Destroy Jin and conquer Song, and carry the Northern Expedition through to the end

Chapter 756 Military Situation in the North and South Takes a Turn

"Young Master, this is the situation at the Animal Husbandry Bureau. Apart from stallions and foals, the horses in Shandong are almost exhausted."

If the eldest son still needs warhorses, then a special military order will have to be issued to requisition them from the local area.

In the central command tent, Xiao Qi cautiously reported on the situation of the Shandong Musiang Division, then picked up a cup of tea from the table and drank it all in one gulp to hide his nervousness.

Liu Huai flipped through the Chinese book in his hand: "This great battle really devastated Shandong's resources, so it's not your fault."

"We captured many warhorses, including ungelded stallions and mares of prime age, which will be a good replenishment after the war."

As he spoke, Liu Huai looked up at Xiao Qi and said, "These are all things for later. Old Xiao, there is another important matter for me to ask you to come here today, which is to select a place to raise horses in Hebei."

After hesitating for a moment, Xiao Qi asked cautiously, "Young Master, are we really going to move the important horse-breeding area to Hebei at this time? Wouldn't that be risky?"

Hebei is still not pacified and is still on the front line. If the Qunmu Division is moved to such a place, wouldn't it be wiped out when the Jin cavalry arrives?
Liu Huai thought for a moment, then laid it all out: "Old Xiao, this is just a preliminary investigation. In fact, the relocation of the horse-breeding land is part of the 'Comprehensive Plan for the Restoration of People's Livelihoods in Hebei, Shandong, and Central Plains.' This is the first draft. Read it here later, but don't make a fuss about it."

"To put it simply, the large alfalfa fields in Shandong today are not only for producing feed for livestock, but also for transforming saline-alkali land and, in conjunction with water conservancy projects, making the saline-alkali land suitable for cultivation."

"Now we will also be doing this in Hebei."

"Especially in Cangzhou, such a huge prefecture, the majority of the land is saline-alkali, with only a small amount of arable land. How can we manage without a major overhaul?"

"Of course, I don't expect to completely clear the saline-alkali land by relying solely on alfalfa. It still requires the improvement of water conservancy facilities and even the Yellow River as a complement. But alfalfa planting is ultimately an important part of it."

"Moreover, planting alfalfa and selecting horse farms can also resettle some of the displaced people and form some civilian settlements."

"Therefore, the selection of a site for the Hebei horse farm is not only a military issue, but also an economic and political one, and even relates to the Yellow River repair project. It must be handled with utmost care. Therefore, let Lao Xiao take a look first."

After Liu Huai gave a brief explanation, without caring whether Xiao Qi could understand, he pointed to the outline in the other party's hand, indicating that the other party should take a look and understand the central spirit.

Xiao Qi was somewhat confused, but he quickly found the relevant opinions of the Bureau of Animal Husbandry in the documents. Just as Liu Huai had said, it was a comprehensive plan that was linked to the resettlement of displaced people and water conservancy projects.

Liu Huai continued, "Of course, these things aren't in a particular hurry. Let me deal with the Jin thieves in Daming Prefecture first."

Xiao Qi nodded, about to ask a few more questions, when Shen Longzi rushed over carrying a wooden box and placed it on the table in front of Liu Huai.

Xiao Qi knew that Shen Longzi was a trusted confidant of Liu Huai, someone who was in charge of important matters, and that he could not afford to offend him.

Moreover, the document personally delivered by Shen Longzi was an even more confidential secret, so Xiao Qi didn't dare to look up at all.

After Liu Huai finished reading, he frowned and then ordered, "Notify all commanders to hold a military meeting tonight. Old Xiao, you will also come tonight as an observer."

Xiao Qi felt a chill run down his spine, then immediately stood up and agreed.

The so-called newly surrendered generals should be keeping a low profile and making some achievements so that they can continue to contribute their remaining energy. How could they be involved in such an important matter?

However, Xiao Qi thought for a moment, did this mean that he had already passed the probationary period?

However, just as Xiao Qi was feeling a little excited, another person who looked like a military advisor called out his name and entered, then presented several documents with both hands.

