Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

Yuchi Huan was already the Lieutenant General of the Right Guard at a young age, but Yuchi Gong knew very well that it was His Majesty who promoted that brat in recognition of his hard work and contributions.

This kid's martial arts skills are pretty good, and he has about 60% of his skills, but after all, he has no experience in commanding troops in battle.

Goguryeo was no ordinary opponent; they were even more difficult to defeat than the Eastern Turks.

Any carelessness will lead to eternal damnation.

Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "Duke E, a good father will have a good son. You and your children should not underestimate Yuchi Huan."

"I know his ability, so I specially let him go with the central army. I believe he will shine in the Liaodong battlefield."

The second generation of a military general's son, he inherited his father's martial arts and joined the army.

That is, Yuchi Gong's three sons, Cheng Yaojin's three sons, and Qin Huaidao.

Other sons of military generals either served as provincial governors or spent their days in the nine temples and five prisons.

Hearing that Li Chengqian thought so highly of his third son, Yuchi Gong's eyes lit up.

He waved his hand casually and said, "Your Highness, you are too kind. As his father, I know best how capable my third son is."

Looking at the smug look on his face, he doesn't look humble at all.

In terms of martial arts, his children are indeed better than the descendants of other generals.

And his body is just like his, tall and strong.

Du He smiled and complimented him, "Duke E, you are too modest. If Yuchi Huan didn't have any great abilities, would His Royal Highness dare to let him be the commander-in-chief of the central army?"

"With Yuchi Huan assisting the Crown Prince, the Central Army will not only be as stable as a mountain, but will also be able to advance unstoppably all the way."

Things had come to this point, and Yuchi Gong, who was so smart, naturally understood it.

These two little rascals wanted Yuchi Huan to defect to the Eastern Palace.

Yuchi Gong pondered secretly in his heart.

"The prince has been behaving well lately, and that bastard Du He has also been behaving in a very orderly manner. Perhaps this will allow the third brother to get closer to the prince."

Not only did His Majesty not reject the second-generation children from getting close to the prince, but he took the initiative to ask them to send their children to the Eastern Palace at the court meeting.

He used to look down on Li Chengqian because Li Chengqian's performance was really unbearable.

I’m afraid that my children will be affected if they go there.

The situation is different now. He sees the possibility of succession to the throne in Li Chengqian, and the prince has tried to win him over many times.

Letting the third son go to the Eastern Palace can be considered an investment for his Yuchi family.

Yuchi Gong quickly made up his mind, so he smiled and said, "It is a blessing for the third brother to be favored by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. That brat has a stubborn temper and sometimes makes mistakes. The Crown Prince must help me to discipline him."

"If he doesn't listen, you can beat him with a stick. That bastard has thick skin and strong muscles, and he can withstand beatings very well."

Yuchi Gong's attitude towards educating his children is exactly the same as Cheng Yaojin's. He believes that a good son will be born under the stick.

Being unfilial means that the beating was not harsh enough.

Li Chengqian was very excited, but he pretended to be calm and said, "Don't worry, Duke E, I will treat Yuchi Huan well, just like my father treats you!"

What a surprise!

Unexpectedly, the Duke of E, who had always been resolute in his attitude, would actually give in today and allow Yuchi Huan to assist him.

Du He is worthy of being his number one military advisor!

With just a few words, he got such a great help.

The three chatted for a while, and Yuchi Gong stood up and prepared to say goodbye and leave.

He was recalled to Chang'an this time and could not stay for too long.

I have to catch up with a bunch of old friends who stayed in Chang'an City, and by the way, give some advice to that brat Yuchi Huan.

You have to be careful when hanging out with these two little rascals, Li Chengqian and Du He.

Yuchi Gong clasped his fists and bowed to Li Chengqian, saying, "Your Highness, I have offended you today. Please forgive me."

Wearing armor and blocking the gate of the East Palace is a very immoral act.

