novelraw Chapter 417 - 14: Grand Marshal of the Heavenly Strategy, Turbulence in the Shadows (Double-Length, Please Vote)
Chapter 417 - 14: Grand Marshal of the Heavenly Strategy, Turbulence in the Shadows (Double-Length, Please Vote)
Indeed, history took a turn, and Li Shimin pardoned Shan Xiongxin.
This also reflects the change in Li Shimin.
His nature was originally one that listened to counsel, and now with a more resolute goal, this trait has been greatly magnified.
Shan Xiongxin was deeply moved by Li Shimin’s leniency.
As Gu Quan had said,
Shan Xiongxin fought to the death only for the sake of "loyalty." Now that even Wang Shichong has surrendered, he need not worry any longer.
As a grand general under Wang Shichong, he had considerable influence within the army.
With his assistance and the influence of the Gu Clan,
integrating the Luoyang garrison went very smoothly.
Li Shimin’s next goal, naturally, was to redirect his forces back to Tang Territory to deal with the various lords of the four corners!
The situation shifted dramatically.
As the news spread, it had an unimaginable impact on the entire realm.
——Four Seas in Turmoil!
This result was definitely a bolt from the blue for the warlords of the four corners!
Dou Jiande was captured alive?
Wang Shichong surrendered?
Who could believe all this?
The strength of the Tang Army was indeed formidable, especially after gaining the territory of Longxi, facing the current Tang Army, no warlord dared to feel certain of victory.
But this was a coalition!
And they still lost?
Even two emperors were captured alive by Li Shimin?
Even Li Yuan, upon hearing the news, was stunned.
Followed by wild joy.
The significance of this battle was too great; he could already see the position of master of all under heaven right before him!
The ministers in the court were naturally ecstatic.
They had bet correctly!
If the Great Tang could completely sweep across the land, then their contributions would become the core foundation of their family legacy!
In stark contrast, for the warlords of the four corners, no matter how unwilling they were to accept reality, the current situation forced them to make choices.
Facing the returning Tang Army, they had no chance of winning!
It was an army of hundreds of thousands!
Li Shimin had now completely absorbed the forces of Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande, which they couldn’t withstand.
In truth, for all of them, confronting Li Tang now was their only opportunity.
Because Li Tang hadn’t fully absorbed everything yet.
If they could unite, there might still be a glimmer of hope.
But human nature is such.
Instead of trusting unreliable warlords to fight against Tang for a slim chance, the warlords preferred to cling to their corners, enjoying their wealth and glory even if the Tang Army eventually attacked.
This is human nature.
The vast army, flowing like water, came and went swiftly.
Li Yuan naturally wouldn’t choose to pursue.
Though a strategic opportunity seemed to present itself, without the elite troops fully returned, it would be too risky.
Most crucially, for Li Yuan now.
He only needed to wait for Li Shimin to return, then it wouldn’t matter whether they secured Luoyang and Hebei first or pursued victory further; it was no big deal.
Why would Li Yuan take risks?
The situation of all under heaven changed drastically in a short span.
The Battle of Hulao seemed as though Heaven wielded a thunderous pen, solidifying a series of prophecies about the "Celestial Mandate on Li."
The people couldn’t think of any other cause.
Without the Celestial Mandate—how could they have obtained the assistance of the Gu Clan?
Without the Celestial Mandate—how could they subdue two emperors with such limited forces?
Rumors spread one after another.
As the news of the Battle of Hulao Pass spread far and wide, although Li Tang hadn’t yet unified the realm, it already felt like a unified dynasty.
Especially the renown of Li Shimin and Gu Quan, rising like the tide.
Many people even started to call them the reincarnations of "Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu" and "Marquis Wu Gu Xiao."
In such circumstances, Li Shimin ultimately led his forces back to Chang’an.
...
Li Yuan arranged a grand welcome for Li Shimin, even going outside the city himself to greet the victorious Li Shimin and his men.
The merits of this battle were enormous.
This battle felt like one that could determine the realm.
Even the ministers couldn’t deny Li Shimin’s achievements.
Who could stand against Li Tang now?
Such achievements are rarely seen in history.
Who could oppose Li Yuan’s actions?
Moreover, Li Yuan’s actions demonstrated his wisdom to the officers.
Outside Chang’an City.
The sound of drums and music played, witnessed by ministers and the people of Chang’an, as Li Shimin rode to the city gates and quickly dismounted to pay respects to Li Yuan.
"Your son greets the Emperor Father."
Li Shimin was about to perform a grand salute.
But Li Yuan stopped him and laughed, "My son has achieved great merit in this battle, a meritorious subject of our Great Tang, no need for such formalities."
He then turned to the generals behind Li Shimin, smiling even more, "The same applies to all the officers!"
——Nationwide Celebration.
Amidst the gaze of countless people.
Li Yuan held Li Shimin’s hand, leading the ministers and officers slowly into the city.
Perhaps due to overwhelming excitement.
With Li Yuan leading, Li Shimin’s position even surpassed that of the Crown Prince Li Jiancheng, making the latter’s expression suddenly seem a bit unnatural, including that of his close confidants.