The small conference room in a remote location is very elegantly decorated. The jade screen inlaid with walnut wood looks white and flawless at first glance, but at a second glance, dark lines are looming on the surface, and there seems to be clouds and mist rising slowly, like a classic Tang style. The splash-ink landscape has a far-reaching artistic conception, which makes people look forward to it and broaden their horizons. This is a gift from the Gaoyue people in Northern Luzon. As the liberator of the territory, in order to thank Wu Feng for treating the Gao Yue people equally, the Gao Yue people carefully polished this piece of sapphire obtained from the depths of the Greater Hengduan Mountains and presented it to Wu Feng. , Wu Feng graciously accepted this strange-looking gift and placed it in the small conference room of the Jiedushi Mansion.
There were not many people attending the meeting, only five or six people, but judging from the solemn atmosphere, it seemed that the topic discussed was very important.
"On the way back to Qingyang from Guide, I have been thinking whether this expedition to Jieluoke, including our early control of Lulong Mansion and military operations in the Western Regions, was a bit blind, lacking an overall plan, and lacking a long-term and stable strategy. Strategic planning?”
The heavy words echoed in the conference room, and everyone present was silently comprehending the coach's words. Wu Feng obviously spoke with emotion and preparedness, rather than speaking casually on a whim. Everything was a large-scale military operation that Wu Feng had confirmed and implemented. If Wu Feng hadn't spoken out about it himself, no one would have dared to question it.
"The expedition to Jerok on the western front was okay, but the three divisions on the southern front suffered heavy losses. The entire operation should be said to be not too successful. Although some of the effective forces of the Kaman people were annihilated, the opponent's vitality was not greatly affected. , once their domestic rebellion is put down, they can go south and make a comeback at any time. Lulong was gained and lost, which caused us to fall into passivity in the east. Underestimating the enemy and being careless was the main reason for the loss of Lulong. I have to bear full responsibility." He slowly analyzed his military operations during the six months since he returned to the northwest.
"For the issue of the Western Region, from a tactical, local and purely military perspective, our actions have been quite successful. However, from a strategic and overall perspective, our situation in the west is not optimistic. Loulan people Still refusing to give in, the Gaochang Kingdom is wavering. The Kuqa people, even the Bejia people, are probably convinced now. There are also Luo Bei people waving flags and shouting from behind. Fortunately, Wusun has formed an alliance with us. The recent performance of the Kuqa people It’s considered friendly, otherwise our situation in the Western Region will be even more serious.”
There was silence in the conference room. Everyone was thinking about Wu Feng's slightly pessimistic analysis and waiting for the questions that the coach would ask after the analysis.
"Of course, some situations are temporary and we are forced to deal with them. At that time, we could not predict the subsequent development of the situation. But the reality before us now is that we do not have a longer-term and feasible plan on how to realize the decisions we have made. The goal." At this point, Wu Feng paused consciously.
Sure enough, after hearing Wu Feng's words, almost everyone raised their eyes. What was the target? This sentence had a profound meaning. At that moment, some people secretly exchanged excited glances with each other, and it seemed that this veil was about to be lifted.
Looking around at the hopeful faces with deep eyes, Wu Feng looked calm as usual: "Perhaps everyone is muttering in their hearts, what is our current goal? Can it be clearly stated?"
After considering his words, Wu Feng showed a thoughtful look on his face: "Actually, this problem has troubled me for a long time. Speaking of myself, I am also a high-ranking official. I am the Military and Political Envoy of the Northwest and the Governor of Northern Luzon, which sounds quite similar. But everyone here knows the situation in our northwest and northern Luzon. The economic foundation is weak and the surrounding environment is complex. This is probably the so-called land of hundreds of battles. Now the empire is in crisis and wars are raging on all sides. Lieber in the north The Asian countries are looking at the empire with hawks and wolves, the Machikhans in the south are busy sharpening their swords, and the Japanese are watching in the east coast. There is a Taiping cult in the country who has gathered troops to occupy the land and deceives the people's hearts. And the people in power within the empire are also in the same bed. In this case, we Where should the Northwest go from here?”
Wu Feng's words immediately caused ripples in the room. How to position the northwest has always been a difficult point. As an imperial vassal town, it should naturally follow the empire's lead. But under this situation, it seems that the empire is no longer able to control the situation. Then How should Northwest determine its position
Taking a deep breath, Wu Feng calmed his mind before saying: "No matter what, since Northwest and Northern Luzon are vassals of the empire, we should obey the orders of the central government of the empire, whether it is the Taiping Sect or the Kaman people. Well, or the Machi Khans, I will never allow them to become the masters of the Central Plains, this is my personal goal!"
Although he did not express his position clearly, everyone here without exception understood the meaning of the coach sitting in the middle position. If he wants to win the Central Plains, who else should I do
"The purpose of today's meeting is to determine a near-term plan, a practical plan. I hope everyone here can express their opinions and come up with their own opinions. Now Ling Tianfang will introduce our situation first." Wu Feng ended briefly. made his own speech.
