Before holding a welcome dinner and having an in-depth relationship with Youyan Wenwu, Liu Chengyou took advantage of his leisure time to call the four senior commanders of the Northern Expedition, An Shenqi, Chai Rong, Murong Yanzhao, and Gao Huaide, to his side.
As soon as he opened his mouth, he asked directly: "How is the Yan army's garrison arrangement, how is the morale of the army, and how is the defense of Youzhou?"
It can be seen from Liu Chengyou's three consecutive questions that in his heart, he was not as reassured, open and honest about the Yan Army as he appeared on the surface. After all, the King of Yan Zhao Kuangzan and some of the Yan Army generals did not represent all the Yan Army.
The Zhao Siwan rebellion that broke out earlier is enough to wake people up. Although Zhao Siwan has been executed, there may not be many people who have had social contact with him over the years and have similar thoughts and attitudes to him.
Apparently feeling the emperor's concerns, An Shenqi immediately handed over his hand and reported: "The Yan army has a total of about 20,000 soldiers. After the war started, the civilian bravery was expanded, and the number of troops reached 40,000. After fighting with the Liao army, we defeated them. There are still more than 36,000 soldiers who can fight. In addition to Zhuo and Yi's troops, who are stationed in the three cities of Changping, Huairou and Yuyang, there are still about 10,000 cavalry stationed in Youzhou.
In order to appease the Yan army, I led the army northward and stationed in Youzhou City, leaving ten thousand Yan troops to guard the north city, while our army controlled the other three cities and the surrounding camps.
I have carefully inspected the city defense of Youzhou, and it can be said that it is strong. The defense facilities such as barbicans, arrow windows, and towers are very complete and can accommodate a hundred thousand troops without being crowded. King Yan really paid attention to the preparations for the city's defense.
This fortified city is enough to serve as a solid rear and foothold for the army to attack the Liao army from the north!"
After listening to An Shenqi's explanation, Liu Chengyou calmed down a little, nodded, and sighed: "The 40,000 Yan army is twice as large as before the war. With the joint military and civilian defense, the land of Youyan will be protected by all the people." All soldiers!"
Upon hearing this, Chai Rong solemnly agreed: "What your Majesty said is true! After going north, I visited various counties. Due to the back-and-forth fighting for more than forty days, almost all the men in Youyan had repaired their weapons. Because the Liao cavalry was destroying everywhere, the local autumn harvest was destroyed, and the crops were greatly destroyed. I asked Song Qi, and according to what he said, this year's autumn harvest would be less than 30% of previous years, and the rest would be destroyed.
There is already a food shortage in Youyan, and we can still manage to support it now, but I predict that it will not be long before military food is transported from the north. In addition to supplying the army, part of it will also need to be diverted to provide relief to the people of Yan!"
Liu Chengyou immediately asked: "Even though the fields are not abundant this year, the people of Youyan have no food left?"
Chai Rong replied calmly: "The taxes are still high and there have been wars. How can we save them even if they are there?"
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou thought for a while and said: "It seems that the burden of food for the Northern Expedition is heavier than we imagined!"
Chai Rong said: "According to Li Chuyun's calculations, the daily food consumption of the current camp army, including the Yan army, auxiliary soldiers, and civilians, is about 5,000 shi, and it will increase in the future. Since the war began, the consumption of military food and transportation losses have , already more than 450,000 stone..."
After hearing this data, Liu Chengyou's expression changed: "According to this consumption rate, the 2 million stones of military rations prepared by the imperial court can last for more than half a year!"
Chai Rong responded solemnly: "There may be some discrepancies, but they are not far behind. After all, 400,000 soldiers and civilians were mobilized this time. If the soldiers and civilians of Yan are included, it exceeds 500,000. Not counting the local conscription, Hedong The troops and horses are also a big expenditure..."
The account mentioned by Chai Rong is already a conclusion drawn under an ideal state. Food is only the most basic loss in army operations, but it is the most illustrative one. It can also be seen from this, How much price did the imperial court pay for this Northern Expedition?
And Liu Chengyou could almost imagine how the officials and generals responsible for military supplies and logistics, from Wei Renpu, Xue Juzheng, to Li Chuyun, had a headache.
