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

The Goryeo War ended with a great victory for the Tang Dynasty and a disastrous defeat for the Japanese. The news of the victory in the Goryeo War spread throughout the Tang Dynasty at the fastest speed. Everyone in the country was overjoyed and spontaneously organized celebrations. After Li Shimin received the victory news, he was even more delighted and lavishly praised and rewarded the three princes, Li Ke, Li Zhi, and Li Tai, and rewarded those who made contributions very generously.

At this time, when Japan learned that Goryeo had been defeated and hundreds of thousands of troops were wiped out, the government and the people were struck by lightning, and panic and anxiety spread throughout Japan.

Li Shimin also issued an edict to behead the Japanese general Atumiharafu in front of the people of Goryeo, and exempted Goryeo's taxes for two years to calm the people and give the people of Goryeo a rest. On the day of Atumiharafu's execution, the streets of Pyongyang were deserted. Li Ke read out the crimes of Japan and the Japanese general Atumiharafu in public and ordered their beheading. When the people of Goryeo saw Atumiharafu being beheaded with one sword, they all applauded.

After the beheading, Li Ke read out loud Li Shimin's decree to reduce taxes. After hearing Li Shimin's decree, the people of Goryeo knelt down and cried, shouting "I wish to be Tang people forever." They were even more grateful to Li Shimin and the Tang Dynasty.

After the war with Goryeo ended, it was only a matter of time before the invasion of Japan. After Li Chengqian proposed the invasion of Japan in the morning court, to his surprise, the whole court agreed unanimously without any objection. Even the stingy Minister of Revenue Tang Jian stood up and waved his fists and shouted.

"The Japanese have defied the Heavenly Empire and offended its majesty. They dared to take advantage of the national mourning to invade our Tang Dynasty. There is no point in keeping such a shameless wolf alive if we don't kill him. If the Crown Prince sends troops to destroy the Japanese, even if I have to sell everything I have, dig deep into the ground, and lose everything I have, I will ensure that our Tang Dynasty has enough food to destroy the Japanese."

Seeing the indignant attitude of the civil and military officials, Li Chengqian covered his head and sighed. It seemed that the Japanese had really angered the civil and military officials of the Tang Dynasty this time, but it was good, at least Li Chengqian didn't have to work hard to persuade the ministers. Li Shimin saw that the whole court was unanimous in supporting the expedition against Japan, and smiled and issued an edict that the prince would be fully responsible for this war, and ordered the Secretariat to write a proclamation to fight against the enemy, describing in detail the crimes committed by Japan in Goryeo, and to send it to the Tang Dynasty and neighboring countries.

The proclamation to conquer Japan spread throughout the Tang Dynasty, and the people of the Tang Dynasty all cursed Japan. Hearing about the numerous crimes committed by Japan in Goryeo, the people of the Tang Dynasty sympathized with the people of Goryeo and cursed Japan as a country of beasts. Seeing that the Tang Dynasty was going to send troops to conquer Japan, the people all supported it.

Li Chengqian requested the imperial edict of Li Shimin, who appointed Hejian Prince Li Xiaogong as the Grand Commander of the Japanese Expedition, and the deputy commander of the Prince's Office Army, Xue Li, as the Deputy Commander of the Japanese Expedition. He led the Xuanwu Army and Feilong Army of the Prince's Office Army, 7 men, the Shenji Army Artillery Battalion, 1 men, 5 naval forces, and 8 land forces in Yangzhou, Chuzhou and other places to immediately set out to conquer Japan upon receiving the order.

He ordered the troops supporting Gao to prepare for war in Goryeo as a backup. With Goryeo as the logistics base for the expeditionary army against Japan, he ordered the Goryeo King Li Ke to be the general manager of the logistics of the expeditionary army against Japan, and the Wei King Li Tai and Jin King Li Zhi to be his deputies to ensure the logistics of the expeditionary army against Japan.

The Japanese expeditionary army had already prepared for the expedition. After receiving Li Chengqian's order, they immediately set sail for Japan. The Japanese expeditionary army arrived at Tsushima Island in Japan in March of the 13th year of Zhenguan, and immediately launched an attack on the island. The Tang Dynasty occupied the island effortlessly and used the island as a logistics base, waiting for Goryeo to deliver supplies. After the supplies were delivered, Xue Li led the Prince's Office Corps to attack Honshu Island, and Li Xiaogong led the remaining troops to attack Kyushu and Shikoku Islands.

