Chapter 1308: Liaodong Initially Settled

"The Crown Prince went south from Shenzhou on the fifth day to oversee the campaign. Facing a siege by Duke Anguo's army of a hundred thousand, with external reinforcements cut off and morale wavering within, the Liao army could no longer hold on.

The final attempt to persuade the enemy to surrender was rejected by the defending general Yelu Hai. By the eighth day of the eighth month, Duke Anguo gave the order to launch a general assault, and at the third ke of the si hour, Liaoyang city fell.

After Liaoyang was taken, most of the soldiers and civilians in the city surrendered in accordance with the situation. Only the Liao general Yelu Hai led three thousand enemy troops in a desperate last stand within the inner city, and the generals An Shouzhong and Shi Yande led their men to annihilate them.

At the same time, the garrison of Guide (Fushun), northeast of Shenzhou, submitted a memorial of surrender to the field headquarters, while Zhangxi Prefecture to the west was also taken by Zhang Yongde.

At this point, except for the cities of Kai, Mu, Bao, and Ding in the southeast of Liaodong (the Dandong region), Liaodong had essentially fallen under the control of the Great Han. The southeastern region of Liaodong, densely covered with mountains and crisscrossed by hills, had only been defending its own territory since the great battle at the Liao River. The Crown Prince has already sent envoys to pacify and recruit them..."

"Good! Very good!" After listening to Cao Bin's detailed report, Emperor Liu was naturally in excellent spirits, his face nearly creasing with smiles. He picked up the battle report and read it through twice, then looked up at the assembled ministers with a beaming expression: "With Liaodong taken, doesn't that mean the first strategic objective of our northern expedition has already been achieved?"

As soon as these words fell, the ministers were all startled for a moment, then quickly realized — evidently, the fierce offensive and defensive battles that had preceded this had made people overlook this point.

"As Your Majesty says, this is nearly two months ahead of what we ministers had anticipated. The season is now high autumn, and with the cities of Liaodong as our support, at least for the time being we need not worry excessively about the dangers of winter campaigning!" Cao Bin, whose face was usually composed and stern, also relaxed as he cupped his hands in response. No one was unhappy about the brilliant results on the Liaodong battlefield.

"In that case, the strategic plans previously formulated should also be promptly updated and adjusted to respond to the new situation in Liaodong!" Emperor Liu's smile quickly faded, returning to calm composure, his gaze clear as he looked at Cao Bin: "I also need to hear the views of the frontline commanders. What opinions does the field headquarters have regarding the next steps?"

Emperor Liu's shift was natural and obvious. Under the circumstances of having taken Liaodong ahead of schedule, Emperor Liu was not satisfied — he was thinking of going further, pursuing and annihilating the Liao army, and reaping even greater results.

Noticing the slight eagerness revealed in Emperor Liu's demeanor, Cao Bin's brow furrowed slightly. He felt that although the Emperor appeared calm on the surface, his attitude hinted at impatience.

Assuming a solemn expression and speaking in a low voice, Cao Bin said: "Reporting to Your Majesty, the field headquarters has reported that after advancing eastward and fighting a series of major battles, despite the great victory at the Liao River and the recovery of all the cities, more than a month of marching, fighting, and besieging cities has left all the armies showing signs of fatigue.

At present, what our army needs to do is reorganize the troops, rest the soldiers, replenish provisions and weapons, sort out city defenses and communications, consolidate the gains already achieved, and only then plan further advances!"

Hearing Cao Bin's words, Emperor Liu showed no reaction, merely raising his hand for him to continue.

Cao Bin's expression grew increasingly fluent: "According to the views of Duke Rongguo and the commanders, the bitter fighting in Liaodong has lasted more than four months. The Liao army has suffered enormous casualties, and its elite troops have been nearly wiped out. Already during the great battle at the Liao River, it was discovered that the combat effectiveness of the Liao army had severely declined.

