Youzhou City has become a huge military base. Most of the domestic and foreign troops, auxiliary soldiers, and civilians who participated in the Northern Expedition are concentrated here. There are already 190,000 Han-Yan coalition troops stationed inside and outside Youzhou City. If you include those who followed Liu Chengyou to drive north Of the 80,000 people who came, there were nearly 270,000.
The huge army of 300,000 people formed a scale that could change the color of heaven and earth. They were stationed inside and outside, with ditches and fortresses, and they were surrounded by camps for sixty miles. In addition to the large number of people, there is also a large amount of supplies. Such a large army and civilians consume a huge amount of food, weapons, and fodder every day. Since the Liao army's harassment strategy was eliminated and the defense retreated to the north, a large amount of food, ordnance, and fodder , quilts, and clothes were continuously transported to Youzhou. On the canal, as long as the weather is good, the boats will not stop.
Of course, the arrival of the Han army also heralded that Youzhou City would completely fall under the control of the Han Dynasty. In fact, after An Shenqi led his troops to the north, the most important thing he did was not to fight the Liao army, but to successfully receive Youzhou City and turn it into a real base for the army to advance.
Although there has been enough communication in the early stage, you still need to be careful to implement it. After all, you have to take into account the feelings of Yan Jun and Yan Min. Fortunately, during the dozens of days of fighting against the Liao army, the two sides fought side by side, and the Han army fought against the enemy with all its strength. Some close feelings developed between the two sides, and the barriers were somewhat eliminated.
Of course, it is impossible for the Han-Yan coalition forces to be united and love each other. Among so many Han troops, it is inevitable that there will be arrogant and powerful generals, domineering and arrogant people, and those who look down on the Yan army, which is full of talents. In this situation, the generals could only try their best to persuade them to exercise restraint. However, if anyone overacted, Chai Rong, the governor of the capital, would deal with them without mercy.
Chai Rong is a person who has a very big picture view. He knows deeply that fighting the Liao army in this Northern Expedition is a big challenge, but if he wants to focus on it and fight it with all his strength, appeasing Youyan's officers, soldiers and people is the top priority. Heavy. Otherwise, if the Yan army is unstable, it will eventually cause hidden dangers.
In the former case, why Ma Quanyi and other Han troops who went north first did not hesitate to take casualties and went all out to aid the Yan army and Yan people. This was because of this consideration and the instructions of the generals at the top. And after this period of time, the results were very good.
Under the respectful welcome of all the people, the imperial chariot slowly headed towards the city. The emperor himself stood on the shaft of the chariot, accepting the cheers of the soldiers and waving their hands for two quarters of an hour. Such a move can make the guards around him overly nervous. Liu Chengyou's choice is risky. If some dissident elements take the opportunity to launch cold arrows or something, even if the guards are tight, they may not be able to survive.
Of course, the emperor's contemptuous but courageous performance had a sensational effect.
"Yuanfu, we haven't seen each other for two years!" Before entering the city, Liu Chengyou asked King Zhao Kuangzan of Yan to come to Luanjia in person and talk to him. Even his title changed.
Zhao Kuangzan sat carefully in a regular posture, looking flattered. This was the first time for him to ride in the emperor's imperial chariot. Two years ago, when Liu Chengyou was on his northern tour, he sent An Shouzhong to greet him. However, Zhao Kuangzan did not sit down that time because he was interested. Now he is even more humble. But in this humility, there is also a little relief and relaxation.
"It's been two whole years!" Zhao Kuangzan responded with a smile on his lips: "Your Majesty is still so full of energy and majesty, which makes me heartbroken!"
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou immediately laughed twice. It was not that he was confused by his compliments, but he was satisfied with Zhao Kuangzan's attitude.
Seeing that his expression had calmed down, Liu Chengyou said: "Yuanfu has been in Youzhou for many years and is well aware of the enemy's situation. I will rely on your assistance in this expedition to Liao to defeat the Khitan and regain Guanshan!"
Seeing the seriousness of the emperor's words, Zhao Kuangzan also acted very solemnly and responded with his hands raised: "I will definitely go all out! To be honest with you, your majesty, I have long been determined to attack the Khitan in the north to avenge the shame of the past. It is just due to lack of strength and lack of your majesty's edict." Purpose. This time the Liao army took the initiative to provoke, Your Majesty inspired your pride and generously issued the edict. All people with lofty ideals are excited to fight and kill thieves to serve the country!"
Liu Chengyou couldn't help but nodded and said: "I am very pleased that you have such an ambition. This time is the time to reward your ambition!"
After saying that, Liu Chengyou expressed concern again: "I heard that in July and August, the Liao cavalry was rampant, and the soldiers and civilians of Youyan suffered a lot of casualties. There must have been many casualties!"
Hearing Liu Chengyou mention this, Zhao Kuangzan couldn't help but sigh and responded: "This time, the Liao army's style is extremely ruthless. They specialize in killing people and destroying farm buildings. The ground where the light cavalry passes is almost white. Obviously, the Liao army wants to pass this method. Destroy Youzhou and disrupt public order, thus draining the energy of our army.
Fortunately, the army and the people worked together to defend the fortress and resisted with all their strength. With the full rescue of the Hebei frontier army, they were able to suppress the Liao army's arrogance. Even so, the troops under my command suffered more than 4,000 casualties in the battles before and after.
