Chapter 149: The Battle of Luoyang Begins, Advising Li Shimin (Seeking Monthly Votes)

The news spread in all directions like a tidal wave.

——The Nine Provinces were shaken!

As the first battle since the Gu Shizi emerged into the world, this engagement had naturally been highly anticipated.

Now—

Gu Quan and Li Shimin could be said to have delivered a perfect answer.

A surprise attack on Longxi;

They had unknowingly achieved a battle situation comparable to that of the loyal Martial Marquis Gu Xiao and the Han Emperor Guangwu, Liu Xiu, in years past.

This influence even surpassed the magnitude of the great victory itself.

Prophetic superstitions were an indelible mark of the feudal era; it was difficult not to associate this battle by Li Shimin and Gu Quan with the Liu Xiu of old.

"Heaven's mandate lies with Li."

These four words of prophecy rose almost instantly in the hearts of the people under heaven.

The help this provided to the Li Tang was unimaginable.

Although they had never personally experienced it, who would not desire the scenes of a prosperous age passed down through generations of ancestors?

The common people had truly suffered for too long.

Ever since the Li Emperor of the former Flaming Han, the people of the entire world had almost never lived in a true age of prosperity.

The silence of the Gu Shizi only intensified this despair.

During the time of Yang Jian—

Although there was the Rule of Kaihuang, in this current era, for various policies to be thoroughly implemented and take effect,

it was simply impossible for one generation to complete the task.

And after Yang Guang ascended the throne, he invisibly destroyed all of it.

What greeted the people was an even more desperate reality.

And most crucially, after the fall of the Sui Dynasty, among the various prophecies regarding the reasons for its demise, there was inevitably a sense of neglect toward the Gu Shizi.

Now that the Gu Shizi had reappeared in the world, and even cooperated with Li Shimin to achieve a battle situation like that of Gu Xiao and the Emperor Guangwu, how could the people of the world not be expectant?

But, everything has its pros and cons.

Welcoming the Gu Shizi in was the same.

It would make the people of the world pay more attention to everything regarding the Li clan, and it would also make the feudal lords on all sides target the Li clan even more.

This was a storm the Li clan had to face.

When they thoroughly heard the news of this battle, the feudal lords of the world would tacitly fix their eyes on the Li Tang; with just one battle, the Li Tang had gradually and completely replaced Yang Guang, becoming the target of all the feudal lords under heaven.

——If the Li Tang is not destroyed, the hearts of the people will not be at peace!

Winds and clouds rose from all four directions.

It was the winter of the second year of Wude.

Watching as the people of the world chanted the names of "Li and Gu," an alliance under the banner of "First destroy Tang, then vie for the deer" was finally formed.

In truth, the feudal lords on all sides had long harbored this intention.

And as the envoys of Dou Jiande arrived in various places one after another, this alliance naturally came to be.

Wang Shichong, the Zheng Emperor of Luoyang;

Yuwen Huaji, the Xu Emperor of Jiangdu;

Dou Jiande, the Xia Emperor of Hebei;

Liang Shidu of Shuofang;

The most powerful warlords in the world today, those with the opportunity to vie for the world, made the same decision.

——First destroy Tang!

They agreed to jointly attack the Tang in the spring of the following year!

It is worth mentioning that Li Mi, who was once able to open granaries to help the people just like Li Shimin, eventually fell under his own ambition as his identity changed.

He lost to Wang Shichong and had now come to surrender to the Great Tang.

This included many capable individuals from the Wagang Army.

History had indeed changed significantly with the appearance of the Gu Shizi, but the endings for some were still destined.

Li Yuan was very excited about Li Mi's surrender.

But when he heard of the "Anti-Tang Alliance," despair followed.

——That's right, it was despair!

The current Great Tang was indeed not weak in strength.

It could even be called one of the top feudal powers in the world.

But facing such a unified attack from so many feudal lords, Li Yuan's first feeling was still despair.

The excitement brought by a great victory vanished in an instant.

As the feudal lords on all sides issued "Declarations to Attack Tang," slandering Li Yuan as a tyrant under the name that "Li Yuan" was a kinsman of "Yang Guang," they resolved to wage war.

This reason was indeed very far-fetched.

But who cared?

They only wanted to use the momentum of their collective action to reverse the increasingly flourishing reputation of the Li Tang!

——The situation changed suddenly!

Li Yuan initially held some expectations.

