Compared with the gradual rise of conflicts in Shouchun City, the atmosphere of depression and disappointment gradually deepened, thus triggering the mood of failure. The soldiers of the Northern Han Dynasty outside the city also suffered from the cold winter in Huainan. After all, no matter how densely and firmly the fortifications were built, they were still less effective than the city walls in terms of sheltering them from the wind and cold.
However, compared to the Tang army, which lacked clothing, materials and preparations, the Han army officers and soldiers were much more "comfortable". The large amount of cold-proof materials stored in the Han army's camp are enough to supply the Han army on the Shouchun front line for the winter. Winter clothing has been distributed to all armies long before winter.
High-end goods such as duck down and animal skins are not available to ordinary soldiers, but linen and grass wadding are still sufficient. As for the officers above the age, they were given woolen mattresses. Liu Chengyou also spent a lot of money to treat the sergeants so favorably. In the camp, there is no shortage of heating resources such as coal and charcoal. In the Bagong Mountain north of Shouchun, 100,000 mountain trees have been cut down by Han army soldiers for military use.
On the winter solstice, Liu Chengyou also issued an imperial edict, allowing all the soldiers in the army, including the civilian husbands who were still serving in the army, to each be rewarded with a bowl of dumplings stuffed with pork. To this end, 50 pigs were slaughtered in front of the camp.
The whole battalion was well served, so the morale of the army remained stable. In this process, the emperor Liu Chengyou's prestige became even greater, and everyone was promoting His Majesty's kindness. The consolation envoys of each battalion also took advantage of the truce period to spare no effort in praising the saints and promoting the idea of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism in the army.
Over the past few years, the position of Xuan comfort envoy has taken root in the Han Dynasty Forbidden Army. Basically, there are two Xuan comfort envoys, chief and deputy, for every thousand troops. On weekdays, in addition to assisting military envoys and sharing some civil servant work, they took turns promoting and explaining the emperor's majesty and the Han military strategy.
In view of this, Liu Chengyou already existed and integrated all the Xuanwei envoys to form a separate Xuanwei Department, which was directly subordinate to the emperor like the Wude Department. Not only in the military, it will also spread to the government system, prefectures and counties in the world, wherever there is no need to promote the grace and majesty of the Han Emperor.
However, the candidates for the Xuan comfort envoy must find more scholars who are willing to be humble. After all, what they have to do is to "kneel down and lick" the emperor repeatedly without any lower limit. Such people are not difficult to find. Their character may not be worthy of praise, but they are useful.
The world has been in chaos for a long time, and the enlightenment of people's hearts can be restored. In Liu Chengyou's view, peace should be restored subtly amidst such repeated emphasis on brainwashing. Liu Chengyou had already made up his mind about the Xuanwei Division's plan, and it should be put on the agenda after the southern expedition and return to the DPRK.
Wang Zhu, as a close minister of the emperor, was recently sent to the army by Liu Chengyou, and his job was to serve as the Xuanwei envoy. Although this scholar likes to talk, it is difficult to distinguish his talents in governing politics and controlling the people, but he is quick in thinking and has a sharp mouth, which can be described as a brilliant tongue.
Wang Zhu was also very interested in Liu Chengyou's appointment. After serving in the imperial court for more than a year, he was deeply impressed by Liu Chengyou's wisdom, proficiency, talent and strategy. Wang Zhu had long since become a loyal supporter of His Majesty the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, and firmly believed that Liu Chengyou was destined to be appointed by him. , used to flatten the countries, end the separatist regimes, and recreate a prosperous age. The emperor of Han Dynasty should have a complete world.
With such a belief, how could Wang Zhu not be very motivated to promote the emperor's virtues and talents? Compared with other Xuan comfort envoys, Wang Zhu had stayed with the emperor for a long time and had a deeper understanding of the emperor.
Unlike other people, because he is far away from the emperor, many things can only be praised based on inherent impressions and almost conjecture. This is not the case with Wang Zhu. He told stories about how the emperor was diligent, loving the people, pro-military, and frugal... Compared to repeated boring brainwashing, the stories he told were moving and the soldiers liked to listen. Liu Chengyou It seems that he knows how to use Wangzhu.
The Xiaodi Army of the Han Army was stationed in Nanzhai. Liu Chengyou, accompanied by Sun Li, the commander of the capital, and Gao Huaide, the Marquis of Yu, inspected the military camp. There are three armies in front of the palace, Longqi, Xiaodi, and Inner Palace. In terms of military strength, they belong to the Xiaodi army, even the Longqi army cannot compare with them. This time they went south, and the whole army followed them.
