"I heard from people from Silla that they have been separated for hundreds of years, just like the Three Kingdoms at the end of the Han Dynasty, which have been going back and forth for a long time.
In the past, Silla and Baekje lived in the south. Due to the danger of the river, they repeatedly rejected Goguryeo. There were also discords between Silla and Baekje. They compared themselves to Shu and Wu in the Three Kingdoms.
Today, once Baekje is eliminated, only Silla will be left in the south. If the Tang Dynasty helps it attack Goguryeo, once it succeeds, how will Silla, which controls the north and south, be different from Goguryeo?
Therefore, I think it is better not to rush to build momentum for Silla, but to increase troops in Baekje first, conquer the local tribes, and give them noble surnames, so that they will know the benevolence of the Tang Dynasty, rather than accept the clothes of Silla.
After dividing and conquering like this, is it okay to send troops northward?"
These words were quite profound. Li Po took a look at Yu Chixin and saw that he had really made progress after becoming Minister of the Ministry of War. He thought very comprehensively.
However, it was obvious that these people from the Ministry of War had already discussed this matter. Dou Gui, the minister of the Ministry of War, continued: "I also think this is very good. The three countries over there are competing for strength, which is beneficial to me. Even if Goguryeo is destroyed, there should still be three countries. We cannot make them
A single family.
In the future, to maintain the balance of power, if there are any dissenters, we can ask the other two families to jointly attack them, and things in the Northeast will be somewhat peaceful."
Zhang Liang accompanied the last one, rolling his eyes without saying a word. He knew his responsibilities in the Ministry of War very well and had nothing to say about formulating strategies, so he did not waste his energy on such matters.
Wen Yanbo looked at the two men and felt that what they said was very reasonable. He was not a stubborn person, so he immediately turned around and said, "I think what Minister Yuchi and Minister Dou said is reasonable, and the water transportation matter can be postponed for a while."
Take it easy, it just so happens that the river will be dredged this year, so we can accommodate it for a while."
Li Po pondered for a long time and said, "Then what do you think is the appropriate number of additional troops?"
Yu Chixin hesitated for a moment, then opened his mouth and said: "I feel that one hundred thousand people should be able to completely defeat Baekje. Taking advantage of the situation, we can prepare to attack Goguryeo together with Silla."
Not many cavalry could be transported across the sea, so one hundred thousand men seemed like a lot, and it was enough to harass Goguryeo. However, if one wanted to occupy the peninsula and form an effective offensive against Goguryeo, one hundred thousand men was actually not that many.
Li Po's brain was working like crazy, thinking about the bold suggestions of the Ministry of War, and weighing the complex situation in the Northeast, and transporting 100,000 people across the sea to the peninsula was not a trivial matter...
This is really a bit of a plan that can't keep up with the rapid changes.
There was silence in the palace. The ministers made their thoughts clear and would not interrupt the emperor's train of thought at this time.
After drinking tea, Li Pocai rubbed his temples and said slowly: "You go back and discuss it with the Ministry of Revenue and write a chapter and submit it.
In addition, the commander-in-chief Li Jing was ordered to return to the court to report on his duties. It was also time to summon the generals to return to the court. The ministries in Hebei and Henan should not move for now, and others could be recalled to the court as appropriate.
The Ministry of War is also a little tighter. It has been two or three years since the Zhechong Prefecture was established? This matter has been done too slowly. In addition, it is also urgent to delineate the areas under the jurisdiction of each guard office.
We must be fully prepared for these things. Most of the people in the Ministry of War are from the military, and they will understand what the soldiers who help me conquer the world are thinking. Don't let them feel cold.
Otherwise, it’s okay if I don’t agree. It would be bad if the soldiers have any complaints. Then I will definitely ask you.”
………………
After Wen Yanbo and others left, Li Po slipped into circles in the Tai Chi Hall again.
It's time to use my father-in-law again. Li Jing has been in charge of Jiangyou for three years, and it can be said that he is getting better and better. It is indeed reassuring to use him.
Well, now he won't think about the Mayi story. He was tricked by his father-in-law.
Li Jing made great achievements in both military and political matters. He was a typical figure of this era who rose to become a general or a prime minister. As long as you give him full power, he can do his job effectively.
The only concern is his age, and I don't know if he can withstand the wind, frost, rain, and snow.
Originally, Li Po's plan was to find the right time and let Li Jing lead his troops to attack the Turks, but the situation is like this now. With the shift in the strategic direction of the Tang Dynasty, he had to make other plans.
The suggestions from his ministers were very pertinent, but Li Po had always had his own views and understanding on the war.
Consolidating the strategic advantages on the peninsula is a bit conservative. While Goguryeo is in a state of distress, their attention should be focused on the northeast.
The Turks are obviously more of a threat than Silla and Baekje. The Tang army fought several battles on the peninsula, which was enough to scare Xiaoxiao. Going to the island with 100,000 people would attract the attention of the Goguryeo people. Wouldn't it be a marriage for the Turks?
Moreover, although attacking Goguryeo is the established goal, there are Turks who are eyeing it and don't seem to be busy arguing with Goguryeo. For the Tang Dynasty, what does it need most now?
Population, or population...
Major infrastructure construction is about to begin. Recruiting civilian laborers is one thing, but the cheap and useful slaves that Li Po has been longing for are still missing.
Where is a place with a large population that can be plundered and easily bullied?
The name of Tubo came to Li Po's mind, but it was too far away and it was not easy to attack now. Cheng Zhijie, that bearded man, was still staying in Fuqi City and didn't understand the king's anxiety at all. Damn it.
There are quite a few barbarians in the south, but they are scattered in the jungle. Li Daozong and others have reached the limit of reaching Linyi. Funan and other small countries are so submissive, so it shouldn't be too difficult for them to give up some people, but the sea route is not accessible.
Distant water cannot quench the near thirst.
The Japanese country... seems to be exuding an alluring fragrance and is placed there. What is even more gratifying is that their navy was completely wiped out by the Tang Dynasty at sea...
Thinking silently, the strategy has gradually taken shape.
Arrive at Silla first, then go south to the island. This is the sea route used by the Silla and Japanese people. There should be no need to worry about any divine influence. One hundred thousand people are enough to wipe out the Japanese people, so as to avoid disgusting people in the future.
As he thought about it, Li Po's mood gradually became more relaxed, and his thoughts became clearer.
Returning to the harem in the evening, I first called my son over to take a look at his homework. Li Yuan had a lot of fun the past few days and left a lot of unpaid debts. He was slapped by the teacher and was interrogated by his father today.
Completely withered.
Still confused, he asked, "When will Grandpa let the child go out to live alone?"
He probably listened to what someone said and felt that he would not have to be subject to so much control if he went out to live. The child's temperament is undecided, so you can't blame him.
Li Po looked at his stupid son happily and silently mourned for him for three seconds in his heart.
Sure enough, Li Bi immediately asked someone to bring a cane, which made Li Yuan scream in agony. What frightened him even more was that Grandpa took out a thick stack of manuscripts and told him kindly that only by studying hard would he find a way out.
That was a math problem prepared by Li Po Ming and He Chou for his son. For any child, this is a nightmare...
