There was silence in Anhe Palace.
The strong smell of blood lingered for a long time.
Gao Suwen glanced around before finally sheathing his sword. His background wasn't particularly privileged, yet he'd climbed the career ladder step by step thanks to his military exploits. Furthermore, he possessed exceptional martial arts prowess, particularly wielding dual swords. He'd once clashed with the old Ning King on the battlefield, undeterred by the Overlord Spear. After exchanging hundreds of blows, he finally retreated, exhausted.
Gao Suwen climbed up step by step.
Although he was known for his ruthlessness within the army, he also had a clear sense of reward and punishment. Those who followed him lived a relatively comfortable life. In Goguryeo, supplies were scarce, and just enough food was considered good, let alone meat. However, Gao Suwen's men often had access to meat, and their salaries were higher than others.
Where does this money come from?
Gao Suwen robbed them from every household!
Especially the wealthy and powerful people in the royal city.
They were often blackmailed by Gao Suwen.
For example, when a member of the Cui clan went out to sea to trade, Gao Suwen would often cause trouble for them. He would use various excuses to ask them to provide money and food. If they refused, Gao Suwen's subordinates would have to ask for their help. If they couldn't cut three times in a second, how could they justify the meat Gao Suwen gave them?
"Da Molizhi, this... why is this necessary?"
Prince Gao Zang spoke tremblingly, looking at the corpse on the ground. His legs were shaking with fear, and he couldn't even speak clearly. He was Prince Rongliu's younger brother, a useless man with no talent for either literature or martial arts. He was only pushed forward because Prince Rongliu was killed.
"Does Your Majesty think I'm wrong?"
Gao Suwen raised his head.
Looking at King Gao Zang coldly.
The blood on his body hasn't dried yet.
Like an eagle eyeing its prey.
There was a strong murderous intent in his eyes.
"No, no, no, how could Da Molizhi be wrong?" King Gao Zang was so frightened that he waved his hands repeatedly and explained, "I just felt that Da Molizhi's hands should not be soiled. Even if they wanted to kill him, they could drag him out and let him be killed."
"Hmph!" Gao Suwen snorted coldly, "A great war is imminent. Anyone who talks about surrender will be killed without mercy. Don't let Dafeng scare you. Even if a war really breaks out, I will lead the soldiers to fight to the death. Aren't you all hiding in this Anhe Palace?"
“…”
“…”
Despite such ridicule, no one dared to speak out. If it were any other courtier, their remarks would have been nothing serious, and at most they would have received a beating. But Gao Suwen was extremely bloodthirsty, and he would draw his sword at the slightest disagreement!
Who dares to jump out and die?
"Da Molizhi, calm down." Pu Duanchang stepped forward with a brave face, raising his hand and saying, "The most urgent thing is to find a way to deal with it. We have already lost Fuyu and Wugu City, and the pressure from Dafeng's 300,000 troops in the north is enormous. If Ningque successfully lands at this time, it will be very disadvantageous to us."
"What are you afraid of?" Gao Suwen turned around and sneered, "I think this Prince Ning is just a figurehead. Besides, we have the help of Prince Tian Ce of Qi. They are sworn enemies, and with Tian Ce's help, we can easily deal with him. No matter how many troops he has, they are no more than 30,000 to 50,000. If we want to join Feng Wuze, we have to go through Hanshan, Baekje, Silla and other cities."
Gao Suwen has always been like this.
In order to consolidate his power, he had to be arrogant. He was also the one who orchestrated the cultural theft, turning Goguryeo into the origin of all things and the so-called paradise on earth.
He belittled the Dafeng and Dashang states as worthless, and declared Goguryeo the best country. Their people lived the most prosperous lives. And Gao Suwen was the sun of Goguryeo, and indeed the world!
This is actually a disguised form of fooling the people, but it is quite effective. It can also improve the country's self-confidence and morale during wars.
After all, Goguryeo was just a small country. If it didn't use this method to keep its people ignorant, how could it compete with the great powers of Kyushu? Even the Japanese pirates would occasionally cross the sea to harass them.
To be honest, Gao Suwen was a cruel and murderous dictator. However, he truly led Goguryeo out of the shadow of war and greatly increased its national strength. The people's lives did improve significantly, and at least they no longer had to worry about not having pickled vegetables to eat.
He was well aware of Goguryeo's shortcomings. A small state, after all, was limited in resources. Faced with threats from various major powers, Gao Suwen chose to become a dictator. He significantly improved the salaries of his soldiers and invested limited resources in military equipment. He even imported war horses and other livestock from the Liao Kingdom at great expense, establishing Goguryeo's first heavily armored cavalry unit.
"Then where should we send them?"
"Hanshan City!" Gao Suwen said as a matter of course, pointing to the map. "Ning Que is young and energetic, and he wants to land in Goguryeo as soon as possible. He can't take a long detour with his warships to attack Silla City. The most suitable place for a large-scale landing is Hanshan City, and it's close enough to Baekryeong Island."
Although Gao Suwen disparaged Ning Que, he had studied him thoroughly. He had used intelligence from the Liao Kingdom to analyze Ning Que's tactics and psychology during the Northern Expedition. Therefore, Gao Suwen believed he had a good understanding of Ning Que. He had carefully considered that Ning Que's final landing point would only be Hanshan City, so he had already sent Tian Ce to lead his troops to provide support.
"What do you think, Your Majesty?"
Facing that fierce gaze, King Gao Zang felt a deep sense of fear. He quickly waved his hands and said with a wry smile, "I also think what Da Molizhi said is very true. Since Da Molizhi has made all the arrangements, I will follow your instructions."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Gao Suwen then smiled.
He immediately looked at the officials again.
"Why, are you all dissatisfied?"
"Ahem, ahem, Da Molizhi is joking."
"Damolizhi is the sun of Goguryeo, always shining upon his people. Damolizhi is exceptionally capable and well versed in military tactics. With Damolizhi at the helm, I believe there will be no problems."
"As long as we have Da Molizhi, there's nothing to worry about!"
"Hahaha, we also believe in Da Molizhi."
All the officials laughed in agreement. Anyone who dared to challenge Gao Suwen in the court was already dead. Look at Prime Minister Cui just now. Even though he was powerful, wasn't he still killed by Gao Suwen?
Gao Suwen then sneered and nodded.
He looked down upon these princes and ministers.
I think they are all quite weak and incompetent.
Not even as good as Prime Minister Cui just now.
It's just that he needs these people to do things.
"I still need to deploy troops, I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
Upon seeing this, King Gao Zang quickly stood up and said, "Da Molizhi has worked hard and made great contributions. After defeating Dafeng this time, I will definitely reward you well. Da Molizhi, don't worry about anything. I and the entire court will support you!"
"Oh……"
Gao Suwen didn't even respond.
He just sneered and turned away.
He never took these people seriously!
He now only wants to defeat Ning Que head-on!
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