Chapter Four: Li Er, the One Who Doomed His Descendants!

“This... Tibet actually dares to be like this!” Seeing the authentic historical records, especially the devastation caused by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in the Central Plains, Li Shimin’s eyes reddened with fury. In a violent rage, he slammed his fist onto the ground of the imperial garden.

It must be said that emperors throughout history—particularly the renowned rulers of the Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming dynasties—all firmly identified themselves as Han Chinese. Their national pride was so fierce that even future generations could hardly match it.

“I will annihilate Tibet! Exterminate them, destroy their clan!” Li Shimin’s mouth bled at the corners, clearly consumed by boundless hatred.

Hao Yun shook his head. “This is just the beginning. Wait, you’ll hate yourself even more soon.”

“That’s not even the crux of the matter. After all, Tibet in the future becomes part of the Chinese territory... But more importantly, it’s the Japan you supported!”

“Japan sent people to study in the Tang dynasty, borrowing seeds. To save your face as the Heavenly Khan, you allowed them to learn Tang’s various technologies and bring them back to Japan. This allowed Japan to leap forward through a technological tree spanning over a thousand years, becoming a formidable enemy of Yanhuang!”

“During the Tang dynasty, under your son Li Zhi’s reign, Japan attempted to conquer the Korean Peninsula using Tang technology, only to be defeated by the Tang navy. Yet, out of so-called national dignity, you did not pursue them, and even accepted their continued study of more advanced techniques, enabling Japan to leap ahead again!”

“In the Yuan dynasty, Kublai Khan sought to annex Japanese territories but was thwarted by Japan’s high walls constructed using Tang-era techniques, defended by steel-tipped arrows. Eventually, typhoons destroyed the Yuan forces twice—historically known as the Hong'an Campaign.”

“During the Ming dynasty, the Wokou pirates ravaged the coastal regions, causing massive civilian casualties, countless families torn apart, villages littered with corpses, rivers running red with blood—children not spared. This forced the Ming, and later the Qing, to implement a sea ban. Japan seized this opportunity, utilizing the porcelain, silk, tea, and other technologies learned from the Tang dynasty to open the Maritime Silk Road and set onto the path of a powerful nation.”

“Finally, with the wealth flowing in through the Maritime Silk Road, Japan made great strides, surpassing China. Seeking more living space, they set their sights on China and launched an invasion!”

“This war was marked by bloodshed over every inch of land, mountains of bones, seas of blood—an unbearable tragedy!”

Hao Yun fell silent, unable to continue. Unlike other dynasties with mere written records, the War of Resistance against Japan was documented with footage and videos. Just a glance would bring tears of blood to every Chinese heart. The death toll far exceeded twice the population of the Tang dynasty.

“I...” Li Shimin wept blood tears, his face contorted with agony. He was overwhelmed with guilt, even to the point of suicidal impulses. If he had not recklessly given away the fruits of Chinese wisdom, how could such a treacherous wolf have grown by his bedside? If he hadn’t been so foolish, even after great devastation, China could have slowly regained its strength. How could it have lost even the chance to lick its wounds? A technological leap of over a thousand years—how could he have dared to give it away so easily?

He seemed to see the spirits of future victims wailing across time and space.

“Why? Why did you aid the enemy? Why did you let them grow stronger?”

“Do you know that the warriors’ blades that pierced our flesh and blood were forged from your Tang swords?”

“While enjoying your wealth and glory, did you never think for your descendants?”

“Return my life!”

“I am so miserable!”

“Ah! Someone! Summon all the officials in Chang’an! I will hold a grand court assembly! Call the Hundred Riders—no one must be missing!”

At the peak of his fury, Li Shimin had completely lost reason. Ignoring Hao Yun, he turned to his close attendants, summoning them to convene a grand assembly. Sleep time, the need for Tang’s recuperation—none of that mattered now. Only one thought burned in his heart: I will destroy Japan!

Even if Tang falls as a result, leaving the empire vulnerable to invasion, he would never spare that tiny island nation. He must atone! He must make amends for his mistakes!

Without Japan’s destruction, Li Shimin would never find peace.

Hao Yun trailed behind with a slight smile. In his past and present lives in modern society, the empire wouldn’t fall... but in this alternate timeline, how could he allow the Tang not to obliterate Japan?

Without utterly destroying Japan once, how could he justify being a time traveler?

With the Hundred Riders summoned, officials quickly gathered in the palace hall, even at night.

After consulting Hao Yun, who agreed to Li Shimin revealing his identity, the moment the ministers entered, Li Shimin immediately disclosed Hao Yun’s background.

“Before I announce anything, let me introduce someone.”

He pushed Hao Yun forward. “He comes from over two thousand years in the future, confirmed by Yuan Tiangang!”

“What?”

“From more than two thousand years later?”

“Ridiculous!”

The hall erupted in murmurs. Minister Wei Zheng was the first to voice skepticism.

“Your Majesty, I have my doubts. How could descendants from two thousand years hence come to the Tang? It’s absurd!”

“No need for doubt. I have verified this matter,” Li Shimin declared with absolute authority, brooking no opposition.

“Hao Yun, please show everyone what you just spoke about regarding Tibet and Japan’s future development.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Hao Yun felt a slight warmth toward Li Shimin. This man was not beyond saving after all.

Then, he produced a projector, displaying a 3D holographic projection of future history before everyone’s eyes.

At first, the Tang officials marveled at the advanced technology, but as they saw the fate of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, the hall fell silent.

Civil officials’ eyes reddened; their hands clenched so tightly that they bled without noticing. Generals gritted their teeth, eyes wide, ready to lead troops and annihilate the enemy on the spot.

Especially when they saw the harm Japan inflicted on China, everyone erupted in rage.

“Unthinkable! A mere small country dares invade the Celestial Empire!”

“Without destroying Japan, we are no true Chinese!”

“I want to destroy them now!”

“Your Majesty, give me three thousand elite soldiers, and I will wipe out Japan!”

In that moment, whether it was Qin Wang’s generals like Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Qiong, or stalwarts like Li Jing, Wei Zheng, remnants of the crown prince and retired emperor’s supporters, or the aristocratic families of the Five Surnames and Seven Clans—no matter who, as long as they were Han, their hearts burned with one thought: destroy Japan!

Without Japan’s destruction, we will never live as true men!