Chapter 392: Amazing!

Chongzheng Hall.

Zhao Xie, dressed in court robes and with a solemn expression, walked steadily into the Chongzheng Hall.

He took a few steps forward, knelt on the ground and kowtowed, his voice clear but steady, quite like a famous minister: “Your Majesty, I, Zhao Xie, have an important matter today, so I come to report it.

The rebellion in Yan’an Prefecture has been like a thorn in my side, endangering the country of the Song Dynasty. I am worried day and night and can’t sleep or eat. Fortunately, the Queen has granted me permission to offer a plan for the expedition.”

After saying this, Zhao Xie slowly stood up, unfolded a detailed map of Yan’an Prefecture in his hand, and respectfully presented it to Empress Dowager Gao, then said: “Your Majesty, as the Art of War says, if you know yourself and the enemy, you will never be in danger in a hundred battles.

Su Yun of Yan’an Prefecture was a rebel, and the generals under his command had their own abilities. I have made inquiries from many sources and made a detailed analysis.

Zheng Chaozong was a brave warrior, often leading the troops from the front to boost their morale, but he was too resolute and easily fell into ambushes.

Ping Zicheng is meticulous and in charge of intelligence. His intelligence network is as extensive as a spider web, but although this network is dense, there are also flaws.

He Zheng is very enthusiastic about new military concepts and technologies, and is good at using new weapons and new tactics. However, although new things are powerful, they also need time to adapt. If they are handled properly, they can be defeated. “

Zhao Xie paused slightly and looked up to observe the expression of Empress Dowager Gao.

Seeing the Queen Mother nod slightly, indicating that he should continue, he continued: “For now, the most important thing is intelligence.

I suggest selecting elite scouts and spies from the army, disguising them as merchants, refugees, monks, etc., and going deep into the territory of Yan’an Prefecture.

They not only need to collect military intelligence such as the enemy’s troop deployment, weapons and equipment, and training status, but also pay close attention to the enemy’s generals’ every move, analyze their tactical preferences, and explore possible ambushes.

At the same time, they established secret contacts with the foreign tribes and various fortress forces around Yan’an Prefecture, promising them huge profits and asking them to help monitor the movements of Yan’an Prefecture and transmit intelligence in a timely manner.

Only in this way can we have a complete understanding of the enemy and provide accurate basis for our strategic decision-making.”

“My Lady, military deployment is the key to victory.

I think we can draw elite troops from the imperial guards and garrison troops near Yan’an Prefecture to form a main force of 100,000 people.

This main force was divided into three corps, which surrounded Yan’an Prefecture from the east, south and west.

The Eastern Army, led by an experienced general and equipped with powerful bows and crossbows as well as cavalry, launched a frontal attack along the official road to attract the main force of the enemy.

Since Zheng Chaozong is very likely to lead his troops personally to resist the attack from the east, it is necessary to arrange a general who is good at defense and counterattack to command. By taking advantage of Zheng Chaozong’s bravery but tendency to underestimate the enemy, lure the enemy into deep territory, and then launch a counterattack, the enemy army will surely be severely damaged.

The Southern Corps selected soldiers who were good at mountain warfare, equipped them with light siege equipment, and advanced from the mountainous area south of Yan’an Prefecture, raided the enemy’s flank defense line, and waited for an opportunity to cut off its material transportation channels with the outside world.

Considering that He Zheng may be responsible for the defense of the southern line, due to his use of new tactics, the Southern Corps needs to be prepared in advance to deal with new weapons and new tactics, relying on the complex mountain terrain, fighting flexibly and disrupting his defense deployment.

The Western Corps, with cavalry as its main force and rapid mobility, was responsible for blocking Yan’an Prefecture’s escape route to the west and preventing external forces such as the Western Xia from supporting it.

During the march, they constantly harassed the western border of Yan’an Prefecture and created chaos.

Because Ping Zicheng may grasp the movements of the Western Route Army through the intelligence network, the Western Route Army needs to arrange generals who are good at intelligence warfare to counter their intelligence interference and ensure the secrecy and suddenness of the march and combat.

In addition, two detachments were formed to launch attacks from the northeast and northwest respectively, uniting with local armed forces and ethnic minority tribes loyal to the court to tie down the enemy’s forces and disrupt their defensive deployment.

A reserve force of about 30,000 people will be set up, commanded by young and promising generals, on standby at any time, to support troops in trouble in a timely manner according to the development of the war on the front line, or to join the battle when the enemy army shows a flaw to expand the results of the war. “

Empress Dowager Gao immediately looked at Zhao Xie with new eyes.

She had already had doubts about Zhao Xie before, but now seeing that Zhao Xie was so familiar with Yan’an Prefecture, she felt more confident in the arrangements.

Empress Dowager Gao suddenly became a little suspicious. Could it be that she had really wronged him?
Was this the situation he had anticipated?
Just as Empress Dowager Gao was thinking, she heard Zhao Xie continue to say: “Logistical support cannot be ignored.