After all, in such a chaotic world where feudal lords rose together, as long as one was willing to pay the corresponding price, perhaps one could disperse or even win over a group of allies.

But such a thought was destined to be in vain in the current situation.

In this time of heroes vying for the world, who did not want to sit in that position?

The current Great Tang's momentum was overwhelming.

Even though they had not yet swept across the world, they already possessed a reputation like that of the former Sui court.

This was something no feudal lord could watch idly!

The only path left for the Li Tang was—to fight.

But how should they face the enemy?

Taiji Hall.

A heavy atmosphere pressed upon everyone's hearts; the joy of the previous great victory and territorial gains had long since vanished.

——The danger of national extinction!

That's right, in the hearts of many, this was the danger of national extinction!

Facing feudal lords from all four directions simultaneously.

This was a situation that even the former Sui court could not withstand, let alone the current Great Tang?

Although the Tang Army was strong, how could it be stronger than the former Sui Army?

But what could be done at this moment?

There was only the choice to keep fighting!

Looking at the solemn expressions of his ministers, Li Yuan's expression at this moment was also very grim.

When he had just learned of the war in Longxi, he even felt as if he had already unified the world, but now that feeling had dissipated in an instant, replaced instead by the danger of national extinction.

At this time, Li Shimin slowly paced out, his expression also incomparably serious.

"Father Emperor."

He bowed and spoke slowly.

Everyone's gaze turned to him in an instant.

The current reputation of Li Shimin within the entire Great Tang could be called overwhelming.

Whether it was his previous merits or the credit for pacifying Xue Ju this time, especially those prophecies about him, all spoke of his extraordinary nature.

"Your son believes that no matter what, our Great Tang must fight."

Li Shimin's gaze was as sharp as a falcon's, his entire body radiating unquestionable majesty, "As the saying goes, the imperial path is covered in thorns; without battle, one cannot open the way to peace, and without martial might, one cannot settle the universe!"

"Only by having iron hooves trample the enemy's formation can we let the four seas know the heavenly might of the Great Tang, and let ten thousand nations look up to the sharpness of Huaxia!"

"Although the false emperors from all sides have now united to plot against our Great Tang."

"Yet for our Great Tang, is this not also an opportunity?"

"As long as we can win this battle..."

He took a deep breath, "Then the people of the world will surely fear Father Emperor's heavenly might, and Father Emperor will also become... the Nine-Five Sovereign who sweeps across the world!"

The atmosphere in the hall changed instantly.

In fact, the ministers all knew that Li Shimin wanted to fight.

But the problem was, how to fight!

The current Great Tang did not have enough troops to face the feudal lords from all four directions; as soon as the war started, they would very likely face the same situation as Yang Guang had.

Even if they could gain an advantage on one battlefield...

They could not quickly destroy the rebels;

This would lead to the rear being constantly harassed, which looked like a dead end no matter how one viewed it.

But just at this moment, Gu Quan, Gu Yan, and other Gu Shizi disciples also slowly walked out, stood behind Li Shimin, and bowed, saying: "Your Majesty, our Great Tang should indeed meet the challenge!"

——A simple sentence, yet one that forced people to pay attention.

Because their surname was Gu.

Li Yuan frowned slightly, sighed deeply, and said, "How could I not know we must fight? But the problem is, how should we fight?"

"Father Emperor."

Li Shimin did not hesitate in the slightest and immediately said, "Your son believes that our Great Tang will surely be victorious."

His tone paused slightly.

Then, his entire expression became increasingly solemn, and he said again with sonorous force: "Father Emperor, gentlemen!"

"Now that Xue Ju has been annihilated, Longxi has submitted."

"Yet the likes of Wang Shichong, Dou Jiande, and Yuwen Huaji, fearing the strength of our Great Tang, wish to emulate the six states' vertical alliance to weaken Qin."

"However, in your son's view, though these people are numerous, they are actually a rabble; our Great Tang has ten advantages, while the warlords have ten defeats!"

——Ten advantages and ten defeats!

In an instant, the expressions of everyone present could not help but shift slightly.

Li Shimin, ignoring the gazes of the crowd, continued within the hall: "First, righteousness triumphs over tyranny;"

"Our Tang raised a righteous army to eliminate the tyrannical Sui and bring peace to the people; this is an army that follows Heaven and responds to the people;"

"While Wang Shichong murdered his master to usurp the throne, and Yuwen Huaji murdered his sovereign to set himself up—these are the acts of treacherous rebels, condemned by all under Heaven. Righteousness is on our side; this is the first advantage!"

