On the huge map, the military situation in the north of the Han Dynasty was clearly outlined. Emperor Liu and his important civil and military ministers were present, listening to the privy envoy Shi Shouxin explaining the strategy of the Northern Expedition.
Emperor Liu was leaning slightly on a dragon chair with no expression on his face, just looking straight at the map. Around him, standing or standing, were Liu Yang, Liu Chengxun, Liu Xu, Zhao Pu, Song Qi, Gao Huaide and Xiang Xun.
, Zhao Kuangyin, Han Tong, Pan Mei, Cao Bin and others also looked serious and concentrated.
"Your Majesty, the British Lord wants to see you!" Zhang Yong, a scholar from the Privy Council, came to report.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu was slightly surprised. He sat upright and ordered: "Go and welcome the Young Master in!"
"Slow!" After thinking for a moment, Emperor Liu said again: "I will go there myself!"
At this point, the ministers present were somewhat surprised, not only because of Emperor Liu's rare demotion and personal greeting, but also because the British Duke Chai Rong had gradually faded out of the imperial court and seemed to be retiring. In the past year, more and more
He lives in a mansion to recuperate, and rarely goes out.
Obviously, the Northern Expedition shocked the government and the public, even Duke Chai Yingying, who was ill at home, was shocked.
In front of the main hall, Chai Rong stood with a stooped posture. Although he tried hard to straighten his waist, he always gave people a feeling of weakness. The British prince, who was so majestic and heroic in the past, has become so late.
As soon as Emperor Liu came out of the hall, he saw Chai Rong's figure, and there was an obvious pause in his steps. Chai Rong was only now fifty years old. At this age, he was not too old. However, with white hair and dyed temples,
He has a sickly look on his face and his body is extremely weak.
"I see your Majesty!" Chai Rong immediately wanted to salute Emperor Liu when he saw him.
Emperor Liu quickly walked down the stairs and supported him vigorously: "Hurry up and forgive me!"
"How can I be so virtuous that I dare not accept your Majesty's gift of lowering my rank?" Chai Rong's voice was filled with age.
"Stop saying that!" Emperor Liu said with some concern: "I knew you were not in good health, so I didn't order anyone to bother you. If you are sick, just rest and recuperate. Why go to the palace in person..."
Although Chai Rong was not feeling well, his ambition was still high. A smile appeared on his pale face and he replied: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty! Although I am old and suffering from illnesses, the Northern Expedition has been carried out. Even if I can no longer carry weapons and horses to fight on the battlefield, I can still do it."
I am willing to make some plans for Your Majesty! It is also my wish to make a northern expedition to Khitan and sweep beyond the Great Wall!"
"Okay!" Emperor Liu laughed several times. Among all the people in the court, the person who best suited Emperor Liu's temperament had to be Chai Rong. He took his hand and walked to the Privy Council. When Emperor Liu arrived: "Just let you and I
Your Majesty and your ministers, make plans and watch the heroes of the Han Dynasty make great achievements in the Northern Expedition!"
"Yes!" Chai Rong respectfully got rid of Emperor Liu and bowed solemnly.
It can also be heard from Emperor Liu's words that he has no intention of conducting the Northern Expedition himself.
Seeing that Chai Rong was a little shaky, Emperor Liu frowned, waved to Yan Tuo, and said: "Tell Shang Jin Bureau to make a dragon-headed crutch and give it to the British Duke to help him walk!"
"Your Majesty, I don't dare to be a minister!" Hearing this, Mr. Chai Rong said seriously with a little surprise on his face.
Emperor Liu smiled gently: "I say you deserve it. Don't mention anything else, it's just a crutch!"
Entering the hall hand in hand with Chai Rong, Emperor Liu said softly: "When I returned to the capital, I learned that Duke Yu was also ill. You are not only important ministers of the Han Dynasty, but also my good teachers and friends. The Han Dynasty has not yet reached its strongest period.
There will be a brighter future, so you should take care of yourself and accompany me to see the day when the barbarians surrender to He Qing Haiyan, and accompany me to witness the glory of the Han Dynasty!"
"I firmly believe that that day is not far away. If I can witness it with my own eyes, I will have no regrets in this life!" Chai Rong said.
"How old is your Shiro Zongxun?" Emperor Liu asked.
"Your Majesty, I'm almost eighteen!" Chai Rong responded.
Emperor Liu said: "I have a young daughter in my family who is about the same age. Do you still remember the agreement we made back then? I have not forgotten it. You will bring him into the palace someday to show the queen..."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Chai Rong said quickly.
The ministers who accompanied Emperor Liu out could not help but express emotion and envy when they saw the British prince being supported by the emperor himself and having a close conversation.
Returning to the military machine room, Emperor Liu asked Chai Rong to sit down, then he took a short stool and motioned to Shi Shouxin: "Continue!"
"Yes!" After answering the order, Shi Shouxin's face was full of seriousness, and then he continued to explain:
"The border between Han and Liao stretches for thousands of miles, which is too long. I believe that if this Northern Expedition launches an all-out attack and wants to defeat and annihilate the Liao Kingdom across thousands of miles, it will be difficult for the Han Dynasty to achieve full success with its current national and military strength!
