"Great Tang, Great Tang, rest assured, I will ensure that the name of the Tang Dynasty shakes the heavens!"
Li Chenggan silently made this promise in his heart. This was a vow not only to his previous self but also to the mighty Tang Empire of his past life, which had been revered far and wide, with envoys coming from all directions.
"Destiny Stele, summon a first-class hero."
Without hesitation, Li Chenggan decided to immediately use the first-class hero slot granted by the Destiny Stele.
"Congratulations, Master of Destiny, you have successfully summoned the strategist Li Ru of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms!"
Li Ru? Li Chenggan couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. As for Li Ru, especially the version portrayed in the historical novel *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, Li Chenggan held no aversion toward him; in fact, he admired him greatly.
Li Ru, as one of the most sinister and ruthless strategists under Dong Zhuo, was indeed an exceptional talent. Though he had committed many questionable deeds, his abilities were undeniably impressive.
If we say that Jia Xu was the most poisonous strategist of the Three Kingdoms, then Li Ru could undoubtedly be called the second most poisonous. His plots were always ruthless and merciless, manipulating the imperial court with ease.
Had Dong Zhuo been a bit more competent, with Li Ru's brilliance, he could have possibly established an unparalleled empire.
"Check Li Ru's information."
"Name: Li Ru
Courtesy name: Wenyou
Dynasty: Late Eastern Han
Origin: *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*
Biography: In the novel *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, Li Ru is the chief strategist of Dong Zhuo. He was a trusted advisor, consulting on matters large and small. The actions of Dong Zhuo—such as seizing the capital, betraying Lü Bu, deposing and replacing emperors, and moving the capital to Chang'an—were all heavily influenced by Li Ru's counsel.
When Emperor Shao Liu Bian was deposed, Li Ru, under Dong Zhuo's orders, personally led men into the palace to poison Liu Bian.
Later, Wang Yun used the "Double Chain Stratagem" to sow discord between Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu. Li Ru advised Dong Zhuo to abandon Diao Chan in exchange for Lü Bu's loyalty, but Dong Zhuo did not listen, and ultimately died at Lü Bu's hand.
When Dong Zhuo died, Li Ru was bedridden. He was bound by his household servants and delivered to the authorities, where he was executed publicly.
Rank: First-class Scholar
Potential: Three Stars
Realm: Star-Attraction First Layer
Techniques: *Handbook of Chaos*
Attached Troops: 300 Shadow Death Guards
Note: Only first-class or above heroes come with attached troops. Additionally, summoned heroes are absolutely loyal; the Master of Destiny need not worry."
A delicate scroll slowly unfurled, and before Li Chenggan's eyes, the vivid image of Li Ru's life story was displayed, as though it were a film.
Nice, very nice. The loyalty of summoned heroes was a relief.
Li Chenggan was well aware of his own limitations. He knew that at his current state, if the summoned hero was not loyal, he would likely struggle to control them.
Moreover, Li Ru's power was impressive, which also pleased Li Chenggan.
According to Li Chenggan's knowledge, martial arts realms were divided into Body Refining, Qi Gathering, Meridian Opening, Star-Attraction, and Divine Transformation. As for what lay beyond Divine Transformation, his previous self had no recollection, and Li Chenggan himself had no knowledge either.
At present, the highest combat strength in the Tang Dynasty was only at the second or third layer of Meridian Opening, far inferior to Li Ru.
This boosted Li Chenggan's confidence and made him feel much more at ease regarding the challenges ahead.
"Destiny Stele, when will Li Ru arrive?"
"Master of Destiny, rest assured. Summoned heroes usually arrive within three days."
"Good."
Three days was acceptable to Li Chenggan. He let out a long breath.
Three days later, a eunuch hurried into the room and reported, "Your Majesty, there is a person named Li Ru seeking an audience."
"Quick, bring him in! No, wait, I'll go myself. I'll personally welcome him!" Li Chenggan, nearly bursting with excitement, jumped up and hurriedly ran outside.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please slow down. This isn't proper etiquette!" The always-proper De Gonggong (Chief Eunuch) rushed to stop him.
"It's fine, it's fine. No need to worry, De Gonggong." Li Chenggan, caught in his excitement, waved him off.
Soon, Li Chenggan met Li Ru at the palace gate.
Li Ru stood in a black robe, exuding an eerie, ominous aura. At first glance, he seemed far from ordinary.
"Li Ru greets Your Majesty," Li Ru immediately knelt upon seeing Li Chenggan come to meet him.
"Wenyou, there's no need for such formality. Quickly, please rise," Li Chenggan hurriedly stepped forward and helped Li Ru up.
Li Ru showed no objection, rising to his feet.
"Wenyou, come quickly! Join me in the palace. I shall host a banquet to welcome you!" Li Chenggan, brimming with joy, practically pulled Li Ru toward the palace.
"De Gonggong, quickly tell the kitchen to prepare a feast," Li Chenggan turned back and ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Though De Gonggong was puzzled by Li Chenggan's actions, his loyalty to the emperor remained unshaken, and he immediately went to carry out the command.
Once inside the palace, Li Chenggan and Li Ru sat down.
"Given the current situation, Wenyou, do you have any advice for me?" Without hesitation, Li Chenggan asked as soon as they were seated.
Li Ru, aware of Li Chenggan's trust, inwardly sighed. If only Dong Zhuo had been as trusting in the past! Alas, shaking off these thoughts, he began formulating plans for the future. Having been reborn, he was determined to live a new life, one of glory and achievement.
Li Ru swore to help Li Chenggan build a mighty empire.
"Your Majesty, the four foreign armies have invaded, and there are traitors and schemers within the court. As the saying goes, 'First secure the home front before dealing with external threats.' I believe Your Majesty should first eliminate the internal dangers and fully take control of the court."
Li Chenggan nodded inwardly. Li Ru's words resonated with him. After all, he had ascended to the throne in haste. His court was filled with officials who had little loyalty to him. On top of that, the four foreign armies were approaching—who would still heed his orders? There were likely many officials who had already secretly allied with the enemy.
"Indeed, Wenyou, your words match my thoughts exactly. But how do you propose we quickly stabilize the court?"
"Your Majesty, I have a plan that will expose the traitors and eliminate them all in one stroke."
"Wenyou, speak quickly!"
Li Ru's plan was ruthless. With his capabilities, he could easily slaughter all the officials in the court without a second thought. But the real difficulty lay in distinguishing who was loyal and who was a traitor. Li Chenggan, after all, wasn't a man of indiscriminate slaughter. He couldn't possibly kill everyone. And if he did, who would handle the state affairs? Li Chenggan didn't want to wear himself out with every trivial matter.
"Your Majesty, tomorrow morning, issue an edict requiring all households to send all adult men to the front lines to fight the invaders. At the same time, each household must contribute 90% of their wealth to the state treasury for war supplies. Anyone who refuses will be executed without mercy!"
Li Ru's eyes gleamed with a cold, murderous light.
Li Chenggan gasped. This plan was extremely harsh, and such a condition would undoubtedly drive many to rebellion. It was as if Li Ru was using this opportunity to purge the entire court!
He understood that once this decree was issued, unless they were absolutely loyal to the royal family, almost all the officials would rise against him. Even the loyal ones might be stirred to discontent.