"The comparison of the military strength of the two sides has been fully described by Privy Chai. It is like comparing a dragon and a tiger with a cat and a dog. I don't need to elaborate further. I have talked with Zhong Mo before and discussed your Majesty's literary, Taoist and military strategies. Far better than Li Jing who indulges in luxury, just like the bright moon is brighter than the cold stars. If the master wins, the country will win.
In addition, during the twelfth lunar month of the last year, the palace changed, the prince was deposed, the prime minister was dismissed, the politics was turbulent, the government and the public were restless, and party strife resumed. Since the Han Dynasty took over Huainan, more than half of Jiang's national power has been reduced. Although Han Xizai made reforms and improved taxation, it was not enough to make up for the losses in Jiangbei. Moreover, it violated the interests of noble bureaucrats, causing many internal conflicts. The Feng brothers took power, then changed and abolished their policies. The dramatic changes in national policies made the top and bottom disharmonious and it was difficult to find peace.
Therefore, I think that even if there are tens of thousands of soldiers in Jinling, the king's army can defeat them if they go south! "
"Li Qing thinks it's time to attack the Tang Dynasty?" Liu Chengyou's eyes lit up and he asked.
Everything seems to have a but, when faced with the emperor's question, Li Gu said calmly: "I believe that as the situation has developed so far, as long as the heavenly troops move south, the national power of Jiangnan will be unstoppable, and defeat will be its only outcome. Therefore, if According to Privy Chai, there is no need to be impatient, it is better to give an extra year and a half to prepare to cross the river and destroy them in one fell swoop!"
Following his suggestion, Liu Chengyou smiled faintly, with vague images of tigers and wolves dancing in his clear eyes.
Li Guze continued: "I see that Han Xizai's reform has many merits. Although he offended the powerful people in the south of the Yangtze River, he tried his best to protect the common people in Guizhou. This is not the case with the Feng Yansi brothers. Now that the two Feng are in power, they pay tribute to raise troops. Heavy taxes and miscellaneous taxes will certainly be levied on the people in the south of the Yangtze River. Why don't your Majesty be patient for a while and wait and see what happens? This will not only give the court time to deploy troops and generals, accumulate grain and plant grain, but also collect another annual tribute, which can be directly Used for the southern expedition!"
"Haha!" Liu Chengyou finally smiled and said, "Don't worry, sir, I am an impatient person. I have been waiting for so many years, so why am I missing this year and a half?"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Directly immune to daily compliments, Liu Chengyou's expression returned to seriousness and he said seriously: "No matter what, crossing the Yangtze River and leveling the South will definitely be put on the court's national agenda. Whether it is half a year or a year later, preparations for the southern expedition will begin!"
"yes!"
"What do you think Pingnan's first priority is?" Liu Chengyou asked.
Chai Rong thought for a moment, then raised his hands and said, "Who is handsome?"
Liu Chengyou smiled: "Who is handsome?"
Paying attention to the emperor's expression, Chai Rong said: "There are many generals in the Han Dynasty, and there are many who can take on this important task. I wonder who your Majesty has in mind?"
Upon hearing the question, Liu Chengyou had no intention of playing riddles. He directly focused his eyes on Li Gu and asked with a smile: "How is your health?"
The emperor asked this question, and the meaning was already obvious, but Li Gu said hesitantly: "Your Majesty, I am nearly sixty years old!"
"Have you forgotten that I promised you to lead the troops in the southern expedition? Although it has been many years, I can keep it in my heart. The agreement you made with Han Xizai back then can be realized, and it should be passed down as a good story!" Liu Chengyou said in a tone of voice Said with certainty.
After looking at the emperor and then at Li Gu, Chai Rong showed a smile on his face: "Xiangong Li is both civil and military, and has many plans and decisions. He is worthy of being a commander-in-chief. If your majesty uses him, he will definitely succeed!"
"Chai also heard the story of the 'Zhengyang Covenant' back then!" Chai Rong showed great interest and said to Li Gu: "My Lord, if you are interested in me in the Central Plains, I will go to the south of the Yangtze River to explore the treasures. Now I am the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty. Your Majesty And to reward him with the position of commander-in-chief, he is exactly what he said, do you still have any worries?"
"Chai Qing said it well!" Liu Chengyou smiled and said, "I also think that using Mr. Li as commander is the first step to conquer Jiangnan!"
Seeing what the emperor and Chai Rong said, Li Gu's solemn face showed a hint of admiration. He stood up and worshiped: "If your majesty does not think that I am old, I am willing to conquer Jiangnan for your majesty, take over its land Dingkou, and capture it." The king and his ministers, dedicate it to Tokyo!"
Obviously, Li Gu was still very tempted by taking command of the Tang Dynasty. Today, Li Gu is considered to have a high position and great reputation in the Han Dynasty, but if he can lead the army to attack Jiangnan, it will help to enhance his historical status and leave a name in history. Moreover, only when he truly led his troops to destroy the country and his "Zhengyang Agreement" with Han Xizai was the real story.
"If Li Qing leads the army to march south, how will he use his troops?" Liu Chengyou became even more interested and asked Li Gu.
Li Guy responded: "I thought that once your Majesty issues an edict to raise troops, six lines of troops can be mobilized!"
"Oh? Which way? Tell me!" Liu Chengyou looked at Li Gu.