If the group of Imperial Censors and Counselors impeached him, there would be no problem as long as the Crown Prince spoke up for him.

Li Chengqian waved his hand nonchalantly and said with a smile: "Duke E, we are just catching up today and nothing else happened, so how can there be any offense?"

This old killer is deeply favored by his father, and this is his personality. Li Chengqian will not take it to heart.

On the contrary, I am so happy to receive Yuchi Gong’s kindness today.

Yuchi Gong said with a smile: "Your Highness the Crown Prince has a great generosity, I admire you."

After bowing again, he turned around and strode out of the East Palace.

After Yuchi Gong left, Li Chengqian could no longer suppress the joy on his face.

"Great! I've got another big help!"

"Du He, this is all thanks to you!"

Li Chengqian walked back and forth in the hall excitedly, muttering to himself all the time.

At first, he disliked the fact that the central army was composed of newcomers and their strength was too weak, but he did not expect that their role would be so huge.

The selection of generals for this army was not based on combat, but rather as an olive branch extended to the generals in the army.

Du He stood with his hands behind his back, smiling but saying nothing.

Pretending to be a master.

...

Four days later, Zhang Liang, the governor of Luozhou who was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Canghai Road army, returned to Chang'an.

From then on, the three marching generals gathered together.

Inside the Liangyi Hall.

Li Shimin ordered the officials of the Palace Department: "Invite the crown prince, Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Li Jing and the three military commanders to the Liangyi Hall to discuss the matter."

"Follow the order."

Several officials from the Palace Province saluted respectfully, lowered their heads and left quickly.

Less than a cup of tea later, Li Chengqian and a group of ministers arrived at Liangyi Hall.

When Li Shimin saw Zhang Liang, who had gained weight, he pointed at him and scolded him with a smile.

"Zhang Liang, have you been eating a lot of meat and fish every day in Luozhou and neglecting exercise?"

"You look so fat, you don't look like a heroic general!"

Zhang Liang was born in a poor family. During the chaotic period at the end of the Sui Dynasty, he joined the Wagang Army and was also under the command of Li Ji.

In the first year of Wude, Zhang Liang surrendered to the Tang Dynasty with Li Ji. Later, at the recommendation of Fang Xuanling, he was summoned into the Tiance Palace by Qin Wang Li Shimin.

He was brave in battle and had a quick mind, and gradually gained the appreciation of Li Shimin and was regarded as one of his confidants.

Hearing Li Shimin's words, Zhang Liang patted his belly and said carelessly: "Your Majesty, don't look at my bloated figure now, I am still a good fighter on the battlefield."

After saying that, he acted like a joke and performed a set of boxing skills in front of Li Shimin and a group of ministers.

"Hahaha."

Li Shimin, Fang Xuanling, Li Ji and others all laughed.

This guy is a living treasure.

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "Alright, save your strength for the Liaodong battlefield."

After chatting for a while, Li Shimin got straight to the point and said, "Everyone, let's start the discussion. Prince, you will preside over it."

"Yes, Father."

Li Chengqian sat in his seat, clasped his hands together and saluted Li Shimin.

His expression was slightly nervous.

Unlike the previous discussions on overall combat strategies, this time the discussion was about more specific combat plans.

After three days of continuous discussions, all matters major and minor concerning the conquest of Goguryeo were decided.

Moreover, the three military commanders, Li Ji, Hou Junji and Zhang Liang, also left Chang'an one after another.

The three of them needed to pass the orders down so that the deputy marching commander and the marching commander would be clear about the content of the battle, and they also had to carry out training for the soldiers.

Inside the East Palace Hall.

Li Chengqian and Du He sat opposite each other, and he told Du He everything they had discussed over the past three days.

Since he took charge, his whole mental outlook has been completely renewed and his face is full of confidence.

"Knock knock knock."

The guards knocked on the door of the hall.

He reported respectfully: "Your Highness, Su Dingfang is here to see you."

"Let him in."

Li Chengqian said with a puzzled expression.