Xu Youchang rushed to Zijin Pass, and as soon as he entered the city, he was led by the soldiers of the white-robed army to Li Jiangyao's mansion here.

An important meeting that is about to decide the fate of Saint Tang is waiting for him.

Except for Du Jian and Huo Liya, who stayed on the front line to command the battle, all the other high-ranking officials of the Zhenjiang Army were present.

Li Jiangyao sat in the center, his eyes swept over everyone, and said loudly: "The imperial court has officially replied to us, and the full text is only eight words: make persistent efforts and pass through the Guanzhong." Brothers, what do you think? ”

Xie Tanzhi was the first to speak: "Looking at it this way, the imperial court's scruples about us are getting heavier and heavier. Our army successfully captured the two prefectures of Yongliang and controlled the Hetao corridor, and the Turks were so nervous that they couldn't do it. With such a favorable fighter, the imperial court should have made corresponding arrangements, mobilized troops east of Tongguan, and coordinated with our army to advance from east to west. However, after waiting for nearly a month, I only waited for these eight words. ”

Situ Wushou also said: "Make persistent efforts and pass through the Guanzhong." I really don't understand what these eight words mean? Is it for us to gnaw on the imperial capital ourselves? Or is it to hold off the Turks in the Guanzhong region in order to buy time for the eastern battlefield? ”

Because this matter involved the Holy Tang Dynasty, the topic was a little sensitive, so the generals and officials in Western Xinjiang basically did not say much.

Li Jiangyao looked at Xu Youchang: "What about your opinion?" ”

"Pure moths!" Xu Youchang was quite dissatisfied: "My forward troops have arrived in Lanzhou, and they have fought with the people of Ronia for four or five rounds in a row, watching them increase their troops every day, and even Helianxiong's Golden First Army has come to join in the fun!" If the imperial court could cooperate at this time, even if the eastern front exerted a little pressure on the Turks and contained some of the opponent's troops and horses, I would have been able to capture Lanzhou a long time ago. ”

Hearing him say this, Li Jiangyao first nodded, and then said, "Don't complain." The imperial court has the consideration of the imperial court, and we have our mission. Let's talk about it, what is the situation on the battlefield, and what are the suggestions for the next step? ”

Xu Youchang sighed lightly, and then said: "Dadu Hu, my lords, in general, the current situation is very favorable to our army. Just ten days ago, Du Jian had successfully joined forces with me, and a total of seven armies, 330,000 soldiers and horses, including wind, fire, thunder, divine flower, angry waves, cold waves, and wild sand, were assembled in Yongdeng County, northwest of Lanzhou, and could launch a general attack on Lanzhou City at any time. ”

He paused for a moment, and then continued: "Once you take Lanzhou, you will completely break through the moat barrier in the western section of the Jinhe River. Further east, only two key cities remained, Tianshui County in Qinzhou and Baoji County in Qizhou, which the Turks could not hold at all. ”

"Baoji is an important gateway to the west of the imperial capital," