"Did anyone send an envoy from Wokuotai?"
Zhao Hong asked, but suddenly thought of Wan Yanchun who had disappeared.
After years of separation and no news, he was too lazy to think about it anymore.
The Kingdom of Jin sent envoys twice. The last time he refused to receive them, this time he directly refused the Jin envoys to enter, which already showed the attitude of the Song Dynasty.
State affairs are state affairs and personal affairs should not be involved. What's more, the feud between the Song and Jin Dynasties was sworn in. Even if Wan Yanchun was here, he didn't seem to have the courage and confidence to abolish public affairs for personal reasons.
"Your Majesty, the Tatars did not send an envoy."
Dong Songchen quickly replied.
"This is Mongolia! Maybe Ogedei doesn't think it's necessary."
Zhao Hong shook his head. The carelessness of the Mongolian nobles played into his hands.
Since the Northern Expedition is going on, a bloody battle with the Mongolian army is unavoidable, so there is no need to make superficial efforts.
"Has the Japanese envoy come to Ancheng?"
Feeling touched, Zhao Hong said another sentence.
"Your Majesty, the envoys from Japan, Korea, and other countries have arrived at Lin'an City and are in the post house, preparing to attend the great court meeting the day after tomorrow."
"You've come just in time! Do you really think that the past is like smoke and has been wiped out?"
Zhao Hong snorted coldly. He looked at Xu Sheng and suddenly laughed.
"Xu Sheng, if we ask you to go north with the army during the Northern Expedition, Xuan Yuehua won't blame me, right?"
Xuan Yuehua, the daughter of Xuan Zhen, the former Minister of the Ministry of War, was a student of the first phase of the Jinling Military Academy, a teacher of the Jinling Military Academy, and the deputy director of the Jiangwu Academy Library. He and his bodyguard Xu Sheng finally got together and seemed to be living a good life.
"Your Majesty, both of us are soldiers and will never disobey military orders. Yuehua also wants to go to the frontier to serve the country, but she is working in the martial arts hall and has no choice. Your Majesty, don't worry."
Xu Sheng promised firmly.
Zhao Hong nodded. Although Xuan Yuehua is also a son of a powerful man, he does not have the dandy spirit and abides by military regulations. He is a standard soldier. Unlike Wei Sisi, who thought he was a passionate patriotic young man, it turned out to be just wishful thinking on his part.
"Your Majesty, let alone me. I am willing to ride for Your Majesty and be a pawn in the Northern Expedition!"
Li Tang had a dark face and was still stern.
"The Northern Expedition was a national war, and it was to recover the three capitals and two rivers. The reason for creating momentum is to inspire the soldiers and the people to ensure that the Northern Expedition is foolproof."
Zhao Hong looked at Li Tang and others and finally mentioned the Northern Expedition.
War is all about logistics. The reason why Shaanxi ceased operations after World War I was to consolidate Shaanxi, accumulate strength, compete with the Wo Kuotai people, and cut off the Mongolian army's logistical supplies.
Shaanxi was riddled with wars for years and it was difficult to provide for itself. It was a fool's errand to support the Northern Expedition of grain and grass. Once the Northern Expedition is about to begin, the food and fodder for the Western Route Army can only be transferred from Hexi and Sichuan.
The transfer of military supplies, grass and baggage on the West Route took time.
"Sanjing, Lianghe?"
Li Tang and Xu Sheng were filled with excitement and their eyes widened.
I thought it was just the land of Henan where the Jin Army was entrenched, but who knew it actually included two rivers!
"Your Majesty, the Qin State made close contacts with distant enemies and devoured whales. Only then did it destroy the six kingdoms and unite the world. Your Majesty, is it too risky to attack Mongolia directly?"
Xu Sheng observed the surroundings and whispered softly.
Lianghe is the sphere of influence of the Mongolian army, with hundreds of thousands of troops stationed there. Zhao Hong's generous gesture really made their palms sweat.
