Start with detective Li Yuanfang

Chapter 878
In fact, the momentum of Dayan's development is already steady and fast.

From occupying Yanyun, to formally sending troops to the south, conquering Hebei and Shandong with the momentum of returning home, and then capturing the original capital of Bianliang without bloodshed, and finally conquering Henan.

Sitting in the fertile land of the Central Plains, with a strong military force, a stable people, and a stable place.

At this point, whether it is the future potential or the current comprehensive strength, it has already ranked first. Only in this way can it coerce the Liao Kingdom in the north to sign a covenant, and then let all countries send envoys to congratulate it when it is established as a king.

They congratulated not only King Yan, but also the master of this vast land in the future.

However, people of insight also know very well that although King Yan is currently the strongest, it is still unknown if he can really change the dynasty and completely unify the world.

Maybe it will return to the former division between the North and the South, and return to the long confrontation between the Southern and Northern Dynasties.

Of course, this is exactly what neighboring countries want to see.

No one wants to have a powerful Celestial Kingdom. The Song Dynasty that maintains the old coins for peace is actually quite good. What do you do if you kill it? You have to return to the strong period of the former Tang Dynasty. Do you snore?

As for the servants of Dayan, they naturally hoped for the unification of the world. Except for Guan Sheng, Hu Yanzhuo and a group of surrendered generals who did not want to confront their former colleagues, the other civil and military people were probably more interested in the south than in the north.

Crusade against mother-killing and foolish emperors is justified!
Feeling the fiery eyes of all the ministers, Li Yan pointed to the three areas marked with different colors on the map: "Chuanshu, Jingxiang, and Jiangnan, in your opinion, which of these three lost areas should be captured first?"

The ministers were silent for a while, not daring to speak first this time, waiting for the Secretary of State and the Governor's Mansion to speak first.

Cai Jing frowned slightly and closed his mouth.

His family knew his own family affairs, although he insisted on defending the Daming Mansion and made meritorious service, but his military ability was not strong. If Yelu Yanxi did not have his own imperial conquest, but Xiao Wuna commanded the Liao army throughout, then the Daming Mansion might really fall.

Now that he is successful and famous, as a prime minister, he must be more cautious in such strategic matters, and cannot express opinions hastily.

The right minister didn't speak, and it was inconvenient for Zhu Wu and Wu Yong to express their opinions, so they gave Lu Junyi and Hua Rong a look.

Lu Junyi did not give in, and pointed to the southeast, the area between the Huaihe River and the Yangtze River: "In my opinion, we should seize the Jianghuai River!"

"In the land of the Jianghuai River, the north and the south must contend. The Jianghuai River is a natural danger. The southern regime cannot defend it. After all, the Yangtze River runs from west to east for tens of thousands of miles. There are too many weak points of undefended defense along the coast. Our army only needs to By concentrating our troops in one place, we can easily break through the Jiang defense..."

Huarong also held the same view: "The Yangtze River is certainly a natural danger to the south, but 'to defend the river, we must defend the Huaihe River'. If we want to recover the south, we must destroy this defense system."

For Shi Qian, Zhu Wu, Wu Yong, Chai Jin, Ling Zhen, and Pei Xuan who were studying in the academy, this was basic knowledge.

For Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, Ding Run, and Li Gefei, some of them need to think carefully to understand the truth, while others are at a loss, obviously touching the blind spot of knowledge.

Li Yan saw it, and Quandang Academy held another class, and explained it in a simple way: "Since ancient times, the northern and southern regimes have confronted each other, and the military power is often the northern regime, while the southern regime is in the defensive stage most of the time. It is said that if you defend for a long time, you will lose. The secret of being able to keep it is not only the natural danger of the Yangtze River, but the complete defense of the Yangtze River and Huaihe River."

He circled his pointer: "Look, the Dabie Mountains to the north of the Yangtze River and south of the Huaihe River meander for hundreds of miles, and the lakes in the south are also dotted with dots. Huaidong is also densely covered with river networks and ravines. Heavy troops are deployed in this area, relying on mountains, lakes and rivers to form an echelon of defense in depth."

"This kind of resistance layer by layer, even if the northern army is extremely brave, fighting in and breaking through layer by layer, the offensive will inevitably decline gradually, and no matter how strong the army is, it will not be able to withstand wear and tear;"

"The Southern Dynasties have many opportunities to tolerate mistakes. One defeat can be defeated again. As long as the opponent's army actually reaches the Yangtze River, it is already at the end of its strength, and it will be difficult to break through the natural danger in the end."

"So the Southern Dynasties really wanted to defend it, and they couldn't use the Yangtze River as the first line of defense. On the contrary, they had to use the Yangtze River as the last line of defense in order to be as solid as gold."

