Jiuxi

Chapter 894: Who is in Charge?

For the Jinglian nobles who had experience in leading troops, Qing Yugong's proposal was actually easy to understand.

Lure the Qi army out from various passes and fortified cities, use the powerful mobility of the Jing army's cavalry to encircle them on a large scale, and form an absolute advantage in military strength on the local battlefield, so as to eliminate the main elite forces of the Qi army and establish the overall situation more quickly.

The question is how could the Qi army take the bait?

This time the opponent's coach will no longer be a fool like Han Zhongjie, but the extremely cunning and sharp Lu Chen. It is not easy to make him make such a mistake.

Dingbai Army Commander Shan Yang had a good relationship with Qing Yu Gong, and at least he would not put the opposition on the surface like Sagai did, so he said curiously: "Don't keep us in suspense, Prince. Why don't you tell us how to trick the Qi army?"

Qing Yugong looked towards the emperor, seeking advice.

Emperor Jing nodded slightly.

Qing Yugong said calmly, "I wonder if you still remember that since Lu Chen emerged six years ago, his most distinctive feature on the battlefield is that he is good at seizing opportunities. In more than ten wars of varying sizes over the years, he has never been a person willing to be alone. When our army reveals a flaw, he will not hesitate to go all out to seize the opportunity. Even if our army does not have an obvious flaw, he will find ways to create opportunities. In short, Lu Chen's command style is full of risk-taking, which is the root of his rapid rise in just six years."

Everyone agreed with his judgment.

Qing Yugong continued, "In the early stages of the war, our army should show a tough attitude, take back Taikang City first, break the barrier of the Qi army outside Yongqiu, and let Lu Chen see Dajing's determination for this battle. As time goes by, our army can slow down the pace of advancement without leaving a trace, showing a state of fatigue, which will make Lu Chen further relax his vigilance. After the first two steps are completed, it will be the time for our army to expose its flaws. With Lu Chen's ability to grasp the battle situation, I think he will not miss the opportunity to win in danger."

Everyone realized at this time that Qing Yugong was actually making more flexible adjustments based on Wen Gusun's suggestions.

Jing Jun cannot fall into a quagmire right from the start. This situation that is obviously contrary to common sense will only make Lu Chen more vigilant.

A strong attack in the beginning is a price that must be paid, and it is normal for the offensive to slowly stagnate later. In short, one cannot go down one path to the end. The main purpose is to lure Lu Chen into the trap.

As long as Lu Chen set his mind to winning, just like in the previous battles, Jing Jun’s goal would be achieved.

The smile on Emperor Jing's face became more and more profound. It was obvious that Qing Yugong's ideas coincided with his.

At this time, Abuhan, who had been silent for a long time, said cautiously: "May I ask the prince, if Lu Chen can keep his composure and stick to the strategy of defending to the end, what will our army do?"

As a general, you must consider everything comprehensively, because the enemy is not a puppet in your hands, let alone an opponent like Lu Chen.

Qing Yugong glanced at Tian Jue who was standing solemnly beside the emperor, coughed lightly and said, "If this situation occurs, I think that Master Tian will be able to use his skills."

Abuhan was slightly startled, and the others also looked a little confused.

Emperor Jing smiled and said, "Please tell me more details."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Qing Yugong bowed his head and agreed, then continued: "My Lords, although Lu Chen's current position in Southern Qi seems unshakable, it is actually not the case. In the history of Southern Qi for more than 170 years, there has never been a powerful official like Lu Chen. Even if the South can maintain superficial peace for the time being, undercurrents have long been surging, and many Southern Qi officials have never dissipated their suspicion of Lu Chen. When our army is in a deadlock, if Lu Chen keeps his troops on the sidelines, how can the rulers and officials of Southern Qi not have doubts in their hearts?"

After hearing these words, most people reacted.

Tian Jue was more perceptive and asked tentatively, "Does the prince mean that the Ministry of Music does not need to immediately mobilize spies to fan the flames?"

