At the entrance of the main hall of the government camp, Huo Yi, the reporter, took several officials and historians to count the number of people according to the roster. Soon after the three o'clock count passed, Xiang Lang, Yang Yi, Ma Su, Zhao Yun, Guan Xing, Gao Xiang and other civil and military officials were all present.
After a while, Hu Ji, the chief registrar, led Zhuge Liang out of the back hall. Everyone stood up and saluted: "Meet the Prime Minister."
"You don't have to be polite, just sit down and talk." Zhuge Liang shook his feather fan gently and said with a smile.
"Everyone must know that the war between Soochow and Cao Wei has begun. As a result, most of the Wei troops east of Tongguan will have no time to look west, which gives us a good opportunity to launch the second Northern Expedition.
I have summoned you all here today to discuss the strategy of advancing the army. If you have any clever ideas, please feel free to tell us. "After everyone sat down again, Zhuge Liang continued.
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Yun, who had the highest official position among the generals, was the first to clasp his fists and said: "Prime Minister, we have made a plan before. After the war between Wu and Wei, Wei Wenchang and Yang Mingzhi will send troops to Liangzhou. But according to the wishes of the Prime Minister, we are here in Hanzhong Are you going to send troops too?”
"Exactly, fighter opportunities are rare and should not be missed. What's more, Sun Quan also asked us to fulfill the alliance's obligations and contain the Wei army on the western front. It would be too petty to launch an offensive in Liangzhou alone, so I intend to march to Guanzhong. , directly holding back Cao Zhen's army." Zhuge Liang explained.
Zhao Yun said: "I see, Yun understands." After saying that, a burst of joy appeared on his face.
As a military general, Zhao Yun naturally hopes to have battles to fight, especially as he is a veteran who has followed the late emperor for many years. Of course, he wants to fight more for the revival of the Han Dynasty.
According to original history, Zhao Yun had no further achievements after the first Northern Expedition, and then died in the seventh year of Jianxing, that is, next year. It can be said that his ambitions were unfulfilled and he had regrets throughout his life.
However, in this life, due to the arrival of the butterfly Yang Qing, Ji Han's first Northern Expedition was completely victorious. Perhaps the victory made people happy physically and mentally, so Zhao Yun still looks old and strong, and he will not be able to see it in a few years. There are no signs of death.
Zhao Yun and other generals here were in high spirits, but Xiang Lang, the head of the civil service sitting opposite, said with a worried look: "Prime Minister, it is indeed a rare opportunity to enter the military pass at this time, but the Northern Expedition in the first half of the year has consumed a lot of our food and grass. Regarding military supplies, although the summer and autumn harvests have just passed and a batch of new grains have been put into storage, it will be very difficult to support another grand war like the first half of the year."
"Don't worry, Mr. Judak. It's my fault that I didn't make it clear."
Zhuge Liang laughed, then looked at the crowd and said: "I only intend to send 30,000 troops for this Northern Expedition. The goal is not to completely annihilate the Wei army in Guanzhong and recover Chang'an, but to look for opportunities to capture key areas near the Wei River and further isolate Guanzhong and Longyou." Passage, to prepare for regaining Guanzhong in one fell swoop in the future.
Of course, it would be best if the Wei army can be severely damaged or annihilated again during this period. If not, we must ensure that the basic goal is achieved.
Therefore, the scale of this Northern Expedition will not be very large, and the front line and time will not be too long. The current food and grass are enough to support it. "
"It turns out that's the case, so I'm relieved."
Xiang Lang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Once the army went on an expedition, the heavy responsibility of supplying military supplies to the front line would probably fall on his shoulders. That's why he was so concerned about grain and grass logistics.
After listening to Zhuge Liang's explanation, the others knew better. Since it was not a big battle, it would be much easier to handle. There are only a few roads from Hanzhong to Guanzhong. Just choose one or two cities to attack near the exit.
Sure enough, Ma Di soon had an idea. He cupped his fists and said, "Prime Minister, I think our army can go straight to Chencang in this Northern Expedition."
"Oh? Why is it Chen Cang?" Zhuge Liang became interested.
Ma Su smiled and said: "The reason is also very simple. The four cities along the Wei River are Chencang, Yicheng, Wugong and of course Chang'an. However, only Chencang City is in the west. Our army can attack this city without being attacked from two sides. Danger.
Moreover, our army's marching roads are nothing more than four: Ziwu Road, Tangluo Road, Baoxie Road, and Chencang Road. Among them, Ziwu Road and Tangluo Road are the most rugged and difficult to walk, which is not conducive to the passage of the army.
As for Baoxie Road, General Zilong had just passed it several months ago. The Wei army must be on guard, so only Chencang Road was the most suitable to attack.
