The immortal of the Tang Dynasty, but the game starts at Xuanwu Gate?

The next day at court, Chen Huai'an thought it would be just another ordinary day.

After the officials below had some matters worth reporting to the emperor, and Li Shimin had finished dealing with them, everyone left the court and went about their business.

However, Feng Deyi suddenly stood up and said: "Last year, the ninth year of Wude, the Eastern Turks led an army of more than 100,000 to invade our Great Tang, attempting to extort money from our Great Tang while it was instable."

"Although it ultimately failed, it still caused a great deal of bloodshed along the way, and many civilians died as a result."

"This is a disgrace to our Great Tang Dynasty!"

"What does Feng Pu She want to say?" Li Shimin's heart stirred, and he became serious.

Feng Deyi had always been a trusted confidant of the Prince of Qin's mansion, possessing exceptional wisdom and strategic acumen, and outstanding administrative skills.

He was deeply favored by Li Shimin, as evidenced by the fact that Li Shimin immediately appointed Deyi as prime minister upon ascending the throne.

"Your Majesty, I would like to say that the Eastern Turkic Khaganate is now in decline because of the harsh and complicated policies of Jieli, his heavy reliance on non-Han people, and the severe famine caused by heavy snow in the past few years, which resulted in the deaths of many cattle, sheep and horses."

"Moreover, the conflict between Jieli and his nephew Tuli is deepening, and various tribes have rebelled, plunging the region into internal strife."

Feng Deyi said solemnly, "Our Great Tang Dynasty's treasury is currently full, and grain supplies are plentiful. This winter is the perfect opportunity to send troops!"

These words immediately appealed to many officials.

Although there were many powerful factions within the Tang Dynasty, the civil officials were just as spirited as ever.

The Turkic invasion last year was a disgrace to the entire Tang Dynasty. People didn't usually bring it up, but no one dared to forget it.

Feng Deyi's reasons were reasonable, and many officials immediately agreed.

"Your Majesty, I second that proposal!" Du Ruhui, the Minister of War, was the first to step forward in support. "The Turks are in turmoil; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"Why did the Eastern Turks break their alliance and launch a forced attack on our Great Tang? Wasn't it because of the continuous heavy snow that caused too many deaths of their cattle, sheep, and horses?"

"Last year, the Turks failed to extort any supplies from our Tang Dynasty. Coupled with the current internal strife, this year's heavy snow will be difficult for them to endure, but it presents a very good opportunity for us."

"Your Majesty, I support your idea of ​​sending troops!"

Fang Xuanling hesitated for a moment, then echoed his sentiment.

Changsun Wuji frowned but did not speak.

Feng Deyi, Du Ruhui, and others echoed their sentiments, and the officials below all voiced their support, especially the military officers, who were all very excited.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to go!" Yuchi Gong said excitedly. "Last year, due to various reasons, we could only drive away the Turks. Now is the time to pacify them in one fell swoop!"

Li Jing calmly analyzed, "Your Majesty, Minister Du is quite right. The Turks have suffered heavy snowfalls for several years, resulting in severe internal losses. They are also experiencing internal strife. Since they have not been able to extort any supplies from our Tang Dynasty, they might do something outrageous."

"I also agree with sending troops."

In an instant, one by one, the ministers stepped forward and spoke.

Qin Qiong said loudly, "Your Majesty, our Great Tang is now strong and well-equipped, with a full treasury. We also have the Mo Dao (陌刀) swords brought out by the Duke of Anguo, forming a Mo Dao army of five thousand specifically to deal with the Turkic cavalry."

"Taking advantage of the heavy snow, we will surely be able to pacify the Eastern Turks in one fell swoop."

"That's right." Yuchi Gong laughed heartily. "Your Majesty, we still have five thousand Mo Dao soldiers. Everyone has witnessed the power of the Mo Dao; it's a great weapon against the Turkic cavalry."

"Your Majesty, your subject Yuchi Jingde requests permission to fight!"

Honestly, Li Shimin was truly tempted at that moment.

Because what the ministers said was absolutely right. At this time, the Tang Dynasty was strong and well-equipped, with plenty of money and grain in the national treasury, and the Mo Dao Army had achieved brilliant victories.

Each of the generals was still in their prime, their skills undiminished.

Isn't this a perfect opportunity to send troops?

Even Wei Zheng, a notorious critic, hesitated for a moment before remaining silent, neither expressing support nor opposition.

However, at that moment, Chen Huai'an directly said, "I object!"

These three simple words silenced the chorus of agreement within the court, freezing the excited expressions of many.

"Why?" Yuchi Gong was the first to get restless, looking very puzzled.

He had a lot of contact with Chen Huai'an and knew that the other party was definitely not one of those pedantic scholars, much less a coward.

Why not seize such a great opportunity?

The other officials were also puzzled and looked at each other in bewilderment.

As the Minister of two ministries, Chen Huai'an had practically squeezed halfway into the core decision-making body of the Prime Minister, and no one could ignore his words.

"I would also like to ask, Minister Chen, why do you object?" Feng Deyi frowned, clearly very dissatisfied.

"Shut up!!"

Unexpectedly, Chen Huai'an showed him no respect whatsoever, pointing his finger directly at him and scolding, "Here, everyone has the right to ask me why, but you, surnamed Feng, don't have that right."

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Sending troops?"

"Tell me how we're going to send troops? Has the famine in Guanzhong passed? Has the drought in Shandong and Henan been alleviated?"

"The number of disaster victims is increasing daily, and you're telling me you still want to send troops to fight?"

"Yes! It's true that the national treasury is full, but have you forgotten about the disaster victims from a few days ago? They were just the first batch of disaster victims who came to Chang'an City in a scattered manner after being hired by the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works."

"Who knows if there will be a second or third batch?"

"Now that all the money and grain have been used for war, what will happen to these disaster victims? How will the people view the imperial court?"

"Oh!" Chen Huai'an sneered, "During times of famine, instead of caring about the lives of the people, you start a war."

"You, Feng Deyi, deserve to be condemned by the world, but many of the officials in the court deserve to be remembered in history. Don't use your so-called good opportunity to coerce everyone!"

"Send troops? I disagree!"

Chen Huai'an's attitude was extremely firm, and many people began to look at him strangely.

Chen Huai'an refused, but his words seemed to show contempt for Feng Deyi. Why was that?

It's normal to have differing opinions, but surely it shouldn't escalate to personal attacks?

Yuchi Gong was the first to ask why. Chen Huai'an didn't say a word, but as soon as Feng Deyi opened his mouth, he was immediately rebuked like this, and it was even said that Feng Deyi should be cursed to death by the world.

This has left many people puzzled.

Even Li Shimin was surprised.

Thinking about it carefully, Chen Huai'an had never treated Xiao Yu, who often opposed him, like this, and they often chatted in private. But he always seemed to look down on Feng Deyi.

"You..." Feng Deyi was furious at the strange looks he was getting from everyone. "As the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, I know perfectly well how much money and grain the Ministry of Revenue has!"

"The current national treasury is fully capable of supporting both work relief and military campaigns to quell the Turks."

Your reasoning is completely invalid!

"..."