I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 418 - 14: Grand Marshal of the Heavenly Strategy, Turbulence in the Shadows (Double-Length, Please Vote)

However, all of this was swept away under the atmosphere of national celebration.

The victory banquet arrived as scheduled.

The uniqueness of Li Yuan manifested at such times, even though many generals only surrendered to Li Shimin after this battle.

But after hearing about their abilities,

Li Yuan also bestowed rewards, even inviting them to the victory banquet.

This was undoubtedly a very effective means of winning hearts.

The ancients said, "A drop of water should be repaid with a spring," not to mention the magnanimous attitude of Li Yuan at this time.

Just for this reason alone, these people started to appreciate Li Yuan’s virtuous virtue.

And just before the start of the victory banquet, Li Shimin also brought in Dou Jiande and Wang Shichong.

Now, they had completely lost any semblance of their former grandeur.

Compared to their previous appearance in dragon robes intending to conquer the world, now the two seemed rather ragged.

"Father, these two traitors should be dealt with by you personally."

Li Shimin also slowly stood up, walked in front of the two, and bowed to Li Yuan, saying.

——The atmosphere in the hall suddenly changed.

Li Yuan surveyed those present and slowly spoke: "What do you think, my beloved ministers?"

"Your Majesty, I advise executing the two traitors."

Pei Ji immediately stood up, walked to the center of the hall, and bowed to Li Yuan, saying, "Otherwise—"

"The people’s hearts across the world will be uneasy, which might breed unrest."

These people naturally did not wish to leave any risks behind.

Although Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande were now prisoners, both were once rulers of significant realms and still wielded considerable influence locally.

"I second that!"

"I second that!"

"....."

The ministers rose in succession.

There was no conflict of interest here; the entire court was united.

Li Yuan nodded slightly, then looked at Li Shimin and asked: "Er Lang, what do you think?"

"Father."

Li Shimin again bowed, and after a moment of silence, he continued: "I believe if Father could forgive these two, it would demonstrate Father’s magnanimity and encourage the people to rally around our Great Tang."

He had actually considered this issue long ago, and had even discussed it with Gu Quan.

Li Shimin’s original thought was to release Wang Shichong and execute Dou Jiande.

Lend Wang Shichong’s reputation;

Lend Dou Jiande’s might;

Indeed, this was also due to various considerations; Li Shimin utterly despised the greedy Wang Shichong.

Dou Jiande was different. Though he kept recruiting troops,

he was straightforward and always maintained strict military discipline. He showed great respect towards the Gu Clan.

Such actions gave him a significant foothold in Hebei.

Such a person would be most suitable to execute.

But Gu Quan still dissuaded him, suggesting he should use this opportunity to declare the righteousness of Li Tang, to show the world how Li Tang was different from Yang Sui.

As for Dou Jiande’s roots in Hebei—

As long as the Gu Clan exists, this would not be a problem.

Li Shimin had carefully considered this issue and eventually came to a decision.

He now already possessed the invincible mindset akin to Gu Chen of the past.

That is, the enemies defeated by him would never again be considered his opponents.

This is not arrogance.

But rather a person’s absolute confidence in their abilities.

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Quan also immediately stood up, bowed to Li Yuan, and said: "Your Majesty, this humble servant supports King Qin’s proposal!"

In fact, Gu Quan was not merely thinking of saving Dou Jiande’s life.

The main aim was still to rapidly unify the realm.

Just like Gu Yi’s thoughts in former times, only by swiftly building a prosperous era could the prestige of the Gu Clan continue to spread in the hearts of people across the land.

He did not want any unexpected events to affect the pace of unification.

With two people successively voicing out, most of the military generals of the Great Tang also rose to support the motion.

Their voices echoed throughout the hall.

Watching this scene, the expressions of many people changed.

——Including Crown Prince Li Jiancheng.

Li Shimin’s prestige was too high, so high that he couldn’t help but become sensitive.

Still, the saying goes, a person’s attitude will gradually change with different environments and positions.

Years ago, they were just brothers, and the entire Li clan was constantly facing the crisis of extinction.

At that time, he could wish for Li Shimin’s well-being.

But now, he seemed unable to do so.

Li Yuan’s expression was also somewhat complex as he looked at the two before him. He remained silent for a long time, then gently nodded.

"What my son said is right."

"I, approve."

The atmosphere was perhaps too bizarre.

Li Yuan’s simple words caused countless expressions to change drastically.

Most who supported the execution were aligned with Li Jiancheng, while the military generals supported Li Shimin.

And under such circumstances, Li Yuan astonishingly approved of Li Shimin’s proposal, although they weren’t sure if Li Yuan had a deeper intention, it still made people think more.

"But the death penalty can be exempt, though they cannot escape punishment."

"Pass my edict."

"Exile these two traitors to the Shu Region."

Li Yuan’s expression remained unchanged, and in this increasingly strange atmosphere, he made the final pronouncement for the two.

Wang Shichong was truly terrified to the extreme.

Upon hearing this, he felt as if a great weight was lifted, and almost immediately knelt down, grateful for Li Yuan’s mercy.

But Dou Jiande was different.

His expression was extremely complex, perhaps due to being accustomed to the threat of death, at this moment he felt strangely at peace.

He recalled many things.

He remembered the multiple visits to Julu over the years, eventually even confronting Gu Yu himself and demanding to know why he couldn’t assist him.