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

"Your Majesty, it would be best not to climb the city wall. What if they don't retreat? Wouldn't that make Your Majesty lose face?" Wei Zheng advised.

Li Shimin still wouldn't listen.

He said to Chang He and Gongsun Wuda, "You two lead the way. I will go to Xuanwu Gate, climb the city wall, and meet them."

"promise!"

Chang He and Gongsun Wuda protected Li Shimin and left the Zichen Palace.

Wei Zheng jogged after him, shouting, "Your Majesty, you mustn't go!"

However, Li Shimin was very stubborn, and at this moment, how could he listen to anything?

Not long after, Li Shimin ascended the Xuanwu Gate tower.

He leaned on the crenellations and looked down, only to see a vast, dark mass outside the city stretching to the horizon, with an uncountable number of soldiers and horses.

Thousands of torches illuminated the night sky as if it were daytime.

Li Shimin was quite surprised after reading it.

He found that the cavalry of the Tibetans, Tuyuhun, and Dangxiang were brave and strong, with disciplined military bearing, fluttering banners, and a menacing aura.

In addition, what caught Li Shimin's eye was the navy led by the elder brother of the mountain, King Shanbei.

The weapons they used were very conspicuous.

such as,

They were all long Japanese swords, which was very unique.

Prince Pungjang's Baekje navy also surprised Li Shimin.

In Li Shimin's memory, the Baekje navy was originally vulnerable, but now it seems that under Prince Pungjang's training, it has greatly improved, and the soldiers are all full of energy and eager to fight.

When Murong Shun, Tuoba Chici, Grand Chancellor Shangnang, the eldest brother king of Shanbei, and Prince Fengzhang saw Li Shimin ascend the city tower, they all dismounted, knelt on the ground, and said in unison, "Greetings, Heavenly Khan!"

When their commander dismounted, his soldiers knelt on the ground.

They all dismounted and knelt on the ground.

"No need for formalities, rise!" Li Shimin's voice was loud and clear, carrying far on the wind.

Everyone stood up.

Li Shimin, full of energy and high spirits, looked intently at the crowd and asked, "What is your intention in leading your army to the walls of Chang'an?"

"Do you mean you intend to attack Chang'an?"

Tuoba Chici quickly said, "Khan, you've misunderstood."

We have already surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, how could we possibly attack Chang'an?

We're here to defend Chang'an.

"Defend Chang'an?"

When did I issue the decree ordering you to defend Chang'an?

"That's right. After our Tang Dynasty surrendered, our territory was converted into several tributary prefectures and placed under the jurisdiction of Prince Li Tai of Yue."

For a long time, due to being preoccupied with trivial matters, we have not had the opportunity to pay our respects to the Heavenly Khan.

Actually, what we really want is for His Majesty to place us under the Crown Prince's jurisdiction.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin frowned: "What do you mean by that? Whether it's the Crown Prince or the Prince of Yue, they are both my sons. Why do you show favoritism towards one over the other?"

"Heavenly Khan, though that is true, to be honest, the first time King Li Tai of Yue led his troops to conquer our Dangxiang..."

To be honest, he's no match for us.

Before the war even started,

He was so frightened that he abandoned the army and fled back alone.

and,

On that occasion, we also captured some Tang soldiers.

It should be said that

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Our Tangut people have not been defeated; on the contrary, we have the upper hand.

later,

His Majesty sent Li Chengqian and the Crown Princess.

We, the leaders, were all impressed by the wisdom and courage of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

That is why we decided to surrender to the Tang Dynasty.

However, to my surprise, His Majesty assigned us to Li Tai's jurisdiction.

(Delete this sentence)

It has caused me great distress.

Because the other leaders were not convinced.

A few days ago, we heard that Crown Prince Li Chenggan was going to be arrested, but we don't know why.

"Heavenly Khan, is this truly an imperial decree issued by you?"

"Your ability to see the error of your ways and surrender to the Tang Dynasty is the right choice you have made."

If they persist in their course of action, the consequences could be unpredictable.

Indeed, a few days ago, I did issue an edict ordering Chang He to arrest Li Chenggan.

The reason I did this is because Li Chengqian has made a mistake.

Even a prince who breaks the law is subject to the same punishment as a commoner.

"I cannot abolish the laws of the Tang Dynasty because of Li Chengqian alone."

"Heavenly Khan, may I ask what crime Li Chenggan has committed?"

"Could it have angered His Majesty so much?"

"This is an internal matter; do I need to explain it to you?"

"Uh—." Tuoba Chici choked.

at this time,

Standing next to Tuoba Chici, Murong Shun asked, "Heavenly Khan, do you still recognize me?"

