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

After Li Chengqian, Zhuge Fu and Changsun Chong finished their plan, they went to the palace to see Li Shimin the next day. Li Shimin had been seriously ill due to Li Yuan's death. He was physically weak and mentally unwell and had not been in charge of government for many days. He had been leaving the government to Li Chengqian.

At this time, Li Shimin was in Zhangsun Wugou's bedroom, Lizheng Hall, chatting with Zhangsun Wugou and Li Zhi. The palace servants announced that the prince wanted to see him, and Li Shimin happily ordered Li Chengqian to come in. As soon as Li Chengqian entered the hall, Li Shimin asked with a smile.

"Isn't Dalang busy today? How come he has time to visit Father and Mother?"

"My son greets you, father and mother. There is no important political affairs today, so I thought of coming to see you. Are you feeling better, father?" Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"My father's health has improved a lot." Li Shimin stroked his beard and smiled.

"In that case, then Father should step out and take charge of the government. I'm almost busy to death with so many government affairs every day. Officials from the three provinces and six ministries come in and out of my house every day. My house is almost becoming a second court." Li Chengqian complained.

"Alas, I am very weak and I am afraid I cannot govern the country. Dalang should continue to be the regent." Li Shimin said with a weak expression.

“Is Daye very weak? Daye had a deer leg for dinner yesterday, he doesn’t look weak at all.” 11-year-old Li Zhi asked in confusion.

"Eat a deer leg? You have a strong appetite even though you are so weak." Li Chengqian looked at Li Shimin dissatisfiedly. Li Shimin glared at Li Zhi and his old face turned red.

"When I say weak, I mean weak. Do you have any objection?" Li Shimin said unreasonably.

"Chi Nu, look at how unreasonable our father is, don't learn from him." Li Chengqian said helplessly.

"Okay, Dalang. Dalang is very busy. This time he comes to the palace not just to visit his father and mother, right?" Changsun Wugou said with a smile.

"Yes, mother. This time I came to the palace to visit you, mother. I have something else to ask you."

"Oh? Has my son encountered any difficulties? Is there anything in this world that can stump my son? Now Dalang is the regent, and as a father, I will never object to any decision made by Dalang. Just go ahead and do it." Li Shimin said with a smile.

"In that case, I will give the order. I will lead the troops to attack Japan. To be honest, I have been annoyed with these dwarfs for a long time. Since you have no objection, I will lead the troops to beat them up." Li Chengqian was stunned for a moment, then said happily. After that, he turned around and was about to leave.

"Hey, come back, come back. Why do we have to fight Japan again when everything is going well? Don't be so impulsive." Li Shimin said anxiously.

"Didn't Father support me unconditionally?" Li Chengqian glanced at Li Shimin with dissatisfaction.

"We can't start a war easily. A war between two countries is no joke. How long have you been quiet? Now you want to go to war again. Look at you. How did those Japanese invaders provoke you?" Li Shimin said anxiously.

"They assassinated me in Goryeo and also plotted to take over Goryeo." Li Chengqian said calmly.

"What? To assassinate you?" Li Shimin, Zhangsun Wugou and Li Zhi were shocked. Then Li Chengqian told Li Shimin and others about the Japanese assassination attempt in Goryeo and the plan to attack Goryeo.

"Is Dalang injured?" Changsun Wugou walked up to Li Chengqian in fear and carefully examined Li Chengqian's body.

"Assholes. These damn Japanese slaves dared to assassinate my Dalang and even wanted to covet my Tang Dynasty. Do they think I'm dead? Do they think my Tang Dynasty is made of mud?

I will personally lead an expedition to Japan. If I don't crush Japan, I will not be able to calm my anger." Li Shimin stood up and said angrily.

"Father, please calm down your anger. It is not worth getting angry over a bunch of dwarfs. A tiny Japanese slave is not worthy enough for the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty to personally lead an expedition. Besides, I don't plan to go there myself this time. I have my uncle the Prince of Hejian, my brother Ke, Qingque and several powerful generals under my command. It will be easy to defeat the Japanese slaves." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Brother, the Japanese have evil ambitions to assassinate you, which is truly a heinous crime. Zhinu requests permission to go to Goryeo to assist my two brothers in quelling the rebellion in Goryeo." Li Zhi said angrily.

"Zhi Nu is still young, and should focus on his studies now. I will take care of the battle matters." Li Chengqian said with a smile, touching Li Zhi's head.

"Zhi Nu is not a child anymore. When your elder brother was this age, he was already riding a horse and galloping on the battlefield, expanding the territory for our Tang Dynasty. As a son of the Li family and a prince of the Tang Dynasty, how can Zhi Nu hide behind his father and brother and enjoy peace?" Li Zhi broke free from Li Chengqian's hand and said sternly.

"Da Lang, let Zhi Nu go. It's not a bad thing for him to experience the battlefield early. He can also help Da Lang in the future." Li Shimin said with a smile.

"Well, our Li family's little eagle has grown up and can fly. Go ahead. Zhinu has been kind-hearted and timid since childhood. There are mountains of corpses and seas of blood on the battlefield. If you can't bear it and are afraid, come back and don't force yourself.

