Li Dan made a comprehensive analysis of the situation in Monan and Mobei for the emperor. He talked for more than half an hour, even reporting on Xiangyu's affairs, including Xiangyu's confession about several courtiers he had asked for.
Of course Zhao Tuo gritted his teeth after hearing this. But what pleased Li Dan was that the emperor had no intention of building a prison. Instead, he endured it and asked him where to start and how to deal with this large-scale invasion of Kelge.
In fact, Li Dan agrees with Wang Younian's statement that there is not necessarily an inevitable connection between the white disaster and the drought. Even if a drought occurs, will the entire grassland be affected by the disaster, or will it be partially affected, or will everyone be affected to a different extent?
This is debatable and requires extensive investigation and comprehensive evaluation before a conclusion can be drawn. But the topic of catastrophe being widely circulated now is more like some kind of artificially promoted communication.
"Droughts are not terrible, man-made disasters are hopeless!" Li Dan said: "Due to the lack of unified command and management, people are prone to panic, herdsmen lack defensive measures, family economic forms are too simple, and they rely too much on resources.
If rulers prepare in advance, provide good guidance during the event, and provide timely relief afterwards, they can have a certain degree of resistance to disasters. On this point, I am willing to discuss a solution with my staff, and then make a detailed statement for Your Majesty to review.
But even if a disaster does occur, there will still be two months to prepare by summer.
The hooves of Kelge's horses will not stop. They must be calculating to launch the fiercest attack when people are most panicked and achieve their goals at the minimum cost. "
Li Dan said: "So I suggest that your Majesty should work with both hands, not only to provide necessary help for the herdsmen to tide over the difficulties, but also to start making military preparations.
First of all, he asked the border troops to immediately stop attacking and massacring the Luyan, Seyan and Huifa tribes. His Majesty wanted to tell the generals that the imperial court was negotiating with the Monan tribes about surrender and tribute. Anyone who ruined this overall situation would be held responsible.
Secondly, while preventing Lu Yan and other troops from entering western Liaoning in an disorderly manner, the Eastern Liaoxi Dusi actively prepared for large-scale battles to prevent Kerge from taking advantage of the internal chaos of Lu Yan and Seyan to launch an attack.
Finally, Jizhen and Shuntian Prefecture must effectively guide herdsmen to avoid disasters, resolutely prevent military passes from being attacked by panicked herdsmen, and prevent certain leaders from inciting and inciting herdsmen.
In the Xuanfu direction, preparations were made for providing aid and relief to Wula and Huifa.
In this way, according to the different respectful attitudes of each ministry towards the imperial court, the corresponding methods and degrees of each town and prefecture are also different. Let all the tribes in Monan know that only by being deferential can the imperial court help, otherwise it will only cause more losses!
The minister suggested that the imperial court should make standardized regulations to allow various ministries in Monan to exchange live livestock, sinews, livestock compost, fur and other materials with border customs in exchange for rations, medicines, feed, seeds, cloth, bean feed and salt.
This is a disguised form of cash-for-work, and a real kind of cash-for-work is to use their labor to help build roads, bridges, construction, etc., in exchange for food for themselves and their families.
It is also necessary to dispatch supervisory censors and even political supervisory censors to various towns and wards to supervise the implementation of the above standards.
As for the military, first of all, His Majesty and the cabinet ministers reached a consensus on the strategy of accommodating Monan and attacking Kerge with the main force. Then obtain the support of the martial arts group and do a good job in selecting generals. The last step is to mobilize troops to set up an ambush.
Using hard and soft tactics to deal with the Monan tribes, using harsh military means to defeat Kerge, and even causing him to suffer as much loss as possible. This is the core strategy I plan for His Majesty. "
Zhao Tuo listened with great interest, nodded frequently, and asked: "Do you know who can be a great general?"
Li Dan shook his head: "I just came to the capital, and I am indeed not familiar with personnel matters. However, this person must be familiar with the fighting methods of the Egu people, and be familiar with the use of cavalry. At the same time, he must be decisive and not arbitrary. It is best to have a certain prestige in the team in western Liaoning. .”
The emperor also knew that it was unlikely that he would become familiar with all the courtiers and generals so quickly, so he changed the subject and asked: "Is it possible that Kerge would not go to western Liaoning and directly enter the border wall to attack Shuntian Mansion?"
After thinking about it seriously, Li Dan replied: "This kind of thing is not ruled out, but it is too risky.