"Second, the sovereign is wise and the generals are focused;"

"Father Emperor is wise and decisive, entrusting authority without suspicion;"

"They each harbor ulterior motives—Wang Shichong is suspicious and executes good generals, Dou Jiande is indecisive, and Yuwen Huaji is abandoned by his followers. The wisdom of our command is the second advantage!"

"Third, our troops are elite and our generals are brave;"

"Our Black Armor Cavalry is invincible, and Ziyan and the others are all warriors capable of facing ten thousand enemies;"

"Their coalition is divided in heart; Wang Shichong drives city folk to fight, and Dou Jiande’s troops have not experienced major battles. The disparity in combat power is the third advantage!"

"Fourth, those above and below are of one heart;"

"Our court’s civil and military officials cooperate, and our soldiers give their all;"

"Their coalition harbors conflicting motives—Dou Jiande wants to swallow Henan, Wang Shichong fears Hebei; their internal division is the fourth advantage!"

"Fifth, geographical advantage controls the enemy;"

"We hold the strategic passes of Tongguan and Longshan, where one man can hold the pass against ten thousand;"

"They must attack from thousands of miles away; Wang Shichong must cross the Xiao and Han passes, and Dou Jiande must force a crossing of the Yellow River. Resting while they labor is the fifth advantage!"

"Sixth, provisions are abundant;"

"The Guanzhong region has fertile fields, and the Great Granaries are full, enough to support us for three years;"

"Wang Shichong is trapped in the Eastern Capital where people are eating each other, and Dou Jiande has exhausted the manpower of Hebei. Logistics deciding the victory is the sixth advantage!"

"Seventh, our ability to adapt is infinite;"

"We can concentrate our elite forces to strike in the east and defend in the west;"

"Their coalition’s coordination is sluggish—by the time Yuwen Huaji’s naval forces reach Jiangling, I will have already broken Luoyang. Speed is the essence of war; this is the seventh advantage!"

"Eighth, the hearts of the people are with us;"

"Our Tang has abolished taxes and equalized land; the elders of Guanzhong welcome us with food and drink, and now with the help of the Gu Shizi, the people of the world all look toward our Great Tang and chant the name of our Great Tang;"

"They impose heavy taxes and levies—Wang Shichong mints 'small coins' to plunder the people's wealth, and Dou Jiande forcibly conscripts the able-bodied. The support of the people is the eighth advantage!"

"Ninth, the Turks can be managed;"

"Liang Shidu is not worth worrying about; he may invite the Turks as reinforcements, but the Tuli Khan has a prior alliance with us. We need only send envoys with generous bribes, and the Hu cavalry will surely watch and not advance. The northern border is secure; this is the ninth advantage!"

"Tenth, the opportunity for battle is in our hands;"

"Now the warlords have just allied and their coordination is not yet settled; if we wait for them to encircle us, we will be in danger!"

"It is better to strike first and take Luoyang directly."

"Once Wang Shichong is broken, the remaining bandits will collapse on their own. The initiative is ours; this is the tenth advantage!"

Li Shimin’s voice, sounding like thunder, continued to explode throughout the Taiji Hall.

Everyone’s expression changed, even Li Yuan’s.

But before the gathered officials could react.

Li Shimin knelt directly before Li Yuan: "I ask Father Emperor to grant your son one hundred thousand elite troops. Your son wishes to seize this opportunity to take Luoyang directly. Within three months, I will surely present Wang Shichong’s head at the palace gates! If I fail, please punish me for the crime of deceiving the Emperor!"

Sonorous, confident.

This was Li Shimin at this very moment.

Regarding the current situation, he and his core group of generals had already discussed it for many days.

A fight was absolutely necessary.

The only thing they needed to consider was how to fight, and at the same time, how to persuade Li Yuan and those ministers in the court who wanted Li Yuan to abandon Longxi and make peace with the warlords.

In fact, Li Yuan was not a mediocre man;

It was just that when facing major events, he considered too many things and always needed someone to give him a push.

And now—

That was exactly the case.

In truth, the Great Tang had no choice at all. Whether to become the master of the world or to protect his family, Li Yuan could only choose to face the enemy head-on.

The lessons of history told everyone that seeking safety in a corner could never last long.

Li Yuan naturally knew this point as well.

But he would also hesitate; this was a flaw in his character.

