Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen
Case closed very quickly.Since Empress Wu testified directly and there was no need to investigate and collect evidence, Yuan Gongyu sentenced Wei Liang and Huai Yun to death for murder, tied them to the execution ground, verified their integrity, and showed their heads to the public.Wu Zetian still didn't let go of her hatred, so she removed the names of the two from the genealogy and changed their surnames to Pishi.Huaiyun's older brother, Huailiang, has long since died of illness. His wife, Shanshi, used to be the meanest to Yangshi. The thorns were tied together, and Shanshi was beaten until the skin was rotten and the muscles fell off, exposing the bones, and he died.Although Wu Zetian got rid of the suffocation that had been pent up in her heart for many years for her mother and herself, Mrs. Yang, Mrs. Rongguo, was still weeping for her granddaughter who grew up under her knees.In the early morning of the next day, Li Zhi, who was weak and sick, suddenly proposed in an unquestionable tone that he wanted to conquer Gaoli himself.
"Little Goryeo has always refused to submit to the Central Plains, and still wants to create disasters on the border. It is a great shame for the Tang Dynasty not to conquer it!" The tone is sonorous and bold.Li Zhi, who was in his forties, showed for the first time the masculinity of a masculine man and the majesty of the emperor.Surprised, all the courtiers were tongue-tied, not knowing how to answer.From his tragic and indignant emotions, Wu Zetian realized that Li Zhi's words were not out of his own heart, but a kind of anger.In order not to make him unable to step down, but also to show her concern for her husband as a wife, she tilted her head and gently comforted her: "Your Majesty, you don't have to worry too much. Your concubine knows it well. If you have a general to do it for you, you will surely succeed immediately, and you will be victorious."
"I have made up my mind, so there is no need to say more."
Li Zhi raised his head arrogantly, without even looking at Wu Zetian.
"Why bother? The emperor's health has not fully recovered, so he has to take care of it for a while."
"Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the world. I am the Ninth Five-Year Honor, how can I stand by and watch."
"The country cannot be without a king for a day, and the people cannot be without a master for a day. The emperor is not suitable for expeditions. He must stay in the capital to preside over the government."
"It's fine if you host it, I'm superfluous."
"Hey, this statement is wrong! What can the concubine He De do? At best, he is only relying on the emperor's blessing to work on behalf of his generation."
Li Zhi fucked his mouth for a while, exhausted his anger and satisfied his vanity, he stopped weakly.After retiring from the court, Wu Zetian deliberately entered the Hanliang Palace with Li Zhi on his arm, served tea, and sat down next to him.While drinking tea with him, she said: "Gaozu and Taizong are the founding emperors. The so-called horses and mountains mean that the world was fought from the south to the north. Your majesty will inherit the great rule and abide by Lao Tzu's precept of governing by doing nothing." , the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the country is in full swing, if there is a small episode, something unsightly happens, it is nothing special, there is no need to make a fuss, let alone make an earth-shattering disturbance.”
"When the first emperor personally conquered Gaoli, he thought I was not just a soldier. I think that people can only learn to know, not born. If you don't understand, just learn. Learn to swim from swimming and learn to fight from war."
"That's not what I mean."
Wu Zetian grinned, "If you really go to the front line, will your majesty be able to bear it? You can see the embarrassment of the late emperor when he came back from Gaoli's class. He was covered in dust, with carbuncles on his back, and his beard and hair fell off quite a bit."
"To complete the late emperor's unfinished ambition, even if I die in battle, I am willing."
"Don't talk big. I understand that you are angry with me, so show me. Alright, tell me what's on your mind, and I'll do as you please."
Li Zhi muttered and stopped talking.Anyone with a discerning eye could tell from Li Zhi's frowning expression that he was full of anger and had nowhere to vent it.He was not healthy and lacked the ability to govern, and the imperial power fell into Wu Zetian's hands.She grasped everything inside and outside the palace, and everything had to be obeyed by her. She was honored as the lord of ten thousand chariots, but she even lost her autonomy.Wanting to be close to women, relieve their worries and boredom, the palace people are afraid of the queen's jealousy, and shy away from him tremblingly.She is ruthless, even her own sister and niece will not let go.Li Zhi has a high sexual desire, so he has to depend on each other.However, Wu Zetian devoted himself to politics, often neglecting the life in the boudoir and letting him sleep alone in a cold bed.There seemed to be a layer of dark clouds covering his heart, as cool as lying in a coffin in the wilderness on a stormy night, the experience of loneliness and desolation triggered troubles and irritability.An uncontrollable anger rushed up, his nose fluttered, and his facial features shook.Lao Tzu said: "Existence and non-existence are interdependent, difficulty and easy are interdependent, long and short are interdependent, high and low are interdependent."
Weakness and strength can also be transformed into each other.The weak do not resign themselves to depravity, but are willing to be lonely and bullied.Li Zhi wanted to become a real man, restore the majesty of the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, break through the barriers, and show his ability, so naturally he had the idea of conquering Gaoli himself.Using softness to overcome rigidity was originally Wu Zetian's forte.Li Zhi has become tough, and if he meets tough, sparks will come out of collision.She twisted a bit, showing a gesture of retreat.A smile flitted across her lips, her crescent eyebrows stretched, and her flexible and vivid winking eyes shone with sweet waves.Li Zhi was inadvertently fascinated by her, lost his temper, and stretched out his hand to draw her into his arms.She is as docile as a little lamb, letting him rub her.Suddenly he recalled the scene of the first tryst in Cui Ao Palace.At that time, the Wucai people were gorgeous in appearance and full of fragrance, just like the winter jasmine flowers with a nightmare like a moon.As soon as the two of them came into contact, she glowed like crazy, the surrounding trees rippled with pink waves, and the refreshing deodorant spread like wine, shaking the heart and making people feel intoxicated.She is so lingering, innocent and lovely, and she is deeply attached to him. His heart is full of joy and joy, as happy as the flowing water in a mountain stream.That frenzied, whirlpool-like moment of ecstasy is still memorable to this day.
"If you shave off your beard, you will look like a child." She reached out to hold his chin, and softly called his nickname: "Pheasant slave, no wonder you often play childish temper."
"It's only you to blame. You don't understand me and make me angry."
"Whoever dares to force the emperor, I can't bear it. Don't pout, you can do anything according to you, you can do whatever you like."
"Yesterday I summoned Minzhi. The young man is handsome and as decent as a birch tree. I want to make him an official and stay by my side."
"You can appoint any official the emperor likes, I said, everything is up to you."
"I can't think of it right now."
