69novels Chapter 1091: Appointments Announced, Preparations for Expedition Underway!
Chapter 1091: Appointments Announced, Preparations for Expedition Underway!
"Ran Min is in charge of the Imperial Guards..." Xiao He was somewhat worried.
“Ran Min has a violent temper, but he is absolutely loyal to me.” Gao Yao had already considered this. “The Imperial Guard requires absolute loyalty; ability is secondary. Moreover, the Imperial Guard has a well-established system, with the deputy commander, military advisor, and supervisor checking and balancing each other. Ran Min alone cannot cause any trouble.”
This is Gaoyao's approach to personnel management: understand each person's personality traits, strengths, and background, then place them in suitable positions, constrain them with systems, guide them with benefits, and maintain them with emotions.
He said solemnly, “You two are the people I trust most. I have something to tell you today: I am preparing to launch a war of unification. Within three months, I will first conquer Liaodong in the east, and then march south to the Central Plains.”
Xiao He and Zhang Liang exchanged a glance, unsurprised.
“The provisions, soldiers, and weapons are all in place,” Xiao He said. “But the war is extremely costly, and if it drags on, it may damage the nation’s strength.”
“Therefore, we must act swiftly.” Gao Yao’s eyes flashed with a sharp light. “The chaos in Liaodong can be resolved quickly; Wei Bao in the Central Plains, the economic lifeline is already in my hands. I plan to fight on two fronts, but each with its own focus: in Liaodong, the focus will be on military affairs, with politics as a secondary focus; in the Central Plains, the focus will be on politics, with military affairs as a secondary focus.”
Zhang Liang pondered, "Fighting on two fronts is extremely risky, but if successful, the rewards will be enormous. The key lies in timing and information control. We must make the Xiongnu believe that our main force is still in the north, and make Wei Bao believe that we will not betray our alliance."
Gao Yao paused for a moment before speaking again: "This is precisely where we need your assistance." Gao Yao stood up and walked to the window. "Xiao He, you are in charge of coordinating logistics, ensuring the supply of food and military equipment on both fronts, and at the same time creating the illusion that our country is still recuperating."
"promise."
"Zhang Liang, you are in charge of intelligence warfare and public opinion warfare. Spread true and false information in various countries to confuse the public. At the same time, prepare legitimate reasons for the eastern and southern expeditions and win the hearts and minds of the people."
"promise."
More than fifteen years have passed since Gao Yao transmigrated to this world. From initially just trying to survive to now practically ruling the entire realm, Gao Yao has undoubtedly put in a great deal of effort. However, it is precisely because of this effort that Gao Yao has achieved everything he has today.
On the fifteenth day of the third month of the first year of the Huaxia era, a grand court assembly was held.
This was the first grand court assembly after his ascension to the throne, and also a war mobilization meeting. Inside the Chengtian Hall, all the officials stood solemnly, the atmosphere heavy with tension.
Gao Yao sat on the throne and looked around at his ministers: "Gentlemen, today's court assembly will only discuss one matter: where is the world headed?"
After a moment of silence in the hall, Zhuge Liang stepped forward first: "Your Majesty, the world is now divided: Wei is in chaos in the Central Plains, Liaodong is in turmoil, and the Xiongnu are eyeing us covetously. I believe that we should continue to recuperate and build up our national strength, and wait for the right time to unify the country."
This is the view of the conservatives, representing the thoughts of some veteran officials. Of course, Zhuge Liang himself didn't think this way, but the court needed someone to step forward and speak out with conservative opinions, rather than having a one-man show.
Han Xin immediately retorted: "Minister Zhuge is mistaken! The world today is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you'll fall behind. Our army has rested for three years and is now well-trained and well-supplied; the enemy is either in disarray or weak. Now is the time to wage war. If we wait any longer, we may miss a golden opportunity."
“But fighting on two fronts is extremely risky,” Di Renjie raised his concerns. “Liaodong is far away, the Central Plains are strong, and the Xiongnu are in the north. If we are attacked from three sides, how will we cope?”
Di Renjie stepped forward: "General, you are overthinking it. The Xiongnu have a large army on guard and are not a concern; although Liaodong is far away, the enemy forces are scattered and can be defeated quickly; Wei Bao in the Central Plains is outwardly strong but inwardly weak, and the economic lifeline is already in our hands. This is the time to unify the world!"
