novelraw Chapter 395 - 8: What Is a Flourishing Age? Julu’s Declaration of Resolve
Chapter 395 - 8: What Is a Flourishing Age? Julu’s Declaration of Resolve
Li Shimin’s idea took everyone by surprise.
Chang’an is not exactly close to Julu.
Moreover, Dou Jiande has already occupied most of Hebei, although he has not attacked Julu; instead, he held a ritual there to gather prestige.
But that doesn’t mean it’s safe for Li Shimin to go to Julu.
He is no longer an unknown minor general now.
Though his overall prestige has not yet reached the level of being feared by all, he has begun to make a name for himself in the world.
If Dou Jiande were to learn of this, Li Shimin would undoubtedly find himself in a crisis.
Because he cannot bring many troops with him on this trip.
Even Gu Yi was quite surprised by this; he didn’t expect that Li Shimin would make this decision at such a time.
It wasn’t just Li Yuan who disagreed, even Xue San was trying to dissuade Li Shimin.
But Li Shimin had his own reasons.
....
Chang’an.
"Father, no matter what, I must go."
Li Shimin looked at Li Yuan with a serious expression and said, "The world is already in chaos. The Gu Clan is investigating the lords of the realm, what does this signify?"
"——It signifies that the Gu Clan intends to emerge!"
In an instant, Li Yuan’s expression subtly changed.
"Although the reputation of the Gu Clan has been declining over the years, in the current situation, any move by the Gu Clan would certainly influence the stance of the regional lords."
"Though our Li Clan currently holds Guanzhong, which seems firmly established."
"Yet——"
"Father, have you ever considered under what title we should present ourselves to the world?"
Li Shimin couldn’t help but ask once more.
This is another point of change.
It was because Li Yuan believed in the support of the Gu Clan that he did not proclaim support for the Great Sui to restore order like in the original history.
He, too, had ambitions.
If the Gu Clan could support him, why couldn’t he seize the world?
But the situation is now different.
Li Shimin was misleading him.
Moreover, the news of Yang Guang’s death had not arrived yet, so Li Yuan was naturally taken aback.
But after a brief consideration, he slowly spoke, "We could establish King Dai, Yang You, as ruler."
He could not become emperor.
In the current situation, declaring himself emperor would surely make him a target of scorn, and Li Yuan was no fool.
Upon hearing this, there was an inevitable sense of disappointment in the eyes of those present.
They all wished for Li Yuan to become emperor.
This would bring them unimaginable benefits.
Only Li Shimin’s expression remained unchanged as he earnestly said to Li Yuan, "But what if the Gu Clan supported us?"
With a simple sentence, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly shifted.
Even Li Yuan was taken aback.
If he could gain the support of the Gu Clan, what he wanted to achieve would go without saying!
"Father."
Li Shimin earnestly looked at Li Yuan and said, "Since the fall of the Emperor Xian of the Western Han, the world has been in chaos to this day. Although the people of Kyushu have had a few years of peace, it has not been enough."
"The hearts of the people are weary."
"If our Li Clan truly wishes to unite the world and recreate a golden age, the Gu Clan can be a cornerstone!"
He seriously explained his analysis.
Li Shimin’s goal was unwavering.
He wanted to become another Gu Chen, whether in military prowess or statecraft.
He wanted to straighten the whole Kyushu.
To establish a true golden age.
And now is the turning point. Since the Gu Clan has shown interest in emerging, winning the support of the Gu Clan far surpasses continuing with conquests and sieges.
This is about laying the foundation for a golden age.
This is Li Shimin’s precise judgment of the situation!
As for the inherent dangers, he was well aware.
But Li Shimin’s courage was unmatched, and once he decided, there would be no hesitation.
In fact, having Li Yuan personally go would have been the most effective.
If not, even sending his eldest son, Li Jiancheng, would do.
Unfortunately, as the leader of the three armies, Li Yuan could not go, and Li Jiancheng was also in the rear.
Moreover, the dangers he would face in this endeavor.
Only someone like Li Shimin, who dared to take the lead again and again, would dare to go.
The hall was enveloped in silence.
For Pei Ji and others, having the Gu Clan reintegrate into the court would be a significant blow to them.
But everything has two sides.
With the world not yet settled, and the future uncertain, the Gu Clan could offer them tremendous benefits.
It’s precisely for this reason that their expressions were so complex.
Li Yuan was the same; he looked at his son earnestly and, after a long silence, asked, "Erlang, have you really made up your mind?"
"My mind is made!"
Li Shimin showed no hesitation.
Seeing this, Li Yuan sighed deeply and then waved his hand, "If that’s the case, then go."
"If you succeed in this matter...."
"Someday, you shall be our Li Clan’s Ten Directions Expedition Envoy!"
Gaining the assistance of the Gu Clan would benefit the grand plan.
As the leader of the three armies, Li Yuan couldn’t say much more.
And so the matter was settled.
Li Yuan was still quite concerned about Li Shimin, wanting to let him bring some elite troops.
But Li Shimin refused.
He didn’t even take any extra soldiers, only his close confidants.
——Li Jing; Qu Tutong; and Xue San, among others.
Why need any more people?
This mission’s motto was speed, precision, and decisiveness.
For Li Shimin.
A thousand troops were unnecessary; having these few individuals was already enough!
....
The journey was arduous.
Li Shimin was really hopeful about Julu; from a young age, he had countless times envisioned Julu as this "sacred land."
Even though they faced danger at every turn.