Before holding a welcome dinner and in-depth emotional contact with Youyan Wenwu, Liu Chengyou took advantage of his leisure time to call the four senior commanders of the Northern Expedition, An Shenqi, Chai Rong, Murong Yanzhao, and Gao Huaide, to his side.
As soon as he opened his mouth, he asked directly: "How is the Yan army's garrison arrangement, how is the morale of the army, and how is the defense of Youzhou?"
It can be seen from Liu Chengyou's three consecutive questions that in his heart, he is not as reassured, open and honest about Yan Jun as he appears on the surface. After all, King Zhao Kuangzan of Yan and some of the generals of the Yan army do not represent all of the Yan army.
The Zhao Siwan Rebellion that broke out earlier is enough to wake people up. Although Zhao Siwan has been executed, there may not be many people who have had social contact with him over the years and have similar thoughts and attitudes to him.
Obviously feeling the emperor's concerns, An Shenqi immediately handed over his hand and said: "The Yan army has a total of about 20,000 soldiers. After the war started, the people's courage was expanded, and the number of troops reached 40,000. After fighting with the Liao army, There are still more than 36,000 soldiers who can fight. In addition to the troops who stayed behind at Zhuo and Yi, they were stationed in the three cities of Changping, Huairou and Yuyang. The remaining troops were about 10,000 cavalry stationed in Youzhou.
In order to appease the Yan army, I led the army northward and stationed in Youzhou City, leaving ten thousand Yan troops to guard the north city, while our army controlled the other three cities and the surrounding camps.
I have carefully inspected Youzhou's city defense, and it can be said that it is strong. The defense facilities such as urns, arrow windows, and towers are very complete and can accommodate a hundred thousand troops without being overcrowded. King Yan really paid attention to the preparations for city defense.
With this strong city, it is enough to become a solid rear and foothold for the army to attack the Liao army from the north! "
After listening to An Shenqi's explanation, Liu Chengyou calmed down a little, nodded, and sighed: "The 40,000 Yan army has doubled compared to before the war. With the joint defense of the army and the people, the land of Youyan will be protected by all the people." All soldiers!"
After hearing this, Chai Rong solemnly echoed: "What your Majesty said is true! After going north, I visited various counties. Due to the back-and-forth fighting for more than forty days, almost all the men of Youyan had repaired their weapons. Because the Liao cavalry was destroying everywhere, the local autumn harvest and crops were greatly destroyed. I asked Song Qi, and according to what he said, this year's autumn harvest would be less than 30% of previous years, and the rest would be destroyed.
There is already a food shortage in Youyan, and now it can still manage to support it. However, I predict that it will not be long before the military food is transported from the north. In addition to supplying the army, part of it will also need to be diverted to provide relief to the people of Yan! "
Liu Chengyou immediately asked: "Even though the fields are not abundant this year, the people of Youyan have no food left?"
Chai Rong replied calmly: "The taxation remains high and it has been destroyed by war. How can it be saved even if it is there?"
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou thought for a while and said, "It seems that the burden of food for the Northern Expedition is heavier than we imagined!"
Chai Rong said: "According to Li Chuyun's calculations, the daily food consumption of the current camp army, including the Yan army, auxiliary soldiers, and civilians, is about 5,000 shi, and it will increase in the future. Since the war began, the consumption of military food and transportation losses have , already more than 450,000 stone..."
After hearing this data, Liu Chengyou's expression changed: "According to this consumption rate, the 2 million stones of military rations prepared by the imperial court can last for more than half a year!"
Chai Rong responded solemnly: "There may be some discrepancies, but they are not far behind. After all, 400,000 soldiers and civilians were mobilized this time. If the soldiers and civilians of Yan are included, it exceeds 500,000. Not counting the local conscription, Hedong The troops and horses are also a big expenditure..."
The account mentioned by Chai Rong is already a conclusion drawn under an ideal state. Food is only the most basic loss in army operations, but it is the most illustrative one. It can also be seen from this how much the imperial court paid for this Northern Expedition.
And Liu Chengyou could almost imagine how the officials and generals responsible for military supplies and logistics, from Wei Renpu, Xue Juzheng, to Li Chuyun, had a headache.
