xymnovel Chapter 238 Deploying Troops, Grand Tutor
Chapter 238 Deploying Troops, Grand Tutor
As soon as he finished speaking, a murmur arose in the court.
The court officials looked at each other, seemingly weighing the feasibility of the prime minister's proposal.
"Now that the east is temporarily safe, we can transfer the 150,000 troops that were originally used to defend the two eastern states near Dongning and Dongling Passes to support Yanzhou."
"This army is elite and skilled in battle; it will surely turn the tide of the war."
Kang Zhengjie smiled slightly and continued.
These words caused another gasp of surprise in the court.
The courtiers stared wide-eyed, seemingly unable to believe their ears.
The decision to mobilize 150,000 troops from the two passes of Dongning and Dongling to reinforce Yanzhou was undoubtedly a bold and risky move.
In this way, once the troops from Cang and Yun prefectures march out of the two passes...
Within a single day, their army could reach the gates of Qiandu City.
However, they also had to admit that this was currently the only way to quickly reinforce Yanzhou.
Just then, a military general stepped forward and said in a loud voice, "The Prime Minister is absolutely right! This humble general is willing to lead troops to Yanzhou to provide support!"
His face was filled with determination and resolve; he was ready to go into battle at any time.
However, at this moment, another civil official stepped forward.
"While the Prime Minister's suggestion is bold, it is not without reason."
"However, while it is important to send troops to support Yanzhou, the Yellow Turban army in Luzhou should not be ignored."
"The Yellow Turban rebel Meng Zhang is a brilliant strategist; only Grand Tutor Gu Changqing can deal with him personally."
"Even if others went, they probably wouldn't be a match for Meng Zhang."
He frowned and spoke in a serious tone.
As soon as he finished speaking, the court fell silent once again.
After this period of fighting, the court officials all knew that Meng Zhang, the leader of the Yellow Turban Army in Luzhou in the south, was a brilliant strategist who had repeatedly defeated the Daqian army.
If sending troops to support Yanzhou leads to the fall of Luzhou, then the Great Qian Dynasty will face an even more serious crisis.
"Minister Lu is absolutely right. Meng Zhang of the Yellow Turban Army is indeed a formidable opponent."
"But rest assured, I have already taken this into consideration."
"Grand Tutor Gu Changqing may be advanced in years, but he is still as sharp as ever and remains the pillar of our Great Qian."
"We can send the Grand Tutor to Luzhou in the south to oversee the situation."
Kang Zhengjie nodded slightly in agreement with the civil official's concerns.
Kang Zhengjie's proposal caused a huge stir.
When the court officials heard that Grand Tutor Gu Changqing was to personally go to the battlefield in Luzhou to oversee the situation, their faces showed a variety of complex expressions.
Although they knew that Gu Changqing's prestige and ability were sufficient to shoulder this heavy responsibility, the situation in Luzhou was worrying.
"Your Majesty, if the Grand Tutor were to personally go to Luzhou, it would surely boost the morale of the army."
"But now the Great Qian is besieged on all sides, the war in Yanzhou is critical, and although the Prince of Yun in the east has temporarily formed a marriage alliance, it is hard to guarantee that he will not take the opportunity to raise an army."
"The 150,000 troops we have mobilized are already at their limit. With the troops stationed in various places, it is really difficult to free up more troops to support Luzhou."
A military officer stepped forward, a hint of helplessness on his face.
"Your Majesty, Lord Wu is absolutely right."
"The key to the Battle of Luzhou lay in the number of troops."
"The Yellow Turban rebel Meng Zhang commands hundreds of thousands of elite Yellow Turban troops, a formidable force that is by no means easy to deal with."
"Although the Grand Tutor is invincible, even a skilled cook cannot cook without rice. With inferior troops, he will probably find it difficult to withstand Meng Zhang's fierce offensive."
Before he could finish speaking, another civil official followed suit.
The imperial court fell silent for a moment.
The court officials all understood that the Cola Novel Reading Feast—a vast collection of books and an unparalleled reading experience—faced immense difficulties and risks, whether it was sending Grand Tutor Gu Changqing to Luzhou or drawing more troops to provide support.
However, they had to face reality: the Yellow Turban Army in Luzhou had become a huge threat.
If this is not resolved quickly, the consequences will be unimaginable.
However, in the current situation, only Grand Tutor Gu Changqing personally dealing with Meng Zhang can temporarily alleviate the crisis in Luzhou.
With the support of 150,000 troops, Yanzhou should be able to stabilize its position for the time being.
In the imperial court, the debate over whether Grand Tutor Gu Changqing could stabilize Meng Zhang's Yellow Turban army in Luzhou without sufficient troops had been going on for a long time.
The court officials held differing opinions. Some believed that Gu Changqing was highly respected and capable, and therefore competent; others believed that the military disadvantage was too great, and even Gu Changqing would find it difficult to turn the tide.
Just as the debate raged on and no consensus could be reached, Chancellor Kang Zhengjie slowly stepped out of the ranks and bowed to Emperor Si Xiaofei.
"Your Majesty, I have a suggestion."
Kang Zhengjie's voice was steady and powerful, instantly drowning out the noise in the court.
Si Xiaofei nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.
"Currently, there is much debate in the court about whether the Grand Tutor can stabilize the situation in Luzhou, but we are just talking here and do not really understand the Grand Tutor's thoughts and plans."
"I believe we can have the Grand Tutor from the outer camp of Qiandu come to us in person to ask for his opinion and plans before making a decision."
Kang Zhengjie continued.
These words immediately sparked a flurry of whispers in the court. The court officials exchanged glances, seemingly weighing the feasibility of the proposal.
After all, it was no small matter to have Grand Tutor Gu Changqing, who was currently guarding the camp, personally come to the court.
However, Kang Zhengjie stood there calmly, waiting for the emperor's response.
He knew this proposal was somewhat risky, but only in this way could he truly understand Gu Changqing's thoughts and plans, and thus make the right decision.
"In that case, let us do as the Prime Minister says and summon the Grand Tutor to the court."
Si Xiaofei thought for a moment, and finally nodded.
Soon, a fast horse was sent to the outer camp of Qiandu to summon Gu Changqing.
The court officials in the imperial court also quieted down, waiting for Gu Changqing's arrival.
Not long after, Gu Changqing, still in full military uniform and not yet removed from his armor, hurriedly arrived at the imperial court.
He was dressed in armor and had a sword at his waist. Although he was old, he was still vigorous and imposing.
After bowing to the emperor, he stood beside Kang Zhengjie.
"You've worked hard, Grand Tutor."
"I summoned you here to hear your views and plans regarding the battlefield in Luzhou in the south."
Si Xiaofei looked at the pillar of the nation below him and smiled slightly.
"Your Majesty, although I have experienced countless battles, I have never fought against Meng Zhang."
"As for whether we can stop him when we are at a significant disadvantage in terms of troop strength, I dare not presume to say."
Faced with the emperor's inquiry, Gu Changqing took a deep breath and answered solemnly.
"Previously, Generals Yin Yuanxun and Qiu Longteng joined forces to fight against Meng Zhang, but they were still completely defeated."
"Yin and Qiu are both renowned generals of our Great Qian Dynasty. Their defeat is enough to demonstrate Meng Zhang's strength and methods."
"Therefore, this old minister cannot guarantee that the development of the war will be as we wish."
He paused for a moment, then continued.
The court was silent, all eyes were on Gu Changqing.
His words cast a heavy and oppressive shadow over everyone; the defeats of Yin Yuanxun and Qiu Longteng were already a devastating blow.
If even Gu Changqing is not confident of victory, then the prospects for this war are indeed not optimistic.