Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 680 Jia Changsheng’s New Goal

"Someone, tell Zhou Meng and Chen Yuan to come into the palace!" Jia Changsheng suddenly shouted loudly.

Soon, Zhou Meng and Chen Yuan hurried over. After entering the study, they bowed respectfully to Jia Changsheng.

"Your Majesty, why have you called us here?" Zhou Meng asked first.

Jia Changsheng pointed to the information on the desk and said, "Although the Great Sui has just been established, the surrounding countries are eyeing us covetously. I have been thinking about what we should do next. The Great Yuan and the Great Qing border our Great Sui and pose the greatest threat to us. I intend to take action against one of them first. What do you think?"

Zhou Meng pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, if we want to use force, the Yuan cavalry is indeed a formidable enemy. However, their army is mainly composed of cavalry, which is highly mobile but slightly lacks in attacking cities. The Eight Banners Army of the Qing Dynasty is also brave and good at fighting, and its army is highly organized and disciplined. However, no matter which country we attack, we need to be fully prepared."

Chen Yuan continued, "Your Majesty, I think we cannot just consider it from a military perspective. The Yuan Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty have their own characteristics in politics, economy, and diplomacy. The Yuan Dynasty has a far-reaching influence on the grasslands. If we attack rashly, it may cause a joint resistance from other grassland tribes. The Qing Dynasty has inextricable ties with some neighboring countries. Once a war breaks out, we must also consider whether other countries will take the opportunity to intervene."

Jia Changsheng nodded slightly and said, "What you said makes sense. But I think we can't just passively defend ourselves all the time. If we don't take the initiative, we will be annexed by these countries sooner or later. I have made up my mind to attack the Yuan Dynasty first."

"Your Majesty is wise!" Zhou Meng and Chen Yuan said in unison.

"However, before we attack the Yuan Dynasty, we need to do a lot of preparations." Jia Changsheng continued, "Zhou Meng, you are responsible for reorganizing the navy and the army, strengthening training, and improving the combat effectiveness of the army. At the same time, start to study the tactics to deal with the Yuan Dynasty's iron cavalry."

"I obey your order!" Zhou Meng said.

"Chen Yuan, you are responsible for preparing food and supplies to ensure logistical supply during the war. You must also pay close attention to the movements of various countries, especially the Qing Dynasty, to prevent them from taking the opportunity to launch a sneak attack when we attack the Yuan Dynasty." Jia Changsheng said to Chen Yuan again.

"I understand, and I will do my best!" Chen Yuan replied.

Jia Changsheng discussed some details with them, such as how to take advantage of the terrain, how to divide the allies of the Yuan Dynasty, etc. After the discussion, Zhou Meng and Chen Yuan left, and Jia Changsheng was alone in the study, and began to carefully plan the upcoming war.

He knew that it would be no easy task to attack the Yuan Dynasty, and that it would be a battle of life and death for the Sui Dynasty. But he had a firm belief and determination, and believed that with the bravery and wisdom of the Sui soldiers, he would surely win.

In the following days, the Sui Empire was in a state of busyness. Zhou Meng personally led the soldiers in training. Whether it was scorching sun or biting cold wind, the soldiers could be seen training hard on the training ground. He also summoned the military counselors and generals to study the tactics against the Yuan cavalry. Based on the characteristics of the Yuan cavalry, they formulated a series of combat plans, such as using powerful crossbows and firearms to attack from a distance and setting traps to hinder the cavalry's charge.

Chen Yuan rushed around to allocate food and supplies. He personally went to warehouses in various places to check the storage of supplies and ensure that every material was sufficient and of high quality. At the same time, he also sent a large number of spies to closely monitor the movements of the Yuan Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty and other countries.

Jia Changsheng would listen to Zhou Meng and Chen Yuan's reports every day and adjust the plan in a timely manner according to the situation. He also went to the military camp in person to boost the morale of the soldiers.

"Soldiers, our Great Sui Empire has just been established and is facing many challenges. The Yuan Dynasty is eyeing us covetously and trying to invade our territory. But I believe that you are all warriors of my Great Sui Dynasty, with fearless courage and great strength. As long as we work together, we will be able to defeat the Yuan Dynasty and defend our homeland!" Jia Changsheng said loudly while standing on the high podium.

The soldiers shouted in unison: "Defeat the Yuan Dynasty! Defend our homeland!" The sound resounded through the sky and morale reached its peak.

