Starting from Detective Li Yuanfang, Chapter 876: The Emperor’s Mind
In fact, Dayan's development momentum is already steady and rapid.
From occupying Yanyun, to formally raising troops to go south, conquering Hebei and Shandong with the intention of returning home, and then to seizing Bianliang, the former Kyoto, without any bloodshed, and finally conquering Henan.
Sitting in the sacred land of the Central Plains, it has a strong military, stable people, and local stability.
At this point, both in terms of future potential and current comprehensive strength, he is already ranked first. Only in this way can he coerce the northern Liao Kingdom to sign an alliance, and only then can all countries send envoys to congratulate him when he becomes king.
They congratulated not only the King of Yan, but also the future master of this vast land.
However, knowledgeable people also know very well that although King Yan is currently the strongest, it is still unclear if he can really change the dynasty and completely dominate the world.
It may mean that it will return to the two divisions between north and south, and return to the long confrontation between the Southern and Northern Dynasties.
Of course, this is exactly what neighboring countries want to see.
No one wants to have a powerful Celestial Dynasty. The Song Dynasty that maintains peace is actually quite good. Why do you want to destroy it? You have to restore it to the powerful period of the former Tang Dynasty. Whoever destroys whom will be killed will not tolerate others on the bedside.
Snoring?
As for the ministers of the Great Yan State, they naturally hope to unify the world. Except for a group of surrendered generals such as Guan Sheng and Hu Yanzhuo, who do not want to confront their former colleagues, other civil and military officials are probably far more interested in the south than in the north.
The crusade against the foolish king who killed his mother is justifiable!
Li Yan felt the fiery gazes of the ministers and pointed to the three areas marked with different colors on the map: "Sichuan-Sichuan, Jingxiang, and Jiangnan. In your opinion, of these three lost territories, which one should be captured first?"
The ministers were silent for a moment, not daring to speak first this time, waiting for Zhongshu Sheng and the Governor's Office to speak first.
Cai Jing frowned slightly and closed his mouth.
His own family knew about his family affairs. Although he insisted on serving Daming Palace and made meritorious service, his military ability was not strong. If Yelu Yanxi did not have a chariot to lead the expedition in person, but Xiao Wuna commanded the Liao army throughout the whole process, then Daming Palace might really fall.
Now that you are successful and famous, as a prime minister, you must be more cautious on such strategic matters and not express opinions hastily.
The right minister did not speak, and Zhu Wu and Wu Yong were unable to express their opinions. They glanced at Lu Junyi and Hua Rong.
Lu Junyi did his duty and pointed toward the southeast, the area between the Huaihe River and the Yangtze River: "In accordance with my opinion, we should seize the Jianghuai River!"
"The land of the Yangtze River and the Huaihe River must be fought between the north and the south. The Yangtze River and the Yangtze River alone cannot defend the southern regime. After all, the Yangtze River flows from west to east for tens of thousands of miles. There are too many undefended defense weak points along the coast. Our army only needs
By concentrating our troops in one place, we can easily break through the river defense..."
Hua Rong also held the same view: "The Yangtze River is certainly a natural danger to the south, but 'to defend the river, we must defend the Huaihe River'. If we want to regain the south, we must naturally destroy this defense system."
For Shi Qian, Zhu Wu, Wu Yong, Chai Jin, Ling Zhen, and Pei Xuan who were studying in the academy, this was basic knowledge.
For Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, Ding Run and Li Gefei, some of them had to think carefully before they could understand the truth, while others were confused, obviously touching on blind spots in knowledge.
When Li Yan met, Quandang Academy held another class and explained it in a simple and easy-to-understand way: "Since ancient times, the northern and southern regimes have been opposed. The northern regime has always been the one with the strongest military strength, while the southern regime has been in the defensive stage for most of the time. As the saying goes, if you defend for a long time, you will lose. They
The secret to being able to defend it all the time is actually not just the natural dangers of the Yangtze River, but the complete Jianghuai defense."
He made a circle with his pointer: "Look, the Dabie Mountains north of the Yangtze River and south of the Huaihe River are winding for hundreds of miles. Lakes are also dotted in the south. The Huaidong area is also covered with dense river networks and crisscrossed ravines. The southern government can completely
Heavy troops are deployed in this area, relying on mountains, rivers, lakes and rivers to form an echelon of defense in depth."
"With this kind of resistance layer by layer, even if the northern army is extremely brave and fights in, breaking through layer by layer, the offensive will inevitably gradually decline, and no matter how strong the army is, it cannot withstand the attrition;"
"The Southern Dynasties had many opportunities to make mistakes. Once defeated, they could be defeated again. As long as the opponent's army actually arrived at the Yangtze River, it would be at the end of its war effort and would eventually be unable to break through the natural dangers."
"So if the Southern Dynasty really wants to defend, it cannot use the Yangtze River as the first line of defense. On the contrary, it must use the Yangtze River as the last line of defense to defend it impregnably."
"During the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, the Eastern Jin, Song, Qi, and Liang Dynasties all deployed defenses like this. The former Qin and Northern Wei were never able to break through the Yangtze River and attack the Southern Dynasties. When the Southern Chen Dynasty was lost, they were destined to perish from the moment they lost the Yangtze River and Huaihe River.
