"The comparison of the military strength of the two sides has been fully described by Privy Chai. It is like comparing a dragon and a tiger with a cat and a dog. I don't need to elaborate further. I have talked with Zhong Mo before about your Majesty's literary, Taoist and military strategies. Far better than Li Jing who indulges in luxury, just like the bright moon is brighter than the cold stars. If the master wins, the country will win.
In addition, during the twelfth lunar month of last year, the palace changed, the prince was deposed, the prime minister was dismissed, political turmoil, unrest between the government and the public, and party strife resumed. After the Han Dynasty took Huainan, more than half of the country's national strength was reduced. Although Han Xizai made reforms and improved taxation, It was not enough to make up for Jiangbei's losses, and the infringement of the interests of the noble bureaucracy caused many internal conflicts. The Feng brothers came to power, then changed and abolished their policies, and the dramatic changes in national policies made the top and bottom discordant, and it was difficult to find peace.
Therefore, I think that even if there are tens of thousands of soldiers in Jinling, the king's army can defeat them if they go south!"
"Li Qing thinks it's time to attack the Tang Dynasty?" Liu Chengyou's eyes lit up and he asked.
Everything seems to have a but, when faced with the emperor's question, Li Gu said calmly: "I believe that as the situation has developed so far, as long as the heavenly troops move south, the national power of Jiangnan will not be able to stop it, and defeat will be its only outcome. Therefore, if According to Privy Chai, there is no need to be impatient. It is better to wait for an extra year and a half to prepare for crossing the river and destroying them in one fell swoop!"
Following his suggestion, Liu Chengyou smiled faintly, with vague images of tigers and wolves dancing in his clear eyes.
Li Guze continued: "I see that Han Xizai's reform has many merits. Although he offended the powerful people in the south of the Yangtze River, he tried his best to protect the small people of Guizhou. This is not the case with the Feng Yansi brothers. Now that the two Feng are in power, they pay tribute to raise troops. Heavy taxes and miscellaneous taxes will certainly be levied on the people in the south of the Yangtze River. Why don't your Majesty be patient for a while and wait and see what happens? This will not only give the court time to dispatch troops and generals, accumulate grain and cultivate grain, but also collect another annual tribute, which can be directly Used for the southern expedition!"
"Haha!" Liu Chengyou finally smiled and said: "Don't worry, sir, I am an impatient person. I have been waiting for so many years, so why am I missing this year and a half?"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Directly immune to daily compliments, Liu Chengyou's expression returned to seriousness and he said seriously: "No matter what, crossing the Yangtze River and leveling the South will definitely be put on the imperial court's national agenda. Whether it is half a year or a year later, preparations for the Southern Expedition will begin!"
"yes!"
"What do you think Pingnan's first priority is?" Liu Chengyou asked.
Chai Rong thought for a moment, then raised his hands and said, "Who is handsome?"
Liu Chengyou smiled: "Who is handsome?"
Paying attention to the emperor's expression, Chai Rong said: "There are many generals in the Han Dynasty, and there are many who can take on this important task. I wonder who your Majesty has in mind?"
Upon hearing the question, Liu Chengyou had no intention of playing riddles. He directly focused his attention on Li Gu and asked with a smile: "How is your health?"
The emperor asked this question, and the meaning was already obvious, but Li Gu said with a slight hesitation: "Your Majesty, I am nearly sixty years old!"
"Have you forgotten that I promised you to lead the troops to the south? Although it has been many years, I can still keep it in my heart. The agreement you made with Han Xizai back then can be realized and should be passed down as a good story!" Liu Chengyou said in a tone of voice. Said with certainty.
Looking at the emperor and then at Li Gu, Chai Rong showed a smile on his face: "Xiangong Li is both civil and military, and has many plans and decisions. He is worthy of being a commander-in-chief. If your majesty uses him, he will definitely succeed!"
"Chai also heard the story of the 'Zhengyang Covenant' back then!" Chai Rong was very interested and said to Li Gu: "My Lord, if you are interested in me from the Central Plains, I will go to the south of the Yangtze River to explore the treasures. Now I am the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty. Your Majesty And to reward him with the title of commander-in-chief, he is exactly what he said, do you still have any worries?"
"Chai Qing said it well!" Liu Chengyou smiled and said, "I also think that using Mr. Li as commander is the first step to conquer Jiangnan!"
Seeing what the emperor and Chai Rong said, Li Gu's solemn face revealed a look of admiration. He stood up and worshiped: "If your majesty does not think that I am old, I would like to conquer the south of the Yangtze River for your majesty, take over its land, Dingkou, and capture it." The king and his ministers, dedicate it to Tokyo!"
Obviously, Li Gu was still very tempted to lead the army to conquer the Tang Dynasty. Today, Li Gu is considered to have a high position and a great reputation in the Han Dynasty, but if he can lead the army to conquer Jiangnan, it will help to enhance his historical status. Leave a name. Moreover, only the "Zhengyang Agreement" between him and Han Xizai that truly leads the army to destroy the country is the real story.
"If Li Qing leads the army to march south, how will he use his troops?" Liu Chengyou became even more interested and asked Li Gu.
Li Gu responded: "I thought that once your Majesty issued an edict to raise troops, five lines of troops could be mobilized!"
"Oh? Which five ways? Tell me!" Liu Chengyou looked at Li Gu.