When you grow up, I will give you a fertile land and let you be a free and easy prince." Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"Brother, don't underestimate Zhinu. Zhinu can also fight in battle." Li Zhi deliberately puffed out his chest and said dissatisfiedly. The three of them laughed at Li Zhi's expression.

Three days later, Li Zhi, Li Tai and Wu Qianyuan rushed to Goryeo with Li Chengqian's handwritten letter. When Li Ke learned of Li Zhi and Li Tai's arrival, he was overjoyed and went out of the city to greet them personally, holding their hands and riding in the same carriage back to the palace.

"Chi Nu, long time no see. You have grown up." After the four of them returned to the palace and sat down, Li Ke looked at Li Zhi and said with a smile.

"Brother Ke is becoming more and more like a prince." Li Zhi said with a smile.

"Is that so? Haha, Chi Nu came here this time. Do father and elder brother have any instructions?" Li Ke laughed.

"My elder brother has a letter for me to bring to Brother Ke." After saying that, Li Zhi handed the letter to Li Ke, who hurriedly took it, opened it and looked at it carefully. After a long while, Li Ke put the letter down and sneered.

"What a bunch of self-righteous Japanese slaves, they actually dared to plot against my fiefdom. Humph, you think I'm a sick cat. I was wondering why there have been people making troubles recently, it turns out it's the work of Yuan Jingtu. Someone, quickly invite the Protector General of Andong, Duke of Ying, Li Ji, and the Deputy Protector General Su Dingfang, and tell them that I have something important to discuss with you." The servant took the order and left.

"Brother, do you have any other instructions?" Li Ke asked.

"My elder brother said that the primary purpose of this battle should be to protect the people of the Tang Dynasty. As for the Koreans, they dared to rise up against the Tang Dynasty. No matter what the reason was, they were disloyal to the Tang Dynasty. Since they have two hearts towards the Tang Dynasty, they must pay the price of death.

My elder brother said that the principle of suppressing the rebellion this time is to take no prisoners and to kill all the rebels. My Great Tang wants to use the blood of the rebels to cleanse Goryeo and deter the rebellious hearts. What my Great Tang wants is the obedient people of Goryeo. If you don't want to be obedient, you will be killed. Isn't my elder brother's decision a bit cruel? "Li Zhi said with reluctance.

"Chi Nu! Do I need to tell you again that those who are not of our race must have different hearts? Cruel? They took up knives to fight against the Tang Dynasty, so they are the enemy of the Tang Dynasty. Since they are enemies, we cannot show mercy to them. Put away your kind nature and don't ruin your plan." Li Tai said in a reproachful manner.

"Okay, Qingque, Zhinu is still young, so don't be too harsh on me. But Zhinu, you must remember that everything my elder brother has done is for the Tang Dynasty and for the eternal consolidation of the imperial power of our Li family.

"Every decision made by Big Brother is correct. We just need to obey unconditionally and do our best. If you have any objections, you can raise them with Big Brother, but we must resolutely implement them." Li Ke said firmly.

"Yes, Zhinu will remember it." Li Zhi said with a bow. At this time, Li Ji and Su Dingfang hurried over. After the greetings, Li Ke handed Li Chengqian's letter to the two of them. After reading it, the two of them pondered for a long time.

"I quite agree with your response strategy. I think we can implement it as you suggested. The Japanese invaders, huh, are like an ant trying to shake a tree. They don't know their own capabilities." Li Ji sneered, stroking his beard.

"The old Duke is right. Humph, the Japanese assassinated the prince and plotted against Goryeo. They are so bold and overestimating their own capabilities. They want to resist the Celestial Empire with just four islands. When the Japanese come, I will see how powerful they are." Su Dingfang also sneered.

"Since my uncle and General Su have no objection, let's carry out the plan according to my elder brother's plan. The Royal Guards will work closely with the Andong Protectorate.

There is one thing I want to emphasize. The primary purpose of this battle is to protect the people of the Tang Dynasty. This time, the principle of suppressing the rebellion is to take no prisoners and to kill all the rebels. My brother wants to use the blood of the rebels to cleanse Goryeo and deter the rebellious hearts.

This battle concerns the dignity of the Tang Dynasty. The prestige of the Tang Dynasty cannot be violated, and the land of the Tang Dynasty cannot be lost. Please fight hard for the Tang Dynasty. The Li family is counting on the three generals. "Li Ke said solemnly, and then stood up and saluted. Li Tai and Li Zhi also stood up and saluted hurriedly.

"I am willing to die for the Tang Dynasty, and may the Tang Dynasty win forever." Li Ji, Su Dingfang and Wu Qianyuan hurriedly stood up and saluted on one knee.

The three discussed for a while, and each of them began to implement Li Chengqian's plan according to their duties. Li Ke ordered in the name of the King of Goryeo that there was a rebellion in Goryeo. In order to protect the lives and property of the Tang people, he ordered the Tang people in Goryeo to move to live near Pyongyang. The cost of migration and resettlement was borne by the court, and the army would protect them along the way.

