As soon as these words came out, the ministers in the palace were a little embarrassed, especially the many generals. Although there were often precedents of civilians commanding troops during the Song Dynasty, by the end of the Southern Song Dynasty, most of them were led by military generals.
Lu Xiufu hurriedly came out of the squad and said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the army."
Then Li Beiyang also said: "I am also willing."
Jia Sidao knew that as an envoy of the Privy Council, it was time for him to express his position. He stood up and said: "Your Majesty is joking. We have many generals who are accustomed to fighting. Why bother your Majesty to do it yourself? The old minister recommends one person to lead the troops to Luzhou. He will definitely be able to do so." The flag is set for victory.”
I sat down and said, "Really? Which general?"
Jia Sidao smiled: "Your Majesty, I recommend Mr. Xia Guixia, the deputy commander in front of the palace."
"Xia Guixia Aiqing."
I was stunned for a moment and thought to myself. This time Jia Sidao thought of me together.
The result is the same, but the starting point is completely different.
Although Jia Sidao is not completely sure whether I want to disperse the Imperial Guards in Beijing or just to rescue Luzhou, at least one thing is certain, that is, the number of Imperial Guards will be reduced again. However, since this has become a fact, then Naturally, Jia Sidao would not choose his trusted generals to go to war. In fact, that day, Jia Sidao recommended Xia Jiangang to lead troops to Xiangfan. This was more or less the intention. But I didn’t know it. If the news Lu Xiufu received was true, that would mean that Xia Gui, the Lu brothers and the Fan brothers are indeed different. They are not yet completely in the Jia Party camp.
Xia Gui is good at fighting, but he is not just a warrior. During the Lizong period, Jia Sidao covered the sky with one hand. He saw that Cao Shixiong, Xiang Shibi, Gao Da and others who were more famous than him were ostracized and even killed. However, he had no influence in the court. He has no one to rely on. He can only rely on Jia Sidao.
And I chose Xia Gui because I hope that the tiger general Lu Xiufu mentioned can take on the important task and become the commander-in-chief of the party. In this way, from east to west, there are Li Tingzhi, Xia Gui, Lu Wende, Zhang Jue and Gao Da. This line of defense It is basically complete. As for the Northern Expedition to the Central Plains, there are still several years to go. Then our main attack will be on our side. I will naturally re-select offensive generals.
In a few years, Wen Tianxiang, Lu Xiufu, Zhang Shijie, Wen Zhang and others will grow up and become the main force in the Northern Expedition.
When Xia Gui saw Jia Sidao's name, he asked him to go out for the expedition. Although he was unwilling to do so, he did not dare to offend Jia Sidao. He could only go out and report: "My lord, Xia Gui, is willing to lead the troops north to share your majesty's worries."
"Okay, Xia Aiqing. I heard that you are brave and good at fighting. You are one of the few ever-victorious generals in our dynasty. Now I recommend the general to lead the expedition. I think that to deal with the Mongolian cavalry, the general must take action."
Xia Gui was praised by me and said happily: "Your Majesty is very grateful. I should do my best."
"Well, the old general is really my old Huang Zhongye." I said with a smile. "Master, when can the imperial army leave?"
"Your Majesty, we can start the expedition one after another tomorrow. According to Your Majesty's will, how many troops will be sent."
"I will discuss the specific number of people with Xia Aiqing later. Due to time constraints, I think the imperial army can set off in batches. The cavalry will go first, followed by the infantry. Master Fan Aiqing, please hurry up and prepare."
"Yes. I obey your order."
"Xia Aiqing. After the court meeting, you will follow me to the side hall to discuss matters."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Okay. Let's stop here for today's court meeting. Withdraw from the court. Xiaoqi. Let Ouyang Jianqing wait outside."
I looked at Xia Gui closely and said, "Xia Aiqing. She is in her sixties this year."
"Back to Your Majesty. I am eighty-eight years old this year."
"My beloved, you are getting stronger and stronger. Your spirit is still strong."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Ai Qing, please sit down." I motioned Xia Gui to sit on the seat on my left. "Let's get down to business. What does Ai Qing think of the situation in Luzhou?"
