In fact, Li Shimin’s motivation was not simply due to the rapid recovery of Kyushu.

At its core, it was still the influence brought by the Gu Clan.

In the original history—

Li Shimin was an emperor with exceptional intellect. Besides pacifying through martial force, he also believed that "the Hu and Yue are one family with the Central Plains," advocating that "a king views the four seas as one family."

In the original history’s court, minority generals accounted for half the officials, and tens of thousands of Turkic families resided in Chang’an, with over a million incorporated into the Great Tang’s household registration.

Even in the original history, Li Shimin was like this, let alone now with the precedence set by Gu Chen and Gu Ye.

He would only become more resolute.

Integrating foreign races, strengthening Kyushu, opening trade routes, and thereby creating a prosperous era.

This is undoubtedly a feasible path.

As long as he lives and can maintain internal stability in the Tang court, this path will lead the entire Great Tang to a brand-new peak.

Even Gu Yi was filled with anticipation.

—The tribute of all nations, the governance of Zhenguan.

With the foundation already laid for the whole of Kyushu, what will the ensuing prosperity look like?

And for the future of Kyushu... what enormous impact will it have?

All this is worth Gu Yi’s anticipation. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

....

Li Shimin was not a man to hesitate.

Once he made up his mind, the entire Tang court followed his will and quickly moved into action.

It is worth mentioning that—

Gu Quan set off.

After years, he finally proceeded to where he was always headed, planning to fulfill Gu Yu’s dying wish by leading the Gu Clan’s descendants in secret.

At the same time, Li Shimin was also constantly mobilizing troops.

In fact, the renewed plundering by the Turks was not just because of human greed, but also due to the exhausted situation.

In recent years, the internal conflicts within the Turks had been continuous.

Even though the last time a new treaty was signed between the Turks and the Great Tang, the significant casualties negatively impacted Jie Li Khan’s prestige.

And most importantly, there was Gu Yu’s interference.

Against the Turks, he had been secretly sending people to sow discord, and even after his death, this had not ceased.

Added to this are the recurring natural disasters in recent years.

Jie Li Khan had no choice but to use external enemies to alleviate internal contradictions.

Li Shimin now also wanted to seize this opportunity.

News spread continuously.

The mobilization of the army could not possibly be concealed; the entire realm knew that the current Holy Emperor seemed to be preparing for war again.

This indeed caused some panic.

After all, Yang Guang’s actions in the past still lingered in people’s hearts.

Although life in the early Kaihuang era was not as good as it is now, it was gradually improving, only to ultimately collapse under Yang Guang’s labor requisitions and two distant expeditions.

Now... war was coming again.

This inevitably stirred fear among the people.

But there would be no rebellion.

Li Shimin’s reputation across the realm was too high, not to mention the fact that the guarding of the Kyushu gates by the Gu Clan’s descendants was no secret in the present era.

Holy Emperor paired with the Gu Clan’s descendants.

This combination gave people an inexplicable sense of security.

Moreover, this time the target was still the Turks; their repeated plundering had long left the people with resentment against them.

The pride of the Central Plains people towards foreign races was inherent.

It also led them to support this northern expedition, even if feeling anxious, there would be no major upheaval.

Taiji Hall.

The atmosphere in the court was solemn, ministers all wore serious expressions.

—War was imminent!

Everyone was acutely aware of this point.

An emperor with Li Shimin’s temperament would never tolerate threats to the Great Tang.

Many among them had been waiting for this day, and now felt a bit excited.

Li Shimin, with a firm look and eyes like torches, cast his gaze upon the ministers below, then declared forcefully, "The Eastern Turks have repeatedly violated our borders, disturbing the people."

"Had it not been for the Grand Tutor and others leading the army to block them."

"Who knows how much worse the Turks would have acted by now."

"My mind is made up. We must strike the Eastern Turks to avenge national humiliation and ensure our Great Tang’s border security!"

Upon hearing this, some ministers looked invigorated, while others nodded slightly in agreement.

Li Shimin then announced appointments: "Appoint Minister of the Ministry of War, Li Jing, as the overall commander of the Dingxiang Dao expedition, granting him full authority for this military operation, with Zhang Gongjin as his deputy, assisting Li Jing."

"Also appoint Bingzhou Governor Li Ji, Huazhou Prefect Chai Shao, and Lingzhou Grand Governor Xue Wanche."

He then loudly ordered, "All shall serve as commanders of each route, leading an army of one hundred thousand, coordinating in striking the Turks, and ensuring a decisive victory over them!"

The named generals successively stepped forward, solemnly cupping their hands towards Li Shimin.

Li Shimin further elaborated on the basic strategies of this expedition.

He was a born commander.

Even though he wouldn’t be on the battlefield himself, he could devise appropriate tactics using geographical charts.

—Four routes army!

This was the strategy he and Gu Quan had discussed.

To encircle the Turks from different directions, and Gu Quan could also move troops from Shuofang!

If they could seize the opportunity.

They could directly tear apart the Turks, completely crushing their alliance!

While emphasizing his strategy, Li Shimin also knew not to bind the generals too tightly, granting them the necessary authority, while reminding, "The Grand Tutor is currently in Shuofang."

"At the time, the Grand Tutor will also move troops from Shuofang."

—The Grand Tutor being referred to is Gu Yan.

Gu Yan is now the heir to all of Gu Yu’s positions, unrivaled in status within the court.