Regarding the answers given by his three sons, Liu Chengyou did not express any deep opinions. He just smiled and said, "You have to know that the soldiers outside are fighting bloody battles for the long-term peace and stability of the country and for the consolidation of the Han Dynasty. They are all meritorious." Minister, you need to treat each other with courtesy and be considerate at all times!"
"Yes!" The emperor's majesty is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. No matter what he says, the three princes will honestly agree.
Looking at the fourth child, Liu Chengyou waved to him, called him to his side, pinched his little face that was flushed by the wind, and said, "Joining the army and fighting is not something you say with just one mouth. The pain involved in it is not something you have to do." Experience is hard to know. If you want to be a general, you are still far away from it, do you understand?"
Liu Fang nodded, then shook his head, confused. Seeing this, Liu Chengyou smiled, "This battle has been rare in decades, and it is even more rare for children like you. As a soldier, you should also experience it as a good student."
"yes!"
Among the disciples, the military talent of Lao Si is visible to the naked eye. Not only his personality and ambition, he also likes to read military books and military art, listen to ancient and modern battle cases, and has great interest and enthusiasm for military warfare. He is not quick to learn other things, but he is always good at martial arts. The maps in Liu Chengyou's imperial palace, especially the military maps, are always read with gusto.
Therefore, Liu Chengyou does have some affection for this fourth son.
"You have worked hard this way, so take a rest. Zhang Dejun, give them a bowl of ginger soup!" Liu Chengyou ordered, pointing at Liu Fang, "The weather is getting colder. Who told you to wear so little? The coat your grandmother gave you Where is your son?"
Of the three brothers, Liu Fang was the only one who wore the thinnest clothes. When asked, Liu Fang smiled and replied, "When I got to the army, I was afraid it would get dirty, so I put it away!"
In response, Liu Chengyou touched his head, "How can it be effective if you don't wear warm clothes on your body? If you are filial to your grandmother, make good use of her gifts and take care of yourself!"
"Officials, King Chenliu, Uncle Gao Guo, Privy Councilor Chai, and Dushuai Zhao want to see you!" While the third son was drinking hot ginger soup, Zhang Dejun came to report.
"Dad has important military and national affairs to discuss, so please leave now!" Liu Xu stood up and said obediently.
After glancing at them, Liu Chengyou originally wanted them to stay and listen together, but after thinking for a while, he calmed down and said, "Go down and have a good rest!"
"I will see you, Your Majesty!" Four commander-level Han generals entered to pay homage.
"No gifts! Take a seat!" Liu Chengyou had a friendly attitude and stretched out his hand to signal. He gave each person a bowl of ginger soup. He looked at An Shenqi and asked, "How is King Chenliu's health?"
An Shenqi still looked a little weak. Obviously, the losses caused by the former's overwork and physical injury were not so easy to make up for. The white hair bun could no longer turn black.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty!" An Shenqi responded, "I am old and decayed. After this battle, it is really difficult to maintain my energy. I hope that Your Majesty will take pity on me. On the day of victory, I will be disarmed and return to my hometown!"
This is probably An Shenqi's cleverness. He retreated bravely and fought, which also made the emperor feel some compassion. As expected, Liu Chengyou comforted him with gentle words, "You have served the country with all your heart, and your hard work is of great merit. You should take good care of your body. There is no need to say more about your retirement! If you are missing a pillar of the country like you, it will be my loss. It’s also a loss for the imperial court!”
"How dare you, your majesty, say this, an old minister?" An Shenqi said humbly, stroking his gray beard.
After exchanging greetings with An Shenqi, Liu Chengyou looked around at the four important ministers present and spoke directly, saying, "After the Battle of Nankou, the war situation has undergone a decisive change. How will the Northern Expedition progress? I have some thoughts on the next combat strategy. However, I still have some thoughts. I need to hear your opinions!”
Facing the emperor's inquiry, An Shenqi said, "After this battle, both the Han and Liao sides suffered heavy casualties. Our army needs time to rest and recuperate, and so does the Liao army. However, the national strength and the contrast between the strong and weak situations are very clear.
Relying on the strength of the Han Dynasty and replenishing troops, ordnance, food and grass, the strength of the camp can be quickly restored. In contrast, this was not the case for the Khitan. The losses in the Battle of Nankou were a huge toll on them and could not be made up for in a short time.
The veteran thought that a temporary truce could be used to train the troops and allow the soldiers to rest and recover. At the same time, it can also suppress the Liao army with a big force. As long as the confrontation continues, it will be enough to defeat the Khitan! "
An Shenqi's suggestion highlights the principle of stability and using force to overwhelm others. At the same time, it is also a mature way of planning a country. If the fight continues like this, it will be difficult for the Liao army to hold back.
Of course, there are no absolute pros and cons. After all, the Khitan is not an ordinary nomadic dynasty. If you treat it with the old perspective of nomads, you will also suffer. If the Liao army tightens its grip and fights, it will be difficult for them, and the price paid by the Han Dynasty will definitely not be small.
