Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

"What's the matter?" Li Shimin sat on the dragon throne in the imperial study of the imperial palace, his eyes like torches, and he looked intimidating without even getting angry.

"Your Majesty, Goryeo has dispatched an army of 300,000, and they are coming with great force. Now they are less than a hundred miles away from Anshi City!" The messenger knelt on one knee, his voice trembling slightly.

Li Shimin looked stern and waved his hand: "Retreat."

After the messenger withdrew, several important officials looked worried and made suggestions one after another.

Zhangsun Wuji stepped forward, clasped his fists, and said, "Your Majesty, the Goryeo army is advancing with great force. Anshi City is in imminent danger. I believe that we must immediately dispatch a large army to provide assistance to prevent any unforeseen events."

Fang Xuanling shook his head slightly and said, "Your Majesty, this matter requires further consideration. Although our Tang army is elite, it has been a long journey and has long supply lines. If we rush out rashly, we may be ambushed by the enemy."

Li Shimin pondered for a moment and slowly said, "I have made up my mind. I will set out in three days."

"In the next three days, I will see detailed military reports, including the enemy's troop deployment, food reserves, and the terrain surrounding Anshi City. All nobles must make every effort to prepare food, food, and weapons. No mistakes are allowed."

All the ministers responded in unison: "Your Majesty is wise."

He stood with his hand on the arm, his face solemn, muttering to himself, "Three hundred thousand troops! It seems that Goryeo is making a desperate attempt to challenge my Tang Dynasty. Humph, how could my mighty army be afraid? I will make them know that those who offend my Tang Dynasty will be severely punished."

"This battle, however, concerns the lives of thousands of soldiers and the prestige of the Tang Dynasty. We must plan thoroughly and make absolutely no mistakes."

After he finished speaking, a hint of determination and sharpness flashed in his eyes, as if he had already made a plan in his mind, and the day he would send out his troops would be the day when the Goryeo army would be defeated.

Cheng Yaojin's eyes widened as he took a step forward and spoke in a booming voice, "Your Majesty, our Great Tang is majestic, with powerful soldiers and horses. With your Majesty's wise leadership, even if Goryeo sends out an army of 300,000, we are not afraid!"

"I, Old Cheng, am willing to lead my men as the vanguard and defeat them until they are left with nothing but their armor and weapons."

"I just don't believe they can withstand my three axes!"

After saying that, Cheng Yaojin waved the Xuanhua axe in his hand, with a look of heroism and confidence on his face, and his fearlessness was fully revealed, as if as long as he took action, the Korean army was doomed to be defeated.

Li Shimin raised his head and laughed: "Zhijie is right. I have many brave generals in the Tang Dynasty and millions of soldiers. How could I be afraid of Goryeo?"

"Although there will be a fierce battle ahead, I firmly believe that the men of the Great Tang will be able to fearlessly defeat the enemy at the gates of Anshi City, spreading the prestige of the Great Tang to all corners of the world, and making the world know the name of the Great Tang and dare not offend in the slightest."

After saying this, Li Shimin's eyes shone with a light that showed his certainty of victory and absolute trust in the strength of the Tang Dynasty.

Amidst the discussion, Lord Zhang stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, although the situation is serious, there is no need to worry too much."

"The grenade-making method described by the Yuyu family is quite astonishing. If we can deploy this weapon in large quantities to our army, it will surely be able to play an unexpected role at a critical moment in the battle with Goryeo, increasing our chances of victory."

Li Shimin heard this and nodded slightly, a thoughtful look in his eyes: "I also know the method of this grenade, but its production process and usage still need to be carefully considered to ensure that it is foolproof before it can be used on the battlefield. Don't rush and cause chaos."

Li Jing frowned and clasped his fists, saying, "Your Majesty, speed is of the essence in war. With three hundred thousand Goryeo troops approaching, Anshi City is undoubtedly in imminent danger."

"If our army sets out immediately, marching day and night, we might be able to catch them off guard while they are still struggling to gain a firm foothold. Delaying for one more day will increase the risk. Your Majesty, please reconsider."

Li Shimin's expression was solemn, but his tone was firm: "Pharmacist, I know that speed is the most important thing in war. However, this expedition is not based solely on bravery."

"Korea is advancing with great force. I have yet to fully grasp key information such as their troop deployment and food supplies."

"In the next three days, I will work with you all to carefully plan strategies and tactics, allocate military supplies, and ensure that the Tang army can achieve the greatest victory at the lowest cost after setting out on the expedition."

"Furthermore, I have sent out orders for reinforcements from all over the country to rush over and join us. Within three days, the army will be more complete."

Qin Qiong stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and said with a serious expression, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. We cannot rush into battle based on impulsiveness. Although the men of the Tang Dynasty are all brave and fearless, the 300,000-strong Goryeo army is no pushover."

"These three days of discussion and preparation are absolutely necessary. We must consider every aspect thoroughly and think through every possible response strategy."

"In this way, when the army sets out, we can be sure of victory, forcing the Goryeo army to retreat without return, severely crushing their fighting spirit and showcasing the mighty military power of the Tang Dynasty!"

After saying this, Qin Qiong stood up straight, his eyes full of recognition and determination for Li Shimin's decision.

Li Shimin was delighted and said with a smile, "My dear ministers, you are all my loyal and devoted ministers. With your tireless efforts and suggestions, there is no need to worry about not winning this battle."

"In this march and battle, the key is to plan carefully before taking action. We must rely on the bravery of our Tang men, but even more so, on your wisdom. Only by planning every step carefully can we achieve the greatest results with the least losses."

"During the next three days, my dear ministers, please discuss this matter with me in detail and express your opinions. When we set out, I believe we will be able to defeat the enemy in one fell swoop. This will make Goryeo realize the power of the Tang Dynasty and prevent them from invading our borders again!"

All the ministers bowed and said in unison: "We are willing to serve Your Majesty at our utmost and will help Your Majesty to achieve victory!"

Li Shimin waved his hand and said loudly: "My dear ministers, the situation is urgent now. You should stay in the court for the next three days. There is no need to return home."

"We must seize every minute and every second to sort out all the details of the expedition to Goryeo. From the marching route to the allocation of food and fodder, from tactical arrangements to possible variables, we must carefully consider everything."

"I will advance and retreat with you all, and discuss the great plan together. I must ensure that this expedition is foolproof."

All the ministers responded in unison: "In compliance with your majesty's orders, we will do our utmost to live up to your expectations."

After saying this, everyone looked solemn, ready to prepare for military affairs in the court day and night.

Li Shimin stood up and laughed heartily. "I'm going out for some fresh air. The atmosphere in the court is solemn yet warm, which comforts me greatly. My dear ministers, continue your discussions and do not slack off."

Ministers: “Yes”

After saying this, he walked out with the gait of a dragon and a tiger.

The imperial garden was full of colorful flowers, but Li Shimin had no intention of appreciating them. He kept thinking about the details of the war with Goryeo.

He knew very well that this battle was related to the destiny and prestige of the Tang Dynasty, and he had to be extremely cautious and not allow any mistakes.