Fang Jun replied: "The Eastern Expedition is imminent, and the Ministry of War is responsible for the heavy task of drawing maps. Naturally, the Ministry of War does not dare to slack off. In the past two days, dozens of experienced scribes from the Ministry of War worked together to summarize the information sent back from Liaodong. , screened, distinguished, and still completed the map of Goguryeo, its transit is clearly visible, and most of it is clearly identifiable."
"All of Goguryeo?"
Li Ji frowned when he heard this and said, "It's a very important matter. The Duke of Yue must not boast about it."
The words were a bit rude, but this was because the two families were close and he always regarded Fang Jun as a junior.
Fang Jun said with a smile: "The British Lord is overly concerned. How can a subordinate not know the significance of the Eastern Expedition? He would never dare to cheat or sensationalize on such a major matter."
He turned to His Majesty Li Er and said: "Your Majesty, please ask the chamberlain to go to the Ministry of War and order Cui Dunli to immediately bring the map of Goguryeo. Your Majesty and all the ministers will observe and correct it."
His Majesty Li Er was very interested: "Yes!"
He immediately ordered Wang De, the chamberlain's chief chamberlain, to go to the Ministry of War in person and summon Cui Dunli to order him to bring the map to the palace.
Xiao Yu on the side smiled and said: "If the map of Goguryeo has really been drawn, Duke Yue has made a great contribution and can be regarded as the first achievement of the Eastern Campaign."
Marching and fighting is nothing more than the right time, place and people. Today's tactics are even more innovative. On the one hand, it is the combat effectiveness of the army, on the other hand, it is the supply of logistical supplies, and on the other hand, it is possible to have a clear map and fully consider the battlefield. Various conditions dictate corresponding tactics.
When there is a small gap in military strength, a complete and accurate map often means a victory.
Because in this era, map drawing is really difficult...
Of course, it is reasonable for members of the family to flatter each other and seek some benefits for Fang Jun who cannot personally participate in the Eastern Expedition.
Fang Jun shook his head and said: "The Duke of Song Dynasty did not know that in order to draw the map of Goguryeo, more than a hundred craftsmen from the Ministry of War sneaked into the territory of Goguryeo and walked around the barren mountains and mountains. There were also more than 200 merchants who were willing to provide free information. Cover and assist."
Having said this, he turned to His Majesty Li Er and said sincerely: "The creation of this map was the result of the hard work of the Ministry of War and countless merchants and people. As a result, more than 30 officials and people were sacrificed. If we discuss merits after the war, I am willing to give up all the credit to the officials of the Ministry of War without taking any credit. I will be promoted and rewarded generously. I will also reward those people who voluntarily assist in spying on the enemy's military fortresses. We, the people of the Tang Dynasty, are dedicated to serving the country, even if we are in prison. He would sacrifice his life to serve his country even in an enemy country. This sincere loyalty must be rewarded, otherwise wouldn’t it dishearten those loyal and filial citizens?”
His Majesty Li Er nodded silently and said with emotion: "That's exactly what it is! Liu Shizhong, please record this matter and reward them based on their merits after the Eastern Expedition. Just as the Duke of Yue said, those people who assisted the empire in this battle will be rewarded." All of them will be registered and rewarded. Those who have sacrificed their lives for the empire may be given titles and ranks as appropriate to inform the world about the Yinmeng family!"
"Here!"
Liu Ji quickly responded.
The ministers said in unison: "Your Majesty is wise!"
The strong martial arts culture of the Tang Dynasty allowed the people to be strong and strong, and a large army could be gathered in a short period of time. The two systems of government troops and recruitment went hand in hand, and together they built a huge empire that is now powerful all over the world.
The title of knighthood must be redeemed through actual military exploits. Many veterans who have gone through battles may not be able to obtain enough meritorious service to be awarded the title of knighthood.
In addition to the noble title and rank, it is an extremely noble honor. In the countryside, you will receive the same treatment as the village elders. In addition to everyone having to take a high look, there are also real benefits such as tax exemptions and the grant of Yongye Field.
It is conceivable that as soon as this edict is promulgated, the morale of the people will skyrocket and the martial arts will become stronger.
The Ministry of War was located in the imperial city south of Chengtian Gate. Wang De ran away, and within a short time they were fighting back and forth.
Cui Dunli came to the imperial study room out of breath, followed by two young chamberlains who were sweating profusely. Each of them carried a book box woven with mountain vines and placed it on the floor of the imperial study room.
Cui Dunli took a few breaths, then saluted and said: "Cun Cui Dunli, the left minister of the Ministry of War, has met your majesty and all the superior officials."
