My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 508 The army arrives, let's go out!

"On the tenth day of the tenth month, a great victory was achieved against the enemy outside Xiuwu County, with over two thousand enemy soldiers killed and over four thousand captured..."

"On October 12th, our army besieged Shanyang City..."

Military reports from the front lines were almost always transmitted back to Ye City immediately. The terrain was flat and the location was not very close. Gao Yu repeatedly emphasized that the latest situation from the front lines must be sent back to Ye City in a timely manner.

Three times a day, morning, noon and evening, military intelligence was transmitted to the rear.

Gao Yu was very familiar with the situation at the front.

Good news is also pouring in from Bingzhou.

"On October 13th, the garrison of Shangdang Prefecture took the initiative to go out of the city to meet the enemy. Lu Cao and Gao Ang killed more than ten enemy officers and soldiers, captured more than three thousand enemy soldiers, and beheaded more than one thousand..."

Lu Cao and Gao Ang were indeed fierce, but the enemy general was too arrogant and dared to take the initiative to go out of the city to meet the enemy.

They probably intended to go out of the city to dampen the morale of the Bingzhou army, and if they could win, they could send a report of victory to Erzhu Rong. However, they ended up losing more than they gained, suffering heavy losses and a sharp drop in morale, which will also affect their morale in defending the city.

However, news has not yet arrived from the east bank of the river because it is far away.

However, judging from previous reports, Yang Zhong should not have launched a major military campaign yet. Judging from the timing, snow is coming soon. Moreover, Gao Yu had already told him that when attacking Hedong, the best approach should be to win hearts and minds.

Gao Yu specifically asked Dugu Xin and others to accompany him on the expedition because this group had good relations with the Hedong aristocratic families.

The powerful families were like local tyrants.

Having soldiers and land would be ideal, as it would be best to win them over.

Gao Yu's attitude towards aristocratic families was this: if they were willing to cooperate, then he would continue to grant them political privileges, and even turn a blind eye to some of their actions, trying his best not to offend them.

If you offend a powerful family, they can really make you miserable.

The most typical example is Gao Huan in history.

Losing the hearts of the people in Hedong means offending the powerful families of Hedong. If he wants to attack Guanzhong, he can only fight to the death against Yu Bi. If he had not lost the hearts of the powerful families of Hedong, he could have taken Guanzhong directly by passing through Hedong.

kill?

How to kill?

The fortified villages of powerful families are well-defended; where would they find the manpower and resources to wear them down?
What if they march directly?

Then we can only wait for our supply lines to be harassed or even cut off.

Gao Yu stood in front of the map.

Currently, troops are being deployed in four directions simultaneously.

Hedong, Bingzhou, Jianzhou, and Sizhou.

The three armies from Hedong, Bingzhou, and Sizhou were actually just a smokescreen; their true purpose was to contain and disperse Erzhu Rong's forces.

Gao Yu's true intention was for the Jianzhou route, led by Dou Tai's army, to seize Jianzhou.

Firstly, it would sever the connection between Bingzhou and Luoyang.

Secondly, continuing westward could allow them to seize Jinzhou, at which point they could join forces with Yang Zhong's army, which was preparing to take Hedong, to launch a pincer attack from the north and south and capture Hedong in one fell swoop.

Even if the attack on Jinzhou fails, we can still find an opportunity to march south and attack Luoyang!

"Within two years, we'll capture Luoyang and reclaim the capital. With that achievement... I think being granted the title of a king by a different surname shouldn't be a problem, right?"

The court is currently under Gao Yu's complete control.

Under the influence of Cui Jishu and Gao Cheng, the young emperor regarded Gao Yu as his "Prime Minister Father".

It's not impossible for Gao Yuzhen to be granted the title of king and the Nine Bestowments right now.

However, when Gao Yu deposed Yuan Xiu, he did not take the opportunity to change the dynasty, but instead supported Yuan Shanjian as the new emperor, so there was no need to rush.

Establishing the merit of destroying a country is to silence all the powerful families and make them acknowledge from the bottom of their hearts that they are the ruler of the world, so that the dynasty can be changed and the Great Wei can exit with dignity.

There was a sound of footsteps.

Gao Yu turned around.

Gao Huan, Yang Yin, and others rushed over.

"Greetings, Prime Minister."

Gao Yu nodded and asked, "How are the preparations going?"

"As per the Prime Minister's order, 10,000 soldiers have been conscripted from Yingzhou, Yanzhou, and Youzhou, and they will arrive outside Ye City soon."

"Shandong will also mobilize 20,000 soldiers, who have already reached Qinghe."