However, no matter how difficult it was, it could not shake Liu Chengyou's determination. Instead, it stimulated his motivation and will to be more aggressive. Just like the emotion he expressed when he was watching the transport of baggage on the canal, he paid such a heavy price and did not fail. room.
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou said in an extremely calm manner: "These situations should be reported back to Tokyo and the rear of the camp in a timely manner, and they should be prepared to respond and make more adequate preparations. Recruit when necessary, and supplement when necessary. , The battle has just begun, there is no reason to hesitate and fear difficulties!"
"Yes!" Guo Rong responded, admiring Liu Chengyou's firm stance.
From the beginning of the war in late July to the beginning of September, nearly fifty days before and after, the Han Dynasty had paid a heavy price, and the one who suffered the most was Youyan, not to mention the heavy damage to the Liao army. A small amount of damage was achieved, but in fact, the Youyan area had been destroyed...
Chai Rong, to be honest, did not express much sympathy for the people of Youyan. The same was true for Liu Chengyou. He often showed love and compassion for the people, but his more consideration was still on his rule.
Regarding the issue of logistical supplies, Liu Chengyou did not continue to study this. Instead, he looked at a few people and said: "The battle has been going well during this period. I started in Tokyo and got good results on the way!"
"I still rely on His Majesty's reputation to protect me!" An Shenqi said.
"No need to say polite words!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand, looked at An Shenqi, and said seriously: "Tell me about the situation of the Liao army, and how the army will move next. Is there any change from the previous plan? You guys There should be some discussion!”
After hearing the inquiry, Chai Rong reported: "Your Majesty, after my army went north to Youzhou, the Liao army has been completely reduced. Only a small number of rangers are still active. They are only for spying and do not dare to go further. I will discuss with you. However, the Liao army intends to rely on the defense of Guancheng to continue to consume the morale of our troops and delay their standby.
Although the results achieved by the former of our army were considerable, the losses were mainly caused by the Han army, Bohai, and Xi people. For the soldiers of the Khitan headquarters, the attack was not deep enough, and the losses were not too serious!
The Liao army suffered many defeats on the surface, but it did not damage its roots, and its strength is still impressive!"
Seeing that Chai Rong and the others had such understanding and were not arrogant because of victory, but kept a clear head, Liu Chengyou subconsciously felt relieved. The soldiers below could be arrogant, but the commander, as the brain center of the army, could not underestimate the enemy.
"What's the next step for this situation?" Liu Chengyou asked.
Chai Rong said: "I think we should follow the established plan and take the initiative to attack northward. One is Tanzhou and the other is Juyongguan. The Liao army's defense layout obviously has the idea of using these two places as horns for each other. Our army will find and break them. , Tanzhou is the main one, Juyong is the supplement.
If it is pulled out, the most important nail in the Liao army's Yannan area will be removed, and then they can concentrate on dealing with the main force of the Liao army in the direction of Juyongguan.
As for the direction of Zunhua, a partial division can be sent to monitor it. As for the direction of Luanping, Xingying had previously agreed to Ma Quanyi's suggestion of running the East Road, and had added 50,000 troops to them to attack instead of defend, and they could also pass through the Lulong area. , also guard the east, block the reinforcements of the Liao army in the direction of Yuguan Road, and let the army focus on dealing with the Liao army in the north of Youzhou!"
Liu Chengyou did not raise any objection to the idea of Chai Rong and others. As for the division of troops, he did not think there was any problem. After all, the strength was sufficient. In fact, both Han and Liao knew that the main battlefields of this battle were in Tanzhou and Juyong Pass. area.
Because of the terrain, the main force of the Liao army coming south must go through Juyongguan, and it is unlikely to cross mountains from other areas. If these two places are missed, the initiative in the war will completely fall into the hands of the Han army .
"How strong is the Tanzhou garrison?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"Tanzhou is guarded by Liaonan Privy Councilor Xiao Siwen, with about 40,000 troops, mixed with Han and barbarians. If they defend to the death, they can break it with all their strength!" Chai Rong said with certainty.
"Then fight!" Liu Chengyou said decisively, looking at a few people: "I want to see how much the Khitan people have learned in terms of defending the city!"