Because the time for the expedition to Shu was postponed, there was an extra year, which gave the Han Dynasty a sufficient buffer to prepare for war. From the ninth to the tenth year of Qianyou, the Han Dynasty passed smoothly without any disasters. Therefore, when the emperor once again issued an edict to conquer Shu, no one in Tokyo was surprised. It seemed to be a matter of course.
The torrent of history is rolling forward. The general trend of the world has developed to this point, and it is already very clear. The strategy of the Han Dynasty is no longer secretive. Emperor Liu Chengyou also openly expressed that he has the heart of the world. When talking to his ministers on weekdays, he mentioned this with great pride. Talk and encourage each other.
Nowadays, even ordinary people in Tokyo can express their opinions on the Han Dynasty dominating the world and reshaping the balance of power. After the order to conquer Shu was issued, the market was as usual, the government and the public were still the same, no one expressed objections, and the ministries and departments were operating stably, but the relevant government agencies and officials were a little nervous and actively served the army of conquering Shu.
Hanzhong is two thousand miles away from Kaifeng, with high mountains and long roads. In order to keep abreast of the military situation ahead, the imperial court set up a special military information post road based on the original post road, with good horses and good soldiers. However, even with the so-called six-hundred-mile expedited process, it would still take more than ten days for the first-hand battle reports from the front to reach Kaifeng.
The post horse came from the east, put a small flag on its back, put it directly into the city, galloped into the road, and went straight to the palace, shouting along the way, "Sanquan is a great victory." For many people, they don't know where Sanquan is and how far it is from Kaifeng. Where the post horse passed by, the soldiers and people who watched it all knew that the army conquering Shu had won the battle.
The citizens of Tokyo would never express their loyalty to the Han Dynasty or their love for the Liu family emperor, but they still couldn't help but feel proud when they heard that the soldiers at the front had won the battle. After years of propaganda and brainwashing, the people's recognition of the imperial court and the Han Dynasty has reached a certain level.
While the people of Kaifeng were moved by the good news coming from the east, in the Han Palace, Emperor Liu Chengyou was staying in the Chunlan Palace, visiting his little prince. Last winter, Concubine Fu Hui successfully gave birth to a baby named Liu Ruo.
"This child is very smart. When he is thirsty, hungry, or uncomfortable, he will writhe and cry as a reminder!" Watching the maid in the palace changing the diaper silk for the little prince, a warm smile appeared on Xiao Fu's rosy face. , giving Liu Chengyou a feeling of self-promotion.
Xiao Fu's feminine charm became stronger and stronger. After giving birth to the prince, it was like letting go of the stones in her chest. Her whole body relaxed, bright and charming, and very attractive.
Because someone was waiting on him, he never had to worry about taking care of a child. Liu Chengyou always had a relaxed and happy mood in his arms, visiting and teasing. His eyes lingered on Madam Xiao Fu's sultry figure for a while, Liu Chengyou chuckled and said, "Which of my sons is not smart?"
"Of course, the officials' talents are extraordinary. If the children can inherit one or two of them, they will benefit from them for life!" Xiao Fuyan smiled at Yan Yan and complimented him gently.
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou reached out his hand, tapped Xiao Fu's red lips, and said, "Are you trying to sweeten me to death with your little mouth?"
The somewhat provocative movements and words made the young woman's cheeks turn red, and her beautiful eyes had a look of spring, bright and moving.
My heart felt hot, and I took the beauty into my arms. I was about to comfort her, but I was interrupted.
"Report to the official family, Chongzheng Palace came to report, Privy Envoy Chai Rong asked to see!"
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but let go of the small talisman. Although he was a little disappointed, he still understood the importance. Seeing her unhappy look, he patted her tight buttocks and said, "Chai Rong's arrival must be due to changes in the military situation ahead."
"I'm going back to the palace first. I'll come see you mother and son next time. It's getting cold. Please keep warm and don't catch a cold!"
Mrs. Xiao Fu was still immersed in the aftertaste of the "pop" sound, her face became more and more rosy. After hearing this, she softly responded: "Send it to the official's house!"
In Chongzheng Hall, an enlarged map of Sichuan and Sichuan is hung on the map of the Han Dynasty. It is slightly yellowed and shows its age. This map has been looked over by Liu Chengyou and his subordinates countless times. The yellow and old maps are all covered by candlelight. It's smokey.
This is a military map. The route to Sichuan, plank roads, rivers, ferries, as well as the Shu army's gates, garrison guards, troop deployment and other information are all marked on it.
This was drawn in secret on the basis of Zhao Pu's envoy to Shu, and the fact that Shu secretly spent a lot of manpower and financial resources over the years. There is a copy in Chongzheng Hall, and there is also a copy in Xiang Xun's place. Of course, there are many auxiliary and detailed pictures. This is the most important preparation made by the Han Dynasty for his plan to conquer Shu.
In the hall, several ministers accompanied Liu Chengyou and stood under the map to discuss the military situation. When Chai Rong came to see him, Liu Chengyou summoned the two prime ministers Wei Renpu and Li Gu. Among the several prime ministers in the political affairs hall, Wei and Li were familiar with military matters, especially Li Gu, who could lead troops.