But the casualties were more serious among the people in each state. More than ten thousand people were killed by the swords of the Liao army. Thousands of households were destroyed because of it. And the number of people whose fields were destroyed was even more difficult to count. Many wheat crops were not harvested. , has been burned. And a large number of people were killed by the Liao army in order to grab food! "
When Zhao Kuangzan talked about these situations, his tone was a little low. He was known for his generosity and his love for the people. Of course, it was inevitable that the people under his rule would suffer such a catastrophe.
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou also sighed: "It's really hard on the people of Youyan! After the Northern Expedition is successful, I will compensate them!"
"Your Majesty has such a benevolent heart, why worry about the gratitude of the people!" Hearing this, Zhao Kuangzan said: "Because the Khitans were violent and wanton killings, they also aroused the people's resistance. All the Yan and Han people gritted their teeth and supported the Han Dynasty's Northern Expedition. Liao!"
Liu Chengyou nodded, but did not say any more. Instead, he fell into thinking and gained a deeper understanding of war, rise and fall.
The suffering suffered by the people of Youyan due to the Northern Expedition may be just the beginning. Since the personal expedition, Liu Chengyou has seen along the way the price paid by the court and the sacrifices made by the Han soldiers and civilians in support of the Northern Expedition. He has a sense of worry in his heart, that is, how long can the people of the Han Dynasty withstand this level of mobilization? How many times can you bear it?
Perhaps I should re-understand my achievements, otherwise I will be immersed in them and not know how to reflect on myself, and I am afraid that one day I will become a monarch who enjoys great achievements. That would not be a good thing for the people of the country.
Liu Chengyou's doubts were disturbed by the cheers in Youzhou City. He suddenly woke up and looked at Zhao Kuangzan who was sitting quietly beside him. He smiled and said, "I was distracted for a moment. Please forgive me!"
"Your Majesty's words are serious! Your Majesty's thoughts must be on military and national affairs. For the sake of the Han Dynasty, you really put all your efforts into it. I admire you so much!" Zhao Kuangzan praised again.
Liu Chengyou shook his head, but couldn't help but look outside Luan Jia. The scholars and people of Youzhou gathered on both sides of the road. Many people poked their heads in the houses, looking at the people passing by with surprise. The whole place was crowded with people. A scene of endless cheers.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou asked with curiosity: "Who arranged these soldiers and people?"
Hearing this, Zhao Kuangzan shook his head slightly and responded: "The war is imminent, heavy troops are gathering, and a murderous atmosphere is spreading throughout the city. How can I force the people to make a show? These soldiers and people should be lucky to know that the emperor is here. Come spontaneously to greet Your Majesty."
"How can I have such a reputation among the people of Yan?" Liu Chengyou frowned slightly.
Zhao Kuangzan said: "Your Majesty is a holy master and wise king who is rare to see in a century. Over the years, the people of Yan have also received many blessings. How can we not be grateful for him!"
Liu Chengyou laughed immediately but did not make any further remarks. Liu Chengyou still had some self-awareness. In his opinion, the people of Youzhou who gathered here with a crowd of spectators were more curious about him. How many years ago, the Emperor of the Central Plains visited Youzhou City, and those people looked at him as if they were looking at exotic animals.
Although Zhao Kuangzan repeatedly emphasized that everything should be simple when welcoming guests to stay, Zhao Kuangzan still vacated his Prince Yan's Mansion and moved out all his family members, guards, and officials to make room for Liu Chengyou to stay. Everyone had done this, so Liu Chengyou didn't want to be blamed, so he accepted it happily.
In the lobby of the palace, Liu Chengyou came from the north. Accompanied by many generals, he first met with Youyan's civil and military officials. There is no need to mention Gao Fang. He is an old friend of the emperor and a minister entrusted with important tasks in the north. His contact has never been broken in these years.
As for the rest, Zhao Kuangzan personally introduced him.
"Your Majesty, the chief historian Song Qi and the judge Song Xiong are both outstanding talents. They are responsible for government and civil affairs, laws and regulations, and we rely on them more!"
"Your Majesty, Song Qi (Song Xiong), comes to see you!" The two of them saluted Liu Chengyou together.
Of course, Liu Chengyou also showed an attitude of being open-minded and sincere. He raised his hand to show off his courtesy and chuckled: "I have heard of the name Yan Ji's 'Second Song Dynasty' in Tokyo. He is indeed a rare and outstanding talent." Sir, Youzhou’s Qingming politics in these years are indeed due to its merits!”
Next came Zhang Zangying, Gao Yanhui and other generals of the Yan Army. Liu Chengyou was still very kind to them, praising them and describing their achievements. Afterwards, he formally expressed his position, comforted and comforted them in a frank tone, and reminded them that the Yan army and Yan people were all subjects of the Han army. In this attack on Liao, merit and demerit would be rewarded and punished equally.
Moreover, the system of the Yan army was left unchanged for the time being, leaving it as it was. The generals' military positions and benefits remained unchanged, but they were incorporated into the Han army's combat order and were still under the control of the King of Yan. However, military supplies and logistics were provided by the Han Dynasty.
The civil service system, on the other hand, can be seamlessly connected to the rule of the imperial court, and there is no need to make any big moves. People like Song Qi also have a very positive attitude and want to take advantage of this opportunity to perform well.
These measures taken by Liu Chengyou greatly stabilized Youyan Wenwu's heart and ensured its stability. He was also very satisfied with Emperor Han's attitude.
In any case, for more than ten years, Youyan has been their territory after all. Although they fought against the Khitan together, the imperial court marched northward in large numbers, and the fierce dragon crossed the river with such ferocious momentum that it was inevitable that they would feel strange.
