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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 248: Long-Term Planning
Xieli and Tongye Hu had grim expressions, especially Xieli, who had just learned that the Tang Dynasty's Bingzhou Troops were advancing north and had engaged in battle with the reinforcements he had arranged.
What troubled him even more was that the confidants left in Dali City had not contacted him for a long time.
"We can't delay any longer. Let's each send troops to cover our retreat back to Wuyuan County."
A look of pain flashed across Tongye Hu's face. The covering troops could not be few; if they couldn't hold off the Tang army, the sacrifices would be meaningless.
Moreover, those who could knowingly serve as a rear guard without fleeing had to be the elite among their confidants, at least half of their numbers.
Tongye Hu couldn't help but resent Xieli. He had long suggested retreating, but Xieli insisted on advancing, resulting in their current situation where they had no chance to retreat without suffering significant losses.
However, they were now in the same boat, so Tongye Hu nodded. After they parted ways, they summoned their confidants to expedite arrangements but subtly advised their subordinates to hold their ground and preserve their strength as much as possible.
Even though they knew this might jeopardize their plans, they couldn't resist because they suspected the other would do the same. If they didn't act similarly, wouldn't that put them at a disadvantage?
The more troops one retained, the better the chances during critical moments—not only could they return safely to their territory, but they might also take advantage of the Tang Dynasty's efforts to eliminate their opponents.
While they couldn't gain an advantage in Central Plains, swallowing up their enemies during this opportunity would still be a profitable endeavor.
However, they did not anticipate that after such arrangements, the next morning a commander under them reported that over a thousand troops had fled during the night, with several hundred directly defecting to the Tang camp.
"Khan, if we don't take measures to stop this, more troops are likely to escape."
With daily fierce battles, the Tang army maintained high morale through lavish rewards from the emperor, while the Turkic side had not experienced large-scale rewards recently, leading to dangerously low morale.
Their sudden order to withdraw and leave tens of thousands of troops behind as a rear guard naturally instilled fear in everyone.
Xieli Khan angrily commanded, "Hurry and send people to pursue and kill them! Bring back their heads!"
Tongye Hu ordered his personal guards to stand watch at the camp gate during the night to prevent his troops from fleeing.
Once the commanders received their orders, the two exchanged a glance, realizing they could no longer delay. If they waited any longer, they wouldn't need the Tang army to attack; they would be blowing up their own camp by tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in the Tang army's main camp, the City Gate Captain reported intelligence he had gathered from the Turkic defectors to Li Hu Jun Gong.
"The Turkic forces are indeed planning to retreat, likely within the next two days. What should we do?"
Xu Shijie, who had received a secret edict from the emperor yesterday, appeared much more relaxed now. He reassured everyone, saying, "We will do our best and leave the rest to Destiny."
There were many clever minds in the tent, and from the attitude of their commander, they could roughly guess that His Majesty had other plans in motion.
Fang Xuanling remarked, "The Turkic morale is unstable and their spirits are low. The soldiers left behind are unlikely to be motivated; perhaps we can persuade them to surrender."
Throughout its history, the Tang military had many Turkic generals. Among them was a tall general who stepped forward; he had once belonged to the Western Turkic royal family and had surrendered alongside Chuluo Khan during the Sui Dynasty. Later, he followed Tang Wang...
Ashina Nai bowed to Xu Shijie and said, "As long as we capture a few of the Turkic generals left behind, The General can lead those Turkic forces that come to us in these two days and command them to abandon their weapons and surrender."
Xu Shijie nodded and ordered, "Keep a close watch on the enemy camp's movements but do not act rashly. We must avoid falling into a trap."
"Understood."
...
Li Jian Cheng slowly stepped into Tai'an Palace, finally coming to see his father after a long time.
"Retired Emperor, may you have peace."
The father and son locked eyes for a long moment before Li Yan turned his face away and sighed, "I was wrong. I shouldn't have been so foolish, but I truly didn't intend to do anything against you. I just..."
"Just wanted to seize power for yourself, even if it meant accepting support from the aristocracy to undermine me, the State and Dynasty!"
Li Yan's expression darkened. "This State and Dynasty belongs to my family. Am I supposed to hand it over to outsiders? At my age, how many more years do I have left? In the end, it will still be yours."
Li Jian Cheng chuckled, "It's not that I would give it to another family, but you have five sons."
"The throne is already decided; there’s no reason to change it."
"If the Retired Emperor were to rule again, what difficulty would there be in having another son inherit the family business?"
Li Yan was at a loss for words, while Li Jian Cheng moved aside and sat down. "But I would like to believe in Father. At least back then, you didn't have this thought."
Li Yan's expression softened a bit as he advised, "Jian Cheng, I know you're resentful, but enough people have already been killed. The Court no longer has my confidants; you can rest assured that such a situation will not arise again.
Those who have been killed are one thing, but those who have been exiled should still be shown mercy and kindness. Yuanji..."
"Retired Emperor, I did not come to you for political counsel."
Li Yan's face flushed with anger. He had thought his son was here to mend their relationship; he had already conceded and only wished to maintain some dignity.
Li Yan stood up angrily and said, "Then why are you here? Do you wish to commit patricide?"
"I have indeed considered it, and it's not just for a year or two. It's only because of Grandmother and Mother, and seeing that you were willing to step down that I have allowed this calamity to linger until today."
Li Jian Cheng spoke in a calm tone, without any hatred or resentment in his eyes; he simply stated the unpleasant truth.
Li Yan found it hard to believe. Although he and his son were not particularly close, they had always shared a tacit understanding in their efforts to strengthen the family.
But from what his son implied, the thought of patricide had been lingering for many years.
Li Jian Cheng smiled and said, "In the heavenly family, there are no father and son. Since my youth, I have resolved to be the State Protector, naturally not wishing for a heavenly father to weigh down upon me. Why should Father be so surprised?"
Li Yan was at a loss for words, looking at the figure clad in Court Robes and crown with an expression that was neither that of a father nor even of a person.
Such words were indeed heretical; not only in the ritualistic land of Central Plains but even among the Turkic barbarians, such statements should not exist.
Then came fear, for such words were typically reserved for those who could no longer speak—those who had passed away.
Li Yan certainly did not wish to die; he still felt young and vigorous, believing his time was far from over. Just yesterday, one of his Consorts had become pregnant, and he had yet to enjoy the wealth and power he desired.
His legs felt weak, and he wanted to plead, but his father's dignity held him back from speaking. However, his eyes had already turned red.
Just as he was about to set everything aside and open his mouth, Li Jian Cheng stood up and said, "The Retired Emperor need not leave Tai'an Palace anymore, nor must you meet many guests. Just take care of your old age."
Li Yan felt as if a breath was stuck in his chest, followed by a cold sweat breaking out all over him, his complexion turning pale.
Before stepping out of the palace gate, the Emperor turned back and said, "By the way, you’d best take it easy. As for the offspring you produce from now on, I will show no pity or concern. If you think long-term for your children, it would be wise to have fewer."
………………
(End of Chapter)
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