In total, there are 30,000 soldiers. Although the number may not seem large, these are 30,000 fully-fledged professional soldiers. Under any commander, they would be the elite of the elite.

If we really include the accompanying auxiliary troops, the total number would definitely be around 100,000.

Gao Yu then looked at Yang Yin. "Zunyan, how is the preparation of provisions going?"

"Thanks to the Minister of Works' promotion of iron farm tools, and because of the general's benevolence and righteousness, we have been blessed by Heaven with favorable weather and abundant harvests. This year's grain harvest in Hebei has recovered to 70% of that of a bumper year, which is enough to barely support the army's needs. We can continue to requisition grain from Yan, You, Shandong and other places."

Hebei, Shandong, and Henan are all major producers, and now they are all Gao Yu's territory.

Although Hebei and Henan cannot recover from the war and return to their peak state overnight, the conditions are there, and as long as they cultivate the land well, the yield will eventually increase.

"Once the main army arrives, we can directly seize Hanoi!"

Gao Huan seemed to have noticed something amiss. "Does the Prime Minister intend to lead troops out on an expedition?"

Gao Yu nodded. "Ning Shi has already taken Shanyang. After a short rest, the army can continue its advance and head straight for Yewang."

"Wild King..."

Gao Huan frowned. "With Dan Shui and Qin Shui as barriers, it won't be so easy to seize them."

"Sieges are inherently difficult, there's no such thing as easy or difficult. But no matter how difficult it is, we must take it! Once we capture Yewang, Hanoi will be ours for the taking! Then, everything north of the Yellow River will be in our hands!"

"After I leave, I will trouble you, my brother and Zunyan, to take good care of the affairs of the court."

Gao Huan was silent for a moment before reminding him, "Second Brother, I know that no one in the world can match you, but you must also be careful. On the battlefield, swords have no eyes. I almost lost my life before, so you should take my experience as a warning."

Yang Yin nodded in agreement, advising, "The Prime Minister can personally go to the front lines to boost and encourage the soldiers' morale, but he must not lead troops into battle unless absolutely necessary."

They are very clear.

It's impossible to completely stop Gao Yu from leading troops into battle.

It's not realistic.

Gao Yu's achievements were great, but not great enough for everyone to willingly worship him as the ruler of the world.

and……

Those who are well-versed in history also know this very well.

When conquering the world, the most crucial and challenging moments truly require you to personally take the lead.

Erzhu Rong may seem to be in decline at present, but he has not yet reached the point of desperation.

It is foreseeable that this will be the most crucial battle for both sides.

Gao Yu had to go to the front lines in person, and even personally fight the enemy.

"Do not worry."

Gao Yu waved his hand, "I will weigh the situation myself."

The greater the power in his hands, the more wives, concubines, and children he would have. Gao Yu himself was reluctant to die, so how could he easily risk his life?
Gao Yu then gave some other specific instructions.

“Brother, Zunyan, why don’t you finish your meal before going back?”

Gao Huan was fine.

Yang Yin looked troubled and stammered, "Prime Minister, Aying and I have just gotten married. We are newlyweds, so let's go home and have a meal together."

Gao Yu was taken aback, then burst into laughter, "Zunyan is afraid of his wife? Is it because Aying bullied you? If so, I'll stand up for you and have a good talk with her!"

Gao Huan also laughed and said, "Zunyan, Aying's temperament has indeed been spoiled. Why don't I go back to the manor with you?"

Even with his father-in-law and uncle backing him up, Yang Yin still couldn't muster the courage to stand up for himself.

“My wife is very virtuous and kind. Father-in-law and uncle, please don’t misunderstand.”

"Virtuous and capable?"

"Ha ha ha ha."

After exchanging a glance, Gao Yu and Gao Huan burst into laughter.

Yang Yin couldn't stand the teasing any longer, so he hurriedly got up, gave a slight bow, and said, "Prime Minister, Minister of State, since I have no more official business, I shall take my leave. My wife is waiting at home, and I cannot keep her waiting any longer."

"go Go."

Yang Yin sighed, shook his head helplessly, and turned to leave.

The two brothers watched him leave.

Gao Huan couldn't help but sigh, "Zunyan is truly a gentleman, but Aying has a fiery temper, which makes things difficult for him."

"Only someone with Zunyan's temperament could tolerate Aying. I watched Aying grow up, and I will find her a good man."

Gao Huan nodded and turned to look at him.

"Erlang, you can lead the troops there with peace of mind. I will take good care of Ye City for you."

(End of this chapter)