The two sides argued fiercely, while Gao Yao listened quietly, remaining noncommittal.
After the debate subsided, he spoke: "What you all say makes sense. But I have a question: This chaotic world has lasted for a hundred years, with people displaced and starving to death everywhere. Should we wait until 'perfect peace' is achieved, or should we 'plead for the people and end this chaotic world as soon as possible'?"
Silence fell over the hall.
"I choose the latter," Gao Yao said firmly. "But not in a reckless advance, but in a well-planned and strategic manner. I have decided to divide our forces into two routes: one to conquer Liaodong in the east, and the other to pacify the Central Plains in the south. But this is not a two-front war; rather, there is a primary and a secondary objective, a sequence of actions."
He stood up and walked to the map: "The first step is to appoint Yue Fei as commander-in-chief, with Lü Bu and Huo Qubing as deputies, and lead an eastern expeditionary force of 150,000 to quell the chaos in Liaodong. The stated purpose is to 'save the people from suffering and restore the traditional Chinese attire.'"
"The second step is to appoint Ying Bu as commander-in-chief and Xue Rengui as deputy commander-in-chief, leading an army of 200,000 to the south and station troops on the border of Wei Bao. However, instead of launching an attack, we will apply pressure and force him to make a mistake."
"The third step is to send Lü Bu to the northern border to strengthen defenses, creating the illusion that the main force is still intact, in order to deter the Xiongnu."
"The fourth step is for the entire court to fully support the two-front war, but to maintain a relaxed exterior while keeping it under tight control and prioritizing secrecy."
The plan was announced, sparking much discussion within the palace. This was indeed not a traditional two-front war, but rather a strategy that combined feints and real attacks, proceeding in an orderly fashion.
"How can we ensure the supply of food?" Xiao He asked the crucial question.
"The Eastern Expeditionary Army carries three months' worth of provisions, with subsequent supplies provided by sea." Gao Yao pointed to the coastline on the map. "Shen Kuo has built nearly five hundred ships, each capable of carrying a thousand shi of grain. Sailing from Langya, heading north along the coast, and landing in Liaodong is faster and safer than land transport."
"Where is the Southern Expeditionary Army?"
"The Southern Expeditionary Army will establish settlements and cultivate land on the border, while simultaneously transporting supplies from within the country. More importantly..." A cold glint flashed in Gao Yao's eyes, "If necessary, we can cut off the food supply to Wei Bao and divert it to our army."
Everyone gasped. This was the real killer move: using the enemy's food to attack the enemy's land.
The court assembly lasted until noon, and a war resolution was finally passed. Gao Yao, in the name of the emperor, issued a proclamation to quell the rebellion, listing the chaos in Liaodong and declaring "to relieve the people and punish the guilty"; at the same time, he sent a letter to Wei Bao, with a gentle tone but hidden sarcasm, testing his reaction.
The war machine has been officially started.
On the first day of the fourth month of the first year of the Tian Tong era, an auspicious day according to the Chinese calendar, it was suitable for setting out on an expedition.
Outside the capital city, a rally was held for the Eastern Expeditionary Army. 150,000 troops stood in neat formation, banners obscuring the sun, swords and spears like a forest. At the forefront stood the three great generals, Yue Fei, Lü Bu, and Huo Qubing, clad in golden armor and red robes, exuding an imposing aura.
Gao Yao personally saw them off and delivered a speech on the stage: "Soldiers! The great cause of unification is imminent. We are strong and well-equipped, and we are marching eastward! Today we set out not for personal grudges, nor for land, but only to rescue the people of Liaodong from their suffering and restore the Chinese civilization!"
"Liaodong is in chaos, with foreign tribes rampaging and the people suffering terribly. Our army is going there to relieve the people and punish the guilty, a righteous and benevolent force! But there are three military rules that must be observed: First, do not kill those who surrender; second, do not plunder civilians; and third, do not destroy cities! Violators will be punished according to military law!"
"Long live! Long live! Long live!" the soldiers shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.
Yue Fei knelt on one knee: "This humble general Yue Fei will certainly not fail the emperor's command and will pacify Liaodong within three months!"