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

Chapter 191 is also the riskiest path.

Over the past year, the Crown Prince's style of conduct in many matters has shown a certain similarity to this incident.

He glanced quickly at Li Shimin on the throne.

This further convinced him that the matter was inextricably linked to the Crown Prince.

Is His Majesty's silence a way of protecting the Crown Prince?
Or is there another consideration?

Li Ji leaned forward slightly, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

As a military general, he felt more directly the enormous military opportunities brought about by this news.

The grain supplies were destroyed, the people were filled with fear, and the generals were killed...

This means that Goguryeo's war potential was greatly weakened, and its rear was thrown into chaos!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attack!

He almost immediately volunteered for battle, but seeing the calm expressions of Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling beside him, he temporarily swallowed his words.

Tang Jian and Gao Shilian exchanged a glance, both seeing shock and a hint of bewilderment in each other's eyes.

Those in charge of diplomacy and finances have a more direct and immediate understanding of such destructive actions, and find them more jarring.

Who is capable of launching such a stunning attack in the heartland of Jeon Gaesomun's tightly controlled territory?
An eerie silence fell over the hall.

Everyone is processing this sudden information and trying to understand its underlying context and its impact on their own areas of responsibility.

After a long silence, Changsun Wuji spoke first, his voice steady and as cautious as ever.

"Your Majesty, if this news is true, then the situation in Goguryeo has undergone a fundamental reversal. Its foundations within the country have been shaken, and the morale of its army and people will inevitably collapse."

He paused, observing Li Shimin's expression.

"I believe that since Goguryeo has already thrown itself into disarray, our Great Tang may postpone the idea of ​​sending troops immediately."

"This can instruct the border troops to strengthen their vigilance and continue to exert pressure, while also continuing to employ strategies of division and disintegration."

"If we wait until their internal conflicts intensify and their national strength is exhausted, we may be able to subdue them without a fight. Then we can send a proclamation to settle the matter. Wouldn't that better demonstrate Your Majesty's divine might and save our Great Tang's national strength?"

His words sounded like they were made from the perspective of national interests, aiming for stability and minimizing losses.

But deep down, he was thinking about something else entirely.

If one could truly "subdue the enemy without fighting," what immense political prestige that would be!

This is sufficient proof of the correctness of the current court's policies and the wisdom of the ruling group with His Majesty at its core.

At that time, the prestige and credibility of the imperial court will reach their peak, and the credit of bonds that had been damaged by rumors of war with Goguryeo will be completely stabilized and may even be further enhanced.

At that time, let alone two million strings of cash, even if more bonds were issued, there would surely be a large following, and success would come naturally.

Conversely, if we rush to send troops now, the war will be extremely costly, and the outcome will be unpredictable.

Any delays or setbacks would inevitably affect public sentiment and shake the recently restored creditworthiness of the bonds.

In Changsun Wuji's view, ensuring the smooth operation of the bond system was the top priority.

The long-term strategic significance of opening up this new channel of revenue and grain for the imperial court, which is relatively independent of the traditional tax system, is in some ways even greater than the military conquest of a particular place at a particular time.

He had a vague feeling that the Crown Prince's philosophy of "credit" was quietly changing the rules governing the exercise of power.

He must ensure that the Guanlong Group, and himself, remains in a favorable position under this new rule.

And "winning without fighting" is undoubtedly the outcome that best aligns with this goal.

Fang Xuanling nodded slightly and replied, "What Fuji said is wise and experienced in governing the country."

"After suffering such a heavy blow, Goguryeo is like a turtle in a jar. If our army were to press on immediately, it might actually encourage them to temporarily unite and put up a stubborn resistance."

"It is better to remain still and wait for the enemy to break down on its own. Show your power outwardly and sow discord inwardly."

"In this way, we can achieve our goal in one battle, save the lives of our soldiers to the greatest extent possible, and save the national treasury."

"Moreover... weapons are instruments of misfortune, and even sages use them only as a last resort. If they can be subdued with power and virtue, then there is no greater good."

Fang Xuanling's thinking was similar to that of Changsun Wuji, but their perspectives were slightly different.

As prime minister, he focused more on the overall situation and the long term.

He also saw the enormous benefits of "winning without fighting" in consolidating the court's credibility and stabilizing the domestic economy.

At the same time, he also considered that if a war of annihilation were forcibly launched, even if victorious, how to govern the Goguryeo territory after the war would be a huge problem.

It requires an investment of countless human and material resources.

If pressure can be applied to cause internal division and disintegration, it can eventually be incorporated into the Tang Dynasty system in a relatively mild manner.

Alternatively, supporting a pro-Tang regime would undoubtedly be a lower-cost option with fewer potential problems.

