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

In the political chess game, only those who are at the pinnacle of power or those who have accumulated rich life experience can vaguely perceive the potential threat posed by Goguryeo.

Li Shimin was able to clearly sense the danger of Goguryeo, which came from his foresight as an outstanding leader and his ability to control the world situation in detail.

As an emperor, it was his duty to maintain the long-term stability of the empire. Any hidden danger that could shake the foundation of the Tang Dynasty forced him to remain vigilant at all times, and Goguryeo was undoubtedly that hidden danger.

Li Chengqian's awareness of the danger to Goguryeo was not just because he inherited the throne and ascended to the throne.

As early as when he was the crown prince and was studying the rise and fall of ancient and modern times in Xianyang, he discovered that many characteristics of the country of Goguryeo were strikingly similar to the Japan after the Meiji Restoration that he was familiar with.

This similarity is not a coincidence, but a deep-seated commonality that makes Li Chengqian feel uneasy from the bottom of his heart.

Goguryeo, this vast land gave birth to a brave and warlike nation.

Its people have an almost instinctive admiration for the use of force. They have grown up under the influence of martial spirit and regard fighting as an honor. No matter where they are, their figures are always accompanied by the sound of swords and spears.

In the political field, Goguryeo demonstrated a high degree of organization. Its administrative system was strict and efficient, with officials at all levels performing their duties and working closely together, enabling government orders to be conveyed and implemented quickly and accurately.

Ensure that they can respond quickly to various complex situations, allocate resources in an orderly manner and meet challenges.

Its level of civilization has continued to accumulate over the years, with a unique language and writing, rich etiquette and customs, and a unique artistic style. These cultural elements blend together to form the unique civilization symbol of Goguryeo.

Like the Tang Dynasty, this country implemented a centralized system. The king was high above everyone else and held the highest power in the country. He was able to centrally allocate the country's human, material, and financial resources to various aspects such as national construction, war preparation, and external expansion.

Its vast territory, spanning mountains, rivers, plains and hills, has a relatively broad strategic depth, which means that when facing external military pressure, they have enough space to carry out strategic transfers and roundabout operations.

It will not collapse under the first round of enemy attack, can withstand the consumption of a long-term war, and has the strength to compete with major powers.

The Goguryeo people also attached great importance to cultural education, and the cultural level of the entire country was generally high.

This development model that emphasizes both civil and military affairs has further fueled its ambition to expand outward.

Such a country with huge potential and great ambition is a major concern for any emperor in the Central Plains.

As the only country that dared to openly challenge the tributary system of the Sui and Tang empires, Goguryeo's actions were undoubtedly a serious provocation to the Sui Dynasty at that time and the Tang Dynasty today.

It directly impacted the hegemonic order established by the Tang Dynasty in East Asia.

In this era when international relations were maintained by the tributary system, the submission of various countries to the Tang Dynasty was an important manifestation of the Tang Dynasty's majesty. Goguryeo's rebellious behavior was undoubtedly a direct challenge to the Tang Dynasty's majesty, attempting to break this established international pattern and establish its own hegemonic position.

Li Shimin might also care to a certain extent about the hegemony of the Tang Dynasty and whether the East Asian countries would submit to him. After all, this was related to the reputation of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Chengqian, however, has a purer belief.

As the population of the Tang Dynasty grew steadily and the national strength gradually grew, in Li Chengqian's mind, the entire East Asia would sooner or later become the territory of the Tang Dynasty. It was only a matter of time.

However, the reason why Li Chengqian was most eager to launch a war against Goguryeo was not the utilitarian factors mentioned above.

What he really couldn't tolerate was Goguryeo's actions, which were exactly the same as those of Japan after the Meiji Restoration.

The wolfish ambitions they displayed towards the land of China seemed like a shadow projected from the depths of history, which made Li Chengqian feel disgusted from the bottom of his soul.

Whether it is the Sui Dynasty or the Tang Dynasty, although there are many differences between the two dynasties in terms of political systems, in the final analysis, they are both regimes on this land.