Li Zhi tapped his narrow forehead with his fingers, "Help me think about it, what kind of name is it appropriate to make him an official?" He was the heir of the warrior Fu, the deceased father of Empress Wu, and Li Zhi immediately gave permission to change He Lanmin's surname to Wu.The Hongwen Museum is the highest academic institution in the palace, and Zuo Sanqi's regular attendant is responsible for admonishing the emperor's mistakes, all of which belong to Dongtai (Menxia Province).Such a prominent high-level official is envied by everyone, and it is really rare to meet him.Minzhi is the only nephew of Empress Wu's natal family. He lost his father when he was young, and his mother died a few years ago. He was doted on by his grandmother, Yang Shi. Now he has grown into a handsome man in his twenties: tall, slender legs, and elegant manners. .Whenever he retires from court or travels with his peers, this young prince, a handsome noble son, with a python robe and a jade belt, sitting high on a white horse with a silver saddle, passing by Chang'an neighborhood like a prince charming, can't help but Everyone clicked their tongues, feeling admiration.Over time, the flattering eyes of the women gradually focused on him.Wu Minzhi, who is naturally affectionate, and because he lost his discipline, began to empathize with the fragrance mist, and slipped down the slope of debauchery.Mrs. Rong Guo's wife, Yang Shi, lives in a good life, but the years are involuntary, and she is getting older day by day. She really wants to be accompanied by her relatives to chat and have fun.Although Minzhi lives with her in the spacious Duke Zhou's mansion, except for morning and evening courtesy greetings, he seldom sees him in the rest of the time.At this time, only the three-year-old Princess Taiping could bring her comfort and happiness.Princess Taiping is as lively as her mother when she was a child, beautiful as a fairy boy, with a fresh face, black eyes, a square forehead and a wide mouth, and a small cherry mouth, which makes people feel sweet in their hearts.An exquisite little poncho with a white ribbon hanging down, she often holds it in her hand and seldom wears it on her head. Her flexible black hair is fluffy and fluffy as she runs cheerfully. Drape down.Suddenly fell down and cried.
The maid sent her to her grandmother's arms, and she smiled like a pear blossom after the rain.Grandma can't do without her, and she also loves to play at her grandma's house.The maids are even more eager to do this, because there is Wu Minzhi, the "Prince Charming", who attracts them like a magnet.Because Wu Zetian strictly controlled Li Zhi to live a monogamous life, the court beauty pageant had long since ceased, and most of the maids were older than Minzhi.They live in a closed environment where men are forbidden, and they dare not and cannot have any extravagant expectations.By chance, meeting such a charming young man like Wu Minzhi is like a fish in water, and he can get a kind of relief-like joy both mentally and physically. The flowers that are urged to bloom feel that time is precious.It seems that there is an unwritten secret agreement between the maids, and they take turns to enjoy the beautiful and rare pleasures in this world.As the saying goes, if you want to be unknown to others, you must do nothing yourself.No matter how ingeniously they did it, they couldn't hide it from Wu Zetian's eyes and ears.After learning about this affair, Wu Zetian appeared very calm and did not show any signs of expression. She was afraid of affecting her nephew's future and did not want to cause more trouble for herself, so she just replaced Princess Taiping's maid.After sitting down, Wu Zetian summoned Minzhi in private, severely reprimanded him, encouraged him to work hard on state affairs, cultivate excellent political skills from practice, and become a generation of young people who can do something.Wu Minzhi knew how powerful his aunt was, so he knelt on the ground, accepting the reprimand humbly, begging for leniency, and promising to repent and start a new life.Things finally got away with it.However, Zhou Guogong Wu Minzhi, who had a different heart, not only did not take the warning and strictly restrained himself, but also further deepened his aversion to Wu Zetian, and tried every means to prepare for the long-planned revenge.For Wu Zetian, Chang'an has always been unfavorable, and one thing after another, one thing after another, keeps appearing one after another.Goryeo, which had long been an enemy of the Tang Dynasty, had a civil strife. How to grasp this favorable situation, make full use of the situation, and completely conquer it was put on the agenda again.After Gai Suwen passed away, his eldest son, Gai Nanjian, succeeded Molizhi as the executive officer of the central government. He began to preside over the country's government affairs and toured various places, so he ordered his younger brothers Gai Nanjian and Gai Nanchan to serve as left-behind officials in Pyongyang, Kyoto.Someone provoked Nan Jian and Nan Chan and said: "Boys are unwilling to endure the threat of you two, and they are going to get rid of you two, so it is better to strike first."
Someone else warned the boy: "Your two younger brothers are afraid that you will go back and seize their power, and want to prevent you from returning to the capital."
The boy sent his cronies to Pyongyang secretly for reconnaissance, but was captured by his younger brother, so he summoned the boy back to Beijing with the king's order.The boy felt an inexplicable fear and dared not go back.Nan Jian called himself Mo Lizhi and sent troops to hunt down his elder brother.The boy fled after hearing the news, stationed in the city, and sent his son Gai Xiancheng to the Tang Dynasty for help.Wu Zetian and Li Zhi weighed the advantages and disadvantages, and ordered Qimi Heli, the general of Youxiaowei, to be the pacification ambassador of Liaodong Road, and led the army to rescue Gai Nannan.Gai Xiancheng was appointed as the general of Youwuwei and his guide.He also appointed General Pang Tongshan of the Right Jinwu Guard and Gao Pei, the governor of Yingzhou, to be the marching chiefs to jointly attack Goryeo.Pang Tongshan won the victory and defeated the Goryeo Kingdom Army.Guy Gai led his followers to join forces with Pang Tongshan.Li Zhi issued an imperial edict, entrusting Gai Boydang to be Tejin, the general manager of Liaodong Road, and the pacification ambassador of Pyongyang Road, and named Xuantu County Duke.At this time, the national power of the Tang Dynasty was at its peak, the soldiers were strong and the horses were strong, and the success of the expeditionary army was reported frequently.Li Zhi was moved, and proposed to ask the emperor to conquer Gaoli himself.Wu Zetian was ashamed to dissuade him, but she also wanted to cover up the emperor's face so that he could step down; at the same time, considering the need to completely subjugate Gaoli, she decided to send Sikong and Li Jin, the British prince, as the chief officers of the Liaodong Road Army.Li Jin is more than a few years old, but his waist is strong, his body is majestic, and his vigor remains the same as before.He has a gentle temper, a leisurely manner, and his emotions are invisible.He never panicked or flustered in any urgent matter or stimulation.He likes to be neat and tidy. He always wears straight court clothes and wears his head properly, just like a statue of Bodhisattva, with silver beard and white hair, broad chest and flat top, and full flesh and blood.Walking is like a tiger's pace, and when you lift your eyes, it's like an eagle watching a wolf.Li Zhi and Wu Zetian summoned him in the Zichen Palace, took their seats and showed great respect.Li Jin sat upright on the brocade pier like a pen, his words were cautious, and his tone was more calm and slow than usual.Every word that came out of his mouth seemed to have been weighed.
"The holy heart is arbitrary. Taking advantage of the civil strife in the east, he raised a righteous army and crusaded the rebels. The old minister was in the army, and he had the duty to go to the battlefield to serve the country and repay the kindness of the two sages and the first emperor.
"The family is old, and it's hard to bear to drive on a saddle horse. But Goryeo is stubborn, with deep trenches and high fortifications, resisting the Central Plains. It is difficult for non-love Qing to fly over the natural dangers and completely conquer them. I hope that soon, the teacher of the triumphant song, I will be the leader The civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty greeted the suburbs."
