Li Shimin faked his death? Then I will be powerful enough to conquer the world!

After Cui Huaide left, Cui Jingming was the only one left in the empty room.

His expression suddenly changed, and his originally calm face was suddenly shrouded in gloom.

The Cui family, a family that has long been high and mighty, has long been accustomed to looking down on everyone.

In Cui Jingming's eyes, this is undoubtedly a fatal taboo.

The arrogance of the aristocratic family is not a symbol of glory, but instead becomes the most difficult problem.

Each of the noble families that came to support was filled with confidence and satisfaction when they saw their own mighty troops.

Even the soldiers they brought with them all held their heads high and chests puffed out, looking arrogant, as if they were sure of victory.

How can such an army resist the powerful army of the imperial court?

What's more, the troops that came to conquer this time were two elite armies that had just returned victorious and were re-divided!

Cui Jingming kept thinking about the current situation of confrontation between the two sides.

Li Chengqian dispatched 300,000 troops from Chang'an to go on the expedition. This move may indicate that Li Chengqian only has 300,000 soldiers at his disposal.

Throughout the Tang Dynasty, there were another 600,000 border troops scattered across the country, led by the generals of each route. These border troops were all loyal to the Li Tang Dynasty.

Xueyantuo and Tubo had already been destroyed by the Tang Dynasty, and the troops in Mobei could also lead troops south to attack at any time.

Among them, the four marching armies of Shuozhou Road, Lingzhou Road, Qingzhou Road and Liangzhou Road have the strongest military forces and are the forces most likely to be allocated.

According to his estimation, the combined strength of these four troops was nearly 300,000, and they were all battle-hardened border troops.

On the other hand, on our side, in addition to the 500,000 troops brought by the joint forces of the aristocratic families, there are also the palace soldiers and guards sent in continuously by the small aristocratic families.

Adding in the troops in Hebei Province, half of whom have already defected, a rough estimate shows that the total force could reach 700,000!

This is just his preliminary estimate.

If he could further win over the remaining troops in Hebei Province and Huainan Province, relying on the intricate network of relationships among the aristocratic families in the local area, he might even be able to muster a massive army of up to 900,000 people!

With a force of 900,000, let's not talk about whether their combat effectiveness is just for show or whether their equipment is sophisticated.

Judging from the numbers alone, 900,000 against 600,000, and the battle is taking place in Hebei Province, with both geographical advantages and people's support. This advantage seems to be firmly in their hands.

Thinking of this, Cui Jingming unconsciously clenched his fists.

Not to mention that these were 900,000 individuals, even if they were just 900,000 disorderly pigs, how could the imperial court easily wipe them out?

As long as he could properly deploy this army, the supreme throne might fall into his pocket in the future.

And once he succeeds in taking the throne, that will be the time when the power of the aristocratic families is at its weakest.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel an irrepressible excitement in his heart.

That position! Once he sits on it, there will be no more troubles from the aristocratic family!

……

"Xian Huai, is it necessary for Your Majesty to send such a large army just to eliminate a noble family?"

Qin Ruzhao asked with a puzzled look on his face.

In his opinion, when Zhang Xianhuai wiped out the Wang family of Taiyuan, he only mobilized 5,000 Jinyiwei.

Now, in order to wipe out the Cui family, a full 300,000 troops were dispatched, which really puzzled him.

Zhang Xianhuai rode on the horse, turned slightly sideways, glanced at Qin Ruzhao beside him, and spoke slowly.

"Ru Zhao, you don't know that the Qinghe Cui family is completely different from other aristocratic families."

"What's the difference?"

Qin Ruzhao asked.

In fact, Xue Rengui on the side was also full of doubts. His eyes were always fixed on Zhang Xianhuai, and he was also very curious about Zhang Xianhuai's opinion.

"Your Majesty's Imperial Guards are spread all over the world. This is something everyone knows."

"The most powerful thing about the Jinyiwei is their ability to gather information."

"In Qinghe County, I sent people there three times, promising them generous conditions such as money, wealth, and status, hoping to win over some insiders."

"But in the end, nothing was found, and there was no news from the three brothers we sent."

"The news of all the Five Surnames and Seven Noble Houses has always been under the control of the Jinyiwei intelligence. However, the Qinghe Cui family has never been leaked even a single whisper."