The entire Taiji Hall was silent.

It seemed that everyone had been shocked by this speech from Li Shimin.

This situation was only broken after a long while.

——It was that group of military generals; they also spoke up to request battle.

It was not just Li Shimin’s core confidants.

But at this moment—

This group of generals all stood behind Li Shimin, and the scene was inexplicably terrifying.

Gu Yi was also watching all of this.

He clearly saw that Li Jiancheng, standing beside Li Yuan, looked at this scene, and his expression could not help but shift slightly; although it was only for an instant, it was very obvious.

A person’s mindset changes slowly as their status and the situation gradually shift.

Clearly—

Li Jiancheng had now gradually noticed Li Shimin’s influence in the army, and this thought was definitely not one he alone would have.

The ministers in the court, those people who supported him.

It was impossible for them not to have noticed this.

But these hidden dangers were destined to be unable to cause change right now; the Great Tang still had to face its current predicament.

Li Yuan did not look at Li Jiancheng; he kept his eyes fixed tightly on Li Shimin and the generals behind him. After a moment of silence, he finally nodded slightly: "Good!"

"My son’s words today will be passed down for a thousand years."

"This theory of ten advantages and ten defeats has finally made me realize the truth."

He stood up slowly, scanned the officials present, and said in a low voice: "We must absolutely not make peace!"

"When our Great Tang was first founded, I made a great vow to bring peace to the Nine Provinces."

"If we seek peace now—"

"Would I not become a man without integrity?"

Although he did not directly express his stance, the meaning between the lines was already very obvious.

This was Li Yuan’s political wisdom.

He was giving those who wanted to make peace a way out, showing them his attitude, and also giving them a chance to turn back, so they would not say anything detrimental to unity at such a time.

Sure enough, just after finishing, he looked at Pei Ji and said indifferently: "Xuanzhen, what do you think?"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Pei Ji did not have the slightest hesitation and immediately bowed to Li Yuan, "Your subject seconds the motion; please, Your Majesty, mobilize the troops!"

"Please, Your Majesty, mobilize the troops!!!"

"Please, Your Majesty, mobilize the troops!!!"

"."

One shout after another instantly rang out throughout the Taiji Hall; the reaction of the officials was incredibly tacit.

If they still couldn't see it by this point.

Then they really didn't need to be officials anymore.

Li Yuan nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Li Shimin again and said earnestly: "Er-lang, do you have any other strategies?"

Li Shimin did not speak directly this time, but bowed and turned to look at Gu Quan, Zhangsun Wuji, and the others behind him.

——Not stealing credit;

This was also Li Shimin’s personal charisma.

He wanted his subordinates to express themselves before Li Yuan, the Emperor.

And those few did not hesitate in the slightest, immediately laying out the strategies they had been discussing for these past days.

First—attacking Luoyang to seize the initiative was the core.

But to accomplish this core, complete preparations were still needed.

Guarding against enemies from all four directions.

Regardless of the war situation, as long as the Tang Army makes a move, and as long as Wang Shichong truly falls into a disadvantageous position, the various feudal lords of the world are destined to take action one after another.

Even if this alliance truly has some cracks.

But these cracks are not worth mentioning in the face of the destruction of the Tang.

If the Li Tang destroys yet another feudal lord's state.

Under the blessing of such prestige and prophecies, there will truly not be many opportunities left for them!

The atmosphere throughout the hall suddenly became serious without anyone noticing.

Listening to everyone's strategies.

Everyone frowned, contemplating the possibilities within.

But in such a great war, it is impossible to be completely foolproof.

Li Yuan naturally understands all of this.

Although he can be very hesitant at times, once he has made certain decisions, he will not continue to hesitate.

This matter was settled just like that.

Li Yuan did not give his ministers time to question these strategies; just as everyone finished speaking.

He immediately finalized the matter in front of all the ministers.

With Li Shimin as the commander;

Gu Quan and Li Jing as deputies;

Leading an army of one hundred thousand to march on Luoyang.

It must be said that when facing such a fatal crisis, the hearts of the ministers were still very united.

Although compared to the Li clan;

The sense of crisis among these noble families was not too high.

But Li Yuan had already promised them too many benefits; people will always run for profit, not to mention that the Li clan now has the help of the Gu clan.

Compared to other feudal lords, as long as the Li clan still has a glimmer of hope.

They will also choose to take a gamble.

From this day on, the operating speed of the entire Great Tang court reached its limit.

