Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 659 Attack Which
Advisor Xu Wenyuan nodded and continued, "General Chen is right. From a political perspective, Goguryeo has always attempted to establish hegemony in the Northeast and boss around small countries. If we successfully conquer Goguryeo, we can establish prestige in Northeast Asia and attract other small countries to join us, thus consolidating our dominant position in the region. In addition, the domestic political situation in Goguryeo is not stable, and the nobles are fighting for power. We can take advantage of their internal conflicts to divide and disintegrate them, making the attack easier."

Vanguard officer Zhao Yunfei stood up and put forward a different point of view: "Marshal, I think it is more strategically significant to attack the island country. The island country is surrounded by the sea and seems isolated, but in fact it has rich fishery resources and maritime trade routes. In today's era, the importance of the ocean is becoming increasingly prominent. If we can occupy the island country, we can use it as a base to control the surrounding waters, vigorously develop maritime trade, and enhance the country's economic strength. Moreover, there is a vast ocean between the island country and our mainland. Although this increases the difficulty of attack, it also provides us with a natural defense barrier. Once we successfully occupy it, we can build it into a solid maritime fortress to resist threats from the sea. Moreover, as far as I know, the island country's metallurgical technology and shipbuilding technology are quite advanced. If we can bring it under our command, our weapons and equipment manufacturing and naval construction will be greatly improved."

The young strategist Li Ming also stood up and supported Zhao Yunfei's point of view: "Marshal, from a long-term perspective, attacking the island country is in our national interest. As time goes by, maritime trade will become the key to national prosperity. If we can take the lead in laying out at sea and occupy the important node of the island country, we will be able to take the initiative in future international trade. In addition, the culture and technology of the island country are also unique. We can promote domestic cultural prosperity and technological progress through exchanges and integration."

Wang Meng, the deputy general in charge of military deployment, fell into deep thought. After a moment, he slowly said, "Marshal, from a military perspective, attacking Goguryeo and island countries each have their own advantages and disadvantages. When attacking Goguryeo, our army can play the greatest advantage. Our cavalry is experienced in plain and mountain warfare, and the border area is close to our military strongholds, so logistical supplies can be effectively guaranteed. However, the Goguryeo army is not vulnerable. They are good at mountain defense and have strong castles and fortresses. We may encounter stubborn resistance during the attack and fall into a protracted war. When attacking island countries, the biggest challenge we face is cross-sea operations. This requires a strong naval force as support. Although our current navy has certain strength, there are still certain risks in transporting a large number of army troops and ensuring their landing on the enemy's coast. In addition, the terrain of island countries is mostly mountainous and has a narrow coastline, making landing operations difficult. Once the landing troops cannot quickly establish a beachhead, they may fall into a dangerous situation of being divided and surrounded by the enemy."

The logistics officer Qian Fu said with a worried look on his face: "Marshal, logistics support is the key factor in determining the outcome of a war. If we attack Goguryeo, our supply line is relatively short, but Goguryeo is mountainous and the roads are rugged, making it difficult to transport supplies. Moreover, during the war, the enemy may destroy our supply line, and we need to invest a large number of troops to protect it. If we attack an island country, the difficulty of logistics support will increase exponentially. We need to supply supplies through long sea transport lines, which not only requires a large number of ships, but also faces many risks such as sea waves and pirate attacks. Once the sea supply line is cut off, the landing troops will be in a desperate situation."

Old Master Chen Xue had been listening silently, and now he spoke: "Marshal, whether we attack Goguryeo or the island country, we must consider the issues of cultural integration and governance after the war. Goguryeo is similar to us in culture and language, so it is relatively easier to govern. We can promote the policy of sinicization, promote ethnic integration, and incorporate it into our cultural system. The culture of the island country is unique and quite different from ours. If we want to achieve effective governance, we need to respect their cultural traditions and adopt a relatively mild governance method. Otherwise, it will easily provoke resistance from the local people and fall into long-term turmoil."

Intelligence officer Sun Hai frowned and said worriedly: "Marshal, intelligence is also a factor we need to consider. At present, we have relatively more intelligence about Goguryeo. We have a certain degree of understanding of their military deployment, troop size, domestic political situation, etc. This helps us formulate targeted combat plans and reduce the risk of war. However, we still have many deficiencies in intelligence about the island country. The island country is far overseas, and it is difficult for our intelligence personnel to infiltrate it. Our understanding of its military strength, fortifications, domestic situation, etc. is not deep and accurate enough. If we attack rashly under such circumstances, we may fall into a passive position on the battlefield."

