Chapter 1267: Advancing the Troops

Perhaps because of its proximity to the sea, even from over two hundred li away, a faint hint of the ocean lingered in the wind. The early summer breeze blowing against the body was still rather comfortable, and with the sun not yet showing its full ferocity, it was even more pleasantly warm.

If one were to attack Liaodong, considering only the season, this period was likely the most suitable—even more so than the crisp, high autumn days. Due to geographical and climatic constraints, the days suitable for heavy fighting in Liaodong were few in a year, either hampered by rain or blocked by bitter cold.

The generals who had long garrisoned the northern passes naturally understood the geography and climate of Liaoxi and Liaodong. Their eagerness to advance was precisely due to these considerations—not merely a rush to win merit, but also a desire to seize the time.

A troop of about thirty cavalrymen rode swiftly from east to west, iron hooves pounding forcefully on the dry earth, kicking up clouds of mud and dust. Under the sunlight, the dust hanging in the air appeared especially distinct.

When they were seventy li from Youzhou, the troop encountered patrol riders roaming the outskirts of the field headquarters who intercepted them. Though they knew they were their own men, normal inspection was still necessary.

However, this group was clearly special—after identifying themselves, they passed through smoothly, and were even given a guide. Leading them was an old general, his temples streaked with white, his face weathered by years of sea wind, looking utterly rugged and worn.

This man was none other than the general commanding the Great Han's northern navy, the Marquis of Haian, Guo Tingwei—also the chief commander of this northern expedition's naval forces, bearing the heavy responsibility of crossing the sea to strike Liao.

After a brief rest, the old general led his men swiftly westward again. His purpose in coming was naturally to participate in the military council, summoned by order of the Crown Prince and Grand Marshal at the field headquarters.

He did not rest until he reached the field headquarters. However, when he saw the person waiting to receive him at the gate of the central army camp, Guo Tingwei hastily dismounted, hurried forward, and bowed respectfully: "Your servant pays respects to Your Highness. How could I trouble Your Highness, of such precious station, to personally wait for me!"

"Marquis Guo need not stand on ceremony!" **'s smile was as warm as the summer sun, extending a hand in a gesture of courtesy as he said to Guo Tingwei: "I was just making my rounds of the camp when I heard of your arrival, Marquis Guo. You are a great general of the northern expedition—this welcome is hardly worth mentioning!"

Seeing the Crown Prince's gentle attitude, Guo Tingwei was deeply moved and quickly said: "Your Highness personally making inspection rounds—your servant admires this immensely!"

"Marquis Guo has worked hard riding all the way here. Come, quickly follow me into camp. First pay respects to the two Dukes Rong and An, then join the meeting shortly!" ** said.

Upon hearing this, Guo Tingwei's expression turned solemn, and he clasped his hands in salute: "As commanded!"

"The establishment of the Great Han navy, from nothing, went through many twists and turns, and in its early days it was lukewarm. It was not until worthy officers like Marquis Guo joined that it developed rapidly, becoming the empire's naval force that now roams rivers and seas, invincible wherever it goes!" ** chatted amiably with Guo Tingwei, a smile always at the corner of his mouth: "His Majesty has said more than once that for the Great Han navy to reach today's glory, the Marquis of Haian's contribution is indispensable!"

"What Your Highness says is far too generous for this humble officer!" Having served as commander of the navy for so many years, Guo Tingwei had long developed an imposing authority where his word was law, but that bit of authority counted for little before the Crown Prince.

Though the Crown Prince's words were flattering, Guo Tingwei still knew to be modest. He clasped his hands toward the south and said: "That the navy could develop and guard the maritime borders owes much to His Majesty's far-sighted vision and wholehearted support. Your servant dare not claim the credit!"

"The Great Han has maintained its navy for twenty years. This northern expedition is precisely the time to use it—we still need Marquis Guo to lead the fleet racing across the waves!" ** said.

"Should Your Highness issue the command, your servant would die ten thousand deaths without hesitation!" Guo Tingwei immediately vowed.

"Marquis Guo is old but still vigorous!" ** smiled slightly and asked: "Is the navy fully prepared?"

Guo Tingwei immediately reported: "Thirty thousand elite naval troops have all assembled and moved north. The warships are anchored at Wuqing Harbor, awaiting only the order to strike. Additionally, I have dispatched a detachment to scout..."

"I hear the Liao army has also built a navy? What of the enemy situation—does Marquis Guo know?" ** asked.

Guo Tingwei: "Rest assured, Your Highness. This Liao naval force has long been under our surveillance. The enemy navy numbers no more than five thousand, with small ships and weak soldiers, and no experience in naval combat. Since its completion, it has been cowering in the military harbor of Liao's Suzhou.

It is not that your servant looks down on them—in naval warfare, from every aspect, our army holds an overwhelming advantage. Our officers and men have full confidence in victory and will thoroughly and completely annihilate them!"