Provisions;

Troops and horses;

Armor and weapons;

The allocation of all kinds of equipment had reached its limit.

Besides this, just before the troops were dispatched.

Li Yuan even imitated the time when Gu Chen moved his troops in the past, holding a grand sacrifice to boost morale and proclaim the crimes of the feudal lords from all directions.

—The momentum was overwhelming.

Whether it be the soldiers of the Great Tang or the common people now living on Tang soil.

They are different from the Li royal family and those noble families.

Successive victories, coupled with the Gu clan.

This had already given rise to a sense of pride from the bottom of their hearts; even when facing the feudal lords from all directions, they had trust and expectations for the imperial court.

This is absolutely the sharpest blade of the Great Tang.

Gu Yi had been silently watching all of this, without the slightest ripple in his heart.

History had indeed changed.

The feudal lords from all directions joining forces to attack the Tang is indeed a crisis for the Great Tang.

But it is a pity that the person they are facing is not Yang Guang.

The morale of the Tang Army is high;

Not to mention that the commander is Li Shimin.

And looking at this so-called "Anti-Tang Alliance," let alone the soldiers under their command, even the feudal lords themselves are wary of the increasingly terrifying momentum of the Li Tang.

This kind of war cannot be fought.

The current Li Shimin will only be more comprehensive than in the original history; even Gu Yi finds it hard to imagine what kind of prosperous age this guy will eventually create.

News kept spreading in all directions.

And just after the sacrifice, in the third year of Wude, in the eighth month.

Li Shimin officially led his troops straight toward Luoyang.

Although Wang Shichong had long made corresponding preparations, facing the overwhelming Tang Army, he still could not help but retreat step by step.

But things did not exceed the expectations of Li Shimin, Gu Quan, and the others.

Just as the news spread.

Dou Jiande also raised an army in Hebei, leading one hundred thousand troops out of Hebei, proclaiming the "Declaration to Punish Li" to the world, claiming an army of three hundred thousand was heading straight for Guanzhong.

Liang Shidu also moved his troops;

However, it did not exceed the expectations of Gu Quan and the others; he wanted to obtain help from the Turks.

But it is a pity that Li Yuan had already increased his investment in the Turks before this, which greatly affected the threat that Liang Shidu could pose.

In the land of Jiangdu, Yuwen Huaji also made a move, using warships to sail along the Grand Canal and strike directly at the Liyang Granary.

The current Yuwen Huaji can be considered to have swallowed everything left behind by Yang Guang.

Actually, after these four feudal lords.

Yuwen Huaji's current strength is not weak, especially the morale of the soldiers under his command.

These soldiers now have the intention of returning to the Central Plains; this expectation has even surpassed their fear of the Li clan and the Gu clan.

Only the act of regicide is something that people criticize.

But it is not enough to affect this battle.

—The four seas are boiling!

The intensity of this battle far exceeds the past; it can be said that the feudal lords have risen together.

But the Li Tang can only meet the challenge.

The other fronts are not critical; they only need to hold off the enemy's offensive, and small-scale gains or losses do not even need to be cared about.

As long as the war in Luoyang ends and the Tang Army returns.

Then everything will not be a problem!

Li Shimin naturally also understands this point; he is increasingly prioritizing speed in war.

At the end of the ninth month;

He defeated Wang Shichong's nephew Wang Honglie at Cijian, completely opening the gateway to the west of Luoyang City.

And subsequently—

He set his sights on the world's number one major granary, the Luoyang Granary!

Luoyang City is definitely not that easy to capture.

The current Luoyang is no longer the old city left behind by the Great Han of the past; wanting to completely capture Luoyang would definitely require paying a huge price.

But the Luoyang Granary is different!

If Wang Shichong wants to protect his provisions, he must come out of the city to fight, and then he, Li Shimin, will fear no one in the world.

If Wang Shichong is unwilling to come out of the city.

Then he will seize his provisions, and at that time, he can turn the entire Luoyang into an isolated city by nibbling away at all parts of Luoyang!

The person guarding the Luoyang Granary was Bing Yuanzhen, a former subordinate of Li Mi, who later betrayed Li Mi after being bought off by Wang Shichong.

But Li Mi still knew his personality like the back of his hand.

Under these intelligence reports.

Li Shimin passed false information through Bing Yuanzhen's beloved concubine, luring him out of the city for a night raid, killing thousands of enemies in one battle, and directly captured the Luoyang Granary in the middle of the tenth month.