It was risky enough for them to leave their pasture. They jumped thousands of miles into the border wall in case the pass behind was blocked by the army and they could not get out.
, then it would be like a rat in a cage. I think the possibility is not high.
He must also need the support and support of his people. Seizing cattle, sheep, people, and land is one thing, but when it comes to stepping into the border wall, it will not be so easy for everyone to support him. He himself also knows that he cannot joke with precious human lives.
With Kelge's current strength, 50,000 elites and hundreds of thousands of auxiliary soldiers, it seems that there are many people, but it is not enough to be able to fight head-on with the mainland officers and soldiers. It is very possible to send some partial troops to contain the border troops and continue to disrupt the Seyan tribe! "
"Kergo really only has 50,000 elites?" The emperor was a little unconvinced.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of War report said that he raised 300,000 troops, claiming to be 800,000. In fact, that is not how the account was calculated." Li Dan replied:
"According to Qimeier and his son, all the tribesmen of Kelge spread over such a vast area add up to only 400,000 people. Where did the 800,000 people come from?
The so-called numbers are the most false and are simply meant to intimidate. The 300,000 the Ministry of War said was actually inaccurate. Xiangyu said the actual number dispatched was 270,000.
There should be more than 100,000 people behind him who have not moved. Among them, there are 30,000 fighting men left to deter the Burians. We guess that most of them are Han troops.
But even 270,000 is still 70% of his entire population, which is very impressive! These people include women who cook and wash, young men who herd cattle, servants and slaves, etc. There are hundreds of thousands of them.
An armored soldier in the Central Plains needs to be supported by two auxiliary soldiers and five grain soldiers (transportation supplies). On the grassland, knights do not need many. They usually have one handyman and two auxiliary soldiers.
Based on this ratio, there are about 150,000 to 60,000 so-called warriors, of which less than 40,000 are elite soldiers. This is a relatively credible number. "
"In other words, there are still more than 100,000 auxiliary troops? But these auxiliary troops can also be dispatched when necessary, right?"
"Yes, it's just that the weapons, protection, battle formation synthesis, attack formation organization experience, etc. are not as good as elite soldiers, and they are mainly light cavalry with bows and arrows, fighting on the move. General Hou said that the general partial division is composed of these people. "
"So they are capable of expelling, harassing, and plundering, and will not confront the officers and soldiers head-on." The emperor murmured.
Li Dan understood that His Majesty was thinking of using a soft persimmon as a persimmon, but the problem was that no one wanted to be a persimmon! "It's difficult to capture a partial army. Instead of dealing with them, it's better to focus on the main battlefield of Liutiaogou!"
Li Dan advised softly. Zhao Tuo seems a little unwilling to give in. He wants a big victory too much, but obviously it should be relatively easy to miss the enemy! Li Dan saw what he was thinking and said softly: "Your Majesty, actually it may be easier to attack the main force than to attack the partial force."
"Oh? How do you say this?"
"The purpose of the partial force is to harass. If they win, they will fight for a while. If they don't, they will jump on their horses and run away. It is difficult to catch them! But the main force is different. They bring women, children and baggage, just like people pulling a cart. A mule cannot run fast even if it wants to.
Once the old camp is defeated, the soldiers will become frightened and rush back to save their wives. The morale of the army will be chaotic. At this time, we will have an opportunity. "
Zhao Tuo smiled and looked at Li Dan: "Do you mean to attract the main force from the front and destroy the old camp from the rear to destabilize the morale of the army? Zedong, this tactic... doesn't seem like a gentleman, does it?"
"Your Majesty, only those who win can be qualified to be a gentleman. Those who lose are nothing." Li Dan provoked him, and then said: "Furthermore, those people in the old camp followed the battlefield, and they were willing soldiers. Attack is natural.
As for whether it is a man, a woman or a child, that is Ye Bihan's arrangement. What sin does it have on us? "He used a pencil to outline the line of Cullen City, Liutiaogou, Udonte Sea, Udan City, and Lemoulen Valley and marked the names of these places.
"You see, I asked Old General Hou carefully that if we defend Kulun City and Liutiaogou serves as a water source, it will be the main battlefield for both sides.
Their old camp was most likely stationed on the Udonte Seaside. Not only was it flat and open, but it was also very convenient for drinking water and grazing. The only drawback is that it takes two days to walk from the front line on horseback! "
"That is to say...," Zhao Tuo understood: "They are disconnected?"
"Yes! As long as you act swiftly and ferociously, it will be difficult for the enemy troops on the front line to defend themselves!
