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

"Those are just superficial phenomena. When our Great Tang Dynasty is strong and its military is powerful, those countries will naturally submit."

Because they have no choice but to submit; nobody wants to invite annihilation.

"On the other hand, if our overall national strength is weak and our military power is also weak, then the situation will be different, and everyone will want to bully us." Li Shimin said, looking eastward.

Li Tai listened quietly, seemingly understanding something.

"Back then, Emperor Yang of Sui was full of vigor and led a million-strong army to launch three expeditions against Goguryeo, but all three ended in disastrous defeats."

This was also one of the main reasons for the demise of the Sui Dynasty.

If you can defeat Goguryeo, your achievement will surpass that of Emperor Yang of Sui, avenging the shame suffered by the Central Plains.

"I originally intended to lead this expedition in person, but recently there have been too many matters concerning Chang'an and Luoyang, and I simply cannot spare the time."

"Father, with your son here, why do you need to personally take action?"

"Rest assured, this time, I will lead the troops into battle and achieve immediate success. We will return in triumph in no time." Li Tai said confidently.

"If it is truly as you say, I will certainly make you the crown prince after you return."

If you suffer a defeat in this campaign, then you can forget about everything else.

Not only will you not be allowed to become the crown prince, but I will also punish you and settle accounts for your previous defeats.

Upon hearing this, Li Tai felt a chill run down his spine.

He glanced at his father and saw that his father's face was gloomy.

His palms were sweating with fear: "Father, take care of yourself, I will be going to war tomorrow."

"An army marches on its stomach; are the provisions ready?" Li Shimin asked.

"Uh, not yet, we're in the process of preparing."

"Nonsense, utter nonsense! We haven't even prepared the supplies. How are we supposed to fight this battle?"

What do 15 soldiers eat and drink?

First, prepare all the provisions and supplies, and then transport them outwards. After that, the main force will set out on the expedition.

"Yes!" Li Tai wiped the sweat from his forehead with his robe sleeve.

Li Shimin and his son Li Tai chatted about a few other things.

Li Tai bid farewell to Li Shimin and left the Zichen Palace.

After Li Tai left, Li Shimin fell into deep thought.

Although Li Tai thumped his chest loudly,

However, Li Shimin was still uneasy.

Because Li Tai's record of leading troops into battle was almost entirely defeats.

They're already planning to send out troops before their supplies are even ready. Can they win this battle?

Li Shimin thought it over and over but was still uneasy, so he sent Wang De to invite Changsun Wuji to discuss the matter.

At crucial moments, I still need to consult with Changsun Wuji.

Although Changsun Wuji is not currently holding an official position in the court.

However, in Li Shimin's mind, Changsun Wuji still held considerable importance.

Not long after, Changsun Wuji arrived, followed by another person.

That person was none other than Chu Suiliang.

After Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang paid their respects to Li Shimin, everyone took their seats according to their status as host and guest.

Chu Suiliang refused to sit down no matter what, and stood behind Changsun Wuji, treating him like a teacher.

Li Shimin cut to the chase: "Silla is a loyal vassal state of our Great Tang Dynasty, and we absolutely cannot allow it to be lost."

If Silla were to fall to Goguryeo and Baekje, it would be a tremendous loss for our Tang Dynasty.

Its negative impact is enormous.

Therefore, I intend to send troops to help Silla fight against the combined forces of Goguryeo and Baekje.

"Your Majesty's considerations are profound, and I agree with them," Changsun Wuji stated his opinion directly.

With the support of Changsun Wuji, Li Shimin became more confident in his decision and believed that this battle was worth fighting.

However, Chu Suiliang said: "Your Majesty, I believe that it is too early to start a war with Goguryeo and Baekje at this time."

Our Great Tang Dynasty was newly established, with everything in need of rebuilding and a weak foundation. Compared with the Sui Dynasty at its peak, it was simply incomparable.

At its peak, the Sui Dynasty had a population of over 9 million. The grain reserves were overflowing and piled up outside the granaries. The army numbered over 1 million.

Even under those circumstances, Emperor Yang of Sui led an army of a million men three times but could not defeat Goguryeo.

Moreover, this time Goguryeo was fighting in alliance with Baekje, making their military strength extremely powerful.

In my humble opinion, we should wait a little longer.

Our most important task now is to maintain peace, vigorously develop production, encourage childbirth, and accumulate strength.

Back then, Liu Bang was fighting against the Xiongnu and was besieged at Baideng Mountain for seven days and seven nights.

From then on, the Han Dynasty adopted a policy of non-interference and recuperation.

Decades later, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, when the nation was powerful enough, it began to retaliate against the Xiongnu. This forbearance is something we should learn from.

Li Shimin, however, disagreed: "I am almost 40 years old this year. It is hard to say how many more years I can live."