"Your Majesty, in the Battle of Hanzhong, the Tatar army suffered heavy losses, which is enough to show that the Tatar army has nothing to fear. Our army has sufficient food and grass, and has new firearms to equip the army. At this time, the Northern Expedition can go all out to restore the two rivers. . Your Majesty, this opportunity is not to be missed, don’t hesitate any longer!”
Li Tanghei's face turned red, but he and Xu Sheng had different opinions.
"Li Tang is right! There is no risk, everything is based on strength. I have an army of more than 200,000 elites on the east and west routes. I have prepared a year's supply of food, grass and baggage. I can't deal with more than 100,000 Han troops in the two rivers. We should That’s enough.”
When he mentioned the Northern Expedition, his blood became hotter without realizing it.
"Your Majesty, I think that when our Song Dynasty's hundreds of thousands of troops march northward, it is better to deal with the Jin Kingdom first. After Henan and Shaanxi are restored, there will be no worries, and then we can slowly start our northern expedition."
Xu Sheng whispered, feeling uneasy.
After following Zhao Hong for a long time, they all know that as long as it is a correct proposal, Zhao Hong will never veto it, let alone get angry because of it.
I'm afraid that Zhao Hong will be indecisive, confused and obsessed with love, and will abandon his official career for personal reasons because he still thinks about Wan Yanchun.
"Wokuotai wanted to support war with war. He set up ten tax envoys in the two rivers. The year before last, he got 500,000 guan in money and 400,000 shi in grain. Last year, he got 600,000 guan in money and 700,000 shi in grain. I'm afraid this year Just a lot more. The Tatar army used this money and food to attack me, the Song Dynasty. Do you think I will allow these things to happen?"
Wokuotai wanted to support war with war, so how could he give him such an opportunity.
An army of two to three hundred thousand troops marched directly to the three capitals and two rivers. The grain and grass on the east route go north by sea. As long as there is no problem on the west route, we can fly together on both sides and capture the two rivers in one go, completely shutting out the Tatar army from the dangerous pass.
Everyone looked at each other in shock, with wet palms.
All previous wars were defensive. This time, the Song army would take the initiative to defend the enemy from outside the country.
With the Hexi Racecourse, the Song Army's natural flaw of insufficient cavalry no longer exists, and the Song Army's mobility is greatly increased. In the plains of Hebei, the Song army no longer had to worry about the dilemma of "losing a thousand miles if it loses, and being unable to pursue it if it wins".
"Your Majesty, please let me go on the Northern Expedition of the army. Many generals in the army are my students, and I can quickly integrate into it. Generals like me are also needed to command the fire gun soldiers."
Zhao Hong said nothing, and Li Tang begged in a low voice again.
"Your Majesty, our northwest army has strong soldiers and horses. The Huainan army does not have much actual combat experience. Artillery operations also need officers. Just let me go."
Xu Sheng pleaded urgently.
It seems that he does not want to miss this battle that is related to the fate of the Song Dynasty.
"I'll think about it and talk about it after dinner."
Zhao Hong smiled slightly and picked up the chopsticks.
The Northern Expedition is not something that can be solved in ten and a half days. Military and political preparations are indispensable. If you add in the time for pre-attack and take into account the impact of summer heat, I'm afraid it will take more than half a year.
The meal arrived, fresh steamed fish, fresh vegetables, boiled meat slices, braised pork, steaming steamed buns, and a pot of turbid wine.
Dong Songchen poured wine for Zhao Hong, and he carefully sat down and began to eat.
"A glass of turbid wine will make your family thousands of miles away, and the general will have white hair and his husband will cry. When you go to Long to look at Shu, your hair will be all white!"
After a glass of wine, which was sweet and delicious, Zhao Hong suddenly remembered the dream he had at dusk and said something faintly.
"Your Majesty, don't worry. There are hundreds of thousands of warriors from the Great Song Dynasty. When the time comes, they will surely ride on Yanran and take back the Three Capitals and the Sixteenth Prefecture of Yanyun into my Great Song Dynasty!"
