I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 522 - 46: Breaking Ugucheng, Gu Clan’s Butcher

In this situation, naturally, no one would dare to irk Li Shimin.

However, the tense atmosphere continued to spread throughout the Tang Army.

Meanwhile, in Pyongyang City.

The atmosphere was entirely different from that of the Tang Army.

As time relentlessly passed by, Pyongyang no longer appeared as grave as it had when the Tang Army first invaded Liaodong.

This was only natural.

For them, the longer the days dragged on, the more advantageous it became. Once the weather turned cold, the Tang Army would surely withdraw.

As for the cities they had lost, they paid them little mind.

The Tang Army would return humbled, and at that time, Goguryeo’s prestige in Liaodong would naturally soar to new heights. Taking back those cities wouldn’t be difficult, and some even considered advancing into the Central Plains.

After all, for them, Liaodong had become an invincible place.

At this moment, within the royal palace.

The soldiers were feasting and drinking with Yun Gaesomun, engaging in inevitable flattery, even as the frontline was embroiled in intense battles, yet the more the people laughed, the happier they seemed to be.

By the third round of drinks, someone even suggested that Yun Gaesomun proclaim himself Emperor.

"Hmph! What’s a so-called Celestial Khan, who hasn’t troubled us in the slightest? Once the enemy retreats, with the prestige of the great Mo Lizhi, he should be declared Emperor!"

With these words, the atmosphere in the hall surged to a climax.

Who would refuse such a proposal?

"Indeed! The great Mo Lizhi should be Emperor. First, we conquer Silla, then swallow Baekje, and perhaps one day, we shall rule Kyushu, hahaha!"

"The great Mo Lizhi should be crowned Emperor!"

"We request the great Mo Lizhi to be Emperor!!!"

"..."

Continuous cheers echoed, the soldiers were extraordinarily spirited.

Their acquaintance with the culture of Kyushu was not unfamiliar.

Should Yun Gaesomun become Emperor, each of them would stand to gain considerable benefits.

Seeing the crowd before him, Yun Gaesomun was filled with an expression of pride, yet he was not foolish enough to act rashly and immediately waved his hand, saying: "There is no need to say more."

"Once this matter concludes, we shall first defeat Silla and discuss then."

— He did not outright refuse!

Who wouldn’t want to be Emperor?

Although he already functioned much like an Emperor in Goguryeo, it was entirely different from possessing all of Kyushu!

The soldiers were seasoned as foxes, noticing Yun Gaesomun’s non-refusal, their eyes brightened, and they lauded him even more.

"The great Mo Lizhi is indeed a divine being, not inferior to the legendary Sky Wolf chasing the sun!"

"Exactly, what Sky Wolf chasing the sun, it hasn’t met me, the great Mo Lizhi!"

"..."

The atmosphere in the hall grew even more intense.

Yun Gaesomun laughed more joyfully, finally sending someone to mock the Tang Army.

Firstly, to boost the morale of his troops further.

Secondly, to dampen the enemy’s spirit and provoke Li Shimin.

The generals were even happier; at this point, they lacked any sense of crisis, with their minds filled only with fantasies of the future.

The entire northern battlefield grew ever more severe.

Concerning the mockery from the Goguryeo army, Li Shimin even contemplated a full-scale assault on Anshi City.

Fortunately, Zhangsun Wuji accompanied him on this expedition, and under the persuasion of many generals, Li Shimin quelled this idea.

Yun Gaesomun’s mockery, however, did not cease.

One day;

Two days;

Three days;

.....

The two sides started tugging war around Anshi City, Yun Gaesomun not even needing to send reinforcements anymore, relying solely on this gesture to stabilize the garrison’s morale.

In contrast, the Tang Army’s morale began to wane slightly.

Li Shimin faced the same dilemma as in historical accounts; with no possibility of forceful attack, morale unavoidably continued to decline.

There was even talk of retreat.

Of course, the arguments were presented very gently.

This battle was dubbed a great victory, citing the cities captured and the achievements made.

In truth, it could indeed be seen as a victory for the Great Tang.

The casualty gap between the two sides was substantial, and over ten cities had been breached; from any standpoint, it could be considered a great success.

But for Li Shimin.

Not having conquered Goguryeo, and failing even to capture Yun Gaesomun, how could it ever be declared a victory?

Yet for the greater good, he had to start contemplating this issue.

That night.

In the main tent of the Tang Army, candle flames flickered. Zhangsun Wuji was summoned to the tent.

As soon as he entered, he saw Li Shimin with a solemn expression, seated behind the desk. Zhangsun Wuji’s heart tightened; he immediately lowered his head and saluted solemnly: "Your Majesty."

"Fujie, speak closer," Li Shimin’s voice betrayed no emotion, only signaling for him to come nearer. Once Zhangsun Wuji approached, Li Shimin’s eyes were sharp, directly asking:

"What are your thoughts on the retreat?"

Zhangsun Wuji had yet to express his stance on this, as he had grown more adept at handling affairs.

Upon hearing this, Zhangsun Wuji’s expression changed slightly.

Glancing sneakily at Li Shimin, he tentatively replied: "The hardships of Liaodong’s cold, our troops surely cannot endure until winter....."

Li Shimin said no more, though his gaze turned even more complex.

After a long silence, he let out a faint sigh, "Seems I’ve indeed grown old."

"Your Majesty." Zhangsun Wuji quickly spoke: "Your Majesty merely harbors benevolence for the people of the world; if not, how could mere Goryeo withstand the Great Tang’s heavenly soldiers?"

What he said was true.

But Li Shimin only smiled bitterly and shook his head.

He indeed felt his age; this expedition was undoubtedly a substantial blow to him.

The tent fell into silence.

Zhangsun Wuji didn’t know how to console Li Shimin.

After a prolonged silence, Li Shimin waved Zhangsun Wuji away.

But at that moment—

"Clip-clop—!"

Urgent hoofbeats suddenly shattered the night’s stillness!

Immediately after, a hoarse yet fervent shout approached and entered the camp:

"I am the messenger from Deputy General Gu Jing! Urgently report to His Majesty! Wu Bone has been broken! Our forces are ready to pierce the enemy lines from the flank at any moment!!!"

The sound waves exploded like thunder!

Zhangsun Wuji abruptly halted and swiftly looked at Li Shimin.

Behind the desk, Li Shimin had already sprung up, any trace of hesitation gone from his eyes, replaced only by a fierce killing intent, his shout cutting like a knife:

"Summon! Immediately bring him here!!!"

.....

(Ps: The era of Zhenguan is about to end, asking for votes, fellow brothers please support more, Fish will diligently update, but indeed has lots of minor health issues, could not write at all yesterday due to heart palpitations.)