Youzhou City has become a huge military base. Most of the internal and external armies, auxiliary soldiers, and civilians who participated in the Northern Expedition are concentrated here. There are already 190,000 Han-Yan coalition troops stationed inside and outside Youzhou City. If you include those who followed Liu Chengyou to drive north Of the 80,000 people who came, there were nearly 270,000.
The size of the huge army of 300,000 is enough to change the color of heaven and earth. They are stationed inside and outside, with ditches and fortresses, and the surrounding area is sixty miles. In addition to the large number of people, there is also a large amount of materials. The soldiers and civilians of this size will eat the horses and eat them. The daily consumption is huge. Since the Liao army's harassment strategy was eliminated and the defenses were reduced to the north, a large amount of food, ordnance, fodder, and uniforms have been continuously transported to Youzhou. On the canal, as long as the weather is good, The boat never stops.
Of course, the arrival of the Han army also heralded that Youzhou City was completely under the control of the Han Dynasty. In fact, after An Shenqi led his troops to the north, the most important thing he did was not fight against the Liao army. Instead, they need to successfully take over Youzhou City and turn it into a real base for the army to advance.
Although there has been sufficient communication in the early stage, you still need to be careful to implement it. After all, you have to take into account the feelings of the Yan army and the people. Fortunately, in the dozens of days ahead against the Liao army, both sides fought side by side, and the Han army fought with all its strength. Against the enemy, some close feelings still developed between the two sides, and the estrangement was somewhat eliminated.
Of course, it is impossible for the Han-Yan coalition forces to say that they are of the same mind and love each other. Among so many Han armies, it is inevitable that there will be arrogant and powerful generals, domineering and arrogant people, and there are many people who look down on the Yan army. In this situation, the generals could only try their best to persuade them to exercise restraint. However, if anyone overacted, Chai Rong, as the governor of the capital, would deal with him without mercy.
Chai Rong is a person who has a very big picture view. He knows deeply that the fierce battle with the Liao army in this Northern Expedition is a big challenge, but if he wants to concentrate on it and deal with it with all his strength, appeasing the officers, soldiers and people of Youyan is the top priority. Heavy. Otherwise, if the Yan army is unstable, it will eventually cause hidden dangers.
In the former case, why Ma Quanyi and other Han troops who went north first did not hesitate to take casualties and went all out to assist the Yan army and Yan people. It was because of this consideration and the instructions of the generals at the top. And after this period of time, the results were very good.
Under the respectful welcome of everyone, the imperial chariot slowly headed towards the city. The emperor himself stood on the shaft of the chariot, accepting the cheers of the soldiers and waving for two quarters of an hour. Such an action made the guards around him extremely nervous. Liu Chengyou This choice is risky. If some disloyal elements take the opportunity to launch cold arrows or something, even if the protection is tight, they may not be able to survive.
Of course, the emperor's contemptuous but courageous performance had a very sensational effect.
"Yuanfu, we haven't seen each other for two years!" Before entering the city, Liu Chengyou asked King Zhao Kuangzan of Yan to come to Luanjia in person and talk to him. Even his title changed.
Zhao Kuangzan sat carefully in a regular posture, looking flattered. This was the first time for him to ride on the emperor's royal chariot. Two years ago, when Liu Chengyou was on his northern tour, he sent An Shouzhong to drive the chariot to greet him, but that was not the case. Zhao Kuangzan did not sit down the first time, but now he is even more humble. But this humility also contains a little relief and relaxation.
"It's been two whole years!" Zhao Kuangzan responded with a smile on his lips: "Your Majesty is still so full of energy and majesty, which makes me heartbroken!"
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou immediately laughed twice. He was not confused by his compliments, but he was satisfied with Zhao Kuangzan's attitude.
Seeing that his expression had calmed down, Liu Chengyou said: "Yuanfu has been in Youzhou for many years and is well aware of the enemy's situation. I will rely on your assistance in this expedition to Liao to defeat the Khitan and regain Guanshan!"
Seeing the seriousness of the emperor's words, Zhao Kuangzan also acted very solemnly and responded with his hands raised: "I will definitely go all out! To be honest with you, your majesty, I have long been determined to attack the Khitan in the north to avenge the shame of the past. It is just due to lack of strength and lack of your majesty's edict. Purpose. This time the Liao army took the initiative to provoke, Your Majesty inspired your pride and generously issued the edict. All people with lofty ideals are excited to fight and kill thieves to serve the country!"
Liu Chengyou couldn't help but nodded and said: "I am very pleased that you have such an ambition. This is the time to reward your ambition!"
After saying that, Liu Chengyou expressed concern again: "I heard that in July and August, the Liao cavalry was rampant, and the soldiers and civilians of Youyan suffered a lot of casualties. There must have been many casualties!"
Hearing Liu Chengyou mention this, Zhao Kuangzan couldn't help but sigh and responded: "This time, the Liao army's style is extremely ruthless. They specialize in killing people and destroying farm buildings. The ground where the light cavalry passes is almost white. Obviously, the Liao army wants to use this method. Destroy Youzhou and disrupt public order, thus draining the energy of our army.
Fortunately, the army and the people worked together to defend the fortress and resist with all their strength. With the full rescue of the Hebei frontier army, they were able to suppress the Liao army's arrogance. Even so, the troops under my command suffered more than 4,000 casualties in the previous and later battles.
But the more serious casualties were the people of various states. More than ten thousand people were killed by the swords of the Liao army. Thousands of households were destroyed because of it. The number of people whose fields were destroyed was even more difficult to count. Many wheat crops were not harvested. , has been burned. And a large number of people were killed by the Liao army in order to grab food!"
