The Fierce Teacher of Zhenguan: Starting with Teaching the Crown Prince to Make a Comeback

Chapter 179 We, your humble servants, take our leave.

After Li Yichen left, Li Chengqian did not rest immediately.

He ordered the candles to be relit, spread out the paper, and reorganized and rewrote Li Yichen's strategies for dealing with Goguryeo, categorizing them into different sections.

He wrote slowly, striving for clarity and precision, aiming to demonstrate the ruthlessness and effectiveness of his strategy.

However, it should not be too straightforward; it should retain a degree of subtlety and composure appropriate for a duet.

Especially in the section on "economic warfare," he carefully considered his wording, replacing terms such as "destroying the country" and "poisonous scheme" with more official and milder expressions such as "a strategy to exhaust the enemy" and "disrupting their foundation."

But the core logic remains unchanged.

As for the training principles of "surprise troops," he was even more cautious.

Only the seemingly feasible and less shocking parts were extracted, such as strengthening the special skills training of scouts and selecting brave individuals for extreme environment adaptation training.

Even so, when he finished writing and put down his pen, the sky outside the window was already turning a pale white.

He rubbed his sore eyes, carefully reviewed the manuscript again, and only put it away carefully after confirming that there were no errors.

He didn't feel tired; instead, he felt a mix of excitement and tension, as if a showdown was about to unfold.

At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), Li Chengqian appeared precisely outside the Liangyi Hall.

After being announced by the palace attendant, he took a deep breath and walked steadily into the hall.

Li Shimin was seated behind the imperial desk, with four key ministers—Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Li Ji, and Gao Shilian—seated to his left and right.

Clearly, the emperor was discussing matters concerning Goguryeo with his confidants.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty." Li Chengqian bowed in accordance with proper etiquette.

"Rise." Li Shimin's voice was unreadable.

"Your Highness has arrived at the right time. I was discussing the situation in Goguryeo with several of my ministers. You mentioned yesterday that we needed to carefully analyze the situation; do we have a plan in place?"

"Your Majesty, I have made some progress and have come to report it."

Li Chengqian took out the draft of the memorial from his sleeve.

"Speak," Li Shimin said succinctly.

Changsun Wuji and the others also turned their gazes toward Li Chengqian, with scrutiny and curiosity.

They wanted to know what insights the crown prince, who had recently made several surprising moves, would offer in the face of such a thorny matter of state.

Li Chengqian began to elaborate based on his own understanding.

He began by analyzing that Goguryeo was not a monolithic entity, suggesting that they could secretly send envoys to contact Go Geon-mu's former subordinates and the new king, Go Jang.

He made promises to incite internal strife and undermine the power of Jeon Gaesomun.

This is somewhat bold, but it still falls within the scope of traditional power struggles.

Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling nodded slightly, indicating that this method was feasible and worth trying.

Next, Li Chengqian discussed the Ministry of Works' reforms, suggesting that this opportunity should be used to concentrate the efforts of craftsmen and vigorously improve siege equipment.

In preparation for possible future battles, to reduce soldier casualties.

Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in Li Ji's eyes. As a high-ranking military official, he was well aware of the importance of sophisticated equipment.

The first two points, while demonstrating the Crown Prince's thorough consideration, did not exceed the expectations of the senior officials.

However, when Li Chengqian changed the subject and began to elaborate on the third strategy, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense.

"Thirdly, I believe that, apart from battlefield confrontation, we may employ other strategies to exhaust and harass the enemy, thereby disrupting their foundation."

"To tire out and harass the enemy?" Li Shimin repeated the somewhat unfamiliar term, raising his eyebrows slightly.

“Exactly.” Li Chengqian steadied himself.

"Goguryeo was a barren land with poor people, especially in Liaodong, which was bitterly cold. Salt, iron and other commodities were all imported or produced locally in poor quality."

"Although the country has some grain reserves, it may be difficult to support the army of Quan Gaisuwen in a long-term war of foreign invasion."

He paused briefly to observe his father's expression behind the imperial desk.

“Our Great Tang can secretly guide them, or through trusted merchants, to exchange their urgently needed resources—such as snowflake salt—for their stored grain at a low price.”

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji frowned.

Fang Xuanling paused slightly as he stroked his beard.

A hint of confusion flashed in Li Ji's eyes.

Gao Shilian looked thoughtful.

Salt in exchange for grain? And it's even the Crown Prince's Snowflake Salt.

This sounds like a losing proposition.

Li Chengqian didn't give them much time to think, and immediately followed up with the following:

"This is killing two birds with one stone. First, it allows us to acquire some provisions. Second, and most importantly, it allows us to quickly deplete the Goguryeo populace's food reserves, especially those within the army's requisition area!"

“When the grain reserves held by the people are reduced sharply, the price of grain will inevitably fluctuate. At this time, the concentrated grain stacks will be burned within their territory.”