"Everyone, I think you all have an understanding of the recent situation. The siege of southern Jerok has been lifted. It can be said that Merrington is already under our control. We have reached an agreement with the Principality of Jerlok to station troops in Merrington. A division to prevent the threat of the Kaman people, and the Principality of Jerok has promised to pay us five million imperial gold coins as an additional reward for this time!" A smile flashed across Ling Tianfang's lips. This is probably because government officials, especially Xiao What Tang was most happy to hear was that it was a pity that Xiao Tang and others were not allowed to attend this meeting.
"The situation in the Western Region has been basically stable. Luzon and Komini have signed a military alliance and non-aggression treaty with us. It can be said that the situation on the Western Front is excellent and should be able to be used for development for a long time."
"To the east, although we have lost Lulong Mansion, Partridge Pass is still in our hands, and the throat leading out of Kansai from the east is still firmly in our hands. We can go east at any time."
"Of course we also have some problems. The 3rd and 5th Divisions of the Northwest Army and the 3rd Independent Infantry Division suffered considerable losses, and it will take time to recover. With the loss of Lulong, we have lost an excellent springboard into the Central Plains region. , the Western Region has not yet been completely calmed down, troops are still needed, and the threats from the northern countries still exist, which has restricted our energy. These issues need to be taken into consideration in the next plan." Ling Tianfang did not have any extra words, and simply stated the current situation The situation was introduced to everyone present.
"Well, I would like to ask. Just now, Master Jiedu and Master Ling have introduced the current situation. Is our current direction east or west? Are we going to solve the hidden danger of Loulan or prepare to conquer the Taiping Sect eastward? Or should we remove the thorn in the side of Ganlan Fortress Sun Yuanhui first? Please make it clear, so that your subordinates can have a clear idea." The person who spoke in a deep voice was Cui Wenxiu of the Independent First Cavalry Division. Among the generals present, he Undoubtedly the most qualified to speak.
Cui Wenxiu's words raised questions in the minds of everyone present. The coach convened everyone and made it clear that he wanted to take action. However, the situation is currently chaotic. Where to start is a big question worthy of discussion.
"That's a good question. Food needs to be eaten one bite at a time, and the road needs to be walked step by step. Where should we start first? It is indeed a question worthy of careful discussion. Wenxiu, what do you think?" Wu Feng nodded in praise and motioned for the other party to continue. Come up with your own opinion.
Shaking his head slightly, Cui Wenxiu said: "This is a serious matter. Wenxiu dare not speak nonsense. There are shadows of the Luobi people behind Loulan in the Western Region. Can they be taken down in one go in a hurry? Although Sun Yuanhui of Ganlan Fortress is the weakest, he is far away. Nuremberg, the important southern town of the Heathrow people, is too close, and the fortress is strong and difficult to attack. How to capture it is also a problem. The Taiping Sect in the east is gaining momentum, but their battle line is too long, and there are many flaws. It depends on your consideration, sir."
Although the words were cautious, they still revealed the intention to attack eastward.
"Well, Wen Xiu's words are very reasonable. I don't know what other opinions you have. Feel free to raise them. I hope there will be different opinions, and it is best to have a well-reasoned opinion." Wu Feng looked at the others with a smile.
"Lao Mu, Tianxiong, tell me what you think." Seeing no one answered, Wu Feng had no choice but to order.
Seeing that his name had been called by his superior, Mulige touched the short beard under his chin and replied thoughtfully: "Master Cui has just mentioned that Loulan and Ganlan Fortress are both future troubles for us in the northwest. Logically speaking, It is said that if we want to make a difference, it is best to solve these two problems first, but the actual situation has forced us to give up this plan for the time being. Neither the Luobi nor the Sisluan will be happy for us to sit back and watch their so-called allies suffer. Regardless of our offensive, once the war spreads, I am afraid it will consume too much of our energy. The eastward advance is the general trend. From Lulong in the north to Longdong to Xikang in the south, the battle line stretches nearly a thousand miles. They can all become our attack points, how it works depends on your wishes."
Mulige, who is old-fashioned and prudent, is also thorough and thorough in his speech.
Wufeng frowned with some dissatisfaction, and before he could speak, Mulige continued: "However, Lulong and Longdong are currently heavily guarded by the Taiping Army. Only Xikang Mansion's defense is relatively weak. However, Xikang Mansion's defense is relatively weak. The territory is not small, but the population is small, the economy is the worst among the six prefectures in Kansai, and the geographical location is not very important. It is really a useless thing, how valuable can it be if it is taken?"
"Yes, marching into Kansai is the only way for us to get out of the northwest, and the Taiping people are also the enemies we must deal with first. It's just that the time is not always right now." Song Tianxiong also took the initiative to intervene, but his tone was unusual. Fiercely, "Either we spend some money to storm Longdong Fucheng, cutting off the connection between the Taiping Cult in Guanxi and their home base in the north, and also opening up the connection with the empire."
"Will this trigger a strong backlash from the Taiping people? If the Taiping Army from the north and the south fight back desperately, the pressure we will bear will be too great." The person who raised the question was Sha Lang, the commander of the Second Division. Apparently he didn't agree with this opinion.