The two brothers talked for a long ti.
And just the next day, the recently quietened Hetao region stirred once again.
...
Chang’an.
Gu Quan guessed correctly; as the construction of relays across various places gradually started and hadn’t affected the Great Tang as a whole, Li Shimin refocused his attention on the Western Regions!
——He was ready to wield the blade once more!
Taiji Hall.
"Your Majesty, though the world is just rising and construction is yet unfinished, how could we raise an army now? I earnestly implore Your Majesty to wait a few more days until the relays are completed before embarking on military action!"
"I second that!!!"
"Your Majesty, recall when the Tyrant Sui, Emperor Yang, launched a distant campaign against Goguryeo while construction was underway, causing the nation’s decline. This should serve as a lesson for Your Majesty!"
"..."
Their resounding shouts filled the air, faces solemn and resolute as though determined to give their lives if Li Shimin did not heed their counsel.
A necessary feature of the feudal dynasty——
When the world is utterly at peace, the scholars in the court would not wish for war.
Who would willingly disrupt the current balance?
To these n, the current strength of the Great Tang was enough!
Li Shimin watched this group calmly, not speaking, only looking at Zhangsun Wuji and the others at the head, and said lightly, "Fujian, Xuanling, why do you not speak?"
At these words, the hall fell silent.
Fang Xuanling was currently the Deputy of the Minister of the Left, Zhangsun Wuji was the Grand General of the Left Military.
Both were trusted aides of Li Shimin.
Their positions in the court could be imagined.
Upon hearing this, the two did not dare hesitate and imdiately spoke on behalf of Li Shimin.
How could they not know his intentions?
Fang Xuanling remained rather composed, his character being quite stable, he actually internally agreed with resolving other major matters before warfare.
But Zhangsun Wuji spoke very fervently.
As the two spoke in succession, debates echoed throughout the hall.
——This was the current political atmosphere of the Great Tang.
The officials dared to remonstrate!
Li Shimin silently observed this scene, a subtle smile on his face, and only after the debates had progressed sufficiently did he wave his hand to quieten the crowd.
Looking at Li Shimin’s serene expression, everyone imdiately understood his decision.
Presently, their expressions beca even more complex.
The copper incense burners smoked as the ministers stood respectfully with hands hanging down.
Thus Li Shimin glanced around the ministers, then slowly broke the silence of the hall.
"Matters of war should first be consulted with the commander."
"Summon Minister of the Right, Li Jing for audience."
The calls of attendants echoed out in succession.
In a mont, the sound of clattering armor ca from below the crimson steps.
The old general, with quite a few grey hairs, entered in armor, seemingly already aware of everything in the hall, his gaze exceptionally resolute.
"Minister Li Jing, faithfully receiving Your Majesty’s instructions." The old general bowed solemnly to Li Shimin.
Under the gaze of all, Li Shimin descended the steps, personally raising him up: "I wish to recover the Western Regions and open the Silk Road. Can the old general still wield the blade in battle?"
——Direct and to the point.
Yet it deeply shocked many.
Even so of Li Shimin’s close confidants were unwilling about such matters.
Not for other reasons, just due to differing governance philosophies resulting from their character.
But in that instant, Li Jing suddenly raised his head, eyes blazing, earnestly replying in a resounding voice: "Though aged, I can still draw the five-stone bow!"
"Willing to fulfill the ambition of Marquis Huan for Your Majesty, even if it ans dying in the saddle..."
Before Li Jing finished speaking.
Li Shimin suddenly laughed twice, patting his shoulder and cutting him off: "Good!"
As he spoke, his tone lingered slightly.
He once more looked at the ministers.
Under their gaze, he ascended the jade steps again, his eyes becoming sharper at that mont.
"Issue my decree, convey the Celestial Khan’s order across the lands——"
"All under the sun and moon belong to the Tang Territory."
"Those who dare brandish weapons——"
"Shall see their ancestral temples razed, their lineage ended!"
The hall was utterly quiet.
Li Shimin was such a decisive person.
For the citizens of Kyushu, his people, he could be exceedingly rciful, sentencing fewer than a hundred to capital punishnt in a year.
But towards his enemies, he showed no rcy.
This decree of his!
It was both a warning to all and a prelude to the coming great war!.....
...
(Ps: Feeling a bit better today, updated since morning, asking for a monthly ticket, brothers! Also, comnt if there’s a type of side story you’d like to see, I’ll try find ti to write, learned quite a bit lately, feels like there’s room for improvent.)
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