Already."
After talking like this, Cai Jing and Li Gefei's thinking became clearer, while Gao Qiu and Ding Run suddenly understood.
Li Yan took out two more wooden horses, with the label of the Western Army on them, and inserted them on the two roads in Huainan: "Since Zhang Dun returned to the court, the person in charge of the south is actually not the emperor who killed his mother, but the Prime Minister Zhang.
, He obviously knew well that to defend the Yangtze River, you must defend the Huaihe River, so in the process of going west to quell the chaos, he always maintained a hundred thousand Western troops stationed on the two roads in Huainan."
Everyone looked over and discovered that Shi Wengong's Ansu Army, Luan Tingyu's Ninghua Army, and Sun Li's Weisheng Army were stationed in the Henan area.
Lu Junyi immediately said: "Your Highness, I propose to take the land of the Jianghuai River and take advantage of the fact that the Western Army is not acclimated to the soil and water and cannot tolerate the environment of the Jianghuai River."
Hua Rong looked at Chai Jin, who immediately understood that he was asking about logistics.
Today's expedition to the east of Hedong requires only Hu Yanzhuo's army to be sent out, and there is no need to travel long distances. For the Yan army, which has sufficient food and grass and rich wealth, it is completely trivial. The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue immediately said: "The food and grass inventory and the army's baggage are enough to bear two troops."
Line march."
Shi Qian said: "Yesterday, a letter from the Western Army was sent home, which can be of great use."
The ministers looked sideways and didn't understand what the family letter was for a while.
Shi Qian explained: "After the Western Army guarding Bianliang surrendered, they formed an independent army and returned to the northwest to guard it. I, Dayan, supported the army with grain, grass and baggage, and all the merits and deeds were recorded in Eucalyptus."
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! "I am afraid they have never enjoyed this kind of beautiful life with no constraints from the rear and only support, so that the morale of the entire army is attached to it, and they instigate those who have not surrendered.
The family members of the Western Army wrote letters and sent them home. We just arrived at the Secret Department yesterday and we read them. They are all words to persuade the family members to surrender and go home."
The ministers' eyes widened: "That's great. Shooting these family letters into the city guarded by the Western Army will be more effective than inciting rebellion!"
That's how people are. If we all endure hardship together, we can still hold on for a while. But when others go ashore and they are still swimming in the water, unable to see the land at the end, no one can bear it.
Now the Western Army is divided into two like this. The Western Army who followed Guan Sheng and Hu Yanzhuo to guard Bianliang at that time surrendered and lived a happy life. Then look at those guarding Jianghuai. They have homes and cannot return, let alone ordinary soldiers.
The lower-level generals will be shaken!
As a result, the officials were even more supportive of Lu Junyi and Hua Rongjian's plan to seize Jianghuai first.
Only Cai Jing and Li Gefei were somewhat silent.
Li Gefei thought that if Jianghuai was lost, Zhao Song would be destroyed, and his mood was a bit complicated after all.
Cai Jing did not care about Zhao Song's life and death at all, and found that His Highness the King of Yan only emphasized the importance of Jianghuai and showed no interest in the two governors' invitation to fight.
In terms of military deployment, the right prime minister was not as good as other ministers, but when it came to observing the emperor's mood and understanding the emperor's heart, he thought he was unique. His eyes flickered for a moment, thinking that this was a good opportunity to consolidate his position: "Your Highness, I am the minister.
In my humble opinion, the time to attack Jianghuai may not have come yet."
The ministers' eyes immediately gathered to listen to this man's opinion. Li Yan also looked over and said, "Please speak, Mr. Cai."
The more respectful the King of Yan's tone became, the more humble Cai Jing became: "I don't know much about military affairs. I was able to defend Daming Mansion in the past, thanks to the help of the royal father and Gao Shangshu, and the three armies were serving their lives... It's just a brief introduction, for Your Highness and you all."
refer to."
"There are three reasons why we are not attacking Jianghuai now. First, the three armies of the navy are rushing to the aid of Goryeo to help it recover and suppress the Jurchens. The Jurchens are powerful and powerful and are our great enemy in the Central Plains. I dare not forget them at all times."
"Secondly, the expedition to Hedong has been decided. Before and after the war, all relevant matters will be mobilized by the imperial center. The two fronts are fighting. Although there is sufficient food, grass and baggage, it is inevitable to focus on one and lose the other, and it is difficult to take care of the energy."
"Third, Jinghu Fangla is a scourge to the south and colludes with the Mingzun cult. It cannot be destroyed. Jinghu is being encircled and suppressed by the Song army. Now that we are going south to the Jianghuai River, the Song army will return to help, but it will give it a chance to breathe."
After Cai Jing finished speaking, the ministers were silent for a moment, showing their thoughts.
But soon, Lu Junyi said: "What Prime Minister Cai said is not unreasonable, but everything cannot be perfect. With the help of the Western Army's family letters, we don't need many naval forces to persuade them to surrender. Compared with
The cost of dismantling the Jianghuai defense line and the blow to the Song Dynasty are bearable."