And the distance between the two is nearly four hundred miles, which is enough for us to write a lot of articles. After Li Dan finished speaking, he turned to the emperor:
"If we can convince Zha'eqi Khan of Seyan to join forces with the imperial court and allow us to borrow the city of Kulun, we will win this battle!"
"Do you think he can agree?"
"This old boy is suffering from both natural disasters and military disasters. He has to agree even if he doesn't agree." Li Dan sneered:
"Either he will pay tribute to His Majesty after the war and obtain the crown of a first-class county king, or the court will hold his hands and just watch him being bullied by Ye Bihan. He can choose between the two paths. Your Majesty, do you think he still knows which choice to make?" Which way?"
"It makes sense." The corners of Zhao Tuo's mouth turned upward: "This matter is important, who should I send?"
Li Dan immediately thought of the divine man he saw in the history books of his previous life: "Your Majesty has many talents in the court, so there is no need to worry. Wang Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites is very good!"
"Him? That old cunning guy?" The words that came out of the emperor's mouth almost made Li Dan burst out laughing. He quickly pretended to cough and covered it with his sleeves.
"He smiled and looked like a great benevolent person. He did a good job in receiving Qimeier Khan this time. But if we send a minister of the Ministry of Etiquette, isn't it a bit too flattering?
What would Qi Mier think if she knew? Besides, there must be a suitable reason for sending a third-grade official there? "
"Your Majesty, your nobles often forget things. Seyan is a direct descendant of the last emperor of the previous dynasty, and he is also their Qie Xuejun. It is reasonable for him to pay attention to it. Don't you still want to find a concubine for King Ding? This is the best The reason!"
"That's right!" Zhao Tuo slapped his thigh: "How could I forget this? If for the sake of King Ding, the Minister of Etiquette is specially appointed to be the matchmaker, then it makes sense! But as for Qimeierhan...? "
"He has his responsibilities." Li Dan motioned the emperor to look at the map again: "He will also bring the main force to the east, and the rear will be empty.
I suggest that your majesty arrange for Karen to go back tomorrow and tell his father that he can unite with the Huila tribe to attack Helin and Hulan and other places, and repay others with their own way! "
"Ha! That's it." Zhao Tuo finally understood Li Dan's full intention: "Do you want Na Ye Bihan to choose for himself, whether to continue eastward or turn back to protect his base?"
"Actually, he doesn't have to choose. If his subordinates hear about this, they will naturally choose for him." Li Dan laughed: "Even if he has a large army, how can he fight this battle if the morale of the army is messed up? Can he still be able to command like an arm? Use your fingers?
If I think about it, I must not be as stubborn as Wan Yanliang (King of Hailing of the Jin Dynasty, who was killed by his subordinates during the southern expedition), right? "
"Okay! I'll follow your plan. This time I must let this wolf from Kergo break off a leg to see if he dares to stretch out his claws next time!" The emperor was obviously happy and his tone was much more relaxed.
Li Dan invited him to have tea, and Zhao Tuo asked about Xiangyu's situation, and then said: "You can send people to go back with Qimeierhan to find an opportunity to contact her father and brother and let them see the opportunity. Anyway, if the team can be brought back , I will reward you without restraint!".z.
"Those people may not all be willing to come back, it's better to do it voluntarily." Li Dan advised the emperor: "Don't have high expectations. We don't know to what extent they have been dehumanized over the past few decades.
Even after they come back, they cannot be dispersed and resettled immediately. I suggest that they stay in the shelter over Wuyuan first. It is not only open and usable, but also convenient for farming and grazing.
Then, depending on the number of people, it is decided whether to establish a guard or a county. What do you think? "
The meaning of his suggestion was not to immediately break up and make up for the towns, nor to forcibly confine them into a small area. Zhao Tuo thought for a while and said:
"This can be arranged for the time being, but some of them may want to return to their place of origin. I think we will give them one year to find out their place of origin, hometown, former residence, etc., and then according to everyone's wishes, those who are willing to return home can settle down."
Li Dan thought this was better, bowed and crossed his hands and said, "Your Majesty is enlightened, which is a blessing to all people!"
Then he found a stack of paper and asked the emperor to take it back for a look. Zhao Tuo took it and read the title: "Regulations on opening up trade to Monan tributary tribes and managing personnel exchanges between towns and prefectures bordering the border."
"Instead of letting them eat the livestock themselves, it would be better to exchange them for something, which would benefit both parties.
