It was about to enter late autumn and we were in the fortress. Compared with the Central Plains, the weather was already much colder, which made Emperor Liu who was accustomed to the Central Plains climate very uncomfortable. While waiting for Yelujing's reply, Emperor Liu was not idle either.
He inspected all the frontiers in the northern part of the government, walking and riding horses, covering hundreds of miles, until Wang Zhaoyuan returned from his mission.
Backed by the Great Wall, the camp was set up near the water. In the spacious imperial tent, there were two stoves, which used the finest charcoal produced in Hedong. In recent years, the development and use of charcoal among the people of the Han Dynasty has also become more and more important.
In terms of heating, charcoal has many advantages over charcoal that needs to be fired. Of course, it is still rarely used by ordinary people.
As for Emperor Liu, he was sitting cross-legged on a couch covered with two layers of cotton wool. His instinct to fear the cold was overturned. Even if the warmth preservation measures were in place, his cold legs would feel a dull pain from time to time.
After listening to Wang Zhaoyuan's report, Emperor Liu said: "From what you said, the Lord of Liao was very positive about my invitation?"
"Back to Your Majesty! That's true!" Wang Zhaoyuan responded: "Hearing His Majesty's invitation, the Lord of Liao was very interested. He had been on good terms with His Majesty for a long time, so he replied without much hesitation and discussion! Now, the Khitan Palace has already set off for the appointment.
, I will return first to report!”
"We have been friends for a long time?" Emperor Liu murmured, with an expression that was half a smile but not a smile, and said leisurely: "I think it would be more appropriate to use the word "deep hatred"!
"It's good to accept the invitation, and it's not in vain for me to make such an expression here!" Emperor Liu said.
Zhao Kuangyin, who was in the attendant's tent, couldn't help but ask Wang Zhaoyuan: "How many troops and horses does the Lord of Liao have with him?"
After looking at Zhao Kuangyin, Wang Zhaoyuan looked at Emperor Liu again. After getting a positive response, he said: "The specific number of people is difficult to determine, but based on my rough observation, there should be thirty or forty thousand people!"
Hearing this, the faces of everyone present suddenly darkened. This number of troops, whether for the Han Dynasty or the Liao Kingdom, can be regarded as a strategic level military force. For the Liao Kingdom, it is even more inevitable. The emperor's bodyguard
Pro-army can be a weak brigade.
And if Yelujing leads such a team to come to the appointment, then Emperor Liu will have to be more cautious. Of course, for the Han Dynasty, even a hundred thousand Liao troops are not something to be afraid of, and they are only worried about the moment.
The bodyguards around Emperor Liu were insufficient.
Even if the entire Fengyi Army were to be accompanied by the Imperial Guard and the Forbidden Army, there would only be more than 20,000 troops. Under such circumstances, how to ensure the safety of the emperor if he rushes to the appointment is a question that must be placed before any affairs.
Therefore, the expressions of the ministers present could not be serious. With just a glance, Emperor Liu could see their concerns, so he looked at Wang Zhaoyuan and said: "Wang Qing returned from his mission and traveled nearly a thousand miles back and forth. It was quite hard.
Let’s go down for now and take a short rest!”
"I retire!" Wang Zhaoyuan is also an old minister, with old arms and legs. After all this tossing, the fatigue on his face can hardly be concealed, so he respectfully bows out.
After he retreated, Emperor Liu looked at Zhao Kuangyin and Li Chuyun and asked, "Qing Zhao still doesn't agree with meeting outside the fortress?"
When asked, Zhao Kuangyin did not try to cover up, and responded affirmatively: "That's right! Your Majesty's body is worth thousands of dollars, and the family, country, and country depend on it. I still believe that it is inappropriate to be involved in danger. If something goes wrong, I will never be able to atone for my sin by dying."
!”
Regarding Emperor Liu's departure from the fortress, most of the ministers and ministers accompanying him had reservations and did not agree with it. The reason was that the son of a rich man could not sit down in court, and the safety of Emperor Liu was the most important.
"It's not that serious!" After hearing this, Emperor Liu waved his hand: "I initiated this matter, and now the Lord of Liao has agreed. How can I change my mind and break the promise, otherwise I won't make the world laugh? Furthermore,
It’s not like we’re going deep into the grassland, you’re overly worried!”
"Your Majesty, you must not be arrogant and negligent!" Li Chuyun, who was standing by, also said: "The Lord of Liao is coming with tens of thousands of people. If Tuo has evil intentions and is outside the fortress with insufficient protection, how can he reject it?"
"I thank you for your loyalty and concern. However, thousands of troops and horses have passed through it, so this little battle is nothing to be afraid of! Furthermore, I have such loyal soldiers guarding me, how can I be intimidated by the Khitan people?"
