Chapter 240: Adjusting Troops, the Grand Tutor

As soon as he finished speaking, a burst of whispered discussion immediately erupted in the court.

The officials looked at each other, seemingly weighing the feasibility of the Chancellor's proposal.

"Since the eastern front is temporarily worry-free, we can withdraw the 150,000-strong army originally stationed beside the Dongning and Dongling passes to defend the two eastern provinces and send it to support Yan Province."

"This army is elite and skilled in battle; it will surely turn the tide."

Kang Zhengjie smiled faintly and continued speaking.

Upon these words, the court again erupted in exclamations.

The officials widened their eyes, as if they could not believe their own ears.

Withdrawing the 150,000-strong army from beside the Dongning and Dongling passes to support Yan Province is undoubtedly a bold and risky move.

In that case, should the troops of Cang and Yun provinces emerge from the passes,

As soon as his words fell, the court fell into silence once again.

"If others go, they probably aren't a match for Meng Zhang."

When the officials heard that Grand Tutor Gu Changqing was to personally go to the Lu Province battlefield to take command, their faces all showed complex expressions.

However, at that moment, another civil official stepped forward.

He frowned, his tone solemn as he spoke.

"Although sending troops to support Yan Province is important, the Yellow Turban Army in Lu Province cannot be ignored either."

Kang Zhengjie's proposal stirred up a storm like a stone thrown into water.

"Let the Grand Tutor go to southern Lu Province to take command."

"Minister Lu's words are quite right; Meng Zhang of the Yellow Turban Army is indeed a formidable opponent."

"If sending troops to support Yan Province leads to the loss of Lu Province, the Da Qian dynasty will face an even graver crisis."

At that moment, a military officer stepped forward, his voice booming: "The Chancellor is absolutely right! I, the humble commander, am willing to lead troops to support Yan Province!"

Kang Zhengjie nodded slightly to show his agreement with the civil official's concern.

"Although Grand Tutor Gu Changqing is advanced in years, his sword is not dull; he remains the pillar of our Da Qian dynasty."

Although they knew Gu Changqing's prestige and ability were sufficient for this heavy responsibility, the situation in Lu Province caused worry.

However, they also had to admit that this was currently the only way to quickly reinforce Yan Province.

Within a day, they could reach the gates of the Qian capital.

His face was filled with determination and resolve, and he had already prepared to set out at any moment.

"The Chancellor's proposal, though bold, is not without reason."

"However, rest assured, this minister has already taken that into account."

"The rebel Meng Zhang of the Yellow Turban Army commands troops like a god; only Grand Tutor Gu Changqing personally confronting him can suffice."

After this period of fighting, the officials all knew that Meng Zhang of the southern Lu Province Yellow Turban Army commanded troops like a god, having repeatedly defeated the Da Qian army.

"Your Majesty, if the Grand Tutor himself goes to Lu Province, he will surely boost morale."

"But now the Da Qian dynasty is surrounded on all sides, the situation in Yan Province is urgent, and although the Prince of Yun on the eastern front has temporarily formed a marriage alliance, there is no guarantee he will not seize the opportunity to rebel."

"The 150,000-strong army we have withdrawn is already at its limit; adding the garrison troops from various places, it is truly impossible to free up more forces to support Lu Province."

A military officer stepped forward, his face showing a hint of helplessness.

"Your Majesty, General Wu is absolutely right."

"The battle for Lu Province hinges on troop numbers."

"The rebel Meng Zhang commands hundreds of thousands of elite Yellow Turban troops, a mighty force, and he himself is certainly not easy to deal with."

"Although the Grand Tutor is invincible in battle, even a skilled cook cannot make a meal without rice; given the disadvantage in troop strength, he may well be unable to withstand Meng Zhang's fierce assault."

Before his words had finished, another civil official promptly spoke up.

The court fell into a brief silence.

The officials all understood that whether letting Grand Tutor Gu Changqing go to Lu Province or withdrawing more troops for support, both faced great difficulties and risks.

Yet they also had to face reality: the Yellow Turban Army of Lu Province had become a tremendous threat.

If not resolved swiftly, the consequences would be unimaginable.

But under the current circumstances, only Grand Tutor Gu Changqing personally confronting Meng Zhang could temporarily ease the crisis in Lu Province.

And with the 150,000-strong army supporting Yan Province, it should also be able to temporarily hold its position.

In the court, the debate over whether Grand Tutor Gu Changqing could, despite lacking troops, stabilize Lu Province against Meng Zhang's Yellow Turban Army had already gone on for a long time.

The officials held various opinions: some believed Gu Changqing's high prestige and strong ability made him capable; others thought the troop disadvantage was too great, and even Gu Changqing could not turn the tide.

Amid the endless dispute and inability to reach consensus, Chancellor Kang Zhengjie slowly stepped forward from the ranks and performed a salute to Emperor Si Xiao Fei.

"Your Majesty, I have a proposal."

Kang Zhengjie's voice was calm and powerful, instantly overriding the clamor in the court.

Si Xiao Fei nodded slightly, indicating he should continue.

"Although the court is endlessly debating whether the Grand Tutor can stabilize the situation in Lu Province, we are merely talking here without truly understanding the Grand Tutor's thoughts and plans."

"I believe we can have the Grand Tutor, currently stationed in the outer camp of the Qian capital, come before us in person to hear his opinions and plans before making a decision."

Kang Zhengjie continued speaking.

As soon as these words were spoken, the court immediately buzzed with whispered discussion; the officials looked at each other, seemingly weighing the feasibility of this proposal.

After all, having the Grand Tutor Gu Changqing, who is currently guarding the camp, come to the court in person is no small matter.

However, Kang Zhengjie stood there composed, awaiting the emperor's response.

He knew this proposal was somewhat risky, but only thus could he truly understand Gu Changqing's thoughts and plans, thereby making the correct decision.

"If that is the case, then as the Chancellor said, summon the Grand Tutor to the court."

Si Xiao Fei thought it over, then finally nodded and said.

Soon, a swift horse headed to the outer camp outside the capital of the Da Qian dynasty to summon Gu Changqing.

The officials in the court also grew quiet, waiting for Gu Changqing's arrival.

Not long after, Gu Changqing, still in military attire and not yet having removed his armor, hurried to the court.

He wore armor and hung a precious sword at his waist; although advanced in age, he remained spirited and imposing.

After paying his respects to the emperor, he stood beside Kang Zhengjie.

"Grand Tutor, you have worked hard."

"I summoned you here to hear your views and plans regarding the Luozhou battlefield to the south."

Si Xiaofei looked at this pillar of the state at the lower seat and smiled slightly.

"Your Majesty, although this old subject has experienced countless battlefields, I have never crossed swords with Mengzhang."

"As for whether we can stop him despite being absolutely outnumbered, this old subject dare not speak recklessly."

Facing the emperor's inquiry, Gu Changqing took a deep breath and replied solemnly.

"Previously, the two generals Yin Yuanxun and Chou Longteng jointly resisted Mengzhang, yet they were still defeated and the entire line collapsed."

"Yin and Chou are both renowned commanders of our Da Qian dynasty; their defeat suffices to show Mengzhang's strength and methods."

"Therefore, this old subject cannot guarantee that the situation will develop as we wish."

He paused, then continued speaking.

The court fell silent, all eyes fixed on Gu Changqing.

His words made everyone feel a sense of heaviness and oppression; the defeats of Yin Yuanxun and Chou Longteng have already been a heavy blow.

"If even Gu Changqing lacks certainty of victory, then the outlook for this war is indeed not optimistic."

(End of chapter)