"If this is the case, if my son is willing to go to war, he will definitely remember the teachings and live up to his trust!" After listening to Emperor Liu's words, Liu Yang also felt relieved, his body and expression showed relief, and he solemnly handed over his hands.
However, although his performance was calm, he could not help but reveal a little nervousness and excitement. After all, the martial arts of the Han Dynasty was still very strong. Liu Yang was also a young man. Although he was under far more pressure and constraints than others, he did not dare to be frivolous. But why don’t you have the expectation of riding a horse, holding a whip, and becoming famous on the battlefield?
Seeing this, Emperor Liu smiled slightly and asked, "What are you going to do after the expedition?"
When Liu Yang heard the question, he was stunned for a moment. He met Emperor Liu's gaze, thought for a moment, and replied: "Just like when he was ordered to supervise the country during the Northern Expedition, he mainly focused on learning, watching, and listening. Apart from this, military aircraft Make a decision and never interfere!"
Emperor Liu nodded and said: "You have always been steady. You have been serving as an assistant to the king for so many years. I am very confident in your performance in politics. However, although there are similarities between running politics and running the army, there are always differences. , this still needs to be experienced by yourself.
With a cautious learning attitude, this is just a foundation, but letting you take command does not just mean that you are a puppet to be manipulated. You must take responsibility for what you should do. War is not just about military decision-making and command. Here, Besides, there is much more that can be done.
I won’t say anything unnecessary, I will be right behind, watching your performance and giving you support..."
"My son, please remember the teachings!" Emperor Liu had always taught him through words and deeds like this for many years, and now it was a similar situation, and Liu Yang was moved in his heart.
"The coach of the Eastern Route Army has not yet been decided. Who do you prefer?" Liu Yang asked proactively.
"What do you think?" Emperor Liu asked back: "The purpose of taking command is to manage the generals. You don't need to think about dispatching troops. You need to put some thought into dispatching the generals. Tell me what you think?"
Of course, it was impossible for Liu Yang not to have thought about this, and he even thought about it while assuming the role of Emperor Liu. Therefore, when asked about this, Liu Yang was not reserved and answered with his hands raised: "I think Rongguo Duke Zhao Kuangyin can be the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Route Army!"
Zhao Kuangyin is capable of taking on this responsibility regardless of his ability or qualifications. From Liu Yang's personal perspective, he always had a good impression of Zhao Kuangyin, and he often asked for advice when he was assisting the government. From Emperor Liu's previous behavior and attitude, we can also see his intention to appoint Zhao Kuangyin.
"Zhao Kuangyin will be the left marshal of the camp, and Gao Huaide will be the right marshal of the camp!" Emperor Liu stopped hiding and simply expressed his thoughts: "I have talked with both of them!"
Instead of being the chief and deputy, but taking the left and right positions, it is natural to seek a situation of checks and balances, and Gao Huaide was there to contain Zhao Kuangyin.
Liu Yang looked happy and said: "Both the two princes are famous generals of the Han Dynasty. They are outstanding generals and both have experience in fighting against the Liao Dynasty. With the two princes joining the army and taking charge of military affairs, I will have no worries!"
Emperor Liu smiled and said: "You go back and prepare. You don't need to bring too many staff in the East Palace. Just pick a few border officials. You can bring young men like Murong Defeng to practice. Huaiyu has been with you for a few years, and I want to take you with you to see where his father fought during his lifetime. In addition, I will leave the Fengchen Army to you!"
"Yes!" Liu Yang thanked him.
The next day, Emperor Liu formally issued an edict, appointing Prince Liu Yang as the general marshal of Pingbei, and the governor led the troops to the Northern Expedition. The general of the Eastern Route Army, who was suspicious but undecided, immediately issued an announcement to Zhao Kuangyin and Gao Huaide.
The formal issuance of the edict also meant that preparations for the Northern Expedition of the Han Dynasty were completely on the fast track. All kinds of military supplies were continuously transported to the north, and the various provinces in North China and local governments also began to recruit the people's labor animals for the Northern Expedition. Hundreds of thousands of strong men had to put down their hoes, leave the land, and devote their sweat to the Northern Expedition.
Since the Yellow River, the Central Plains states, under Tokyo's dispatching arrangements, have also made centralized transfers of materials, and can be mobilized at any time whenever necessary. As for the areas south of the Yangtze River, there is also a lot of movement. A large amount of materials, especially grain, continue to be transferred to the north under the coordination of the government.
It can be said that this is the first time that the Han Dynasty mobilized the strength of the whole country for war, and the first time it really broke out, it had an overwhelming momentum. The clouds of war pervaded the border between Han and Liao. For the Liao Kingdom, which had initially completed the transfer of power, a life-and-death crisis had arrived. It was as sudden as the death of Yelujing, but the pressure it brought was overwhelming. .....