Li Shimin looked him over closely: "Aren't you Murong Shun, son of Fuyun Khan?"

"Heavenly Khan, you have such a good memory."

"I have deep feelings for the Tang Dynasty," Murong Shun said emotionally.

"Oh, why do you say that?"

"Back then, my father sent me to pay homage to Emperor Yang of Sui, but unexpectedly, Emperor Yang detained me and made me a hostage."

I thought my life was completely over.

Life is unpredictable and unpredictable.

No one expected that the mighty Sui Dynasty would be overthrown by the Tang Dynasty.

Khan, you released me from prison and sent men to escort me back.

My fate took a turn for the better.

in addition,

My son has been studying Buddhism at the Great Ci'en Temple and has received the care of the Tang Dynasty. I am extremely grateful.

When my father was in power, he was instigated by the King of Tianzhu to repeatedly send troops to harass the borders of the Tang Dynasty and oppose the Tang Dynasty. I expressed my opposition.

but,

I am a nobody, and sometimes my words have no effect.

later,

The Tang Dynasty dispatched Li Tai to lead troops to conquer Tuyuhun.

To be frank, we routed Li Tai and he fled in disarray.

The army of 100,000 suffered losses of 30-40%, including a large number of deserters.

Just when victory seemed within reach, the Tang court sent the crown prince to replace Li Tai.

The Tang army was not as numerous as before, but their morale was completely different.

We also couldn't understand what method Li Chenggan used to so effectively curb the momentum of the retreat, and there were no more deserters in the army, which greatly boosted the morale of the Tang army.

The Crown Prince treated me to afternoon tea, and we caught up.

I believe Li Chengqian was the most outstanding crown prince in history. The Tang Dynasty will surely have a bright future, and the people will be able to live in peace and prosperity.

then,

I then went back to persuade my father to surrender to the Tang Dynasty.

The father hesitated.

King Tianzhu was stirring things up again, and in my anger, I killed him and forced my father to surrender to the Tang Dynasty.

However, a few days ago,

I heard that His Majesty intends to place our Tuyuhun under Li Ke's rule, which has caused a great uproar.

It's not that I disagree, but that my ministers disagree.

They all demanded that our Tuyuhun be placed under the Crown Prince's rule.

This time,

When his ministers heard that His Majesty had issued an order to arrest Li Chenggan,

Filled with righteous indignation, they unanimously demanded to see His Majesty, pleading for him to rescind the decree arresting Li Chengqian and restore the Crown Prince's freedom. Murong Shun was a very sentimental person; as he spoke, his eyes welled up with tears, and he almost cried.

Li Shimin was even more displeased after hearing what Tuoba Chici and Murong Shun said.

The more they supported Li Chenggan, the more displeased Li Shimin became, and the more he disliked Li Chenggan.

Li Shimin thought to himself that this was not a request for him to rescind the decree, but a clear attempt to force him to abdicate.

Da Xiang Shang Nang stepped forward and bowed: "I have come here to protect Li Chenggan on the orders of Songtsen Gampo. I have nothing to say. Whatever our king commands me to do, I will do."

Li Shimin stared intently at Grand Chancellor Shang Nang and asked, "If I order you to withdraw your troops, will you?"

"Uh," Grand Chancellor Shang Nang paused, "I really can't make this decision myself. I have to ask our King. If the King tells me to withdraw my troops, then I will withdraw them."

I dare not retreat until I receive His Majesty's order to do so.

Li Shimin thought to himself, "It seems that Songtsen Gampo is also going to challenge me."

It's obvious that Songtsen Gampo wanted to protect Li Chenggan.

Fuyu Fengzhang's attitude was extremely respectful: "Heavenly Khan, my fate is similar to that of Murong Shun."

Back then, I was also sent to the Wa (Japanese) country as a hostage.

King Shuming appears benevolent and righteous on the surface, but in reality, he is treacherous, cunning, and ruthless.

He disregarded the agreements between nations and imprisoned me.

However, unexpectedly,

On that occasion, Crown Prince Li Chengqian was also imprisoned, and that's how we met.

To be honest, I'm lucky. The prince's arrival gave me a glimmer of hope.

I asked the Crown Prince to deliver a letter to my father, the King, asking him to find a way to rescue me and bring me back.

However, to my surprise, my father not only didn't save me, but also wanted to kill me!

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin frowned and asked, "Why did your father do this?"

"Because my father wanted to pass the throne to Buyeo Long."

While I have no interest in the position of crown prince, I do possess a degree of prestige among the various nations.

He feared that I would one day usurp the crown prince position from Buyeo Long.

