It was rare for Wang Zhaoyuan to have this understanding, and Meng Chang also agreed with his statement, but his expression did not relax. He continued the topic and asked: "How to resist? Can Zhao Chongtao and Han Baozhen resist the Han army's attack?" ?”
Upon hearing this, Wang Zhaoyuan immediately said: "According to Lizhou News, the Han army that attacked this time was Wang Rengan's army from Xingyuan Prefecture. Although it was only a few thousand, it is conceivable that the Northern Han army must be there. thereafter.
Over the years, we have stationed more than 50,000 troops on the front lines of Lizhou and Jianmen. The steep river roads are extremely inconvenient for marching. As long as we make good use of the terrain and terrain, we can resist the Han army. When their food is exhausted, the enemy will retreat, and our army may take the opportunity to counterattack in order to capture..."
After Wang Zhaoyuan finished speaking, before Meng Chang spoke, Prime Minister Li Hao couldn't help but said: "Back then, when the army was stationed in Fengzhou, it was a fortified city with dangerous roads. It was not defeated by the Han army with one blow. How could the Privy Council guarantee that this would happen?" Is it foolproof every time?”
Seeing Li Hao questioning himself, Wang Zhaoyuan immediately responded angrily: "Back then, our army also blocked the Northern Han army outside the mighty city for several months. If it hadn't been for their fire attacks and sharp weapons, it would have been enough to delay the Northern Han army's withdrawal. Now, we If we are already prepared, how can we take advantage of the opportunity with the Korean army?
From Sanquan to Jianmen for more than two hundred miles, every village, pass, pass, and city has strong and complete garrison buildings, sufficient ordnance, and at least three months' worth of food. In addition, we are on the defensive. As long as we fight steadily and defend with a strong wall, why should we fear the Han army? "
Hearing what Wang Zhaoyuan said, Meng Chang became more energetic, with a glint of hope flashing in his eyes, and asked: "Is it really enough to resist the Han army?"
"Your Majesty, as long as the imperial court gives support and trust to the soldiers in the north, in order to defend the country and protect their hometown, the soldiers will definitely sacrifice their lives!" Wang Zhaoyuan said solemnly and full of pride.
"Okay!" Meng Chang was so affected that he couldn't help stroking his hands and said, "Zhaoyuan, I really did not misjudge you! At this time, you are the only one who can share my worries!"
After saying this, Meng Chang couldn't help but show hesitation, and asked doubtfully: "Can an army of 50,000 people stop the Han army? Should we add more reinforcements?"
After nearly three years of expansion, the military strength of the Shu Kingdom has been greatly restored. The total number of states in the country is 160,000 to 70,000. Of course, the military quality is completely incomparable with before. Most of the elites and veterans are fighting with the North. Han Dynasty was consumed in several battles.
The newly armed troops, some of which are slightly more refined, are concentrated in the north and Chengdu for intensive training. The rest can only maintain public order, suppress rebellions, and bully the troubled people. Among them, there are many people who are having a hard time and have no choice but to enlist and join the army to make ends meet.
"There are still 40,000 troops in Mianzhou, Zizhou and Chengdu. Half of them can be divided and sent north to Zitong to transport supplies for support. The rest should not be moved lightly. The country is not yet peaceful, so a certain amount of military strength must be retained. , defend Chengdu and its surroundings, suppress unrest, and deter lawlessness. In addition, our army is mainly defensive this time. In order to reduce the burden and loss of grain transportation, there is no need to station too many troops!" Wang Zhaoyuan said.
With that said, Wang Zhaoyuan continued to talk about his plan to conquer the Han Dynasty: "Sanquan is the gateway to northern Shu. The terrain is dangerous, with mountains to the south and water to the north. The city gates have been repaired and are extremely strong. Li Jin led three thousand elite soldiers to guard it. . The vanguard of the Han army came with the intention of breaking the passage into Sichuan. Zhao Chongtao had already sent troops to the north for reinforcements to strengthen the defenders. If nothing unexpected happened, they could resist for at least two months.
Two months later, even if it is defeated, the Han army's military strength and morale will be greatly weakened. In the south, there are many dangerous and important strongholds such as Mantian, Miangu, Jiange, and Jiameng. If the Han army attacks one by one, no matter how many soldiers, horses, money and food they have, it will be difficult to sustain consumption. We can even demolish plank roads and bridges to prevent them from advancing..."
Wang Zhaoyuan spoke with great enthusiasm. After analyzing it, it seems that his own advantages are really great.
But at this time, the prime minister Wu Zhaoyi spoke again: "Your Majesty, according to the strategy and tactics of the King and Privy Council, this will definitely be a protracted war of attrition. The Sichuan Road is difficult for Han, and it is also difficult for Shu. If you wish, To supply tens of thousands of troops to the north, it would be necessary to recruit twice as many manpower to transport military supplies.
Now, autumn has entered, and the farming season is approaching. Too much labor may delay the autumn harvest. In recent years, there have been a lot of civil unrest in various places. If people are forced to recruit people, they are afraid of causing even greater civil unrest. Furthermore, the imperial court was financially strapped, and all warehouses had insufficient reserves, so they could not allocate much to support combat consumption in a short period of time.
In addition, we need to be on guard against the bandits in Ling and Rong who may take the opportunity to rebel, especially the bandits around Renshou, who are too close to Chengdu, so we have to be on guard..."