After listening to Wu Zetian's words, Li Jin became even more excited, and kowtowed to thank him.Wu Zetian immediately told all the soldiers and horses to be under his command, and all the attendants and counselors he used were allowed to be dispatched.Li Jin thanked him again and recommended Hao Chujun, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, Shao Changbo, as his second son.Wu Zetian approved all Li Jin's requests.An imperial edict was issued, appointing Hao Chujun as the deputy general manager.Pang Tongshan and Qimi Heli served as the deputy chief executives of Liaodong Road at the same time, and they were also appeasement ambassadors.Dou Jide, Dugu Qingyun, Guo Daifeng, etc., the commanders-in-chief of the land and water armies and the food transport envoys, were all under the control of Li Ji.All rents and taxes from the states north of the Yellow River in Hebei were transported to Liaodong for military use.Guo Daifeng is the son of Guo Xiaoke, and Guo Xiaoke is an old minion of Li Qin's life-and-death acquaintance.Guo Xiaoke died in the battle of Kucha 18 years ago, and Li Jin was the most loyal. He cared for Guo Daifeng, made strict demands on him, and encouraged him to inherit his father's behest and make contributions.Since he was ordered to go to war, Li Jin has become a very busy person, working day and night, so tired that his back hurts.He first set up the Grand Chief's Mansion, mobilized all the personnel accompanying the battalion, and went to the school with Hao Chujun to select 20,000 elite soldiers and dozens of generals.Wu Zetian was famous for his daring and boldness in employing people. Li Jin accepted the order and entrusted all the military expeditions to him.On the eve of the expedition, the grounds of Chang'an's large and small schools were full of military horses, and they stepped up to practice.He pays attention to practical results, doesn't talk about ostentation, and doesn't easily test the three armies, but he likes to watch exercises.He often came to the scene unexpectedly, as if emerging from the ground, with only a few personal followers beside him, and all guards of honor were exempted.
Ma Bian led the royal horse that was bestowed upon him, and followed behind him. He was wearing a heavy armor in a battle posture, with a sword hanging from his waist, and a dragon-headed cane in his left hand to support his old dragon bell's body.With steady steps, he walked not far from the soldiers and horses, chose a higher position, and turned around slowly, revealing his blue face, and the white beard brushing his chest set off his demeanor. solemn.When someone spotted him, he walked away.The soldiers respected him very much and regarded him as the god of war.His whole life can be said to have come from the war, conquering all over the world and making outstanding achievements.In his old age, the martyrs are full of ambition.Whenever he saw the marching soldiers and heard the sound of drums and drums, the spirit of the old Yuan Rong suddenly cheered up, his chest was straight, his back was full of vigor, and he stood upright like a giant rock. The old man seemed to have slipped from his back. What remains is the awe-inspiring style of waving Fengyun.Knowing that he loved horses, Wu Zetian asked him to choose a few tall sweat horses from among the royal horses.His horsemanship is superb, Ma Bian brought the horse over, he raised his arms, before seeing how he pushed the saddle down, his body was already in the air, and his legs were on the saddle.Turning off the lamp, the sweaty horse galloped along Zhuquemen Street, and disappeared in a blink of an eye, only a cloud of light dust in the distance spread from the center of the street to both sides.During the march, he sat in restraint and marched boldly in unison with the rhythm of the military music and the pace of the cavalry officers and soldiers.On the battlefield, he was surrounded by generals, counselors, and personal soldiers, holding command flags and arrows in his arms. His demeanor was so calm, calm and composed, as stable as Mount Tai, restraining thousands of troops.When the battle started, when he commanded the attack, he pointed the flag to the front and shouted suddenly: "Go!" Swooping down the hillside, flying across the undulating field, piercing the enemy's formation like a steel knife, swinging the saber back and forth to kill.In an instant, the military opportunity was reversed, the enemy's formation was destroyed, and the enemy shouted for father and mother, and fled in all directions.The words are divided into two ends.In Li Jin's legendary life, there are also many unsatisfactory places.His son-in-law, Du Huaigong, is idle and has nothing to do all day long.This time, he wanted to take him on an expedition, establish military exploits, and make a career out of it.Du Huaigong declined, saying that his family was too poor and had no money to prepare military uniforms.Li Jin promised to be supplied by him.Du Huaigong made another excuse and said, "I don't have servants or horses."
Li Jin also sent his slaves and good horses to him.Du Huaigong's mouth was sealed, he had nothing to say, and simply hid in Qiyang Mountain.When the mountain people asked him, he said angrily: "My father-in-law has malicious intentions and wants to use me as a target to make an example to others and build up the army's prestige."
Li Jin shed tears helplessly, sighed and said: "The boy is used to loosening, he doesn't know how to restrain himself, let him go."
No more advice.Under the leadership of Li Jin, the Tang army marched to Liaodong, and the enemy and us were at war with each other, forming a tense atmosphere that was about to explode.The military supplies in the rear were continuously transported to the front line. Because the transportation line was very long, there was often a shortage of food and grass.The Tang Dynasty had frequent wars at this time, and constantly mobilized large armies to fight against Siyi.Wu Zetian just wanted to move to Luoyang as soon as possible. The construction of Penglai, Shangyang, Hebi and other officials, who had huge projects, refused to stop work. The cost was too great, and the national treasury was gradually empty.The weather is sunny and rainy for a long time, which is conducive to marching and fighting, and is also conducive to engineering construction.However, the drought has caused crop failure, soaring prices and shortage of military supplies.The war advances and retreats, wins and loses at times, and has become a stalemate.The war created a more severe famine, and the famine dragged the war back.Morale slowly declined, and deserters continued to appear.The morale of the army is floating, and the people are full of grievances. This is the pre-Qin song of political instability.Prince Hong immediately went to Li Zhi, and said: "This year there are frequent disasters and agricultural labor shortages, and the soldiers who fled from the front line will be thrown into prisons indiscriminately, punished severely, and their wives will not be slaves. For example, some were scattered on the battlefield, some escaped from being captured by the enemy, some left the team due to illness, and some went home from a funeral, etc. After finding out the truth, they should be dealt with lightly.”
"The emperor is right."
Li Zhi nodded, "However, we cannot all be lenient, but should be treated differently. If you should be lenient, you should be lenient. If you should be strict, you should be strict. Combination of leniency and strictness."
"It is said in the Zuo Zhuan that it is better to kill the innocent than to lose the law. What I mean is that it is better to relax the law than to kill the innocent."
Wu Zetian came over, glanced at her husband, then at her son: "What are you talking about?"
"My mother is a thousand years old," Crown Prince Hong kowtowed in benevolence, "My son, please explain to the emperor the provisions concerning the disappearance of soldiers in detail. The different provisions must be clearly distinguished, and the punishment should be lenient rather than indiscriminate."
"As long as there is war, all kinds of phenomena are possible."
Wu Zetian sniffled, "Military discipline is not strict, how to maintain discipline on the battlefield?"
"My queen, tyranny and punishment are not the way to govern the country. We must vigorously promote the rule of virtue and enlightenment. Confucius said: The way is based on government, and the same is punished, and the people are free without shame. Qualified."
