Chapter 1261: The Kaibao Northern Expedition

"If that is so, your son is willing to go on the campaign and will surely keep your teachings firmly in mind, and will not fail the trust placed in me!" Hearing Emperor Liu's words, Liu Yang also relaxed, his body and expression both assuming a relieved air as he solemnly clasped his hands in salute.

However, although his bearing was steady, he could not help but reveal a trace of nervous excitement. After all, the martial spirit of the Great Han was still very strong, and Liu Yang was a young man. Though he bore pressure and restraints far beyond what others faced, which kept him from any frivolity, in his heart, how could he not harbor the expectation of galloping with reins in hand and winning fame on the battlefield?

Seeing this, Emperor Liu smiled slightly and asked: "After you set out on the campaign, what do you plan to do?"

Liu Yang, hearing the question, was momentarily stunned. Meeting Emperor Liu's gaze, he thought for a moment and replied: "Just as in the northern expedition of that year, when I was entrusted with overseeing the state, I will focus on learning, observing, and listening. Beyond that, I will by no means interfere with military decisions!"

Emperor Liu nodded and said: "You have always been steady and composed. After so many years of assisting in governance and serving your sovereign, I am very reassured by your conduct in civil affairs. However, though governing the state and commanding the army share some common ground, there are always differences, and this is something you must come to appreciate well on your own.

Holding a cautious and learning mindset is only a foundation. But having you take command is not merely to make you a puppet to be manipulated by others. Where responsibility is due, you must bear it. War is not only about military decisions and command; beyond that, there is much more that can be done.

I will not say more. I will be in the rear, watching your performance and giving you support..."

"Your son will keep your teachings firmly in mind!" Over the years, Emperor Liu had always taught by word and deed in this manner, and now with a similar situation before him, Liu Yang was moved in his heart.

"The commander of the eastern route army has not yet been decided. May I ask whom Your Majesty favors?" Liu Yang took the initiative to ask.

"What do you think?" Emperor Liu asked in return. "Taking command is about managing generals; you need not consider the matter of deploying troops, but selecting the generals will require some thought from you. Tell me your view?"

To this, Liu Yang of course could not have failed to think about it. In fact, he had even put himself in Emperor Liu's position and pondered it. Therefore, when asked about this, Liu Yang did not stand on ceremony and replied with clasped hands: "Your son believes that Duke of Rong, Zhao Kuangyin, can serve as commander of the eastern route army!"

Whether in ability or seniority, Zhao Kuangyin was fully capable of bearing this responsibility. From Liu Yang's personal perspective, he had always had a good impression of Zhao Kuangyin, and had often sought his advice during his time assisting in governance. Moreover, from Emperor Liu's previous behavior and attitude, one could also discern his intention to employ Zhao Kuangyin.

"Zhao Kuangyin will be Left Marshal of the field headquarters, and Gao Huaide will be Right Marshal of the field headquarters!" Emperor Liu no longer concealed his thoughts and stated them directly: "I have already spoken with both of them!"

Rather than using primary and deputy positions, adopting left and right posts was naturally to seek a balance of power, and Gao Huaide was there to check Zhao Kuangyin.

Liu Yang's face brightened with joy, and he said: "Both dukes are famed generals of the Great Han, the finest among commanders, and both have experience fighting against Liao. With the two dukes accompanying the campaign to manage military affairs, your son has no worries!"

Emperor Liu smiled and said: "Go back and make your preparations. You need not bring too many staff members from the Eastern Palace—just select a few capable officials familiar with border affairs. A promising young man like Murong Defeng can be brought along to gain experience. Huaiyu, that child, has been by your side for some years now—bring him along as well to see the world and look upon the places where his father fought in life. Additionally, I am entrusting the Fengchen Army to you!"

"Yes!" Liu Yang bowed in thanks.

The next day, Emperor Liu formally issued an edict, appointing Crown Prince Liu Yang as Grand Marshal of the Northern Pacification, with overall command of all route armies, leading the troops on the northern expedition. And the previously undecided commanders of the eastern route army were also promptly announced: Zhao Kuangyin and Gao Huaide.

With the edict formally issued, it also meant that the Great Han's preparations for the northern expedition had fully entered the fast track. All kinds of military supplies were continuously transported northward, and in the various circuits of northern China, local governments also began conscripting civilian laborers, corvée, and livestock for the expedition. Hundreds of thousands of able-bodied men had to put down their hoes, leave their land, and pour their sweat into the cause of the northern expedition.

South of the Yellow River, the prefectures of the Central Plains, under the coordination and arrangements of the Eastern Capital, also completed the centralized transfer of supplies, ready to mobilize at any moment should the need arise. As for the regions south of the Yangtze, there was no less activity—large quantities of supplies, especially grain, were continuously transported northward under the government's overall coordination.

It could be said that this was the first time the Great Han mobilized the full strength of the entire nation for war, and the first time it truly erupted, it carried a momentum like mountains toppling and seas overturning. The dark clouds of war hung over the Han–Liao border. For Liao, which had just initially completed its regime transition, a crisis of life and death descended—as sudden as the death of Yelu Jing, but the pressure it brought was overwhelming...