Xu Sheng's face turned red and he was already a little moved.
Hundreds of thousands of troops marched north, and how many lives were lost in Mongolia!
"Your Majesty, the Northern Expedition will definitely succeed! Xu Sheng and I will be in Yanjing by then, waiting for your Majesty's arrival!"
Li Tang spoke so loudly that his saliva flew everywhere.
Zhao Hong laughed.
A man's self-respect is rampant, and he likes the confidence and courage of young people.
The city of Tokyo was dilapidated, the Yellow River was overflowing, Henan was in devastation, and food supplies were even more difficult. In comparison, the army occupied the two rivers, and Yanjing City seemed more suitable for him to settle in and take charge.
"Your Majesty, if our army goes on a northern expedition and our rear defense is empty, and the Kingdom of Jin takes the opportunity to send troops to attack me in Jianghuai, I'm afraid there will be endless troubles."
Everyone was startled, and Dong Songchen interjected.
"Dong Songchen, you are now half an expert."
Zhao Hong laughed softly.
Historically, the Jin Kingdom was invaded by the Mongolian army and wanted to send troops south to attack the Song Dynasty and open up the Jianghuai River as a buffer.
Wanyan Shouxu, the last emperor of the Jin Kingdom in history, was unable to fight back against the Mongolian army, but he never took the Southern Song Dynasty seriously.
"The reason why the Northern Army often wins is because it relies on the horse power of the North and the skill of the Chinese. As for the Song people, how can they be righteous? I have three thousand soldiers, who can travel across the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers, so I have enough strength to spare."
The more than 200,000 Jin troops under his father, Jin Xuanzong, invaded the south, but they did not take advantage of the weak Southern Song Dynasty at that time. His 3,000 men wanted to conquer the Yangtze River and Huaihe River, which was simply a fool's dream.
Not to mention, what he was facing now was a completely different Song Empire with prosperous national power and strong soldiers.
If an empire does not expand outwards and expand its territory, can it still be called an empire?
"Your Majesty, since the Northern Expedition is inevitable, it is better to destroy the Jin Kingdom directly, not only avenge a century-old country, but also solve the worries. As for restoring the two rivers, we can destroy the Jin Kingdom first and then send troops to the north. By then, the entire northern The whole world belongs to me, the Song Dynasty!"
Li Tang continued, his eyes shining.
Even after a hundred years have passed, the Song people's hatred for the Jin Kingdom cannot be easily resolved.
In the Battle of Hanzhong, the Mongolian army suffered a loss of 70,000, and the entire Mongolian army suffered a loss of at least 90,000. The Mongolian cavalry suffered heavy losses and were injured. But Mongolia was powerful after all. Once it regained its strength and made a comeback, the impact on the Song Dynasty would be huge.
As for the Kingdom of Jin, it was just like Xixia back then, barely surviving. If the army of the Northern Expedition and the Jin army dared to attack the Song Dynasty, Du Gao's tribe and the Song army on the border between Song and Jin would also give the Jin army a head-on attack.
"Your Majesty, if you go directly north, the Kingdom of Jin will definitely be constrained, like a lump in your throat, and you won't be able to spit it out!"
Xu Sheng shook his head, obviously not in favor of crossing the Jin Kingdom and heading north.
"The Kingdom of Jin is already in a small state. In addition, the battle with the Tatar army suffered heavy losses. Just like the Xixia after the war that day, there is no need to worry. Fight early and late. If we push too hard and the Jin people are trapped and the beasts still fight, I will The soldiers may suffer a lot of losses."
Zhao Hong frowned without knowing it.
Strike first and control others later. Attack the two rivers and drive the Mongolian army outside Yanmen Pass or Juyong Pass. This is the first step.
In the future, we still have to restore the Western Region and Monan, and there is still a longer and more difficult road to go.