Everyone held their own views, and the debate became increasingly heated. The generals who supported attacking Goguryeo emphasized the urgency of geopolitics and the superiority of the army, while those who preferred to attack the island countries focused on marine development and long-term interests. Both sides argued with each other and refused to give in.

Chen Batian said excitedly: "We must first take down Goguryeo and eliminate the immediate threat, then we can develop with peace of mind. If we attack the island country instead of the near one, Goguryeo will take advantage of the opportunity and we will be attacked from both sides!"

Zhao Yunfei retorted: "Opportunities are rare and will never come back. Island countries are rich in resources and have huge development potential. If we miss this opportunity, we may fall behind in future ocean competition."

For a moment, the atmosphere in the tent was tense, and everyone's eyes were on Jia Changsheng, waiting for him to make the final decision.

Jia Changsheng listened to the debate quietly, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. He knew that this decision concerned the fate and future of the country and must be made with great caution. After a long while, he slowly stood up and looked at everyone with a firm gaze.

"What you said makes sense. Attacking Goguryeo can solve the immediate crisis and expand the northern territory; attacking the island country can plan for long-term development and control maritime hegemony. But after careful consideration, I decided that we should attack Goguryeo first. Goguryeo borders us and its threat is imminent. For many years, their harassment has made our border people miserable. If we don't eradicate them in time, it will be difficult for us to develop the domestic economy and consolidate our regime with peace of mind. Moreover, we have a relatively complete grasp of the intelligence on Goguryeo, which provides strong support for our operations. Although there may be difficulties in the attack, we will definitely conquer it with our strength and the bravery of our soldiers. As for the island country, it has great development potential and we will definitely not let it go in the future. But at present, our naval power is not strong enough, and the risk of cross-sea operations is too high. We need time to develop the navy and strengthen our maritime combat capabilities. After we pacify Goguryeo and stabilize the situation in the north, we will make every effort to build the navy, march eastward, and conquer the island country."

After hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Jia Changsheng's decision took into account both the current actual situation and long-term development, giving everyone a clear strategic direction.

Seeing that everyone had reached a consensus, Jia Changsheng began to carry out the follow-up deployment in an orderly manner. "Now that the strategic direction has been determined, we must start preparing immediately. General Chen Batian, you will be responsible for selecting elite army troops and conducting targeted mountain combat training. You must be familiar with the terrain and combat characteristics of Goguryeo."

"Yes, Marshal!" Chen Batian accepted the order.

"General Wang Meng, you are responsible for formulating a detailed battle plan. Combined with our intelligence on Goguryeo, you will plan the marching route, attack nodes, and troop deployment."

"Yes, Marshal!" Wang Meng answered firmly.

"Qian Fu, logistical support is crucial. You must ensure adequate supplies, plan supply routes in advance, and strengthen protection for the transport team."

"Don't worry, Marshal. I will do my best!" Qian Fu promised.

"Xu Wenyuan, Li Ming, you two will be in charge of intelligence work. Continue to collect in-depth intelligence on Goguryeo, especially their military movements and changes in defense deployment, to provide timely and accurate information support for our operations."

"Yes, Marshal!" the two counselors responded in unison.

Jia Changsheng finally emphasized: "This attack on Goguryeo is related to the rise and fall of the country, and we must go all out. The soldiers fought bloody battles, and the people are looking forward to it. We must not let them down. I believe that with everyone's joint efforts, we will definitely be able to win!"

"We are willing to serve you, the commander, and fight for our country!" Everyone shouted in unison, and the sound resounded throughout the central army tent, full of determination to win. Under the leadership of Jia Changsheng, the army is about to embark on a new journey, heading towards Goguryeo, and starting a new legend.

After making the strategic decision to attack Goguryeo, Jia Changsheng quickly plunged into the intense pre-war preparations. On this day, the atmosphere in the central army tent was serious, and the generals and counselors gathered again. Jia Changsheng stood in front of a huge military map, his eyes slowly moving across the territory of Goguryeo, and finally locked onto the northern region.

"Goguryeo has a complex terrain and many fortified cities. We cannot attack blindly. After careful consideration, I decided to explore the twelve cities in the north first, especially Jinsan City. This city has a key geographical location. Taking it will have a great impact on the subsequent battle situation." Jia Changsheng turned around and glanced at everyone. "This exploration mission is arduous and is related to the success or failure of the entire combat plan. Do you have any suitable candidates to recommend?"