When Zhao Kuangzan talked about these situations, his tone was a little low. He was known for his generosity and his love for the people. Of course, it was inevitable that the people under his rule would suffer such a catastrophe.
Hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou also sighed: "It's really hard on the people of Youyan! After the Northern Expedition is successful, I will compensate them with good luck!"
"Your Majesty has such a benevolent heart, why worry about the gratitude of the people!" Hearing this, Zhao Kuangzan said: "Because the Khitans were brutal and wanton killings, they also aroused the people's resistance. All the Yan and Han people gritted their teeth and supported the Han Dynasty's Northern Expedition. Liao!"
Liu Chengyou nodded, but did not say any more. Instead, he fell into thinking and gained a deeper understanding of war, rise and fall.
The suffering suffered by the people of Youyan due to the Northern Expedition may be just the beginning. Since the personal expedition, Liu Chengyou has seen along the way the price paid by the court and the sacrifices made by the Han soldiers and civilians in order to support the Northern Expedition. He has a sense of worry in his heart. , that is, how long can the people of the Han Dynasty withstand this level of mobilization? How many times can they withstand it?
Perhaps you should have a new understanding of your achievements, otherwise you will be immersed in them and not know how to reflect on yourself, and you are afraid that one day you will become a monarch who loves achievements. That will not be a good thing for the people of the country.
Liu Chengyou's doubts were disturbed by the cheers in Youzhou City. He suddenly woke up, looked at Zhao Kuangzan who was sitting quietly aside, and said with a smile: "I was distracted for a moment, please forgive me!"
"Your Majesty's words are serious! Your Majesty's thoughts must be on military and national affairs. For the sake of the Han Dynasty, you really put all your efforts into it. I admire you very much!" Zhao Kuangzan praised again.
Liu Chengyou shook his head, but couldn't help but look outside Luan Jia. The scholars and people of Youzhou gathered on both sides of the road. Many people poked their heads in the houses and looked at the people passing by Luan Jia with surprise. The whole place was crowded with people. A scene of endless cheers.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou asked with curiosity: "Who arranged these scholars and people?"
Hearing this, Zhao Kuangzan shook his head slightly and responded: "The war is about to begin, heavy troops are gathering, and a murderous atmosphere is spreading throughout the city. How can I force the people to make a show? These soldiers and people should be lucky to know that the emperor is here. Come spontaneously to greet Your Majesty."
"How can I have such a reputation among the people of Yan?" Liu Chengyou frowned slightly.
Zhao Kuangzan said: "Your Majesty is a holy master and wise king who is rare to see in a century. Over the years, the people of Yan have also received many blessings. How can we not be grateful for him!"
Liu Chengyou laughed immediately, but did not make any further remarks. Liu Chengyou still had some self-awareness. In his opinion, the people of Youzhou who had gathered together for a crowd of spectators were more curious about him. How much is this? Years ago, the Emperor of the Central Plains visited Youzhou City. Those people looked at him as if they were looking at a strange and rare beast.
Although he repeatedly emphasized that everything should be kept simple when welcoming the emperor to stay, Zhao Kuangzan still vacated his Prince Yan's Mansion and moved out all his family members, guards, and officials to make room for Liu Chengyou to move in. Everyone did this. When the offer was made, Liu Chengyou didn't want to be blamed, so he accepted it happily.
In the lobby of the palace, Liu Chengyou came from the north. Accompanied by many generals, he first met with Youyan's civil and military officials. Needless to say, Gao Fang was an old friend of the emperor and a minister entrusted with important tasks in the north. His contact has never been broken over the years. Pass.
As for the rest, Zhao Kuangzan personally introduced him.
"Your Majesty, the chief historian Song Qi and the judge Song Xiong are both outstanding talents. We rely on them for government and civil affairs, laws and regulations and classics!"
"Your Majesty, Song Qi (Song Xiong), is here to see you!" The two of them also saluted Liu Chengyou together.
Of course, Liu Chengyou also showed an attitude of being open-minded and sincere. He raised his hand to show off his courtesy and said with a chuckle: "I have heard of the name Yan Ji's 'Second Song Dynasty' in Tokyo. He is indeed a rare and outstanding talent." Sir, Youzhou’s Qingming politics in these years are indeed due to its merits!”
Next came Zhang Zangying, Gao Yanhui and other generals of the Yan Army. Liu Chengyou was still very kind to them, praising them and describing his achievements. Later, he formally expressed his position, comforting and encouraging them in a candid tone, and also reminded them. The Yan army and Yan people are all subjects of the Han army. In this attack on Liao, merit and demerit will be rewarded and punishment will be given equally.
Moreover, the system of the Yan army was not affected yet and was left as it was. The generals' military positions and benefits remained unchanged, but they were incorporated into the Han army's combat order and were still under the control of the King of Yan. However, military supplies and logistics were uniformly provided by the Han Dynasty. Already.
As for the civil service system, it can be seamlessly integrated into the rule of the imperial court, and there is no need to make big moves. People like Song Qi also have a very positive attitude and want to take advantage of this opportunity to perform well. Anyway, here, here After all, Youyan Land has been their territory for more than ten years. Although they fought against the Khitan together, the imperial court marched northward in large numbers, and the fierce dragon crossed the river with such menacing force that it was inevitable that they would feel strange.
Liu Chengyou's actions greatly appeased Youyan's civil and military sentiments. He was also very satisfied with the Han emperor's attitude.