The people are all bathed in the glory of Han culture, inheriting the same cultural genes, flowing with the same national blood, and having common cultural roots and national identity.

However, Goguryeo dared to make a mausoleum of the heads of the soldiers who died in the three expeditions to Liao. This cruel and humiliating act was a serious violation of the dignity of the Central Plains dynasty and a great harm to the feelings of the Chinese nation.

If he does not avenge this deep hatred, Li Chengqian will feel that he is unworthy of being a descendant of the Chinese nation. How can he face his ancestors and how can he face future generations!

This was a national cause that was deeply rooted in his bones, and it made him determined not to give up until Goguryeo was defeated.

In a sense, the dispute between the Sui Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty was nothing more than a conflict between brothers fighting for family property. Although the fight may have been bloody, at the level of national identity, they were always a family with the same roots.

As an external force, Goguryeo dared to humiliate the Central Plains dynasty so unscrupulously. This is the bottom line that cannot be tolerated.

From the moment Goguryeo built the Jingguan, its fate was determined.

No matter which Central Plains dynasty still has a chance of survival, it will make it its mission to destroy Goguryeo.

Even if the Tang Dynasty could not completely destroy it in one day, there would inevitably be subsequent new dynasties that would inherit this will, continue to send troops to conquer it.

As the saying goes, even a grudge of ten generations can be avenged!

Any dynasty in the Central Plains with a little backbone would fight to the death with the country of Goguryeo until it was completely wiped off the map in order to defend the dignity and inheritance of Han civilization.

In Huaiyuan City, Chidu River was running wildly, and his frightened eyes revealed his desire for survival.

He desperately shuttled through the streets and alleys, trying to find a way to escape, but ultimately failed to escape the Tang army's encirclement, and was escorted to Li Chengqian's horse by the soldiers led by Qin Ruzhao.

At this time, Chiduhe's face was as pale as paper, his eyes were full of despair, his body was shaking like a sieve, and he knelt on the ground and kowtowed desperately.

There was a loud thud as his forehead hit the ground, and he kept begging the Emperor of Tang to spare his life. His humble attitude made Li Chengqian laugh.

Li Chengqian looked down at the Goguryeo officials kneeling on the ground with cold eyes and no expression on his face.

He waved his hand gently.

"Anyone in the city who dares to rebel, including any Goguryeo official, will be beheaded. I will pile their heads at the city gates and build a memorial for them. Let the world see this: this is the fate of those who provoke the Tang Dynasty!"

"Let their heads stand as a testament to the majesty of the Tang Dynasty and a warning to the barbarians!"

Li Chengqian's voice was not loud, but it was full of majesty and made people shudder.

"All the male Goguryeo civilians in the city will be transported back to the Tang Dynasty, castrated, and demoted to Goguryeo slaves. They will be sent wherever hard labor is needed."

"They will use their labor to pay for the construction of the Tang Dynasty and atone for the sins committed by their country."

"All women will be taken as slaves and given as rewards to meritorious soldiers. After the war is over, they will all be rewarded according to their merits."

"If there are any extra women, have local governments report the number of bachelors in their jurisdictions. After verification, they can be distributed to those who have not yet married. This can be considered a small grace from the court, allowing them to feel the court's grace and benefit."

There was no trace of mercy in Li Chengqian's words. Behind this indifference was the absolute authority of the victor.

"From now on, any city of Goguryeo that is conquered by the Tang Dynasty will be dealt with according to this example."

"Soldiers can choose the spoils they like first, and the rest will be given to the public without asking me for permission."

"This is the reward you deserve, and it's also the Tang Dynasty's reward for the warriors. Enjoy your victory!"

The Tang Dynasty will definitely completely conquer Goguryeo and make it pay a heavy price for its previous actions. With the power of the Tang Dynasty, it will reshape the East Asian order and defend the dignity of China.

Hearing Li Chengqian's words, Qin Ruzhao clasped his fists respectfully and saluted, then loudly replied, "Yes! Your Majesty!"

He turned and left, beginning to carry out Li Chengqian's orders.