At that time, there were not many Tang people in Goryeo, and they trusted the imperial court very much, so the migration went smoothly.

At this time, many of the former relatives of the Goguryeo kings, nobles and ministers in Goryeo were resentful of the Tang Dynasty because of their loss of power. Under the instigation of Yuan Jingtu, they instigated the ignorant people to rebel in many places in Goguryeo.

The Tang army, led by Li Ji, showed signs of being exhausted, and Li Ke immediately ordered the Andong Protectorate troops to return to Pyongyang to deal with the rebellion. When the army returned from Baekje, Su Dingfang led 2 elite soldiers, disguised as Silla troops, and entered Silla territory.

The Goguryeo garrison returned to defend the city, which made the Goguryeo rebels ecstatic, thinking that the Tang Dynasty was no longer able to suppress the rebellion. The rebels were greatly encouraged, and they attacked cities and plundered, burning, killing and looting everywhere, happily wreaking havoc on their hometown and people.

What the rebels didn't expect was that at this time their every move was already under close surveillance by the Jinyiwei, and even a number of Jinyiwei spies had infiltrated their ranks.

The news of Goguryeo's rebellion and the Tang army's return to defend Pyongyang reached Japan. When Japan's Prime Minister Soga no Emishi learned about it, he was ecstatic and ordered Japan to attack Goryeo.

Japanese generals Di Jing Binglang and Park Ichida Laijin led 5000 troops as the vanguard of the expedition and sailed to the mouth of the Ungjin River. Japanese generals Atumihirafu, Abehirafu, Yuan Jingu and Buyeo Yiji followed closely with the remaining troops. 5 Japanese troops marched towards Baekje in a mighty force.

The Japanese army's 5000 vanguards arrived at the mouth of the Xiongjin River. At that time, the Xiongjin River was guarded by only 1 native Koreans, and their combat effectiveness was low. The Japanese army easily captured the Xiongjin River mouth.

The Japanese general Di Jingbinglang did not stop and led 5000 vanguards down the river to Xiongjin Castle. The lord of Xiongjin Castle was a former Baekje official. Seeing the great strength of the Japanese army, he opened the gate and surrendered.

The Japanese general Di Jing Binglang was a bloodthirsty person and was called a "devil beast". When Di Jing Binglang saw that Xiongjin City had been captured, he was overjoyed and ordered his men to not put down their weapons for three days and to plunder as they pleased. For a time, the Japanese army was like a wild beast out of a cage, burning, killing, raping and looting in Xiongjin City.

The Japanese army broke into the homes of the people in Xiongjin City at will, killing people, stealing money, and raping women. The Japanese generals Di Jingbinglang and Park Ichida Laijin even held a killing competition, taking their personal guards to the streets and killing anyone they saw, competing to see who could kill the most people in an hour.

Beheaded pedestrians and naked women could be seen all over the city. After the Japanese army's three days of beast-like revelry, Xiongjin City was like hell.

When the Japanese army arrived at Xiongjin City, Buyeo Yiji was shocked to see the desolate Xiongjin City with corpses everywhere. When the people of Xiongjin City saw Buyeo Yiji, they cried and complained about the atrocities of the Japanese army and asked Buyeo Yiji to help them.

Buyeo Yici angrily found Atanbirov and accused Dijing Binglang and Pushi Tianlaijin of allowing soldiers to plunder and being cruel and inhumane. After listening to this, Atanbirov said with disdain.

"Our Great Japanese army has traveled across the ocean and spared no effort to restore the country for His Excellency the Crown Prince. Our samurai have shed blood and sacrificed for His Excellency and Baekje. Your Excellency the Crown Prince and the people of Baekje should be grateful for the efforts of our Great Japanese samurai. This little bit of money should be regarded as a reward for our samurai.

As for those who died, how could a mere lowly person compare to a noble samurai? They deserved to die for resisting the great Japanese samurai. Those Baekje women should be proud of being able to dedicate themselves to serving the great Japanese samurai.

"I am busy with official duties, so Your Excellency, please think about how to gather the Baekje Volunteer Army. You don't need to come to me for such trivial matters."

Buyeo Yici was extremely angry, but he could do nothing. He could only appease the people. The people of Xiongjin City saw that Buyeo Yici was just a puppet of Japan and could not make decisions for him. They were extremely disappointed with Buyeo Yici and left in disappointment.

After a short rest, the Japanese army continued to move down the river, entered the Baishui River, and captured Juliu City. Buyeo Yiji stayed in Xiongjin City and organized the Baekje Volunteer Army under the supervision of the Japanese army. After the Japanese army captured Juliu City, they forced the Baekje people to strengthen the city defense, build warehouses, and turned Juliu City into a rear base.

The Japanese army, led by the Baekje righteous army, swept through the Baekje cities. Most of the Baekje cities surrendered, and those that did not surrender were massacred for three days after the Japanese army broke through. For a time, the Japanese army rampaged in Baekje, burning, killing, raping and looting. Baekje was in flames and corpses were everywhere. The people of Baekje suffered greatly.