I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 409 - 12: The Battle of Luoyang Begins, Advice to Li Shimin

It’s just that when facing major events, he considers too many things and always needs someone to give him a push.

And now—

It’s like this.

In fact, the Great Tang has no choice at all. Whether it’s becoming the lord of the world or protecting the family, Li Yuan can only choose to face the enemy head-on.

History has taught everyone that isolation cannot last long.

Li Yuan naturally understands this too.

But he would also hesitate, which is one of his character’s shortcomings.

The entire Taiji Hall was silent.

It seemed that everyone was stunned by Li Shimin’s words.

This situation remained until a long time had passed.

—It was a group of military generals who broke the silence, and they too spoke out to request battle.

Not only Li Shimin’s confidants.

But at this moment—

This group of generals stood behind Li Shimin, and the scene inexplicably had a hint of terror.

Gu Yi was also watching all of this.

He clearly saw that Li Jiancheng, who stood next to Li Yuan, had a slight change in expression when he saw this scene, although it was only for an instant, it was still very obvious.

People’s mindset gradually changes as their status and the situation evolve.

Clearly—

Li Jiancheng has now begun to gradually notice Li Shimin’s influence in the military, and this idea would certainly not be his alone.

The ministers in the court, those who support him.

It’s impossible for them not to notice this.

But all these hidden dangers are destined not to bring about a change now; the Great Tang still needs to face the current situation.

Li Yuan did not look at Li Jiancheng; he was continuously staring at Li Shimin and those generals behind him. After a moment of silence, he finally nodded slightly: "Good!"

"These words of my son today can be passed down through the ages."

"This saying of ten wins and ten defeats has finally awakened me."

He slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over the ministers present, and said calmly: "Never negotiate peace!"

"When the Great Tang was founded, I aspired to bring peace to Kyushu."

"Now if we seek peace—"

"Wouldn’t I become a person without credibility?"

Although he didn’t directly express his attitude, the implication of his words was very clear.

This is Li Yuan’s political wisdom.

He is giving those who want to negotiate peace a way out, showing them his attitude, and giving them the chance to turn back, advising them not to say anything that would be detrimental to unity at such a time.

Indeed, right after he finished speaking, he looked towards Pei Ji and said lightly: "Xuanzhen, what do you think?"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Pei Ji didn’t hesitate at all, immediately bowing to Li Yuan, "I support it; please, Your Majesty, move the troops!"

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

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

"....."

A chorus of shouts instantly resounded throughout Taiji Hall, and the ministers’ reactions were unbelievably unanimous.

If at this point they still can’t see it.

Then they really shouldn’t be officials anymore.

Li Yuan nodded in satisfaction, then once again looked towards Li Shimin, earnestly asking: "Erlang, do you have any strategies?"

This time, Li Shimin did not speak directly but instead turned his head to look towards Gu Quan, Zhangsun Wuji, and others behind him.

—Not stealing credit;

Also part of Li Shimin’s charisma.

He wanted his subordinates to demonstrate themselves in front of Li Yuan, the Emperor.

And these few hesitated not at all, immediately presenting some strategies they had discussed over these days.

First—attacking Luoyang to seize the initiative is core.

But to accomplish this core, comprehensive preparations must be made.

Guard against enemies from all sides.

Regardless of how the battle goes, as long as the Tang Army moves, and if Wang Shichong truly falls into disadvantage, then the lords across the land are bound to take action.

Even if this alliance does indeed have some cracks.

But these cracks are insignificant in the face of Tang’s destruction.

If Li Tang extinguishes another country’s lord again.

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

The atmosphere in the entire hall suddenly became serious without anyone noticing.

Listening to everyone’s strategies.

Everyone furrowed their brows, considering the possibilities.

But in such a grand battle, it’s impossible to achieve an all-encompassing sure success.

Li Yuan naturally understands all of these as well.

Though he would sometimes be indecisive, once he makes certain decisions, he will no longer hesitate.

The matter was thus finalized.

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

He immediately finalized the matter in front of the ministers.

Appointing Li Shimin as the commander;

Gu Quan and Li Jing as deputies;

Leading an army of a hundred thousand, they would advance on Luoyang.

......

One must say, in the face of such lethal crisis, the hearts of the ministers were indeed very much aligned.

Although compared to the Li family;

These grandees’ sense of crisis isn’t particularly high.

But Li Yuan had promised them far too many benefits, and people will run for benefits, not to mention that the Li family now also has the support of the Gu Clan.

Compared to other lords, as long as the Li family still has a sliver of chance.

They will also choose to take the gamble.

From this day forth, the entire Tang court operated at full capacity.

Grain and provisions;

Soldiers and horses;

Armor and weapons;

The allocation of various equipment had reached their limits.

Besides, just before the troops were deployed.

Li Yuan also imitated Gu Chen’s military action of past years and held a grand sacrificial ceremony to bolster morale and announce the crimes of the lords in all directions.