It was about to enter late autumn and we were in Fortress. Compared to the Central Plains, the weather was already much colder, which made Emperor Liu who was accustomed to the Central Plains climate very uncomfortable. While waiting for Yelujing's reply, Emperor Liu was not idle. He inspected the northern frontiers of Datong Prefecture, walking and riding horses, covering hundreds of miles, until Wang Zhaoyuan returned from his mission.
Backed by the Great Wall, the camp was set up near the water. In the spacious imperial tent, there were two stoves, using the finest charcoal produced in Hedong. In recent years, the government and people of the Han Dynasty have developed and used charcoal on a large scale. In terms of heating, charcoal has many advantages over charcoal that needs to be fired. Of course, ordinary civilians still rarely use it.
As for Emperor Liu, he was sitting cross-legged on a couch covered with two layers of cotton wool. His instinct to fear the cold was violated. Even if the warmth preservation measures were in place, his cold legs would feel a dull pain from time to time.
After listening to Wang Zhaoyuan's report, Emperor Liu said: "From what you said, the Lord of Liao was very positive about my invitation?"
"Back to Your Majesty! That's true!" Wang Zhaoyuan responded: "Hearing His Majesty's invitation, the Lord of Liao was very interested. He had been on good terms with His Majesty for a long time. He replied without much hesitation and discussion! Now, the Khitan Palace has already set off for the appointment. , I will return first to report!"
"We have been friends for a long time?" Emperor Liu murmured, with an expression that was half a smile but not a smile, and said leisurely: "I think, it would be more appropriate to use the word "deep hatred"!
"It's good to accept the invitation, and it's not in vain for me to make such an expression here!" Emperor Liu said.
Zhao Kuangyin, who was in the attendant's tent, couldn't help but ask Wang Zhaoyuan: "How many troops and horses does Lord Liao have with him?"
After looking at Zhao Kuangyin, Wang Zhaoyuan looked at Emperor Liu again. After getting a positive response, he said: "The specific number of people is difficult to determine, but based on my rough observation, there should be thirty or forty thousand people!"
Hearing this, the faces of everyone present suddenly darkened. This number of troops could be regarded as a strategic-level military force for both the Han Dynasty and the Liao Kingdom. For the Liao Kingdom, it was even more inevitable that the emperor's personal guards could be weak.
And if Yelujing led such a team to attend the appointment, then Emperor Liu would have to be more cautious. Of course, for the Han Dynasty, even a hundred thousand Liao troops were not something to be afraid of. The only concern was that the guard strength around Emperor Liu was insufficient at the moment.
Accompanying the Suwei and Imperial Guards, even if the entire Fengyi Army is brought along, there will only be more than 20,000 troops. Under such circumstances, how to ensure the safety of the emperor if he rushes to an appointment is a question that lies before any affairs.
Therefore, the expressions of the ministers present could not be serious. With just one glance, Emperor Liu could see their concerns, so he looked at Wang Zhaoyuan and said: "Wang Qing has returned from a mission and traveled nearly a thousand miles back and forth. It is quite hard. Let's go down for now and take a short rest!"
"I retire!" Wang Zhaoyuan is also an old minister, with old arms and legs. After all this tossing, the fatigue on his face can hardly be concealed, so he respectfully retreats.
After he retreated, Emperor Liu looked at Zhao Kuangyin and Li Chuyun and asked, "Qing Zhao still doesn't agree with meeting outside the fortress?"
When asked, Zhao Kuangyin did not try to cover up, and responded affirmatively: "Exactly! Your Majesty's body is rich in gold, and the family, country, and country are closely related. I still believe that it is inappropriate to take risks. If something goes wrong, I will never be able to atone for my sin." !”
Regarding Emperor Liu's departure from the fortress, most of the ministers and officials accompanying him had reservations and did not agree with it. The reason was that the son of a rich man could not sit down in court, and Emperor Liu's safety was the most important thing.
"It's not that serious!" After hearing this, Emperor Liu waved his hand: "I initiated this matter, and now the Lord of Liao has agreed. How can I change my mind and break the promise, otherwise I won't make the world laugh? Furthermore, It’s not like we’re going deep into the grassland, you’re overly worried!”
"Your Majesty, you must not be arrogant and negligent!" Li Chuyun, who was standing by, also said, "The Lord of Liao is coming with tens of thousands of people. If Tuo has evil intentions and is outside the Great Wall with insufficient guards, how can he reject them?"
"I thank you for your loyalty and concern. However, thousands of troops and horses have passed through it, so this little battle is nothing to be afraid of! Furthermore, I have such loyal soldiers guarding me, how can I be intimidated by the Khitan people?" , I am only obedient, looking forward and backward, I will not do anything!" Emperor Liu said this.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin immediately stood up, cupped his hands and said, "I will protect you to the death!"
