Chapter 224: Logistics Support

Inside the palace of Mojietuo Guo, beneath the vast dome, butter lamps shed bright light.

Around a rectangular conference table, representatives from each country took their seats in turn.

Liuche and Tuolemi Jiu shi sat upright at the head of the table, their expressions solemn.

Huo Qubing, Li Guang, Dong Zhongshu, as well as the representatives of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the Great Moon Clan, focused their gazes on the leather map on the table.

Liuche broke the silence first, pointing to the area on the map where the Roman-Parthian allied forces were stationed, and said in a low voice: "Although the Roman-Parthian allied forces appear strong, their front is overstretched and supply is difficult. We must seize this weakness and devise an effective offensive strategy."

Tuolemi Jiu shi nodded slightly and added: "The navy of my Ptolemaic dynasty can launch from the sea to cut off the allies' maritime supply line, weakening their combat power."

The representative of the Great Moon Clan also stood up, speaking in stiff Han Chinese: "The cavalry of my Great Moon Clan excels at long-distance raids; we can flank the allies' rear, launch a surprise attack, and disrupt their deployment."

Huo Qubing's eyes flashed like torches as he pointed to a mountain pass on the map and presented his view:

"This terrain is strategic, the allies' necessary route. We can set an ambush here; after their main force passes, we will cut off their retreat and attack from front and rear, surely inflicting heavy damage on the enemy."

Li Guang stroked his beard, pondered a moment, then said: "My Han Army's infantry excels at frontal assaults; it can serve as the main attacking force, drawing the allies' attention and creating opportunities for other units."

Dong Zhongshu listened attentively on the side, occasionally taking notes on the leather parchment.

After everyone had spoken, he stood up and analyzed: "Besides military action, we can also launch a diplomatic offensive. Send people to sow discord between Rome and Parthia, causing internal strife to weaken their alliance."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Subsequently, everyone gathered to discuss concrete battle details in depth, from troop allocation to marching routes, and then to logistical support; every link was meticulously planned.

The meeting lasted a long time; eventually, a complete attack plan was born through everyone's deliberation.

After the meeting ended, representatives from all countries rose one by one, their faces full of confidence and determination.

Liuche stood up, scanned the crowd, and declared firmly: "This expedition concerns the survival of all nations. Let us join forces, advance together, defeat the allied forces, and defend our dignity and territory!"

The crowd responded in unison, their voices echoing long within the palace.

The representatives of each country left the palace with high spirits.

However, when the officer in charge of logistics statistics hurried over and presented a list to everyone, the previously relaxed and confident atmosphere instantly solidified.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Pharaoh."

The officer's voice carried a hint of tension: "According to statistics, although we have mustered an army of five hundred thousand, equipment and provisions are severely lacking. Existing weapons are insufficient to arm all soldiers, and grain reserves are only enough to sustain half a month."

Liuche's face instantly darkened; he stared fixedly at the list, his brows knotted into a shape like the character for river.

Tuolemi Jiu shi also widened his eyes, his face showing an expression of disbelief.

"How could this be?"

Tuolemi Jiu shi could not help but ask: "Where did all the previously prepared supplies go?"

Li Guang let out a heavy sigh and said: "This time the assembled troops came from multiple countries, far exceeding expectations in number, and material consumption greatly increased. Moreover, during transport they encountered bandits, losing a considerable amount of grain and equipment."

Huo Qubing slammed his fist into the nearby pillar, lamenting: "Without sufficient equipment and grain, how can the soldiers fight? The battle hasn't even begun, yet we are already in a predicament."

Dong Zhongshu furrowed his brow, thought for a moment, then said: "The urgent priority is for us to act on two fronts. First, send people to neighboring countries to purchase grain and weapons; second, organize soldiers to make simple weapons themselves, using local resources to supplement supplies."

The representative of the Great Moon Clan showed a difficult expression: "Neighboring countries themselves have limited resources, and many fear Rome and Parthia, so they may not be willing to sell to us. Even if they were, it would be hard to gather sufficient supplies in a short time."

Everyone fell into silence, the atmosphere so oppressive it was hard to breathe.

After a long while, Liuche lifted his head, his gaze resolute: "No matter how great the difficulty, we cannot retreat. Issue my order: immediately send people to neighboring countries, sparing no expense to purchase supplies. At the same time, mobilize soldiers and local residents to seek any usable resources, craft weapons, and prepare grain. I believe that as long as we work together, we will surely overcome this obstacle."

Everyone nodded in agreement and hurried off with their assignments.

But what lay before them was undoubtedly a severe test, and this war that would decide the world's pattern.

Just as everyone was preparing to disperse and begin solving the supply problem, Liuche gazed into the distance, the image of the Great Han Chang'an City appearing in his mind, and he suddenly spoke:

"I have an idea! Immediately send word to Chang'an, have them prepare a large amount of equipment and grain, and rush it to Mojietuo Guo. Our Great Han nation is strong; we will surely solve this urgent need."

Liuche clenched both fists, his tone carrying an unquestionable firmness.

Upon hearing this, Dong Zhongshu stepped forward, bowed with clasped hands, and said: "Your Majesty's concern for the war moves us deeply with admiration. However, Chang'an is far from Mojietuo Guo, and the route is complex, requiring crossing vast deserts and scaling lofty mountains. Even with swift horses, a round trip would take several months. The front lines are urgent; the five-hundred-thousand-strong army's grain lasts only half a month—distant water cannot quench immediate thirst."

Li Guang also nodded in agreement beside him, his expression worried: "What Minister Dong said is absolutely correct. Moreover, long-distance transport not only takes a long time, but may also encounter bandits and harsh weather along the way, making material loss hard to estimate. If transport is blocked, the frontline troops will fall into desperation."

Huo Qubing furrowed his brow, pacing back and forth: "Right now, the five-hundred-thousand-strong army is gathered here; if inadequate supply causes morale to collapse, defeat before battle would be unthinkable. Transferring supplies from Chang'an entails far too great a risk."

After hearing this, Liuche frowned tightly, pacing in place.

He knew well that what everyone said was true, yet he truly did not want to abandon this idea.

After a long silence, Liuche stopped walking, his gaze firm: "Even though difficulties abound, we cannot abandon this path. Issue my decree: have Chang'an prepare supplies immediately and set out as planned. At the same time, we will continue to seek ways to gather resources nearby; a dual approach might yet bring a turning point."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded and went off to carry out their orders.

"Ju, don't let Father Emperor down!"

After everyone had dispersed, Liuche stood by the window, gazing toward the direction of Chang'an City, murmuring to himself.

Li Guang and Dong Zhongshu standing nearby also exchanged glances with each other, saying nothing.

Now Chang'an City has just experienced the turmoil caused by the abolition of the prime minister system, while the large-scale development in the south is proceeding vigorously.

One does not know whether Emperor Liu Ju can free his hands to assist this side.