His Majesty Li Er obviously had a good opinion of Cui Dunli and said warmly: "You don't have to be polite, Minister Cui. Did you bring the map?"
Cui Dunli said: "Already brought."
After saying that, he picked up the book box, looked around, and asked for instructions: "Your Majesty clearly knows that the map is too huge. I wonder if your Majesty can allow this wall to be vacated for the purpose of displaying the map?"
He pointed to the west wall.
Compared with the bookshelves, bookcases and other furniture on the other sides, the walls here are only decorated with some rare decorations, including antlers, wolf skins, a strong bow, and a sword, which are relatively simple.
His Majesty Li Er nodded and said: "Yes."
Wang De hurried forward and took down all the decorations with two young chamberlains and put them aside for the time being. Then he helped Cui Dunli open the book box, took out the map, and unfolded it carefully with tiny nails. Nailed on the wall.
Four specially made papers were pieced together to form a huge map, which almost took up the entire wall. Various lines were densely drawn on the map, but there were still dozens of maps left in the box...
His Majesty Li Er stood up and came to the map and looked up. The ministers also stood up and stood behind His Majesty Li Er.
Fang Jun has always been known for his outstanding abilities, especially his inventing some incredible methods from time to time, which are unheard of and astonishing. Everyone knows that Fang Jun has been leading the drawing of the world map since the first day he took charge of the Ministry of War. Today, when he saw the finished product for the first time, he was naturally curious and eager to take a look.
On the map, we can see that it starts from the two states of Youying and goes eastward from the Liao River to most of the Buyeo Kingdom. It goes straight to Asan Bay and Jukling in the south, and borders Baekje and Silla.
Cui Dunli pointed to the map and introduced: "Goguryeo was officially founded in the second year of the founding of the Zhao Dynasty. The capital was located in the inner city. Its citizens were mainly Haoqian and Fuyu people, and later absorbed some Mohe people and Sanhan people. In the fourth year of the First Light of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Goguryeo When King Changshou of the 20th generation came to power, he moved the capital of the country from the domestic city to Pyongyang. At this point, the direction of Goguryeo's expansion gradually changed from the cold Liaodong to the warm and humid peninsula, and then gradually expanded, currently occupying most of the peninsula. , the territory is vast, but because of the bitter cold climate, the land is sparsely populated, and most of it is mountains and hills that are not suitable for farming."
Pointing to the map, Cui Dunli spoke eloquently, explaining clearly the origins of Goguryeo and its current situation. In the past, we only had a vague understanding of Goguryeo, but now it is as if we can clearly remember it.
His Majesty Li Er praised: "Cui Shilang is familiar with history books, and he has a deep understanding in his heart. He should continue his efforts and achieve special honors for the empire. I will not treat him lightly!"
Cui Dunli was excited and saluted: "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty! However, I dare not take the credit. In fact, it is Fang Shangshu who has been giving instructions all day long. He strictly ordered our military officials to be familiar with Goguryeo's humanities, history, terrain and national conditions, so that we can make targeted decisions." deployment and contribute to the victory of the Eastern Expedition."
His Majesty Li Er looked back at Fang Jun and said with satisfaction: "The entire military department is united and prepared well. After the Eastern Expedition, I will certainly not hesitate to reward you!"
The ministers looked at Cui Dunli and admired him one after another.
This descendant of the Cui family in Qinghe, due to his outstanding talents and Fang Jun's unremitting recommendation, has repeatedly come into His Majesty's sight. He can be regarded as "Jian is in the Emperor's heart". In time, I am afraid that even the lowest achievement will be It is not impossible for six ministers to enter the political hall.
A rising official of the empire...
His Majesty Li Er looked at the densely marked cities, mountains, peaks, and rivers on the map, and felt quite pleased: "Come, Cui Shilang, give me a good explanation of the terrain of Goguryeo."
"Here!"
Cui Dunli's confidence doubled and he said calmly: "Your Majesty, please see that the border between Goguryeo and the Tang Dynasty is to the west of the Liao River, which is the land of Yingzhou. Since the early years of Zhenguan, Goguryeo knew that it had no choice but to defend against the attack of the Tang Dynasty. It resisted the Tang Dynasty's military front in field battles, so it extended from there to the depths, and built mountain cities and fortresses in critical places. It functioned like the Great Wall, but it was limited by its national power and could not connect countless mountain cities into one. As a line of defense against the Tang Dynasty, in Pyongyang, the capital of the country, countless forts were built on the north bank of the Xishui River to resist the invincible cavalry raids of the Tang Dynasty..."