Regarding the answers given by his three sons, Liu Chengyou did not express too deep opinions. He just smiled and said: "You must know that the soldiers outside are fighting bloody battles for the long-term peace and stability of the country and for the consolidation of the Han Dynasty. They all have meritorious service." My ministers must treat each other with courtesy and be considerate at all times!"
"Yes!" The emperor's majesty is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. No matter what he says, the three princes will honestly agree.
Looking at the fourth child, Liu Chengyou waved to him, called him to his side, pinched his little face that was flushed by the wind, and said: "Joining the army and conquering is not just a matter of words. The hardships involved are so great. It's hard to know through personal experience. If you want to be a general, you're still far away from it, do you understand?"
Liu Fang nodded, then shook his head, confused. Seeing this, Liu Chengyou smiled: "This battle has been rare in decades, and it is even more rare for children like you. Since you are in the army, You should also experience it as a good student."
"yes!"
Among the scholars, the military talent of the fourth child is visible to the naked eye. Not only his personality and ambition, but he also likes to read military art, listen to ancient and modern battle examples, and has great interest and enthusiasm for military warfare. He is not quick to learn from others, but In military matters, Liu Chengyou is always quick to read the maps in his palace, especially the military maps, with great interest...
Therefore, Liu Chengyou did have some affection for this fourth son.
"You have worked hard this way, so take a rest. Zhang Dejun, give them a bowl of ginger soup!" Liu Chengyou ordered, then pointed at Liu Fang: "The weather is getting colder, who asked you to wear so little? Your grandmother gave it to you. Where is the coat?"
Of the three brothers, Liu Fang was the only one who wore the thinnest clothes. When asked, Liu Fang smiled and replied: "When I got to the army, I was afraid it would get dirty, so I put it away!"
In response, Liu Chengyou touched his head: "How can it be effective if you don't wear warm clothes on your body? If you are filial to your grandmother, make good use of her gifts and take care of yourself!"
"The official family, King Chenliu, Uncle Gao Guo, Privy Councilor Chai, and Dushuai Zhao want to see you!" While the third son was drinking hot ginger soup, Zhang Dejun came to report.
"Dad has important military affairs to discuss, so I'll take my leave first!" Liu Xu stood up and said obediently.
After glancing at them, Liu Chengyou originally wanted them to stay and listen together, but after thinking for a while, he calmed down and said, "Go down and have a good rest!"
"I will see you, Your Majesty!" Four commander-level Han generals entered to pay homage.
"No gifts! Please take a seat!" Liu Chengyou had a friendly attitude and extended his hand to signal. He gave each person a bowl of ginger soup. He looked at An Shenqi and asked, "How is King Chenliu's health?"
An Shenqi still looks a little weak. Obviously, the losses caused by the former's overwork and physical injury cannot be easily made up. The white hair bun can no longer turn black.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty!" An Shenqi responded: "I am old and decayed. After this battle, it is really difficult to maintain my energy. I hope that Your Majesty will take pity on you. On the day of victory, I will be relieved of my armor and return to my hometown!"
This is probably the cleverness of An Shenqi. He retreated bravely and fought, which also made the emperor feel some pity. As expected, Liu Chengyou comforted him with gentle words: "You have devoted yourself to the country, and your hard work has made you worthy of your health." Take good care of yourself, and don’t say much about your retirement! If we lose a pillar like you, the pillar of the country, it will be a loss for me and the court!"
"How dare you, your majesty, say this, an old minister?" An Shenqi said humbly, stroking his gray beard.
After exchanging pleasantries with An Shenqi, Liu Chengyou looked around at the four important ministers present and spoke directly, saying: "After the Battle of Nankou, the war situation has undergone a decisive change. How will the Northern Expedition progress? I have some thoughts on the next combat strategy. However, I still need to hear your opinions!”
Facing the emperor's inquiry, An Shenqi said: "After this battle, both the Han and Liao sides suffered heavy casualties. Our army needs time to rest and recuperate, and so does the Liao army. However, the national strength and the contrast between the strong and weak situations are very clear.
Relying on the strength of the Han Dynasty and replenishing troops, ordnance, food and grass, the camp strength can be quickly restored. In contrast, this is not the case for the Khitan. The losses in the Battle of Nankou were very hard for them and cannot be made up in a short time.
The veteran believes that a temporary cessation of troops can be used to retrain the troops and give the soldiers time to rest and recover. At the same time, it can also suppress the Liao army. As long as the force continues to be exhausted, it will be enough to overwhelm the Khitan!"
An Shenqi's suggestion highlights the principle of stability and using force to suppress others. At the same time, it is also an old advice for seeking a country. If the fight continues like this, it will be difficult for the Liao army to hold back.
Of course, there are no absolute pros and cons. After all, the Khitan is not an ordinary nomadic dynasty. If you treat it with the old perspective of nomads, you will also suffer. If the Liao army just tightens its neck and consumes them, it will be difficult for them, and the price paid by the Han Dynasty will definitely be Not too small.
