Chapter Seven: The Turkic Invasion

Wude Hall.

The grand hall was alive with song and dance, vibrant and festive.

Seated at the main throne was the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan.

Though he was well into his sixties, with temples streaked with white, he remained vigorous and robust, showing no signs of aging.

Beside him sat two enchanting beauties: Consort Zhang and Consort Yin. These two remarkable women still retained their charm and grace.

Since the passing of Empress Dou, Li Yuan had not taken another official empress, but these two clearly held dominion over the inner palace, albeit without formal titles.

On the right sat Crown Prince Li Jiancheng and his wife, Lady Zheng, and just below them was another woman, Lady Changsun, the Queen of Prince Qin.

Nearby were several young children.

Prince Qin himself was notably absent from the Wude Hall.

Further down sat Prince Qi, Li Yuanji, with his wife, Lady Yang.

On the left were several civil ministers led by Pei Ji, all trusted confidants of Li Yuan.

“Come, everyone, let us drink together,” Li Yuan said with a hearty laugh as the performance ended, lifting his cup.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” the assembled guests responded, raising their glasses.

Suddenly, a figure knelt at the entrance of the hall.

“Oh, it’s Che’er?” Li Yuan set down his cup and glanced toward the door, stroking his beard with a smile. “Why have you only just arrived? Come, take your seat.”

“Thank you, Grandfather Emperor,” Li Chengche quickly rose and took the seat at the far end.

“My dear nephew, I heard you were out all night yesterday,” Li Yuanji chuckled, setting down his cup. “What is it? Did the courtesan of the Drunken Immortal Tavern possess such allure that you lost your wits?”

“You jest, Fourth Uncle. I simply cannot hold my liquor,” Li Chengche said awkwardly, admiring how exquisitely handsome Li Yuanji was. He wondered if Li Yuanji truly was the son of Li Yuan and Empress Dou, given how different he looked compared to Li Jiancheng and Lady Zheng.

“My father,” Li Jiancheng quickly spoke up, “I have failed in my duties and have disappointed you.”

“Ah, what does it matter?” Li Yuan waved his hand dismissively, unconcerned. “You were young once too, weren’t you? As long as his heart is true, that is what matters.”

Li Jiancheng fell silent. His son’s heart was indeed astray.

“Everyone, today is a family feast. Enjoy yourselves fully,” Li Yuan said as Consort Zhang poured him another cup, smiling warmly. “Drink.”

Li Chengche raised his cup as well, though the wine’s quality left much to be desired. If he ever brought his own brew to market, he was certain it would be a tremendous success.

“Report!” A guard suddenly burst into the hall, his expression tense. “Your Majesty, a military report!”

Li Yuan’s face immediately grew serious at the news, and the others looked on curiously.

“Ladies, please withdraw for the moment,” Li Yuan commanded, standing and signaling the dancers to leave.

Consorts Zhang and Yin understood the gravity of the moment and rose to depart. Lady Zheng and the others bowed and exited the hall as well.

“What is the situation? Speak!” Li Yuan sat upright, pointing at the guard.

“According to reports from Longyou, the Turkic Khagan Xieli has allied with the Tuyuhun, leading over a hundred thousand elite troops southward from the north! They have already breached several counties in Longyou and are advancing toward Chang’an!” the guard declared, unrolling the report.

“What?” Gasps of shock rippled through the hall.

The Turkic cavalry was fierce and often harassed the Tang borders. Everyone present understood the severity of this threat.

Moreover, the Tang Dynasty was still recovering from devastation; the Guanzhong region was nearly in ruins.

To bolster manpower, Li Yuan had relocated many laborers from Hebei and halved the military forces.

Now, only tens of thousands of troops remained in Guanzhong—how could they possibly resist the massive Turkic army?

This was nothing short of catastrophic news.

Li Yuan’s face turned pale, his fists clenched tightly.

“Since founding the Tang Dynasty, I have borne the burden day and night,” he said, leaning back in his chair, weariness in his voice. “But whenever I think of the Turks, I cannot rest. The northern border troubles me endlessly.”

He recalled how, when he first marched on Jinyang, the Turks had provided some cavalry support, which had become a double-edged sword, allowing Khagan Xieli to demand supplies and raid the south at will.

“Your Highness!” Li Jiancheng suddenly stood, declaring, “I am willing to lead the army to the front lines to resist the Turks!”

Li Yuan’s eyes widened with a hint of admiration.

Li Chengche raised an eyebrow, thinking that if his father truly had such courage, the infamous Xuanwu Gate Incident might have never occurred.

“But Longyou can no longer be defended,” Li Jiancheng quickly added. “We should concentrate our forces around Chang’an. Only then can we hold off the Turkic army.”

“Crown Prince speaks wisely,” Pei Ji agreed. “Given the current situation, Guanzhong is indefensible.”

“Right Minister, that is not true!” Li Shimin entered, clad in armor, his eyes shining with determination and his presence commanding respect. “The counties of Longyou, including Liangzhou, were won by the blood and flesh of our soldiers. Not an inch shall be lost!”

Witnessing this, Li Chengche felt genuine admiration. This was a true god of war, the strongest carbon-based life form of the seventh century—who would dare challenge him?

Fortunately, he had the "Slacker System," so no unnecessary trouble would arise.

It was clear the entire military was loyal to the Second Prince, and he had already received the military reports.

“Very well! I hereby appoint Prince Qin as the Grand Commander of the Army, to lead the troops within the borders to the front and repel the Turks!” Li Yuan said without hesitation. “Erlang, this time we rely on you.”

“Please rest assured, Father. I will certainly drive the Turks away!” Li Shimin bowed and saluted before leaving the hall to marshal the troops.

“Your Majesty, the Turks have been unpredictable since the first year of Wude, and the problem has yet to be resolved,” Pei Ji said, bowing. “I believe a comprehensive strategy is necessary.”

“Right Minister speaks truly,” Yuwen Shiji nodded in agreement. “The realm has just been unified, and all industries are yet to recover. We must prioritize development.”