, I am only obedient, looking forward and backward, I will not do anything!" Emperor Liu said this.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin immediately stood up, cupped his hands and said, "I will protect you to the death!"
With his statement, the generals present such as Luo Yanxuan, Liu Tinghan, Yao Jineng, etc. also rushed to stand up to show their loyalty. Although he knew that there was some deliberate expression in this, Emperor Liu was still very satisfied.
"There is no need to argue about whether to go to the appointment or not!" Emperor Liu waved his hand and said, "Perhaps this time will be the last time I set foot outside the Great Wall!"
Seeing what Emperor Liu said, Zhao Kuangyin immediately said: "If this is the case, then His Majesty's safety must also be guaranteed, and sufficient preparations must be made!"
Li Chuyun also suggested: "Nowadays, the troops in the army camp are insufficient, so garrison soldiers should be transferred from the border army to strengthen the guard force!"
Although his attitude was tough and resolute, Emperor Liu still attached great importance to his own safety. Therefore, he said: "If you are concerned about your concerns, you should still take necessary precautions! Since the Lord of Liao has come with troops, I should respond."
, we must not fall behind in terms of momentum!”
Looking at Liu Tinghan, Emperor Liu asked: "Is it possible to mobilize the army temporarily? Is it convenient? How much time will it take?"
In fact, Liu Tinghan had already thought about this in his heart. When he heard this, he was already prepared and simply responded: "The Fengyi Army can assemble nearby, with Baoning and Ningyuan in the west, Yongning Army in the south, and Tiancheng in the east.
The army can come with light cavalry. It will be enough in three days. I am confident that I can mobilize 20,000 cavalry!"
"In this way, together with the Suwei Imperial Army, the total number of 30,000 people is enough to ensure the safety of the Holy Emperor!" Luo Yanxuan, who was in charge of the deployment of the camp, said.
"If this is the case, the garrison in various places will be empty!" Emperor Liu frowned.
"Therefore, while mobilizing troops and horses, we should also issue orders for the Shanyang armies to maintain martial law, increase vigilance, strengthen combat readiness, and be ready to fight at any time and respond to emergencies!" Zhao Kuangyin reminded.
Emperor Liu nodded slightly and made a decisive decision, saying: "Let's do it like this!"
Looking at Liu Tinghan and Luo Yanxuan, he ordered: "The mobilization of troops and training arrangements will be left to the second minister! On September 5th, I will meet with the Lord of Liao in Baishuiluo! In addition, we must not reduce the military power of our great Han Dynasty!"
"
Emperor Liu's tone was serious, and no one dared to neglect him. The second general, who was already serious, felt even more cautious and urgent.
Everyone left, but Liu Yang stayed. He probably knew what he was going to say. Emperor Liu didn't wait for him to speak and said directly: "You don't need to go with me, stay in Yunzhong!"
"My son is willing to go with me!" Liu Yang said with a solemn expression and cupped his hands.
"What are you going to do!" Emperor Liu glared: "Just keep watch from behind for me!"
"But------"
Liu Yang opened his mouth again, but was immediately interrupted by Emperor Liu: "No, do you want to disobey my order?"
When Emperor Liu showed this attitude, Liu Yang really had no confidence to resist. However, noticing his concerned eyes, Emperor Liu softened his tone and said: "I'm going here on a whim. Although I can make adequate preparations.
But there is no guarantee that it will be perfect. If anything happens, you, the prince, will be my most solid backing!"
Emperor Liu said this with all his heart. Upon seeing this, Liu Yang sighed and had to bow his head and obey his orders. Emperor Liu was like this, thinking about the worst and making the best preparations.
Although he did not think that there was too much risk in going there, he still had to consider his retreat. This was also responsible for the empire. Liu Yang did not intend to bring him with him. Among the accompanying princes, he only brought Zhao Guogong Liu Fang with him.
The four concubines accompanying him only brought Concubine Yelu with them. Concubines Gao, Zhe, and Guo insisted on following them, but were forced to stay in Yunzhong by Emperor Liu.
As the Pegasus issued military orders one after another, the entire northern frontier army, led by Shanyang, was mobilized. The cavalry troops who received the orders quickly gathered towards Jiaoshan Pass, and the rest of the garrison soldiers were also led by their respective commanders.
Be on alert.
Suddenly, the entire Shanyang defense line entered a state of intense combat readiness. This was the first time in the past ten years that such a big movement had occurred.
People who don't know why, seeing such a battle, think that another war between Han and Liao is about to start. Such a big fanfare also has the intention of frightening the Liao army. Obviously, the movements here cannot be hidden from the Khitan people. In fact,
, Such an urgent major mobilization is also a comprehensive test of the quality of the border troops. In such preparations that are close to actual combat, the quality can best be reflected and problems can be identified.
While Emperor Liu was in full swing, controversy was naturally inevitable in the camp of the Liao army coming from the west...