"Once the news spreads, it will inevitably cause panic. With rising grain prices and widespread anxiety, if Quan Gai Suwen tries to forcibly requisition military rations again, he will face immense resistance and it may even incite a popular uprising!"

"At the same time, we can publicly declare, or spread through merchants, that for all those in Goguryeo who are willing to restore order and oppose the tyranny of Yeon Gaesomun, our Great Tang is willing to provide them with essential supplies such as grain and salt in exchange for their support."

The hall fell into a deathly silence.

You can hear the needle drop.

Changsun Wuji's wrinkles seemed to deepen as he slowly raised his head, his gaze sharp as he looked at Li Chengqian.

This strategy... is no longer a simple power play, but directly targets the fundamental issues of people's livelihood, and is extremely ruthless!
Only someone with a deep understanding of human greed and fear could come up with this!
Fang Xuanling lowered his eyelids, but his slightly constricted pupils betrayed the shock in his heart.

He was skilled in open strategies and governing the country, but the tactics of using methods and human weaknesses to carry out precise strikes gave him a strange chill.

This has transcended the scope of the classics.

Even Li Ji, a pure soldier, couldn't help but feel a pang of fear at this moment.

If this plan succeeds, Goguryeo's rear will fall into chaos, posing a greater threat than an army of 100,000 pressing in!
This is no longer a battle on the battlefield, but a desperate attempt to destroy the enemy's lifeline!

Gao Shilian subconsciously twirled his fingers, calculating in his mind what resources would need to be mobilized and what chain reactions might be triggered if this plan were implemented.

His gaze toward Li Chengqian was filled with disbelief and astonishment.

Even Li Shimin, who was on the throne, straightened his body slightly at this moment.

His deep gaze fell on Li Chengqian, filled with scrutiny, inquiry, and an indescribable shock.

This strategy... is too ruthless!

Without the sight of swords or spears, it can still make people hungry and alienate them.

They traded the salt the other side desperately needed for their survival for the food they needed to live.

They burned the grain they had acquired in exchange for it, creating panic.

Finally, they used grain and salt to win people's hearts and incite betrayal... each step was interconnected and each move was fatal!

Li Shimin's heart was in turmoil, but he tried his best to maintain a calm demeanor.

He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, his voice revealing little emotion.

"The Crown Prince's plan is quite novel. By exchanging salt for grain, creating a famine, and then using the grain and salt to induce internal divisions, it can indeed disrupt their rear and weaken their strength."

He did not immediately judge the morality of this strategy; as an emperor, his primary consideration was its effectiveness.

"What do you think, sir?"

Li Shimin's gaze swept over the four important ministers below.

Changsun Wuji took a deep breath and spoke first, his tone solemn.

"Your Highness's plan... This old minister believes that if it can be carefully planned, it can indeed achieve remarkable results."

“However, its execution requires extreme secrecy. The participating merchants must be absolutely reliable, and a capable person must be in charge of coordination and control. Otherwise, unforeseen circumstances may arise, and the secret may be leaked.” Fang Xuanling interjected, “What the Duke of Zhao said is absolutely right. The key to this strategy lies in grasping the ‘degree’ and the secrecy of its execution.”

"Furthermore, we need to anticipate Goguryeo's possible reaction, and... whether this action will damage the benevolent image of our Celestial Empire?"

He hesitated slightly as he spoke his last sentence, glancing at Li Shimin.

Li Ji's words were concise and to the point.

"If the rear is in chaos, the morale of the troops at the front will inevitably be unstable. If this strategy succeeds, the benefits to our army's campaign will outweigh the drawbacks."

Gao Shilian then said, "This old minister seconded the proposal. However, the transfer of funds and grain, and the selection of merchants, need to be carefully planned to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Although the senior officials were shocked by the ruthlessness and unconventionality of this strategy, they all believed it was feasible based on its practical effects, only emphasizing the difficulty and risks of its implementation.

Seeing that his senior ministers were reaching a consensus, Li Shimin nodded.

"In that case, we shall proceed according to the Crown Prince's plan. The specific details shall be determined by..."

He hesitated for a moment.

"With the Assistant Minister in charge, Xuanling, Hongshen, and Shilian working together, they will discuss the details with the Crown Prince and implement the plan in secret as soon as possible."

"Your Majesty, we obey." The four replied in unison.

The matter seemed to be settled.

However, just when Changsun Wuji and the others thought the audience was about to end and were discussing the specific procedures in detail, Li Chengqian spoke up again.

"Father, regarding the matter of Goguryeo, I have another matter that I need to discuss with you privately."

His voice was calm, yet it echoed clearly in the suddenly quiet Liangyi Hall.

Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Li Ji, and Gao Shilian froze instantly, their faces showing astonishment and disbelief.

Solo duet?

Why should we avoid these four key ministers?
A subtle sense of unease instantly spread through the hearts of the four.

They hold central positions and have participated in top decision-making for many years. When have they ever been excluded?

