Chang'an City
"A great victory in Liaodong, a great victory in Liaodong..."
The common people in the capital were shopping on the street when suddenly news came from the city gate that cavalrymen from Sanming were coming from outside the city with two small red flags behind them. They had returned from the front line, so they were qualified to ride horses across Chang'an City.
There are also various rules for messengers coming to the capital from other places. If it is just an ordinary letter, then you have to dismount when you arrive at the city gate of Chang'an and let the people at the gate check before you can enter the city.
But if there are losses on the front line, then you guys don't have to say anything. Ride your horses to the city gate and pass on the news, and your mission will be accomplished.
Only when a great victory is achieved, the generals on the front line will select those with loud voices and have them shout all the way back from the front line. After the surrounding people hear the news, they will naturally have more faith in the court.
How long have our troops been marching now? Has a great victory already been achieved in Liaodong? Many civilians were overjoyed, but some were also worried. The last time Li Shimin launched his eastern expedition against Goguryeo, he initially reported victory to the capital, but after a while, we were defeated...
Of course, the imperial court did not explain this point. It is estimated that no imperial court in any country can admit its own failure. This is purely a brain problem. But the common people can analyze that so many troops went out at the beginning, and more than half of them did not come back. The imperial court was also constantly tracking down Goguryeo spies in the city.
If we truly had won, would we still need to worry about these Goguryeo spies? Just let their king issue an order, and these Goguryeo spies would come out on their own. The intelligent people had made a very accurate analysis, and we were defeated last time.
"His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, has won victory after victory. He has now captured Anshi, captured over 300,000 prisoners, and beheaded over 40,000. The prisoners are on their way back."
When several soldiers arrived at the place where people were playing, they immediately repeated these words. The faces of many worried people relaxed. The last victory was not something practical, but this time the victory was something practical. More than 300,000 prisoners, this is not a joke. Even if His Highness is so capable, he can't make all these prisoners appear out of thin air, so this time we are a real victory.
"Our Highness is truly capable. It's only been a short while, and he's already achieved that goal. I heard that the Emperor last time..."
"Shut up! You've drunk two ounces of cat urine, and you don't even know your own last name, do you? Are these things for us ordinary people to discuss?"
Several people who were drinking in the restaurant also started talking. Fortunately, one of them had a good alcohol tolerance, so no one of them said anything. Nowadays, there are spies everywhere in Chang'an City. If you say something wrong, it is very likely that the people at the table will be implicated. Even if we have won now, we have to speak softly when we talk, and be careful of ears.
Li Shimin, who was in the palace, also received this victory report. For Li Shimin, it was normal for Goguryeo to win. Originally, he wanted to lead the army in person to wash away the shame on himself, but later because of a series of actions by Li Xiang, Li Shimin lost all interest in leading the army in person, so he arranged for Li Xiang to lead the army on his behalf.
According to Li Shimin's idea, victory is certain, but this victory came too quickly. From the time Li Xiang left Chang'an City to now, he has just arrived in Liaodong. Let alone fighting with the people of Goguryeo, even if you are ready to go, it will take ten days to half a month. Now you have taken Anshi?
Li Shimin was very suspicious of this matter, and many people in the court also had doubts. However, the soldiers coming from the front line took out some things. Some of these things were seals of the Goguryeo NATO general manager, some were seals of the prefects of various cities, and some were letters to and from Goguryeo.
In another bundle, two of the precious swords bestowed by the King of Goguryeo were taken away. It should be noted that in the entire history of the Goguryeo Dynasty, there were only five precious swords bestowed by the King of Goguryeo.
"Your Majesty, Princess Chen Bing of Goguryeo happens to be in Jiangbei and has been captured by our army. Your Highness has sent an army to transport her to the capital."
Li Xiang knew that Li Shimin was upset. The last time Li Xiang brought back a beautiful woman from the Tibetan Plateau, Li Shimin was upset. So this time, Li Xiang had learned his lesson. After finally capturing the princess of Goguryeo, he simply had her sent back. Li Xiang had seen her before, and her appearance...
Anyway, Li Xiang looked down on them, so he simply returned with the captives. As for how Li Shimin wanted to deal with them, that was Li Shimin's own business.
"You three have made great contributions. Go down and rest. Reward..."
With this princess, Li Shimin's spirits were obviously much higher. Some of the ministers below him were also used to it. They were all men, especially the highest-ranking men in the dynasty. What did a few more women matter? Isn't this what war is all about? The wife and daughters of the opposing king must be served. This is the glory of the victor.
"Your Majesty, the Dengzhou navy recently reported that they had spotted envoys from Goguryeo. Because His Majesty the Crown Prince has blocked the entire Taedong River defense line, their envoys are unable to arrive by land, so they are coming by water..."
An official from the Ministry of Rites reported another matter. This was the envoys from Goguryeo seeking peace. They had tried their best in Liaodong, but Li Xiang refused to negotiate with them, which led to the fact that King Li Xian of Han River did not dare to cross the river.
Everyone thought that Li Shimin would let Li Xiang stop for a while and see what the Goguryeo envoy said, but Li Shimin's next behavior...
Li Shimin did not answer directly. Instead, he drew the sword beside him and cut off the corner of the table next to him with one sword.
"Destroy Goguryeo..."
These four very calm words made everyone understand what Li Shimin was thinking. Many people have forgotten the humiliation Li Shimin suffered in Goguryeo, but Li Shimin himself will never forget it.
Li Shimin had traveled extensively for so many years, fighting hundreds of wars, big and small, but only Goguryeo had him surrender, so Li Shimin hated that country to the core...