Tang Dynasty Mingyue Song Dynasty Pass

Chapter 822 Huge Debt
Su Chen's heart warmed up when he heard Yang Ling'er's words. It was not because he suddenly had some extraordinary thoughts about Ling'er, but because he was moved by her understanding and thoughtfulness. She always didn't want to cause trouble for Su Chen.

Yang Ling'er has been in power for nearly five years now, and her personality has changed dramatically, becoming more mature and stable. However, her concern and respect for him remain the same as before, without any diminution.

Thinking about how Ling'er had to handle so many things on her own over the years and yet was still so considerate of him, Su Chen felt both grateful and guilty, and felt that he owed her a huge debt.

"Ling'er, I know it's unfair to you now. You have been burdened with many important tasks and have been caught in the vortex of court struggles. This time, we are about to launch a northern expedition. If I can destroy the Song Kingdom, then you can be relieved of your responsibilities. By then, no matter how you want to marry, I will fulfill your wish and you can choose freely!"

Su Chen said it sincerely. If he succeeded, he would definitely protect Yang Ling'er and not let anyone hurt her or bully her, and keep her safe for the rest of her life.

Treat her as your own family member, just like your own wife.

Yang Linger nodded slightly. She could tell that Su Chen's words came from the bottom of his heart and were not false. But she was actually really used to communicating with Su Chen and his excellence. After becoming the king, her vision had improved and it was difficult for her to see ordinary men.

"I understand, Brother Su Chen, I will do my best to assist you!"

Su Chen looked at Yang Ling'er, feeling guilty, distressed, touched, and tender. In short, it was very complicated.

At this time, a eunuch came to report that several military ministers had arrived at the palace and were waiting to be summoned.

Yang Linger took Su Chen to the imperial study, where she met Han Xizai, Xu Xuan, Gao Yue, Yin Chongyi, Zhang Li and others.

Su Chen said: "Our army is ready. Three days after Qingming Festival, we will launch a northern expedition and first capture the areas north of the Yangtze River and south of the Huai River. While the Song army has not yet reacted, we will first occupy some cities. Then the army will officially march into the north of the Yangtze River, block the Song army at the Qinling Mountains and the Huai River, and expand the strategic depth of the Wu army in the north of the Yangtze River."

Strategic depth is very important because the areas north of the Yangtze River and Huainan south of the Huai River are good places with open terrain, fertile land, and flat plains. They are easy for cavalry raids and rapid advances, and lack steep mountains and rivers as defenses.

Therefore, in the Jiangbei area, whether it is Yangzhou or Xuzhou, there is no strategic depth and it is difficult to defend against a large army attack.

To defend these cities, it is necessary to capture the important cities in the Huaihe River area, such as Chuzhou and Hefei, as soon as possible.

"Have the routes of advance been chosen?" Han Xizai asked.

Su Chen nodded: "I will personally take charge of the central army, and then divide the troops into three groups. The first group will be led by Lin Renzhao, who will lead the navy into the sea and go directly north. He will lead 50,000 troops to land at the ferry in Taizhou, attack Hai'an Town, Taizhou City, Rugao City, etc., and occupy the Taizhou area. In the second round, General Pan Chongche will lead 50,000 troops from the ferry in Dangtu to the north, attack the Hezhou area, and contain the Song army in the west. In the last group, I will personally lead an army of 200,000, with Pan Mei and other generals, to launch an attack from Guazhou Ferry, attack Yangzhou, and attract the main force of the Song army!"

As everyone listened, they looked at the troop routes on the map and nodded slightly.

Then, Su Chen explained the idea of ​​sending troops, the supply route, and the strategic purpose in a clear and organized manner. After listening to it, the military ministers were all relieved.

"If the King of Pingnan goes to the battle personally, he will surely be able to capture the enemy easily."

"Since ancient times, there have been few successful examples of marching from the south to the north. Back then, Sun Quan led an army of 100,000, but was dispersed by Zhang Liao's 800 cavalrymen. I hope that the King of Pingnan can set a precedent and make the Northern Expedition a success!"

Han Xizai, Xu Xuan and others were also very worried, because this was related to Su Chen's reputation and status, and also to the future of Wu. If Su Chen succeeded, the world would be unified, but if he failed, Wu would be seriously injured, Su Chen's reputation would be weakened, and Wu's court would probably be in turmoil.

"I understand the importance of this matter, so I will proceed steadily, use troops flexibly, fight to support the war, quickly gain a foothold in Jiangbei, stabilize the morale and strength of the army, and confront the Song army!"

Everyone nodded, still having some confidence in Su Chen. After all, the current strength of the Wu Kingdom was also created by Su Chen.

"The most important affairs of the country are sacrifice and war! We will fully support the war between Wu and Song this time."

"Yes, it concerns the fate of the Wu Kingdom, and also our honor and future."

"King Pingnan, we, the old ministers, all wish you a triumphant return!"

Su Chen nodded slightly and said to several familiar ministers: "This battle will take several years at most, or three years at least. I will trouble you all to assist the king in handling the state affairs in the rear. When I attack Bianjing City and realize the unification of the north and the south, a new situation for the Wu Kingdom will begin."

"Haha, by then, our Wu Kingdom will definitely go down in history with a glorious chapter!"

"Yes, all of us will be recorded in history."

Han Xizai, Xu Xuan and others were very happy. Once the Wu Kingdom really achieved the unification of the north and the south, they, the ministers who coordinated and assisted in the unification, would become famous ministers.

The famous ministers who made the country prosperous and the ministers who caused the country to fall will definitely be given different levels of respect in history books.

One is positive and the other is negative. They know very well that they have obtained very high titles and official positions and they have become indifferent to these wealth and honors. However, they all care about their reputation after death. Their shadow has been cast in the great cause of promoting the unification of the North and the South. The greater their contribution, the more records there will be in history books. Maybe they will even be placed in the Taimiao, imperial mausoleum, etc. in the future and enjoy the respect of the country.

Su Chen confirmed with these military ministers the military pay, money and food matters of the Ministry of Revenue, as well as the support of grain transport and water transport, and guaranteed military supplies, only then did he feel relieved.

After these ministers left the palace, Su Chen stayed again and had dinner with Yang Ling'er. Before leaving, Yang Ling'er was very reluctant to leave.

"Brother Su Chen, on the battlefield, swords have no eyes, you must protect yourself. If you are frustrated, or the Song army is difficult to deal with, you can come back at any time. We have half of the country, which is enough for wealth and power in this life."

Yang Linger was very worried about Su Chen's life and death. She was not very obsessed with whether the north and the south would be unified. After all, she didn't even care about the throne, let alone the grand ambition to unify the world.

She was worried that something might happen to Su Chen, or that he would become like the King of Chu, Xiang Yu, who refused to cross the Yangtze River. In the end, he failed and felt ashamed to cross the river, so he committed suicide by slashing his throat at the north of the Wujiang River.

Su Chen smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'm not the King of Chu, I will be flexible! Although the Song Dynasty is full of brave generals and Emperor Zhao is also a dragon and phoenix among men, this time, I will go all out to realize my ideal!"

Yang Linger nodded and didn't want to persuade him any further, otherwise, worry would become a curse. She certainly hoped that Su Chen could accomplish his great cause and go down in history.