As time went by, the Sui Dynasty was gradually preparing to attack the Yuan Dynasty. However, at this time, the Yuan Dynasty suddenly made new moves. They seemed to have noticed the Sui Dynasty's intentions and began to send more troops to the border areas to strengthen defense.

"Your Majesty, the Yuan Dynasty has already taken precautions. Should we change our plan?" After Zhou Meng learned the news, he hurried into the palace to report to Jia Changsheng.

Jia Changsheng frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "The Yuan Dynasty's reinforcements show that they have realized our threat. But this does not mean that we have to give up. I believe that as long as we are well prepared and have the right tactics, we will be able to break through their defenses."

"But, Your Majesty, once the Yuan Dynasty's defense is strengthened, our attack will become much more difficult," Zhou Meng said worriedly.

"I know." Jia Changsheng said, "But we can't retreat just because of difficulties. After you go back, continue to improve the battle plan, especially for the situation after the Yuan Dynasty strengthened its defense. I believe that you will be able to find a way to break through."

"I obey your order!" Although Zhou Meng was still worried, he plucked up the courage when he saw Jia Changsheng's determined eyes.

After Zhou Meng returned to the military camp, he discussed with his advisers and generals day and night, constantly revising the battle plan. They carefully studied the terrain and defense layout of the Yuan Dynasty border and finally found a breakthrough.

"Your Majesty, we discovered that the Yuan Dynasty's defenses in a valley on the border are relatively weak. Although the terrain there is dangerous, as long as we can cleverly use the terrain and send out an elite force for a raid, we may be able to break through their defenses." Zhou Meng went into the palace again to report to Jia Changsheng.

After hearing this, Jia Changsheng's eyes flashed with excitement: "Okay, this plan is good. However, the raiding troops must be selected from the most elite soldiers to ensure that there is no room for error."

"I have already selected them. They are all elites in the army." Zhou Meng said.

"Very good." Jia Changsheng said, "The time of the attack is set for three days. During these three days, you must continue to prepare and keep it secret. Don't let the Yuan Dynasty notice our actions."

"I understand!" Zhou Meng took the order and left.

In the next three days, the Sui army was making final preparations in an intense and orderly manner. Soldiers cleaned their weapons and checked their equipment, and everyone's heart was filled with anticipation and nervousness.

Finally, the day of the attack arrived. Night fell and everything was silent. Under the cover of darkness, a raiding force of 500 elite soldiers quietly marched towards the valley on the border of the Yuan Dynasty. They were dressed in black night clothes and moved quickly and agilely, like ghosts. When they arrived near the valley, they found that the Yuan Dynasty's defenders were indeed lax in defense as the intelligence said. The soldiers carefully entered the valley and suddenly launched an attack. The Yuan Dynasty's defenders were caught off guard by this sudden attack and immediately fell into chaos.

The raiding troops took the opportunity to quickly break through the valley's defenses, opening a passage for the follow-up large army. Zhou Meng led the main force of the Sui Dynasty and poured into the Yuan Dynasty like a tide. A fierce war began.

Jia Changsheng was in the capital, anxiously waiting for news from the front. He knew that the outcome of this war would directly affect the future of the Sui Dynasty. He prayed silently, hoping that the Sui Dynasty's soldiers would be able to win the battle.

The night was as dark as ink in the border town of the Yuan Dynasty, and everything was silent. The army of the Great Sui Dynasty was like a divine army descending from the sky. Under the careful deployment of Jia Changsheng, they took advantage of the night to launch a lightning attack on the border town of the Great Yuan Dynasty. The defenders of the Great Yuan Dynasty were still immersed in their dreams and had no time to make an effective resistance. Before the beacon fire on the city wall was lit, the soldiers of the Great Sui Dynasty had already poured into the city like a tide. The shouts of killing and the collision of weapons instantly broke the tranquility of the night. The soldiers of the Great Yuan Dynasty rushed to fight in panic, but everything was too late.

In just one night, this once solid border town of the Yuan Dynasty was taken over by the Sui Dynasty. The people in the city hid in their homes in fear, watching the soldiers in Sui uniforms marching through the streets through the cracks in the doors and windows. The flags of the Sui Dynasty fluttered high on the city walls, announcing the victory of this battle.

Jia Changsheng rode a tall horse and slowly entered the city. His eyes were cold and majestic as he scanned the newly conquered city. "Calm the people and do not disturb them." He gave the order softly. Although his voice was not loud, it revealed an unquestionable majesty.

"Yes, sir!" The generals around him responded in unison, and then quickly arranged for the soldiers to take action.