The Crown Prince's discourse on "the occupations of all trades" and "the foundation of credit" made him even more aware of the importance of maintaining domestic stability and sustainable development.

The costs of a large-scale war could very well disrupt this process.

Li Ji listened to the opinions of the two civil officials and frowned deeply.

He could no longer contain himself, and suddenly stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to Li Shimin, and spoke in a loud voice with the straightforwardness characteristic of a military general.

"Your Majesty! In my opinion, while the words of Minister Changsun and Duke Liang have some merit, they are perhaps too cautious!"

His eyes were piercing, and his tone was urgent.

"Goguryeo is indeed in turmoil now, but Yeon Gaesomun is a powerful and ruthless man, and his control is still intact."

"If we give them a chance to breathe, they may be able to stabilize the situation and even confront our Great Tang for a long time."

"The so-called 'subduing the enemy without fighting' is certainly the best strategy, but it takes a long time and involves too many variables!"

"Who can guarantee that things won't change for the better within Goguryeo? Who can guarantee that external forces won't intervene?"

He took a step forward, his tone becoming even more resolute.

"Now that the enemy's supplies have been destroyed, the people are in a state of panic, and the morale of the army is wavering. This is the time when morale is at its lowest!"

"This is a golden opportunity, one that will not last long! Our Tang army is well-trained and well-supplied, and our soldiers are eager for battle. We should seize this opportunity to march eastward and, with overwhelming force, wipe out Goguryeo in one fell swoop!"

"Only by completely conquering them can we truly eliminate future troubles and demonstrate the mighty military power of our Great Tang Dynasty!"

"If we delay and allow them to recover some strength, our troops will be exhausted and the outcome will be uncertain!"

Li Ji's thinking was purely based on military logic.

Opportunities are fleeting; we must seize the moment when the enemy is at its weakest to deliver a fatal blow.

He could almost see the Tang army's iron cavalry trampling through the Goguryeo city.

In his view, as long as they won battles, expanded their territory, and seized spoils of war, the prestige of the imperial court would naturally be at its zenith.

Issuing bonds will only become easier at that time.

Issuing more bonds means having more money and food.

He had even begun to plan that after pacifying Goguryeo, he could use the spoils and new deterrent power to advance westward to strike the Western Turks, or launch a northern expedition against the Xueyantuo.

This completely established the Tang Dynasty's absolute hegemony in East Asia.

Military victory is the most direct and effective cornerstone for solving all problems and achieving all goals.

Tang Jian glanced at the two sides arguing and cautiously said, "Your Majesty, Minister Li's words are not without reason; the opportunity to fight is indeed precious."

"However, once the army moves, the consumption of money and food is enormous."

"The Zhenguan bonds issued last year have just stabilized. If the war drags on, there may be further complications. If the plan of Minister Changsun and Duke of Liang succeeds, it will be of great benefit to the country and the people."

Gao Shilian nodded in agreement. "That's exactly right. Winning without fighting is most beneficial to the people's livelihood and also most conducive to consolidating the current credibility of the court."

The focus of the debate seemed to have shifted unconsciously from "how best to resolve the Goguryeo problem" to "what strategy is more conducive to maintaining and enhancing the court's credit so as to successfully issue bonds".

The civil officials focused more on domestic stability and the newly opened financial lifeline, while Li Ji firmly believed that military victory was the prerequisite for everything.

Li Shimin sat upright, listening expressionlessly to the arguments of his ministers.

His fingers tapped lightly on the imperial desk.

He did not entirely disagree with Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling's strategy of "subduing the enemy without fighting".

This is indeed a superior strategy for military strategists. If it can be realized, it will undoubtedly be an excellent example of Li Shimin's widespread virtue and prestige.

This held immense appeal for him in his pursuit of making a name for himself in history.

However, Li Ji's words also served as a wake-up call for him.

A good opportunity is rare, and Jeon Gaesomun is no ordinary man. Giving the enemy time only increases the risk to himself.

Li Shimin's success today was not due to luck or waiting, but to seizing opportunities and striking decisively!
The same principle applies to Xuanwu Gate and to pacifying the many rivals across the land.

He has the blood of a pioneer and conqueror flowing in his veins.

More importantly, his deep-seated desire to surpass the previous dynasty and complete the tasks that the Sui dynasty had failed to accomplish was now burning fiercely within him.

While "winning without fighting" sounds appealing, it can't compare to the satisfaction of conquering enemy capitals with real swords and spears and bringing Goguryeo territory completely under the control of the Tang Dynasty.
His achievements are outstanding?

What he wanted was a real conquest, an indisputable victory.

It is this that will allow future historians to write in great detail about how Li Shimin solved the northeastern border problem that previous emperors had failed to solve!

As for bonds... Li Shimin's ideas were similar to Li Ji's.

