Tang Dynasty: Father, if you don't rebel, I will!

As the investigation deepened, more and more people were arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Furthermore, a large number of officials in Chang'an, Luoyang, Jiangnan Circuit, and Hebei Circuit were implicated. Many people knew the ruthlessness of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and before the Embroidered Uniform Guard even came knocking on their door, they were the first to give in or voluntarily surrendered themselves.

Or perhaps... knowing that the crime was too grave and that surrendering would certainly mean certain death, they gave themselves a quick death.

During this period, every time the court held a meeting, one could hear the angry roars of Crown Prince Li Chengqian.

"Qianlou! Not a single one of them shall be spared! Their relatives, young and old, men and women, must all be captured and brought to justice! I demand to see them alive or dead!"

All the officials trembled with fear.

Even the old ministers of the Prince of Qin's mansion, such as Duke Hou Junji of Luguo, who had previously pleaded for Zhang Liang, were now being investigated by the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The information they uncovered left them speechless with shock.

In the Taiji Hall, Prince Li Zhi of Jin also had a gloomy expression.

"Hmph, Your Majesty, it's not just these traitorous officials and villains; those lowly Japanese slaves must also be dealt with severely! They've been lured with huge profits to smuggle large quantities of weapons and even armor from our Great Tang, and some have even tried to covet firearms..."

"They can't stay!"

Despite his young age, Li Zhi had handled many serious cases since becoming regent.

There is no room for leniency when punishing offenders, especially when dealing with Japan.

Li Chengqian narrowed his eyes and glanced at the assembled officials.

"What do you think, sir?"

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. These two brothers claimed they wanted to teach Japan a lesson, but everyone present knew that their so-called lesson meant bringing Japan to an end.

Such wars of annihilation, especially those involving cross-sea operations, must have been incredibly costly.

Even Feng Deyi, the Minister of Revenue and the wealthiest man in the Tang Dynasty, stood there obediently, showing no intention of stepping forward to object.

Seeing this, Li Chengqian snorted coldly again.

Who is willing to lead the troops?

Upon hearing this, a large number of soldiers suddenly stepped forward from the silent ranks of generals.

Duke Hou Junji of Lu, Duke Yuchi Jingde of E, Duke Chai Shao of Huo, and many other young generals who had followed the retired emperor on his western expedition years ago and earned meritorious service, all angrily volunteered for battle.

“Your Highness, I was in charge of the mining affairs in Japan before, and I already have some understanding of the area. I only need five thousand soldiers to wipe out Japan within a year!”

Yuchi Jingde shouted, "I only need half a year! Your Highness, let me go! I hate those Japanese devils more than the Duke of Lu!"

Hou Junji's eyes widened, but before he could refute the other party's shamelessness, he was speechless.

The surrounding area was then drowned out by a cacophony of shouts of volunteers urging others to join the fight.

While these people were arguing and volunteering for battle, many were also exchanging glances with each other towards the civil officials.

Changsun Wuji noticed several eager and ardent gazes and nodded slightly.

They bowed and stepped forward.

"Your Highness, the Duke of Lu is quite old..."

"You're the one who's old! I can eat half a sheep in one meal, and practice horsemanship with the Mo Dao for hours without panting or sweating. Changsun Wuji, you're the one who's old!"

Hou Junji instantly became enraged, and the sneer of Duke Du Guo, Ashina Quli, beside him only fueled his fury.

however.

Although Hou Junji has a daughter in the palace who is about to give birth to the imperial heir, and he himself has made numerous military achievements and has also contributed to the succession of the emperor.

But Changsun Wuji was not worried at all that the other party would dare to attack him, and continued to recommend the generals to lead the troops.

“Your Highness, Japan is weak, with a small population and insufficient military strength. Since it is unjust and harbors resentment towards our Great Tang, we can simply destroy it. However, why would we need important ministers like the Duke of Lu and the Duke of E to destroy such a small country? I recommend the Duke of Donglai, Gongsun Wuda. He is skilled in military affairs and is known for his cunning and unpredictable tactics. Japan is a small country, and it cannot fight against our Great Tang without deceitful methods. Having the Duke of Donglai lead the army is the best strategy!”

Seeing that Hou Junji and the others were about to shout in anger, Changsun Wuji spoke up again.

"This also provides an opportunity to give the elites of the Royal Military Academy a chance to undergo combat trials..."

That last sentence immediately silenced those who were initially dissatisfied.

Among the military officers and even civil officials present at the Royal Military Academy, there were sons who were taking exams and studying there.

Li Chengqian nodded: "In that case, the Six Ministries shall draft regulations... I will make sure that Japan disappears from this world!"

.......

"You bunch of idiots! How did we even get caught? We were so careful during the transaction... You ruined our patriarch's important plans, and you still dare to come to us for help?!"

Soga no Emishi's retainers roared angrily and fearfully at the dozen or so down-on-their-luck Tang people in front of them.

The blue waves lapped against the shore, and on several ships, one could see many Tang people, including some women.

"This is not our fault. We covered it up very well. We even bribed all the officials involved in this line. It was the imperial court that discovered the discrepancy from the documents compiled from various places."

"But we didn't expect that the Crown Prince would directly dispatch the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate..."

The wealthy businessman surnamed Liang hurriedly offered a few explanations, then anxiously tugged at the other party's arm.

"We are wanted by the Tang Dynasty. Going back means certain death. You must take us in and protect us!"

The retainer was in a state of confusion.

Take these people in?

The Goguryeo king who took in the three families of Cui, Lu, and Li is now buried there, and the grass on his grave has grown countless times over.

Goguryeo had already been destroyed long ago.

This is the Tang Dynasty! Currently, several elite Tang army units are stationed in Fukuoka Castle, Iwami Castle, and Sado Island on their Japanese territory.

If they angered the Tang Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty could directly mobilize these troops to attack their Asuka region and wipe out their king and emperor in one fell swoop.

"I cannot give you an answer, but I can take you to see our family head... You'd better prepare enough gifts to save your lives, otherwise..."

.......

Gift?

Soga no Emishi stared at the box of gold laid out before him, his eyes twitching with extreme rage.

Even their breathing became ferocious at this moment.

His eyes, filled with murderous intent, were fixed on the guy in front of him.

"You think we'd go to war with the Tang Dynasty for you just because of this chest of gold? You're incredibly naive!"

He stood up angrily, and several more warriors rushed in and grabbed the Tang Dynasty merchant who had previously colluded with them in smuggling.

A murderous glint flashed in Soga Emishi's eyes.

"Cut off their heads, and immediately send envoys with generous gifts to the Tang Dynasty to apologize to the Crown Prince!"

He paused slightly, when suddenly a flash of inspiration struck him.

He then revealed a ruthless, gambler-like, bloodthirsty smile: "Assemble the troops! Come with me to the palace! We need to prepare a significant head for the Tang Dynasty!"