With the edict of the Northern Expedition being issued, the Han Center began to operate at full capacity, arranging various affairs and getting busy. Of course, there were a lot of discussions in Luoyang City, but for them, the impact of the war was only verbal, and the atmosphere in the imperial city also became tense.
Emperor Liu, on the other hand, became relaxed and calm under this situation. Apart from visiting various offices for inspections and inquiries every day, he did not show any urgency.
"Guan family, His Highness the King of Wei wants to see you!" Yan Tuo stood up and reported.
"Huh? What is he doing here..." Emperor Liu muttered: "Xuan!"
"See your majesty!" Soon, Wei Wang Liu Min stepped forward into the palace and saluted ably.
The older he gets, the more silent he becomes. Liu Min still has a green and childish look on his face, but his expression seems rigid without any unnecessary changes. This is very similar to Emperor Liu in his early years.
After looking at this son for a few times, I saw that he was wearing a military uniform, with a solemn expression, but his eyes were bright and firm. Emperor Liu sat upright and asked, "What's the matter?"
"I want to see the Northern Expedition!" Liu Min expressed his intention without any nonsense.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu was a little surprised, and then he laughed: "You are so young, why are you here to join in the fun!"
"I am already sixteen years old!" Liu Min stared at Emperor Liu and said seriously: "My fourth brother was still thirteen years old when he participated in the Southern Expedition!"
"Can you compete with your fourth brother?" Emperor Liu chuckled.
Hearing this, Liu Min's face showed no signs of urgency, but it was clearly unconvincing. After a moment of silence, Liu Min's voice became louder: "Although I have no experience in the military, I still read military books, practice martial arts, and talk about riding and shooting. Fourth brother may not be able to beat me! Now, you are sending the prince to the Northern Expedition, and fourth brother is also here Serving in the Northwest, Ma Huaiyu is younger than me, and you let him join the army, why can’t I?”
After listening to his words and feeling his aspirations, Emperor Liu became serious, his expression became serious, and he stared at Liu Min. Liu Min was bold and stared at him without blinking.
"Marching and fighting is not hunting, let alone a game!" Emperor Liu said.
"I know!" Liu Min nodded.
The father and son looked at each other for a while, and Emperor Liu suddenly felt that he had still neglected his adopted son. After pondering and thinking, Liu Min was not in a hurry, he just stood up and waited for Emperor Liu's decision.
"Okay, let's go see it with your second brother!" Emperor Liu said after a long time.
"Second brother, there are enough people there!" Liu Min replied.
"Where do you want to go?" Emperor Liu suddenly became more interested.
"Fourth brother is in Hexi. I would like to go to Yulin or Shanyang!" Liu Min had already made an idea.
"Go to Yulin!" Emperor Liu nodded slowly, and then said as if threatening: "Yang Ye's side has to leave the fortress, escape from the rear, and go to a remote area, every step of the way is difficult and dangerous..."
"I'm not afraid!" Liu Min showed no fear at all.
"Go!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Liu Min bowed and thanked him.
Liu Min's initiative to ask for help reminded Emperor Liu that in the past, his focus was mainly on his four older sons, but now the other princes have grown up one after another and have their own thoughts and ideas... ..
In the spring of the eighth year of Kaibao's reign, on the first day of March, in the imperial city of Xijing of the Han Dynasty.
In front of the Qianyuan Hall, hundreds of officials gathered, including ministers, and gorgeous ceremonial guards were arranged neatly. Under the white stone imperial steps, tens of thousands of soldiers drawn from the armies of the Northern Expedition gathered here, with neat military appearance and clear flags.
Accompanied by the powerful sound of drums and horns, Emperor Liu stood high on the imperial steps in a formal dress. As the nominal commander-in-chief, Liu Yang, dressed in military armor, steadily climbed the steps and knelt down in front of him under the watchful eyes of ministers, officials and soldiers. Before the emperor.
The sense of ceremony was overwhelming. After the official read out the proclamation of the Northern Expedition, Emperor Liu took the Emperor's Sword and handed it to Liu Yang. Liu Yang took it with all his strength and solemnity. On his side, Zhao Kuangyin and Gao Huaide also received the commander's seal.
Looking at the three of them, Emperor Liu didn't talk nonsense, but solemnly said: "Fight hard! I'm waiting for your victory!"
"yes!"
As Liu Yang pulled out his sword and pointed it straight at the sky, the sharp blade shone in the reflection of the sun, and the soldiers present suddenly shouted long live and victorious.
