Chapter 89: A Clash Between Nephew and Uncle

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Along the endless official road, a long procession moved forward at a slow pace.

Because they had joined Gao Huizhen’s group, their speed had significantly dropped. In three days, they had covered less than three hundred li. For cavalry, this was an almost unbearably slow pace.

However, they were now near Guanzhong, less than a hundred and fifty li from Chang’an. The weather had improved greatly. The gentle autumn sun hung high above, warming everything below. Compared to the heavy snows of Liaodong, it was a world apart.

At the very front of the column, Li Kong sat astride his horse, one hand gripping a long spear slung across his shoulder, the other holding the reins. His eyes were narrowed in thought.

He was not satisfied with this campaign—indeed, far from it. Although he had slain over six thousand enemies, he had lost more than six hundred of his own men, and his fundamental strategic objectives remained unfulfilled.

To everyone else, with heaven’s intervention and the sudden snowfall, both the Turks and Goguryeo would be plunged into a disastrous winter. Their supplies for the coming year would surely dwindle, and many might perish from the cold.

Yet in Li Kong’s view, Goguryeo, protected by its cities, would suffer losses, but not enough to cripple them. If war broke out against Goguryeo the following year, it would be a hard-fought, costly affair.

Now, Li Kong could only hope that Gao Huizhen’s defection would force Yeon Gaesomun and the Goguryeo court to reorganize the northern and southern tribes. That might cause some trouble for Goguryeo. Of course, if at this time the Tang could ally with Silla and Baekje, it would be even better.

Baekje was manageable, but Silla was an ambitious nation too. They had more than once sought to annex Baekje, to confront Goguryeo, or even to destroy it outright. In his previous life, after the Tang had helped Silla defeat Goguryeo, Silla immediately turned on Baekje and even invaded Goguryeo more than once. If Li Zhi had not noticed in time and taken control, no one could say what might have become of the Korean Peninsula.

“General, it’s eighty li to Chang’an. The day grows late. Shall we rest for the night and set out in the morning?” Zhou Han rode up to Li Kong and asked quietly.

Li Kong snapped out of his reverie, glanced at the troops behind him, and said, “No. Have everyone quicken their pace. We must cover another fifty li today. Tomorrow, we enter the city!”

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“Yes, sir. I’ll see to it at once!” Zhou Han replied helplessly and turned away.

The temperature here, however, was not too low—far better than Liaodong—so marching at night was nothing serious.

Meanwhile, in Chang’an, at Taiji Palace,

Li Shimin had already received word from Li Kong and knew when he would return. He gathered his ministers once again to discuss how to handle the ten thousand men under Gao Huizhen.

However, Li Ji’s position as Chief Commander of the Hebei Circuit had not been revoked, and would likely remain until the Goguryeo campaign was over, so he was absent from this council.

In addition to the ministers, the Crown Prince Li Chengqian made his first appearance in the Ganlu Hall.

“Gentlemen, according to Yunfeng’s report, they will arrive in Chang’an before noon tomorrow. Let’s discuss how to handle Gao Huizhen,” Li Shimin said, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed smile.

No matter Li Kong’s own feelings, Li Shimin was very pleased with his performance. Not only had he slain thousands of enemies, but he had also brought the Tang a formidable Mohe cavalry force, and now one-tenth of the southern tribes of Goguryeo. These were real achievements.

Most importantly, Li Kong’s campaign had lasted less than a month, cost the imperial treasury nothing, and suffered only a few hundred casualties. If Li Kong were not just a temporary officer, Li Shimin would have liked to promote him to general on the spot.

Of course, that was only a thought. Li Kong was still too young for such high rank. What would there be left to bestow later, if everything was given now?

Li Shimin, after all, intended to save Li Kong for Li Chengqian.

Changsun Wuji and the others had already prepared their opinions, so as soon as Li Shimin finished speaking, Changsun Wuji stepped forward, bowed, and said, “Your Majesty, we could disperse these men and integrate them into the Chang’an Imperial Guards for strict training. As for Gao Huizhen, he could be granted a title, like Mohe Hanpu, and kept under watch in Chang’an.”

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Li Shimin nodded in approval.

But just then, Li Chengqian suddenly said, “Father, that will not do!”

“Oh? And what is your view?” Li Shimin asked with interest.

Li Chengqian glanced at Changsun Wuji before continuing, “I had the good fortune to read Li Kong’s report. Gao Huizhen was forced to rebel by Yeon Gaesomun. According to Li Kong, with Gao Huizhen’s departure, Yeon Gaesomun may well massacre the entire southern region. Since that is so, why not make Gao Huizhen our vanguard and strike back at Goguryeo?”

“Your Highness, those not of our race cannot be trusted. The report is only Gao Huizhen’s account. How can we take it at face value? We cannot entrust the fate of Tang to an outsider,” Changsun Wuji interjected before Li Shimin could respond, his voice low and stern.

Li Chengqian turned with a faint smile and said, “Uncle, that’s going too far. Though these are Gao Huizhen’s words, let’s not forget that among his followers, aside from his southern tribesmen, there are two thousand Mohe as well. Once Li Kong returns, we can question those men. Gao Huizhen, as a commander, would have foreseen this, yet he still acted as he did. The only explanation is that he speaks the truth and does not fear investigation!”

He paused, then continued, “Moreover, while Mohe Hanpu is advanced in years, the Mohe cavalry he brings are elites. We should not separate them from their horses. After half a month of campaigning, Li Kong has proven his ability to command cavalry. Why not entrust these foreign horsemen to him for training? There are still several months until spring. Perhaps before the next campaign against Goguryeo, we could forge an invincible cavalry force!”

“Absolutely not, Your Majesty!” Changsun Wuji protested again. “Li Kong is but a minor officer, only eighteen years old. If he rises too quickly, it will bring disaster, not fortune!” He shot a fierce glare at Li Chengqian, unable to understand how his formerly obedient nephew had changed so much.

Yet he could not deny that all this was Li Kong’s doing, and his hatred for the young man grew, wishing he could cut him down himself.

Li Chengqian looked at Changsun Wuji in disappointment, then turned and bowed deeply to Li Shimin. “I have said my piece. The decision rests with you, Father.”