"You read a few sentences, swallowed them whole, and only half understood."
Wu Zetian did not disagree with Prince Hong's opinion, but mainly because she taught her son not to come to her.In fact, she is a very pragmatic person, focusing on investigation and proceeding from reality.Many wives of deserters have been exempted from hard labor and punished, and the period of being out of office as slaves has been shortened, and clear regulations have been made.Of course, this is inseparable from the inspiration of the prince, and he has a part of the credit.Reducing or exempting the punishment of deserters only eased the antagonism between the army and the people and the court, and did not solve the fundamental solution.Zhang Wencui, who was awarded the third rank of East and West Taiwan by Dongtai Scheeren, came up and said: "The lesson from the Sui Dynasty is not far away, I hope the people will not be resentful."
Wu Zetian told Li Zhi.Li Zhi also felt the same: "Food is the most important thing for the people. If there is no food to eat, the world will be in chaos."
He wanted to stop some construction projects in Luoyang, but Wu Zetian was unwilling.As a last resort, she came up with a new idea, and Li Zhi issued an edict: cut down the 10,000 royal horses raised by thousands from the royal stables.In ancient Liaodong, the environment was harsh. The rainy season in June and July passed, and it entered the cold period in August and September.It was overcast, with thick, low, dark, cloudy clouds all over the sky.The cold current of the Mongolian plateau rolls rolling loess and snowflakes, blowing towards our faces.Across Changbai Mountain, stretch to Taibai Mountain.The pine forest is crowded like crazy, and the leaves of birch trees and withered grass blades are flying all over the sky.The snow and mist, the wind and sand are endless, and the world is chaotic.The army stationed by the Yalu River, under the reflection of the snow, the shadows of people and horses are so faint, not much life, just like the shadows under the stars and moon, indistinct.The main reason for Li Shimin's failure in his personal conquest of Goryeo was that he became emperor and carried the burden of "supreme" on his back, and lost the aggressiveness and adventurous spirit of the Qin Dynasty.Changsun Wuji insisted that "the emperor's personal conquest is different from that of generals, and you should not take advantage of danger to get away with it."Li Shimin listened to his "successful strategy" and abandoned his magic weapon of "surprising victory" in the early years of using troops, so he could not make a quick decision.It took 60 days to attack Anshi, but it was not enough for a long time, and suddenly it was the end of autumn.Winter in Liaodong came early, the grass was dry and the water was freezing, and the scholars and horses could not stay for long, so they had to order teachers in September.Failure to grasp the timing, and not daring to use surprise soldiers, the lesson is profound.Li Jin is still fresh in his memory as a general who followed Yu Jia's personal expedition.He has been running around on the battlefield, on-site dispatching, direct command, rarely stays in the chief executive's mansion, and does not engage in the rituals of raising accounts and ordering.It wasn't until he found out the situation on the battlefield and the deployment was roughly completed that he called the chief general and counselors to discuss military affairs and mobilize for a general offensive.For such an important issue, guards of honor were not required, and no tents were set up, leaving the White Tiger Festival hall empty.He came to the East Flower Hall very early, dressed in a brand-new python robe and jade belt, sitting in a corner and dozing off.When everyone arrived, he didn't sit on the main seat, but stayed where he was, beckoning, smiling, tilting his head and squinting his eyes as if treating a close old friend.Hearing Hao Chujun's voice, he opened his eyes and saw it with great effort, the voice was as thin as an autumn mosquito humming.
"Well, well, let's start, um, you go first."
Everyone thought that he was overtired and ignored this respected elder.After Hao Chujun talked, everyone was arguing again, but he didn't intervene, but seemed to be asleep, and seemed to be thinking about it.But he didn't know what he was thinking, as if he was out of the way, he didn't pay attention to anyone's attitude and speech, as if he turned a blind eye and listened but didn't hear.There was a sudden silence in the hall, no one made a sound, he still held his breath, and turned his eyes to a small white poplar standing against the wind outside the window, looking at its swaying tree branches in a trance.Qimi Heli proposed to concentrate his forces to attack the north of Fushun County, Liaoning, a new city, which aroused a lot of discussion.Xue Renzhi, General of Zuowuwei, added: "We can also send more spies into the city, spread rumors, shake his army's morale, and at the same time mobilize the people to make trouble. Attack from inside and outside, and strive for the initiative."
"Attack inside and outside, good."
Li Jin withdrew his gaze from the window, "The Art of War says: A good fighter can cause damage to others but not control others." He also said: Soldiers win because of the enemy. The reason is very clear. Wars must be based on the military, political, financial, and psychological strengths of the enemy and us. Only by taking contingency measures at any time can we grasp the initiative in war. For example, feigning an attack, luring the enemy, disturbing the enemy, angering the enemy, exhausting the enemy, starving the enemy, taking advantage of the weakness, taking the lead, showing weakness, and alienating are all important strategies for gaining the initiative. Xue The general is a living book on military tactics. His use of troops can be summed up in two sentences, eight words: be proactive and flexible, and predict the enemy's victory. I will add one more point, to capture the new city, you must fight quickly."
The army and horses crossed the Liaohe River and entered the state of battle.Li Jin led the generals to survey the terrain, mobilized troops to surround Xincheng, and emphasized sonorously: "Xincheng is an important pass in the west of Koryo. If we don't seize it first, other cities will be difficult to conquer."
The Tang army launched a general attack, and rockets shot at the city tower like locusts, and the trenches were filled up section by section, and the soldiers climbed the ladder to climb the city wall.The spy who sneaked into the city followed suit.They mobilized the common people, led by their teacher Fuchou, rushed up the enemy building from the horse road, captured the main defender of the city alive, opened the city gate, and surrendered to the Tang army.After Bojin entered the city, he held a banquet to reward the soldiers and civilians, and rewarded the local people such as the meritorious soldiers and teachers.The Tang army took advantage of the victory to attack, and was invincible, conquering sixteen cities in a row.When Gai Nanjian got the military report, he was shocked and led the army to retake Xincheng.Pang Tongshan and Gao Kan's troops have not yet set off.
The two armies met and fought fiercely under the city.When the kill was inextricable, a gust of wind blew up from the southeast corner, and a group of men and horses miraculously rushed over.A sound of cannon, like thunder, shook the heavens and earth. Immediately, there was a clamor of drums and horns, and there were shouts everywhere. The Gaoli army was in chaos.Pang Tongshan and Gao Ni's army horses cooperated with Xue Rengui's reinforcements to attack the Koryo army from two sides.Unable to resist, Gai Nanjian ordered Ming Jin to retreat and retreat.Gao Kan led his troops to the northwest to Kangping County, Jinshan, Liaoning, and fought with the Koryo army.Just as the two armies had just formed their positions, a hailstorm suddenly fell, hitting their heads and faces.The wind became stronger and stronger, and the hail became denser and denser. People and horses couldn't stand upright, and their eyes were narrowed into a slit, and they couldn't open them.The Koryo army adapted to the environment, took advantage of the bad weather to launch an offensive, and advanced step by step, so that the Tang army was forced to retreat and was forced to fight.The Koryo army took advantage of the victory to pursue and killed the Tang army to hide in Tibet.Tang Jun only had the power to parry, but had no power to fight back. It seemed that he could not hold on.At this critical moment, Xue Rengui arrived just in time.
