Chapter 523: Chapter 47: Ravaging Liaodong, Slaughtering Through Goryeo
That night, Li Shimin inquired in detail about the situation of the battle in Wuguo City.
——He did not say much about the series of arrangements made by Gu Jing.
And after confirming Gu Jing’s position.
He immediately summoned the generals!
In this battle, Gu Jing must cooperate well with Li Shimin to tear open the entire Liaodong defense line.
This is also the reason why Gu Jing did not take direct action.
The events in Wuguo City could not be concealed for long; he had already pushed the marching speed to the limit. Within a day or two, Yeon Gaesomun would surely receive the news.
Li Shimin must make detailed plans to cooperate with Gu Jing.
The generals arrived one after another, initially thinking that Li Shimin had finally decided to retreat.
But as soon as they entered the main tent on the frontier, they immediately sensed something was amiss.
Whether it was Li Shimin or Zhangsun Wuji, both of their gazes seemed unusual.
Instantly, the generals guessed what was happening.
"Your Majesty, is the battle in Wuguo over?..." Some could not wait to ask directly.
And Li Shimin did not conceal anything; he nodded directly.
Sighs of astonishment erupted instantly.
The expression on each general’s face lit up at this moment.
At this point, how could they not know what breaking Wuguo City represented?
——The opportunity for the Tang Army to completely tear apart the Goguryeo defense line had arrived!
Li Shimin was not in a hurry, but instead signaled for everyone to remain silent. Only after all the generals had assembled did he have someone recount the details of the battle in Wuguo City.
The generals’ expressions became increasingly complex.
Listening to the various arrangements made by Gu Jing, their eyes were filled with astonishment and complexity.
It was not that Gu Jing’s capabilities were so extraordinary.
The tactics he used in this battle were not considered particularly brilliant to the audience present.
It was his courage, calmness, and composure when facing the big picture.
Adding these together was enough to shock everyone.
——This is the talent of a commander!
He is the future pillar of Great Tang.
No one would doubt this.
The next moment, voices of praise and congratulations immediately echoed.
"Gu Anzhi, worthy of being the son of the Grand General, truly has the air of a Grand General!"
"Minister congratulates Your Majesty, our Great Tang has gained another commander!"
"....."
Li Shimin also wore a faint smile on his face, for how could he not be happy with such a dramatic turnaround?
The group began to discuss.
In fact, there was no need for discussion.
In the current situation, Li Shimin only needed to proceed systematically with the next step.
And what is the next step?
It is to launch a frontal siege — attracting all the elite of Goguryeo, creating an opportunity for Gu Jing.
The ministers quickly finalized this matter.
The next day, the Tang Army’s formation immediately changed, with the elite troops openly and boldly marching out with no attempt at concealment.
The news was immediately sent to Pyongyang City.
When Yeon Gaesomun heard about this, he burst into laughter.
"Li Shimin has gone mad!"
"He has lost his mind; after this battle, he is destined to retreat!"
——Now he did not even call him the Emperor.
The geographical advantage of Liaodong gave him strong confidence, so he had no scruples.
Under his analysis, the generals also relaxed.
Li Shimin’s actions indeed seemed like a fit of rage, and they naturally did not think much of it.
"Send my decree—" Yeon Gaesomun ordered immediately, "Gather the surrounding troops to confront Li Shimin to reassure the garrison of Anshi City."
He had to send some troops, whether to restrain the Tang Army or to reassure the garrison of Anshi City.
This was something he had to do.
As for the potential casualties among them, Yeon Gaesomun did not care.
As long as he could hold the Liaodong defense line.
Then, from then on, the entire Liaodong Peninsula would be his!.....
...
——A great battle erupted!
Tang Junjie began fully setting the stage around Anshi City.
They had besieged Anshi City for some time, and the garrison inside had become accustomed to it.
But this time, it was entirely different!
Li Shimin no longer put up any pretense and immediately launched the siege on that day.
"Kill!!!"
"Kill!!!"
"Kill!!!"
"....."
The shouts of killing, like thunder, continuously resounded, officially commencing the siege.
The garrison quickly noticed the abnormality.
The Tang Army was completely different from before; they appeared to be in full assault mode.
This action made Yeon Gaesomun more convinced that Li Shimin had gone mad.
The terrain of Anshi City, although not as advantageous as Wuguo City,
was also built on a mountain, making it impossible to break easily. Li Shimin’s actions seemed like madness.
He paid it no mind.
Even if Anshi City were to fall, it was irrelevant. Li Shimin was destined to suffer significant casualties and could not continue fighting.
Of course, he had to send reinforcements.
But the equipment disparity between the Goguryeo and Tang armies meant this was just sending men to their deaths.
The focus of all Liaodong turned to Anshi City.
And in such a situation, Gu Jing finally took action.
He did not choose to go directly to aid Li Shimin. On the battlefield, situations change with time, and he could not rigidly follow the original plan.
He had already abandoned Wuguo City.
The plague within Wuguo City was relentless, and the army could not be stationed there.
He needed to seize this opportunity to utilize his cavalry effectively.
And Gu Jing’s target was also very clear.
He divided his army into three divisions.
