As winter approaches, Wu Feng's academic career is coming to an end. Wu Feng's relationship with Mo Lun, Su Minshun, and Gu Ji has become closer. Wu Feng appreciates the talents of Mo Su and Gu Ji. News also continued to reach Wu Feng's ears.
This year is not a good year for the empire. Except for the imperial capital, Wuhu County, and Jiangnan County, the crop harvests in other areas of the empire are very poor. In the second half of the year, the barbarians from the Eastern Sea invaded the eastern coast of the empire several times on a large scale. The fertile area caused huge economic losses to several prefectures in Jiangnan County and Donghai County along the coast. It also seriously affected the empire's maritime trade and dealt a huge blow to the empire's strong image. The Luobei people in the northwest invaded again and swept across the northwest region of the empire. Five of the six prefectures in the northwest county were looted, among which Qingyang, Guide, and Bonan were almost completely plundered. The empire's military strength in this area was almost complete. There was a blank, and bandits and horse thieves took advantage of the situation. The situation was chaotic. Qingyang, Guide, and Bonan had actually fallen into anarchy.
Some people around who had ambitions for this area also took a wait-and-see attitude and did not dare to intervene rashly. After all, they had to weigh their own weight and whether they could compete with the wild and fierce Luo Bei cavalry who visited almost every year. , and whether it can get the support of the central government of the empire is still unknown, otherwise it will only cost a handful of rice. Therefore, the major forces around them have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. Another uprising of peasant slaves broke out in Guanxi and Yanyun counties. Fortunately, they were controlled in time and did not lead to a major incident.
Returning to the military camp several times, Wu Feng talked and laughed with the pseudonym Xiao Tang about the current situation of the empire. They both believed that the empire was currently in a very difficult situation, and the surrounding countries must be aware of this. If there is any slight disturbance, they will It will cause great turmoil in the situation. If you have the opportunity, you should seize the opportunity, jump out of the capital of the imperial capital, and develop somewhere far away from the center of the empire. At the same time, Wu Feng also asked Gu Kido to collect intelligence from other areas outside the imperial capital, especially the northwest region of the empire, to prepare for the future.
After winning the hearts of Guan Yingying and Hua Yumei, with the support of the two daughters, Wu Feng launched a fierce emotional offensive against Angel. Angel's emotional fortress was quickly breached, but due to the influence of family power , did not dare to make it public, and the relationship with Wu Feng did not dare to break through the last line of defense. After all, Angel's reputation was well-known in the upper class society of the imperial capital. If Feng captures her heart, it will definitely cause an uproar and will definitely have a negative impact on Wu Feng, so the two of them are dating underground. Wu Feng was also quite satisfied with the current situation. Apart from some regrets that he did not share the sex with An Qier, Wu Feng thought that An Qier was a flower in the upper class society of the imperial capital and had many suitors. If she were to be captured at this time, The transformation of a young girl into a young woman will definitely not be hidden from those who are interested, and it will definitely bring some troubles, so it is better to postpone it first, choose the opportunity, and then do things easily.
The study career ended soon, and Wu Feng was very satisfied with the results of his studies. Although he did not spend much energy on actual study, he had made a few friends and had three confidantes, so he should be content. However, Mulige and Shalang benefited greatly. Not only did they get an opportunity to systematically learn military strategy and tactics, but they also got the opportunity to exchange experiences with other colleagues. Wufeng also selected some military books as gifts to them during the study period. , both of them were asked to cherish the opportunity and study hard. Both of them successfully completed their learning tasks.
Returning to the military camp, after checking the training situation of the troops, Wu Feng summoned Xiao Tang, Liang Chongxin, Cui Wenxiu, and Lu Man to hold a small meeting. Although this meeting was small in scale and short in duration, it was important in the later empire. It plays a very important role in history, because at this meeting, after Wu Feng introduced the current situation of the empire, he proposed to his confidants for the first time that he should jump out of the center of the empire, look for opportunities, and get rid of the fetters. , in order to achieve greater development, he also solemnly introduced the pseudonym Xiao Tang to the other three people present.
Xiao Tang further elaborated and analyzed the intelligence he had on the current situation in the empire and its surroundings. After listening to their words, the three people present here, Liang, Cui, and Lu, were shocked and couldn't help but feel their blood boiling. Thinking back to themselves, They were already somewhat dissatisfied with the current empire due to the treatment they received in the Imperial Army, and had long since decided to be loyal to the unfathomable young man in front of them, but they still had many questions.
Liang Chongxin first raised the question in his mind? "Sir, we belong to the city guard system. I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to have the opportunity to garrison in areas outside the imperial capital. At most, there will only be a few short-term military operations like last year."