Thirty thousand horses seemed to descend from the sky, cutting off the Koryo army at the waist, ignoring the attack of hail, desperately hacking and killing.Gao Kan, who was riding on a horse, waved his whip and pointed: "Xue Rengui is here, we are rescued!"The Tang army increased its vitality, Xue Rengui was brave and invincible, and quickly changed the situation of being passively beaten, turned defeat into victory, killed the enemy's armor and armor, and beheaded the Korean general Jin Zhenru, beheading more than 50,000 ranks.It was dark and bright, and the wind howled.After the hailstorm, fine snow particles fell one after another like salt flowers.The Tang army cleaned up the battlefield, reorganized the three armies, and attacked against the wind and snow. It was unstoppable and continued to capture the three cities of Xifeng County, Mudi, Liaoning, and Huanren County, Liaoning, and successfully joined forces with the governor of Liaodong. .The battle became more intense and smoother, and more and more cities were conquered. The Tang army basically regained a large area of lost land west of the Yalu River.Li Jin is worthy of being a great military strategist and strategist. He defended the Yalu River with heavy troops, blocked Gaoli's reinforcements, beat dogs behind closed doors, defeated Gaoli's army like a wind and clouds, and regained the lost territory.Sun Tzu said: "Siege of a city is a last resort."
The Tang army generally took the Koryo army out of the city to fight in the field, actively, flexibly, and surprisingly defeated the enemy's vital forces in the field.Without making sufficient preparations, without forming an absolute advantage, and never directly attacking the city first, the casualties were greatly reduced.Most of the castles occupied by Gaoli lost the ability to defend in the field, and they were destroyed in one attack, or they were destroyed without attacking, or they abandoned the city and fled.Li Ji was far-sighted and strategized, and started to plan to join forces with the army and horses entering the Korean peninsula to win the final victory!Take Pyongyang one by one.The soldiers and horses did not move, but the food and grass went first.Guo Daifeng, the grain transporter, led the navy boats to Pyongyang from Haidao, and Feng Shiben, the general of Li Jin's faction, carried grain, mow and weapons to support him.Feng Shiben's transport fleet was in distress at sea, the ship crashed into glass, and did not arrive on schedule.Guo Daifeng's army was short of food, and the soldiers were hungry and distressed. He wanted to write to Li Shijin for help, but he was afraid that he would fall into the enemy's hands on the way.He revealed the secret of food shortage, so he wrote a "separation poem" and sent it to Li Jin.Li Jin was puzzled, and his beard was raised with anger: "The military situation is urgent, and he still has the time to write some poems for me to read. He is really ignorant of current affairs, so he must be beheaded."
"The chief executive calm down."
Yuan Wanqing, the officer in charge of the march, persuaded him, "Master Guo, the son of a general, doesn't know how to trifle with military affairs. There must be something else in the poem. Let me take a closer look."
"You, a bachelor of the North Gate, have read too many books, and you have been bored. You are asking for trouble. If there are no other articles in the poem, I will blame you as well."
"Sima Qian interceded for Li Ling, and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty punished him with corruption, leaving behind an eternal grudge. The Duke is always wise, so don't be arrogant."
"Stop citing the scriptures and commenting on the classics, and use the past to satirize the present, nerd, I don't have time to talk to you, take it and read it quickly."
Yuan Wanqing disassembled Guo Daifeng's poems, took out a word from each poem and reassembled it, and spelled out the words "the army is short of food, it is extremely urgent".Li Jin suddenly realized, walked up to Yuan Wanqing, patted him on the shoulder and said, "My boy, you are more scheming than me. It seems that knowledge is not bad, the more you read, the smarter you will be, and your knowledge will increase."
Yuan Wanqing was appreciated by Li Jin and was highly valued.However, literary people are often not afraid, and their emotions are easily impulsive.When Yuan Wanqing was commissioned to write Goryeo, on a whim, he sneered at Goryeo: "You don't know the danger of guarding duck green."
Instead, Gai Nanjian was mentioned. In his reply, he said in a joking tone: "Thank you for your teaching, Gai has obeyed your orders!" Immediately mobilized the army to strengthen the defense of the Yalu River.When the Tang army reached the Yalu River, they were stubbornly blocked by the Koryo army on the other side and could not cross the east.Li Jin's heart was burning like fire, and his blood was about to dry up.But he didn't get angry, his cheeks trembled slightly, and he shrugged his shoulders: "A nerd is a nerd after all, and it can be used but not reused."
It is a crime to deceive the emperor by lying about the military situation, so Li Jin had to report the truth to the Ming court.Li Zhi glanced at the memorial on the dragon case, and his anger poured out like a mountain torrent: "Leaking secrets and delaying the battle, I can't wait to kill this fool with my own hands. Despicable useless!" He turned to face Wu Zetian: " Look, look, look at the good deeds done by the Beimen bachelors you directly supported."
"He didn't do it on purpose, it was a mistake."
Wu Zetian retaliated.
"Whether he made mistakes or not, he has committed a heinous crime. He must be dealt with strictly and beheaded for public display."
Wu Zetian walked back and forth in the hall with her hands behind her back, her face turning red and then pale, her eyebrows frowned, and her feet pounding on the golden brick floor.She thought: Yuan Wanqing has read a lot of books and is quite talented, but he is unrestrained, careless and a little frivolous.I let him join the army because I wanted to overcome the weakness of floating ankles under the discipline of the experienced and prudent Li Jin.The mole that grows from the generated eyebrows seems to be hard to change.This liability accident was too serious, the emperor was furious and had to be punished.However, it would be a pity to kill him. I will have to use him, Fan Lubing, Miao Shenke, Zhou Enmao, Hu Chubin and other Beimen scholars to write books for me and participate in current affairs.As the saying goes, retreat is the way to advance.I don't need to argue with the emperor, discussing the merits and demerits, on the surface I obey him, and secretly protect Yuan Wanqing.After waiting for two days, the atmosphere eased up, and Li Zhi's anger also subsided a little.Wu Zetian drew up an imperial decree, handed it to Li Zhi to sign, and exiled Yuan Wanqing to Lingnan.On the 23rd Eastern Expedition, in the Battle of Jinshan, the Tang Army defeated the Koryo Army, and joined the Gainan Army, and planned to advance Fuyu City Yulin Siping City.Xue Rengui took the initiative to invite Ying, and only brought 3,000 troops as the forward.Gao Kan raised his forehead and said with concern: "The general is both brave and good at dispatching surprise soldiers, but there are too few soldiers, I'm afraid he won't be able to handle it."
"There are not many people, it mainly depends on how to use it."
Xue Rengui replied.
"Fuyu is an important military town. It is easy to defend but difficult to attack. You must not underestimate the enemy. Allocate 10,000 more horses to you, okay?"
