Xuzhou! ! !
Zhu Biao thought for a long time and did not agree with Han Du's opinion decisively. He turned to Guo Ying and asked: "What does Marquis Wu Ding think of Xuzhou?"
Guo Ying was still immersed in the shock in his heart. He was not familiar with Han Du. In the past, his understanding of Han Du was limited to "this is a man who can make money", "sea battles are good, land battles are not so good", "a favored minister in front of the late emperor" ".
But after just listening to Han Du's words, Guo Yingcai suddenly realized that the late emperor's favor towards Han Du was not unreasonable.
If you think about it carefully, you will know that the late emperor relied on his ability to recognize people. The twenty-four generals of Huaixi who were brought out from the rebel army were all rare talents in the world.
Since the late emperor could favor Han Du without any principle, how could Han Du look like the good-for-money boy he usually sees?
Guo Ying quickly handed over his hand: "Your Majesty, I think that the Duke of Zhen has a burning gaze, and Xuzhou is indeed the best choice."
Zhu Biaoyou looked at Geng Bingwen: "What does Marquis Changxing think?"
Geng Bingwen, who had always had a gloomy expression, finally showed a rare smile: "Your Majesty, these words of Duke Zhen are like waking up the dreamer!"
"Xucheng is blocked by mountains on three sides and faces the river on one side. It leads to Pisu in the south, Yanji in the north, and Biansi in the west. It can spread the momentum of thousands of miles to protect the dangerous areas of the Yangtze River and Huaihe River. It’s just the old thing.”
"If you can't get here in the south, you can't try to conquer Lu. If you can't get here in the north, you can't get a glimpse of the east of the Yangtze River. It's the place where victory or defeat changes."
Seeing that both Guo Ying and Geng Bingwen agreed to intercept Zhu Di in Xuzhou, Zhu Biao's doubts disappeared.
Looking up at Han Du: "Tell me your thoughts carefully."
Han Du nodded slightly: "Please take a look at the map."
With the Emperor's permission, Wang Yue quickly waved his hand to have the map brought in.
Zhu Biao stood up and walked over, standing next to Han Du.
Han Du pointed at the northern capitals on the map: "Your Majesty, now all the six northern capitals have fallen into the hands of the Yan thieves. If the battle between the imperial court and the Yan thieves drags on for too long, the six northern capitals may slowly and truly fall to the Yan side. thief."
"Therefore, not only the Yan thief is eager to fight with the imperial court. If conditions permit, it is best for the imperial court to decide quickly and try to minimize the impact of the Yan thief's rebellion!"
】
Zhu Biao nodded repeatedly after hearing this. Zhu Di was the Prince of Ming Dynasty after all. If a prince rebels, even if he is Zhu Biaozhanli, there will inevitably be some rumors. The best way is to correct the chaos in the shortest possible time and eliminate the negative impact on him.
"I think the imperial court should station troops in Xuzhou, fight the Yan bandits here, and complete their victory in one battle!"
Although Zhu Biao also agreed to station troops in Xuzhou, he still had doubts in his heart. "Yan Ni's troops are now very strong. The army that the imperial court can mobilize is only 300,000. Even if you include the navy, it is only 400,000. Are you sure you can defeat him in Xuzhou?"
Zhu Di is also a world-famous warrior, so it is natural for Zhu Biao to be worried.
"The navy cannot be stationed in Xuzhou. The navy can only exert its power on ships. Rather than being trapped in the city of Xuzhou, it is better to detach one part into the canal to ensure the supply of food and grass to the city of Xuzhou. The other part goes straight to Dagukou. Attack Peiping!"
Peiping can be said to be Zhu Di's home base. The Navy can directly go north to attack and rescue him, which is indeed more meaningful than placing it in Xuzhou City.
Zhu Biao nodded: "Continue."
Han Du had already expected it, and pointed to the north of Xuzhou City on the map and said: "The emperor is worried about the lack of troops, and there is no need to worry. The hills around Xuzhou are steep, and the entire city is located on the riverside among the peaks. The situation is very dangerous. , defense is very convenient.”
"The Yellow River (Sishui) runs from west to east, and the Grand Canal (Bianshui River) runs from north to south. They all merge into the northeast of Xucheng. The city blocks the river and the river blocks the city. The Yellow River and the Grand Canal are like the two sides of Xuzhou. With the natural moat, Xuzhou City can rely on the Biansi River to hold on for a long time, and due to the limitations of the mountains and rivers, it is difficult for a large number of troops to assemble outside the city, especially the cavalry, which cannot be deployed here at all, making it difficult to pose a threat to Xuzhou."
"Therefore, Your Majesty, you don't have to worry about the Yan bandits having too many soldiers and horses. No matter how many soldiers and horses he has, they won't be able to display them under Xuzhou City!"
"What if he bypasses Xuzhou and comes straight to Jiangdong?" Zhu Biao asked again.
Han Du chuckled: "Then he is even more seeking death. By bypassing Xuzhou, I can go straight to Beiping along the Si River. Under a pincer attack with the navy, Beiping will be defeated!"
"I can still pursue you along the Bianshui River, and if the navy intercepts the Yangtze River, then the land of Huaiyang and Wuyue will be Zhu Di's death!"
Han Du drew a circle between Bianshui River and the Yangtze River with his hand. The place in the middle was like an urn, catching turtles in the urn!
Zhu Biao finally felt relieved and nodded in admiration: "Huang Kao once said, Xuzhou is the throat of the north and the key to the capital."