Li Gu calmly recounted the story, saying: "The first route is to leave Yueyang, attack Ezhou, and destroy the divisions upstream; the second route is to leave Changsha, attack Yuanzhou, threaten Hongzhou, and contain the divisions in Jiangxi; the third route is to order The Qingyuan army stayed in Congxiao and led troops north to attack the old Min people. There were many old Min soldiers in the Jiangnan army, which could destabilize their troops. The fourth route was to send troops from the Wuyue state to the north to attack Chang Run and threaten Jinling's flanks; On the fifth route, gather the main force and leave the lower reaches of Lu, Chu, and Yang, look for opportunities to cross the river, and attack Jinling directly!"
"Your strategy is comprehensive!" Liu Chengyou said, his expression seemed very satisfied.
Li Guze said: "Although they are called five routes, the key is to advance downstream! Wu Yue and the Qingyuan Army did not dare to disobey the imperial edict, but if they tried their best, it would be difficult. Attacking Jiangxi from Yuanzhou was hampered by geography. It will not be easy. As for Yueyang's army, it will definitely be blocked in Ezhou. Liu Renfan is a rare famous general in the south of the Yangtze River. If not for this person, the imperial court could directly send troops from the middle reaches to the east of the river. But if they want to send troops from the lower reaches, they should also understand the hydrological conditions and find out where to go. You have to find a suitable place to cross!”
After listening to Li Gu's words, Liu Chengyou smiled heartily, looked at the old minister, and praised: "Listening to Li Qing's strategy, it doesn't seem like a temporary consideration, I'm afraid it has been considered for a long time!"
Hearing this question, Li Gu did not hide anything, and said with a smile: "Since Sichuan and Shu are under attack, I guessed that your majesty must have the ambition to pacify the south, so I thought about it for a while and just talked about it on paper!"
"You don't need to be so humble!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand and said to Li Gu seriously: "Listening to your words, I can safely entrust Pingnan affairs with full authority!"
"Accepting this important task, I will definitely do my best to repay your kindness!" Li Gu did not show any pretense and bowed in obeisance.
"No need to be formal! Sit down!" Liu Chengyou gestured, thought for a moment, and then asked: "What do you think about Pingnan's preparations?"
After thinking about it, Li Gu said: "It is not advisable to move troops and horses in large numbers for the time being. They can be dispatched secretly in batches. For the needs of food and fodder, the Huainan two roads have been maintained for six years, and they should be able to supply the army."
Chai Rong said: "Your Majesty may issue an edict and order Li Jing to go north to Tokyo to come to court. He will not dare to come. It can be used as a teacher in the future!"
Li Gu added: "Your Majesty, I believe that if we want to conquer the south, we need to strengthen the defense of the Khitan to ensure the stability of the north!"
"What problem did Li Qing see? Has there been a change in the north?" Liu Chengyou asked alertly and with a sharp mind.
Li Gu explained: "I have tested Xiao Husi, the Liao envoy, and I can basically tell that the Liao country's fear of our dynasty has greatly increased. Although the Han and Liao dynasties have been fighting for several years, it is only an armistice agreement. The Liao Dynasty was hindered by An Nei, and the Han Dynasty was committed to unification, so there would be a war in the future.
There is no shortage of knowledgeable people in the Khitan. They should be able to see the threat to the north after the unification of the Central Plains. After the pacification of Shu, Xiao Husi came with the intention of testing.
In the Southern Expedition, the Northern Liao Dynasty may not be like Jinghu and Sichuan, and just sit back and watch. Therefore, no matter how the Khitan reacts in the future, if we want to pacify the south of the Yangtze River, we must do a good job in the defense of the north. Be prepared for the unexpected!”
"Li Qing got what he said!" Liu Chengyou stood up, walked around for a few steps, and said with emotion: "Things in the south of the Yangtze River are not of great concern. The Khitans in the north are the great enemy! This is why Zheng You can't wait to wipe out the south. The longer it is delayed, the more likely it is that something unexpected will happen!"
After pondering for a while, Liu Chengyou tilted his head and told Li Gu: "From now on, your Majesty, please focus all your energy on Pingnan affairs! Three days later, I will go to Yangzhou in the name of the inspection envoy of Lianghuai and Huaihe Rivers. I will personally carry out the duties for you." OK!"
"yes!"
When it comes to Huainan, Liu Chengyou thinks of another person: Wang Pu. Up to now, Wang Pu has been in charge of Yangzhou for six years. He has worked hard and never slacked off, and his hair has turned a lot gray. Thinking about it, he is quite sad. pity.
If Li Guyu leaves, there will be one less person in charge of the political affairs hall. Wang Pu should be transferred back to Tokyo. He is a talented prime minister. Furthermore, he should be considerate of good ministers.
"Chai Qing, Zhang Yongde has served in the imperial court and the imperial army for many years. He once conquered Shu and showed his great general style and guarding talent! Pingnan, I also intend to use him and let him go to Huaidong to serve as the capital commander to cooperate with Li How about doing official business?" Liu Chengyou raised his head and looked at Chai Rong and asked.
Zhang Yongde is Guo Wei's son-in-law and has a close relationship with Chai Rong. When he heard that the emperor wanted to make great use of him, he couldn't help but think about it. However, he didn't have much room for consideration. He just replied cautiously: "Is he too young? "
You know, Zhang Yongde is only thirty years old this year.
"That's it. As for the commander of the Huaidong capital, Chen Sirang, we will make other arrangements!" Liu Chengyou ordered, his eyebrows turned, and he said: "There are many ministers in the Han Dynasty who have been in office for many years. It is time to make some adjustments. ..."