Wang Shichong actually had preparations.

There was quite a lot of fire oil in the Luoyang Granary; as long as there was a problem, he could completely burn everything with one fire.

According to normal circumstances, it would not benefit Li Shimin in any way.

But the pity is—

Bing Yuanzhen had no preparations at all, and just when the guards in the granary wanted to light the fire, Li Shimin had already killed his way in.

Although there was still some loss of provisions.

But by extinguishing the fire in time, Li Shimin still seized nearly nine hundred thousand shi of provisions.

The situation changed drastically.

Within the entire world, a piece of news would be released every few days.

Such as Yuwen Huaji breaking through Tang territory, or Liang Shidu killing his way to Tongguan, and so on.

This was obviously news deliberately released by someone wanting to affect the morale of the Tang Army.

But they ultimately underestimated Li Shimin.

For Li Shimin, he now has only one choice: to move forward.

Only by completely capturing Luoyang can the Great Tang seize this glimmer of survival under the siege from all four directions.

What news could affect him?

He did not even cover up these messages, letting them spread among the soldiers.

If it were in the past.

This action would absolutely cause a collapse in morale.

But the Tang Army was currently winning battle after battle, and Li Shimin even laughed in front of the officers and soldiers, saying, "The thieves fear us and are deliberately trying to disturb our hearts."

With a little further spreading of the word, these rumors would no longer be able to have an impact.

However, the Tang Army's subsequent offensive was still blocked.

——Shan Xiongxin.

This great general under Wang Shichong blocked the Tang Army's advance at Jinyong City, a fortress north of Luoyang.

He was completely different from the previous generals.

Shan Xiongxin was extremely brave and showed no fear at all when facing the Tang Army; he repeatedly sallied out of the city to fight, even nearly wounding Li Shimin.

If Yuchi Gong had not arrived in time, Shan Xiongxin might have even had the chance to kill Li Shimin directly!

This truly did block the Tang Army's advance.

But unfortunately, compared to the tidal wave of the Tang Army, Shan Xiongxin's troops were simply too few.

Under this series of successive attacks, Wang Shichong was absolutely unable to withdraw troops from Luoyang to give to Shan Xiongxin.

And Shan Xiongxin was not invincible.

Whether it was Gu Quan, or the likes of Cheng Yaojin and Qin Qiong, all could hold their own against Shan Xiongxin.

It was under these circumstances.

Even with his monstrous ability, Shan Xiongxin could not continue to hold out.

Under the constant offensive of the Tang Army, he had no choice but to abandon the city and flee back to Luoyang.

This matter had a certain impact on Li Shimin.

Perhaps it was precisely because of that heart of invincibility that, having failed to eliminate Shan Xiongxin even after nearly losing his own life, Li Shimin inevitably developed some unusual thoughts.

The burden on his shoulders was too heavy.

If a person like Shan Xiongxin could not be eliminated this time, it would definitely have a huge impact on future offensives.

However, the usually very serious and silent Gu Quan stood up at this moment and, quite rarely, took the initiative to say to Li Shimin: "Your Highness, I remember when I read the clan history in the past."

"I heard that when our ancestor, the Marquis of Zhaolie, was young, he was inferior to his brothers in both civil and martial arts."

"But our ancestor never once felt discouraged."

A simple sentence, yet it instantly allowed Li Shimin to recover.

No one is perfect;

The reason Li Shimin could gain the support of so many officers and soldiers was never because of his martial prowess.

Looking at Gu Quan before him, Li Shimin suddenly smiled: "Ziyuan, the brothers all tell me that you are just too uptight, which makes people afraid."

"In my opinion..."

"You are just cold on the outside and warm on the inside."

Gu Quan had now vaguely become an existence like Gu Xiao in the past.

He was the person with the highest position under Li Shimin.

Whether it was the prestige of the Gu family or his record of launching a surprise attack on Qin City and holding it alone for three months, these were realities that all the officers and soldiers had to acknowledge.

However, when facing Gu Quan, these fellows all felt a lot of pressure.

As he spoke, Li Shimin gradually put away his smile, sighed softly, and his eyes became sharp again: "If one day we can break into Luoyang, I must avenge this battle!"

"Your Highness."

Hearing this, Gu Quan suddenly spoke again: "Does Your Highness think that if one day our army faces a siege, and the brothers face an invading enemy, should they fight to the death?"

In an instant, Li Shimin's brow furrowed.

