Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 217: The Tang Army Returns Triumphantly and Reports to the Palace

The Goryeo general, retreating with his remaining troops, roared in anger, "Why? Humph, isn't it because the Tang army's firearms are too powerful? They've disrupted our formation. Countless brothers have been killed!"

"I wanted to fight to the death, but now the disparity in military strength is too great. If we continue to charge, we will be throwing ourselves into vain. We can only retreat for now and wait for another opportunity to seek revenge in the future!"

The soldiers around him also looked frustrated, some even crying, "The firearms are incredibly powerful. We can't get close. We charged several times but were beaten back. We really can't continue fighting. General, all we can do now is save our lives and make long-term plans."

As they talked, they quickened their pace of retreat, hoping to escape from this dangerous battlefield as soon as possible.

The Tang Dynasty military camp was instantly filled with cheers. The soldiers jumped up excitedly and threw their weapons high into the sky.

The shouts of "We won!" resounded through the sky, and the soldiers hugged each other and cried with joy.

Cheng Yaojin's face flushed red as he laughed heartily, "Haha, this was a tough battle, and we, the Tang Dynasty, finally won!"

The military advisor also looked relieved and nodded slightly.

Everyone was immersed in the joy of victory. The fatigue from months of battle disappeared at this moment, leaving only the longing and glory of returning triumphantly.

Cheng Yaojin smiled widely, waved his hand, and shouted at the top of his voice: "Alright, alright, military doctors, come! We have won the battle, but many of our brothers are injured. Military doctors, come quickly and take a good look at us. Make sure the injured brothers get well as soon as possible!"

After that, a group of military doctors in plain clothes and carrying medicine boxes came hurriedly. They looked serious and quickly set up a simple treatment tent where the wounded gathered. They began to check the injuries of the wounded in an orderly manner.

They were either bandaging wounds to stop bleeding, or gently asking about the wounded's symptoms and preparing appropriate herbal medicines. Busy figures were constantly shuttling between the tents, striving to ensure that every injured Tang soldier could receive proper treatment.

Li Jing, dressed in military uniform and with a dusty face, looked at Cheng Yaojin and said, "Yaojin, this battle has concluded. It's time for us to return and report to the Emperor. His Majesty is still waiting in the capital, eagerly awaiting details of the battle."

Cheng Yaojin slapped his thigh and replied cheerfully, "Right, right, right, General Li is absolutely right. We will reorganize our troops and return to the court in triumph. Let the emperor see how the might of the Tang army intimidates the Koreans. This will surely please the emperor greatly."

After saying this, the two looked at each other and laughed, and immediately began to make arrangements for returning to the court. The soldiers also put away their weapons, packed their bags, and prepared to embark on their journey home.

Cheng Yaojin tightened the reins in his hand, a sharp light flashed in his tiger eyes, he shouted loudly, and suddenly jumped onto the horse.

The horse was inspired by his powerful aura, neighed loudly, and pawed the ground with its front hooves.

Cheng Yaojin sat steadily on the horse's back, his posture as straight as a pine tree, and the whip in his hand was raised high, making a crisp sound when it was swung in the air.

Li Jing also moved swiftly and mounted his horse gracefully, his cloak fluttering in the wind.

He patted the horse's neck gently and looked into the distance with a firm gaze, as if he had already seen the palace of Chang'an.

Afterwards, the two led the triumphant Tang army and marched towards the capital. The dust raised by the horses' hooves, reflected in the sunlight, looked like a yellow dragon galloping across the vast land.

After a long journey of half a month, the familiar outline of Chang'an finally came into view.

Cheng Yaojin shouted excitedly: "Brothers, we're here in Chang'an!" The army's morale immediately increased and their pace quickened.

Many people had already gathered at the city gate. Hearing that the Tang army had returned victoriously, they all wanted to come and see the heroes.

Li Jing and Cheng Yaojin rode side by side, with a mighty and well-organized army behind them, with flags flying and armor shining.

When entering the city, the people cheered loudly and flowers and ribbons were scattered everywhere.

Shouts of "The Tang Dynasty is mighty! Long live the generals!" rang out one after another.

The soldiers all held their heads high and their faces were filled with pride and glory.

They knew very well that this victory belonged not only to themselves, but also to the entire Tang Dynasty.

Li Jing and Cheng Yaojin, carrying the fruits of victory and with awe and loyalty to the emperor, headed straight for the palace, ready to report in detail to the emperor.

It tells the story of the hardships and glory along the way, as well as the great military achievements of the Tang Dynasty in foreign lands.

Royal Palace

Cheng Yaojin and Li Jing walked quickly into the hall and bowed respectfully to the ground.

Cheng Yaojin was the first to speak loudly: "Your Majesty, this expedition to Korea has been a complete victory. Our army is brave and fearless. The Korean army has been repelled and will not dare to attack again!"

The Emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his once dignified face instantly breaking into a brilliant smile. He rose slightly, his eyes filled with satisfaction and pride. "Is that so? Very good! My Tang Dynasty men are truly a team of fierce warriors, living up to my expectations."

"This victory will surely ensure peace on the borders of the Great Tang and enhance our nation's prestige. All of you generals and soldiers have made invaluable contributions, and I will reward you generously!"

Li Shimin slowly rose from the dragon throne and walked down the steps. His gaze was solemn and concerned as he spoke, "My two beloved ministers, I am deeply concerned about the details of this expedition. Please describe the specific circumstances on the battlefield in detail, and do not omit a single detail."

Cheng Yaojin stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and explained in detail, "Your Majesty, before our army even reached the border, we were attacked by a small group of Goryeo troops. However, we reacted quickly and repelled them."

"Then, on the night we arrived at the border, before we even started making the bomb, Goryeo launched another surprise attack. However, our army was heavily guarded and they were unable to defeat us."

"Once our army produced the bomb, the situation on the battlefield changed dramatically. The bomb was so powerful that it threw the Goryeo army into disarray."

"But Goryeo then sent in 100,000 reinforcements in an attempt to turn the tide of the battle. But our Tang soldiers remained undaunted and fought bravely, ultimately successfully repelling them and forcing the Goryeo army to flee."

Li Jing nodded slightly and added, "Your Majesty, in this battle, our soldiers were united and our strategy was sound."

"General Cheng Yaojin led the troops from the front, bravely and fearlessly on the battlefield, inspiring the morale of his fellow soldiers. That explosive was truly a powerful weapon to defeat the enemy, laying a solid foundation for victory."

Li Shimin was delighted and laughed heartily, "Hahaha, great, great! My Great Tang has such brave soldiers. Our army is so powerful and will surely be invincible. This great victory is truly a blessing for the Great Tang and demonstrates the greatness of our country!"

Cheng Yaojin quickly echoed, "Yes, yes, your Majesty is wise. After this battle, Goryeo will surely be terrified and will not dare to even think of invading our borders again in the near future. The might of the Tang Dynasty has deeply intimidated them!"