Besides, the more the upper class enjoys the material and civilization of the Central Plains, the more they will be inseparable from China and have a greater sense of belonging and loyalty to the Celestial Empire.
The ban will only push them outward and make the Egu people unite and hug each other for warmth. This is not good for me, China! "Li Dan said.
The next day was a big day. The emperor met with all the new scholars at Renqing Palace and proposed a topic on the spot. The topic of the policy discussion was "On the Relationship between the Monan and Mobei Tribes and China", and the title of the poem was a landscape painting with imperial brushwork. The stone paths between the valleys are winding, and an old monk is fetching water from the stream.
While everyone was busy writing and scratching their heads, Huangmen presented a tray, and when he opened it, it contained Cullen's famous thorn.
The emperor looked at Eunuch Liu, smiled slightly, and ordered him to change his clothes. Then he came to the side hall and called Culun in. Cullen originally thought that the emperor would see him again after the exam, but he didn't expect the news to come in so quickly, and he was greatly moved.
Since the exam was still in progress, the doors and windows of the side hall were open. The emperor asked the gauze and bead curtains to be put down, and then sat down beside him and talked to Cullen in a low voice for half an hour.
When Cullen resigned, his face was red with excitement and he was as drunk as a drunk.
He ignored the barbecue meal and ordered the carriage to leave the city quickly, and then asked the coachman (Lu Jiu) to go back to wait for Li Dan outside the palace and plead guilty on his behalf.
After saying this, Cullen jumped on his horse and returned to the camp with his followers. He wanted to tell his father Khan these things quickly. Hey hey, what does Kergo mean? This time, you will be in trouble too!
After hearing the news brought back by her son, Qimeier was surprised and happy. She was surprised that Li Dan really had great powers, and she was happy that what the emperor said to Cullen was beyond her imagination.
Not only did he have to take action against Kerge, but he also had to add the titles of Hanhai Protectorate, Protector of the Palace and General Jinshan to himself on the basis of the original title of king, and enjoy the treatment of a second-grade officer.
Not only was it necessary to establish the Hanhai Protectorate, but the emperor also agreed to establish the five autonomous territories of Jiyan, Jinshan, Hangai, Altay, and Zhaisang in the current Ula territory.
Prince Ula can grant a county king to each leader, which means that his descendants can have up to five county kings!
Not only that, the emperor heard that the eldest daughter of Qimeier Khan was gentle, beautiful and unmarried. He hoped to marry her as his imperial concubine after the war. He also promised that in the future, all emperors would choose at least one concubine from a noble family of the Marquis of Monan or above. .
At the same time, all prefectures and towns along the Great Wall will be open to trade with the Monan tribute ministries. The goods traded are not limited to categories except weapons, armor, gunpowder and other controlled items. Road taxes and commercial taxes will be reduced by half for five years;
Citizens of various ministries entering the country can apply for one or more entry and exit customs clearance at the government office of the autonomous region where they usually live, or in any government in the mainland, and they will be exempted from transit duties based on the route guidance.
"The emperor's grace is so great!" Qimeier Khan said this after a long time to regain his composure.
Wang Younian sighed at the side: "Nowadays, there are really few holy kings since Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. It seems that the prosperous age of the Central Plains is not far away!" After he said this, he suddenly smiled bitterly:
"However, the emperor has made such a condition, so he must be asking for something, right? We can't get this without paying."
"The emperor asked us to cooperate with this military operation. Father Khan must persuade Huifa to pay tribute to the capital and join forces with you. Then you will take advantage of the opportunity to lead the army to the southeast to attack Helin and Hulan, so that they can end and ignore each other." Ke Lun said.
"Isn't there no one guarding there? It won't be that easy to fight, right?" Qimeier Khan still knows his opponent, and there is no way this guy will give up his lair to others.
"There are 10,000 soldiers left behind, and there are 20,000 Han troops left. But His Majesty has said that he will arrange for the Ministry of War to choose a chief or a lieutenant to go with you. He will be responsible for recruiting and surrendering those Han troops, which can greatly reduce your pressure!"
"That's great!" Qimierhan was overjoyed.
"The envoy announcing the edict will arrive in two or three days. You should be prepared and set off as soon as the envoy arrives!"
"Hey, I'll send someone back to the grassland to deliver a message first, asking your mother to quickly dress up the eldest sister. She is going to be the princess, and we can't let her ride a horse on the grassland every day!" Mierhan laughed loudly after saying this.