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, an urgent military dispatch from Xuzhou, traveling 800 li in utmost speed!"

Liu Huai immediately put down his brush, glanced at it a few times, and his face darkened: "Convene a general military meeting tonight. All officers at the level of deputy commander and above must attend. In addition, all officers at the level of logistics and supply manager and above, all civil officials accompanying the army at the level of prefect and above, and all officers at the level of military advisor of the military governor's office must attend."

Those in the tent readily agreed and then set to work.

Xiao Qi, seeing Liu Huai's somber face, also felt her previously lively mood darken.

What the hell has happened?
Xuzhou?

Wasn't Duke Wei stationed in Xuzhou?
Xiao Qi pondered for a moment, and then indeed became somewhat flustered.

Regardless, since it is a military council to be convened, and a major military council that all high-ranking officials are to attend, it is not only to make decisions and take the opportunity to report on some important military information.

No matter which one, Xiao Qi, as the Commander of the Imperial Pastures, cannot escape it.

As darkness fell, the general's tent was brightly lit, and all the attendees fell silent.

People like Lu You, with their quick wit and sharp minds, already had a bad feeling.

After all, today's results, at best, only amounted to breaching a camp garrisoned by the Han Chinese army of the Jin Dynasty. Although its location was extremely important and a necessary position for establishing a siege camp, it was ultimately just a camp.

It's not like Yuancheng. Even if we take it, why would we need to hold a grand military council to celebrate?

In other words, this ordinary victory was no longer enough to satisfy the appetite of the Han army.

As for cannons...

While the lower-ranking officers and soldiers were unaware, how could these high-ranking Han soldiers not know? In fact, they had all witnessed the test firing of the cannons and estimated their power.

Whoever commands the artillery to attack the Jin army camp today, victory is a foregone conclusion.

Since it's not related to today's battle, it means something has changed elsewhere. And it must be a bad change.

Liu Huai didn't waste any words: "The military situation is urgent, so I won't waste any more time."

"There are two main things to do today."

"Firstly, according to reliable intelligence, the Jin invaders are about to send reinforcements to rescue Yuancheng. Wanyan Guying is leading 12,000 troops out of the Taihang Mountains from Hedong; Wanyan Sijing is leading 20,000 troops south to Hejian Prefecture."

"Secondly, the Song Dynasty's Northern Expeditionary Army, consisting of 40,000 troops on both the left and right routes, suffered a major defeat, and Prime Minister Yu Yunwen held firm in Xia Cai. The Jin invaders, with a total of nearly 60,000 troops, marched south, seemingly intending to defeat the Song Dynasty's Northern Expeditionary Army in one fell swoop."

My father has already led the Loyal Army to Suzhou and has gathered civilians and soldiers from several prefectures in southern Shandong, seemingly intending to rescue the Song army.

After Liu Huai finished speaking concisely, everyone's expressions varied. Some frowned, some were panicked, and some even turned red in the face and became incoherent.

Liu Huai glanced at Lu You, who was clearly out of control, and then continued, "Although the situation is not extremely critical, it is time to take action. Since this is a general military meeting, everyone should express their opinions. Who wants to go first?"

Having learned of this matter in the afternoon and already having some ideas in mind, Liang Su immediately stood up and said, "First of all, regarding the Jin reinforcements, I think that as long as we continue to besiege the city step by step, there is no need to worry too much."

Why didn't Wanyan Guying and Wanyan Sijing join the battle before?

This was because some troops had to be left in Youyan to suppress the Khitans and Mongol tribes in Linhuang Prefecture, and also to suppress Liaodong outside the Great Wall.

Meanwhile, Wanyan Guying in Jin had to deal with the Mongols to the north on one hand, and Wanyan Liang and the Western Xia in Guanzhong on the other.

Therefore, although Wanyan Guying only had 10,000 troops marching out of Hedong, it's possible that the Jin region had completely lost its mobile forces by this time.

"If the Jin Kingdom were to actually use these troops to fight our army head-on, even if it were just a draw, any casualties would cause the situation in Youyan and Jin to spiral out of control."