He naturally understood the meaning behind Gu Quan's words.

Simply put—

Each serves their own master, so how can there be talk of hatred?

On the contrary, such ability and such loyalty as Shan Xiongxin's should be worth utilizing.

Li Shimin was silent for a long time, finally smoothing his brow, and gently patted Gu Quan on the shoulder: "Ziyuan is right; I was narrow-minded."

"In the future—"

"If I make a mistake again, Ziyuan must remember to offer counsel."

Gu Quan bowed to Li Shimin without saying more.

Following the defeat and retreat of Shan Xiongxin.

The morale of the Xia Army all around Luoyang could be said to have completely dissipated.

There was not even a need for Li Shimin to attack again; some cities would surrender almost as soon as they heard the Tang Army was coming.

This was also an inevitable phenomenon.

With support already cut off, who could stop the fierce Tang Army?

That very month, the Tang Army recaptured the Huiluo Granary.

This place was an absolute strategic location; if Dou Jiande's reinforcements wanted to reach Luoyang quickly, they had to pass through here.

However, this place was not the best position to deal with Dou Jiande.

What was truly important was Hulao Pass!

This was the key.

But with the Tang Army capturing this place, it could be considered to have affected the speed of Dou Jiande's reinforcements.

Luoyang had now become an isolated city; as long as Li Shimin was given time, he could even take Luoyang without a fight, provided he could hold out.

But how could he hope to block Dou Jiande's massive army by this alone?

In the Tang Army camp.

"Your Highness, since I was once able to hold Qin City for three months, I can now hold Hulao."

Before all the generals.

Gu Quan bowed to Li Shimin to request the assignment, "I request the order to lead my troops to Hulao to meet the enemy!"

"I am willing to go as well!"

"I am also willing!"

"..."

As Gu Quan's voice fell, shouts rang out one after another.

Not just Gu Yan.

Cheng Yaojin and others were also requesting to fight.

Li Shimin sat in the main seat, looking seriously at everyone present, his expression also very grave.

How could he not know that leaving it to Gu Quan was the best principle?

As for the reason—

Just as Gu Quan said, the battle of Qin City was his best record.

But the problem was that Li Shimin had never been a person who feared danger and pushed all risks onto other brothers.

He took a deep breath, then waved his hand to quiet the officers and soldiers, and then he slowly stood up and spoke: "Brothers, no need to say more; Hulao Pass is naturally best suited for Ziyuan."

Hearing this, the officers and soldiers could not help but lower their heads.

This was indeed something they could not refute.

Gu Quan's expression did not change at all, and he was just about to bow to accept the order.

But just at this moment—

Li Shimin's voice rang out again: "However, I, Li Shimin, must never place the safety of the Li Tang entirely on Ziyuan."

"Pass my command."

His tone rose sharply: "I will accompany Ziyuan to Hulao in person to fight Dou Jiande."

"Brothers—"

"You shall assist the Prince of Qi and continue to besiege Luoyang."

"You must not give Wang Shichong any opportunity!"

The entire camp fell into dead silence at this moment.

Not to mention that the officers and soldiers had not reacted.

Even Gu Quan and the Prince of Qi, Li Yuanji, were stunned, never expecting Li Shimin to make such a decision.

The next moment, the officers and soldiers hurriedly spoke to dissuade him.

Even Gu Quan's expression changed.

Guarding Hulao Pass was absolutely an extremely dangerous task.

Luoyang was not a small city; Wang Shichong still had a full sixty thousand troops inside, so they absolutely could not move too many troops away, or Wang Shichong would definitely lead his army to break out.

At that time, he could join Dou Jiande in a pincer attack on the Tang Army.

How could Li Shimin, the commander-in-chief of the three armies, go to such a place in person?

Even Li Yuanji was trying to persuade him.

But Li Shimin had clearly made up his mind, and regardless of how the officers and soldiers tried to persuade him, he immediately waved his hand: "My mind is made up; no need to persuade me further."

He rarely referred to himself as "Gu" (the lonely one) in front of these brothers.

But every time he referred to himself this way, it indicated his attitude.

No one's persuasion could make him change his mind!

(Ps: A two-in-one chapter, begging for monthly tickets and recommendation tickets. This might be the only time this book will charge the rankings, so I ask for your support, brothers. Please cast your monthly tickets. The Fish will definitely try his best to update. Please, brothers, give the Fish a hand!)

(End of chapter)