When the Japanese king and his ministers heard that the Tang army had occupied Tsushima Island, they were all shocked. The Japanese Grand Minister Soga no Emishi urgently summoned his ministers to the Asuka Okamoto Palace to discuss countermeasures with Emperor Shumei.

"Gentlemen, we were defeated in the war against Goryeo and lost hundreds of thousands of Yamato samurai. Now the Tang Kingdom has raised an army to seek revenge and has occupied Tsushima Island. How should we respond?" Soga no Emishi said with a gloomy face.

"I don't understand. The weather hasn't warmed up yet and it's still very cold. As soon as the battle in Goryeo ended, the Tang army crossed the ocean without waiting for the weather to warm up. Why are the Tang army not afraid of the cold and move so quickly?" The Left Minister Soga Akae frowned.

What the Japanese didn't know was that after Western Turkestan, Gaochang and Kucha were annexed by the Tang Dynasty, Li Chengqian bought a large amount of cotton seeds from the system (cotton was introduced to China during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, but most of it was grown in the border areas at that time) and widely planted cotton in Western Turkestan, Gaochang and Kucha (Gaochang is the southeast of Gaochang District, Turpan City, Xinjiang today, and Kucha is Xinjiang and parts of Central Asia).

In winter, the Tang army was issued ear-protecting cotton hats, cotton coats, cotton trousers, cotton socks and cotton shoes. Li Chengqian also designed and made cotton gloves. In winter, the Tang army wore ear-protecting cotton hats, cotton coats, cotton trousers, cotton socks and cotton shoes under their armor, and wore cotton gloves on their hands to cope with cold weather.

Ear-protecting cotton hats, cotton coats, cotton trousers, cotton socks, cotton shoes and cotton gloves were sold through the Royal Trade Bureau and received unanimous praise from the people of the Tang Dynasty.

"Alas, no matter what the reason, we are no longer able to go to war with the Tang Dynasty. Your Excellency the Prime Minister, I suggest that we make peace with the Tang Dynasty." The Right Minister Soga Ishikawamaro sighed.

"Who says we don't have the strength to fight? Our great Japan still has 10 samurai and more than 3 million civilians. If the Tang Dynasty invades, our great Japan can recruit another 20 samurai. His Majesty the Emperor can also call on all the people to fight to the death with the Tang Dynasty." The Japanese general Nobi Saki said loudly.

"Brother is right. Your Excellency the Grand Minister, when the Tang army arrives, my two brothers will personally lead the troops into battle and kill them until the Tang army flows into a river of blood." Nobi Zazanaka of the Japanese army said in a muffled voice.

The Japanese generals Nobi Sakabe and Nobi Zazhong are brothers, a pair of fierce generals that Soga Emishi had recently recruited accidentally. They are a mix of Japanese and Emishi people, and they are very strong, with arms that can hold a thousand pounds of strength.

"Humph! That's easy to say. Do you know how many people there are in the Tang Kingdom? Nearly 6 million, nearly times ours. Our Great Japan is an island country, surrounded by the sea, and there are places everywhere where the Tang army can land.

That idiot Qin Tianlaijin has almost destroyed all of our Japanese navy. How can we stop the Tang army from landing? Moreover, with a long coastline, how can we know where the Tang army will land? If we set up defenses everywhere, will we have enough troops?

All the people die in battle? What a joke! If all the people die, then our Yamato nation will be destroyed." The Right Minister Soga Ishikawamaro sneered.

"Okay, General Nobi and the other general are very brave. But what my nephew Ishikawa Maro said also makes sense. What do the others have any opinions?" Soga no Emishi said coldly.

"I think we can make two preparations. On the one hand, we should expand our military and prepare for war. As the Right Minister said, although our Great Japan is not very large, it is difficult to defend the whole country with only 30 people. It is very easy for the Tang army to concentrate its forces and defeat them one by one.

The army can be concentrated near Kyoto, and people from all over the country can be called to migrate to Kyoto. Those who are unable to migrate in time will stay where they are and fight to the death with the Tang army, thus depleting the Tang army's manpower.

On the other hand, sending envoys to the Tang Dynasty to ask for peace can appropriately meet some of the Tang Dynasty's demands. As long as the Tang Dynasty agrees to our request for peace, we will have time to rest and plan for the future. "The Grand Minister Hojo Ichizuru said.

"Moreover, when the people move to Kyoto, we can pursue a scorched earth policy. Not leaving any food for the Tang army, which will put great logistical pressure on the Tang army," said Chu-nagon Zao-ichiro.

"Yo, that's it. Who can be the envoy?" Soga no Emishi asked, stroking his beard and thinking for a long time.