Hearing what Wu Zhaoyi said, Meng Chang couldn't help but look bitter. Wang Zhaoyuan did not accept this trick, and said fiercely: "No matter how difficult it is, we can't delay the defense of the north? As for raising money and food, that is what the court should do? In times of national calamity, should we still be stingy with Chengdu's granaries and arsenals? ?"
"Even if it doesn't work, you can still borrow money and food from the officials and wealthy businessmen in Chengdu! The soldiers fought bloody battles for the country and fought against strong men, all to protect them. Don't talk about destroying families to relieve difficulties, donating money and food, you can always How much can you do!" Staring at Wu Zhaoyi, Wang Zhaoyuan said coldly: "It seems that Mr. Wu, if your family holds less banquets and eats less food at each meal, it will be enough to support hundreds of soldiers!"
Hearing what Wang Zhaoyuan said, Wu Zhaoyi became a little anxious, as if his old face had been torn apart, he pointed at him and said: "You, why are you talking nonsense?"
"Am I wrong?" Wang Zhaoyuan's eyes showed a little contempt: "The price of food in Chengdu has soared. Mr. Wu's family has been making a lot of profits recently! If food is transported into the capital to make huge profits, why can't we support some of the Imperial Han soldiers? You have received so much kindness from His Majesty. At this time, do you only care about your own wealth and interests? If the soldiers at the front know what the Dukes of Shu have done, what will they think? If you delay the important matter of defending the Han Dynasty, Wu Xianggong will have no face to stand on. Above the court?"
Wang Zhaoyuan's righteous words almost made Wu Zhaoyi, an old minister, angry. He looked at Meng Chang carefully and noticed that his face was getting darker and darker because of Wang Zhaoyuan's words. He didn't bother to argue with him, and immediately He solemnly asked: "Your Majesty, the veterans and others will do their best to mobilize the people's strength and raise money and food to support the army!"
On the side, Li Hao, Ouyang Jiong and other court officials also followed suit, with solemn expressions on their faces, but in their hearts they were afraid that Wang Zhaoyuan would burn them and shake off their foundation.
Seeing the performance of his ministers, Meng Chang's expression softened a little and said: "No matter what, in this critical moment, we must fully support the anti-Han army!"
"yes!"
"Your Majesty, I think that in such a national war, the imperial court should issue official documents to inform the people in Shu that everyone should contribute to the country. Every family has a son to transport during the war, and women work in farming and weaving to support the front line. Everyone should pay official salary, All should be reduced and used to finance the army..."
Before Wang Zhaoyuan finished speaking, Prime Minister Li Hao couldn't bear it anymore and admonished him: "Your Majesty, absolutely not! What Privy Wang said is a military strategy. If implemented, there will be chaos in Shu. If there is chaos in Shu, there will be chaos." How can we resist the Northern Han army!"
As soon as Li Hao spoke, Meng Chang, who was a little agitated, calmed down again, looked at Wang Zhaoyuan, and shook his head gently: "It doesn't have to be like this for the time being! The war has just begun, and the court should follow the steps and support the front. As for the future, it depends on the war. Progress and then make a decision!”
"Your Majesty is wise!" Li Hao immediately said with his hands in hand.
In fact, Wang Zhaoyuan still has some ideas, but they are just ideas. Even if Meng Chang agrees to his suggestion, it will be difficult for Shu to achieve the organizational and execution capabilities in the future. Moreover, if the officials and Shu people are really pushed hard, as Li Hao said, Shu itself will be in chaos first. Already......
After taking a breath, Wang Zhaoyuan said solemnly: "In this autumn of life and death, I suggest that your Majesty lead the Northern Expedition, oversee the northern war, and motivate the soldiers. If your Majesty comes in person, the soldiers will definitely feel it and die in service!"
"Your Majesty, you can't!" All the civil servants shouted in unison to dissuade him.
"A gentleman should not build a dangerous wall", "A son of a rich man cannot sit down in the hall", the country is tied to his majesty, he cannot go to dangerous places in person, the emperor cannot leave the capital without permission, etc. These reasons were probably used to dissuade Meng Chang.
Meng Chang, on the other hand, did not need to be persuaded by his ministers at all. He said directly: "I have no knowledge of military strategy, let alone the ability to control troops. Going north rashly will only cause trouble to the soldiers, which is not good!"
Probably because he felt that his attitude was a little tiring, Meng Chang said to Wang Zhaoyuan: "The defense in the north was built by you and Han Qing. At this time, you should go north to supervise and lead the troops to defend the Han army! "
Seeing this, Wang Zhaoyuan didn't hesitate much and said, "I wish to go!"
"Okay, I will use you to deploy the defense capital in the north and lead the troops to resist the Han. Guancheng will be peaceful and Shu will be safe. I will leave it in your hands!" Meng Chang said seriously.
"I will do whatever I can!" Wang Zhaoyuan also said solemnly.
Looking around, Meng Chang sighed slightly, and said: "My lords, our country is unstable and unstable internally and externally. We can only rely on you all to work together and tide over the difficulties to protect our country!"
"yes!"
"Your Majesty!" At this time, deputy privy envoy Han Baozheng reminded: "There is one more thing that we have to prepare for. When the Northern Han Dynasty raises troops to attack us, they will inevitably be divided into two groups. Heavy troops are gathered in the north, and the east group cannot relax. Now Kuizhou Our army is weak, so we should transfer soldiers from the east to increase the defensive strength of eastern Sichuan!"
