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

At the end of winter in the third year of Yonghui, the cold wind blew through every corner of Chang'an City like a knife.

The withered yellow fallen leaves swirled in the wind and drifted aimlessly.

The New Year's Day is approaching, which should be a day for decorations and lights, but neither Chang'an City nor the entire Tang Dynasty has the former bustle.

There were few pedestrians on the street, and the shop owners were guarding their shops listlessly. Occasionally, a few people hurried by, their faces full of worry.

Zhuque Street, which is usually bustling and noisy, is now deserted.

The buildings on both sides of the street looked particularly desolate in the cold wind, and the once bustling market had lost its former hustle and bustle. Only a few vendors were hawking their wares, and their voices sounded weak.

The reason was that all the adult men in the family had already gone to the battlefield.

For the territory of the Tang Dynasty and the emperor's ambition, countless families lost their pillars.

The women stayed at home, worrying about their husbands and sons day and night. They didn't know what the battle situation was like at the front, nor did they know whether their loved ones could return safely.

The old people looked at their empty home, sighed silently, their eyes full of helplessness and worry.

Every family was shrouded in the shadow of war, and the entire Tang Dynasty was immersed in a depressing atmosphere.

Everyone knows that this year will not be easy.

Inside the Liangyi Hall, the candlelight flickered, casting flickering shadows on the walls.

Li Yifu held this year's military expenditure account book in his hand and stood in front of Li Zhi with a serious expression.

The densely packed numbers on the account book were like heavy shackles, making it hard to breathe.

Below the military expenditure was the military report that Pei Xingjian had urgently sent. This military report brought a glimmer of hope to the entire hall.

The military newspaper clearly stated that the Arab Caliph Muawiyah had been captured alive and was being escorted back to Chang'an.

This news brought a hint of joy to Li Zhi's eyes, who was originally gloomy.

He straightened his body slightly, reached out to take the military newspaper, read it carefully, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously rose slightly.

This military report also relieved Li Zhi's pressure. At least, up to this point, the territory of the Tang Dynasty had broken the historical record.

During the Yonghui period, the territory reached an astonishing level, and the vast land shone brightly under the banner of the Tang Dynasty.

But even with such a brilliant record, Li Zhi was still not satisfied.

Officials continued to submit memorials, and their memorials were delivered to the Liangyi Hall one after another.

The meaning of the content is also similar.

In the court, several ministers, led by them, earnestly advised: "Your Majesty, the territory of our Great Tang is already vast enough. The Western Regions are vast and boundless, with numerous ethnic groups and different customs. Even governance has become a huge problem."

"So many people cannot occupy such a vast land."

"My Great Tang still needs to recuperate, develop the economy, and rectify the administration. Once development is almost complete, it won't be too late to launch the Western Expedition."

"Instead of making a concerted effort and gamble the future of the Tang Dynasty on the Western Expedition."

"Under the current circumstances, we have already gotten a great deal. The cost of this campaign is within a manageable range, and the court can still afford it."

"If we withdraw our troops now, we'll be gaining such a vast territory for free. It would be a wise move indeed."

These officials stood in the court, talking to each other with sincere expressions.

They explained the benefits of withdrawing troops at this time from many aspects such as people's livelihood, economy, and politics, and every word seemed reasonable.

The amount of silver the imperial court had to spend every day was enormous. The huge military expenditure was like a huge bottomless pit, constantly devouring the wealth of the national treasury.

Transporting food and fodder, forging weapons, and rewarding soldiers all involve huge expenses.

Li Zhi knew better than anyone that, given the current strength of the Tang Dynasty, even if he recruited three million soldiers, the force could only last for a year.

If the enemy cannot be defeated within a year, then the entire Tang Dynasty will have to tighten its belt.

The people's taxes will increase, their lives will become more difficult, and domestic conflicts will intensify.

Thinking of this, Li Zhi frowned tightly, and a trace of worry flashed in his eyes. But soon, his eyes became firm again.

Pei Xingjian was indeed a rare and powerful general. He was mature and prudent, planned every battle carefully, and rarely made mistakes.

But in Li Zhi's opinion, his speed was too slow! Too slow! At his speed, could he take it in the fourth year of Yonghui?

Thinking of this, Li Zhi frowned, and the anxiety in his heart surged like a tide.

He kept thinking in his mind that time waits for no one, and the Western forces will not sit idly by. Once they are given a chance to breathe, it will be extremely difficult to conquer them in the future.

"Li Yifu," Li Zhi's voice was low and echoed in the silent Liangyi Hall, "you go and tell the other ministers."

"I have already said that we will not withdraw our troops from this battle. Even if we have to withdraw our troops, it is not now."

He slowly stood up and looked into the distance with a determined look.

"I intend to fight the West for a hundred years, a thousand years, so that they dare not look east. If I can destroy them, that would be even better."

"They are right. If we withdraw our troops now, our Tang Dynasty will indeed gain a great advantage. Moreover, there will not be many casualties."

"In two years at most, everything will be back to normal. However, they have forgotten that even though I am now acting arbitrarily, there are so many people who oppose me, and I cannot suppress their voices."

"What about the rulers of later generations?"

Li Zhi's tone was filled with helplessness. "It sounds good, but if we don't fight now, we can fight later. But then, will we be able to fight again?"

"My brother told me that the West must be taken down. We must severely intimidate them."

"Let them know that the majesty of the Tang Dynasty is inviolable!"

"Go ahead and do it. I've said everything I need to say. If any of you still want me to withdraw my troops, don't blame me for being merciless and punishing them."

Li Zhi's words were firm and decisive.

"Also, call Wu Tianyan. I want to see him."

Li Zhi added that he seemed to have a new plan in mind.

Li Yifu heard Li Zhi's words, nodded, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I obey your order!"

Afterwards, he carefully left the Liangyi Hall, leaving Li Zhi alone in the hall, meditating alone.

Li Zhi looked at the military newspaper and military expenditure account book in his hands with worry in his eyes.

He knew it was difficult, but his ambition to be an emperor never wavered.

This Western Expedition will surely become a significant event in the history of the Tang Dynasty.

After Li Yifu walked out of the Liangyi Hall, he quickly headed towards the court.

The cold wind blew in his face, and he could not help but wrap himself tightly in his official robes. Along the way, he kept thinking about Li Zhi's words in his mind, secretly thinking about how to convey the emperor's will to the officials.

This is by no means an easy task. Those officials who oppose the Western Expedition will certainly not give up easily, and a fierce debate is probably inevitable.

Arriving at the court, Li Yifu cleared his throat and said loudly: "My Lords, His Majesty's oral instructions!"

The officials who were originally discussing in low voices suddenly quieted down and turned their eyes to Li Yifu.

Li Yifu conveyed Li Zhi's words word for word, and as soon as he finished speaking, the court exploded.

"How can this be possible! Your Majesty's stubbornness will destroy the Tang Dynasty!"

An old minister said excitedly, his face full of anxiety and heartache.

"Yes, it is wise to withdraw the troops now. Why doesn't Your Majesty listen?" Another official echoed, his face full of helplessness.

There were also some young officials who supported Li Zhi's decision.

"Your Majesty is a man of great talent and vision. If this Western Expedition succeeds, your name will be remembered for eternity. We should fully support Your Majesty!"

A young general said loudly, his eyes full of ambition.

In the court, voices of support and opposition rose one after another, and the debate was fierce.

Li Yifu stood aside, watching all this quietly, sighing secretly in his heart.

He knew that this argument would not lead to any conclusion.