"The matter of military reform is of great importance and cannot be impatient or negligent. As previously discussed, Guo Qing will take the lead in the Privy Council and the Guards Department to first formulate rules and regulations. After careful review, they will be implemented steadily. This winter, Let's go all out to get started on this matter!" Liu Chengyou completely settled the matter with one sentence, which not only showed his cautious attitude, but also showed his firm intention.
The emperor's voice fell and the group discussion stopped. They had no choice but to stand up and all responded: "Yes!"
After the military reform was agreed upon, the ministers' faces became more or less solemn, especially those of Shang Hongqian and Guo Wei.
Liu Chengyou glanced around briefly and saw that the autumn wind seemed to be unable to dissipate the anguish in the palace, so he took the initiative to change the topic and asked: "What's the situation now at Xu Huai's side?"
Mentioning this matter, the thoughts of the ministers were immediately pulled back. Facing Liu Chengyou's question, Shang Hongqian cupped his hands and replied: "Before the Western Expedition, Your Majesty told the ministers to be wary of the puppet Tang Dynasty, so he sent Wang Yin, the commander of the country. Together with Wang Yansheng, the Protector of the Holy Army, he led an army of 2,000 cavalry to patrol Huaishang to prepare for the alarm."
"After the Mid-Autumn Festival, there were changes in the southern troops. The puppet Tang Dynasty sent Li Jinquan, the envoy of Zhenhai Jiedu, to recruit envoys to the north. He also used Bian Hao as his deputy envoy to leave Haosi. He also led the army out of Chu with the divine guard capital Yuhou Huangfuhui. Zhou, wanted to plot against me, Xuzhou. However, after His Majesty returned the army, there was no movement again."
"The Military Intelligence Department sent news from Jinling, saying that the puppet emperor of the Tang Dynasty was intimidated by the power of our military and was afraid to act rashly, so he stopped his troops!" Guo Wei added from the side.
"It is obvious that the Southern Army is weak!" Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's mouth showed a hint of sarcasm: "I heard that the pseudo-Tang Dynasty leader Li Jing was good at eloquence and prose, indulged in pleasure, indulged in party strife, and within one room, there was no way to decide, and he still wanted to do something. Externally, there is really no self-knowledge.”
After Liu Chengyou said this, Feng Dao, Su Yugui and other ministers immediately spoke in agreement and sang praises to him. They may be extremely fearful of the Northern invaders, but they still have a great psychological advantage over the separatist forces in the south.
As soon as his thoughts changed, Liu Chengyou suddenly asked: "Is that Huangfu Hui the one who led the army and people of Mizhou to move south to join the puppet Tang Dynasty before the Central Plains was restored?"
"Your Majesty is well-informed and remembers that it is this person!" Feng Dao said flatteringly.
Liu Chengyou knew about this person. Before Liu Zhiyuan set off his army last year, he kept nagging about the situation in the world. He wanted to surrender to Shu in the west and to Tang in the southeast... Hearing what he heard and seeing, he remembered Huangfuhui.
"Your Majesty, since the founding of the Han Dynasty, the puppet Tang Dynasty has been hostile to our dynasty. They are always watching in Huainan, ready to take action in an attempt to seize Huaibei and invade the Central Plains. This time, I and other ministers of the Tang Dynasty have gone north to gather heavy troops to defeat them. Then, give him a heavy blow——" At this point, Shang Hongqian paused, looked sideways at Guo Wei, and said lightly: "It's a pity that this proposal was blocked by Guo Shuxiang and others."
Shang Hongqian was bringing up an old matter again. After hearing this, Guo Wei immediately stood up and explained: "Your Majesty, fighting and fighting costs a lot of money every day. The imperial court is already short of national funds, and in order to quell the rebellion in the west, it has even exhausted its treasures. The pseudo-lord of the Tang Dynasty Since we have taken the initiative to stop our troops, how can our government take the initiative to provoke war again?"
"The Khitans are invading the north, and we are temporarily unable to expand outward. We are unprepared and have no profit in launching troops hastily, and may also damage the national strength. Although the southern troops are weak, the Li family has been rooted in Jianghuai for more than ten years, and the national strength is strong. Once The war has been delayed, and in terms of consumption, unless I am despicable, I am afraid that our dynasty will not be the opponent of the Puppet Tang Dynasty..."
Guo Wei's words, while refuting Shang Hongqian, also expressed admonishment to Liu Chengyou. Noticing his meaningful eyes, Liu Chengyou also realized it.
"Guo Qing is well-versed in strategies, has a comprehensive view of the world, and is far-sighted. I highly recommend him!" First of all, Liu Chengyou gave Guo Wei a positive answer and was generous with his praise.
When Guo Wei bowed, he noticed that Shang Hongqian's face had almost lost his sincerity, and he said calmly and resolutely: "The false Lord of the Tang Dynasty does not know the fate of heaven, and repeatedly offends the power of heaven. One day I will send troops to the south to hunt the JAC!”
"For now, let him go..."
"yes."
"How is the situation with the Khitan attack on the border?" Liu Chengyou was concerned about the situation in Hebei again.