Now, the Liao commander Yelu Xiezhen leads only a remnant force of thirty to forty thousand, retreating to hold the Xian and Tong regions — few troops, few generals, and morale in decline. More importantly, due to the rebellions of the Bohai, Shiwei, and Jurchen tribes, the Liao army can hardly suppress them and has lost its rear, with no strength to continue. Unless troops from Shangjing come east to reinforce, Liao's defeat in the northeast cannot be reversed.

Now, Yelu Xiezhen's army is no longer a concern. Once the imperial army finishes its rest and again raises a great force to advance north at a measured pace, striking steadily, it can be broken in one blow!"

"Neither hasty nor rash, seeking victory through stability — Zhao Kuangyin is still this seasoned and shrewd!" Emperor Liu mused for a few moments and revealed a slight smile: "Do any other commanders have dissenting views?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, regarding what was said above, the commanders at the field headquarters have already reached a consensus!" Cao Bin responded.

At these words, Emperor Liu subconsciously furrowed his brow, his gaze flickering with an unreadable meaning. He looked at Liu Xu, Li Ye, Cao Bin, as well as Chu Zhaofu, Song Xiong, and the other internal and external ministers present: "What are your thoughts?"

At this point, anyone could sense the abnormality in the Emperor's attitude. They exchanged glances and dared not speak for a moment. It was Duke of Qin Liu Xu who stepped forward and said: "After receiving the memorial, I discussed it with Chancellor Li, Commissioner Cao, and others. We also felt that taking the stable approach is appropriate — approving the field headquarters' request and giving the soldiers rest!"

Nodding, Emperor Liu's voice suddenly grew somewhat louder as he asked: "What does the Crown Prince think?"

Upon the question, Li Ye stepped forward and bowed to report: "The Crown Prince has reported that after months of bitter fighting between Han and Liao, the Khitan have exhausted their resources in waging war. The entire Liaodong has suffered the ravages of war — the people have been plunged into misery, and ruins are everywhere.

Although the cities of Liaodong are now in the hands of the imperial army, chaos prevails among the populace with no order at all. Because the Khitan extensively requisitioned grain, horses, and livestock, the various peoples of Liaodong are now crying out in hunger.

Moreover, although there are many who have surrendered this time, they did so only under the pressure of the Great Han's military might — their submission is outward only, not from the heart, and the people's hearts are unsettled. Therefore, the Crown Prince believes that not only do the soldiers need time to rest and recover from the fatigue of months of campaigning, but the people of Liaodong also need time to be pacified.

The Crown Prince requests Your Majesty's instruction, hoping that a group of capable officials can be quickly mobilized and urgently dispatched to Liaodong to take over the civil administration of the various cities, establish governance, and restore public order.

Additionally, money and grain should be transported in to relieve the various tribal peoples there, so as to win the people's hearts. Once Liaodong is somewhat settled, then raise a heavy army and march north to punish the disobedient!"

After Li Ye finished speaking, a faint smile once again appeared on Emperor Liu's face, and he said: "The Crown Prince's suggestion is good — nurture the troops and pacify the people to lay a solid foundation. With the Liaodong war situation settled, the Great Han naturally need not be hasty. Although recovering Liaodong inevitably entails casualties and suffering among the people, since we have already come this far, we should also consider the matter of governance and rehabilitation! I do not wish for Liaodong to be completely reduced to a wasteland of ruins!"

Emperor Liu's favoritism toward the Crown Prince was quite obvious. When others made similar suggestions, he would be indifferent and terse, but when Liu Yang submitted a memorial, his face would be full of leniency and understanding. Of course, given Emperor Liu's long-standing attitude and style toward war, seeking stability might not win his full approval, but at least it would not lose his heart.

With Emperor Liu saying this, Liu Xu and the other ministers naturally chimed in unison: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Waving his hand, Emperor Liu pondered for a few moments and then gave instructions: "Grant everything the field headquarters has requested! For the transport of relief grain, issue orders to Han Hui and have him make the arrangements. Additionally, if the situation is urgent, the field headquarters may allocate military grain as appropriate for relief."