"I am willing to go." said the Imperial Censor Soga Goan.

"Well, yo. If my dear nephew Guoan goes, it will be hard work for him." Soga Emishi nodded and smiled.

"Since this is the case, we should make preparations for both situations. On the one hand, all people should migrate to the vicinity of Kyoto, and food should be sent to various places first. We should recruit 20 troops and assemble them near Kyoto with the existing 10 troops, and train them day and night.

On the other hand, Soga no Goan was sent as a peace envoy to Tsushima Island to ask Japan to suspend its attack on the grounds that Japan was going to Chang'an to negotiate peace. Soga no Goan negotiated with Tang and agreed to Tang's conditions as long as they were not too excessive.

Closely monitor the movements of the Tang army and be prepared for their attacks at all times.

Gentlemen, this battle concerns the fate of Japan and the survival of the Yamato nation. I hope you will fight bravely. "Saga Emishi said solemnly.

"Yes." The ministers bowed their heads and nodded.

Soon, the people in Wa were forced by their lords to migrate to the vicinity of Kyoto. Food and grass from various places were given priority in transportation. Soga no Emishi also ordered the urgent conscription of 20 soldiers and horses in the name of Emperor Shumei.

Soga Goan first came to Tsushima Island and asked to see Li Xiaogong. Li Xiaogong met Soga Goan with a confused look on his face. Soga Goan explained his purpose and asked Li Xiaogong to suspend the attack on the grounds that he was going to Chang'an to negotiate peace. Li Xiaogong and Xue Li were stunned after hearing this, and Li Xiaogong said with a fake smile.

"Whether to stop the war or not is not up to me. The order I received is to conquer Japan. I will stop the war with just one word from you. You are making it difficult for me.

You should go to Chang'an to talk to my sage and the prince. As soon as the ceasefire decree arrives, I will immediately stop the war. Otherwise, humph. I am busy with affairs, so I will not keep you. Come on, send the guest away. "

Soga Goan saw Li Xiaogong seeing off the guests and was about to speak, but Xue Li frowned and interrupted him.

"You Japanese slaves are so ignorant of etiquette. My governor has made it clear that he will not withdraw his troops without an imperial edict. Why are you still nagging me? Why don't you kneel down and beg the great Tang saint and my master to release you, Japan. If you delay any longer, be careful that you, Japan, will be destroyed by my army."

Seeing the attitude of Li Xiaogong and Xue Li, Soga no Goan left Tsushima Island in anger and went straight to Chang'an. After arriving in Chang'an, Soga no Goan urgently asked to see Li Shimin. Li Shimin said that the matter had been handed over to the crown prince for full handling and asked him to go to the crown prince. Soga no Goan had no choice but to ask to see Li Chengqian again. Li Chengqian agreed very happily and met Soga no Goan at the crown prince's mansion.

"The Imperial Censor of Great Japan, Soga no Goan, has been sent on a diplomatic mission to the Kingdom of Tang on the orders of our country's Emperor Shumei. I wish Your Highness the Crown Prince good health and happiness." Soga no Goan said respectfully.

"There is no need for the envoy to be so polite. Your Excellency has come to see me. What advice do you have for me?" Li Chengqian said with a smile.

"I have come here specifically to discuss the peace between our two countries," said Soga no Goan.

"Oh? So Japan has realized its mistake?" Li Chengqian asked with a smile.

"His Majesty the Emperor and his ministers believe that Tang's military intervention in our country is unreasonable and abusive. We demand that Tang withdraw its troops immediately and compensate us for all our losses." Soga no Goan said solemnly.

"Haha, good, what a nonsense, putting the blame on someone else. It seems that it was our Tang Dynasty that won the self-defense counterattack against Goryeo. If I remember correctly, we were the victorious country, and now it is you who have to worry about being destroyed by our Tang Dynasty.

How come, after the victory of the Tang Dynasty, we still have to pay compensation to you, a defeated country? It seems that I really underestimated the thickness of your skin, Japanese slaves. "Li Chengqian laughed in anger.

"Well, the Tang Dynasty and Great Japan have been brother countries since ancient times. It is normal to have some misunderstandings between brothers. As long as the Tang Dynasty withdraws its troops, our country will let bygones be bygones." Soga no Goan blushed and said with a licking face.

"Hey, I just don't understand. Can't you Japanese send someone who can speak human language? Come on, this guy doesn't speak human language, take him out and give him 30 canes. Teach him how to speak human language. If he can't die, let the Japanese take him back and replace him with someone who can speak human language." Li Chengqian sighed. The guard outside the door responded loudly and walked in to drag Soga no Goan away. Soga no Goan was shocked.