I hope that in my lifetime I can defeat Goguryeo and avenge the humiliation suffered by our Central Plains nation.

If this drags on for too long, like the Han Dynasty which lasted for decades, how can I possibly wait that long?

Chu Suiliang could tell that Li Shimin was eager for quick success, and that Li Shimin was also competing with Emperor Yang of Sui.

Perhaps in Li Shimin's view, defeating Goguryeo would prove that he was far more capable than Emperor Yang of Sui.

"This time, the imperial court held a military examination and selected He Zongxian as a general and Zhang Zhilong as a deputy general."

"Qibi Heli will be the vanguard, and Qibi Shamen will be the deputy vanguard. I intend to appoint Li Tai as the Grand Commander of the Eastern Expeditionary Army. What do you all think?"

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji quickly waved his hand: "Your Majesty, I believe this is inappropriate."

Back when we launched our campaign against the Dangxiang and Yanqi, Li Tai volunteered, insisting on going.

What happened? They got utterly thrashed.

Later, His Majesty replaced Li Chenggan with him, which turned the tide of the battle.

War is no child's play. If anything goes wrong and our Tang army loses its fighting spirit, the situation will be difficult to resolve.

Li Shimin nodded and asked, "Then what do you think is the most appropriate way to handle this?"

"Back then, Emperor Wen of Sui appointed Yang Guang as the Grand General of the Army, leading 52 troops to pacify the Southern Chen Dynasty, and made Gao Jiong his deputy."

In name, Yang Guang was the commander-in-chief, but in reality, real power was in the hands of Gao Jiong.

Therefore, I suggest that Your Majesty follow the example of Emperor Wen of Sui and appoint Li Tai as the Grand Commander-in-Chief and Li Ji as the Deputy Grand Commander-in-Chief to jointly confront Goguryeo and Baekje.

In fact, Changsun Wuji had his reasons for recommending Li Ji.

Because Li Ji was different from ordinary people.

Li Jing and Li Ji were both famous generals of the Tang Dynasty and were both granted the title of Duke.

However, Changsun Wuji learned that Li Ji had provided some support to Li Zhi.

Although Li Ji was a man who didn't flaunt his talents and generally didn't speak much,

However, Changsun Wuji sensed that if Li Zhi wanted to become the crown prince in the future, he would likely need the support of important generals in the court.

Therefore, Changsun Wuji intentionally elevated Li Ji here.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin agreed that Changsun Wuji's words made sense.

Li Ji, originally named Xu Shiji, courtesy name Maogong,

He was Li Mi's subordinate at the time, and although he made contributions, he attributed the credit to Li Mi.

He valued loyalty and righteousness highly, but regarded wealth, fame, and status insignificantly. He was utterly loyal to the Tang Dynasty.

Therefore, Li Yuan greatly praised him and bestowed upon him the surname Li.

Therefore, Li Shimin was very confident in Li Ji, because a person like him, who did not covet fame and fortune, would not betray his cause.

Li Shimin's expression became somewhat complicated: "There is one more thing I would like to discuss with you."

"Your Majesty, please speak," said Changsun Wuji.

"I have already issued an edict to depose Li Chengqian, but how can our Great Tang Dynasty function without a crown prince?"

Li Tai volunteered to become the crown prince.

Moreover, he made a written promise to me.

"Oh, what kind of commitment letter?"

Li Shimin took out the letter of commitment written by Li Tai from the document drawer and handed it to Changsun Wuji.

After reading it, Changsun Wuji neither commented nor gave his opinion, and then handed it to Chu Suiliang.

Li Shimin then asked, "What do you all think?"

Changsun Wuji couldn't say it directly.

He gave Chu Suiliang a wink, and Chu Suiliang understood.

Then, Chu Suiliang coughed and said, "Your Majesty, may I be so bold as to say a few words?"

"Okay, go ahead and say it."

"Your Majesty, I believe that Li Tai's letter of commitment is unreliable and full of loopholes."

"Oh, where's the vulnerability?"

"What father in the world doesn't love his son? Yet Li Tai shamelessly said that if he became the crown prince and inherited the throne, he would..."

If he had sons, he would kill them all and then pass the throne to Li Zhi.

Is Li Tai insane, or just stupid?

If he is neither insane nor foolish, then he is lying, and his purpose is merely to appease His Majesty.

If Li Tai really becomes emperor, then who can control him?

What's the point of this commitment letter?

Although Li Shimin found Chu Suiliang's views somewhat unpalatable, he also felt that Chu Suiliang's views were novel and insightful.

In recent days, Li Shimin was still intoxicated with excitement, but at this moment, he was awakened by Chu Suiliang's bucket of cold water.

"Go on."