"As for the officials to be dispatched to Liaodong!" Emperor Liu then looked toward Li Ye and Chu Zhaofu, saying: "Dispatch from nearby — select officials from the Yan Mountains and Hebei to take up posts in Liaodong. They must be capable and competent. This matter will be coordinated by the State Uncle, and Governor Chu is also here — you two may begin working on this shortly!

In short, I do not demand that the hearts of the Liaodong people submit quickly, but I want to see results in the reconstruction of governing order within the shortest possible time!"

"As commanded!" Li and Chu both responded immediately.

Moreover, the two exchanged glances and both detected a hint of joy in the other. This power over personnel appointments was often the most tempting. With Liaodong newly taken, even if some old officials were retained, the vacancies would certainly be numerous — this was a fine opportunity to promote those close to them and install their own people.

The only shortcoming was that the matter was urgent and restricted to the two circuits of the Yan Mountains and Hebei, leaving not so much room for maneuvering, and the officials had to be capable and competent. Especially for Li Ye, who knew the Emperor's temperament well — if he fell short in this matter, he would absolutely not escape punishment.

Paying no attention to the two ministers' little schemes, Emperor Liu pondered for a moment and then instructed Cao Bin: "The imperial army has triumphed and Liaodong is initially settled — all this is the merit of the soldiers' hard fighting. Cao Bin, you will represent me in going to Liaodong to console the troops. The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching — whether you make it in time or not, bring my blessings and expectations to the soldiers!"

"Yes!" Cao Bin immediately accepted the order.

At this, Liu Xu could not help but glance at Emperor Liu, seeming to want to speak but holding back. After thinking it over, he finally lowered his head and did not volunteer.

Emperor Liu, meanwhile, remained immersed in the overall picture of the northern expedition. He walked to the northern expedition route map hanging in the imperial tent, pondered for a long while, and asked: "Liaodong has been taken, the northeast is in turmoil — Liao can be said to have lost half its territory. However, this still has not wounded its foundations. Liao's strength remains. What will Liao do next?"

No one could give a definitive answer. Transportation was inconvenient, and channels of information were even more obstructed. Under limited conditions, making an accurate judgment of the enemy's movements was truly too difficult.

The imperial tent was quiet for a good while. It was Cao Bin who cautiously responded: "Your Majesty, looking at Liao's responses before and after, with the Liaodong war situation having deteriorated to this point, and with the old general Wang Yanchao advancing on Raole, they should not send any more reinforcements to Liaodong!"

"How is the situation in the Monan region? Is Liu Tinghan still entangled with the enemy? Are the hundred-plus thousand men conscripted by the Liao sovereign still sitting idle?" Emperor Liu's gaze turned to Li Chongju.

"Apart from sending thirty thousand additional troops to drive Liu Tinghan's army completely back to Monan, there have been no other movements. According to intelligence from Shangjing, due to the threats from Mobei and Wang Yanchao's army, the Liao army dares not act rashly and thus hesitates!" Li Chongju said.

"But that still shouldn't drag on to this extent!" Emperor Liu furrowed his brow.

"Does the Military Intelligence Office have any information?" Emperor Liu asked Cao Bin again.

The Military Intelligence Office was still an intelligence organ subordinate to the Bureau of Military Affairs, and it also had the authority to investigate military discipline. However, in terms of the deployment of internal and external spies, it still lagged considerably behind the Wude Office.

Therefore, since even Li Chongju could not provide clear intelligence, the Military Intelligence Office naturally found it difficult as well. Facing Emperor Liu's question, Cao Bin could only honestly reply: "Not yet!"

"We cannot afford to relax too much!" Emperor Liu immediately instructed: "Continue to strengthen intelligence gathering!"