My father, Li Shimin, requests Your Majesty to become the Retired Emperor.

Li Shimin nodded repeatedly after listening to Wei Zheng's words.

As Wei Zheng said, Emperor Yang of Sui launched three campaigns against Goguryeo.

Without adequate preparation beforehand, and after making various mistakes, the great nation of the Central Plains was defeated by Goguryeo, a truly shameful disgrace.

Li Shimin walked back and forth with his hands behind his back and his head down, as if he was thinking about something.

After a long while, he suddenly stopped and said to Wei Zheng, "My dear minister, it seems that Heaven intends to leave this credit to me."

What do you think if I send troops to attack Goguryeo?

Upon hearing this, Wei Zheng was startled.

When Li Shimin mentioned Goguryeo, Wei Zheng already sensed that Li Shimin was eager to try his luck.

Wei Zheng quickly advised, "Your Majesty, your wisdom and martial prowess are unmatched by any emperor of antiquity."

Qin Shi Huang unified the six kingdoms by building upon the achievements of six generations of his ancestors; this can be attributed to the combined efforts of several generations.

Objectively speaking, during the process of destroying Qin, King Huai of Chu was still biased towards Liu Bang.

King Huai of Chu challenged Xiang Yu to take on tough challenges and fight hard battles.

Liu Bang encountered virtually no major obstacles along the way, and by the time of the Chu-Han Contention, it was Han Xin who helped Liu Bang conquer the world.

Emperor Wu of Han fought against the Xiongnu for decades, but ultimately failed to completely eliminate them. However, Your Majesty destroyed the once-powerful Eastern Turks in a very short time.

Cao Cao fought throughout his life, personally leading troops in many battles, but in the end, he only managed to occupy the north, controlling one-third of the country.

Therefore, Your Majesty's civil and military achievements are in no way inferior to those of Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han.

However, the problem now is that our Great Tang Dynasty has not been established for very long.

Over the years, the country has been engaged in constant warfare, leaving the national treasury empty. In addition, droughts and locust plagues have plagued various regions, resulting in some areas failing to harvest anything and all waiting for the imperial court to provide disaster relief.

Back then, after Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, seized power, he originally wanted to have a showdown with the Xiongnu. However, he was besieged by the Xiongnu Chanyu Modu at Baideng Mountain for seven days and seven nights, and almost lost his country and his people.

Later, Liu Bang, having learned his lesson, began to allow the people to rest and recuperate, and vigorously developed production.

We are somewhat similar to Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, back then.

At this time, we should vigorously develop the economy, enrich the country, and strengthen its military; we should not easily launch a war.

Li Shimin was somewhat unwilling to accept this: "Do you think I can't defeat Goguryeo?"

Is Rongliu Prince Gao Jianwu really as powerful as you say?

"Gao Jianwu is not that scary; he has been basically sidelined by now."

Yeon Gaesomun was the one who truly held real power.

Yeon Gaesomun was exceptionally skilled in martial arts, carrying five swords and possessing extraordinary abilities; ordinary people were no match for him.

It is said that whenever his generals saw him, they would lie prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise their heads.

Back then, Emperor Yang of Sui also suffered at the hands of Yeon Tae-jo and his son Yeon Gaesomun.

"Yeon Gaesomun? Could he be Cao Cao?"

"Your Majesty, Yeon Gaesomun may not be as good as Cao Cao."

However, Prince Rongliu, Dou Jianwu, does bear some resemblance to Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie.

They have no real power; all the authority is in the hands of their subordinate ministers.

Moreover, Yeon Gaesomun was not a reckless man; he had his own cunning.

He knew how to unite with other countries to achieve his own ulterior motives.

Not long ago, he went on a mission to Baekje to incite them to attack Silla.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's eyes widened, and he asked, "Is that so?"

"Yes, Silla has always been a vassal state of our Great Tang, and has always been loyal to the Great Tang."

Yeon Gaesomun knew perfectly well that Silla was a vassal state of our Great Tang, yet he still incited Baekje to attack Silla.

Li Shimin was furious: "They're not attacking Silla at all, they're clearly provoking the Tang Dynasty!"

Wei Zheng continued, "King Jinpyeong of Silla had no sons. After his death, his daughter Kim Deokman was enthroned as empress."

The girl was young and beautiful, but her reign was short-lived.

Yeon Gaesomun believed there was an opportunity to take advantage of it.

Therefore, he wanted to take the opportunity to attack Silla.

Li Shimin unbuttoned the buttons on his wrist: "It seems Yeon Gaesomun is quite despicable."

"Aren't they taking advantage of someone's misfortune by doing this?"

At this moment, Li Chengqian walked in from outside, knelt on the ground, and called out, "Father Emperor!"

Li Shimin looked down at him: "Get up, thank Father!"

After Li Chengan stood up, he bowed to Wei Zheng as a teacher.

