qin Emperor and the Han Emperor, and he deserves to live long. I will be your crown prince for the rest of my life." Li Chengqian walked to Li Shimin, knelt beside him and said with a smile.

"Haha, silly boy, although I am the emperor, I will die one day. My son is getting mature, and the Tang Dynasty is in his hands. Even if I die, I can still smile in my grave." Li Shimin stroked Li Chengqian's head and laughed. The father and son were chatting when the servant came to report that the King of Zhao wanted to see him. Li Shimin summoned the King of Zhao to see him.

Li Yuanba's voice arrived before he arrived.

"Second brother, I have been with you in the army since I was young, and I have always been the first in every battle. Last time we went to the Eastern Turks, the princess gave birth to a child, but you didn't let me go. Why didn't you let me go with you in this expedition to Goguryeo? Second brother, do you think highly of me?"

"Haha, third brother, don't be impatient. Third brother is brave and far beyond ordinary people. He is the treasure of our Tang Dynasty. How can I look down on him? Since third brother is itching to fight and wants to go into battle to kill the enemy, I will satisfy him. With third brother going, this battle will surely be a great victory." Li Shimin stroked his beard and laughed.

"Nephew Chengqian greets uncle. Since uncle wants to show his power, nephew will give way to uncle and let him be the deputy governor of Pingdong and the commander-in-chief of Liaodong Road. Nephew is willing to be the vanguard of uncle's horse." Li Chengqian bowed and smiled.

"Don't joke with me, Dalang. When it comes to charging into battle and killing enemies, and beheading generals in front of the battle, I am qualified. But when it comes to deploying troops and making decisions in front of the battle, I am not as good as Dalang. Warfare is a matter of life and death for a country, a matter of survival or destruction. I understand this truth, Dalang, don't be so humble. Your uncle is willing to be your vanguard and help you to clear mountains and rivers." Li Yuanba said with a smile.

"Okay, in that case, third brother, you can go with Dalang. Dalang will be in charge of military matters." Li Shimin said.

After Li Shimin agreed to Li Chengqian's strategy, he immediately ordered Li Chengqian to lead his troops to set off in five days to attack Goguryeo. He ordered Li Ji, the Duke of Ying, to go to Youzhou to organize troops and wait for Li Chengqian. He ordered Li Xiaogong, the Prince of Hejian, and Zhang Liang, the Duke of Yun, to gather troops and set off from Laizhou three months later. He sent envoys to Silla by water to persuade the King of Silla to send troops to the southern border of Goguryeo.

Five days later, Li Chengqian led his Flying Dragon Army, Black Tortoise Army, Flying Wing Archer Cavalry and the newly formed 5 Turkic Wolf Cavalry to assemble. Li Chengqian said goodbye to Su Wan'er, who was five months pregnant, and other women, and followed Li Shimin to the battle.

When Yeon Gaesomun of Goguryeo received the Tang Dynasty's edict to suppress the rebels and heard that Li Shimin was personally leading the Tang army to attack, he was extremely frightened and urgently summoned his ministers and Li Fujie to discuss countermeasures.

After discussing for a long time, they all felt that the people's hearts were unstable at this time, and the various forces had not yet completely surrendered, so the chances of fighting against the Tang army were too low. They should first send envoys to submit to the Tang Dynasty, and then fight against the Tang Dynasty after pacifying the country.

Yeon Gaesomun immediately sent an envoy to Youzhou to wait for Li Shimin.

Li Shimin led his army to Youzhou in June of the tenth year of Zhenguan. Li Ji, the Duke of Ying, went out of the city ten miles to meet Li Shimin. After greeting each other, Li Ji reported that the envoys from Goguryeo had arrived in Youzhou a month ago and were waiting to be summoned by Li Shimin. The next day after Li Shimin entered the city, he, Li Chengqian and other generals summoned the envoys from Goguryeo.

"The envoy of Goguryeo, Park Huijing greets His Majesty the Emperor of the Celestial Empire." The envoy of Goguryeo knelt down and saluted.

"Please don't be polite, envoy. You want to see me. What's the matter?" Li Shimin asked.

"My Goguryeo has been loyal to the Tang Dynasty since we submitted our allegiance in the seventh year of Zhenguan. Now the Tang Dynasty has sent troops to invade our borders. My lord, the King of Goguryeo, has sent me here to ask you the reason." The Goguryeo envoy stood up and said.

"I'm afraid it was Yeon Gaesomun from Goguryeo who asked you to come. How come you knew that you had killed the king and usurped the throne, and are you afraid that our Tang Dynasty will send troops to punish you?" Li Chengqian sneered.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince of Tang, my Goguryeo's Molizhi did not murder our king. My Goguryeo King Rongliu was killed by a rebellious minister. Molizhi has put down the rebellion and avenged the late king." said the Goguryeo envoy.

"Oh? But the fourth prince of your country's former king is arrogant and would not say that. How about I call him over, and you two can confront each other in front of the saint." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"No matter what, this is our Goguryeo family affair. How can the Tang Dynasty bully the small, rely on its strength to oppress the weak, and forcibly interfere in our national affairs?" said the Goguryeo envoy.

"My Tang Dynasty sent troops to avenge the death of the ruler of a vassal state and to help his son return to the country and ascend the throne. How can this be considered bullying the small and the strong? If that's all you want to say, then you can go back." Li Chengqian said impatiently.

"I have come here this time on the orders of the king to submit my allegiance and ask the Emperor of Heaven to enthrone our king as the King of Goguryeo." The Goguryeo envoy said hurriedly.

"You are a thief who stole the country and a minister who killed the king. You still want to get my gift. Is the gift from my Tang Dynasty so worthless?" Li Shimin sneered.

"Go back and tell Yeon Gaesomun that our Tang army is punishing the people and killing the rebels. Let Yeon Gaesomun clean up and wait for his death. You are an old minister of the former king of Goguryeo, but you actually joined the regicide and treason. This shows that you are also a shameless, disloyal and unfilial person.

You are such an unrighteous and disloyal person, how dare you be an envoy? I wanted to kill you, but since envoys are not killed when two countries are at war, I will spare your life. Come on, beat me out with clubs. " Li Chengqian said sternly. Upon hearing the order, the warriors outside the door beat the Goguryeo envoy out with clubs.

The Goguryeo envoys were ashamed and angry, and returned to Goguryeo overnight to report the situation to Yeon Gaesomun, who had no choice but to order all cities to close their doors and defend themselves. He also invited everyone to discuss strategies for resistance.