My father ordered General Ni Zhi to lead an army to launch a surprise attack on the Wa (Japanese) Kingdom, with the aim of provoking King Shuming to kill me.

In the end, it was Li Chengan who saved me; it was the Crown Prince who persuaded my father.

My father also regretted his actions, and after I returned home, he gave me ten thousand men.

I was worried that being stationed in Sabi City might cause conflict with Buyeo Long, so I applied to go to sea to capture pirates, and my father agreed.

So, my survival and my current situation are all thanks to Li Chenggan.

Upon hearing that the Crown Prince was in trouble, he led his men to protect him.

I believe good people will always be rewarded.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin understood.

He saw that Fuyu Fengzhang was indeed a handsome and talented man.

Li Shimin had long heard of Fuyu Fengzhang's wisdom and virtue.

However, Li Shimin did not have a good impression of Buyeo Uija of Baekje.

At the urging of Yeon Gaesomun, Buyeo Uija decided to unite and attack Silla.

Silla was a loyal vassal state of the Tang Dynasty.

In other words, by doing this, isn't Buyeo Uija essentially making an enemy of the Tang Dynasty?

and,

In recent years, Buyeo Uija has become increasingly arrogant and disdainful of the Tang Dynasty.

They neither came to pay homage to the Tang Dynasty nor offered tribute.

Because of this incident, Li Shimin considered launching an attack on Baekje several times, but Wei Zheng dissuaded him each time.

Li Shimin, observing the words and expressions, felt that Fuyu Fengzhang was indeed different from his stepfather.

but,

Fuyu Fengzhang's loyalty to Li Chenggan displeased Li Shimin.

Li Shimin paced back and forth on the city wall with his hands behind his back, saying, "I heard that Yeon Gaesomun went to Baekje, intending to join forces with you to attack Silla. Is that true?"

"Your Majesty, I have recently been imprisoned in the jail of the Japanese, where I am deprived of the light of day."

I don't know much about what happened in Sibi City.

I have just returned to Sabi Fortress and have also heard that Yeon Gaesomun went to Baekje.

As for whether he and my father reached any agreement, I have no idea.” Buyeo Phongjang answered truthfully.

"Alright, since you don't know, I won't blame you."

So,

Why have you led your 10,000 troops to Chang'an?

Are you planning to attack Chang'an?

"No, no, no, Heavenly Khan, you've misunderstood."

My purpose in leading my troops to Chang'an this time is nothing more than this.

I heard that a martial arts examination is being held in Chang'an soon, so I've come to maintain order.

To ensure the safety of the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince.

I did this to express my gratitude to the Crown Prince and to have the opportunity to meet him. Without his help, I might have died long ago.

As the saying goes, one should repay a drop of kindness with a spring of gratitude.

"The Crown Prince has shown me such great kindness; now that he is in danger, how can I stand idly by?"

After hearing what Buyeo Pungjang said, Li Shimin felt that Buyeo Pungjang was different from his father.

Li Shimin was in Chang'an.

However, he kept a close eye on the changing situation in the world.

He also knew that Yeon Gaesomun was ambitious and had gone to Baekje to instigate Buyeo Uija to join forces and attack Silla.

This incident infuriated Li Shimin. It was clear that Baekje was deliberately opposing the Tang Dynasty. Did Baekje not know that Silla was a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty?

If it weren't for the opposition from ministers like Wei Zheng to the war against Baekje,

Li Shimin was about to launch an attack on Baekje.

He felt that Fuyu Fengzhang did not seem to have any hostility towards the Tang Dynasty.

"Fuyu Fengzhang, I have heard that you are very virtuous and have a good understanding of the bigger picture."

As for what kind of person Yeon Gaesomun is, you probably know better than I do.

What you really need to do now is persuade your father to sever ties with Yeon Gaesomun and stop being so stubborn.

If you Baekje and Goguryeo stay together for too long, you probably won't have a good ending.

Silla was a vassal state of our Great Tang Dynasty. I promised Silla that I would ensure its safety.

Anyone who dares to touch Silla is an enemy of the Tang Dynasty and is going against me.

I will retaliate at all costs.

Of course, I will not allow Silla to invade another country without provocation.

Li Shimin's attitude was very clear: whoever attacks Silla is attacking the Tang Dynasty.

Li Shimin will definitely launch a military campaign to punish them, and he will spare no expense.

"Please rest assured, Khan, when I return, I will definitely persuade my father to sever ties with Goguryeo," said Buyeo Pungjang sincerely.

I hope you'll keep your word.

"I will definitely do my best."

Li Shimin looked intently at King Yamabe and asked, "Are you King Yamabe?"