There was a brief silence in the tent. After a moment, Deputy General Wang Meng stepped forward, cupped his hands and said, "General, I recommend Zhao Yong. He has been active in the border area of ​​Goguryeo and is quite familiar with the local terrain and customs. He is also meticulous and decisive, and will definitely complete the task well." Jia Changsheng nodded slightly, with a hint of recognition in his eyes: "Zhao Yong... I remember this person, he is indeed a suitable candidate."

At this time, Chen Batian also added: "Marshal, Zhao Yong has several capable assistants around him. They work well together. If we go together, they will be able to take care of each other."

"Okay, then order Zhao Yong to come see me immediately." Jia Changsheng made a prompt decision.

Soon, Zhao Yong hurried into the tent and knelt on one knee: "General, I obey your orders!"

Jia Changsheng looked at the agile and determined young general in front of him, and said in a deep voice: "Zhao Yong, this time I have an extremely important mission for you. You need to lead your men to sneak into the northern part of Goguryeo and conduct a detailed investigation of the twelve cities, especially the three cities of Jin. I want to know all the key information such as the deployment of troops in the city, city defense fortifications, food and grass reserves, and the surrounding terrain."

Zhao Yong raised his head, his eyes showing determination: "Don't worry, Marshal, I will definitely fulfill my mission!"

"This journey is full of dangers, so don't take it lightly. Try to avoid exposing your whereabouts. Once discovered, immediately look for a chance to evacuate," Jia Changsheng warned.

"Yes!" After receiving the order, Zhao Yong quickly retreated and prepared to set off.

At the same time, in the big tent, Jia Changsheng continued to discuss subsequent battle plans with the generals.

"If the intelligence Zhao Yong brings back shows that Jinsan City can be attacked, we must attack quickly with lightning speed. General Chen Batian, the cavalry under your command is the most elite. At that time, you will lead the vanguard troops and be responsible for breaking through the defense line of Jinsan City." Jia Changsheng said.

Chen Batian clasped his fists and accepted the order: "I will definitely charge in the front and open a path for the army!"

"General Wang Meng, you are responsible for formulating detailed siege strategies and flexibly adjusting the battle plan based on the intelligence brought back by Zhao Yong. The preparation of siege equipment must be accelerated to ensure that there are no mistakes." Jia Changsheng looked at Wang Meng.

Wang Meng nodded: "Don't worry, Marshal. The siege equipment is being manufactured and debugged at an accelerated pace. I will also formulate the best plan based on the intelligence at any time."

"Qian Fu, logistical support is crucial. Food, arrows, weapons and other supplies must be prepared in advance in sufficient quantities to ensure a continuous supply to the front line." Jia Changsheng said to the logistics officer Qian Fu again.

Qian Fu quickly responded, "Marshal, I have arranged for people to collect supplies everywhere and will prepare them before the war."

A few days later, Zhao Yong and his party disguised themselves as ordinary merchants, drove a carriage full of goods, and slowly headed towards the border of Goguryeo. Along the way, they were careful to avoid the patrol soldiers of Goguryeo as much as possible.

When they arrived at the border checkpoint, the Goguryeo soldiers at the checkpoint conducted a very strict inspection. Although Zhao Yong was nervous, he appeared calm and handed over the customs clearance documents and some property that he had prepared long ago with a smile.

"Comrades, we are just doing a small business to make a living. We hope you can give us a favor." Zhao Yong said with a smile on his face.

The leading Goguryeo soldier took the document, flipped through it casually, looked at the carriage and the people, and seeing nothing unusual, he took the money and property, waved his hand and let them go.

After successfully passing the checkpoint, Zhao Yong and his team breathed a sigh of relief and continued to move deeper into the northern part of Goguryeo. Along the way, they skillfully communicated with the local people and collected various intelligence.

After several days of trekking, they finally arrived near Jinsan City. In order not to arouse suspicion, they settled down in a remote village several miles away from the city.

Every day, Zhao Yong would send his men to approach Jinsancheng in disguises of different identities to conduct investigations. Some would pretend to be woodcutters and observe the city defense works in the forest outside the city; others would pretend to be peddlers and keep an eye on the soldiers coming in and out near the city gate.

After several days of careful exploration, Zhao Yong had a more comprehensive understanding of the situation in Jinsan City. There were about 5,000 defenders stationed in the city, led by a general named Park Sung-woo. The city defenses were relatively solid, with tall and thick walls and multiple watchtowers and arrow towers. The city gates were heavily guarded, and patrols would go out of the city every once in a while for inspection.

(End of this chapter)