Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 682 New Goals

After a whole day of fierce fighting, the Sui army and navy achieved a major victory. At sea, the Sui navy severely damaged the island navy, sank a large number of enemy warships, and annihilated the enemy's manpower. On land, the army led by Chen Wu successfully captured the island army's stronghold and eliminated the enemy entrenched along the coast.

When Jia Changsheng learned of the victory from the front, he was very pleased. He rewarded the soldiers of the navy and the army, praising them for their outstanding military achievements for the Sui Dynasty. This victory not only protected the sea borders of the Sui Dynasty and the peace of the people, but also established the prestige of the newly established Sui Empire in the international community, making other countries dare not easily provoke the Sui Dynasty.

However, Jia Changsheng was not satisfied with this. He knew that in order to ensure the long-term stability of the Great Sui Empire, the country's strength and national defense construction must be continuously strengthened. Therefore, he ordered the construction of more fortifications in coastal areas, strengthened the training of the navy and the army, and actively developed the domestic economy and culture, laying a solid foundation for the prosperity of the Great Sui.

Under the leadership of Jia Changsheng, the Sui Empire gradually became prosperous and strong. This battle with the island army has become a glorious chapter in the history of the Sui Dynasty and is still praised today.

In the court of the Great Sui Empire, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Inside the huge palace, there were carved beams and painted buildings, and rows of tall pillars seemed to be a symbol of the majesty of the empire. Today, Jia Changsheng, who had just won a brilliant victory in annihilating the island nation's navy, sat on the dragon throne with a serious and deep expression. His eyes slowly swept over the neatly arranged civil and military ministers in his palace, thinking about the next strategic direction of the empire.

"My dear ministers, now the navy of our Great Sui has completely annihilated the invading army of that island country, and the people along the coast have temporarily gained peace. However, the island country is still determined to cause trouble, and although it has suffered a heavy blow this time, it will definitely cause trouble in the future. I have summoned you all today to discuss whether our Great Sui should take advantage of the victory and directly attack the island country to eliminate future troubles." Jia Changsheng's voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the empty court.

As soon as these words came out, the court immediately started to discuss. Most of the military generals were eager to fight, with excitement in their eyes. They were eager to continue to make achievements on the battlefield and expand the territory for the Sui Dynasty. However, the civil officials frowned and looked worried. They paid more attention to the stability and long-term development of the country and were worried about the rash action of attacking the island country.

At this time, a burly, bearded general strode out of the ranks. It was the naval marshal Lin Yuan who had made great achievements in this naval battle. He knelt on one knee and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, I think the most urgent task is to attack the island country. Our Great Sui navy has won a great victory this time, and the morale is high. The soldiers are eager to pursue the victory and flatten the island country in one fell swoop. The island country is just a tiny place. Now that its navy has been destroyed by our army, the people in the country must be panicked and the defense is empty. If we send troops at this time, our army will be able to break through and incorporate it into the territory of our Great Sui. In this way, not only can we eliminate future hidden dangers, but also add endless wealth and resources to our Great Sui. I hope Your Majesty will make a decision as soon as possible. I am willing to lead the navy to charge for Your Majesty!"

Lin Yuan's words were passionate, and many generals nodded in agreement. They shouted "We are willing to serve Your Majesty", and for a moment, the court was filled with an exciting fighting atmosphere.

However, Prime Minister Li Xian, who was standing by, shook his head slightly, stepped forward, and said with his hands folded: "Your Majesty, I think this matter needs to be considered in the long run. Our Great Sui has just been established. Although we have achieved a series of military victories, there are still many things to be done and the people's livelihood needs to be restored urgently. If we go all out to attack the island country at this time, it will definitely consume a lot of manpower, material resources and financial resources. Moreover, fighting across the sea is difficult, the weather at sea is unpredictable, and logistics supply is extremely difficult. If the war is dragged on, it will not only put our Great Sui in trouble, but may also cause domestic instability. Moreover, even if we successfully occupy the island country, how to govern it is also a big problem. The local customs and people there are very different from those of our Great Sui. Forcible rule may cause resistance from the local people, which will be counterproductive."

Li Xian's words were well-reasoned and many civil officials agreed with him. They whispered that they should first consolidate domestic rule, develop the economy, and strengthen national strength, rather than rushing to expand abroad.