In addition, the current Wei army's garrison in Guanzhong has the smallest number of troops in Chencang, making it easier for our army to attack. "
"Yes, that makes sense." Zhuge Liang nodded and asked the others: "What do you think?"
Guan Xing said: "Prime Minister, although it is suitable to attack Chencang, it is not easy to break the city. First of all, Chencang is north of the Wei River. If you want to attack the city, you must first cross the Wei River. Once the Wei army blocks it, our army will definitely suffer a loss." What a bitter experience.
Secondly, although the Wei army in Chencang only has three to four thousand troops, Guo Huai, the governor of Yongzhou in the puppet Wei Dynasty, is guarding this place. He is also a good general. We have experienced his power when we were in Shanggui and want to defeat him. It’s not easy either.
Thirdly, although Chencang is small, it is a strong city. The narrow terrain is not conducive to the deployment of the army, so our army's superior strength cannot be used.
Finally, even if our army dispatches troops at the earliest, it will take one or two months. By then, it is already the cold season, and the soldiers will be even more exhausted when they cross the Qinling Mountains and march north. "
"In your opinion, do our troops still want to attack Chencang?" Zhuge Liang asked after hearing this.
Guan Xing thought for a moment and replied: "I think that although Chencang is going to be attacked, the main purpose should not be to destroy the city. Instead, we should besiege the city and mobilize reinforcements. We should use Chencang as a bait to attract the Wei army from the east, and then take the opportunity to ambush and eat it." The reinforcements from the puppet Wei will be easier than attacking a fortified city by force."
"Well, besieging the city and calling for reinforcements is indeed a clever plan. What do you think?"
Gao Xiang, who had been silent for the whole time, said: "Prime Minister, although Anguo's strategy of siege and reinforcements is good, it will force Cao Zhen to feel that the situation is critical by storming Chencang.
However, if we want to achieve such an effect, we must either sacrifice human lives or besieged for a long time. This will put a lot of pressure on our army's soldiers and food. "
As soon as Gao Xiang finished speaking, Guan Xing also felt that this was indeed a big problem. The siege and reinforcements were contrary to the original intention of a small battle. The current national strength did not allow the Han Dynasty to launch two major wars within a year.
However, Guan Xing could not think of any other way to improve his strategy of siege and reinforcement, so he had to lower his head and think of other strategies. Everyone had no other clever ideas, so they didn't say a word and buried their heads in deep thought.
Seeing that the atmosphere in the hall had become a little dull, Zhuge Liang laughed loudly and said: "Don't be anxious, it's still early and the war at Soochow has not officially started yet, so there is no need for us to panic.
I still say the same thing, the first step in sending troops this time is to fulfill the responsibilities of allies and contain the Wei army in Guanzhong, and the second is to defeat and annihilate the enemy. Therefore, you can put down your burdens and say whatever comes to your mind. We do not have to reach a conclusion today. "
Everyone was relieved when they heard this. At this time, Jiang Wei, who had been silent for a long time, said: "Prime Minister, Wei thought that our eyes are not limited to the Wei River. The Anding County to the north of Fufeng County is now in my hands. Is it okay? Let Wu Fujun, who is sitting in peace, lead the troops to attack and advance with our Hanzhong troops from the north and south.
In this way, Cao Zhen and others will be more concerned about one thing than the other, and by then our army will have more opportunities to defeat the enemy. "
"Shan, isn't this another plan you've come up with?"
Zhuge Liang first praised, and then smiled and said to Jiang Wei: "It's just Bo Yue, although your plan is unconstrained and grand, the stability of the soldiers and horses is responsible for monitoring the north, so you can't do it lightly for the time being. But this plan is also a plan. The choice, if the time is right, can be carried out.”
"yes."
Although Zhuge Liang did not adopt his plan, Jiang Wei did not feel disappointed and bowed humbly.
Seeing that everyone's emotions seemed to be aroused, Zhuge Liang asked again: "Who has a good idea?"
"Prime Minister, Yang Mingzhi is known for his clever strategies. Why not send an envoy to ask his opinion?" When Jiang Wei mentioned stability just now, Zhao Yun suddenly thought of Yang Qing, the governor of Yongzhou, and suggested.
Zhuge Liang nodded and said, "That's right. Although Mingzhi and Wen Chang are preparing to attack Liang, they are famous generals in our dynasty, so we must listen to their opinions."
He turned his head to look at Hu Jida and said, "Wei Du, please draft two letters for me and send them to Longyou to ask Ming Zhi and Wen Chang for their opinions."
"No." Hu Ji responded quickly.
Seeing that no one seemed to be able to think of any other strategies, Zhuge Liang continued: "Forget it, let's end the discussion here today. If you have any good ideas after you go back, you can come to me at any time."
"I will obey the Prime Minister's wishes."
Everyone accepted the order in unison and dispersed.