In order to support Youyan's hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians, the Han Dynasty had already depleted half of its national power, and the treasury and official reserves were continuously consumed, and the daily expenses were a huge amount.
The financial pressure is on the one hand, and the consumption of manpower is even greater. There are half a million soldiers and civilians in the front, and more than one million people are mobilizing in the rear. War hurts people and farmers, and farmers and farmers are the foundation of the country. If the spring plowing is delayed until next year, the war will not end. Even the big Han will have to consider whether it can bear the losses at that time.
Of course, there are still a few months until spring plowing next year, which seems to be plenty, but we must take into account the impact of the climate on combat if it enters the depths of winter.
However, no matter how you put it, if you drag it on, the big man will have a lot more confidence.
After An Shenqi finished speaking, Chai Rong calmly stated his considerations and pointed out directly that the war had been delayed for too long and the price paid by the big man would be too high.
Then he said, "It is necessary for the army to rest and reorganize. However, I disagree with the blind delay. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to defeat the Khitan. If after half a year, the war has not ended, the farming season has come, and the division veterans are tired." , shall we continue fighting, or shall we choose to withdraw?
Therefore, I believe that using force to force the enemy is an approach that can be adopted, but it cannot remain unchanged and a more active strategy should be adopted. Now, Li Chongjin has firmly controlled Jinshan, and the defeated Liao army has settled in Huai Lai. I suggest taking advantage of the time before the harsh winter to capture Gui, Wu, Xin, and Wei states first! "
Chai Rong still has his usual style, he likes to pursue initiative and control the situation in his own hands, and his whole person exudes a positive and enterprising spirit.
Chai Rong was very enthusiastic and his words were very contagious. Liu Chengyou obviously had some thoughts on his advice. There is a reality that Liu Chengyou has to admit. This Northern Expedition was the richest battle fought by the Han Dynasty since the founding of the country, but the price paid was enough to make him feel painful.
Without expressing his position easily, Liu Chengyou looked at Zhao Kuangyin again. Facing the emperor's gaze, Zhao Kuangyin looked very calm. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, in the battle at Nankou, I have learned something after thinking hard. The Liao army was originally on the defensive, but then turned from defense to offense. It sent out a massive force of 200,000 troops, intending to completely wipe out Chen I thought that by keeping the king's army behind, the Liao army knew that with its national strength, it would be difficult to compete with the Han in a long-term fierce battle, so it wanted to break the predicament by attacking our army.
I think there is no need to rush into battle. With the current strength of our army and the current situation in Ruzhou, it is not difficult to march troops out of the fortress and take advantage of the victory to attack the Liao army. It is also possible to recover the Gui, Wu, Xin, and Wei states in one fell swoop!
However, I am worried that after being severely damaged at the southern entrance, the Liao army may no longer dare to confront our army head-on. The terrain of the Guiwu Prefectures is so narrow that it is really inconvenient for cavalry to fight. If the remaining more than 100,000 Liao troops are allowed to withdraw to the Yunshuo area, it will be tantamount to freeing them from the mountain cage and releasing their cavalry combat capabilities.
If the Liao army can be delayed here, it can lengthen its front and consume its national power. When spring comes next year, when his troops are exhausted and his troops are exhausted, an attack at that time can have a devastating effect.
At the same time, I believe that we can strengthen the strength in Hedong. At that time, the two armies will attack the Liao army, and I will win. "
Zhao Kuangyin's consideration was considered comprehensive, and he also gave Liu Chengyou a clearer idea.
"What do you think about hiding it?" Liu Chengyou asked Gao Huaide again.
Compared with Chai Zhao, Gao Huaide's answer was much simpler: "I believe that rest and recuperation are the most important thing at the moment. The specific use of troops depends on the reaction of the Liao army, and we will adapt accordingly!"
"Zang Yong is right!" After glancing at Gao Huaide, Liu Chengyou sighed, "Yes, the way to use troops is to adapt to local conditions and adapt to changes! It also depends on how our opponents react!"
"Do you think the Liao army will voluntarily abandon the Shanzuo states?" Liu Chengyou said suddenly.
In this regard, several people looked at each other, but could not give an accurate answer.
"If this is the case, then we can only choose to take advantage of the situation and advance quickly!" Liu Chengyou sighed, "As Zhao Qing said, no matter what, Hedong's strength should be strengthened!"
In fact, after the Battle of Nankou, the first phase of the Han Army's Northern Expedition had already been achieved. The elbow and armpit problems have been basically eliminated, and it is only a matter of time before the Liao army is completely driven out of Yannan.
The goal of the next stage should be to restore the sixteen states of Yanyun. To this end, the Han army's military deployment should also make a comprehensive adjustment. Among them, the biggest adjustment was the troops and horses in Hedong. The original diversionary army was used as the main force to defeat Liao.
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