Xia Gui sat upright: "Your Majesty, the Grand Master said, there is a choice between sending troops or not. I also agree with this. Now your Majesty has decided to send troops, and I also support it. The Privy Council and the Ministry of War's analysis of the situation in Luzhou is very reasonable. Mongolia
Ashu's troops are approaching Luzhou. They are simply testing our military situation. If they can fight, they will fight. If they can't, they will plunder. They will withdraw their troops."
"I know all this. I have been at war with the Mongols for decades. I should have a deep understanding of them. From what you can see, how many imperial troops should be dispatched this time?"
Xia Gui said tepidly: "Your Majesty, please make your decision."
I heard that what Xia Gui said was all official language, and I felt a little angry. I was about to explode. But then I thought about it.
Still calming down, he said: "Xia Aiqing, I have never fought in a war. I don't know whether it is correct to send troops this time.
But I know that I will fight for every inch of our dynasty's territory, no matter how big or small. Luzhou Prefecture is the administrative seat of Huainan West Road. Of course, there is no room for loss. Although Shouchun in the north of Luzhou is still in our dynasty's hands, its surrounding areas are completely occupied.
Mongolian occupation. If I want you to take back all the land south of the Huaihe River, can you do it?"
"Ah." Xia Gui said in surprise. "Does Your Majesty plan to counterattack?"
No matter from the Privy Council or the Ministry of War, Xia Gui had never heard of the plan to counterattack the Huaihe River. What does His Majesty mean today? Xia Gui secretly thought.
"Why not? The area between Luzhou and Shouchun is our territory. And the land further north is also occupied by the original Jin Kingdom. I want to take back my own land. It makes sense."
"Your Majesty, it should be. Of course it is reasonable."
I smiled, tapped the table with my fingers lightly, and stared at Xia Gui. After a moment, I pointed to the map on the wall and said: "Shouchun is the number one military town on the south bank of the Huaihe River. It is adjacent to the Huaihe River in the north and Wabu Lake in the south.
Anfengtang and other lakes. To the east is a large hill. Although the Shouchun city wall is tall and the defense system is sound.
Its west and north sides have been in the sight of the Mongols for a long time. Once it is lost, the Jianghuai Plain will be in danger. So I guess the purpose of Ashu's sending troops this time is not only what you said before, but there is also a big possibility, which is to cut off
The ultimate goal of the connection between Luzhou and Shouchun is not Luzhou, but Shouchun."
In the past two days, I have carefully observed the military map of Huainan West Road. I thought I was Kublai Khan. What was the purpose of sending troops to Luzhou? I have never been able to figure out the answer. What Lu Xiufu said was a random work.
Possibly. But as a military strategist, even random actions may have another purpose.
Kublai Khan sent troops to Luzhou. On the surface, it may be to test the reaction of the Song Dynasty. If the Song Dynasty counterattacks forcefully, I will get a vote and leave. If it shows weakness, then I will have to push forward. But its fundamental purpose is to conquer the enemy.
Shouchun prepares.
Everyone who knows how to play chess knows that when you take a step, you need to look at the next two steps. But the masters can see ten or even thirty steps away when they take a step. The move of "Bing Lin Luzhou" can advance and retreat freely. But for
The next ten steps of the chess game lay the foundation for a brilliant move.
Kublai Khan was a master. A true master.
However, I think I should be considered an expert.
If Yin Tianya and Daofa were allowed to be the referees, they would definitely agree with this. Both Kublai Khan and I can be regarded as the two top chess players in the world today. The twin stars are shining. It is hard to distinguish. It suddenly occurred to me.
Xia Gui is also a famous general. When I said this, I soon realized it in my heart.
"Your Majesty is far-sighted and far-sighted. I am not as good as you."
"Xia Aiqing, you are one of the few famous generals in our dynasty. Think about it carefully. What is the purpose of letting you go to Luzhou?"
If the Song Dynasty is regarded as a family, I am the master of this family, so I will think a lot. After all, Lu Xiufu and others do not have as broad a vision as I do. They do not know that Kublai Khan is so powerful. As for people like Xia Gui Although the generals are experienced, they do not seem to regard themselves as members of the family, but more like retainers. Naturally, they do not think too much. This is why there were so many traitors when the Mongols attacked the Southern Song Dynasty. One.
Xia Gui thought for a while and said: "Your Majesty, I think that at least 20,000 forbidden troops need to be taken away."