As the saying goes, food and supplies must be prepared before troops move out. This kind of counter-espionage tactic is even more true and has been proven to be effective from ancient times to the present.

Under normal circumstances, before the Jing army marched south in large numbers, the Ministry of Rites should have let the spies who had been lying in ambush in advance take action and do everything possible to sow discord between Lu Chen and the Southern Qi court. Even if they could not recreate what happened to Yang Guangyuan, at least they could undermine the morale of the Southern Qi border troops.

Qing Yugong nodded and said, "That's right. Southern Qi has just experienced a shock in the court. The Queen Mother Ning, who is in power, as well as Xue Nanting, Xu Zuo and others, will definitely suppress the comments that are unfavorable to Lu Chen for the time being. Even if the brothers of the Main Music Department are outstanding, it is difficult for them to play a role in this special period. When Lu Chen has a chance to win but does not take action, the Main Music Department will gradually start to instigate him, which will definitely achieve twice the result with half the effort."

"Wonderful."

Shan Yang showed a delighted expression and praised: "Lu Chen will be in a dilemma at that time. If he goes to the battle, he will step into the trap set by our army. If he avoids the battle, he will attract criticism from the officials of Southern Qi, and it may even directly intensify their internal conflicts."

Qing Yugong smiled faintly, without any pride on his face.

"The Prince's plan is indeed brilliant, but there is still a lot of room for improvement in the details."

Emperor Jing finally took back the initiative of the topic, looked around at everyone and said: "In addition to training troops, the most important thing for you is to perfect this chain of strategies. From the early strong attack, the mid-term layout to the finale, as well as the detailed analysis of the enemy and our military strength, including how to guard against the methods that Lu Chen has demonstrated on the front battlefield, you must consider it as soon as possible and submit a memorial within a month. I will refer to your opinions and finally form a strategy for this battle."

All the Jinglian nobles stood up and said in unison: "Your Majesty, I obey your order."

"Everyone, go down."

Emperor Jing ordered the expulsion in a straightforward manner, and then said, "The prince, please stay."

Everyone bowed and took their leave, and when they left, they all glanced at Qing Yugong's calm back.

"Sit down and talk."

Emperor Jing tapped the table with his right hand for a long time before asking, "In your opinion, which general in the army can be the vanguard in the attack on Qi?"

Although the Jing army suffered repeated defeats when facing the Qi army in recent years and lost many generals, Emperor Jing was not yet at the point where he had no one available. On the contrary, there were countless brave generals in the army, which was the foundation accumulated by Emperor Jing after more than 30 years of frequent military operations.

Qing Yugong's heart was slightly moved, and he replied cautiously: "Your Majesty, I think General Gu Xin is qualified to be the vanguard." Gu Xin is one of the eight great Xiangyin of the Loyal Army. He has 10,000 elite cavalry under his command and is now on his way back to Dadu from the northwest border.

Like Pucha, he was also a person brought along by Emperor Jingdi, and he was brave and fearless.

Emperor Jing shook his head and said, "Gu Xin is brave but not wise. If we use him in the first battle, he will probably be defeated by Lu Chen."

Qing Yugong thought quickly.

In addition to Gu Xin, he had several other suitable candidates in mind, but before he could make a decision, Emperor Jing suddenly asked, "How about the Bone Mutilation Land?"

Qing Yugong lowered his eyes and said calmly: "Mie Gudi has the patience to know when to advance and when to retreat. He can charge as a vanguard and also support the main army. I have no objection to this."

Everyone knows that Miegudi is his right-hand man. When he is unable to show up in person, it is always Miegudi who leads the Xiashan Army.

Emperor Jing nodded and said, "I know he trusts you very much. Once the war strategy is determined, you will go to Mie Gu Di in person to explain everything clearly and let him understand his responsibilities."

Qing Yu respectfully replied, "I obey your order."

Just as Emperor Jing was about to speak, Crown Prince Wu Yan personally walked into the upper study room carrying a tray, followed by several imperial doctors.

When he got closer, Wu Yan said cautiously, "Father, it's time to use the medicine."