Wei Zheng returned the courtesy.

Li Shimin looked at Li Chengan and asked, "What brings you to see me?"

"Your Majesty, I have a few things to report to you."

Li Shimin picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and asked, "Which matters?"

Li Chengan sorted out his thoughts and said, "Firstly, Songtsen Gampo has already arrived in Chang'an and is waiting for his father's summons at the guesthouse."

"Oh, Songtsen Gampo arrived quite quickly this time."

Wei Zheng, standing nearby, reminded him: "Your Majesty, you've forgotten that Songtsen Gampo once requested to marry a princess from the Tang Dynasty, which is why she arrived so quickly."

Li Shimin nodded.

"Alright, I already know about this."

"Father, Prince Pungjang of Baekje has been imprisoned by the King of Wa. King Seommyeong has demanded that Baekje surrender."

Otherwise, kill Prince Fengzhang.

To be honest, Li Shimin did not have a good impression of Baekje and Wa (Japan).

When the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom sent envoys Inugami Mita Kuchi and Yakushi Eri to Chang'an, Li Shimin arranged for people to receive them.

They stayed in Chang'an for a long time, studying Central Plains culture, Buddhist scriptures, and so on.

However, out of courtesy, when Li Shimin sent Gao Biaoren to accompany the envoys of the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom back to Wa,

That dog, Oda Kaki, actually imprisoned Gao Biaoren, and Li Shimin hasn't settled the score with them yet.

Isn't there a saying?

Those who offend the mighty Han, no matter how far away, shall be punished!

The people of Wa (Japan) dared to be disrespectful to the envoys of the Tang Dynasty; this debt will be settled sooner or later.

Furthermore, Li Shimin was concerned about the alliance between Baekje and Goguryeo.

Therefore, Li Shimin also had reservations about Baekje.

Li Chenggan then recounted his experiences traveling to Wa and Baekje.

Yi Seung-gan stated his opinion: "Buye Ui-ja and Buyeo Yung, instigated by Yeon Gaesomun, may launch a military campaign against Silla."

If we can rescue Buyeo Pungjang and make him crown prince, then in the future, if Prince Pungjang becomes the king of Baiji...

Then, the relationship between Baekje and our Great Tang will be greatly improved.

Li Shimin said, "Since Baekje and Goguryeo have colluded to attack Silla, then Baekje is our enemy."

Prince Pongjang was the son of Buyeo Uija.

Their fighting with the insulting country is their business; why should we interfere?

"When they've fought to the point of exhaustion, I'll deal with them all!"

Li Chenggan could tell that his father wasn't too keen on the matter, so he advised him:

"Father, this matter cannot be generalized."

War is a continuation of politics; it should not be waged lightly unless absolutely necessary.

Because no one is absolutely certain of victory.

Prince Fengzhang is renowned for his virtue and is extremely loyal to our Tang Dynasty. If we enthrone him as crown prince, he will inherit the throne of Baekje in the future.

Then, Baekje will surely submit to our Great Tang.

This is a good thing.

Similar things have happened in history.

King Wu of Qin was a strongman, and his favorite thing to do was to wrestle with others to see who was stronger.

As a result, on one occasion, they agreed to lift a tripod together.

King Wu of Qin accidentally hit his own foot.

King Wu of Qin had no sons, but he had a half-brother named Ying Ji, who was also a hostage in the state of Yan at the time.

King Wuling of Zhao, for political reasons, supported Ying Ji to succeed to the throne.

The State of Yan cooperated with the State of Zhao, which ultimately enabled Ying Ji to return to the State of Qin and inherit the throne.

At the beginning of Ying Ji's reign, Empress Dowager Xuan and Wei Ran were in charge of the government.

This event greatly strengthened the relationship between the states of Zhao and Qin, and was extremely beneficial for Zhao in consolidating its own position.

Wei Zheng also said, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's words make sense. If Fuyu Fengzhang returns to his country and becomes the Crown Prince, he will certainly be loyal to the Tang Dynasty. At that time, we will have one more friend and one less enemy. Wouldn't that be better?"

Li Shimin paced back and forth, slowly saying, "This matter is probably not as simple as you all say."

As you just mentioned, Baekje's situation was different from that of Qin back then.

King Wu of Qin died without a son, so Ying Ji was installed as king.

But now Baekje has its own crown prince, Buyeo Yung.

"Father, we can rescue Fuyu Fengzhang first, and then think of another way."

Your subject knows that Buyeo Yong and Yeon Gaesomun have a good relationship. When I was in Baekje, I overheard their conversation.

They attempted to unite against Silla.

Li Shimin, enraged, punched the table and exclaimed, "Goguryeo, I will deal with them sooner or later!"

As for the matter of rescuing Buyeo Pung-jang, I will give it much consideration.

morning.

Today the sky is clear and the weather is fine.

Linde Hall.

