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

Cui Jingming forced himself to take a deep breath and, accompanied by his personal guards, walked into the camp with slightly heavy steps.

At this time, the 18,000 soldiers had gathered together in an orderly manner. Discarded weapons and leather armor were everywhere in the camp, and it was a mess.

Seeing Cui Jingming coming, the soldiers below focused their eyes on him and shouted "Mr. Cui" in unison.

The voice echoed in the camp, carrying a bit of respect.

Cui Jingming forced a smile on his face and waved at them.

"Stop calling me Lord Cui. How can I, Cui Jingming, deserve the title of Lord?"

After saying that, he found a step nearby, sat down slowly, and then waved for everyone to come closer.

Everyone looked at each other, exchanged glances, and then slowly gathered in front of Cui Jingming.

"My voice is a little low, so those of you in the front can hear me, so I'll pass it on to those in the back."

Cui Jingming's voice sounded a little weak, but still majestic.

"Come, sit down, spread out a little, and relax a little."

"Put down all your weapons, and if you feel heavy, take off your armor."

"Don't worry, there won't be a fight now."

After hearing Cui Jingming's order, these simple and honest soldiers sat down on the ground one by one and gently placed the weapons in their hands on the ground, making a slight metal collision sound.

Seeing this, Cui Jingming nodded slightly.

"Okay, let's sit down and have a good chat."

"Everyone is now aware of the current situation. The demise of my family is irreversible."

At this point, Cui Jingming couldn't help but cough twice, cleared his throat, and continued, "I know that deep down in your hearts you actually dislike us, the aristocratic families, and even hate us."

"You are able to stay only to repay me or others for their kindness."

Cui Jingming raised his head slightly, with a hint of reminiscence in his eyes.

"Actually, it wasn't like this when the family was first born."

"The noble families of that time also cared for the people, actively assisted the imperial court in its wars, managed the rivers for the people, and during years of disaster, they would open their granaries and release grain to provide relief to the victims."

"This is the original meaning and value of the aristocratic family's existence."

His voice gradually deepened.

"However, as time passed, the children of the aristocratic families became weaker and weaker with each generation. They gradually became arrogant and domineering, and began to oppress the people at will. Their actions were completely unscrupulous and they committed all kinds of evil."

"Some things are simply cruel and outrageous. As the head of the Cui family, I am fully aware of all of this."

"At the same time, I can't bear it. Not to mention the aristocratic families, even the Cui family is not under my control."

A trace of helplessness and regret flashed in Cui Jingming's eyes.

"I always thought about waiting a little longer, hoping to get rid of all those stubborn old men in the family. Then I could make drastic changes to all the aristocratic families, set new rules, and let the aristocratic families return to the right path."

"But it was too late. I was too conceited, and my health was failing."

"Now that His Majesty is determined to eradicate all the aristocratic families, I was indeed very angry at first, but now that I think about it calmly, this is actually a very good thing!"

Cui Jingming's eyes slowly swept over the crowd.

"You may not know this Majesty well, and I have never had the pleasure of meeting him, but I have heard of his deeds and deeds, and his love for the people is undeniable."

"Having such a caring emperor is truly a blessing to all the people of the world. Do you understand?"

After saying that, Cui Jingming's gaze fell on the man closest to him.

"Hu Dake, do you still remember when I first met you?"

Hu Dake was slightly stunned, then nodded vigorously.

"Mr. Cui, Hu Dake will never forget it."

"Back then, it was you who saved my family from the sword of the corrupt official. If it weren't for Mr. Cui, my whole family would have been killed!"

"This is such a great kindness that even if I were to be shattered into pieces, I would never be able to repay you!"

Cui Jingming gently grasped Hu Dake's calloused hand and sighed, "Foolish man! In reality, you are the unfilial descendant of the Cui family, colluding with corrupt officials and taking human lives lightly. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with me."

"Why would you risk your life for me, Cui Jingming?"

Hu Dake looked straight into Cui Jingming's eyes with a firm look.

"Mr. Cui, I know everything."

"My mother once told me that although the noble family is evil, you, Mr. Cui, are a good person."

"My mother asked me to follow Mr. Cui, hoping that I could change all this."

"I, Hu Dake, have never regretted anything. Please, Mr. Cui, please don't chase me away! I am willing to go to hell with you!"

As soon as Hu Dake finished speaking, a chorus of shouts began to rise from behind him: "We are all willing to follow Lord Cui and die together!"

“I will never regret it until I die!”

The sound became louder and more uniform.

Cui Jingming slowly stood up and laughed loudly towards the sky, but his laughter was filled with a hint of bitterness and relief.

"I, Cui Jingming, also have the support of the people!"

"But how can I bear to let you die with me?"

"Remember this, everyone. If you still remember my kindness, lay down your weapons and leave the city to surrender!"

"You are all soldiers of the Tang Dynasty! Not my, Cui Jingming's, private army! His Majesty will not embarrass you!"

"You still have a lot of prime years ahead of you to expand the territory of the Tang Dynasty!"

"Every bit of glory you bring to our country is a bit less shame for me, Cui Jingming."

"There's no crime too great to be punished by martyrdom. Remember! Your lives are all very meaningful! They shouldn't be wasted here!"

Otherwise, I, Cui Jingming, will die with regrets! Do you want me to leave without peace of mind?"