Li Gu calmly recounted the story and said: "The first route is to leave Yueyang, attack Ezhou, and destroy the divisions upstream; the second route is to leave Changsha, attack Yuanzhou, threaten Hongzhou, and contain the divisions in Jiangxi; the third route is to order The Qingyuan army stayed in Congxiao and led troops north to attack the old Min people. There were many old Fujian soldiers in the Jiangnan army, which could destabilize their troops. The fourth route was to send troops from the Wuyue state to the north to attack Chang and Run and threaten the flanks of Jinling; On the fifth route, gather the main force and leave the lower reaches of Lu, Chu, and Yang, look for opportunities to cross the river, and attack Jinling directly!"
"Your strategy is comprehensive!" Liu Chengyou said, his expression seemed very satisfied.
Li Guze said: "Although it is called the Five Routes, the key is to advance downstream! Wu Yue and the Qingyuan Army did not dare to disobey the imperial edict, but if they tried their best, it would be difficult. Attacking Jiangxi from Yuanzhou was hampered by geography. It’s not easy. As for Yueyang’s army, it will definitely be blocked in Ezhou. Liu Renfan is a rare famous general in the south of the Yangtze River. If not for this person, the imperial court could directly send troops from the middle reaches to the east of the river. But if you want to send troops from the lower reaches, you should also understand the hydrological conditions and find out where to go. It has to be a suitable place to cross!”
After listening to Li Gu's words, Liu Chengyou smiled heartily, looked at the old minister, and praised: "Listening to Li Qing's strategy, it doesn't seem like a temporary consideration, I'm afraid it has been considered for a long time!"
Hearing this question, Li Gu did not hide anything, and said with a smile: "Since Sichuan and Sichuan have been conquered, the old minister guessed that your majesty must have the ambition to pacify the south, so he thought about it for a while and just talked about it on paper!"
"You don't need to be so humble!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand and said to Li Gu seriously: "Listening to your words, I can safely entrust Pingnan affairs with full authority!"
"Accepting this important task, I will do my best to repay your kindness!" Li Gu did not show any pretense and bowed in obeisance.
"No need to be formal! Sit down!" Liu Chengyou gestured, thought for a moment, and then asked: "What do you think about Pingnan's preparations?"
After thinking about it, Li Gu said: "It is not advisable to move the troops and horses in large numbers for the time being. They can be dispatched secretly in batches. For the needs of food and fodder, the Huainan two roads have been maintained for six years, and they should be able to supply the army."
Chai Rong said: "Your Majesty may issue an edict and order Li Jing to go north to Tokyo to come to court. He will not dare to come. In the future, he can be used as a teacher!"
Li Gu added: "Your Majesty, I think that if we want to conquer the south, we need to strengthen the defense of the Khitan to ensure the stability of the north!"
"What problem did Li Qing see? Has there been a change in the north?" Liu Chengyou asked alertly with a sharp mind.
Li Gu explained: "I have tested Xiao Husi, the Liao envoy, and I can basically tell that the Liao country is very afraid of our country. Although the Han and Liao have been fighting for several years, it is only an armistice agreement. The Liao Dynasty was hindered by An Nei, and the Han Dynasty was committed to unification, and there would be a war in the future.
There are many knowledgeable people in Khitan who can see the threat to the north after the unification of the Central Plains. After the peace of Shu, Xiao Husi came with the intention of testing.
The Northern Liao Dynasty may not be like Jinghu and Sichuan in the Southern Expedition. They will not pay attention to it and just sit back and watch. Therefore, no matter how the Khitan reacts in the future, if our country wants to bring peace to the south of the Yangtze River, it must be well prepared in the north to prepare for any eventuality! "
"Li Qing got what he said!" Liu Chengyou stood up, walked around for a few steps, and said with emotion: "Things in the south of the Yangtze River are not of great concern. The Khitans in the north are the big enemy! This is why Zheng You can't wait to wipe out the south. The longer we delay, the more likely it is that something unexpected will happen!"
After pondering for a while, Liu Chengyou tilted his head and told Li Gu: "From now on, your Majesty, please focus all your energy on Pingnan affairs! Three days later, I will go to Yangzhou in the name of the inspection envoy of Lianghuai and Huaihe Rivers. I will personally carry out the duties for you." OK!"
"yes!"
When it comes to Huainan, Liu Chengyou thinks of another person: Wang Pu. Up to now, Wang Pu has been in charge of governance in Yangzhou for six full years. He has worked hard and never slackened off, and his hair has turned a lot gray. Thinking about it, I feel pity for him.
If Li Guyu leaves, there will be one less person in charge of the political affairs hall. Wang Pu should be transferred back to Tokyo. He is a prime minister. Furthermore, we should also be considerate of good ministers.
"Chai Qing, Zhang Yongde has served in the imperial court and the imperial army for many years. He once conquered Shu and showed his great general style and guarding talent! Pingnan, I also intend to use him and let him go to Huaidong to serve as the capital commander to cooperate with Li How about doing business for business?" Liu Chengyou raised his head and looked at Chai Rong and asked.
Zhang Yongde was Guo Wei's son-in-law and had a close relationship with Chai Rong. When he heard that the emperor wanted to make great use of him, he couldn't help but think about it. However, there was not much room for consideration, and he just replied cautiously: "Is it too young?"
You know, Zhang Yongde is only thirty years old this year.
"That's it. As for the commander of the Huaidong capital, Chen Sirang, we will make other arrangements!" Liu Chengyou ordered, his eyebrows turned, and he said: "There are many ministers in the Han Dynasty who have been in office for many years. It is time to make some adjustments. ..."
"yes!"
