novelhome Chapter 512 - 44: The Battle of Liaodong, The Assault Begins
Chapter 512 - 44: The Battle of Liaodong, The Assault Begins
The twentieth year of the Zhenguan era, February.
——The army set forth, shaking the entire land.
After many years, the Great Tang has finally launched another large-scale war, an event not only significant within the Great Tang but extremely important to the entire world.
Which of the vassal states does not wish to know the strength of the Great Tang?
This battle is the best proof!
The entire world was stirred into action.
The meaning of this campaign to conquer Goguryeo had long transcended mere rebellion suppression.
Under the influence of Li Shimin’s proclamation, the various actions of Yeon Gaesomun had already diverged from Kyushu’s culture, making him a target everyone wished to eliminate.
Especially.....there was a need to wash away the shame!
Culture has a significant impact on a person.
In today’s era where Kyushu’s culture is highly revered, Yang Guang’s two past defeats in expeditions had become a humiliation for the entire Kyushu.
This battle is to wash away shame and punish evil!
Even Li Shimin never expected the significance and impact of this battle to be so profound.
With one excellent work after another emerging, the cultural trend of the entire Kyushu became increasingly prosperous, developing far faster than before.
As long as this battle can be won, this speed will become even more rapid!
——The world is astounded!
Gu Yi naturally paid close attention to Gu Jing, although he believed that there would be no mishaps in the landing this time.
However, he still had some inexplicable worries.
This was a matter concerning the development of the entire Kyushu and the upper limit of the Gu Clan.
How could he not be concerned?
The path of the Gu Clan would not be limited to just Kyushu, but the entire world, which is also crucial.
As for the internal affairs of the Great Tang court, Gu Yi did not care much.
Actually, he could not figure out how the relationship between Li Shimin and Li Chengqian as father and son would evolve.
The relationship between this father and son is very special and different from that of emperors and crown princes in past dynasties.
Li Chengqian indeed changed.
He did not fall into decadence as he originally did in history, instead resembling Li Shimin greatly.
His methods were not inferior, and although his governance and martial prowess could not match Li Shimin, he was still capable of being the ruler of a nation.
But Gu Yi could clearly feel that there was a certain extremism in Li Chengqian’s character, influenced by his foot ailment.
He had always been suppressing it.
His foot ailment was not only a thorn in Li Shimin’s heart but also his own.
For someone of his status, this foot ailment was not something he could easily overcome, and no one could change his own thoughts. ....
....
Donglai.
Located in today’s Laizhou, Yantai, Shandong, it faces the Bohai Sea to the north and holds an extremely critical position.
Near the Liaodong Peninsula and Japan, the Great Tang needed to develop the Maritime Silk Road, and this location and Lingnan were key that could not be bypassed.
It is said that Emperor Qin Shi Huang Ying Zheng and Emperor Wu of Han Liu Che once visited Donglai, seeking the art of immortality, resulting in countless legends.
Li Shimin prepared extensively for this battle.
——A total of five hundred warships!
Nearly three hundred thousand dan of provisions.
This much preparation was necessary, as the navy actually bore the greatest pressure for this expedition.
Not to mention the need for everyone to overcome their fear of the sea.
Even if the landing succeeded, these people would become isolated forces, only able to fight their way through to meet the central army for success.
No accidents could occur.
In the army, Gu Jing held the position of deputy commander.
Being able to earn this position upon joining the army naturally indicated Li Shimin’s regard for him.
Coupled with his surname and identity as the legitimate eldest son of Gu Quan, the soldiers naturally had little to say, though they felt a slight disdain.
This disdain was quite simple.
They simply thought this little child Gu Jing was not capable of commanding a massive battle.
Before the port.
Seeing the giant ships floating in the sea, Gu Jing’s expression was extremely serious.
How could he be completely unafraid?
Gu Jing was already doing well; facing the boundless sea, many soldiers stood on the shore afraid to board, even hesitant to carry provisions.
At this moment, the sound of the assembly drum resonated.
Gu Jing quickly regained his composure and walked towards the main camp.
The decision for an expedition involving tens of thousands could not be made swiftly, especially with a sea landing, requiring time to gather information from experienced local fishermen.
Entering the main tent, Gu Jing immediately cupped his hands towards the chief commander Zhang Liang.
"Greetings, General!"
Zhang Liang nodded, looked at Gu Jing, and couldn’t help but laugh, saying, "No wonder you’re the legitimate eldest son of the Grand General; I remember fighting alongside the Grand General back in the days."
He felt a bit nostalgic, for Gu Jing was indeed very much like Gu Quan.
In both appearance and character.
One by one, the generals arrived, and Zhang Liang’s expression quickly turned solemn. Once everyone was present, he signaled for the local fishermen to be brought in.
"Everyone, I won’t elaborate on the difficulties of this venture."
"His Majesty has repeatedly emphasized that everything must be properly prepared!"
"These are local fishermen; listen to their experiences....."
With that, Zhang Liang directly inquired from the fishermen.
These fishermen lived by the sea and naturally had abundant experience with coastal matters, though somewhat nervous, they spoke fluently.
"General.... to go to sea, you must choose the right day."
"Otherwise, the storms at sea.... oh, can be deadly."
"..."
The fishermen spoke one after another, growing more comfortable as they continued.
It wasn’t just about the coastal waters.