"Back to Your Majesty. After the rebellious army returned eastward, the Khitan people relaxed their invasion and gradually retreated northward." This time, it was Wei Renpu who stood up to answer: "According to Zhang Yanwei, the Chengde Jiedushi envoy, the Khitans invaded Zhao and Hebei The Khitan cavalry from the two states had completely withdrawn north. Generals Murong Yanzhao and Li Jun jointly intercepted and killed and captured more than 700 Hu cavalry. King of Yan Zhao Kuang reported that the Liao army commander Yelu Antuan had also led the main force of the Khitan invasion southward. Move the sand thistle north."
During the Western Expedition to Ping Li Shouzhen, although Liu Chengyou's eyes were focused on the river, he never relaxed his concern for the Southern Tang and Khitan. This time Emperor Yelu Ruan of the Liao Dynasty sent Yelu An Tuan, the Zuo Privy Envoy, to invade the south with 20,000 troops. From this strength alone, it can be seen that the Khitans intended to make a profit and run away, and had no intention of occupying the city or seizing the land.
Yelu An Tuan was a confidant of the Liao Emperor and a minister of Cong Long. He made great contributions in the process of Yelu Ruan's succession to the throne and overpowering other tribes. After the success, the official paid homage to Zuo Privy Envoy and assumed military power.
This person's talents still pose some threats. From the beginning, the goal of going south was determined, to grab money, food, livestock, and people. If the people couldn't be snatched, they would be killed. Under his leadership, Lulong, Chengde and Yiwu towns once again suffered serious damage.
Wei Renpu still reported: "This time, according to reports from the northern states, this time combined with the three towns of Lulong, Yiwu, Chengde and the state defense troops, a total of more than 700 Hu cavalry were killed and injured, 300 were captured, and five war horses were harvested. More than a hundred horses have been transported to Tokyo."
"Where's the loss?" Liu Chengyou asked with a frown.
After a slight pause, Wei Renpu opened his mouth after summarizing the data: "According to the reports so far, the attacks on Zhuzhou towns resulted in a total of more than 2,300 soldiers injured, more than 3,000 civilians killed, and more than a thousand captives in the north, as well as money, food and property. No plans yet..."
The sound of heavy breathing sounded clearly in the ears of the ministers, and Liu Chengyou's chest could be seen rising and falling a little, before calming down with some difficulty.
"After regaining Youzhou, we are still being beaten passively!" Liu Chengyou said with some regret.
Hearing this, Wang Jun raised his head and said loudly: "What's the use of seizing the pass without seizing the danger? If Zhao Kuangzan cannot try his best to intercept it, the Liao cavalry can easily go south through the water!"
Wang Jun's words directly pointed out the limitations of Liu Chengyou's original plan to seize Youzhou. In the ears of others, there was even a hint of doubt.
The ministers couldn't help but be surprised. After Wang Jun returned to the court, he only said a few words in this palace meeting, but the tone of each sentence seemed so rude.
The old fox couldn't help but look at him, and then glance at Yang Xing, who was sitting aside autistically. The last person to speak in such a harsh tone was Xianggong Yang.
"Privy Wang's remarks are biased." Wei Renpu showed a respectful expression and bowed his hand to Wang Jun in a very graceful manner, and then said: "If Youzhou is gone, one will decline and the other will increase, and the pressure on the northern imperial defense will be even greater. If the Hu cavalry invades the south, our dynasty will suffer even greater losses!"
Seeing Wei Renpu directly refuting him, Wang Jun's face suddenly turned ugly. He squinted at Wei Renpu and winked a few times. You know, now Wei Renpu can be regarded as his subordinate, and he dared to point out his "slip of the tongue" directly in front of the emperor. Of course, he also knew that the emperor trusted this person very much.
Liu Chengyou ignored Wang Jun, raised his hand and made a fist, and slowly lowered it. The speed was not fast, but when he touched the imperial case, he made a short and powerful sound.
With a sharp voice that resounded throughout the imperial palace, Liu Chengyou said: "If the army is not in order, how can we fight against the Northern invaders, protect our country, defend our country, and avoid humiliation?"
He also emphasized the need to reorganize the army.
Taking a deep breath, Liu Chengyou solemnly surrendered: "The imperial edicts to Lu Long, Zhao Kuangzan, Cheng De, Zhang Yanwei, and Yiwu Sun Fangjian are to provide adequate accommodation and compensation for the injured soldiers and civilians. This year, the autumn tax will be reduced."
Basically, after this edict is issued, there is no need to be demanding about how much wealth will be harvested from the Hebei states this year. After all, Hebei has been in trouble this year.
"Your Majesty, the King of Yan, Zhao Kuang, reported that due to the Khitan raids, a lot of damage has been done under Youyan's rule. Please ask the court to allocate money and food to support the cold winter!"
Want money and food again! Hearing this, Liu Chengyou wanted to swear, but he held it back.
After a few moments of silence, Liu Chengyou turned to Wang Zhang directly: "Wang Zhang, this matter has been discussed by the three departments. Please respond as appropriate!"