Qing Yugong noticed that the emperor frowned.

Emperor Jing did not say much. He took the bowl of soup from Wu Yan, looked at the black medicinal soup in the bowl, sighed lightly, and slowly drank it all.

Even from a distance, Qing Yugong could still smell the pungent smell.

After rinsing his mouth, Emperor Jing asked the imperial physician to feel his pulse and diagnose him, and then he said to Qing Yugong: "Originally, I wanted to talk to you about Lu Chen's military tactics, but I am not interested now. Let's do it another day."

Qing Yugong stood up and said, "Your Majesty, please take care of yourself. We, your subjects, will do our best to help you."

Emperor Jing nodded slightly, and Qing Yugong bowed and took his leave.

About an incense stick later, Emperor Jing slowly came to the bank of Taihua Lake, with only Tian Jue accompanying him.

If someone could come before Emperor Jing, they would find that the injured Emperor Jing had a bright look in his eyes, but no one in the world was qualified to do so, and Emperor Jing would never show such an expression.

In a flash, the light in Emperor Jing's eyes faded, returning to its previous slightly dim appearance.

"In your opinion, has Qing Yugong realized my true situation?"

"Your Majesty's arrangements include all the details. Unless the Prince of Changshan personally forces him, he will definitely not expect that Your Majesty's injuries have been healed."

Tian Jue's tone was as rigid as usual, but only he himself knew how much effort he had put into hiding this secret over the past year or so. He even dared not sleep in the same bed with his wife for fear that she might leak a word in her sleep.

Emperor Jing narrowed his eyes, looked at the lake and said, "In fact, the person I want to deceive is not him, nor the civil and military officials of the court. It's just that if I'm acting, I have to do it well. Otherwise, I can't deceive the young man in the south. However, I didn't expect that when I became a dying man, these people in the court became docile. Perhaps they were afraid that I would go crazy before I died, so they restrained their edge and played the role of gentle and loyal ministers in front of me all day long. This should be considered a pleasant surprise."

Tian Jue said with admiration: "Your Majesty is very careful in your calculations. Lu Chen is definitely not your opponent."

As a true loyal minister of Emperor Jing, Tian Jue knew that the emperor's initial injuries were indeed serious. Firstly, the close-range explosion had damaged the emperor's meridians, and secondly, it was the cold caused by the broken iron nails.

Perhaps thanks to God’s blessing, the emperor survived the cold and later repaired his meridians with a perseverance that is unimaginable for ordinary people.

Tian Jue had once protected Emperor Jing when he was practicing martial arts, so he knew how terrible the pain was that was almost heart-wrenching. Every time the emperor finished practicing martial arts, it was like being fished out of the water.

He asked himself countless times that he would not be able to survive that kind of torture.

"Ten steps in one step?"

Emperor Jing couldn't help but chuckle when he heard the rare flattery from his trusted minister. He said slowly, "I am just imitating Li Duan. He used his dying body to give me an unforgettable defeat. Now that I have met a rare warrior like Du Weizheng, how can I not make good use of him? Otherwise, wouldn't I be letting him down?"

Hearing the name Du Weizheng, Tian Jue couldn't help but feel something in his heart and said, "Your Majesty, Lu Chen will definitely try every means to take advantage of your injury."

Emperor Jing nodded and said, "I know what this genius from Southern Qi is planning. He wants to drag me to death on the battlefield, and I will definitely take Qing Yugong with me before I die. Then he will be able to win this national war without any effort."

Tian Jue was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Lu Chen is indeed a leader of the younger generation. He is patient and resolute. However, he is destined to fail this time because of his patience and resoluteness, because this is a trap set by His Majesty, and he has no way to break it."

"It's getting more and more mysterious."

Emperor Jing did not show any smugness on his face. He shook his head and said, "It is obvious that he is good enough, so I have to tell a big lie. But then again, this is just--"

He paused for a moment, a hint of coldness in his eyes, and said softly, "It is impolite not to reciprocate."

(End of this chapter)