After thinking about it, it was inappropriate for Fan Zhi, the chief minister, to be absent, so he simply called the Third Chief of Staff Xue Juzheng. The Privy Council also called the Deputy Privy Councilor Murong Yanzhao and Li Chuyun, plus Zhao Pu. , a high-level imperial meeting was formed.
Sanquan's victory in the first battle was certainly gratifying, but for the emperor and the ministers in the court, they were not too excited about it. What Liu Chengyou needs is a decisive victory and the result of annexing the two rivers.
Under the watchful eyes of the emperor and the big shots in the court, Li Chuyun eloquently described the military situation on the North Road: "On the 15th of this month, our army captured Sanquan and basically wiped out all the defenders. After capturing the city, we sent a group of The division quickly marched south to pursue the enemy and seize the plank roads and roads. When the Shu army went north to support them, they defeated part of them, but they still damaged part of the plank road, which slightly blocked our way forward.
The Shu army's front-line garrison strength in Lizhou and Jianzhou was about 50,000, with Miangu, Jiange, and Jiameng as the bases to build a defensive line. Miangu defense is based on the Mantian Ridge in the north, and the Big and Small Mantian Villages are established. The terrain of Mantian Ridge is just like its name. The mountains are far away, connected from north to south, and have key passes. When our army attacks, the small Mantian Village is narrow and strong, and the large Mantian Village is dangerous and steep. If we want to gain advantage, we must attack this Lingnan area.
There is also Jinshan Village in front of the north, which serves as the exit of the plank road. After the Battle of Sanquan, the Shu army will inevitably strengthen the garrison of various villages and rely on the dangers in the sky to block our army to the north of Lizhou. "
Although he had not seen the mountains and terrain of Lizhou with his own eyes, at least on the map, Liu Chengyou was familiar with it. Therefore, as soon as Li Chuyun said it, pictures automatically appeared in his mind. He also expressed approval of his analysis. It was basically the same arrangement for him to defend. According to the dangerous points, a strong stronghold was set up, and there were enough soldiers, food and weapons. This was the right strategy.
The prime ministers knew more or less, so Fan questioned and asked: "The Shu army has taken advantage of its danger and destroyed the plank road. How does Xiang Dushuai plan to respond?"
Li Chuyun said: "Xiang Dushuai temporarily rested in Sanquan, transferred to the camp of grain, grass and ordnance, and used Huaide's army to build a plank road to the south, strengthen it and widen it, so as to open up the road to the south!"
"Even so, how can we break through Mantian Ridge?" Fan Zhi was still full of doubts.
Beside him, the pale-faced Li Gu pondered for a while, stroking his long beard and said, "I'm afraid Xiang Dushuai has other considerations!"
"Li Xiang is indeed smarter than others. He is right to the point." Chai Rong spoke. He had interacted with Li Gu and always admired his intelligence and insight. He took the initiative to say: "The road to Sichuan is dangerous and obstructive. Shu The army defends the danger and makes a frontal assault. With the strength of our army, we can win the battle, but the casualties will be heavy, which is not worthwhile. Although the Shu army is occupying the main road of Lizhou, there are also many mountain roads and narrow paths around it. In 2006, the Military Intelligence Department also explored several trails in the surrounding area to conduct surrounding attacks, avoid the real situation and avoid surprise!
Xiang Dushuai stationed his Chinese army in Sanquan, built a plank road, and opened the road to attract the attention of the Shu army. He sent another Gaodu Superintendent to lead a partial division. From Jiachuan County, southeast of Miangu, he took the narrow path of Luochuan, went south in a roundabout way, and advanced from the side and rear. , bypassing the sky-filled Beiling, attacking its defense line from both sides! "
"Build the plank road openly, but build it secretly!" Wei Renpu nodded and said.
Liu Chengyou also said: "This is a two-pronged approach, a combination of right and wrong, a flanking attack from the front and the rear! How to break through the defenses of Shu and seize the advantage of the state, I, Chai Rong, and Xiang Xun have been thinking about it for several years. The roads in Sichuan and Shu are rugged and steep. But after all, it is not a dead end. As long as there is a way, our army will be able to climb over the mountains and conquer it!"
"I don't know how far the detour is. What should I do if the Shu army notices it and sets up an ambush?" Xue Juzheng said, seeming a little worried.
"Take the Luochuan narrow path, which is a detour of about three hundred miles. During this period, the opening of the northern road can be progressed simultaneously! There are many trails in Sichuan, and the Luochuan path is not conspicuous. The route has long been passed, and the guide There are enough, and the officers and soldiers of the partial division are all elites who have been trained in mountain marching operations. The Shu army's attention is on the north, and it may not be noticed at first. But when they react, as long as they cross Jiachuan, they can turn the illusion into reality and calmly attack from a flank. !" Chai Rong explained.
"Your Majesty and the general knew that the enemy was ahead of them, and after planning to this point, how could the Shu army resist the king's army? This attack on Shu will be successful!" Xue Juzheng showed a smile and praised.
Liu Chengyou was in a good mood. He looked at the ministers present and said: "The soldiers at the front need support from all the ministers in the battle!"
"This is the duty of all ministers!"
Chai Rong continued with a confident tone: "According to the time, we will use a roundabout strategy to conquer the city. If nothing unexpected happens, the war in Mantianling Village has begun. Before this month, our army can seize all Lizhou!"
