Chapter 1327: Give the Eldest Son a Chance

"Then let's wait for the results!" Emperor Liu stated flatly: "Since we've already broken relations and gone to war with Goryeo, if we cannot guarantee safe passage on the sea routes, then withdrawing troops by sea is out of the question. We've already lost some ships transporting military supplies and baggage—I cannot let the soldiers of the Great Han withdraw while bearing the risk of enemy attack!"

Speaking of this, one had to mention—if they softened their stance, adopted a gentler attitude, and made some concessions, then this problem wouldn't be so worrisome after all.

Of course, Liu Yang wouldn't dare point that out again—he wasn't that stupid. Besides, everything had two sides; the decision on Goryeo affairs had already been made, the troops had been sent out, and results were imminent. There was no need to bring it up again, since it was already beyond redemption.

"There are only a little over twenty days until winter sets in. By your reckoning, time isn't exactly abundant! Withdrawing three hundred thousand men isn't an easy task! Can Guo Tingwei thoroughly break the Goryeo navy and eliminate the threat at sea? When we withdraw in winter, will the Bohai Sea freeze, and when will it ice over? The specific coordination of withdrawal personnel—all these aspects must be considered!" Emperor Liu coughed twice again, took the silk handkerchief from Lady Zhe's hands to wipe his mouth, and continued.

"Yes!" Liu Yang acknowledged. After a moment's hesitation, he reported: "Precisely because of this, I must seek counsel before Your Majesty. If you grant approval, many matters can be prepared and arranged in advance! At the very least, the wounded and sick can be withdrawn first to receive better rest and treatment! Additionally, the soldiers and laborers from the Central Plains who went on the expedition can be assembled ahead of time—both to guard against unforeseen circumstances and to await orders to board ships for the return voyage..."

Hearing this, Emperor Liu's brows immediately furrowed, and his tone turned sharp as he asked: "The troops remaining to guard the northeast—how did you consider that in your deliberations?"

Sensing the change in Emperor Liu's tone, Liu Yang felt a tightness in his chest, but he maintained his composure and reported the considerations he'd made before returning to Youzhou: "Compared to the soldiers from the Central Plains, the Yan Mountains border troops and local forces are better adapted to the northeastern climate. Therefore, we planned for the remaining garrison to be composed mainly of border troops and soldiers of Yan Mountains origin, supplemented by Hebei local forces, while the soldiers and laborers from the Central Plains withdraw!"

At Liu Yang's explanation, Emperor Liu's brows furrowed even deeper, and he said sternly: "If that's the case, aren't you afraid the soldiers will complain?"

"They're all soldiers of the northern expedition, all fought in bloody battle, all charged into combat with valor. The Central Plains soldiers aren't used to the northeastern climate, so they can go home; the Yan Mountains soldiers are better able to withstand the cold, so they should suffer in the bitter cold of the northeast?

After prolonged war, soldiers grow weary and long to return—that's not a problem unique to the Central Plains troops! Your thinking has its merits and takes practical circumstances into account, but if you arrange it this way, what will the remaining soldiers think?

The northeast isn't some paradise. If it were me, I'd feel the court was being unfair, treating people differently! How could there be no resentment in the army? If something goes wrong, how can you expect them to serve the nation wholeheartedly and consolidate the gains in Liaodong?

'One fears not scarcity but inequity'—don't you understand this principle?"

By the end, Emperor Liu's tone carried a severity that made Liu Yang involuntarily shiver. Silently clenching his teeth, Liu Yang took a deep breath and bowed: "It was my oversight! Had Your Majesty not pointed this out, a grave mistake would surely have been made. I have been in the army, yet I failed to consider the soldiers' morale—truly inexcusable..."

"Enough!" Seeing this, Emperor Liu waved his hand. His expression was no longer stern; a hint of satisfaction even showed between his brows, giving the impression that his anger had passed.

"When it comes to cherishing soldiers, I may not match you!" Emperor Liu said.

"I am but a novice on the battlefield—how could I compare with you!" Liu Yang relaxed once more and flattered.

Looking at him, Emperor Liu smiled, thinking inwardly: This old man's heart is far harder than yours, and far more ruthless too!

"Not bad!" Emperor Liu resumed his affectionate fatherly demeanor, not stinting on praise for Liu Yang: "Leading the northern expedition this time, you've indeed grown considerably! And you dare to speak your mind now!"

"Go see your mother later—she's been thinking of you constantly. Tonight, the family will dine together at a private banquet!" Emperor Liu instructed: "I approve of the withdrawal arrangements! Tomorrow, return to the Liaodong field headquarters. The specific matters will be your responsibility—coordinate well with the generals, the imperial headquarters, and the relevant offices!"

