Twenty-eight Boiling Great Tang

  The executioner's knife fell, and a white-haired head rolled to the ground. In that instant, Su Ning understood that an era had ended, the remnants of the Sui dynasty's resistance against the Tang had been eradicated, and the Tang had eliminated all internal enemies. The decline of the Sui dynasty, which had been forced to surrender to the nomadic tribes, was reversed. The Tang began to sharpen its blades, preparing to show off its gleaming edge to the surrounding barbarian tribes, ready to reclaim its position as the celestial empire. And so, the title of Heavenly Khan fell upon the head of Li, the emperor who delighted in grand accomplishments.

  This also means that the honorific title given by this barbarian to Li Er in order to curry favor with the Tang Emperor will become the greatest reliance of the Tang Dynasty for its future strikes against them in the next few decades. Although Li Er is not an emperor with a strong desire for power, he is a narcissist who cares very much about his reputation and face. When there's nothing going on, everyone can get along peacefully, but once something happens, Li Er will use every means to turn the honorific title into a real position, whether you like it or not.

  The prosperous era of Zhenguan in the Tang Dynasty has begun.

  "Sanming, this plan to burn the enemy's camp is truly brilliant! With just 500 cavalrymen, we've destroyed Li Shimin's army of 30,000. Such a military achievement requires a grand ceremony in the imperial court, with 99 rounds of bell-ringing at the Temple of Heaven. This is an honor that many people can't even imagine in their lifetime. You're only 14 years old and have already achieved such merit. Do you know what's next? That would be an unparalleled achievement, with 108 rounds of bell-ringing at the Temple of Heaven, the Emperor bowing, the Empress offering wine, and the Crown Prince kneeling. This is the greatest honor in the world!" Li Jing said slowly, sipping his cup of wine.

  Li Shimin took over the conversation and said: "If it weren't for your one sentence that swept away the shame of the former Sui dynasty's generals, making them feel good about you and respectful towards Princess Yicheng, you would now be a public enemy of the entire army, oh, except for those more than 400 people under your command. You should know that the military merit that everyone could have obtained together was occupied by your more than 400 people, and the benefits that everyone could have gotten were taken away by you and your men."

  No matter whether it is meritorious or not, everyone's heart will be uncomfortable. You are still lucky that the officials think you are young and don't want to compete with a child for merit. Although this achievement is indeed great, you don't have to worry, the first achievement is yours, at least, the commander-in-chief won't compete with you for the first achievement, right?

  Li Jing smiled faintly: "Hao Gong, you're right. My current position is already somewhat awkward, and my situation isn't very good either. It's not easy for Your Majesty to tolerate me, and if I were to achieve another great success this time, it would be difficult for me to get the opportunity to go on an expedition again in the future. I will also face dissatisfaction from the other officials. However, this young man doesn't care about that. He is only a 14-year-old child, after all, and those 40-50 year old men won't see him as a threat or think he's worthy of consideration. At most, they'll just think he's a naturally talented person who still needs to be tempered, and the road ahead is long.

  "I am different, if I go up again, it would be to become a king, which is a great taboo for subjects. Since the Han Dynasty, many years have passed without any kings of different surnames. Although I also bear the surname Li, I am not a member of the imperial family; The position of king is extremely sensitive, even if one is a son of the emperor, becoming a king requires caution, let alone us subjects? Ah, you're right, you just winked at me, and there's also Tang Zong."

  Su Ning said calmly, "Actually, this is also the young master's own decision. Seeing the strong wind rise, he couldn't help but seize the opportunity and win with just 500 people. Why waste tens of thousands of troops to do so? That would bring even greater casualties. Now, with only a few dozen wounded, we can achieve a complete victory. Who wouldn't be happy about that?"

  As for the Duke of Ju, I think that if he were to die, it would be a stain on our great victory. Moreover, if he were to die, his family would surely hold you as an enemy, and how could they possibly let you off? Weighing these two options, I still think it's better to save the Duke of Ju, of course, this is just my humble opinion following your orders.

  At the same time, I think that the first achievement should be attributed to the general, and the second achievement should be attributed to the marshal. The marshal commanded the entire army and gained an advantageous position in the battle against the Turks. If it were not for the marshal's prestige and command of the entire army, how could I have led 500 men to launch a surprise attack on Yin Mountain? Moreover, the marshal has already achieved many victories along the way, and so has the general. Such fame and achievements are beyond my reach. I was able to achieve such merits only because of the trust placed in me by the marshal and the general; otherwise, how could I have achieved such merits?

  Li Jing felt warm in his heart, thinking that he hadn't wasted those thoughts after all. He smiled and said: "Sanming, I actually made the worst plan, but you came and not only got a great achievement, but also avoided disaster. I owe you! Good job, I didn't say it wrong, this kid is very slippery, don't worry about those things."

  Li Shimin nodded and smiled: "I understand, Sanming. This time you don't have to worry. We've already submitted the memorial of merit to His Majesty, and Congli and Xiao Hou have been sent back to Chang'an. The Imperial Seal has also been returned. Your merits we will absolutely not take credit for. We've already gained great honor. The principle of 'boiling oil in a fierce fire' is still clear. You are different; you're young and completely without foundation, but His Majesty is willing to use someone like you."

  Su Ning couldn't help but smile wryly: "Young master would rather be a idle official, getting paid without doing anything is the best."

  Li Jing and Li Shimin were both stunned...

  Inside Chang'an City

  A knight galloped his horse wildly, shouting loudly as he ran: "Yin Mountain has won a great victory! The rebellion is put down! Yin Mountain has won a great victory! The rebellion is put down! Yin Mountain has won a great victory! The rebellion is put down......" At this time it was crowded with people, and naturally many heard him. Having won the battle, it was of course good news, so in the midst of the crowd there arose a burst of cheers...

