Chang’an.
An intangible air of severity perated the entire court, as Xiangli Xuanjiang reported on the events that transpired in Pyongyang, the expressions of the ministers changed completely.
— So were angry; so shook their heads, each with different expressions.
With a "bang,"
Li Shimin slamd the large desk in front of him, his eyes filled with rage.
"Audacious!"
"Does this traitor truly believe I lack the courage to annihilate Goguryeo?"
"Or does he think of as a kind of emperor like Emperor Yang of Sui, believing that even if the Great Tang mobilizes its forces, it could never destroy him?"
He had not been this angry for a long ti.
Since the Great Tang’s national strength had grown stronger, and the surrounding vassal states had bestowed him with the title of "Celestial Khan," Li Shimin’s deanor had unconsciously changed.
People are always like this.
The actions of Yeon Gaesomun made Li Shimin feel an unprecedented contempt!
How could he not be angry?
The hall was silent, and the expressions of the ministers changed dramatically.
Although they still had the impulse to advise against it, at this point, they dared not persuade any further.
At this mont, Zhangsun Wuji imdiately stood up and bowed to Li Shimin, saying, "Your Majesty, I request that you dispatch troops to demonstrate the might of our Great Tang!"
As soon as these words fell, the ministers rose one after another.
The resonant voices echoed throughout the Taiji Hall.
"In the past, Emperor Yang of Sui thrice waged wars against Liaodong, leading to the collapse of the empire not because the army was weak, but because he lost the support of the people!"
"Now, Your Majesty inherits the legacy of the Grand Ancestor, carrying the prestige of the Celestial Khan. If he does not reclaim the old territories of Liaodong and avenge the sha of Kyushu, how could we face our late emperors?"
"The ’Zuo Zhuan’ says, ’The great affairs of a state lie in worship and war.’ This is precisely the ti to raise troops according to the ancestral teachings!"
"..."
"The traitor has murdered his sovereign and imprisoned his ruler—this is what Dong Zhongshu refers to as ’unforgivable by the great principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals’!"
"The ’Book of Rites’ states, ’If a minister kills his lord, all officials are to kill him without pardon!’ Now, Goguryeo has usurped the natural order. If they are allowed to act unrestrained, who among the four barbarian peoples will still respect the royal rule?"
"In the past, Duke Huan of Qi attacked Chu and asserted that ’tribute and taxes are not delivered’; today, Your Majesty enacts heavenly justice to punish, surpassing even Duke Huan!"
"..."
"Silla has long adhered to ministerial duty, pleading for assistance with tears of blood. This is what Guan Zhong called the responsibility of a hegemon to ’save the dying and restore the broken’!"
"The ’Sima’s Art of War’ says, ’Killing to bring peace to the people, it is permissible; attacking a country to love its people, it is permissible.’"
"Now, Goguryeo oppresses the people of Silla and intercepts tribute routes. If Your Majesty does not rescue them, who among the various vassal states of the Western Regions and the South Sea would dare entrust their fate to the Tang?"
"..."
"Now Goguryeo boasts an elite force of 200,000, occupying the strategic grounds of Liaodong—this echoes Jia Yi’s argunt about the Xiongnu, ’The world’s situation is precariously suspended!’ "
"The ’Han Book’ warns: ’If the barbarians are not repelled, China cannot rest easy.’"
"If their edge is not blunted now, and they ally with the Turkic and form ties with Baekje, then the regions of You and Yan will know no peace."
"Your Majesty must emulate Emperor Wu of Han, decisively severing Xiongnu’s right arm to secure peace across the land, eliminating future troubles forever!"
"....."
The words resounded like thunder.
This is the Great Tang today.
When significant events beco irreversible, the ministers beco intensely unified, swiftly presenting Li Shimin with justifications for war.
At this mont, Zhangsun Wuji was no longer as reserved as before. As soon as the crowd finished speaking, he declared vigorously, "With cris so great, even the divine and humanity are indignant!"
"To avenge disgrace, punish treachery, protect allies, and secure borders—this war is not for military aggression but to fulfill the heavenly mandate to subdue the lawless and employ benevolent governance to save the people!"
"I humbly request Your Majesty—"
"Dispatch the six armies, secure Liaodong, and establish the foundation for eternal peace!"
As soon as these words were spoken, Zhangsun Wuji imdiately knelt down.
And the ministers in the hall also imdiately prostrated, bowing deeply and shouting, "We request battle!"
"Wherever the Emperor’s might is directed, victory over the vile enemy is assured!"
Li Shimin looked at the ministers, the anger in his eyes finally subsiding, yet he remained as intimidating as ever.
He pondered for a mont, and finally spoke slowly, "Convey my imperial edict to mobilize the Guanzhong provincial troops and the Sixteen Guard Forbidden Army."
"And the garrison forces of the Hedong prefectures."
"I shall personally lead the campaign!"
— Personally lead!
These two simple words instantly thundered in the ears of the ministers.
Everyone’s expressions changed, instinctively looking up at Li Shimin, who had grown significantly gray-haired, and they were montarily stunned.
No one had expected Li Shimin to make such a decision.
Although the entire world knew that Li Shimin’s military prowess was unmatched.
But Li Shimin is already advanced in years!
Moreover, he is the Emperor!
How could the ministers have anticipated Li Shimin’s determination to personally lead an expedition?
In an instant, the ministers imdiately thought to voice their objections.
Not to ntion, the precedent of Emperor Yang’s personal campaign was right before them. Given Li Shimin’s age, embarking on a campaign, especially one of such grand scale and distance.
Should any mishap occur, it might plunge the entire Great Tang into chaos.
They were obliged to advise against it by any ans!
But before they could speak, Li Shimin detected their intentions, and with a slight smile, he said, "What?"
"Do you also think I have grown old and can no longer wield the bow and arrow of the past?"
His tone remained calm.
Yet in that instant, all the ministers swallowed back their words.
Li Shimin’s stance was clear.
They were in no position to continue advising.
Even if they were to offer counsel, they could not do so at this mont, for Li Shimin had already declared such words, and any further advice would be tantamount to the cri of disrespecting the Emperor.
The news spread like a tidal wave in all directions.
— Kyushu was shaken!
The Emperor’s resolve to campaign against Goguryeo naturally evoked recollections of old rumors among many.
Everyone knew that while the fall of the Sui Dynasty had nurous causes.
But the two significant defeats in the expeditions against Goguryeo were undoubtedly among the most critical factors.
Now planning another expedition against Goguryeo inevitably led people to contemplate deeply.
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