"What's wrong? I want to take the exam?" Cheng Yaojin heard Li Xiu ask about his strategy to attack Goguryeo, and he couldn't help but glar. He had a good relationship with Li Xiu, so he spoke casually.

"How is it possible? I, a layman, are not qualified to take the test for you? I just heard the British Duke talk about his strategy to attack Goguryeo today, so I wanted to hear your opinion from General Cheng." Li Xiu said with a smile at this time.

Hearing Li Xiu talk about Li Ji's strategy of attacking Goguryeo, Cheng Yaojin immediately showed his interest. He couldn't help but ask, "Tell me quickly, how does Li Ji plan to attack Goguryeo?"

"The British princess advocates attacking from the front and attacking step by step from Liaodong." Li Xiu replied without hiding it. After all, Li Ji only mentioned a general idea. As for how to fight at that time, it depends on his actual command ability.

"Hmph, it seems that Li Ji is older and has become less courageous. If it were ten years ago, he would definitely not use this method, but now he cherishes his feathers and dares not take risks!" Cheng Yaojin's eyes were also very vicious, and he almost saw through Li Ji's thoughts at first glance.

"Haha, Uncle Ma also said that to the British Duke, but even if he attacked head-on, with the national strength of our Tang Dynasty and the ability of the British Duke, there is still a lot of hope to defeat Goguryeo." Li Xiu smiled again at this time.

"If it were three years ago, Li Ji would not have been so sure. However, in recent years, Su Dingfang has been harassing Goguryeo, which has greatly declined the national strength of Goguryeo. In addition, Goguryeo had just experienced civil strife, so he had a great chance, but in this way, the casualties and losses would be very serious." Cheng Yaojin curled his lips and said with disdain.

But even though he said that, Cheng Yaojin also knew that if he also used a head-on attack, he might not have a higher chance of winning than Li Ji, because he was indeed not as good as Li Ji in command and layout skills, but he did not intend to choose the same strategy as Li Ji, but had his own plans.

"General Cheng said very well, but other than that, what better way does the general have?" Li Xiu asked again.

In fact, in the original history, when Li Shimin attacked Goguryeo for the first time, he appointed Li Ji as the main general, and Li Ji also fought from Liaodong all the way to Pyongyang. Unfortunately, when he reached Anshicheng, he was blocked by the Goguryeo people and finally dragged it to winter and had to retreat. Although the Tang Dynasty recovered Liaodong, it did not achieve the strategic goal of destroying Goguryeo, so from the perspective of the entire strategy, it was a failure.

"Goguryeo has many mountains and a very harsh environment. It can be said that it occupies a good position. In addition, the climate is not conducive to military use. The weather is also on their side. If you fight like Li Ji, the final casualties will definitely be quite large. If you want to reduce casualties, you must win by surprise. In fact, the prince-consort should be very clear about this, because I have discussed with Su Dingfang in detail the strategy to attack Goguryeo." Cheng Yaojin also showed a proud expression on his face when he said the last.

"Did General Cheng agree to cross the sea to attack?" Li Xiu couldn't help but lit up his eyes when he heard Cheng Yaojin's last words. Although what Li Ji analyzed before made sense, the method he had worked hard to figure out was not recognized by others, which made Li Xiu a little regretful. Fortunately, Cheng Yaojin seems to have the same view as him now.

"Of course, I not only agree, but I have already written a strategy and am preparing to present it to Your Majesty. Unfortunately, I came in a hurry today and didn't have time to carry it with you." Cheng Yaojin immediately said excitedly. The reason why he seemed very leisurely during this period was mainly to write strategies to attack Goguryeo at home. At that time, as long as Li Shimin can adopt his own opinions, he will naturally be the candidate for the leader.

"I wonder what General Cheng's specific plan is?" Li Xiu asked again at this time.

"My plan is to divide the army into three routes, two of which are Ming. One route is like Li Ji, attacking directly from Liaodong to attract Goguryeo's main forces, and the other route attacking from the sea and directly attacking Beisha City, a military city of Goguryeo. In this way, it is estimated that most of the troops in Goguryeo will be attracted by these two routes."

When he said this, Cheng Yaojin paused for a moment, then continued with a smile: "However, compared to these two open armies, the real killer weapon is the last ambush, which was discussed by the prince-consort and Su Dingfang. He sent people to attack from the sea and penetrated into the heart of Pyongyang City, Goguryeo. As long as he captured there, the army on the front line of Goguryeo will be completely depressed. The other two armies will take the opportunity to attack fiercely, and they can occupy the entire Goguryeo without any effort!"

