Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

It would take at least two to three months for the new Xueyantuo king to ascend the throne to stabilize the chaotic situation and restore the normal operation of the court.

During this period, they had no way to mobilize a large army and food supplies to launch any attack on the Tang army.

Now Du He suggested taking action against Goguryeo more than a month in advance so as to gain the upper hand in time.

Once Goguryeo is almost defeated, they will not be afraid even if the Xueyantuo army arrives.

Li Chengqian thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Now the warships have been built, the food and grass have been transported to the north, and the siege ladders have been delivered to Li Ji. All we need is to set out with the army."

"Although the weather in Liaodong was still extremely cold in February, the soldiers were able to fight normally!"

"I will go to the palace later to discuss with my father about the army taking action in advance!"

A single move can affect the entire body. Since the battle plan has been made in advance, such a big change is needed now, and it must be made clear to the generals-in-chief of each march.

Du He nodded and then asked, "Your Highness, didn't His Majesty send people into the Xueyantuo to sow discord among the tribes?"

"As long as the Xueyantuo are in internal strife, Duomi Khan will be busy suppressing the rebellion and will have no energy to cause trouble to us."

There are still 200,000 to 300,000 combat-capable soldiers within the Xueyantuo territory. If they all rush south, the Tang Dynasty's finances may not be able to sustain a two-front war.

The best way is to use a trick to create chaos within the Xueyantuo group.

Li Chengqian nodded and said, "My father has already ordered the Ministry of Shangshu to arrange the plan to alienate the Xueyantuo tribes."

"Fang Xuanling said that we cannot pin all our hopes on sowing discord, and we must be prepared for battle."

Seeing that the court had taken action, Du He calmed down.

The Xueyantuo now have huge internal conflicts. With the Tang Dynasty fanning the flames, the possibility of their internal strife is very high.

Even if the new king, Duomi Khan, made a desperate move and sent his own troops to cause trouble, the powerful Tang army would be able to deal with him as well.

Seeing that Li Chengqian was still uneasy, Du He comforted him directly.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. With the Duke of Liang and his men taking action, Xueyantuo will definitely not be able to cause much trouble."

"As long as we can quickly gain a huge advantage on the Goguryeo battlefield, we will not be afraid even if Xueyantuo sends a large army south!"

"At worst, after destroying Goguryeo, we can take care of Xueyantuo as well!"

Hearing Du He's bold words, a smile appeared on Li Chengqian's face.

If the Xueyantuo could be destroyed, the territory of the Tang Dynasty would be larger than any other dynasty in history. What an achievement!

Li Chengqian immediately stood up and said, "I will go to see the emperor now and tell him about the arrangements for the battle to be advanced by one month."

Although Li Chengqian was the commander-in-chief of the expedition against Goguryeo, Li Shimin also participated in and followed up the pre-war preparations and the arrangements of the battle plan.

Du He solemnly warned: "Your Highness, the situation is not favorable to our army now. You must persuade His Majesty to let the army go out early."

"Every day of delay means one day of risk."

Li Chengqian nodded solemnly and said, "Don't worry, I will convince my father."

Although the Tang army's deployment could not be concealed from Goguryeo and Xueyantuo, the rulers of these two countries were also well aware of it.

Li Ji led an army of more than 6 and had stationed them in Yingzhou, eyeing Goguryeo covetously. Moliji Yeon Gaesomun was well aware of this.

Therefore, Yeon Gaesomun commanded the Goguryeo army and launched a frenzied attack on Silla, hoping to destroy it before the Tang army arrived, and then mobilize the entire country to fight against the Tang army.

When Li Chengqian went to Ganlu Palace to find Li Shimin, Du He also left the Eastern Palace and returned to the Princess's Mansion.

...

Princess Chengyang's Mansion, in the lobby.

Li Yi sat on a chair, and Linglong stood behind her and gently massaged her shoulders.

The master and servant's eyes were always looking towards the gate.

"Your Highness, the Prince Consort is back!"

Linglong had sharp eyes and she saw Du He getting out of the carriage from afar.

Li Yi quickly stood up and slowly walked towards the entrance of the main hall. When she walked out of the hall, Du He also walked in.

"Husband, why did you come back so late?"

Du He walked over quickly and gently held Li Yi's shoulders, saying with concern: "Yier, it's cold outside, let's talk in the lobby."

As they walked into the lobby, Du He explained in a low voice, "It was almost time for the end of my shift, and the prince just happened to have something important to discuss with me."

"By the way, Yi'er, have you had your meals?"

Li Yi touched his stomach and said shyly, "I've already eaten, but now I'm a little hungry again."

She is now in the late stage of pregnancy and her appetite is nearly twice as much as usual.

And not long after eating, you will feel hungry again soon.

She usually eats three meals a day, but now she eats four or even five meals a day.

Hearing Li Yi's words, Du He smiled and said, "Yier, let's go eat something together."

While eating, Du He watched Li Yi eating meat with big mouthfuls, and a smile unconsciously appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Just thinking about going to war and not being able to accompany his wife to give birth, a trace of sadness appeared between his brows.

Li Yi was very sensitive. She raised her pretty face and asked, "Husband, why are you frowning? Are you worried about something?"

"Why don't you tell me and see how I can help you."

Du He quickly forced a smile on his face, he gently patted the back of Li Yi's hand and said.

"Yier, there have been some changes. The departure time will be advanced to these two days."

"I may not be able to spend the Lantern Festival with you."

Du He didn't want to hide it from Li Yi. It would be better to tell him now that he was still at home than before he went to war.

"Ah... so sudden?"

Li Yi's pretty face fell.

Even Linglong, who was sitting on the side eating, turned her head in surprise.

Du He gently stroked Li Yi's hair and said with a smile: "I want to conquer Goguryeo as soon as possible and try to come back before you give birth. If not, I will come back when the baby is one month old."

Hearing Du He's words, Li Yi felt sweet in his heart.

She knew that a war would not last more than half a year and there was no way she could come back, so her husband said this just to comfort her.

Li Yi said softly, "Husband, please give the child a name."

"I don't want my child to be born a few months without a name of his own."

Du He nodded, then stood up and thought.

After a while.

Du He smiled and said, "Yier, if you give birth to a boy, let's name him Du Ping'an, and if you give birth to a girl, let's name her Du Wuyou."

Li Yi whispered, "Peace and Worry-free. Although the name is not inspired by poetry or painting, the meaning is quite good."

Then she raised her head and said sweetly, "Husband, I'll do as you say."

After comforting Li Yi, Du He walked up to Linglong and said with a serious face.

"Linglong, you must take good care of the princess while I am away at the battle."

Linglong nodded quickly and said, "Don't worry, Prince Consort, I will definitely stay by the princess' side all the time."

...

The next day.

Hundreds of officials attend the meeting.

Li Chengqian, dressed in formal court robes, also appeared in the Taiji Hall.

When Du He walked in, Li Chengqian nodded at him with a smile on his face.

"It's done."

Du He knew that this was Li Chengqian's attempt to persuade Li Shimin.

Thinking that the army was about to set out, Du He became excited.

At the beginning of the court meeting, Li Shimin told a group of civil and military officials about the death of Xueyantuo Yinan Khan due to illness and the fact that his legitimate son Bazhuo proclaimed himself as Jieli Kulishixixu Shaduomi Khan.

"Is this heroic hero Yi Nan dead now?"

All the officials showed an expression of disbelief.

Li Shimin then dropped the second bombshell.

"I have decided that the army will march out early tomorrow to attack Goguryeo!"