Hearing Guo Tingwei's confident words, ** was also infected by them and said: "What Marquis Guo says greatly boosts our prestige and morale! His Majesty has said that in naval combat, our army possesses an invincible spirit and a certain confidence in victory!

According to the plans of Duke Rong, Duke An, and other commanders, this campaign against Liao will see the navy accomplish great deeds at sea! Though we could fight our way through city by city and fort by fort on land, that would be time-consuming and exhausting. But crossing the sea to strike Liao is like a sharp knife plunging straight into Liaodong's rear, attacking its very heart..."

Upon hearing this, Guo Tingwei immediately said: "Rest assured, Your Highness. Twelve years ago, your servant was ordered to strike Liao by the water route but ultimately failed—a deep regret. This time, His Majesty does not consider your servant too old and still entrusts me with this heavy responsibility. I will devote myself utterly and plant the Great Han's banner firmly in Liaodong!"

"Marquis Guo is old but vigorous, with a radiant bearing!" ** clapped his hands in praise.

In fact, Guo Tingwei was only just past fifty. He looked old because of all the sea wind he had weathered, compounded by exhaustion.

"Who are these generals?" ** asked, looking at the three officers following behind Guo Tingwei.

Upon the question, Guo Tingwei immediately introduced them: "These are your servant's three sons—the eldest, Liangping, the second, Liangheng, and the third, Liangzheng! They currently serve at my side. Come, pay respects to His Highness the Crown Prince!"

At Guo Tingwei's signal, the three young men hurriedly bowed. Looking at them, ** laughed twice: "Tigers from a general's door! This northern expedition is precisely your opportunity to follow your father's ambitions and render distinguished service!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!" The eldest son, Guo Liangping, took the lead in declaring: "This officer will surely strive to be first in valor and not disappoint the court's or Your Highness's expectations!"

His gaze swept over the Guo father and sons twice, a smile still playing at the corner of **'s mouth as he continued leading Guo Tingwei toward the central army tent. In his heart, though, some thoughts stirred—there had long been rumors that the navy was saturated with the clan bloodlines of old ministers and veteran generals.

Take the Guo family as an example—not only Guo Tingwei's three grown sons, but also quite a few nephews, maternal nephews, and clan youths served in the military, mostly as officers. The imprint of the family ran somewhat deep...

** could not help but recall a casual remark Emperor Liu had made before departure—that in recent years, management and control over all levels of the Great Han's military had been strengthened, but the navy had been somewhat neglected. The Guo family's influence over the navy was too heavy; that might not be a good thing—not good for anyone. But for now, they truly had to be used; leading troops of their own kin could still guarantee a certain level of fighting effectiveness.

The central army tent was extremely large, seeming spacious and empty. A huge map hung on one side, paired with a sand table of less than exquisite craftsmanship. Around the sand table, the three commanders—Zhao Kuangyin, Gao Huaide, and Wang Yanchao—were still discussing.

When ** and Guo Tingwei entered the tent, the three hurriedly offered their greetings. Though not intimately familiar with any of the three commanders, each had heard of the others' reputations.

In terms of rank and status, Guo Tingwei did not rate highly—not just in the entire Great Han court, but even within the northern expeditionary army alone. However, he was the most special of them all; in naval warfare, no one could replace him.

This irreplaceability brought with it special attention and courtesy. After brief pleasantries, Zhao Kuangyin pulled Guo Tingwei aside for military discussion.

As for how to fight this battle, Zhao Kuangyin and the others had already worked out most of the plans over this period. After inquiring about the navy's situation, Zhao Kuangyin wasted no time and directly asked Guo Tingwei: "General Guo, your mission is to lead the fleet, thoroughly and completely destroy the Liao navy at Suzhou, and bring the Liao sea entirely under our control! Coordinate with land operations, as well as subsequent grain, weapons, and troop transport! Any problems?"

"Yes!" Guo Tingwei's single word was crisp and forceful.

Zhao Kuangyin was very satisfied with his response, but remained cautious: "The disparity in strength between the two navies is obvious, but since Liao built a navy, they are clearly on guard against our seaborne attack. Therefore, when the navy advances, we must not be careless!"

"Rest assured, Duke Rong!" Seeing his demeanor, Guo Tingwei's tone became noticeably more solemn.

"The army has trained long, preparations are complete, and we are about to formally advance on Liaodong. When the time comes, land and sea forces will strike simultaneously, surging toward Liaodong with overwhelming momentum!" Zhao Kuangyin said: "I ask the general to bear a bit more hardship—once this advance meeting concludes, return immediately to the fleet and lead the troops out!"

"Yes!"

"When does Duke Rong plan to advance?" **, who had been silently listening to the commanders discuss military matters without speaking, finally asked.

Zhao Kuangyin flashed ** a confident, magnanimous smile: "To answer Your Highness—tomorrow! Furthermore, I request Your Highness issue the command: tomorrow, Ma Renyu will lead thirty thousand troops out through Yu Pass as the army's vanguard, advancing on Jinzhou, with the rest of us following behind!"