Arc 45The Peninsula Campaign
Qing Mo helped Li Shimin reform the court, introduce newspapers and new technology, and prepare a modernized army for war against Goguryeo. After swift victories and tense dealings with Silla and Baekje, the Tang army faced fierce resistance at Liaodong City while Qing Mo arranged plans for the peninsula’s future.
- Qing Mo proposed newspapers, broader examinations, cotton goods, pinyin, and a Zhenguan Dictionary, while Li Shimin and his court adopted his plans.
- Qing Mo introduced gunpowder weapons, and Li Shimin ordered cannons and firearms for an independent battalion before leading the army toward Goguryeo.
- The Tang army captured Jian'an City and Gaimou City with artillery, and Qing Mo urged Li Shimin to preserve prisoners and civilians for the conquered territory’s development.
- Qing Mo engineered the execution of a Goguryeo envoy and told the envoys of Silla and Baekje that Tang intended to annex all three peninsula kingdoms.
- The Tang army attacked Liaodong City, where Xue Rengui shot Gao Yanwu in the eye after the defenders held the battered walls in a stalemate.
- Li Shimin sent Qin Qiong and Hou Junji to intercept Goguryeo reinforcements, while Qing Mo gave Li Shande treasure-ship blueprints and a letter for Chenggan.