This hall is located within the Daming Palace, bordering Taiye Pond to the east and the western palace wall to the west. It was mainly used to receive foreign envoys and hold large banquets.

It can accommodate 3500 people for banquets at the same time.

Today, Li Shimin received Songtsen Gampo and his entourage here and held a grand banquet.

Those attending the banquet included Li Shimin, Empress Zhangsun, Consort Yang, Consort Yan, Princess Yang of Chao, Consort Wei, Yin Defei, Li Chengan, Su Wan, Li Tai, Li Lizhi, Princess Gaoyang, and other princes and princesses.

Of course, Princess Wencheng was among them.

Today, Princess Wencheng looked exceptionally radiant.

She was filled with excitement, eager to see what Songtsen Gampo looked like.

Li Shimin looked radiant today, and Empress Zhangsun also looked well.

Seeing this, Li Chengan felt much more at ease.

The main hall was bustling with activity.

Palace maids and eunuchs bustled about, bringing in fine wine and delicacies.

The group sat on both sides, with a square table in front of each person, which was laden with wine and meat.

Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun sat in the middle, facing the crowd.

Li Shimin, looking radiant and with a keen gaze, said to the crowd, "My dear ministers, today we gather here to drink and not to discuss state affairs."

All the civil and military officials were delighted to hear this.

Li Shimin has always been too serious, and many people are afraid to see him; they tremble at the mere sight of him.

After Wei Zheng repeatedly reminded him, Li Shimin would occasionally crack a joke with his civil and military officials.

As a result, the civil and military officials were no longer as afraid of Li Shimin as before.

In fact, Li Shimin treated his civil and military officials quite well.

He did not approve of Liu Bang's attitude towards his meritorious officials.

After Liu Bang established the Han Dynasty, he enfeoffed seven princes who were not of the same surname.

Later, seven more vassal kings of different surnames were deposed and executed one by one.

On the contrary, Li Shimin greatly admired Qin Shi Huang.

Although Qin Shi Huang was cruel and tyrannical, causing immense suffering to the people, he was lenient towards his civil and military officials after the establishment of the Qin Dynasty.

Qin Shi Huang did not unleash a massacre; instead, he treated them kindly.

Many of Li Shimin's ministers came from opposing camps, such as Wei Zheng and Xue Wanche.

These people were originally helping Li Jiancheng.

Didn't Wei Zheng once say that if Li Jiancheng had listened to him, how could Li Shimin have become emperor?

Just then, the chief eunuch Wang De shouted loudly, "Please invite Songtsen Gampo and his entourage to enter."

Before long, Songtsen Gampo, Grand Minister Shangnang, and Lunke'er arrived at the main hall. The three knelt on the ground and proclaimed, "Long live the Heavenly Khan!"

Li Shimin nodded slightly and raised his right hand: "No need for formalities, rise!"

Songtsen Gampo, Da Xiang Shangnang, and Lun Ke'er stood up.

Songtsen Gampo was very happy to see Li Chenggan again.

Songtsen Gampo bowed to Li Chenggan, and Li Chenggan returned the bow in kind.

Princess Wencheng sat next to Su Wan and glanced at her. She noticed that Songtsen Gampo was very young, tall, handsome, and imposing.

Their attire differed from that of the people of the Central Plains; they wore a string of beads around their necks and large earrings dangling from their ears.

Songtsen Gampo was dressed in long clothes and wore a hat that was at least three feet tall.

Songtsen Gampo had a high nose bridge, bright and piercing eyes, and a slightly curled beard.

Princess Wencheng was stunned.

Songtsen Gampo was also staring at Princess Wencheng.

Su Wan glanced at Songtsen Gampo, then at Princess Wencheng, and wanted to laugh.

Su Wan tugged at Princess Wencheng's clothes, and Princess Wencheng finally came to her senses.

Su Wan smiled and asked, "Princess, what do you think?"

Princess Wencheng blushed deeply, parted her lips slightly, and said with a smile, "This matter is left to my royal brother and sister-in-law to decide."

Su Wan understood immediately; Princess Wencheng was pleased.

Songtsen Gampo stared at Princess Wencheng with wide eyes.

At this moment, the Grand Minister presented the gift list.

Li Shimin took it and looked at it. He saw that it said "one thousand catties of gold and two hundred thousand taels of silver".

5000 bolts of silk, 1 horses, 1 sheep, 1 cattle, and various jewels, etc.

This gift list is quite valuable, among the most valuable in the Western Regions.

Currently,

None of them have exceeded this gift list.

It's not that Li Shimin cared about money, but rather about attitude.

"Songtsen Gampo, you must be tired from your journey. Please take a seat!" Li Shimin said.

"Thank God, Khan!" Songtsen Gampo's voice rang out.

Songtsen Gampo took his seat.

Da Xiang Shang Nang and Lun Ke Er stood behind Songtsen Gampo.