After listening to the two men's words, Jia Changsheng nodded slightly and cast his eyes on another senior general, Army Marshal Chen Wu: "Mr. Chen, you have been on the battlefield for a long time and have rich experience. What do you think about this matter?"

Chen Wu pondered for a moment, then stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I agree with Marshal Lin's point of view. Our army should indeed attack the island country. But I also understand Prime Minister Li's concerns. Cross-sea operations are indeed difficult. However, I think we can make a careful plan and move forward step by step. First, we can use the victory of this naval battle to establish more military bases in coastal areas, strengthen control over the sea area, and ensure the safety of sea transportation lines. Then, we can send small forces to carry out harassing attacks on the island country to further weaken its defenses, while also familiarizing ourselves with the local terrain and environment. After making full preparations, we can launch a large-scale attack. This will not only reduce losses, but also increase the chances of victory."

Chen Wu's proposal was recognized by some generals. They believed that this strategy of gradual advancement was safer, as it could continue to maintain pressure on the island countries while avoiding failure due to reckless advance.

At this time, a young civil servant stood up. He was Wang Yu, the Minister of Rites. Although Wang Yu was young, he was talented and sharp-minded. He respectfully bowed to Jia Changsheng and said, "Your Majesty, I have a different opinion. I think we should not only consider this issue from a military perspective, but also from a diplomatic and cultural perspective. We can use this victory to establish good diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and form an international order centered on our Great Sui. For the island countries, we can first use diplomatic means to deter and persuade them, so that they can realize the strength and majesty of our Great Sui, and thus take the initiative to pay tribute to our Great Sui. At the same time, we can strengthen cultural exchanges with the island countries, spread the advanced culture and ideas of our Great Sui, and let them gradually accept the values ​​of our Great Sui. In this way, even if we do not start a war, we can achieve the goal of controlling the island countries."

Wang Yu's viewpoint was novel and unique, which caused a heated discussion in the court. Some civil officials felt that this method of solving problems through cultural and diplomatic means was relatively mild, which was conducive to maintaining national peace and stability, and could also enhance the international image of the Sui Dynasty. However, some military generals believed that this method was too weak and was not enough to completely resolve the threat of the island country.

Jia Changsheng listened quietly to the ministers' arguments, constantly weighing the pros and cons in his mind. He knew that this was a major decision concerning the fate of the country and must be treated with caution.

After a long time, Jia Changsheng coughed lightly, and the court suddenly became quiet. He slowly said: "What you said makes sense. I think that we should not rush into the attack on the island country, but we can't give up on it. Marshal Lin, you should immediately start to reorganize the navy and strengthen training to ensure that the strength of our Sui navy is always at its peak. At the same time, the plan to establish military bases in coastal areas can be implemented immediately to closely monitor the movements of the island country. Marshal Chen, you should select elite land forces and be ready to go at any time, but you must not act without my order."

"Prime Minister Li, domestic livelihood construction and economic development are the top priorities. You must increase your efforts to restore domestic production as soon as possible so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment. Only when the country is stable can we have enough strength to use military force abroad."

"Minister Wang, your diplomatic and cultural strategies are also worth considering. You can discuss with the officials of the Ministry of Rites to develop a specific plan and try to resolve the dispute with the island nation through diplomatic means. If diplomatic means fail, we can consider military action."

The ministers accepted the order and said that they would do their best to complete the tasks assigned by His Majesty. Jia Changsheng looked at the ministers of His Majesty and felt a lot of emotion in his heart. He knew that as an emperor, he shouldered the heavy responsibility of the entire country and the people. Every decision may affect the rise and fall of the country, so it must be carefully considered and weighed. The decision on the island country this time was just a small episode in his reign, but it was related to the future development direction of the empire.

In the following days, the Great Sui Empire carried out various tasks in an orderly manner according to Jia Changsheng's deployment. Under the leadership of Lin Yuan, the navy continued to strengthen training, and the number and quality of warships were further improved. Military strongholds in coastal areas were also under intensive construction, and soldiers patrolled day and night, alert to the island country's every move.