He believed that as long as he personally led the army and achieved a decisive military victory, the prestige of the court would reach its peak. At that time, not to mention two million strings of cash, even more would be eagerly purchased by people all over the country.

Credit, in the face of absolute strength and glorious victory, is a natural outcome.

His previous understanding was shaken by the Crown Prince, but deep down he still believed that his prestige and military victories were the ultimate decisive forces.

The debate inside the hall continued, with Changsun Wuji citing classical texts to explain the many benefits of "winning without fighting," especially its role in uniting "the hearts and minds of the people" and "trust and righteousness."

Fang Xuanling supplemented this from the practical perspectives of national strength depletion and post-war governance.

Li Ji repeatedly emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for a thorough military solution.

Li Shimin looked at them, and had already made up his mind.

He raised his hand and pressed down gently.

The argument immediately ceased, and all eyes turned to the emperor.

“What you, my dear ministers, have said is all reasonable.”

Li Shimin spoke slowly, his voice steady and carrying an unquestionable decisiveness.

"The internal strife in Goguryeo is indeed a godsend. However, I also agree with Minister Li's words that the opportunity is fleeting and we should not be too complacent and hope that the enemy will collapse on its own."

His gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on a point in the void, as if he could already see the battlefield in Liaodong.

"My mind is made up. After the spring, we will launch an eastern expedition as planned!"

"All departments must intensify their preparations, ensuring sufficient provisions and weaponry. What I desire is not a stalemate, nor waiting, but a complete annihilation of Goguryeo, a swift and decisive victory!"

He paused, then emphasized his words.

"Only in this way can this problem be completely resolved and the prestige of our Great Tang Dynasty be restored! As for the rest..."

His gaze swept over Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling almost imperceptibly.

"When we return victorious, the hearts of the people will be with us, and the court's prestige will be unparalleled. At that time, what is there to worry about in achieving great things?"

These words not only set the tone but also implicitly responded to the civil officials' concerns about the bond issue.

In his mind, the achievement of military conquest was the overriding goal.

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

Li Ji bowed first, his voice filled with excitement.

Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of helplessness and deeper contemplation in each other's eyes.

They knew that the emperor's mind was made up and could not be changed.

The two men bowed and said, "Your subjects obey your decree."

However, at the moment he lowered his head, a complex expression flashed in Changsun Wuji's eyes.

His Majesty chose the most direct, but also the riskiest, path.

If this path can be successfully implemented quickly, then everything will be fine.

But if...

He didn't continue thinking about it.

Fang Xuanling, on the other hand, had already begun to think quietly.

How to maximize resource allocation, stabilize the rear, and ensure that the nascent "bond" lifeline is not too severely impacted by the war, given the emperor's determination to wage war?

The meeting in the Liangyi Hall has concluded.

White Knight Commander's Room.

The emperor's last words, "We must not alert the enemy," still echoed in Li Junxian's ears. He knew that this matter concerned the Eastern Palace and the "wise man" who remained shrouded in mystery.

A sense of proportion is of utmost importance.

He ordered people to compile all the official documents and archives that could be found regarding Li Yichen and his family background.

The first document presented to Li Junxian was the dossier concerning Li Quan.

Li Quan was a member of the Danyang branch of the Li clan in Longxi.

His father once served as the Prefect of Cangzhou, which can be considered the last highlight of this branch of the family.

After his father retired from officialdom, no prominent figures emerged from the family, their connections gradually dried up, and the family fortunes inevitably declined.

In Chang'an, where social standing and family background were highly valued, such a collateral branch of the Li family was not much different from those from humble backgrounds.

They maintained the last shred of dignity of the gentry solely by the increasingly faded signboard of "Longxi Li Clan".

Li Quan himself held the official rank of Imperial Censor, a seventh-grade official.

Previously, he was a Doctor of the Imperial Academy, a position of the eighth rank.

This is a prestigious and respectable position, where one spends their days surrounded by classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary collections. While one may have a solid foundation in scholarship, it has absolutely no bearing on power or practical benefits.

With meager salaries, officials have to rely on the rent from the land inherited from their ancestors to barely make ends meet and avoid becoming too impoverished.

Archival records show that Li Quan served at the Imperial Academy for nearly twenty years, never had any disputes with anyone, and his performance evaluations were mostly average, with no outstanding achievements or any mistakes.

His colleagues described him as "prudent," "taciturn," and "diligent and conscientious."

This is a typical image of a low-level civil servant whose edges have been smoothed by time and reality, and who cautiously survives on the edge of power.

Li Junxian closed the file about Li Quan, and a portrait of his father had already formed in his mind.

The greatest ambition and hopes of a mediocre, law-abiding scholar are probably all pinned on his son, Li Yichen.

(End of this chapter)