In their eyes, Li Xiang was always calculating. He would break even a finger of his own territory. Now, with several royal children joining the army, they could very well cause a split in Li Xiang's territory. Shouldn't this be strictly prohibited? But what was this guy thinking? He didn't even try to stop them.
In fact, Li Xiang also wanted to stop him. Who would want other people to appear on his territory, especially when these people were very hostile to him? But Li Xiang had just seen that Li Shimin was very prepared this time. Even if he expressed his opposition, he would have various ways to resolve it. In the end, he would only make enemies with his cousins, so Li Xiang simply did not say anything.
What's more, more and more of Li Xiang's subordinates are joining the army. Originally, there were more than 100,000 troops in the system, but now only half of them are left. These people entered the army in various ways, which played a decisive role in Li Xiang's control of the army. So no matter who holds these armies, as long as Li Xiang still retains the supreme leadership, once a war breaks out in the future, you guys can just wait for bad luck. No matter what method you use to gather the people below, in the end they will only listen to one person, and that is Li Xiang, the master given to them by the system.
"After all, I've grown up and seen more of the world."
Li Shimin didn't say a single word he had prepared, and in the end he could only say this sentence.
"One more thing. This time, when we go to Goguryeo, I plan to let your third uncle take command, and you will be the deputy commander. Do you think this is feasible?"
Many people were confused by Li Shimin's arrangement. Although King Wu Li Ke was well-versed in military books and had good martial arts skills, he had never led troops in battle. It was indeed a bit of a joke for such a person to command an army of hundreds of thousands.
On the other hand, Li Xiang had already proved his ability on the Tuyuhun grassland. Coupled with the recent events in Tubo, it should be natural for Li Xiang to lead troops to fight. If Li Xiang was appointed as the commander-in-chief, there would be no opposition inside or outside the court. But this time, when Li Shimin appointed Prince Wu Li Ke as the commander-in-chief, he only leaked some news, and there were already voices of opposition inside and outside the court. These people did not belong to any faction, they were all loyal ministers of Li Shimin, so they would oppose it.
It was precisely because of these people's opposition that Li Shimin now pointed to Li Xiang, hoping that Li Xiang could recommend King Wu Li Ke during the morning court session, so that those people could shut up.
"My grandson believes this matter is of great importance. Uncle San is indeed capable of handling this position, but when it comes to understanding Liaodong, General Li Jing is the best candidate."
Li Xiang pondered for a moment. After all, this matter concerned the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, and it was not something we could decide casually. If possible, it would be better to let General Li Jing take charge. He had been making arrangements there for half a year and was familiar with many local affairs.
In fact, King Wu Li Ke also had the same idea, but before the banquet started, he was called by Li Shimin and repeatedly reminded that no matter what the reason was, he could not speak during the meal. Whether he was mentioned or not, he just needed to eat honestly. He was not required to express his opinion here.
Prince Wu Li Ke was also a smart man. He understood Li Shimin's way of doing things very well. It was nothing more than treating himself as a whetstone to sharpen Li Xiang. Prince Wu Li Ke also had his own pursuits in life. He had a good impression of Li Xiang before, but now he was put on the opposite side of Li Xiang by Li Shimin. Prince Wu Li Ke felt uncomfortable, but when he heard Li Xiang talk about the matter at hand, Li Ge felt a little more comfortable.
"That old man is certainly good, but he has been in poor health recently and hasn't been to the Ministry of War for a long time. You have been away from the capital, so you don't know their health conditions."
What Li Shimin said was true. When General Li Jing was on the northern expedition against the Turks, he was left with a chronic illness. Although he was recuperating for a period of time, he was old after all, and his recovery speed was not as fast as that of young people. So under such circumstances, General Li Jing was bedridden for two years a year. There was no problem commanding a small-scale battle, but if it was an army of hundreds of thousands, he really needed to think carefully.
What if the battle situation becomes urgent and General Li Jing's old illness relapses? Who will take command then?
"Where is General Li Ji?"
"He went to Lingnan."
"General Yuchi Jingde?"
"He wants to stay in the capital."
Li Xiang mentioned the names of two great generals in succession. Li Shimin had already found places for them. Li Xiang also knew that there was no need to mention them anymore. Although there were many great generals in the Tang Dynasty, if Li Xiang continued to mention them, Li Shimin would have a plan.
The people around also heard some clues. Before Li Xiang came back, the emperor should not have been so angry. Even when he was looking for someone to discuss something, he would use a negotiating tone. But now it seemed that he did not give Li Xiang any chance to refute. Li Xiang could only keep silent and leave Li Shimin there.
"By the way, the Imperial Hospital recently prepared some pills that are very good for your health. I've already asked them to prescribe them. When we return to the East Palace, you should ask the imperial doctors to check your pulse. You've been working in the wind and rain every day, and your health has been damaged at such a young age."
Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Li Chengqian immediately ran out to smooth things over. Of course, what Li Chengqian said was the truth. Looking at his son's somewhat thin face, Li Chengqian felt really distressed. There are so many people in the Tang Dynasty. Whoever wants to go to the war can go. Don't order my son around all the time.
"Thank you, Father."
Li Xiang thanked Li Chengqian very solemnly, and then continued to sit in his seat without saying a word. Anyway, you can't find any reason to complain, and I have said all the opinions that need to be said. Prince Wu Li Ke is not suitable to be the commander-in-chief. If something really goes wrong, it will not only be Prince Wu Li Ke who will be at fault, but the most important thing will be the imperial army.
The meal was tasteless, and after eating, Li Shimin went to rest first. Tomorrow morning, the court would make a final discussion on the Goguryeo issue. Li Shimin did not say it explicitly, but everyone could see that there were some things that he had to consult Li Xiang before he dared to make a decision...