"The newly conquered cities must be defended with troops, and the fleeing enemy troops must be pursued. Our army's strength has already been overwhelmed, and your troops are not enough."
Xue Rengui led 3,000 people on the road immediately, and the generals and schools under his command also expressed concern and kept singing and complaining.
"It's hard to beat a good player. Thousands of people beat tens of thousands of people, just like a dog with a bone is beaten to death."
"We are the teachers of justice," Xue Rengui puffed up his chest, "One counts as ten, why can't we win with less?"
"Han Xin's soldiers, the more the better. The fire is high, and the strength is strong when there are many people."
“你们莫逼我了。实话告诉你们，我首先不会攻城，也不会跟他们的主力接触，而是采取各个击破的法子，一口一口地吃掉他们。”
众人相互点了点头，像天风吹开云雾一样，心境豁然开朗，疑虑顿失。薛仁贵诡秘地眨了眨眼睛，最后叮咛说：“天机不可泄露，请注意保密。”
扶余守将李克刚得到流星探马的臬报，唐军三千人马来取扶余城，先是一怔，后来一想，捧着圆鼓鼓的肚皮发出一阵狂笑：“哈哈，送死的来了。”
他用手掠一掠两撇唇髭，传下将令，摆开阵势迎敌。可是，等了又等，一直等到断黑，还不见唐军的身影。只得鸣锣收兵，返回城内休整待命。时间过去了十来天，仍不见动静。李克刚有些稳不住了，心头似十五只吊桶打水一七上八下的，不知到底发生了什么事。他连续派出马探，步探，马步连环探，打探了几天。忽然传来消息，薛仁贵收降了七座城池，扩充到了上万人马，从背后杀过来了。李克刚惊讶得像挨了一下闷棍，一股冷气从脚心往上直冲，结结巴巴地问左右谋士：“兵临城下，这，这如何是好？”
“自古兵来将挡，水来土屯。唐军敢来，我们就敢打。”
“据说薛蛮了三箭定天山，武艺髙强，不好对付呐。”
“将军，不要长他人的志气，灭自己的威风。”
谋士们竭力给李克刚壮胆，“他又没有三头六臂，怕他干吗？我们不如摆个六甲神丁阵，设计把他引进阵内，关死他。”
薛仁贵率领三军进抵扶余城下，只见守军在郊外摆了一个大阵带着身边的谋士和参将就近登上一座高岗，隐隐约约听见传来号角及呐喊的声音。细细俯视，原来是个六甲神丁阵。阵内阴风惨惨，迷雾沉沉，隐藏一派杀机。参将王永杰打了个冷噤，露出了惊恐的神色。
“这阵寒气很重，给人一种凶险的恐怖感，好不好破啊？”
“四夷喜欢玩这样的名堂，动不动摆阵。”
薛仁责轻蔑地撇了撇嘴，“它样子吓人，其实是纸老虎，小菜一碟。”
“我听说打阵要会识别阵图，还要懂得五方、五色，以及五行相生相克的道理。盲目行动，一步走错，就会落进陷坑，或者踩晌地雷火炮，或者碰上毒箭。”
“你说的不算错。玻阵首先要学会跑阵，掌握这些基本常识，北西南东中配黑白红绿黄，又与水金木火土相配。再就是木生火，火生土，土生金，金生水，水生木。五行相克是：木克土，土克火，火克金，金克水，水克木。”
“说事容易做事难呐！”
“又难又不难。人阵先要判别生门、死门，从生门人阵后要眼观四路，耳听八方，运用五行五色相生相克的知识，选择正道走。俗话说，抡贼先擒王，破阵先破胆。抓住要害打掉他的阵胆，阵势就乱了，一攻即破。”
说罢，薛仁贵认镫扳鞍，飞身上马，带着一哨骁骑奔下山岗，越过堑壕，从生门进阵，避开火炮、陷阱，躲过箭矢，从侧面左盘右转，冲杀到了将台下面。李克刚忙命旗官摇动令旗，调兵围攻。说时迟、那时快，薛仁贵连发两箭，一箭洞穿旗官的咽喉，一箭射倒了李克刚。阵中失去了指挥，霎时乱成了一锅粥。薛仁贵率铁骑在阵中一搅，从南杀到北，从北杀到南，杀了个七进七去，玻了六甲神丁阵。王永杰调动三军接应上来，堵住髙丽军的退路，追围剿杀，杀得血流成河，尸没马蹄，杀戮及俘虏一万余人，夺取了扶余城。唐军杀出了气势，杀出了威风。髙丽军人心惶惶，风声鹤唳，草木皆兵，望风投降。薛仁责以少胜多，由弱到强，不断壮大，发展到了三万人马，收复了扶余平川四十余座城池。郝处俊来到高丽城下，随从军马还没有来得及列阵，髙丽兵突然袭击。军中大骇，惊恐失色。郝处俊一动不动地坐在胡床上，不急不慢地吃干粮，谈笑自若，神情稳如泰山一般。暗中却选派精兵勇将进行反击。髙丽军被乱箭射得死的死，伤的伤，躲的躲，退的退。唐军援兵赶到了，冲向高丽军中大砍大杀，杀得敌兵抱头鼠窜，四散逃命。从此，郝处俊的胆量和谋略在军中传颂开了。侍榔使贾言忠奉命出使辽东，返回京城。李治和武则天在宣政殿召见他，询问军事情况。贾言忠咯一凝神，开门见山地跪奏道：“二圣等侯佳音吧，髙面一定会彻底覆灭。”
“说得好干脆的，嘿，你这结论是如何得出来的？”武则天满面生辉，感兴趣地追问道。
“隋炀帝东征失败，因为人心离散怨忿。先帝东征而不成功，因为髙丽内部精诚团结。现在，高面国王高藏软弱，莩握朝政的大臣专断独行。盖苏文死后，盖男建兄弟勾心斗角，互相倾轧。盖男生诚心归附唐朝，充当我们的向导。他们国内的情形，我们都知道。依靠陛下的英明圣哲，国家富强，将士的尽忠竭力，攻无不克，战无不胜。而髙丽连年饥荒，怪事不断发生，人心震骇恐惧。它的灭亡，顷刻间即将到来。”