"During the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, the Eastern Jin, Song, Qi, and Liang were all fortified in this way. The former Qin and Northern Wei were still unable to break through the Yangtze River and conquer the Southern Dynasties. When the Southern Chen Dynasty was lost, it was doomed to perish from the moment it lost the Jianghuai River. gone."

After saying this, Cai Jing and Li Gefei's thoughts became clearer, while Gao Qiu and Ding Run suddenly realized.

Li Yan took out two more wooden horses, with the labels of the Western Army on them, and inserted them on the two roads in Huainan: "Since Zhang Dun returned to the court, the person in charge of the south is actually not the mother-killing and foolish king, but the Zhang Xiang." , He obviously knows the truth that defending the river must defend the Huaihe River, so in the process of going west to quell the chaos, he has always maintained a hundred thousand western troops, stationed on the two roads in Huainan."

Everyone looked over, but found that Shi Wengong's Ansu Army, Luan Tingyu's Ninghua Army, and Sun Li's Weisheng Army were stationed in the Henan area.

Lu Junyi immediately said: "Your Highness, I proposed to take the land of Jianghuai, and take advantage of the Western Army's dissatisfaction with the water and soil and the environment of Jianghuai, so I did it early."

Hua Rong looked at Chai Jin, who immediately understood that he was asking about logistics.

Today, only Hu Yanzhuo's army is dispatched to conquer Hedong, and there is no need to travel long distances. For the rich and powerful Yan army, which has sufficient food and grass, it is completely trivial. marching in line."

Shi Qian said: "Yesterday, there was a letter from the Western Army's family, which can be of great use."

All the ministers looked sideways and didn't understand what the family letter was for a while.

Shi Qian explained: "After the Western Army guarding Bianliang surrendered, they formed an independent army and returned to guard the northwest. I, Dayan, supported the food, grass and supplies. All the meritorious deeds were recorded."

"This kind of good life with no constraints in the rear and only support, I am afraid they have never enjoyed it, so that they attached themselves to the army and instigated those family members of the Western Army who did not surrender. They wrote letters from home and sent them to the Secret Department just yesterday. After reading it, they are all words to persuade family members to surrender and go home.”

The eyes of the ministers brightened: "That's great. Shooting these family letters into the city guarded by the Western Army is more effective than any instigation!"

People are like this, if everyone endures hardships together, they can still hold on. If others go ashore, and they are still swimming in the water, and they can't see the land at the end, then no one can bear it.

Now the Western Army is divided into two like this. At that time, after the Western Army who followed Guan Sheng and Hu Yanzhuo to guard Bianliang surrendered, they lived happily. The low-level generals must be shaken!
In this way, the ministers are more supportive of Lu Junyi and Hua Rongjian's plan to seize Jianghuai first.

Only Cai Jing and Li Gefei remained silent.

Li Gefei thought that if Jianghuai was lost, Zhao Song would perish, and his mood was complicated after all.

Cai Jing ignored Zhao Song's life and death at all, and found that His Royal Highness King Yan only emphasized the importance of Jianghuai, and did not show any emotion when the two governors asked for a fight.

In terms of military deployment, this right minister is inferior to other courtiers, but when it comes to observing words and demeanor, he considers himself the only one, his eyes flickered for a moment, thinking that this is a good time to consolidate his position: "Your Highness, according to the old minister In my humble opinion, I am afraid that the time has not come to attack Jianghuai."

All the ministers' eyes immediately converged, listening to this person's opinion, Li Yan also looked over: "Cai Gong, please tell me."

The more respectful the tone of His Royal Highness King Yan, the more modest Cai Jing said: "The old minister doesn't know much about military affairs. In the past, he was able to defend the Daming Mansion thanks to the help of Wangfu and Gao Shangshu. refer to."

"Now there are three reasons for not attacking the Jianghuai River. First, the three naval armies are now rushing to help Goryeo, helping it restore the country, and suppressing the Jurchen. The Jurchen army is powerful and powerful. They are our great enemy in the Central Plains. The veterans will never forget it."

"Secondly, the east east campaign has been decided. Before and after the war, all matters will be mobilized by the central government. The two fronts will fight. Although the food and supplies are sufficient, it is inevitable to lose sight of the other, and the energy will be difficult to take care of."

"Thirdly, Jinghu Fangla is a disaster for the south and colluded with the Mingzun cult. It cannot be destroyed. Jinghu is being besieged by the Song army. Now that we are going south to Jianghuai, the Song army will return to help, and instead give him a chance to breathe."

After Cai Jing finished speaking, the officials were silent for a while, showing some thought.

But soon, Lu Junyi said: "What Cai Xiang said is not unreasonable, but everything is impossible to be perfect. With the help of the Western Army's family letter, we don't need many sailors to persuade him to surrender. Disintegrating the Jianghuai defense line will deal a blow to Song Ting, and these costs can be borne."