However, after saying these words, the irritability in his heart disappeared and he became excited.
The king of a country cannot easily lose his fighting spirit.
A group of people came in chatting and laughing. When they saw Li Tang and Xu Sheng, they were all surprised. When they saw Zhao Hong again, everyone bowed and saluted.
"Instructor Li! Instructor Xu!"
Speaking of which, they are all students of these two people.
"Seen..."
"slow!"
Zhao Hong spoke at the right time and stopped several people.
Fortunately, these people were wearing casual clothes, otherwise they would have disturbed other people and wouldn't have been able to have a good meal.
"Brothers, please find a seat and sit down. You're welcome!"
Li Tang quickly greeted Cao Youwen and others.
Unexpectedly, all the generals were summoned to come to Ancheng to attend the court meeting. Cao Youwen, Lu Wende and Yu Jie, who were far away, arrived first.
Several young people who were eating turned their heads, glanced at Cao Youwen and others in surprise, then turned back and continued eating.
There are so many ministers and generals in Lin'an City that they fill the streets. A few officers were having a meal, so there was no fuss.
Xu Sheng, Li Tang, and Dong Songchen wisely went to another table, and Cao Youwen and others sat down at Zhao Hong's table.
"Don't talk. Let's talk after eating."
Zhao Hong stopped everyone, and a group of people stopped talking and only focused on eating and drinking.
The streets are bustling with people coming and going, and they are full of joy. The streets are brightly lit, and fireworks and firecrackers in the sky and on the ground accentuate the night.
Zhao Hong was thoughtful. I wonder what the scene was like here when the Yuan army captured Lin'an City in history?
"Your Majesty, Wang Jian and others will arrive soon. Cui Xianggong, Fan Xianggong and Guo Xianggong will arrive later."
Cao Youwen followed Zhao Hong and spoke softly.
The emperor summoned so many generals and ministers to Lin'an City, probably not just to attend the court meeting. If his guess was correct, the emperor had decided to launch the Northern Expedition.
"Your Majesty, I have been holding back for so long. Are you planning to go on the Northern Expedition?"
Yu Jie said as she walked, her eyes full of expectation.
"If I want to regain the land of Lianghe, starting from Yanmen Pass in the west and reaching Yanshan Mansion in the east, I will occupy the entire sixteen states of Yanyun. Are you all ready?"
Zhao Hong calmly spoke out.
"The Sixteenth Prefecture of Yanyun? I'm going!"
Yu Jie was startled, tripped and almost fell down.
The emperor is finally going on the Northern Expedition. This is a great joy!
"Your Majesty, I would like to be the vanguard!"
"Your Majesty, I am willing to lead my troops there!"
The eyes of Cao Youwen, Lu Wende and others were shining, and they asked for orders one after another, arousing the surprised eyes of passers-by on the street.
The soldiers and horses have not moved, but the food and grass have gone first. It is not difficult for an army of 100,000 people to transport grain from the sea on the east route. However, the West Road requires transporting grain from Hexi and Sichuan, which may require vehicles and people to carry it, which is not easy.
Zhao Hong looked at the generals and smiled slightly.
"Now it depends on the grain and grass reserves in the northwest and whether they can support this national war."
The generals' hearts beat rapidly and they wanted to ask more questions, but Zhao Hong stopped them all.
"Everyone, let's not talk about business today. Have a good rest tonight and have a good day tomorrow. Come over tomorrow night to receive red envelopes and gifts of wine and meat. It won't be too late to talk about the Northern Expedition after the meeting tomorrow."
The generals no longer asked questions, and everyone was in high spirits.
The Northern Expedition can finally take place!
The generals were confident and generous, and Zhao Hong felt relieved and excited.
Returning to Lin'an City, he unknowingly became timid. Together with these generals, he regained his courage, became confident, and became himself.
It was just a nightmare, not worth his suspicion.
Besides, didn’t someone say that dreams and reality are opposites?