However, no matter how difficult it was, it could not shake Liu Chengyou's determination. Anyway, he provided the motivation and will to be aggressive. Just like the emotion he expressed when watching the baggage transfer on the canal, even after paying such a high price, there is no failure. room.
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou said in an extremely calm manner: "These situations should be reported to Tokyo and the rear of the camp in a timely manner, and they should be prepared to respond and make more adequate preparations. Recruit when necessary, and supplement when necessary. , The battle has just begun, there is no reason to hesitate and fear difficulties!"
"Yes!" Guo Rong responded, admiring Liu Chengyou's firm gesture.
From the beginning of the war in late July to the beginning of September, nearly fifty days before and after, the Han Dynasty had paid a heavy price, and the one who suffered the most was Youyan, not to mention the heavy damage to the Liao army. The small amount of casualties achieved impressive results, but in fact, the Youyan area had been destroyed...
And Guo Rong, to be honest, didn't express much sympathy for Youyan Shimin. The same goes for Liu Chengyou. He often shows love and compassion for the people, but his more important consideration lies in his rule.
Regarding the issue of logistical supplies, Liu Chengyou did not continue to study this. Instead, he looked at a few people and said: "The battle has been going well during this period. I started in Tokyo and got good results on the way!"
"I still rely on His Majesty's reputation to protect me!" An Shenqi said.
"No need to say polite words!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand, looked at An Shenqi, and said seriously: "Tell me about the situation of the Liao army. Also, how will the army move next? Will there be any changes from the previous plan? You guys There should be some discussion!”
After hearing the inquiry, Chai Rong reported: "Your Majesty, after my army went north to Youzhou, the Liao army has been completely reduced. Only a small number of rangers are still active. They are only for spying and do not dare to go further. I will discuss with others. However, the Liao army intends to rely on the defense of Guancheng to continue to consume the morale of our troops and delay their standby.
Although the results achieved by the former of our army were considerable, the losses were mainly caused by the Han army, Bohai, and Xi people. For the soldiers of the Khitan headquarters, the blow was not deep enough, and the losses were not too serious!
The Liao army suffered many defeats on the surface, but it did not damage the foundation. The strength in its hands is still good! "
Seeing that Chai Rong and the others had such understanding, were not arrogant because of victory, and kept a clear head, Liu Chengyou subconsciously felt a lot more at ease. The soldiers below can be arrogant, but the commander-in-chief, as the brain center of the army, cannot underestimate the enemy.
"What's the next step for this situation?" Liu Chengyou asked.
Chai Rong said: "I think we should follow the established plan and take the initiative to attack northward, one is Tanzhou, and the other is Juyongguan. The Liao army's defense layout obviously has the idea of using these two places as horns for each other, and our army will find and break them. , Tanzhou is the main one, Juyong is the supplement.
If it is pulled out, the most important nail for the Liao army in the Yannan area will be removed, and then they can concentrate on dealing with the main force of the Liao army in the direction of Juyongguan.
As for the direction of Zunhua, a partial division can be sent to monitor it. As for the Luanping direction, Xingying had previously agreed to Ma Quanyi's suggestion of taking the East Road, and had given them an additional 50,000 troops to attack instead of defend. They could not only pass through the Lulong area, but also defend the east side and block the Yuguan Road direction. The reinforcements of the Liao army were sent to the army to deal with the Liao army in the north of Youzhou! "
Liu Chengyou did not raise any objection to the idea of Chai Rong and others. As for the division of troops, he did not think there was any problem. After all, the strength was sufficient. In fact, both the Han and Liao sides knew that the main battlefields of this battle were in the Tanzhou and Juyongguan areas.
Because of the terrain, the main force of the Liao army coming south must go through Juyongguan, and it is unlikely to cross mountains and ridges from other areas. And if these two things are missed, then the initiative in the war will completely fall into the hands of the Han army.
"How strong is the Tanzhou garrison?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"Tanzhou is guarded by Liaonan Privy Council Xiao Siwen, with about 40,000 troops, mixed with Han and barbarians. If they defend to the death, they can break it with all their strength!" Chai Rong said with certainty.
"Then fight!" Liu Chengyou said decisively, looking at a few people: "I want to see how much the Khitan people have learned in terms of city defense!"
