I have already established my power and prestige, so how did Li Shimin come back to life?

"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."

The strategist Zhao Qi frowned and said, "Master, should we take the initiative to attack? Although the imperial army has 600,000 troops, they are all elites. Would 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..."