Hua Rong followed closely behind: "Even if we don't do anything, it will be difficult for the imperial army to break through Fang La's Jinghu defenders for a long time. I am afraid they will retreat in the future, and the Jianghuai defense line and the Jingxiang defense line are mutually horns. Once they break through one side, If we invade the south of the Yangtze River, the natural danger of the Yangtze River on the other side will no longer exist, we can completely destroy Song Ting first, and then punish Fangla!"

The atmosphere in the hall was slightly condensed, and the expressions of the officials changed.

It is completely predictable that Zhongshu Province and the Dudufu will have differences.

It's just that I didn't expect it to come so quickly, and there was a prime minister and two governors.

The style of both sides is also obvious.

Cai Jing is on the safe side, while Lu Junyi and Hua Rong are on the more radical side, which fits their civil and military identities.

Regarding the disagreement between the two parties, Li Yan was noncommittal, and looked over again: "What do you think?"

The ministers knew that it was time for them to express their views.

Zhu Wu and Wu Yong were actually biased towards what Lu Junyi and Hua Rong said, but as the left and right ministers of the Zhongshu Province, they could not dismantle the platform of their immediate boss at this time, and what Cai Jing said was also reasonable, and said: "Cai Xiang is The ministers agree with Lao Cheng's words of seeking the country!"

After these two, Gao Qiu and Ding Run were the first to support in the six parts: "Ming Zun's teachings are extremely disastrous and must not be tolerated. I agree with what Cai Xiang said!"

For these two, they hated Mingzunjiao to the bottom of their hearts, especially Ding Run, who was slandered by Wu Juhou at the time as Mingzunjiao's thieves. The cult is extremely difficult to eradicate, and now that it is attached to Fang La, naturally it does not allow the other party to have a chance to grow.

Li Gefei stroked his beard and said: "The old minister thinks that we must be cautious when we start a war on two fronts."

Pei Xuanning raised his eyebrows and said, "The longer the Western Army stays in the Jianghuai area, the more homesick they become, and the greater the role of family letters will be?"

Shi Qian explained: "The family letter describes recent events. If it is stored for a long time, it will make the Western Army suspicious, fear of changing, and write again, fear of twists and turns..."

Pei Xuandao: "The minister thinks that this opportunity should not be missed!"

Chai Jin and Ling Zhen obviously stood on the side of the Dudu's Mansion: "The minister seconded what the two Dudu said, now that the armed forces are ready and the momentum is like a rainbow, we should take advantage of the situation and go down to Jianghuai to determine the overall situation!"

After everyone expressed their opinions, they fell silent again, because it happened to be six against six.

Zhu Wu, Wu Yong, Gao Qiu, Ding Run, and Li Gefei agreed with Cai Jing;

Shi Qian, Chai Jin, Ling Zhen, and Pei Xuan agreed with Lu Junyi and Hua Rong.

In the hall, it became quiet.

"The old man is still impulsive..."

At this time, Cai Jing secretly regretted that he should not express such clear opinions in the military field that he is not good at.

The so-called sacred heart is unpredictable, and the emperor's mind is unpredictable. If His Royal Highness King Yan had long intended to go south to attack Jianghuai, and take advantage of the situation to beat one or two, it would be a big blow to the prestige of the prime minister.

"What is your Highness thinking? Which of us is right and who is wrong?"

Not to mention Cai Jing, the other courtiers are not worried. Lu Junyi and Hua Rong's desire for power is far less strong than Cai Jing's, but those in high positions who want their opinions to be rejected and let opponents gain the upper hand, that's for the governor's mansion. Prestige is likewise a hit.

Until Li Yan smiled slightly: "You don't have to be nervous, there is no absolute right or wrong in any strategic decision, especially in the current chaos..."

"Whether it is to overcome Jianghuai first or to suspend the war, there are advantages and disadvantages."

"Although I value Fang La, I dare not let Zhang Dun renovate the Western Army. When the time comes to resist and fight desperately, my Yan Army will suffer huge losses. When I think about it, will I regret the missed opportunity?"

"But in the same way, Fang La calls himself Shenggong and stabilizes Jinghu. No matter what he thinks in his heart, at least his deeds are much better than other bandit leaders. Such a person has a cult as his assistant. If you are infested with tigers, will you also regret today's decision?"

The ministers couldn't help but nodded, but they were a little confused. Whose opinion did they agree with?

Cai Jing faintly realized that the emperor's mind might be different from what he thought. Zhu Wu and Wu Yong's brows moved slightly, and they all looked at the same place.

Sure enough, Li Yan's pointer also fell over, and nodded at the city: "Since the family letter from the Northwest has come, we should instigate rebellion against the Western Army. This is the core of the Jingxiang defense line, guarded by [-] Western Army, it is advisable. "

It was only then that the ministers realized that for the dispute between the two sides, this Highness did not choose either side, and the place he chose to attack was Xiangyang!
(End of this chapter)