贾言忠在对答中把“二圣”改成了“陛下英明圣哲”，武则天心生不满，脸往下一沉，眼睹翻上了额头。隔了一阵，李治才开口打玻沉默。
“辽东前线的将领，哪一位最能干？”
“薛仁贵勇冠三军，威震敌胆。庞同善虽然不撩长激战，伹治军有方，纪律严明。髙侃克勤克俭，忠勇果敢而有谋略。契宓何力沉稳坚毅，判断准确，虽然妒忌心重，但统御之才首屈一指。”
“李筋如何？”
“他呀，”贾言忠满脸佩服的神色，“勤勤恳恳，兢兢业业，曰夜操劳而忘记了自己。算计划策，深藏若虚一代军事统帅，非他莫属。”
“难得呀难得！”李治目光闪了闪，蓦然又暗了下来：“可惜老元勋年事已高，岁月不由人啊。但愿东征一劳永逸，让他清闲清闲，多活几年。”
李筋是武则天的大恩人，武则天既感激他，又敬重他。她怕他劳第过度累垮身子，同时又考虑到征辽进人了决战阶段，决计给他加派一位得力的助手，其中最佳人选首推刘仁轨。刘仁轨曾经长期在百济驻军，熟悉辽东的情况，而且操守方正，智深勇沉，又耐烦又干练。这样可以起到一举两得的作用：一则减轻了李筋的部分负担，一则增加了胜利的保险系数。朝廷很快下达了诏书，任命右相刘仁轨当辽东道大总管。刘仁轨抵达辽东大总管府，李筋玻例降阶相迎，迎进行辕西花厅，治酒接风。二位长者都很激动，感觉责任重大，敞开肺腑彻夜长谈，商议军务。次日黎明，他们正打算共进早餐，却收到了一份军报：盖男建亲提五万人马救援扶余城。事关重大，而大总管府所辖诸路人马还没有集中。李筋便遣数员小将四处传令，命数路人马赶赴扶余，作好迎战的准备。会战必须由总管府节度各路人马，李筋放心不下，想亲自去现场坐镇指挥。
“杀鸡焉用牛刀，”刘仁轨劝阻道，“用不着大总管亲自出马。我和高丽周旋惯了，正要去教训教训这位不知天高地厚的毛小子，让他长点见识。”
“相公一路奔波来到行辕，屁股都还没有坐热，最好先歇息几天再说。”
李筋反过来阻止刘仁轨。
“坐已经坐够了。不如到战场上去走动走动，比呆在行辕潇洒得多。”
“话莫说得太轻松，”李筋深挚地说，“打仗可是要命的买卖，刀枪没有长眼睛咧。”
“我是从战场上走过来的，有一套封刀的法子，身上刀枪不入，不会有什么危险。”
“又开玩笑。行辕照样要人料理，你留下来好啦。”
“说真的，还是我去为好。请下令吧！”李筋从壶里抽出一支令箭，抓在手上停留了一会儿，然后又放下了。刘仁轨坚请不已，态度愈来愈坚决。李筋走到刘仁轨面前，双手把令箭给了他。刘仁轨老当益壮，而且精于韬咯，指挥若定，调度有方，众将心悦诚服。唐军在薛贺水辽宁凤城县附近跟髙丽军相遇，互相攻过去攻过来，像拉锯似的战了好几个回合。战到日影西斜时，双方都疲乏了，喊杀声和刀枪碰撞的声音渐渐低沉下来。盖男建身旁的护卫着急了，打算杀开一条血路，护着盖男建撤离战场，然后施展诈术用奇兵战胜唐军。盖男建嘴角往下一拉，眼睛微眯，露出一派狡黠的难以捉摸的笑意：“撤离干吗？嘿嘿，胜利就在眼前，咱家的援军即刻便到。”
话音刚落，髙丽大行城朝鲜咸兴府西南的援军赶来了。炮声隆隆，战鼓咚咚，摇旗呐喊从斜侧面杀了过来，荡开唐军的阵角，穿插到垓心疯狂地劈杀。唐军顽强抵抗，拼杀了一气，口里干得冒青烟，喉咙里涌出了血腥气。马也累得偏倒，吐着白沫，萧萧悲鸣着。援军主将带劲地挥舞令旗，传令兵四处奔跑，髙丽军立马便要转人反攻了。骑在马上的盖男建挺着那凸起来的肚腹，伸长脖子，犹如得胜的公鹅，向左右顾盼了一会儿，纵声大笑起来。蓦然间，他的笑声戛然而止，笑容好像从他脸上扯下来了一样，脖子也缩了进去。刘仁轨调动大军和髙侃、庞同善一道，以马蹄形的半包围形式包抄上来了。刘仁轨居中，高侃从南侧，庞同善从北方，同时从高丽军背后掩杀而来。三军将士手托长矛，举着大刀，一排排一列列，按着军乐的节拍，迈着迅猛的步伐昂然行进。在相距敌方不到十丈远时，刘仁轨左手一提马纽，右手握紧鞭柄朝前一指：“杀啊！”苍老而略带沙哑的音调相当低沉，然而具有无限的威力，像神话中的咒语一样，在祈祷中可以上达天庭，在战场上可以驱动千军万马，奔向敌军给予致命的打击。催阵的战鼓震天价轰响，号角声声，唐军如猛虎下山一般冲向敌阵。髙丽军腹背受敌，慌了手脚，但并没有放下武器，困兽犹斗，酷如被追窘了的野狼，反扑过来嘶咬，进行垂死的挣扎。可是包抄上来的唐军都赛似伏狼的猎手，枪法精湛，刀像砍瓜切菜一样，杀得敌人哇呀呀怪叫。高丽发起几次冲锋，都被唐军挡住了，突不玻刘仁轨设下的一道道防线。他们的兵卒拼得愈厉害死得愈惨，骑卒纷纷落马，步卒东偏西倒，地上摆满了横七竖八的尸首。王永杰喘咻咻地跟上薛仁责，兴奋地说：“瞒瞒，想不到老相爷还有这么一手一一后发制人。”
“相公用兵，不像大总管那样稳打稳扎，以优势兵力取胜。他如同猫吃老鼠似的，喜欢捉弄对方一番之后，将其歼灭。”
“以用兵如神来形容你们这些大总管，其实当之无愧，各有各的拿手好戏。”
“我不敢跟他们二位长者比。”
薛仁贵连连摆手，“他们精通六韬三略，具有丰富的实战经验，三十六计运用自如，以不变应万变，攻无不克，战无不胜。”
打仗本来是斗智斗勇的军事行动，要想取得战争的胜利，作为三军主帅，不仅要具有超人的胆略和气魄，而且还要善于算计谋划，不露痕迹地调兵遣将，千变万化，以变应变，才有可能克敌制胜。李筋和刘仁轨得知盖男建想以重兵夺回扶余，将计就计，大张旗鼓调动军马。盖男建求胜心切，在迫不得已的情况下，只得从军事要塞大行城抽出主要兵力前来助战。大行城的兵马一动，李筋和刘仁轨取得联系，进行分工：刘仁轨不但要消灭盖男建的有生力量，而且要切断大行城援军的退路。李筋则暗传将令，调集鸭绿江以东的人马，巧取大行城。两军交战中，盖男建得到探马的禀报，李筋趁大行城空虚，派兵围住了城池。明知中了调虎离山之计，盖男建急命大小三军和援军突围，回师去救大行城。他且战且退，向东往鸭绿江方向退却。刘仁轨庵军追杀，追得髙丽军像野鸡一样奔窜。唐军将士心里发毛：“兵法说，穷寇勿追。他们紧跑，我们紧追，这做法太反常喽。”