"Right now, the intelligence received by the Jinyiwei alone indicates that there are no less than 350,000 nobles and their men gathered in Beizhou City."

"Beizhou City has been under the Cui family's meticulous construction for many years and has long been as solid as an iron barrel."

"And this time we have to attack the city and completely wipe out the Cui family. The difficulty is by no means to be underestimated."

Zhang Xianhuai frowned, and his words revealed his concern about the prospects of this battle.

All signs indicate that the head of the Cui family is no ordinary person.

"Three hundred and fifty thousand troops? Are there really that many?"

Xue Rengui couldn't help but show an expression of disbelief when he heard this.

Zhang Xianhuai looked solemn and nodded seriously: "Three hundred and fifty thousand, it will only be more, not less."

"And we must not fall into a losing streak in this battle."

"People's hearts are unpredictable. If we show signs of defeat on the battlefield, many things will get out of control, and the consequences will be disastrous."

Qin Ruzhao glanced at Zhang Xianhuai and said soothingly, "Don't worry, Xianhuai. The soldiers and horses of the aristocratic families have enjoyed peace for a long time. They live in luxury and comfort every day. They must not be good at fighting. We don't need to worry too much."

Zhang Xianhuai nodded slightly: "This is indeed a major advantage of our army."

"But the method of attacking the city ultimately depends on how strong Beizhou City's defenses are."

Although he still had some concerns in his heart, Zhang Xianhuai was not overly panicked.

Fortunately, the Jinyiwei finally succeeded in sneaking into Beizhou City, but they entered with people from other aristocratic families.

……

After Cui Jingming calmed down, he immediately and secretly summoned his most trusted advisers.

After everyone gathered, Cui Jingming said with a deep gaze, "Everyone, the situation is serious now. The imperial army is approaching. We cannot afford to slack off even a little bit."

Li Tong, the trusted advisor, stepped forward and clasped his fists, saying, "Master, the imperial court is coming with such force this time. Our most urgent task is to first understand their details, especially the fighting styles of the two victorious armies returning to the court."

Cui Jingming nodded slightly: "Li Tong is absolutely right."

"I have ordered my men to gather key information such as the detailed organization of the imperial army, the generals' habits, and the transportation routes of military supplies."

"But we can't just sit back and wait; we have to take the initiative."

Advisor Zhao Qi frowned and said, "Master, take the initiative to attack? Although the imperial court has 300,000 troops, excluding the foreign tribes, there are still 150,000 elite soldiers. Wouldn't it be too risky for us to act rashly?"

Cui Jingming sneered: "Zhao Qi, you only know one side of the story."

"The imperial army has traveled a long way, while we are waiting for them to tire out in Hebei Province."

"Furthermore, the number of the aristocratic family coalition forces should not be underestimated. Although they are all useless, they can still consume the strength of the Tang army."

"I have sent people to the remaining marching camps in Hebei and Huainan to lobby them. If we can win them over, our army's strength will reach 900,000."

Li Tong's eyes lit up. "Master, this is a brilliant plan. If it succeeds, our army will have a huge advantage in manpower."

"But, I wonder how the Patriarch can ensure that they will definitely turn against us?"

Cui Jingming said confidently: "I promise the general of Hebei Province absolute power and wealth in this area."

"The Huainan Dao provided a large amount of food and supplies as well as future status."

"They are all there for profit, how could they not be tempted?"

Advisor Qian Feng said worriedly, "Master, don't forget that the imperial guards are not pushovers either. What if they learn of our plan..."

Cui Jingming's face darkened. "So, during the operation, we must be extremely cautious and do everything in secret."

"This is also why I want to support you. I don't trust the Cui family!"

“If anyone leaks the information, they will be severely punished.

Cui Jingming added: "In terms of military defense, based on the terrain of Beizhou City, I have decided to re-plan the city's defense layout."

"Qian Feng will be in charge of strengthening the city walls, adding watchtowers and fortifications."

"Zhao Qi, you will be responsible for setting up multiple traps and obstacles on the main roads outside the city to prevent a surprise attack by the imperial army."

Qian Feng and Zhao Qi responded in unison: "As you command, Lord Cui!"

Cui Jingming continued, "Li Tong, you will organize the people in the city to conduct logistical support drills to ensure smooth and efficient supply of materials during wartime."

"This battle is about the survival of our Cui family. Only victory is allowed, not defeat!"