Liang Su's words make perfect sense.

Xin Qiji, however, seemed to be deliberately contradicting him, asking, "What if the Jin invaders really come to fight to the death?"

Liang Su waved his hand: "Then let's fight back. With our army's current strength, do you think we're afraid of the Jin invaders' 30,000 reinforcements?"

Xin Qiji nodded slightly and said nothing more.

The generals nodded in agreement, and the newly promoted men, who had been somewhat nervous, relaxed.

Liang Su continued, "The reinforcements sent by the Jin invaders will not only be unable to withstand heavy losses, but they will also be in great danger if they are away from their posts for too long."

The autumn harvest is just around the corner. If we delay for another month or two, it will be the time when the horses are fat and the grasslands are at their best. It would be strange if the Mongols didn't come and take a bite.

"Let alone the Mongols breaking through into the interior of the pass, even if the Jin Kingdom lost Linhuang Prefecture and lost the large number of warhorses provided by the Qunmu Division, it was only right that the country would perish."

The largest horse-breeding area in the Jin Dynasty was in Linhuang Prefecture. Historically, it was only after the Mongols occupied Linhuang Prefecture that their power became unstoppable.

Liu Huai did not seem to take the impending Jin reinforcements seriously.

Not to mention Wanyan Guying's 10,000 troops with many concerns, just considering the scene of uprisings spreading like mushrooms after rain in Hebei, who knows what kind of mess the Jin army from Youyan would be in on their march!
Seeing that the first matter seemed to be settled, Wang Shilong hesitated and asked, "Could our army make some plans to besiege the city and attack the reinforcements?"
As Strategist Liang just said, if the Jin invaders lose these 30,000 reinforcements, Jin, Youyan, and even Liaodong will descend into chaos…

Upon hearing this, a few more people became interested.

Liang Su simply sighed and shook his head: "That won't work. First, as I said before, the Jin bandits might not actually attack; at most, they'll provide some support on the flanks, allowing the 20,000 Jin bandits in Yuancheng to escape. Second..."

Liang Su paused for a moment, and at the same time, several intelligent people also figured out the matter and suddenly realized something.

"Secondly, there's the news from Lord Wei, which is the second piece of military intelligence we have today."

"The situation in the Central Plains and Huaibei is too chaotic. The news we have now is that the two Song armies have been repelled, but it is possible that the Song army has been completely defeated and chased into the Huai River by the Jin invaders."

“If the situation gets that bad, the Song state will definitely seek peace. If Pusan ​​Zhongyi and Heshi Lie Liangbi aren’t fools, they will lead all their troops to attack the Suzhou-Xuzhou line, hoping to directly invade Yizhou.”

"This is the worst-case scenario. Our army needs to quickly achieve results in Hebei, and then make arrangements along the Damingfu line before we can respond calmly."

Liang Su's words were already quite simple and clear, but everyone still sensed some unfinished meaning.

The most likely candidate for change is Wei Sheng himself.

It's understandable that Wei Sheng didn't react quickly enough when the Song army's two flanks were defeated. Now that the Jin army is about to besiege the main Song army in Xia Cai, how could Wei Sheng not take action?

How can it be?

But if Wei Sheng led his troops into battle, could a mere 8,000 loyal soldiers really relieve the Song army's siege?

Why is the Song army so unreliable? Wu Lin on the western route is locked in a stalemate with the Jin army, Cheng Min on the central route has been defeated, and half of the Song army on the eastern route has been defeated. Doesn't this Northern Expedition mean it's completely over?
As people pondered this, many turned their gaze to Lu You, who was still unable to calm down, and many felt some sympathy for this loyal minister of the Song Dynasty.

He Boqiu glanced at Lu You, but became somewhat impatient: "Commander-in-Chief, given the current situation, we can no longer worry about the Song army, and there's no need to advise the Marshal. Now, we will issue the strictest orders to prevent Li Huo'er, Yu Chi Mingyue, and Yu Yuan from sending troops, thus effectively sidelining the Marshal!"

Upon hearing this, not only did Lu You's face turn even paler, but the others also erupted in uproar.

(End of this chapter)