Your Majesty, I suggest setting up a large logistics supply warehouse in a strategic location close to Yan’an Prefecture to store large quantities of food, weapons, armor, arrows and other supplies.

Organize civilian laborers and convoys to ensure that supplies can be transported to the front-line troops in a timely and safe manner.

Considering that the enemy might launch a surprise attack on the logistics supply line, especially Zheng Chaozong might take risky actions to cut off the supply, it was necessary to strengthen the defense along the supply line, set up checkpoints and fortifications, and arrange elite troops to patrol.

At the same time, a complete grain and fodder transportation system was established. In addition to conventional official road transportation, water transportation channels were opened up to use rivers to transport grain and fodder directly to docks near the front line.

In order to ensure transportation safety, heavy troops were dispatched to escort grain and fodder convoys and fleets.

In addition, military doctors are set up in each military camp, equipped with professional military doctors and sufficient medicinal materials, who are responsible for treating injured soldiers.

In view of the unconventional tactics that enemy generals may adopt, we need to be prepared in advance to deal with poisoning and epidemics, such as stockpiling antidotes and strengthening sanitary management in military camps…”

“…My Lady, propaganda can undermine the morale of the enemy’s army and people.

I suggest that the court officials write a manifesto to attack Yan’an Prefecture, exposing the “rebellious” nature of Su Yun’s regime and emphasizing that the court sent troops to maintain national unity and stability and save the people from danger.

The manifesto was widely spread throughout Yan’an Prefecture through various channels such as posting notices, distributing leaflets, and sending messengers, in an effort to gain public support.

Regarding the enemy generals, the manifesto can appropriately mention their “wrong choice” of following Su Yun, emphasize the court’s lenient policy, and divide the enemy camp.

The court’s official gazettes and government-run bookstores were used to publicize and report on the war in Yan’an Prefecture.

On the one hand, it publicized the strength and achievements of the imperial army and undermined the morale of the Yan’an garrison.

On the other hand, possible conflicts and problems within Yan’an Prefecture were exposed to create public pressure and undermine internal unity.

A generous surrender policy was formulated, and officials, generals and soldiers from Yan’an Prefecture who surrendered were given official positions, rewards and pardons.

Develop personalized persuasion plans for different enemy generals. For example, for Zheng Chaozong, emphasize that his bravery and talent can be used more freely in the court.

He promised Ping Zicheng a high position in the intelligence department to lure him into surrendering.

“Finally, isolate the enemy diplomatically and cut off foreign aid.

Madam, you can send envoys to Xixia to negotiate with the Xixia court. Tell Xixia that the existence of Yan’an Prefecture poses a threat to both sides. If Xixia assists the court in conquering Yan’an Prefecture, the court will give Xixia certain benefits in terms of border trade, territorial division, etc.

At the same time, he warned Xixia that if it secretly supported Yan’an Prefecture, the court would join forces with other forces to impose sanctions on Xixia.

Actively engage in diplomatic contacts with other forces around Yan’an Prefecture, such as Tubo and Uighur, and win over these forces by giving gifts and signing friendly treaties, so that they remain neutral or, when necessary, assist the court in blockading and attacking Yan’an Prefecture.

In addition, through diplomatic channels, we should prevent other countries from providing material and military assistance to Yan’an Prefecture, thus leaving it isolated and helpless.”

After Zhao Xie finished speaking, he knelt down again and said firmly, “Your Majesty, the strategies I have proposed are closely linked and complement each other.

If we can act in this way, we will be able to put down the rebellion in Yan’an Prefecture in one fell swoop and restore peace and prosperity to our Great Song Dynasty.

I am willing to serve you like a dog and lead the army to eliminate this great threat to you, in order to repay your kindness.”

At this moment, Queen Mother Gao was really shocked. After listening to the entire strategy, she found it to be so interconnected and detailed that there was no room for doubt.

With the size of the Song Dynasty and such a thorough combat strategy, the Yan’an Prefecture could probably be destroyed in a snap!
Empress Dowager Gao couldn’t help but cast her gaze towards Lu Dafang and Fan Chunren beside her. Seeing that they were also shocked, she began to take the strategy presented by Zhao Xie even more seriously.

Lu Dafang was the first to come to his senses, and he said, “Your Majesty, the strategy proposed by Zhao Xie is well thought out, covering many aspects such as military affairs, logistics, public opinion, and diplomacy. It is indeed a good strategy.

If we act in this way, we will have a great chance of suppressing the rebellion in Yan’an Prefecture.”

Fan Chunren also quickly agreed: “Empress Dowager, I also agree with what Prime Minister Lu said.

This strategy accurately analyzes the enemy generals, deploys various strategies based on their characteristics, provides meticulous logistical support, and complements public opinion and diplomatic means. This shows how deeply Zhao Xie put in his efforts. “

Empress Dowager Gao nodded slightly, her eyes fell on Zhao Xie again, and asked: “My dear Zhao, this strategy is very good, but in the march and war, things change rapidly. If there is a sudden change in the war on the front line, how will you respond?”