Especially since it was proposed by the Crown Prince himself?
This feeling of being alienated and excluded from the core of power made them extremely uncomfortable.

Changsun Wuji's face darkened, Fang Xuanling stopped stroking his beard, Li Ji frowned, and Gao Shilian lowered his eyes, lost in thought.

Li Shimin clearly did not expect Li Chengqian to make this request.

He coughed and glanced down at the four high-ranking officials below, each with a different expression.

With a hint of reassurance, he said to Li Chengqian, "Your Highness, is there anything that cannot be discussed with your ministers? They are all pillars of the state and are worthy of your consideration."

This was the emperor giving face to these important officials, and also reminding the crown prince that these people held high positions and were indispensable.

However, Li Chengqian's expression remained unchanged, and his tone remained calm.

Yet it carries with it an undeniable persistence.

"Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance. I believe we should first discuss it with Your Majesty and then decide whether to inform the ministers after Your Majesty has made your decision."

He insisted on playing the duet alone.

Li Shimin looked at his son's calm yet firm eyes and remained silent for a moment.

They wouldn't insist on this unless it was something extremely important and sensitive.

He finally waved his hand.

"In that case, all of you may retreat to the side hall and wait for a while."

"We, your humble servants, take our leave."

Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Li Ji, and Gao Shilian bowed and left the Liangyi Hall in turn.

Everyone's steps were heavier than usual, and their expressions were complex and hard to describe.

The feeling of being excluded from the highest decision-making circle was like a dark cloud hanging over their hearts.

After the palace doors closed again, only the father and son remained inside.

Li Shimin's gaze fell on Li Chengqian, his expression a mixture of inquiry and displeasure.

"Now you can tell us what is so important that even the auxiliary engineers can't hear it?"

Li Chengqian took out another, more detailed memorial from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"Father, what I am reporting concerns the formation of a special squad. This squad will not be used in frontal battles, but will be dedicated to special missions such as infiltrating behind enemy lines, reconnaissance, sabotage, and decapitation strikes."

"Your subject calls them 'elite scouts and raiders behind enemy lines'."

The eunuch took the memorial and presented it to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin unfolded it and examined it carefully.

This memorial was much more detailed than the previous one, and its requirements, such as long-distance marches with heavy loads, survival in extreme environments, camouflage and infiltration, proficiency in multiple weapons, and coordinated small-team operations, were alarming enough.

As he watched, Li Shimin's brows furrowed more and more deeply.

This training method was extremely rigorous, far exceeding the standards of any Tang army unit at present.

Many projects, in his view, were almost torture, or even... suicide.

He put down the memorial and looked sharply at Li Chengqian.

"Gao Ming, isn't your training a bit too... harsh? At this rate, I'm afraid only one in ten will survive! How is this any different from raising assassins?"

Li Chengqian had already prepared his speech, and he met Li Shimin's gaze.

“Father, these are not suicide soldiers. Suicide soldiers are mostly for one-time use, or rely solely on their courage and bravado.”

"The elite troops that I wish to form are professional soldiers who have undergone rigorous and systematic training."

“All their actions, merits and demerits will be recorded and archived in detail, and their identity information will only be known to Father and your son.”

"They have rendered meritorious service and should be rewarded according to their military achievements, promoted in rank, and brought glory to their families. They are by no means people who cannot be honored."

He paused, then continued, "As for training casualties... I know this method is harsh. But extraordinary troops require extraordinary methods."

"Only by undergoing extreme training can one complete the mission and survive in the midst of thousands of troops and perilous situations."

"Your subject... already has some training methods and medical support that can reduce casualties and improve effectiveness, and we should do our best to implement them."

Li Chengqian's tone carried an undeniable confidence.

This confidence did not stem entirely from his own actions, but rather from his absolute trust in Li Yichen.

Li Shimin stared at Li Chengqian without speaking for a long time.

He was equally shocked.

This training philosophy is completely different from any training method he knows, emphasizing not formations and collective charges.

Rather, it's about individual limits, teamwork, and mastery of various special skills.

Its purpose was extremely clear: to open up a hidden and deadly front outside of the conventional battlefield.

Although he doubted its feasibility, Li Chengqian put it out in public and submitted a memorial to the throne with a frank attitude. He also emphasized the importance of recording and rewarding such actions, thus distinguishing himself from privately keeping assassins.

More importantly, the crown prince was willing to tell the emperor everything about this.

This attitude, rather than carrying it out in secret, greatly reduced Li Shimin's doubts.

Even if the Crown Prince did it in private, with his methods, he could easily find out. By bringing it up now, he appears to be aboveboard.

After a long silence, Li Shimin finally spoke, his tone softening somewhat.

"Since you insist and have already considered it... fine. I will grant your request. The number of people will be set at two hundred for now. You will be fully responsible for the selection and initial training. All necessary supplies will be provided by the Ministry of War and the Imperial Household Department."

"However, you must report your progress to me regularly, and there must be no mistakes."

(End of this chapter)