Therefore, I suggest that if you send out troops, you don't need to be too big and too comprehensive, but you should be more focused. Instead of seeking a quick victory, you should give full play to the advantages of the Han Dynasty in national power, military power, and manpower, fight steadily, and gradually defeat it...
"
After listening to what he said, Han Tong couldn't help but raised an objection: "The Liao Kingdom has thousands of miles of grassland and endless wilderness. If we follow the words of Prime Minister Shi and advance steadily, then after leaving the fortress, how long will it take to fight? What if the Liao army avoids it?
If we do not fight and adopt delaying tactics, our army will not be able to fight. How can we not waste our national strength in vain, and if there is a slight mistake, the army will be put in danger?"
With the current strength of the Han Dynasty, the generals also have an idea of the strength and weakness of the two countries and have the confidence to fight head-on. The Han Dynasty will not only crush the Liao army, but it will definitely gain the upper hand. However, fighting outside the Great Wall is the most worthy of concern.
The reason was that the logistics line was stretched, the transportation of grain and grass was unfavorable, and the Liao army avoided fighting.
Regarding Han Tong's question, Shi Shouxin smiled lightly and responded: "The key to this Northern Expedition is not to fight outside the fortress!"
After looking at Emperor Liu, Shi Shouxin said calmly: "No matter how vast the territory of the Liao Kingdom is, it has several places that must be defended! One is Linhuang Mansion in Beijing, and the other is Liaoyang Mansion in Tokyo.
Shangjing is far to the north of the Great Wall, with high mountains and long roads, making it inconvenient for a rash expedition. However, this is not the case with Liaoyang. It is in Liaodong, the capital of the Bohai Sea, and the foundation for the Liao Kingdom's development and growth over the years. It has a relatively large population, and most of the money, grain, and taxes are spent.
This place is my hometown in China.
Therefore, I believe that if the army marches eastward, captures Liaodong, seizes Liaoyang, and then uses this as a basis to continue to attack the northeast, it will be a serious blow to the Liao Kingdom.
If we attack the places they must defend, we will not be afraid of them avoiding battle. For our army, we can attack cities and strongholds more calmly..."
After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu smiled slightly and looked at Chai Rong: "What do you think of this strategy?"
Chai Rong listened carefully and thought seriously. After hearing the question, he nodded and said: "It is indeed too difficult to conquer the Liao Kingdom in one battle. If you attack it, you must defend it. This is a good strategy! Put the attack target first."
I think there is no problem in choosing Liaodong!"
"What do you think?" Emperor Liu looked at the others again.
They were all generals who were accustomed to fighting and had rich battlefield experience. Gao Huaide and Zhao Kuangyin had participated in the war against Liao. Therefore, they also expressed support for the idea of mainly fighting in Liaodong.
Song Qi stood up and pointed out: "Your Majesty, Liaodong is also remote and separated by mountains. Moreover, the Liao Kingdom has been in operation for a long time and has a deep foundation. If it resists with strong cities, it will still be difficult to obtain it! Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty marched to the east and Yin Jian was ahead.
, Your Majesty, please give me more review!"
Although Song Qi held a conservative attitude towards the Northern Expedition, Emperor Liu still reached a consensus after some frank exchanges with him. Otherwise, he would not have been allowed to participate in this military meeting.
However, his thoughts and words were still so concerned about gains and losses, which really annoyed Emperor Liu. Looking at his serious face, Emperor Liu couldn't help but said: "Song Qi, you are comparing me to Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty.
ah!"
"I made a mistake! Your Majesty, please forgive me!" Hearing this, Song Qi's face changed, and she felt that her words were inappropriate, so she hurriedly apologized.
"That's all!" Emperor Liu waved his hand and said: "I know that you are devoted to the country and you are mature. However, I am not Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, and I am not so happy about great achievements. I don't take reality as an example. I have conquered Liaodong in the past dynasties, and there have been victories and defeats.
, but the Han Dynasty can make full preparations, and I will not make the same mistakes as Emperor Yang of Sui!"
"Yes!" Song Qi replied with her head buried in her chest.
Emperor Liu naturally approved of the Northern Expedition strategy drawn up by the Privy Council. The key was that it had key points. Of course Emperor Liu wanted to swallow up the Liao Kingdom in one fell swoop and sweep across northern Xinjiang, but he also knew in his heart that it was unrealistic.
Therefore, it is possible to launch a large-scale Northern Expedition, but it is not necessary to attack on all fronts. Emperor Liu never regarded war as a child's play. If there was a big war between Han and Liao, Emperor Liu would choose the goal and method with the highest victory rate for the Han Dynasty.
To destroy Liao, we have to do it step by step, first remove its head and tail, and Liaodong is its head. It is much safer to concentrate our strength, behead it, then divide its body, and kill it calmly.
After so many years of in-depth understanding, Emperor Liu knew very well how important the Northeast region was to the Liao Kingdom. This was also the basis for its sinicization and maintaining the current Hu-Han division.
Destroying Liaodong would mean cutting off its foundation, which would also be the beginning of the collapse of the Khitan Liao Empire. Emperor Liu had a very clear understanding of this.
In a war, especially a full-scale war between two empires, how could Emperor Liu be so messy? His goals were clear and his priorities were clear. He could handle it clearly!