Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 656 Attack and Development

Jia Changsheng, wearing armor, sat solemnly in the commander's tent, with his generals sitting on both sides, and the atmosphere was serious and depressing. This time, everyone was called together to discuss the future strategic direction of Goguryeo, whether to continue to attack and expand the territory, or to stop the conquest and focus on developing the existing areas. This issue caused everyone to fall into a fierce debate.

"In my humble opinion, we should seize the opportunity to pursue the enemy! Right now, the morale of our army is high, and the Goguryeo army has suffered setbacks one after another, and its defense line has become loose. If we don't capture their heartland in one fell swoop, and wait for them to catch their breath and recover, it will surely become a problem in the future. Moreover, I see that the people in Goguryeo are in a panic. Although there are city defenses in various places, the troops are scattered. As long as we concentrate our forces to attack key cities, we will be able to make great progress. If we capture their capital, we can completely control Goguryeo, and its rich resources and population can be used by our dynasty. This is an achievement that will last for thousands of years. How can we give up this great opportunity for a moment of peace?" The speaker was the vanguard general Zhao Yong. His face was flushed, his eyes revealed eagerness and desire, his hands were clenched tightly with fists, as if he had already seen the scene of a victorious march.

As soon as Zhao Yong finished speaking, Lieutenant General Qian Wenchen shook his head slightly, bowed his hands and said, "Although what the general said makes sense, it is too aggressive. Our army has been deep in Goguryeo for a long time. Although we have won small victories, the losses are not small. If we continue to attack, the front line will be lengthened and supply will be difficult. Moreover, Goguryeo is a land of mountains and rivers, and its military and civilians have always had a spirit of resistance. If we get into a protracted war, our army will inevitably be exhausted. On the other hand, although the existing occupied areas have been initially determined, the people's hearts are not stable, farmland is abandoned, and trade is stagnant. If we focus our energy on development at this time, appease the people, reclaim wasteland, develop water conservancy, and promote trade, within a few years, this place will become a solid foundation for our dynasty and provide continuous support for subsequent development. As the saying goes, 'You must first stabilize the country before you can resist foreign aggression', and developing the existing land is the strategy to consolidate the foundation." Qian Wenchen had a calm face, his eyes showed deep thought, and he spoke clearly, which caused many generals to nod slightly.

"General Qian, you are afraid of the enemy and are not moving forward!" Zhao Yong was anxious when he heard this. He stood up suddenly and pointed at Qian Wenchen and said loudly, "The opportunity is not to be missed. The Goguryeo people are just a spent force. As long as we move forward bravely, there is no worry that we cannot defeat them. If we stop here and wait for them to recover and reorganize their defense, won't all our previous efforts be in vain? Besides, there is no war without a price. How can a little loss be a reason to retreat?"

Qian Wenchen was not angry when he saw this, but just smiled faintly: "General Zhao, don't be angry. I am not afraid of the enemy, but I am judging the situation. The current situation cannot be solved by simply attacking. Although our army is brave, we cannot ignore the actual situation. Moreover, this development is not easy, and it also takes time and energy. But in the long run, its benefits are far greater than the current siege. Once the existing area prospers, the population grows, and the materials are abundant, it will not only be self-sufficient, but also provide solid backing for the front line. We can build an arsenal here to forge weapons; open a horse farm to breed good horses; recruit local young and strong people to expand the army. In this way, why worry about not being able to defeat Goguryeo? If we attack blindly, once we fail, the consequences will be disastrous."

At this time, the veteran general Sun Decheng spoke slowly: "What you two said has its merits. In my opinion, we might as well take two approaches at the same time. We can send an elite division to continue to carry out harassing attacks on Goguryeo. We do not seek large-scale sieges, but we must make them exhausted and have no time to take care of development. At the same time, withdraw part of the main force and use it to develop existing areas. This will not only maintain military pressure on Goguryeo, but also consolidate our foundation. When the time is right, we will launch an all-out attack and take down Goguryeo in one fell swoop." Sun Decheng's voice was low and hoarse, but it revealed a sense of calmness and majesty. His words made everyone fall into deep thought.

"Although General Sun's plan is brilliant, the troops are dispersed, which may be inappropriate." Zhao Yong frowned and said, "If the attacking division is insufficient, it will be difficult to effectively deter Goguryeo and will be defeated one by one. If the development area is not protected by enough troops, it will be difficult to resist once Goguryeo counterattacks. In my opinion, we should concentrate our forces, attack with all our strength, and fight quickly and decisively."