Han Du nodded sharply: "Yes, it was because the late emperor occupied Xuzhou in advance that he achieved the feat of sweeping Qilu and completely conquering the north from the south!"
"Yeah, I didn't expect that I would have to study for the Imperial Examination again today." Zhu Biao sighed with emotion.
Then he turned back to Lord Dan and solemnly glanced at everyone: "My dear friends!"
"I'm here!"
Han Du took the lead, and everyone bowed down.
"Pass the decree, appoint Han Du as general, Geng Bingwen and Guo Ying as deputy generals, and lead an army of 300,000 to garrison Xuzhou."
"In addition! Pass the decree and order the vassal kings in the world to raise troops to serve the king!"
...
Zhu Di's appeal was originally based on the teachings of the monk Dao Yan. His appeal will surely make the world follow him.
But the result was very different from what Monk Dao Yan expected. Except for Zhu Di himself and Zhu Quan, who was coerced by him, none of the nine frontier kings supported him.
Fortunately, although they did not support him, they did not send troops to attack him. After all, Zhu Di now has strong soldiers and horses, and no one would be stupid enough to touch an egg against a stone.
Not only did the feudal king not support it, but even the people did not support it.
The people are the least willing to fight, especially when they can still have enough food and clothing, and no one wants the war to resume again.
Moreover, Zhu Biao spent his own money to enable boys all over the world to study in county schools. It was too late for the people to be grateful to the emperor. How could they follow Zhu Di and rebel as a vassal king?
In comparison, Zhu Di gave nothing to the people, not even a hair!
If it weren't for the support of officials, big and small, Zhu Di himself might not have the confidence to rebel.
But now that the arrow is on the string and has to be fired, Zhu Di has no other choice but to go to the dark side.
"Everyone, when my king's message reaches the capital, the imperial court will definitely send troops. How do you think we should respond?"
"Your Majesty, I think this battle should be fought quickly!" Monk Dao Yan said quickly, fearing that Feng Sheng would defeat him first.
Zhu Di nodded slightly. Of course he wanted a quick victory. After all, he also knew that the longer it dragged on, the more unfavorable the situation would be for him.
"If Peiping wants to reach the capital as quickly as possible, the best way is to take the sea route. But the sea route belongs to the navy, and this road is blocked!"
"Your Majesty, not only is the sea route impassable, but the poor monk thinks that Your Majesty also needs to be prepared for naval raids." Monk Daoyan reminded with a hint of embarrassment.
There is no way, who made Peiping so close to Dagukou?
If tens of thousands of naval forces disembark quietly at Dagu Port, then the cavalry can raid Peiping City in just one day. We really have to guard against it!
Zhu Di's face darkened, and he felt a little regretful when he thought that his home base was under threat from the navy's troops. He really mistakenly believed the lies of monk Daoyan and civil servants, so he thought he could replace them.
Seeing Zhu Di's expression changed drastically, Feng Sheng's eyes flashed, fearing that Zhu Di would lose confidence.
He smiled faintly and said, "My lord, there is no need to worry too much."
"Oh? What do you think of Duke Song?" Zhu Di looked at him with hope as if he had grasped a life-saving straw.
Monk Dao Yan's face darkened, but he couldn't say anything at the moment.
Feng Sheng nodded: "Beiping is too close to Dagukou, so it is indeed extremely easy to be attacked by the navy."
Zhu Di's heart sank slightly. This is a geographical restriction. I'm afraid no one can do anything about it.
"However, since the prince has raised troops to clear the emperor's side, he should attack Jinling City in one go. Then it no longer matters whether Beiping City is defended or not."
After hearing this, Zhu Di pondered for a while, raised his head and asked tentatively: "Dong Guogong means that I will take away my family members and leave an empty city?"
"Although it will be inconvenient to give up Beiping City, it is still worth it compared to the future when the princes cannot take care of each other." Feng Sheng explained patiently.
Zhu Di lowered his head and pondered for a while, and finally nodded in agreement.
There is no way that the navy is too strong. Once he leads his troops south, even the gods in Beiping City will not be able to defend it. When his family members are arrested by the court, he will be even more passive.
"If the prince wants to approach the capital quickly, I suggest taking the Grand Canal." Feng Sheng stroked his beard, looking confident.
"Take the Grand Canal?" Zhu Di was instantly delighted. Although taking the Grand Canal was not as good as the Shanghai Road, it was indeed much faster than the official road.
"Okay, let's take the Grand Canal."
"Come here, send the order down, recruit all the ships, and the army will move south along the Grand Canal!"
Zhu Di now has 600,000 troops under his command, with infantry and cavalry accounting for almost half each. The marching speed was slowed down by the infantry. As long as the infantry got on the boats and headed south quickly along the canal, there was no need to worry about the cavalry at all, and the fastest marching speed could be achieved.
Moreover, ships can also transport grain, grass and ordnance, which greatly saves time.
...
When Han Du returned home, An Qing greeted him with red eyes.
"What's wrong?" Han Du was confused.
An Qing quickly grabbed Han Du's arm and said in a harsh voice: "Fourth brother, is fourth brother really rebelling?"
Han Du felt that An Qing's hand was trembling. He smiled and put his hand on the back of her hand, comforting him: "Have you heard?"
There were tears in Anqing's eyes and he nodded slightly.
Han Du signaled An Qing to sit down first, and then sighed: "The emperor ordered me to lead the troops north, and we may set off in a few days."
An Qing trembled all over, quickly tightened his grip, and said anxiously: "Is there any misunderstanding in this? Fourth brother, if my husband meets fourth brother, I wonder if I can spare his life?"