"I am the Heavenly Khan," said the eldest brother of the mountain, standing tall and speaking in a loud voice.

Li Shimin nodded slightly: "I heard that you were originally the heir to the throne designated by Empress Suiko, so how did King Shuming manage to seize the throne?"

"To my shame, I'm not a very shrewd person."

Originally, I wasn't very interested in that throne, but I never expected that Tamura would plot against me behind my back.

He secretly reached an agreement with Soga Emishi, which roughly meant that if Soga Emishi supported him to inherit the throne, he would give Soga Emishi important positions in the future and elevate the status of the Soga family.

They hit it off immediately, because Soga no Ezo knew that I didn't have a good impression of him.

If I inherit the throne, I certainly will not give him and his Soga family important positions.

that's it,

They defied Empress Suiko's will and installed Prince Tamura as king, who became Emperor Jomei.

Speaking of,

King Shuming and Emperor Yang of Sui were somewhat similar; both were masters of disguise and were two-faced.

He may appear respectable, but in reality, he is not.

He was wary of me at every turn, pushing me step by step toward my death, eager to kill me.

I had no choice but to rise up and resist.

I assembled a navy of tens of thousands, and then forged chariots, weapons, and armor.

Some time ago, when Li Chengan went to Naniwazu, we had a small misunderstanding.

Because he helped Soga no Emishi.

Soga no Emishi's concubine, Little Chili, was taken by Inugami Odenkuchi.

The prince avenged Soga no Emishi by giving Inugami Oden a sound beating, almost crippling him.

At the time, I thought Li Chenggan and Soga no Emishi were in cahoots.

Therefore,

I came up with an idea to frame someone else.

I disguised myself as the crown prince and went to ambush King Shuming and frame Li Chenggan.

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince was exceptionally intelligent; he uncovered the truth by examining the subtle clues at the scene.

Later, I was pursued and killed by Soga no Iruka, the son of Soga no Emishi.

I was injured and unintentionally escaped to Li Chengqian's inn.

Li Chengan disregarded past grievances and saved me.

I just learned that the Crown Prince and Soga no Emishi were not in cahoots. The reason the Crown Prince saved King Shuming was because he was considering the overall stability of the situation.

The Crown Prince's vision and magnanimity are beyond my full comprehension.

I am grateful for the Crown Prince's kindness, so I led my troops to surrender to him.

but,

The crown prince refused to accept it.

I heard that because of me, the Crown Prince has been in great trouble.

Someone in the court falsely accused the Crown Prince, saying that he was cultivating his own power base in the Japanese kingdom.

Where do you even begin to explain this?

The Crown Prince suggested that I go to Silla to capture pirates, so that I could be self-sufficient and stay away from that scoundrel Tamura.

I accepted the Crown Prince's suggestion.

Recently, we have captured many pirates and obtained a lot of spoils. Our purpose in coming to Chang'an is to meet the Crown Prince.

Furthermore, we humbly request Your Majesty's permission to surrender to the Tang Dynasty.

If you don't believe me, here is a letter written by Gao Biaoren.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was slightly moved, wondering if he had truly wronged Li Chengqian.

So it is said that,

Li Chenggan's actions don't seem to have anything wrong with them.

"Where is Gao Biaoren's letter? Show it to me!"

at this time,

Kiyosu, a subordinate of the eldest brother of the mountain, took out a bow and arrow, removed the arrowheads, and shot the letter onto the top of the city wall.

Chang He took the arrow and handed it to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin took the letter and carefully examined it by the light of the torch. The letter roughly stated that the warships sent by the Tang Dynasty to Silla had arrived.

He is helping Silla train its navy, and the strength of the Silla navy has greatly improved.

King Yamabe is utterly loyal to the Tang Dynasty; Your Majesty should not doubt him.

King Yamashiro commands a navy of 20,000, along with 5,000 cavalry and 5,000 infantry, all well-equipped and formidable in strength.

King Yamashiro pleaded again, "Your Majesty, please allow us to surrender."

After reading Gao Biaoren's letter, Li Shimin thought that if he used the 30,000 troops of King Sanbee to deal with Goguryeo, it would be possible to use one barbarian force against another.

For the Tang Dynasty, this was a win-win situation, as it didn't require the Tang to send out a single soldier.

With Gao Biaoren's letter, Li Shimin felt much more at ease.

Because he knew that Gao Biaoren was utterly loyal to the Tang Dynasty and had no other intentions.

"King Yamabe, I have felt your sincerity, but this matter is of great importance. Please allow me to think it over and I will give you an answer in a few days."

"We implore Your Majesty to give us a reply as soon as possible."