"Yes!"

"And you? What did you gain from your inspection tour?" Emperor Liu turned his gaze to Liu Xu.

Hearing this, Liu Xu immediately moved to rise, but Emperor Liu reached out to stop him: "Just speak from where you're sitting—no need for such formality!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Sensing Emperor Liu's good mood, the atmosphere in the room felt like the sun coming out after rain—lighter and more relaxed.

Liu Xu said: "This past month, I traveled throughout the Yan Mountains Circuit, west to Xuanhua, east to Yu Pass. Above, I inspected official governance; below, I experienced the people's conditions. I must say, this northern expedition has overburdened the Yan Mountains Circuit—officials and commoners alike are already straining under the load.

The other circuits and prefectures may be somewhat better off, but the drain on military strength, national resources, and popular energy has truly been too great. Therefore, the Crown Prince suggested withdrawing the main army to let officials, soldiers, and civilians recuperate—I support this as well!

But I'm not sure—besides Liaodong, will the other routes of troops also be withdrawn?"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu grew somewhat interested and asked: "Are the soldiers under Wang Yanchao also exhausted and longing to turn back for home?"

Emperor Liu's words carried a hint of amusement, his mood unreadable. Still, Liu Xu remained as gentle as jade, saying softly: "Fatigue certainly exists, and homesickness too. But compared to the prolonged battles in Liaodong, the enemy forces faced by Old General Wang's detached force are not strong—it's just that the terrain limits them, making rapid advance difficult.

As for the two cities already taken, Xinghua and Shenshan, they are not hard to defend. I spent ten days in Old General Wang's camp; they are currently still stalled before the city of the Liao River. The defending commander has also been replaced with the Han official Gao Xun—a very troublesome man.

However, the old general has detected some anomalies. According to intelligence from spies, after Gao Xun received orders from the Liao emperor to lead troops south in reinforcement, he directly confiscated the military authority of the Xi people. Xi King Chouning is very displeased about this, and some Xi nobles and generals also harbor grievances, refusing to accept Gao Xun, this Han official, as their commander..."

"One Han Kuangmei, one Gao Xun—and yes, also that Han Derang whom the Liao emperor relies upon as his confidant. Between Han and Liao, after all this fighting, these Han officials still serve the Khitan with all their hearts, unable to see which way the wind blows!" Emperor Liu said coldly, his contemptuous tone laced with killing intent, sending chills down one's spine.

Hearing this, Liu Xu replied: "Men like Gao Xun forget their ancestors and betray their heritage, willingly serving as beasts of burden for the Khitan in pursuit of high office and power. They refuse to repent, but one day, heaven's punishment will surely fall upon them!"

Emperor Liu said flatly: "When the Great Han's army marches on the enemy capital and the axes fall upon their necks—that will be the moment heaven's punishment descends!"

"From what you're saying, Wang Yanchao intends to find a way to break the deadlock through the contradiction between Gao Xun and the Xi?" Emperor Liu turned the conversation back.

"Exactly!" Liu Xu's face showed admiration as he reported: "Old General Wang believes that although Chouning has had his military authority restricted by Gao Xun, he is still the Xi King and can rally the Xi troops. Moreover, he has grown estranged from the Liao court and is at odds with Gao Xun. If we can incite the Xi to defect, then the Xi territories can be taken with ease. With Xi cooperation, breaking through the passes and barriers—we could even drive north straight into the heart of Liao and threaten their Supreme Capital region!"

Hearing Liu Xu say this, Emperor Liu's eyebrows couldn't help but rise, his interest growing keener. After all, in all this time since the war began, no route of troops had yet posed a real threat to the Liao Supreme Capital.

"However!" Noticing Emperor Liu's reaction, Liu Xu paused, then continued: "Although the Xi have grown increasingly estranged from the Khitan, the two have nevertheless been integrated for decades. Executing a scheme of division will not be easy. To incite the Xi to turn against the Khitan, besides military pressure, we must also offer the Xi certain promises of benefit—these require your permission!"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu withdrew his gaze from Liu Xu, raised his hand to stroke his chin and twist his beard, and chuckled: "So you've come to ask me for authorization!"

After pondering for a moment, a slight smile curling at the corner of his mouth, Emperor Liu looked Liu Xu up and down a few times and said: "I'll leave this matter to you to handle—I grant you full authority!"

"As you command!" Liu Xu's eyes lit up, and he rose to bow deeply.