xymnovel Chapter 489 Talent Li Yuanji
Chapter 489 Talent Li Yuanji
The Yellow Turban Army was large and powerful; they could simply grab a group of refugees from the roadside, give them a short training period, and send them directly to the battlefield.
As long as you come back alive, you're a qualified Yellow Turban soldier.
Therefore, most of the Yellow Turban generals, apart from their own elite troops, did not value the lives of ordinary Yellow Turban soldiers at all.
But Li Shimin couldn't do that!
The army under their command was carefully trained by the Duke of Tang's mansion and was the most important reliance of the Li family in the chaotic world.
How could we just stand there and waste time with the Yellow Turban army?
In this situation, regardless of whether they win or lose, Li Shimin's side will suffer a huge loss!
At this moment, Li Jiancheng, the elder brother beside Li Shimin, was no ordinary man either. His gaze pierced through the smoke of the battlefield, capturing the subtle changes behind the Yellow Turban army, and doubts arose in his heart.
"Father, look at the rear of the Yellow Turban army. They seem to be retreating. Should we immediately send troops to pursue them and blunt their momentum?"
He leaned closer to his father, Li Yuan, speaking urgently.
Upon hearing this, Li Yuan frowned slightly, as if weighing the pros and cons on a scale.
On the battlefield, opportunities change rapidly, and every decision can affect the overall situation.
"Shimin, you have always been skilled in military strategy. What are your thoughts on this?"
After a moment of contemplation, he turned his gaze to his second son, Li Shimin, beside him, and asked in a questioning tone.
"Father, the art of war says: 'Do not block a retreating army, do not pursue a desperate enemy.' Although the Yellow Turban army appears exhausted, its foundation is deep. If we rashly pursue them, I fear they may have an ambush behind them, or lure our army into a dangerous situation."
"Furthermore, our army has been engaged in continuous battles and needs rest and recuperation; it is not advisable to advance hastily."
When Li Shimin heard his father's question, he pondered for a moment before slowly speaking.
"Yuanba alone has instilled fear in the enemy army; this is the might of our army."
"Why not take this opportunity to set up camp, conserve our strength, and wait for the right moment to act?"
"The best course of action is to wait until our army has had a full rest before launching another campaign."
After saying that, he paused slightly, his gaze gentle yet firm, and continued.
Upon hearing this, Li Yuan's heart stirred. He had always known that his two sons possessed wisdom that was beyond the reach of ordinary people.
He pondered for a moment, his mind already leaning towards Li Shimin's plan, but he still had a slight hesitation. After all, the opportunity was rare, and giving it up easily might mean missing a golden chance.
"Shimin's words make a lot of sense."
"However, the opportunity to fight is fleeting. It would be better to send a small elite force to pursue and probe their strength, while the main force remains inactive and rests and awaits orders."
After a moment of silence, they decided to compromise.
"Father is wise; Shimin will make arrangements immediately."
Upon hearing this decision, Li Shimin, though not entirely to his liking, knew that his father had adopted most of his suggestions, and felt somewhat relieved, bowing in agreement.
At this moment, Li Yuan entrusted the task of pursuing the enemy to Li Shimin. The youngest son, Li Yuanji, standing to the side, had a hint of resentment and jealousy in his eyes. He glanced at Li Shimin and curled up a provocative smile, seemingly wanting to deliberately oppose Li Shimin and show off his own presence.
"Father, I am willing to lead the troops to investigate the strength of the Yellow Turban Army. I will certainly not fail in my mission!"
Li Yuanji stepped forward, his voice filled with urgency and confidence, as if this was the perfect opportunity to prove his abilities.
He was always close to his elder brother Li Jiancheng and often whispered in his ear, instigating them to suppress Li Shimin and try to weaken his position in the family.
Upon hearing this, Li Jiancheng's expression subtly changed. Although he knew that Li Yuanji's actions were largely motivated by spite, he was also happy to see him make a contribution through this opportunity, which might slightly balance Li Shimin's prestige in the army.
After thinking for a moment, he nodded slightly to show his support.
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's face remained calm, but his eyes were as deep as a pool. He glanced at Li Yuanji, his eyes containing both helplessness and a hint of barely perceptible mockery.
Then, he slowly turned to his father, Li Yuan, awaiting the final decision.
For Li Shimin, this was undoubtedly a perfect opportunity to pass the hot potato to Li Yuanji.
The five war gods in the Yellow Turban Army on the other side were no match for Li Yuanba and were beaten so badly that they fled in terror.
But if it were Li Yuanji, the situation would be very different.
Each of these five individuals would be a renowned war god in the outside world.
If Li Yuanji rashly pursues the enemy, the outcome will be dire, and he may even find himself in danger.
"Yuanji, the battlefield is no child's play; how can we act rashly?"
Li Shimin spoke calmly, yet with an undeniable air of authority. He looked at his father, Li Yuan, awaiting the final decision.
Upon hearing this, Li Yuan frowned slightly, his gaze shifting between his three sons as he weighed the pros and cons in his mind.
He knew that Li Shimin's words were true, and although Li Yuanji had courage, that was all he had left.
There was absolutely no lack of sufficient battlefield experience and strategy; this trip was indeed extremely risky.
However, as a father, he also hoped that each of his sons could achieve something and was unwilling to easily dampen Li Yuanji's enthusiasm.
"Yuanji, although you have lofty ambitions, the battlefield is dangerous and should not be taken lightly."
"Shimin, do you think Yuanji's trip is feasible?"
Li Yuan's words carried a hint of hesitation, clearly indicating that the scales in his heart had not yet tipped.
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin pondered for a moment, realizing that this trip was definitely not a good one.
But since his foolish younger brother was so eager, how could he not grant his wish?
After all, in the Great Xuandu City, the four Li brothers were known for their "brotherly love and respect".
"Father, the art of war says: 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' If Yuanji can act cautiously and investigate the enemy's situation, it would not be a bad thing."
"But he must be assisted by a capable deputy general, and must be strictly ordered not to venture too far without authorization, so as to avoid getting into danger."
"It would be better for me to select an experienced general to lead an elite force there, so that we can both investigate the enemy's strength and ensure our safety."
Li Shimin remained silent for a moment, then glanced at Li Yuanji, a slight smile playing on his lips, and spoke.
As expected, Li Yuanji's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.
He had expected Li Shimin to strongly oppose it, but to his surprise, the other party gave such a "tolerant" suggestion, which made him both shocked and angry, as if he had been slighted.
"Hmph, Second Brother, you are mistaken. How could I, Li Yuanji, be a coward who fears death?"
"I have no need for a lieutenant; I can accomplish the mission myself!"
Li Yuanji's tone was defiant, and his eyes gleamed with a challenging light. He longed to prove himself through this action and, more importantly, to gain more respect and status within the family.
"Yuanji, I did not mean that. It's just that the battlefield is not a place for child's play, and every decision must be carefully considered."
"As you just saw, there are many brave warriors in the Yellow Turban Army. Without thorough preparation, there may be unforeseen circumstances."
Li Shimin shook his head slightly, a hint of barely perceptible pity flashing in his eyes.
How could such a stupid person be his own younger brother?
The members of the Li family, whether it was their father Li Yuan or their eldest brother Li Jiancheng, were all quite similar.
Even Li Xiuning, who is a woman, is outstanding.
Not to mention Li Yuanba, whose strength was unmatched.
Everyone has their own outstanding qualities.
Only Li Yuanji... his dishes were very comprehensive!