追着追着，只见前头的髙丽兵霍然栽倒下去。连人带马掉进了契宓何力早已挖好的陷坑里。大势已去，无法挽回败局，盖男建但求保全性命，就近钻进一片榆树林，抛弃头盔甲胄，金蛘脱壳，在亲随和卫军的掩护下逃掉了。唐军大破高丽军，斩杀及俘虔三万余人。攻取大行城的战斗打晌了，李筋亲临城下督战。三军排列成梯队，将云梯横搁在护城壕上，脚踏云梯过了壕沟，踊跃往城墙边猛冲。城上箭如雨下，将士们只得退了回来。敌我双方的战鼓都擂得爆响，炮声、喊声闹沉了半边天。唐军的火箭、石炮飞向大行城城墙，压住了敌人的气势。第一梯队的将士用藤牌遮挡雕翎，踩着云梯重新过了护城壕，后续梯队连接拥了过去，将云梯抬到城下，靠着城墙竖立起来，奋不顾身往上爬。城上滚木播石打下来，打死打伤了好些唐军将士。郝处俊受了伤，擦掉头上的鲜血，包扎好伤口，又要去登云梯。李筋佯装生气的模样喝叱道：“退下去歌息！有我在这里，用不着你多事。”
“多一个人多一份力量，”郝处俊固执地说，“我的伤不重，完全可以坚持。”
“脑袋都砸破了，还说伤不重。”
“擦玻了一点皮，只能叫做挂彩，算不得伤。”
“我人老眼睛可没花，你瞒不住我。”
李筋见硬的不行，又来软的：“别称硬汉，听话。”
郝处俊没有听从劝告，跟着将士们登上了城墙，与高丽军短兵相接，展开了殊死的拼斗。唐军如蚂蚁似的一缕缕沿着云梯往上爬，抢占城头。髙丽守城的兵卒抽空了，伤亡没有人补充。唐军的人数愈来愈多，愈战愈勇，很快占了上风。郝处俊带头颃着马道下了楼，开门落锁，放下吊桥。唐军的人马如翻滚的洪涛一样涌进了大行城。取得大行城之后，唐军各路人马从四面八方开拔到大总管府，整装待命。李筋传令三军进抵鸭绿江高丽的营寨前，发动攻击。髙丽江防军严阵以待，凭险抗拒。唐军坚无不摧，奋勇争先，大打攻坚战，攻克了江防要塞。江防军节节败退，边退边反抗。唐军尾随不放，逶迤追击，追了二百余里，又一鼓作气攻陷辱夷城。髙丽军闻风丧胆，其他城堡的守将或者弃城而逃，或者献城投降。唐军势如玻竹攻城略地。契宓何力一军首先进到高丽京都一平壤一城下，各路人马相继抵达。李筋下令团团围住平壤，围而不攻，截断其水陆通道，使它成了一座孤城。
平壤死守了一个多月，城中粮草告罄。官兵心灰意懒，万念俱灭，失去了战斗的勇气。百姓公开放抢，杀人放火，甚至夺取军马宰杀充饥。潜伏在城内的细作乘势煽风点火，制造混乱，闹得满城风雨，空气紧张得如黑云压城城欲摧。傀伤国王髙藏没有掌握实权，跟盖氏弟兄貌合神离，同床异梦，很少而且也不允许他以国家之计为重。他已经养成默坐冥想的习惯，眼晡里所显露出来的感情，是无奈与平静，甚至于可以说是空虚，无所事事，得过且过。唐军围得平壤水泄不通，他似乎还有些幸灾乐祸。转念一想，又觉得国家毕竟是属于他的，眼看国破家亡，荣华将尽，霎时生出一股凄酸与悲伤之感，似有万千哀怨横亘胸中，无法排遣，痛心疾首，神魂俱乱。唐军在城下举行阅兵仪式，炫耀军威。军容严肃、整齐划一而又彩纹斑斓的人马，在红白二色旗的导引下，合着军乐的节拍，迈开矫健的步伐，昂首挺胸地从城门前走过去，犹如缓缓移动的七彩飘带一样，炫烨光耀，夺人眼目。髙丽的臣民吓得面面相觑，不敢吱声，同时又很仰慕，颂赞中原的文化素养和威武强大。
李筋稳操胜券，表情却从容大度，不骄不矂，等待水到渠成，瓜熟蒂落。他以先礼后兵的姿态，致书高藏，劝其归降，免遭生灵涂炭。高藏亦喜亦忧，似酸似辣。他想：与其受人挟制，闹得兵荒马乱的，还不如投靠唐朝，坐享富贵，平平安安地过日子。大臣们也主张投降，都说迟降不如早降，投降才是求生存的惟一希望。盖男产也动摇了，不愿意挥戈上阵，白白送死，而且也很少有人再敢跟唐军较量。高藏的心窝躁得吃不下饭，夜晚睡不着觉，更鼓声声好像敲在胸口上，更增添了一层烦恼。他头晕脑涨，紧张得浑身的血管恍若都要炸裂了似的，再也挺不住了，于是派遣盖男产率领九十八人，打着白旗，前往唐军中军帐，向李筋投降。李筋伸手扶起跪倒在地的盖男产，以礼接待，心平气和，又宽厚又诚恳。高藏得到回报，长嘘了一口气，把提到喉咙口的心又放回到胸膛里去了。投降是一种艰难的选择，历史上还常常出现君降臣不降的现象。髙藏降了，心里踏实了。手握兵权的髙男建偏偏不降，紧闭城门坚决反抗，并派兵出城骚扰唐营，袭击唐军，跟唐军进行拼杀。不过，大势已去，人心不齐，战则必败。厌战情绪髙涨，军心动摇。髙男建失去了信心，却又执迷不悟，沉湎到了酒色之中，寻求短暂的享乐与解脱，把军务委托给僧人信诚，让他去应付。信诚背不动如此沉重的包袱，他来了个“悬崖勒马”，派出小沙弥秘密晋见李筋，口称阿弥陀佛，愿意充当内应。
五天后，他偷偷命人打开城门，放下吊桥。唐军兵不染血，进入平壤。李筋指挥将士登上城楼，擂动战鼓，喧闹腾腾，放火焚烧城上四角堡垒。盖男建从沉醉中惊醒过来，走投无路，拔剑自刎，又被救活，成了俘虏。高丽王国到此灭亡。自隋朝开国以来，从隋文帝到唐太宗，隋唐几代帝王都想征服髙丽，愿意皆成泡影。即使有“无敌将军”之称的李世民，一生征战皆捷，惟独御驾亲征高丽失败，留下了终生遗憾。李洽即位，名为天子，实则由武则天攀管政权。一个女人，打着皇帝的旗号，准确地说，以“二圣”的名义，出谋划策，调兵遗将，高居庙堂，遥控辽东，重用军事天才李筋，不到两年时间，便彻底平定了离面，了却了大唐的一桩心愿。没有人推崇武则天为军亊家，然而她的深谋远虑，明于决断，吸取前人的经验教训，从亊实出发进行战略决策，挑选精兵良将，知人善任，又能从天灾困扰的情况下摆脱出来，开通运输，及时供应武器、粮秣等军需物资，无可非议的促成了战争的顺利进行，大获全胜。迷信文宇魔力的武则天喜欢更改年号，乾封三年三月六曰，又下诏改元为总章。
因此说，本年三月六日之前，是乾封三年；之后，则为总聿元年。