Cheng Yaojin first explained his general plan, and then added some details, such as the cooperation of the attack timing of the navy and the army, and the attack time of the last ambush. In fact, the reason why two armies were arranged to attack from the sea was mainly because when the Tang Dynasty navy was explicitly attacked by the Beisha City, the Tang Dynasty navy could be used to clean up the Goguryeo navy. At that time, the second ambush attacked from the sea would not be easily discovered by the Goguryeo people.

Cheng Yaojin's entire plan seems not complicated, but in fact it involves the assembly and dispatch of troops, the allocation of materials, the cooperation of ships, etc. It can be called a very huge project, and this is also the strategy of his entire offensive.

"General Cheng, I think your plan should be better than the British Duke's plan. Although the attack from the sea increases some risks, if it is successful, it can bring a hundred times the benefits, and the casualties in the other two routes will be greatly reduced. So I think you should present it to Your Majesty for it, and you may not lose to the British Duke at that time!" After listening to Cheng Yaojin's explanation, Li Xiu said very excitedly that Cheng Yaojin is also a general after all. After his supplement and improvement, the entire plan has become more feasible and the risks have been minimized.

"The prince-consort really thinks this way?" Cheng Yaojin couldn't help but lit up when he heard Li Xiu's words. Originally, with the arrival of Li Ji, his confidence was also severely hit. After all, no matter from any aspect, he was a little worse than Li Ji. What's even more annoying is that he was older than the other party, so he almost gave up, but he didn't expect that Li Xiu would encourage him so much.

"Of course, I am not the right person. If the British Duke can come up with a better offensive plan, I will support him. However, his idea of ​​attacking head-on requires too much price, which is something I cannot accept." Li Xiu immediately expressed his attitude again and said that although he has been in the Tang Dynasty for almost twenty years, the three views he established in his previous life have not changed. In his opinion, human life is higher than anything else. Even in war, he hopes to minimize casualties.

"That's great. Just the words of your son-in-law, I will compete with Li Ji. Tonight I will enter the palace to present the written strategy to Your Majesty!" Cheng Yaojin couldn't help but say with confidence when he heard Li Xiu's words. He was not a person who gave up easily, and Li Xiu was the one who knew Li Shimin the best in the entire court. Even he supported his own strategy. Does that mean that Li Shimin is likely to be more optimistic about his own strategy?

Thinking of the above, Cheng Yaojin could no longer sit still, so he stood up and said goodbye. Li Xiu knew that Cheng Yaojin was a hot-tempered person, so he did not keep him anymore. He sent him out of the door in person. Then he saw Cheng Yaojin turning over and saying goodbye to Li Xiu and immediately left.

In the Liangyi Hall of Chang'an City, Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji were dealing with government affairs. Although their main energy was to attack Goguryeo during this period, there were many other government affairs to deal with, so they were usually very busy, and sometimes they had to rest until midnight.

After finally dealing with a government matter, Li Shimin finally stretched, but Changsun Wuji next to him hesitated for a moment and finally said, "Your Majesty, Li Ji has gone to see me today, and I guess he will definitely go to see Li Xiu."

"Haha, Li Ji stayed at home for two years, and his bones were probably about to rust, so he must be determined to attack Goguryeo this time. It is normal for him to find you." Li Shimin smiled calmly at this time. He didn't mind the private transactions of the ministers below. The key is to master a certain degree and not go against his will.

"I originally thought that Your Majesty would ask Cheng Yaojin to lead his troops, but I didn't expect that Your Majesty would actually recall Li Ji quietly. It is estimated that Cheng Yaojin is also panicked now." Changsun Wuji also smiled at this time.

"Zhijie still has some flaws in leading troops, such as sometimes being too impulsive. This attack on Goguryeo is of great importance. I am really afraid that something will happen to him. Not only will the court suffer losses, but his reputation will be lost in his lifetime, so Li Ji was summoned back." Li Shimin also showed a serious expression at this time.

"So that's it. Your Majesty is really good at it!" Changsun Wuji also praised with a smile. In fact, he prefers Cheng Yaojin to the candidate for the main general. This is because he does not like Li Ji, because Cheng Yaojin is just a simple general, but Li Ji is a civil and military genius. If he makes military achievements this time, it may affect his position in the court in the future.

Just as Changsun Wuji finished speaking, an eunuch suddenly rushed over to report: "Report to Your Majesty, Duke Lu is asking for a meeting!"

When Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji heard that Cheng Yaojin had come, they were stunned. After all, the two of them had just mentioned each other, but the other party came immediately. This was a coincidence. However, Li Shimin quickly reacted and immediately ordered: "Come in!"
Chapter completed!