With the northern expedition edict issued, the Great Han's central government also began operating at full capacity, making preparations for various matters and bustling with activity. In the city of Luoyang, of course, there was much discussion, but for the common people, the impact of the war was still limited to talk. The atmosphere within the imperial city, however, also grew tense.

As for Emperor Liu, in this situation, he instead became relaxed and composed. Apart from making his daily rounds to the various offices to inspect and inquire, he showed not a trace of urgency.

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Prince of Wei requests an audience!" Yan Tuo rose to report.

"Hm? What is he here for..." Emperor Liu muttered to himself: "Summon him!"

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects!" Soon, Prince of Wei Liu Min strode into the hall and saluted crisply.

The older he grew, the more silent he became. Liu Min's face still bore youthful innocence, but his expression appeared rigid, without any superfluous change. In this respect, he very much resembled Emperor Liu in his early years.

Emperor Liu sized up this son of his for a few moments. He saw that the young man wore a set of military attire, his expression solemn, but his eyes bright and filled with determination. Emperor Liu sat up straight and asked: "What is the matter?"

"I wish to join the northern expedition!" Liu Min stated his purpose without any wasted words.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu was somewhat surprised, then laughed: "At such a young age, what are you doing joining in the excitement!"

"I am already sixteen years old!" Liu Min stared at Emperor Liu and said seriously: "When Fourth Brother joined the southern campaign, he was only thirteen!"

"Can you compare yourself to your fourth brother?" Emperor Liu said with a light laugh.

Hearing this, Liu Min's face showed no sign of anxiety, but one could clearly sense his defiance. After a moment of silence, Liu Min raised his voice somewhat: "Though I have no military record, I have equally studied military classics and practiced martial arts. In horsemanship and archery, Fourth Brother may not necessarily surpass me! Now, you have sent the Crown Prince on the northern expedition, and Fourth Brother is also serving in the northwest. Ma Huaiyu is younger than me, yet you let him join the campaign—why not me?"

Hearing his words and feeling his ambition, Emperor Liu became serious, his expression turning grave as he stared at Liu Min. Liu Min was bold as well, meeting his gaze without blinking.

"Marching and fighting is not like hunting with bow and arrow, nor is it a game!" Emperor Liu said.

"I know!" Liu Min nodded.

The father and son stared at each other for a while longer. Emperor Liu suddenly felt that he had indeed been somewhat neglectful of this son who had been given away in adoption. He pondered and deliberated, while Liu Min was in no hurry, simply standing tall with head raised, awaiting Emperor Liu's decision.

"Very well, go accompany your second brother and see the world!" After a long while, Emperor Liu said this.

"Second Brother already has enough people on his side!" Liu Min replied.

"Where do you wish to go?" Emperor Liu's interest suddenly became keen.

"Fourth Brother is in Hexi. I am willing to go to Yulin or Shanyang!" Liu Min had long had his mind made up.

"Go to Yulin then!" Emperor Liu slowly nodded, then said, as if issuing a warning: "Over at Yang Ye's place, they will be going beyond the frontier, cut off from the rear, venturing far into desolate lands, with danger at every step..."

"I am not afraid!" Liu Min showed not a trace of timidity.

"Go then!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Liu Min bowed in gratitude.

Liu Min's voluntary request to serve reminded Emperor Liu of something. In the past, his attention had mainly been focused on his four eldest sons, but now the other princes were also growing up one by one, and they had their own thoughts and ideas of their own...

The eighth year of Kaibao, spring, the first day of the third month, the imperial city of the Great Han's Western Capital.

Before the Qianyuan Hall, all the officials gathered, the nobles and ministers all present. Magnificent ceremonial guards stood in neat array. Below the white stone imperial steps, over ten thousand soldiers drawn from the various armies of the northern expedition assembled here, their ranks orderly and their banners bright and distinct.

Accompanied by the sonorous sound of drums and horns, Emperor Liu, dressed in ceremonial robes, stood high upon the imperial steps. As the nominal commander-in-chief, Liu Yang, clad in full armor, steadily ascended the steps under the gaze of the nobles, officials, and soldiers, and knelt in prostration before the Emperor.

The sense of ceremony filled the air. The ritual official read aloud the northern expedition proclamation in a clear voice. Emperor Liu took the Son of Heaven's Sword and handed it to Liu Yang, who received it with a solemn expression and firm grip. At his side, Zhao Kuangyin and Gao Huaide also respectfully received the marshal's seals.

Looking at the three men, Emperor Liu wasted no words and simply said gravely: "Fight well! I await your reports of victory!"

"Yes!"

As Liu Yang drew the imperial sword and pointed it straight at the heavens, the sharp blade gleamed brilliantly under the reflection of the sun, and the assembled soldiers immediately shouted in unison: "Long live the Emperor! Ten thousand victories!"