Cui and Lu also looked convinced, while Wu Feng smiled confidently. "You don't have to worry about this. I'm just putting forward a preliminary idea, not to implement it immediately. What's more, I estimate that the empire will use troops against the Luobei people on the northwest border this year. The empire originally had this intention last year, but due to the northern peasant slaves the year before last, The riot delayed the preparations, so I estimate that the empire's military operations are imperative this year, because the corruption in the northwest has seriously affected all aspects of the empire. The interruption of land trade in the north has caused goods from the western and central continents to be transported to the empire. The final price almost doubled than before, and the empire's goods were severely overstocked. Many merchants went bankrupt as a result. Moreover, the military aggression of the Luobi people was undoubtedly a slap in the face to the dignity of the empire. Many surrounding countries were also ready to take action, and the people also complained. , believes that the current imperial court is incompetent, so the empire urgently needs a war victory to improve the current unfavorable situation. By then, maybe we will have a chance. The top priority now is to strengthen the training of the troops. Chongxin and Wenxiu must step up. In addition, Lu Man, you must prepare all logistical supplies including weapons, war horses, food, clothing, medicine, etc. as soon as possible, and you must not take it lightly."
The three of them all stood up and obeyed the order, and Wu Feng also told the three of them not to tell anyone about this matter.
"The Luobei people are a branch of the nomadic people. Since ancient times, they have been living together with several other nomadic groups on the Tengger Prairie in the northern part of the mainland. They began to grow in strength in the early sixth century of the continental calendar and have interacted with the mainland many times. Several other nomadic groups on the grassland fought for the hegemony of the grassland. After entering the middle of the seventh century, its strength further grew and defeated the Urs, Numidians, Tubu and the Tubu people in the eastern part of the grassland. The Mote people, who dominate the Eastern Tengger Prairie, confront the Chidi people, the overlords of the Western Tengger Prairie, and continue to attack the surrounding Tanghe Empire, the West Luo Empire, the Western Regions, the Indian Kingdom, and The countries of the Hansen League launched aggressive wars until the empire was established." - Excerpted from "Biographies of the Imperial Peoples"
The time has entered July 691 of the continental calendar, and the Imperial Army has gradually entered a state of preparation for war. In particular, the Second Army of the Northern Military Region and the Third Army of the Western Military Region have stepped up training. The City Guard Corps has also entered a state of alert. Various military supplies were also continuously replenished, all for the upcoming war with the Luobi people. In the Sun and Moon Hall of the Imperial Palace, Emperor Situ Mingyue looked solemn and was listening intently to the report of the head of the Intelligence Department of the General Administration of Military Affairs.
"The Tengger Grassland where the Luobe people are located has encountered another drought this year. Many herdsmen's livestock have died of thirst. It seems that if they want to survive this year, they will definitely launch a war. According to our intelligence, their great chief Wade Besang, the general of Asia's southern expedition, has begun mobilizing for war in advance, mainly targeting the Indian Kingdom and the Hansen Alliance countries to the southwest. It is estimated that Tu Da, the general of the eastern expedition, will also start war mobilization soon. The target will definitely be us. , because the five countries in the Western Region have delivered grain, fodder and livestock to them according to their requirements, and the Mote and Tubu people have reached an agreement with them. The Mote and Tubu people will jointly launch an attack on the Sisluo Empire. So their only target is us."
"What do you think of this war?" Situ Mingyue was a little irritated. After all, the strength of the Luobei people cannot be underestimated. They are very different from the rabble organized by peasant slaves. The current combat effectiveness of the empire's army is not as good as before, and the outcome is unpredictable. ah.
"Your Majesty, the General Administration of Military Affairs has drafted a plan. We are going to deploy three divisions from the Third Army of the Western Military Region and the Second Army of the Northern Military Region as the main force, and two divisions from the City Guard Corps as the reserve force. When ready, we set off to the northwest county. According to our intelligence, the Luobi people's Zhengdong General's headquarters has about 30,000 heavy cavalry, 60,000 light cavalry, and 60,000 light infantry. There is no heavy infantry, a total of 15 Ten thousand people are expected to stay behind, and we have dispatched a total of more than 220,000 people this time, not including a division of Yinchuan Prefecture that has expressed its intention to cooperate with us in fighting, including more than 30,000 heavy cavalry and heavy cavalry. We have more than 50,000 infantry, more than 40,000 light cavalry, and more than 100,000 light infantry. We have an absolute advantage in terms of strength comparison. Moreover, we are fighting defensively at our own doorstep this time, so we can give full play to the heavy infantry. With the defensive advantage, as long as the logistics and supplies keep up, we will definitely be able to thwart the enemy's invasion." Minister of Military Affairs He Zhiqiu calmly comforted the emperor, and several other ministers also said that this battle has been carefully planned and will definitely be a complete victory. .