"General Zhao, war cannot be won by bravery alone." Li Fang, the counselor who had been silent, stood up and gently waved his feather fan. "General Sun's strategy is actually a balancing act. The attacking army can adopt guerrilla tactics, taking advantage of our army's strong mobility, avoiding the strong and attacking the weak, and suddenly attacking their vital points, making it difficult for them to take care of both ends. And in the development area, we can strengthen the construction of fortifications, organize local people to conduct self-defense training, and with the support of the main force, it will be enough to deal with Goguryeo's counterattack. Moreover, we develop the area not only for the current war, but also for long-term rule in the future. Only when the local people can live and work in peace and contentment will they truly support us, and such land can truly become our territory."

Everyone was arguing, but Jia Changsheng just listened quietly without saying a word. He was weighing the pros and cons in his mind. Attacking meant quick victory and glory, but the risk was huge; developing, though seemingly slow, would lay a solid foundation for the future. After a long time, he slowly stood up, and the tent suddenly became quiet, with everyone's eyes focused on him.

"Generals and counselors, today's words are all for the future of our army, and I am deeply gratified." Jia Changsheng's voice was steady and firm. "The matter of Goguryeo is of great importance and cannot be decided rashly. I think we can first send spies into Goguryeo to find out the details of its troop deployment, public opinion, and material reserves. At the same time, organize some troops to conduct small-scale development pilot projects in existing areas to accumulate experience. When the intelligence is complete, we will formulate a comprehensive strategy based on the actual situation. Whether it is attacking or developing, we must know ourselves and the enemy, and make plans before taking action. This battle is not only for the expansion of our territory, but also for the life and death of thousands of soldiers and the long-term stability of our dynasty."

Jia Changsheng's words gradually calmed the impetuous spirit in everyone's hearts, and they all nodded in agreement. The debate about the future of Goguryeo came to an end for the time being, but everyone knew that the real decision had not yet come, and the challenges they were about to face had just begun.

The atmosphere in the main account was solemn. Jia Changsheng sat at the head of the table, looking at the map on the table with a cold gaze. The winding mountains, rivers and city markings seemed to tell the changes that were about to unfold on this land. The generals and counselors sat on both sides. Although their expressions were different, they could all feel the tension and expectation in the air. This meeting would determine their next key layout on this battlefield.

"Marshal, in my opinion, the most urgent task is to launch an all-out attack on Goguryeo's northern coastal area. Our army has already begun to show an advantage on the southern front and morale is high. If we press on and attack directly at their vital points in the north, Goguryeo will be caught in a dilemma and the outcome can be decided in one battle!" The first to speak was the vanguard general Liu Meng. He stood up suddenly, clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with a fiery fighting spirit, and his voice echoed in the tent like a bell, as if victory was already waving before their eyes.

As soon as Liu Meng finished speaking, a low murmur of discussion sounded in the tent. The counselor Wang Tao shook his head slightly, coughed lightly, and then bowed his hands and said, "General Liu is brave, but this move may be inappropriate. Our army has been deep in the heart of Goguryeo for a long time. Although we have won a small victory, the supply line has been stretched too long and the soldiers are also tired. Moreover, the terrain of the northern coastal area is dangerous, and Goguryeo must be heavily defended. Under a strong attack, the outcome is unpredictable. On the other hand, in the rear of our army, the people's hearts are not attached to the newly occupied areas, and the economy is declining. If we do not manage and develop them at this time, there may be civil unrest. The most urgent task should be to leave enough troops to consolidate the rear, develop production, stabilize the people's hearts, and plan for the long term." Wang Tao has a thin face, and his eyes reveal the calmness and wisdom of a counselor. He speaks slowly and clearly, which makes many generals fall into deep thought. "What Advisor Wang said is too conservative!" Liu Meng frowned and raised his voice to retort, "Speed ​​is of the essence in war. Now Goguryeo is at the end of its strength. If we don't take advantage of this opportunity to take it down in one fell swoop and wait for it to recover and reorganize its defense line, wouldn't our previous sacrifices be in vain? Besides, war is an adventure. How can we shrink back because of a few difficulties? As for the rear, we only need to leave a small number of troops to maintain order. How can we miss the opportunity because of a small risk?" Liu Meng was very emotional, his cheeks flushed slightly, and he was obviously very dissatisfied with Wang Tao's point of view.

"General Liu, don't worry, and listen to me." Veteran Zhao Hong spoke calmly, his voice carrying the majesty of years. "What Advisor Wang said is not without reason. Our army has been fighting for many years, and we are well aware of the importance of logistical support and the will of the people. If the rear is unstable, the morale of the army in the front will be uneasy. But General Liu's enterprising spirit cannot be ignored. The coastal area in the north of Goguryeo is rich in resources. If it can be conquered, it will be a great help to our army. In my opinion, we might as well adopt a compromise strategy, leaving some troops to develop the rear, and at the same time strengthen the defense in the direction of the island country to prevent them from taking advantage of the fire. The other part of the troops will continue to keep pressure on the northern part of Goguryeo, adopt guerrilla tactics, harass its border, and look for opportunities to act. There is no need to rush to attack. Wait until the foundation in the rear is stable, and then advance with all your strength. This way you can be sure that there will be no mistakes." Zhao Hong's suggestion eased the atmosphere in the tent a little. Many people began to whisper to each other and weigh the pros and cons.

