King Uija of Baekje was completely dumbfounded by Lu Zhaolin.
He distinctly remembered that just a few months ago, during the exchange of official letters with the Ming Dynasty, the Ming emperor had been quite polite to him. How could it be that only a few months had passed, and now they were talking about annihilating him?
Although Lu Zhaolin's words angered him, he dared not be angry and had to put on a smile.
"What are you saying, Your Excellency? How could a small country dare to betray the Great Tang and help Goguryeo, which is an enemy of the Great Tang?"
Lu Zhaolin said with a gloomy face after hearing this.
"That would be best!"
"By the way, our Great Tang is about to launch a war of annihilation against Goguryeo. His Majesty the Emperor of our Great Tang has invited the King of Baekje to bring tens of thousands of people to watch the battle!"
"Watching?"
Upon hearing this, Buyeo Uija tentatively asked what was going on.
"Don't you need our troops to help?"
"help?"
Lu Zhaolin sneered upon hearing this.
"You are insulting the Tang Dynasty, insulting His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty!"
"Our Tang Dynasty's imperial troops can fight against a hundred men each. Even with 30,000 men, we can still achieve a great victory against 150,000 Goguryeo troops. Why would we care about your army!"
"All you need to do is stand beside our Tang army with your men and watch how bravely our Tang army fights!"
"this……"
Lu Zhaolin's words left Fuyu Yici speechless. He had always known that the Tang Dynasty was arrogant, but he never expected that the Tang Dynasty would be so arrogant that it would not even accept reinforcements that were offered to it!
However, the Tang Dynasty did not need reinforcements, which was also a good thing for Baekje.
After all, if they were to go and serve as reinforcements for the Tang Dynasty, Baekje would only be cannon fodder.
Good things never come their way, but they can't escape attacking cities and filling trenches.
"The envoy must be tired from his long journey. Come with me into the city to rest, and then we'll attend the banquet..."
This time, Lu Zhaolin did not refuse, and his attitude changed slightly.
"Um!"
"I am indeed a little tired..."
"Oh, by the way, I've heard that women from Baekje are very beautiful?"
Buyeo Uija was taken aback at first upon hearing this, but then a look of joy immediately appeared on his face.
He wasn't afraid that the Tang envoy was lustful; he was afraid that the Tang envoy was bad at everything!
"The envoy is absolutely right, our Baekje women..."
"Rest assured, Your Excellency, I will send you ten beautiful women shortly..."
Lu Zhaolin was only a few years older than Li Jue, so his interest in women was less than his interest in watching crickets fight.
The reason he asked for women was simply because he had heard that Baekje beauties were more valuable than Goguryeo beauties, and he wanted to save up for a wife.
While Lu Zhaolin was lording it over Baekje, Yeon Gaesomun in Pyongyang was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth in the palace.
"Any news from Yuan Nan's place?"
"Your Majesty, there is still no news..."
What about Baekje?
Will Baekje agree to send troops?
"without……"
"It is said that the Tang Dynasty has also sent envoys to Baekje..."
Upon hearing this, Yeon Gaesomun was so angry that he cursed.
"These short-sighted fools, don't they know the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold'?"
"If Goguryeo were to perish, neither Baekje nor Silla would exist!"
In fact, Silla and Baekje were well aware of the principle of mutual dependence. However, the Tang army was too powerful, and the Battle of Ansi Fortress extinguished all their thoughts of resistance.
With only 30,000 men, the Tang Dynasty was able to decisively defeat the 150,000-strong allied army of Goguryeo.
This achievement is probably unparalleled not only on the Korean Peninsula, but also in the entire Chinese world.
However, what devastated them even more was the fall of Anshi City.
Anshi City was known for its natural defenses, yet even such natural defenses could not stop the Tang army, plunging them into utter despair.
When they heard that Anshi City had fallen, they were even aided by the Thunder God in the sky. A bolt of lightning split open the city gates of Anshi City, which made them even less courageous to resist.
If it were just the bravery of the Tang soldiers, they might still have a chance. But now, even Heaven is on the Tang side; what hope do they have of victory?
Amidst Yeon Gaesomun's roars, the Tang army won victory after victory and soon reached the outskirts of Pyongyang.
The reason why the Tang Dynasty was able to move so quickly was mainly because many cities along the way surrendered directly, saving them a lot of time.
The officials of Goguryeo were not stupid; they knew which side the Mandate of Heaven was on.
Seeing that Goguryeo was about to be destroyed, they all switched allegiance and became officials of the Tang Dynasty.
Li Shimin treated them very well, basically only changing their official robes and seals, and allowing them to return to their original positions. To ensure the safety of the rear, Li Shimin also provided these surrendered officials with personal bodyguards to protect their personal safety.
Of course, these bodyguards also have the role of surveillance and warning.
Once it is discovered that these surrendered officials harbor disloyal intentions, they can execute the officials they protect without requesting permission, and then install a deputy to take office.
Because of this system, every official who surrendered was extremely cautious, fearing that his deputy would take his place.
However, this system was only a temporary measure, a form of appeasement that Li Shimin had to adopt in order to save time.
Once the Tang Dynasty fully conquers Goguryeo, he will surely send Tang people to govern this land.
Li Shimin was so anxious because of one thing: it was getting cold...
Outside Pyongyang, the Tang army camp.
Although Li Jue had purchased a large quantity of cotton quilts and cotton clothing before entering Goguryeo, he still underestimated the winter conditions in the Liaodong region.
After a heavy snowfall, the weather grew increasingly cold, and many soldiers developed frostbite on their hands and feet.
However, this matter was well hidden and was always regarded as a top secret of the Tang army.
Once the Goguryeo people learn of this, they will surely defend it to the death and resist resolutely.
Li Shimin personally led an army of 30,000 to the gates of Pyongyang, which terrified Yeon Gaesomun. He immediately sent a letter of surrender, expressing his willingness to submit to the Tang Dynasty.
Li Shimin didn't waste any time and immediately agreed to the other party's request, then ordered them to leave the city to surrender.
The surrender ceremony was personally presided over by Li Shimin. He not only ordered the construction of a high platform, but also thoughtfully brought in the King of Baekje and the Queen of Silla as accompaniments.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Yeon Gaesomun, naked and draped in a sheepskin, crawled to the foot of the high platform. After performing three kowtows and nine prostrations to Li Shimin, he presented the letter of state, map, seal, and other items, signifying his complete submission to the Tang Dynasty.
Thus, the eastern border troubles that had plagued the Sui and Tang dynasties were finally ended by Li Shimin.
Li Shimin ordered the imperial seal to be taken away, and then took over the defense of Pyongyang. He then reformed the entire peninsula in Pyongyang.
Of course, Tang soldiers also entered the city and occupied the royal palace, government offices, and even the mansions of many officials as their temporary military camps.
As for where these officials would stay, that was not Li Shimin's concern; he only wanted to take good care of his soldiers!
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