Under the command of Chen Wu, the army was undergoing rigorous training and tactical exercises, ready to obey His Majesty's orders at any time. Li Xian, on the other hand, devoted himself to the construction of the country. He implemented a series of policies that were beneficial to the people's livelihood, encouraged the people to reclaim wasteland and develop agricultural production, and at the same time strengthened support for commerce and handicrafts, making the domestic economy gradually prosperous.

Wang Yu and officials from the Ministry of Rites actively carried out diplomatic activities, frequently visited neighboring countries, and established good diplomatic relations. They also sent envoys to the island countries to convey the majesty and will of the Sui Empire and tried to resolve the dispute through peaceful means.

However, the island countries did not respond positively to the diplomatic efforts of the Sui Dynasty. Although they showed respect for the Sui Dynasty on the surface, they were secretly stepping up preparations for war, attempting to compete with the Sui Dynasty again.

After hearing the news, Jia Changsheng sneered in his heart. He knew that war with the island country might be inevitable, but he was not afraid. He believed that as long as the Sui Dynasty was united, no matter what difficulties and challenges they faced, they would be able to achieve the final victory.

In the process of waiting and preparing, the national strength of the Great Sui Empire has been strengthened day by day, and the lives of the people have been getting better and better. Jia Changsheng is also constantly thinking and planning how to make the Great Sui Empire stand firm in this ever-changing world and create a more glorious era.

Inside the Golden Palace of the Great Sui Empire, sitting on the dragon throne, Jia Changsheng was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and a crown on his head, looking dignified and solemn. His eyes were like torches, scanning the court officials, and in his mind he was planning a major strategy to change the empire's territory and national destiny.

"My dear ministers, I have summoned you here today to discuss the Great Sui Dynasty's plan to conquer the island country." Jia Changsheng's voice was low but powerful, echoing in the empty hall.

There was an uproar in the hall, and the ministers were talking to each other. Some were excited, looking forward to the glory of expanding the territory; others were worried, knowing the difficulties and risks of fighting across the sea.

"Your Majesty, the island country is far away overseas, the journey is long, and the sea conditions are complicated. Our army is fighting across the sea, and logistical supplies are very difficult. I hope Your Majesty will think twice." An elderly minister stepped out and advised with a worried look.

Jia Changsheng nodded slightly, looked at the old minister gently, and said: "What you said is not without reason, but the island country has repeatedly harassed our coastal people, burning, killing, looting, and committing all kinds of evil. If we do not punish them, where is the dignity of our Great Sui? How can the people live and work in peace? Moreover, our Great Sui is now strong and powerful, and it is time to show our power overseas."

At this time, a young general stepped forward and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the army to conquer the island country and avenge the people of the Sui Dynasty!" This man was Yang Lin, the General of Cavalry, who was known as "the bravest of the three armies."

Jia Changsheng looked at Yang Lin with admiration in his eyes and said, "General Yang is indeed brave, which comforts me. However, this expedition is a difficult task and we must not take it lightly. I have decided to divide the troops into three groups, advancing by land and sea, and we must conquer the island country in one fell swoop."

Jia Changsheng then began to elaborate on his strategic deployment. The first route was led by Yang Lin, who set out from Laizhou on a large warship and went straight to the heart of the island country, Kyoto. Yang Lin's troops were all elite naval forces of the Sui Dynasty. Their warships were sturdy and well-equipped, and the soldiers were all skilled in water and good at naval warfare.

The second route was led by Wang Meng, the Tiger Guard Lieutenant General, who set out from Dengzhou, landed on the northern coast of the island country, and then advanced southward to form a pincer attack with Yang Lin's troops from the north and south. Wang Meng's army was mainly composed of land forces, equipped with a large number of cavalry and siege equipment, and had extremely strong combat effectiveness.

The third route was led by General Li Jing, who departed from Yangzhou and detoured to the southern waters of the island country, cutting off the island country's connection with the outside world and preventing it from seeking help from other countries. Li Jing was resourceful and good at using troops, and was a military genius of the Sui Empire.

Under Jia Changsheng's careful arrangement, the three armies of the Sui Empire began to prepare for the expedition. Shipbuilding craftsmen worked day and night to build sturdy warships; soldiers stepped up training to improve their combat skills; and the logistics department also made every effort to prepare food, fodder, weapons and other supplies to ensure that the army would have no worries after the expedition.

(End of this chapter)