"What General Zhao said seems comprehensive, but in fact it is too slow." The young general Lin Yu suddenly stood up and clasped his fists, saying, "The situation is changing rapidly now, and there are conflicts within Goguryeo. If we don't attack quickly, once they reconcile internally and unite to fight against our army, the situation will become more complicated. I would like to lead an elite force and go straight to the coastal area in the north of Goguryeo. With the spirit and excellent equipment of our army, we will be able to tear open its defense line and open up a way for the subsequent army. As for the development in the rear, we can recruit local people to assist and fight to support the war. This will not only speed up the development, but also make the people feel at home. Isn't it killing two birds with one stone?" Lin Yu's posture was upright, his eyes showed the spirit of a newborn calf who is not afraid of a tiger, and his words were full of confidence and courage.

Seeing this, Wang Tao retorted again: "General Lin's courage is commendable, but this move is too risky. The coastal area in the north of Goguryeo is heavily defended, how can it be easily broken through? Moreover, the local people have experienced wars for a long time and are suspicious of our army. How can they easily assist? Once the attack is blocked and we are surrounded, our army will suffer heavy losses. Marshal, you must be careful in making decisions!" Wang Tao spoke earnestly and looked at Jia Changsheng, hoping that he could weigh the pros and cons and make a wise choice.

Jia Changsheng remained silent, listening to the arguments of the crowd, but in his mind he was quickly weighing the pros and cons of various plans. Attacking the coastal area in northern Goguryeo might win the game in one fell swoop, but the risk was huge. If it failed, the consequences would be disastrous. While fully developing the rear would consolidate the foundation, it might also miss the opportunity to fight, giving Goguryeo a chance to catch its breath. As for the threat of the island country, it should not be underestimated. If the rear was invaded by it, it would be in a dilemma of being attacked from both sides.

After pondering for a long time, Jia Changsheng finally raised his head and glanced at everyone with a firm gaze: "Everyone, what you said today is all for the sake of our army's cause. I am deeply pleased. After careful consideration, I decided to adopt a strategy of moving forward in parallel." Upon hearing this, everyone pricked up their ears and listened attentively to what followed.

"Liu Meng, Lin Yu, listen to my order!" Jia Changsheng's voice suddenly rose. "You two will each lead a group of elite troops to form a vanguard army to launch a feint attack on the coastal area in northern Goguryeo. We don't seek to occupy the land by force, but to disturb their morale, explore their strengths and weaknesses, find their defensive weaknesses, and at the same time tie down their forces so that they cannot fully respond to our actions in other directions. Remember, don't rush in too deep. Once you encounter obstacles, retreat immediately to preserve your strength."

"I obey your command!" Liu Meng and Lin Yu responded in unison, their eyes gleaming with excitement. Although they had not received the order to launch an all-out attack, being able to attack first was also what they hoped for.

"Zhao Hong, Wang Tao, listen up!" Jia Changsheng then looked at the veteran general and the counselor, "You two will be responsible for the development and defense of the rear area. General Zhao will lead most of the main force to build fortifications in the rear area, strengthen defense, organize the people to reclaim wasteland, resume production, and train new soldiers. We must make the rear area prosperous and stable in the shortest possible time. Counselor Wang will assist General Zhao in formulating development plans and coordinating resources from all parties. At the same time, he will keep a close eye on the movements of the island countries and strengthen intelligence collection. If there are any unusual movements, timely warnings will be issued to ensure the safety of the rear area."

"I obey your command!" Zhao Hong and Wang Tao looked at each other and saw solemnity and determination in each other's eyes. They knew that this task was a heavy responsibility and dared not slack off in the slightest.

"The rest of the generals, lead your troops and wait for deployment." Jia Changsheng continued to deploy, "While building the vanguard army and the rear, we must strengthen the communication and cooperation between the various departments to form an organic whole. The intelligence department must do its best to collect information from all parties and transmit it in a timely manner so that our army can quickly make adjustments according to the battlefield situation. This battle is related to the survival of our army and the honor and disgrace of the country. I hope you will work together to overcome the difficulties!"

Jia Changsheng's deployment lifted the atmosphere in the tent. All the generals stood up, clasped their fists and accepted the order, their eyes full of firm belief in the future war. Although the road ahead is still full of dangers, the clear strategic direction gives them confidence and a goal to strive for. This strategic discussion on the development of Goguryeo and the rear finally came to an end under Jia Changsheng's decision, and a thrilling war is about to begin slowly on this land...

(End of this chapter)