  "Yin Mountain's great victory? Annihilation? Good! Alas, is it the one that reached Wei River four years ago?" A commoner first shouted "good", then muttered to himself in doubt.

  An old man beside him showed an excited expression: "Ah! Really? Pingmie? Been destroyed?"

  The common people look at me, I look at them, and all that enters our eyes is astonishment and incredulity. Between us, there's only one question: Is this really true? Four years ago, the powerful enemy that shook the capital of Great Tang by reaching the banks of the Wei River was exterminated? At that time, the entire city of Chang'an was shrouded in an atmosphere of fear, and many people packed up their belongings preparing to flee south. And now, just four years later, Great Tang has already annihilated that powerful enemy?

  "Yin Mountain's great victory! Pacification!" The roar grew louder and louder, the people saw a dusty cavalryman riding wildly, his face extremely excited!

  The news brought by the soldiers will not be false! It's really been destroyed! The powerful enemy that caused Chang'an, no! Caused the whole of Tang Dynasty to be in a state of panic four years ago has been destroyed by the Tang Dynasty! The people believed it! They started shouting loudly: "Long live the Tang Dynasty! Long live the Tang Dynasty! Long live the Tang Dynasty!"

  A thunderous shout rose up within Chang'an City, carrying boundless joy, all the way to the ninth heaven.

  "Boom! Boom!" The explosion sounded, and the news of Datang's big battle this year was known to all the people. Many of the soldiers were from Guanzhong, and most of the mobilized troops were also from Guanzhong. They were mostly relatives of these civilians, so they naturally worried about their loved ones going into battle, fearing a crushing defeat. But now they didn't worry anymore! Because Datang had won a great victory! The Yinshan triumph! Annihilation! That country was destroyed! Destroyed!

  Chang'an City has become a sea of joy, such an atmosphere is like New Year's...

  Inside the Two Rituals Hall, Emperor Taizong of Tang was frowning with worry, while Chancellor Longsun Wuji and others stood by, seemingly worried as well. After taking a sip of tea, Emperor Taizong furrowed his brow and said: "I am truly worried that sending 10,000 soldiers to confront Illig Qaghan's 30,000 elite troops is somewhat forced. And as for Mao Yue (Tang Jian), sending him to negotiate is really putting him in a difficult spot. If anything were to happen, I would have no face to show his family!"

  As the emperor, Li II was not a foolish ruler. He would certainly grasp major military and national affairs in his hands. When Li Jing and others went to war, they would not fail to inform him. Emperor Li II also intended to do so, but he worried that if the 10,000 soldiers were defeated, or it was difficult to achieve a complete victory, and if Ashina Helu escaped to rely on Xue Yantuo and gain an opportunity to rise again, the Tang Dynasty would be in trouble.

  Changsun Wuji was naturally worried, his eldest son Changsun Chong was in the army, and he had indeed thought of letting Changsun Chong gain some experience. However, when he learned that Emperor Taizong of Tang planned to send Li Jing to attack Yinshan, Changsun Wuji became somewhat anxious - one against three, it would clearly be a fierce battle, and Li Jing would also have to personally engage in combat; even then, there was no guarantee that Changsun Chong would be safe.

  "Your Majesty," Fang Xuanling said, "Li Jing is well-versed in military strategy and his tactics are divine. He has rarely been defeated. Although the enemy's forces outnumber us, General Li must have his own plan."

  Emperor Li could only sigh and continue frowning without speaking, the atmosphere in the palace was very oppressive.

  "Boom! Boom!" The firecracker sounds within Chang'an City grew louder, affecting even the Imperial Palace. Emperor Li's brow furrowed deeper: "It's not New Year's, why are there firecracker sounds in the palace? Summon someone! Go investigate who is responsible for this!" The palace doors opened and a soldier knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, it's not someone from within the palace. Firecracker sounds are coming from all over Chang'an City! Someone has already gone out to investigate, Your Majesty needn't worry!"

  The officials in the palace and Emperor Li II were all surprised, Emperor Li II was furious: "Is it the sound of firecrackers everywhere in Chang'an City? What is this for? Is it a rebellion?"

  The soldier shook his head and said: "I beg to report to Your Majesty, it seems not to be the case, because there is not only the sound of firecrackers, but also shouting voices, saying that it was a great victory in Yingshan."

  "Victory at Yin Mountain?!" Emperor Li II exclaimed, and the ministers were also greatly shocked. Then Emperor Li II shouted: "You immediately go to the palace gate to wait and see if someone comes to report on the battle situation! Hurry up! If there is, bring him here immediately!" The soldier nodded: "Yes!"

  "Your Majesty! The people wouldn't fire firecrackers for no reason, could it be that Li Jing really won a great victory in Yinshan?" said Fang Xuanling with a joyful expression; Wei Zheng also nodded: "It's very possible, otherwise the people wouldn't shout so loudly, to the point where such shouts can be heard even within the palace walls."

  Changsun Wuji's heart was even more unsettled, his heart pounding rapidly. If the great army won but Changsun Chong died in battle... Changsun Wuji didn't dare think about it anymore...

  However, a shout that came soon after made Li Shimin temporarily forget his worries about the safety and situation of Changsun Wuji; a dusty soldier holding a large scroll loudly shouted as he entered the Taiyi Hall, then suddenly knelt down on both knees: "Report to Your Majesty! The great victory at Yinshan! 30,000 troops were completely destroyed! From the Khan Ashina Helu downwards, over 1,000 high-ranking officials and more than 500,000 people, as well as over 1 million cattle and sheep, were all captured! Conquered!"