In order to support Youyan's hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians, the Han Dynasty had already depleted half of its national power, and the treasury and official reserves were continuously consumed, and the daily expenses were a huge amount.
Financial pressure is on the one hand, and manpower consumption is even greater. There are half a million soldiers and civilians in the front, and more than one million people are mobilized in the rear. The war hurts the people and farmers, and the farmers and farmers are the country's capital. If the spring plowing is delayed to the next year, the war will It's not over yet. Even a big man has to consider whether he can bear the losses suffered at that time.
Of course, there are still a few months until spring plowing next year, which seems to be plenty, but we must take into account the impact of the weather on operations in the middle of winter.
However, no matter how you put it, if you drag it on, the big man will have a lot more confidence.
After An Shenqi finished speaking, Chai Rong calmly explained his considerations and pointed out directly that the war had been delayed for too long and the price paid by the big man would be too high.
Then he said: "It is necessary for the army to rest and reorganize. However, I do not agree with the blind delay. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to bring down the Khitan. If after half a year, the war is not over, the farming season has come, and the division veterans Tired, should we continue fighting, or should we choose to withdraw?
Therefore, I believe that using force to force the enemy is an approach that can be adopted, but it cannot remain unchanged and a more active strategy should be adopted. Now, Li Chongjin has firmly controlled Jinshan, and the defeated Liao army is stationed in Huai. Come, I suggest that we take advantage of the time before the severe winter comes to collect the Gui, Wu, Xin, and Wei states!"
Chai Rong still has his usual style, he likes to pursue initiative and control the situation in his own hands, and his whole person exudes a positive and enterprising spirit.
Chai Rong was very enthusiastic and his words were very contagious. Liu Chengyou obviously had some thoughts on his advice. There was one reality that Liu Chengyou had to admit. This Northern Expedition was the richest since the founding of the Han Dynasty. It was a battle, but the price paid was enough to make him feel painful.
Without expressing his position easily, Liu Chengyou looked at Zhao Kuangyin again. Facing the emperor's gaze, Zhao Kuangyin looked very calm, and said with cupped hands: "Your Majesty, in the battle at Nankou, I thought hard and gained something. The Liao army was originally on the defensive, but then it turned from defense to offense. I sent out a large force of 200,000 troops with the intention of annihilating King Chenliu's army. I thought that the Liao army knew that with its national strength, it would be difficult to compete with the Han in a long-term fierce battle, so it wanted to break the predicament by attacking our army.
I think there is no need to rush into battle. With the current strength of our army and the current situation in Ruzhou, it is not difficult to advance troops out of the fortress and take advantage of the victory to attack the Liao army and regain the Gui, Wu, Xin, and Wei states in one fell swoop. , the same can be expected!
However, I am worried that after being severely damaged at the south entrance, the Liao army may no longer dare to confront our army and be exhausted. The Guiwu Prefecture has a narrow terrain and it is really inconvenient for cavalry to fight. If the remaining more than 100,000 Liao troops are allowed to The army's withdrawal to the Yunshuo area is tantamount to breaking free from the mountain prison and releasing its cavalry combat capabilities.
If the Liao army can be delayed here, it can lengthen its front and consume its national strength. When the spring comes next year, when its troops are exhausted, an attack at that time can have a devastating effect.
At the same time, I believe that we can strengthen the strength of the Hedong side. At that time, the two armies will attack the Liao army, and I will win."
Zhao Kuangyin's consideration was considered comprehensive, and he also gave Liu Chengyou a clearer idea.
"What do you think about hiding it?" Liu Chengyou asked Gao Huaide again.
Compared with Chai Zhao, Gao Huaide's answer was much simpler: "I believe that the priority is rest and reorganization at the moment. The specific use of troops depends on the reaction of the Liao army, and we will adapt accordingly at that time!"
"Zang Yong is right!" After glancing at Gao Huaide, Liu Chengyou sighed: "Yes, the way to use troops is to adapt to local conditions and adapt to changes! It also depends on how our opponents react!"
"Do you think the Liao army will voluntarily abandon the Shanyou states?" Liu Chengyou said suddenly.
In this regard, several people looked at each other, but could not give an accurate answer.
"If this is the case, then we can only choose to take advantage of the situation and advance quickly!" Liu Chengyou sighed: "As Zhao Qing said, no matter what, Hedong's strength should be strengthened!"
In fact, after the Battle of Nankou, the first stage goal of the Han Army's Northern Expedition had been achieved. The troubles at the elbow and armpit had been basically eliminated, and it was only a matter of time before the Liao Army's power was completely driven out of Yannan.
The goal of the next stage should be to restore the sixteen states of Yanyun. In this regard, the Han army's military deployment should also make a comprehensive adjustment. Among them, the biggest adjustment should be the original containment of the troops in Hedong. The army should be used as the main force to defeat Liao.