Just as Jia Changsheng was preparing to further expand his victory and march into the heartland of the Yuan Dynasty, an urgent war report was like a heavy bomb, breaking his plan. "Your Majesty, something bad has happened! The pirates of the island country colluded with the Japanese pirates and attacked our fleet of the Sui Dynasty!" A messenger ran to Jia Changsheng breathlessly, knelt on one knee, and presented the war report with both hands.

Jia Changsheng's face suddenly turned gloomy. He took the battle report and quickly read it, with a flash of anger in his eyes. "How dare these damned island bandits sneak attack our Sui fleet at this time!" He gritted his teeth and said.

After thinking for a while, Jia Changsheng made a decision: "Send the order to stop the attack on Yuan Dynasty and temporarily station the whole army here. Gather all the generals immediately. I want to discuss countermeasures."

"Yes, sir!" The messenger took the order and quickly retreated.

Soon, the generals of the Great Sui gathered in the meeting hall of the border town. The atmosphere in the hall was solemn, and everyone's face was filled with worry.

Jia Changsheng sat in the main seat, his eyes slowly swept over everyone, and said: "I believe everyone has already known that the pirates and Japanese pirates from the island country attacked our fleet of the Great Sui Dynasty. I will never swallow this breath. I have called everyone together today to discuss how to deal with this matter."

At this time, the admiral Zhou Meng stood up and said angrily: "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the navy and go out immediately to crush those island bandits and avenge our Sui fleet!"

Jia Changsheng nodded slightly and said, "I understand your feelings, Lord Zhou. But we can't act rashly. The island country is located overseas, the terrain is complex, and pirates and Japanese pirates are always cunning. We must make a careful plan."

At this time, the counselor Chen Yuan also stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I think we must first understand the situation of the island countries, including their military deployment, the location of the pirates and Japanese pirates' nests, etc. Only by knowing ourselves and the enemy can we win every battle."

After thinking for a moment, Jia Changsheng said, "Minister Chen is right. I will leave this matter to Minister Chen. Send spies to the island country as soon as possible to collect intelligence."

"I obey your order!" Chen Yuan said.

Then, a general named Li Yong said, "Your Majesty, I think we need to strengthen our own defense before we send out troops. The fact that the island nation was able to attack our fleet shows that there are loopholes in our maritime defense. We should strengthen the fortifications in the coastal areas and increase patrol ships to prevent them from attacking again."

Jia Changsheng nodded in agreement: "Li Aiqing is right. This matter will be handed over to you. Immediately start strengthening coastal defenses."

"I will do my best!" said Li Yong.

At this time, another general, Zhang Wu, expressed a different opinion: "Your Majesty, I think we cannot just passively defend. We should take the initiative to attack and give the island bandits a warning. I suggest that we can first send a small force to harass the coastal areas of the island country, disrupt their deployment, and at the same time test their strength."

After hearing this, Jia Changsheng did not express his opinion immediately, but fell into deep thought. He knew that war was a matter of life and death for the country, and any decision must be made with caution.

After a while, Jia Changsheng said, "Zhang Aiqing's suggestion makes sense. However, we cannot attack blindly. Before sending a small force, we must wait for Chen Aiqing to collect enough intelligence. Only in this way can we be targeted."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

At this time, Zhou Meng said: "Your Majesty, I have another concern. Although our navy has certain advantages in near-shore operations, we are still relatively inexperienced in ocean operations. Moreover, our warships may not be as good as those pirates and Japanese pirates who have been active at sea for a long time in terms of long-distance navigation performance and weapon equipment."

Jia Changsheng frowned slightly and said, "What Minister Zhou said is exactly what I am worried about. We must solve these problems as soon as possible. From now on, we will increase investment in the navy, improve the design of warships, and enhance their long-distance performance and weapon equipment. At the same time, we will strengthen the training of the navy, especially the training for ocean-going operations."

"I obey your order!" Zhou Meng said.

Then, everyone started an in-depth discussion on how to form an expeditionary force and how to solve the problems of logistics supply. Everyone expressed their opinions and the atmosphere was lively.

After a heated discussion, a preliminary response plan was gradually formed: First, Chen Yuan was responsible for sending spies to the island country to collect intelligence; Li Yong was responsible for strengthening coastal defense; Zhou Meng was responsible for increasing the investment and training of the navy, and at the same time began to prepare for the establishment of an expeditionary force. After the intelligence was collected, it would be decided whether to send a small force to harass and when to launch a large-scale attack based on the actual situation.

(End of this chapter)