"I wonder who the General Administration of Military Affairs is planning to appoint as the commander-in-chief of this battle?"
"This has to be decided by His Majesty."
"Can anyone recommend it?"
A tall figure stood up. "My brother has recommended himself and is willing to lead the army to kill the enemy and share the worries of the emperor brother."
When everyone took a look, it turned out to be His Majesty's younger brother, Tu Mingzhi of Zhenguo Company. Minister of Military Affairs He Zhiqiu immediately frowned. Situ Mingzhi had an impatient personality and was overjoyed at success, so he was not a suitable candidate to be the commander of this battle at all.
"Your Majesty, the battlefield of this battle is far away in the northwest border area. The road is long and difficult to travel, and the journey and travel are tiring. Your Majesty, the Duke, is in poor health and is not suitable for such a hard job." He Zhiqiu quickly intervened to dissuade him.
"What are you talking about? I am in good health. I am just trying to help my brother. Why, does Mr. He think that I am not qualified or lack confidence in me?" Situ Mingzhi's face was already a little ugly.
He Zhiqiu couldn't help but secretly complain, but he quickly explained: "Where did the Duke go? His reputation for bravely championing the three armies has long been spread throughout the Eastern Continent. Why would he care about such a war? It's just that the official thinks that the Duke is taking action. , it feels like killing a chicken with a bull’s-eye.”
"Stop talking nonsense, I just want to use these ignorant barbarians to practice my skills, so please give me an order to let me lead the army."
He Zhiqiu was secretly anxious and quickly signaled with his eyes to the other generals and ministers present, but those present pretended not to notice and turned their heads to the side. No one wanted to offend the town commander who had a very close relationship with the emperor for this matter. Your Majesty.
Situ Mingyue was still a little cautious, "Emperor brother, this is not a big or small matter, but there must be no mistakes. You can go, but if you lose the battle, you know the consequences, so don't blame me as your brother. Your subordinates are ruthless." Situ Mingyue warned with a solemn expression.
"Brother, don't worry. Just listen to the news about the great victory." Seeing that the situation was a foregone conclusion, He Zhiqiu had no choice but to ask the Duke to be more careful and not to act rashly, especially not to be greedy for credit. Situ Mingzhi agreed impatiently.
Back at home, He Zhiqiu was a little irritable. This battle was so important, related to the future situation of the northwest region of the empire, and would even have a major impact on the entire empire. However, Situ Mingzhi was by no means a suitable candidate for this battle. He had an uncomfortable feeling. It was a good premonition, but if things went wrong, there would be big trouble. There were only sighs coming from the study.
"Sir, why are you so troubled?" He Zhiqiu looked up and saw his wife He Yang and his concubine He An.
"It's madam, sit down."
"I heard people say that when you return home, you go to the study and sigh. I don't know what happened, so I came here to have a look." My husband is usually very calm and composed, and rarely looks like this with a frown.
"Madam, I don't know. Today's meeting is to discuss the selection of commanders for the northwest expedition. Lord Zhenguo requested to lead the troops. I can't persuade him. Your Majesty has already agreed. I'm worried that there will be trouble in this expedition."
"Then why don't you give your Majesty another advice?"
"Your Majesty has already made up his mind. If you try to make further suggestions, I'm afraid it will only be counterproductive."
"Sir, as long as you do your best, we will have a clear conscience."
"Okay, I'm going to meet the emperor right away."
"He Aiqing, why are you so anxious to see me so late? What's the important matter?"
"Your Majesty, I am here to discuss the choice of commander for the northwest expedition that was discussed at the meeting today. After careful consideration, I feel that Lord Zhen Guo Gong is not the best candidate for this campaign. Could you please give your Majesty another consideration? "
"Oh, why does He Aiqing think so?"
"I believe that Duke Zhen Guo is already too old and is no longer suitable for long-distance travel. Also, Duke Zhen Guo has a rather impatient personality. I am worried that it will affect the commander's judgment on the battlefield."
Situ Mingyue was also a little hesitant. After all, this was a battle of great importance and nothing could go wrong. He thought about it. If Situ Mingzhi was not allowed to lead the army at this time, he would definitely not give up easily. Moreover, Situ Mingzhi said that It makes sense. This is a force equivalent to two legions. If it is controlled by some people with ulterior motives, there will be bigger problems. Why does Zhiqiu attach so much importance to the selection of commanders for this battle? Is it possible? Thinking of this, Situ Mingyue composed herself: "He Aiqing, since the candidate has been decided at the court meeting, it is not easy to make changes now. How about this? I will remind the Duke of Zhen again to be careful."
When He Zhiqiu saw that His Majesty the Emperor had made up his mind, he had no choice but to kneel down and return home. On the way home, he felt a little melancholy. Could this be God's will? I hope my hunch is wrong.