"Your Highness, when two countries go to war, envoys will not be killed."

"Yeah, I didn't say I would kill you. I just wanted to spank you." Li Chengqian said aggrievedly.

"Who can survive 30 strokes of the cane? Besides, I am a minister of a country after all, an envoy to Tang Dynasty. Your Highness ordered me to take off my pants and give me 30 strokes of the cane. This is a humiliation to me and to Japan." Soga no Goan said angrily.

"What if I humiliate you Japanese slaves? Don't forget that our two countries are at war. I can humiliate you or chop you off. There is power but no justice, understand? Believe it or not, even if I chop you off, you Japanese will send people to negotiate again. Come on, drag him down and beat him." Li Chengqian said disdainfully. The guard dragged Soga no Goan down and beat him 10 times. Soga no Goan fainted from the pain. Li Chengqian ordered his men to splash him with cold water to wake him up and bring him back.

"Can you speak human language now? Also, remember this to me. In this whole world, only the saint of the Great Tang can be called the emperor. How dare you, a small island country, call yourself the emperor? Japan is Japan. If I hear about Great Japan and the emperor again, I will continue to beat you. Do you understand?" Li Chengqian said calmly.

"I will remember what happened today in my heart." Soga no Goan said hatefully.

"Okay, tell me. Your terms for peace with Japan. Remember, speak human language." Li Chengqian said after taking a sip of tea.

"I'm Japanese."

"Huh?" Li Chengqian glared at Soga no Goan with dissatisfaction.

"We in Japan believe that the war between our two countries was a misunderstanding. Now we in Japan are willing to apologize to the Tang Dynasty. The two countries will stop fighting and make peace, and will always be brotherly countries." Soga no Goan quickly changed his words.

"It's over? That's too insincere. Our Tang Dynasty has fought for this, costing a lot of money and suffering countless casualties. Is it over with just an apology?" Li Chengqian said dissatisfiedly.

"What does Your Highness mean?" asked Soga Goan.

"My Great Tang's conditions are: First, Japan must apologize to my Great Tang for this war.

Second, the Japanese Kingdom will pay tribute to the Tang Dynasty, and the ruler of the Japanese Kingdom can only be called a king, and must come to Chang'an to receive the canonization of the saint. This will also be the case in the future.

Second, Japan will pay 1 million strings of silver to the Tang Dynasty as compensation. The compensation can be paid in one lump sum without interest. It can also be repaid in 10 years, but 2% interest will be added. I know that Japan is rich in silver, and silver can be exchanged, one tael of silver for one string of money.

3. Japan ceded Kyushu, Shikoku and Tsushima Island to the Tang Dynasty.

Fourth, the Japanese army shall not exceed 10 troops and shall not have heavy armored troops. "Li Chengqian said slowly.

"Impossible. The annual tax revenue of our country is less than 1 million guan, but the Tang Dynasty wants us to pay 1 million guan in compensation. And as far as I know, the Tang Dynasty exchanged 2 guan of silver for one tael of silver, but why did our country pay 1 tael of silver for 1 guan of money?

Also, if we cede Kyushu, Shikoku, and Tsushima Island, how much territory will be left? Does the Tang Dynasty want to destroy my country? I still have 30 troops in my country, and all the people are willing to die to defend my country. If the Tang Dynasty wants to destroy my country, it may not be easy. "Sugano Goan jumped up in shock.

"Oh? Very good, as long as you pick up a weapon, you are the enemy of our Tang Dynasty. Tsk tsk, how much military merit will this get. I believe that the soldiers of our Tang Dynasty will be very happy and will be happy to chop off the head of such a person as a military merit.

Since we cannot obtain what the Tang Dynasty deserves peacefully, then we can obtain it through war. To be honest, I really don't want to negotiate, and my soldiers are still very eager for military merit. "Li Chengqian said disapprovingly.

"Can't we discuss it anymore?" Soga Goan asked.

"No room for negotiation." Li Chengqian said firmly.

"This matter is of great importance, and I cannot make the decision. I have to ask my lord for instructions. I hope that the Tang Dynasty will not attack our country during this period." Soga no Goan said.

"That won't do. Your Excellency had better go back and ask for instructions quickly. If it's too late, Japan will be gone. Also, don't say that I didn't remind you. After I conquer Japan by force, my asking price will be even higher than it is now. Come on, show the guest out." Li Chengqian said calmly.

Soga no Goan had no choice but to leave the Prince's Palace and hurried back to Japan.