As a general who fought his way up from the bottom, Sun Li's deeds are very inspiring in the military. In terms of his ability in commanding troops, Sun Li was not capable of commanding thousands of troops. He was a general who could charge and kill. There were more than a thousand similar officers in the Han army, but Liu Chengyou put him in the position of commander of the Xiaodi Army. He took a fancy to him. That is his loyalty and courage.
At the same time, let others see that if a talented person like Sun Li follows the right person and shows his loyalty, there will be no lack of blessings. You must know that when Liu Chengyou took charge of the Longqi Army in the early days and carried out reforms, Sun Li was still very dissatisfied with Liu Chengyou. However, after the First World War in Luancheng, his fortunes turned sharply and he was recognized by Liu Chengyou.
The beard on Sun Li's face became thicker and thicker, almost spreading to his entire cheek. There was actually a little ice residue on the beard, making him look a bit sloppy.
While strolling, Liu Chengyou pointed at Sun Li and said: "As a general of an army, how can you show your general power by being so unkempt?"
Hearing this, Sun Li grabbed his beard and said with a smile: "When we fight, day and night, this beard grows fast! But the brothers all know the general, and no one dares to laugh at me."
Although his official rank had been promoted and his title had become more important, Sun Li's character had not changed at all. He still dared to say whatever he wanted in front of Liu Chengyou.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou nodded and said casually: "I heard that Sun Du, your commander, has been complaining a lot lately!"
"Someone is actually spreading rumors about the last general?" Sun Li was stunned and his face flashed with anger. However, looking at Liu Chengyou's side face, he cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, you know the last general, and you have always spoken freely. It's just that it has been more than two months since the Southern Expedition, and the Xiaodi Army, from the last general down, is thinking about making contributions to the country and serving the country. Your Majesty is loyal. However, from the beginning of the war to now, the limelight has been stolen by the Guards Department. How can we lag behind others as we are all His Majesty's soldiers? Wouldn't that be an embarrassment to Your Majesty?"
"I'm not surprised that these words came from your mouth, Sun Li, but I don't want to hear similar words again!" Liu Chengyou turned his head and looked directly at Sun Li: "The front department and the bodyguard department are both Han imperial guards. My loyal soldiers are all warriors who use their swords as plowshares and open up territories for the Han Dynasty. If you provoke conflicts like this and affect military friendship, you are not allowed to say anything anymore, even if you complain!"
Seeing that the emperor was serious, Sun Li straightened his back and said: "Yes!"
With that said, Sun Li reached out and poked Gao Huaide and gestured towards him. Seeing this, Gao Huaide saluted Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, Commander Sun Du is outspoken and has no other intentions. He is just eager to perform meritorious deeds!"
In the previous battles, it was indeed Long Jie, Husheng, and Fengguo from the Guards Division who were responsible for the main attack. After all, Wang Jun, as the commander-in-chief, originally held the position of Deputy Commander of the Guards. In comparison, the Xiaodi Army was not very impressive. This was also the reason why Sun Li couldn't bear the loneliness.
When the eldest uncle spoke, of course Liu Chengyou had to give him face. He glanced at the two of them, his face softened, and said: "It is a good thing to have the idea of making meritorious deeds, and you should encourage it. However, war is never just about killing on the battlefield, especially this southern expedition. It’s a matter of national strategy and long-term plan, and I won’t tolerate any negligence or mistakes!”
"The war has only begun now. After that, there will be many battles for you to fight, and some achievements for you! I'm afraid that when the time comes, when the opportunity comes, you won't be able to seize it!"
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty!" After hearing this, Sun Li immediately assured Liu Chengyou: "Assault on Shouchun, the Xiaodi Army is requested to lead the main attack and break the city for Your Majesty!"
Turning his head to look at Sun Li, Liu Chengyou thought for a while and nodded: "I grant you a main attack mission!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Sun Li looked happy and said hurriedly.
When they arrived at the middle camp, Liu Chengyou heard a little discussion in the solemn military camp, and Liu Chengyou frowned slightly. Looking closer, it happened that Wang Zhu was giving a lecture.
"Your Majesty, you allow these ambassadors to be in the army, talk too much and disturb the morale of the army..." Sun Li muttered from the side.
Ignoring Sun Li, Liu Chengyou's frown deepened. From a general's perspective, the existence of the Xuan Comfort Envoy did have an impact, especially on their control of the army. However, it is precisely because of this that it strengthens Liu Chengyou's determination, which shows that it works!