"Oh, tell me."
"Your Majesty, if you only want to defend Luzhou, then I don't need a single soldier. Just the more than 30,000 troops on the Huainan West Road are enough. But if you want to move the defense line north to the south bank of the Huaihe River, you will need more troops. Specifically. How to arrange it? Please forgive me for being stupid. I cannot think it through at the moment. Only by visiting the scene in person can we have a real strategy."
"Aiqing is honest." I praised. "Looking at the map and imagining, you can only have a rough idea. Only after on-site investigation can you draw a conclusion. Xia Aiqing, I can rest assured that I will leave Huainan West Road to you."
"Your Majesty, don't worry. Your Majesty is here. Huainan West Road is here."
"Well, Xia Aiqing. As for the purpose of your trip, only you and I know. I don't want a third party to know. Can you understand?"
"Your Majesty, don't you need to report the plans I made after arriving in Luzhou to the Privy Council and the Ministry of War?"
"Yes, of course. Xia Aiqing, you are a smart person. Of course you know that some plans just need to be reported to me directly." I smiled and said. "Xia Aiqing, you need to always remember that you are my general of the Song Dynasty. Yes. My minister."
"Your Majesty, I understand."
"Xia Aiqing. I heard that you have two sons."
Xia Gui didn't know why and said, "Yes. Your Majesty, both of your sons are serving in the army."
"I heard that the tiger father has no sons. This time Aiqing will take one of them to Luzhou Mansion. By the way, he will take care of Aiqing's daily life. The other one will stay at home to take care of your wife."
Xia Gui knew my intention. He said helplessly: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
"Haha." I smiled again. "Does Aiqing think I am keeping your son as a hostage?"
"Your Majesty, I, I don't dare."
"My dear, have you ever heard of Lin'an University?"
"Go back to your majesty. I have heard about it."
"Well, I plan to follow the example of Lin'an University and establish another Royal Military University to specialize in cultivating military talents for our dynasty. Currently, I am looking for candidates. I have two candidates in my mind for the time being. One is Ouyang Jianqing in the Navy. The first is Xia Song, the son of Ai Qing. I will personally serve as the president of this university. From now on, all of you old generals will serve as professors of the university. In your free time, you will go to the university to tell the young soldiers about your classic battle cases."
As the minister of the DPRK, Xia Gui certainly knows that Royal Lin'an University is run by me. He has also heard many rumors. After graduating from the university, those qualified students will be reused by the royal family. And if Xia Song can enter the newly established Royal Lin'an University, Military University. That can be considered to be related to the current royal family.
Judging from the current situation in the DPRK and China, the imperial power has emerged and is vaguely stabilizing the power of the prime minister. In the past, I could have a little bit of a relationship with the power of the prime minister, but I have nothing to do with the imperial power. This time is just an opportunity.
Xia Gui turned his worries into joy and said, "Thank you very much for your Majesty's interest in Quanzi. I would like to thank Your Majesty for your favor on behalf of Quanzi."
"Xia Aiqing, I always promote those who are capable. As long as Xia Song has this ability, he will naturally be appreciated by me."
"Your Majesty. Our Xia family will definitely live up to your Majesty's love."
"Haha. Also, if you go this time, I will ensure the normal supply of military pay for the army."
Xia Gui blushed when he heard what I said. He also understood that I knew his true nature. He hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, this..."
"Xia Aiqing, this is nothing. The soldiers are fighting bloody battles on the front line. Of course I should let them eat well."
Xia Gui felt warm in his heart. He seemed to have found a confidant. He quickly stood up and knelt down and said: "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty, I will lead the two thousand cavalry troops tomorrow. The next day, I will be led by the dog Xia Qing and the infantry commander Wang Sheng." About 20,000 infantry troops set out. This is feasible."
"Okay. For the time being, I will appoint you as the envoy of Luzhou. You will be in charge of all the soldiers and horses on Huainan West Road. I will make an announcement tomorrow morning. You should go to the Privy Council immediately to get the military talisman and prepare to lead the expedition."
"Your Majesty, Xia, obeys your decree."
"Xiao Qi. Prepare the decree. Follow Xia Aiqing to the Privy Council to handle relevant procedures."
"Yes. Official family."
"Well, go ahead and ask Ouyang Jianqing to come in."