Zhao Xie was not in a hurry and replied calmly: “Your Majesty, I have considered this matter. As the saying goes, the army has no fixed form.

Our army can establish an efficient communication system between the various corps. Once there are changes on the front line, the various corps can communicate quickly and adjust their strategies in a timely manner.

For example, if the Eastern Army encounters stubborn resistance from the enemy, the Southern and Western Army can take the opportunity to increase their offensive and disperse the enemy’s forces;

If the enemy attacks our logistics supply line, the reserve force can be dispatched immediately to provide support and protection, while at the same time arranging small units to bypass the enemy and harass the enemy, preventing them from destroying the supply with all their strength.

In addition, I will pay close attention to the actions of the enemy generals and flexibly change our response strategies according to their tactical changes.”

After hearing this, Empress Dowager Gao’s eyes flashed with approval, and she asked, “When do you plan to go to war? Do you have an idea of ​​the troops and supplies you will need?”

Zhao Xie straightened his back and said in a clear voice: “Your Majesty, I plan to go to war in two months.

In terms of military strength, according to the strategy, 100,000 elite troops need to be drawn from various imperial guards and garrison troops;
As for supplies, I have discussed with the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works, and the required food, weapons, armor, etc. can be prepared within five days.

I will do my best to live up to your trust.”

Empress Dowager Gao was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: “Secretary Zhao, I order you to be the Grand Marshal of the expedition against Yan’an Prefecture, and immediately begin preparations for the expedition.

But you must remember that this expedition concerns the safety of the Song Dynasty. Only success is allowed, not failure. If there is any mistake, there will be severe punishment. “

Zhao Xie was overjoyed when he heard this, and he immediately knelt down to express his gratitude: “I accept your order! I will do my utmost to serve you until my death, and I swear to wipe out all the rebels in Yan’an Prefecture!”

After Zhao Xie stepped down, Empress Dowager Gao discussed some details with Lu Dafang and Fan Chunren, such as the selection of military supervisors and the follow-up of subsequent food and grass supplies.

When everything was discussed, it was already dark. Empress Dowager Gao waved her hand tiredly and asked the two to leave.

Outside the palace, Zhao Xie walked out of the palace, took a long breath, and a smug smile appeared on his face: After all, I am not destined to die!
But he was a little surprised that the strategy proposed by You Zuo contained so many words and phrases that he did not understand, such as communication system, friendly treaty and so on.

I can clearly recognize each word, but when they are put together, they become mysterious and I have to figure them out myself to understand them.

I just don’t know whether Empress Dowager Gao, Lu Dafang and others really understood or were just pretending to understand.

Ha ha.

But that’s not important. Since I’ve won this mission, my future is safe. As for whether I can destroy Yan’an Prefecture by then…

Humph, with such a detailed and powerful strategy, and the fact that the Song Dynasty is inherently much stronger than the rebels in Yan’an Prefecture, if these 100,000 troops crush them, no matter how strong Yan’an Prefecture is, it will be reduced to ashes!
However, he did not know that when he presented the strategy to Empress Dowager Gao, it had already been quickly delivered to Yan’an Prefecture.

In the meeting hall of Yan’an Prefecture, the candlelight flickered, stretching the figures of Su Yun and Wang Baopu to varying lengths.

There was a secret letter on the table.

After reading it, Su Yun burst into a hearty laugh: “God help me! The Song Dynasty is courting its own death by taking the initiative to provoke a war.”

Wang Baopu smiled and said, “Sir, you asked Brother Zitong to be an undercover agent beside Zhao Xie. I thought it was a bit redundant before, but now I know that Sir is planning within the tent and winning thousands of miles away!”

Su Yun stood up, paced back and forth in the hall, and said with a smile: “The Song Dynasty’s initiative to raise troops this time is simply a godsend.

Yan’an Prefecture can announce to the world that it was the Song Dynasty that betrayed the peace and loyalty and invaded Yan’an Prefecture without reason.

Our Yan’an Prefecture guarded the border for the country and kept the area safe, but the Song Dynasty demolished the bridge after crossing it. The border has only just been stabilized, but now the Song Dynasty is going to get rid of it!

When the people from all directions and surrounding forces hear about this, they will surely see the true face of the Song Dynasty’s hegemony.

In this way, our Yan’an Prefecture will occupy the righteous position, the people inside will surely be stable, and we can also win the support and sympathy of many forces. “

Wang Baopu agreed and said, “Sir, your opinion is great! With the righteous cause, everyone in Yan’an will surely unite against the enemy. Those forces that were originally on the sidelines will also re-evaluate the situation and lean towards us.”

Thinking of this, Su Yun smiled and said, “Zhao Xie is a man of great ambitions but little talent. With him leading the army, our Yan’an Prefecture can be relieved of a lot of pressure. However, the other side is powerful after all, so we still have to be careful.”

Wang Baopu nodded and said, “Yes, sir.”

(End of this chapter)