After his statement, the generals present such as Luo Yanxuan, Liu Tinghan, and Yao Jineng also rushed to stand up to show their loyalty. Although he knew that there was some deliberate expression in this, Emperor Liu was still very satisfied.
"There is no need to argue about whether to go to the appointment or not!" Emperor Liu waved his hand and said, "Perhaps this time will be the last time I set foot outside the Great Wall!"
Seeing what Emperor Liu said, Zhao Kuangyin immediately said: "If this is the case, then His Majesty's safety must also be guaranteed, and sufficient preparations must be made!"
Li Chuyun also suggested: "Nowadays, the troops in the camp are insufficient. We should transfer garrison soldiers from the border army to strengthen the guard force!"
Although his attitude was tough and resolute, Emperor Liu still attached great importance to his own safety. Therefore, he said: "If you are concerned, you should still take necessary precautions! Since the Lord of Liao has come with troops, I should respond. , we must not fall behind in terms of momentum!”
Looking at Liu Tinghan, Emperor Liu asked: "Is it possible to mobilize the army temporarily? Is it convenient? How much time will it take?"
Liu Tinghan had actually thought about this in his mind for a long time. Hearing this, he was well prepared and simply responded: "The Fengyi Army can assemble nearby, with Baoning and Ningyuan to the west, Yongning Army to the south, and Tiancheng to the east. The army can come with light cavalry. Three days will be enough. I am confident that I can mobilize 20,000 cavalry!"
"In this way, together with the Suwei Forbidden Army, the total number of 30,000 people is enough to ensure the safety of the Holy Driver!" Luo Yanxuan, who was in charge of camp deployment, said.
"If this is the case, the garrison in various places will be empty!" Emperor Liu frowned.
"Therefore, while mobilizing troops and horses, we should also issue orders for Shanyang troops to maintain martial law, increase vigilance, strengthen combat readiness, and be ready to fight at any time and respond to emergencies!" Zhao Kuangyin reminded.
Emperor Liu nodded slightly and made a decisive decision, saying: "Let's do it like this!"
Looking at Liu Tinghan and Luo Yanxuan, he ordered: "The mobilization of troops and training arrangements will be left to the second minister! On September 5th, I will meet with the Lord of Liao in Baishuiluo! In addition, we must not reduce the military power of our great Han Dynasty! "
Emperor Liu's tone was serious, and no one dared to neglect him. The second general, who was already serious, felt even more cautious and urgent.
Everyone retreated, but Liu Yang stayed. Probably knowing what he was going to say, Emperor Liu didn't wait for him to speak and said directly: "You don't need to go with me, stay in Yunzhong!"
"I would like to go with you!" Liu Yang said with a solemn expression and cupped his hands.
"What are you going to do!" Emperor Liu glared: "Keep watch from behind for me!"
"But------"
Liu Yang opened his mouth again, but was immediately interrupted by Emperor Liu: "No but, do you want to disobey my order?"
When Emperor Liu showed this attitude, Liu Yang really had no confidence to resist. However, noticing his concerned eyes, Emperor Liu softened his tone and said, "I'm going here on a whim. Although I can make adequate preparations, I can't guarantee that everything will be safe. If something unexpected happens, you, the prince, are my best choice." Solid support!”
Emperor Liu said this with all his heart. Seeing this, Liu Yang sighed and had to bow his head and obey his orders. Emperor Liu was like this, thinking about the worst and making the best preparations.
Although he didn't think there was too much risk in going here, he still had to consider a retreat. This was also responsible for the empire. Liu Yang didn't even plan to bring him with him. Among the accompanying princes, he only brought Zhao Guogong Liu Fang with him. As for the four concubines accompanying him, he only brought Concubine Yelu with him. Concubines Gao, Zhe and Guo insisted on following her, but were forced to stay in Yunzhong by Emperor Liu.
As the Pegasus issued military orders one after another, the entire northern frontier army, led by Shanyang, was mobilized. The cavalry troops who received the orders quickly gathered towards Jiaoshan Pass, and the rest of the garrison troops were also led by their respective commanders. Be on guard.
Suddenly, the entire Shanyang defense line entered a state of intense combat readiness. This was the first time in the past ten years that such a big movement had occurred.
People who don't know why, seeing such a battle, think that another war between Han and Liao is about to begin. Such a big fanfare was also intended to frighten the Liao army. Obviously, the movements here could not be hidden from the Khitan people. In fact, such an urgent major mobilization is also a comprehensive test of the quality of the border troops. In such preparations that are close to actual combat, the quality can best be reflected and problems can be identified.
While Emperor Liu was in full swing, controversy was naturally inevitable in the camp of the Liao army coming from the west...