Chu Suiliang straightened his clothes: "Li Tai promised in the letter of commitment that he would protect the other princes, but that is not credible."

"Oh, why?"

"When we evaluate a person, we should look at what they do, not what they say."

Li Tai is ruthless and fierce; he never hesitates to harm his own brothers.

To use an imperfect analogy, he treated his brothers no less well than Hu Hai treated his brothers back then.

After Hu Hai ascended the throne, Zhao Gao said to him, "You must get rid of your brothers, otherwise, if they find out that you obtained the throne by forgery, they will fight you for the throne."

Hu Hai agreed with Zhao Gao and slaughtered almost all of his brothers and sisters in one fell swoop.

If Li Tai were to inherit the throne one day, his methods would likely be more numerous and ruthless than those of Hu Hai.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin broke out in a cold sweat. For the past two days, he had been indulging in a fantasy: if Li Tai were to become crown prince and inherit the throne, would the other princes be able to coexist peacefully?

After Li Tai gets old, he will pass the throne to Li Zhi.

However, upon hearing Chu Suiliang's words, Li Shimin's heart sank, and sweat began to bead on his forehead: "Anything else?"

"Also, Li Tai and Li Zhi were a few years apart in age, but there is no rule that the elder brother must die before the younger brother."

Back then, Empress Dowager Dou hoped that after Emperor Jing of Han passed away, she would pass the throne to his younger brother, Liu Wu, the King of Liang.

At a banquet, Emperor Jing of Han agreed.

However, unexpectedly, King Liu Wu of Liang died before Emperor Jing of Han.

Therefore, it's hard to say whether Li Tai or Li Zhi will live longer in the future.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin felt that Chu Suiliang's words made sense.

"Furthermore, Li Tai's calligraphy and literary talent are impeccable. It is precisely for this reason that His Majesty appointed him to compile the 'Kuodi Zhi' (Records of the Land)."

Moreover, the book "Kuodi Zhi" is indeed well-compiled, with rich content covering many aspects such as humanities, geography, and local customs.

However, this does not mean that Li Tai was a master of governing the country and commanding the army.

Back then, when Cao Cao was selecting his heir, Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, and Cao Zhang all had a chance.

Cao Zhang possessed extraordinary strength and was adept at charging into battle, galloping across the battlefield, and almost never suffered a defeat in battle.

One day, Cao Cao asked Cao Zhang what his ambitions were.

Cao Zhang said that he wanted to be a general in the future.

Cao Cao laughed it off, and from then on, Cao Zhang was excluded.

Cao Zhi's literary talent can be said to be one in a hundred years. His "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River" and "Ode to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace" made him a household name and famous throughout the world.

However, what Cao Cao wanted was a monarch who understood politics, governance, military command, political maneuvering, and the art of employing people, not just a poet who could only compose poems.

therefore,

After careful consideration, Cao Cao finally appointed Cao Pi as his heir.

Therefore, in this respect, Li Tai and Cao Zhi are somewhat similar, making him not the best candidate for crown prince.

Although Li Shimin favored Li Tai

He had to admit that Chu Suiliang's argument was reasonable and well-founded.

This was exactly what Li Shimin was worried about.

Li Shimin was a wise and enlightened ruler, and of course he understood this simple truth.

He knew very well who was suitable to govern the country and who had good literary talent. In terms of governing the country and leading the army, Li Tai and Li Chenggan were simply no match.

"So, what's your opinion?"

"Your Majesty, I strongly recommend that Li Zhi be made Crown Prince."

"Then why is that?"

"Li Zhi was intelligent, handsome, kind-hearted, and loved reading."

Although he is a bit young now

However, in a few years, he will grow up.

People often say, "You can tell what a child will be like at three, and what they will be like in life at seven."

If Li Zhi becomes emperor in the future, he will surely treat the other princes well; Your Majesty need not worry about that.

The saying goes, "No one knows a son better than his father."

Li Shimin knew that Li Zhi was weak-willed, unlike Li Tai who was very fierce.

If Li Zhi were to inherit the throne in the future, the other princes could indeed be protected.

"Furthermore, Li Zhi possessed the appearance of a dragon and phoenix, and the countenance of the sun and moon; he was a handsome man."

He is meticulous and possesses strong logical reasoning abilities.

If he were made crown prince, he would surely be an outstanding monarch.

Here, we might as well refer to the situation where Emperor Jing of Han changed Liu Che to crown prince.

Let's use an analogy: Li Chengqian is like Liu Rong, the eldest son of the emperor back then.

Liu Rong was deposed, and now Li Chengan has also been deposed. So, Emperor Jing of Han had 14 sons.

At that time, Liu Che was only the tenth prince; according to the ranking system, he shouldn't have been among the top princes.

But why did Emperor Jing of Han choose to make Liu Che (Liu Che) the crown prince?