Hua Rong followed closely: "Even if we don't take action, the imperial army will be unable to break through Fang La's Jinghu garrison for a long time. I'm afraid they will still retreat. Moreover, the Jianghuai defense line and the Jingxiang defense line are horns of each other. Once one side breaks through,
Once we invade the south of the Yangtze River, the natural barrier on the other side of the Yangtze River will no longer exist. We can work together to destroy the Song Dynasty first, and then kill Fangla!"
The atmosphere in the palace became slightly tense, and the expressions of the ministers changed.
It is completely foreseeable that there will be disagreements between the Zhongshu Province and the Governor's Office.
I just didn't expect it to arrive so quickly, and to be greeted by a prime minister facing two governors.
The styles of both sides are also obvious.
Cai Jing is more conservative, while Lu Junyi and Hua Rong are more radical, which is in line with their civil and military identities.
Regarding the conflicting opinions between the two parties, Li Yan did not comment and looked over again: "What do you think?"
The ministers knew that it was time for them to take a stand.
Zhu Wu and Wu Yong were actually partial to what Lu Junyi and Hua Rong said, but as the ministers of Zhongshu Province, it was impossible for them to undermine their immediate superiors at this time. In addition, what Cai Jing said was also reasonable, so he said: "Cai Xiangnai
I agree with Lao Cheng’s advice on how to plan for the country!”
After these two, the first among the six to support were Gao Qiu and Ding Run: "Mingzunjiao has caused extremely serious disasters and must not be tolerated. I agree with what Prime Minister Cai said!"
For these two people, they hate Mingzunjiao to the core, especially Ding Run. At that time, he was slandered by Wu Juhou as a traitor of Mingzunjiao who caused chaos. Wu Juhou has now reunited his family, and Mingzunjiao still retains considerable strength. This kind of
The cult is extremely difficult to eradicate, and now that it is attached to Fang La, it naturally does not allow the other party any chance to grow.
Li Gefei stroked his beard and said: "I believe that we should be cautious when starting a war on two fronts."
Pei Xuan frowned and said: "The longer the Western Army stays in the Jianghuai area, the more homesick they become. Isn't the role of letters home greater?"
Shi Qian explained: "The family letters describe recent events. If they are stored for too long, they will make the Western Army suspicious and may cause changes. If they have to write again, they may cause twists and turns..."
Pei Xuandao: "That minister thought that we should not miss this good opportunity!"
Chai Jin and Ling Zhen were obviously on the side of the Governor's Mansion: "I agree with what the two Governors said. Now that the three armies are well prepared and their momentum is like a rainbow, they should take advantage of the situation and go to Jianghuai to determine the overall situation!"
After everyone expressed their opinions, they fell silent again, because it happened to be six people against six people.
Zhu Wu, Wu Yong, Gao Qiu, Ding Run, and Li Gefei agreed with Cai Jing;
Shi Qian, Chai Jin, Ling Zhen and Pei Xuan agreed with Lu Junyi and Hua Rong.
The hall became quiet.
"I'm still impulsive..."
At this time, Cai Jing secretly regretted that he should not have expressed such clear opinions in the military field in which he was not good at.
The so-called sacred heart is unpredictable and the emperor's mind is unpredictable. If His Highness the King of Yan had already intended to go south to attack Jianghuai and take advantage of the situation to strike a blow, it would be a big blow to the prime minister's prestige.
Yawenku
"What do you think, Your Highness? Who of us is right and who is wrong?"
Not to mention Cai Jing, the other ministers were uneasy. Lu Junyi and Hua Rong's desire for power was far less strong than Cai Jing's. But who in a high position wanted to have their opinions rejected and let the opponents gain the upper hand? So for the Governor's Mansion,
Prestige is also a blow.
Until Li Yan smiled slightly: "Don't be nervous, there is no absolute right or wrong in any strategic decision, especially in the current chaos..."
"Whether it is to conquer the Jianghuai River first or to postpone the war, there are advantages and disadvantages."
"Although I value Fang La, I don't dare to let Zhang Dun renovate the Western Army. When the time comes, we will fight stubbornly and fight to the death. Our Yan Army will also suffer huge losses. When the time comes, looking back, will I regret the missed opportunity?"
"But in the same way, Fang La calls himself the Holy Gong and stabilizes Jinghu. No matter what he thinks in his heart, at least his actions are much better than other bandit leaders. Such a person has the help of a cult. If he can support him
If the tiger is in danger, will you regret today's decision?"
The ministers couldn't help but nodded, but they were a little confused. Whose opinion were they agreeing with?
Cai Jing vaguely realized that this emperor's mental skills were probably different from what he thought. Zhu Wu and Wu Yong's brows moved slightly, and they both looked at the same place.
Sure enough, Li Yan's pointer also fell over and clicked on that city: "Since the letter from the northwest has come, we should incite rebellion against the Western Army. This is the core of the Jingxiang defense line and is guarded by 20,000 Western troops. It can be taken.
"
Only then did the ministers realize that in the dispute between the two sides, His Highness did not choose one side. The place he chose to attack was Xiangyang!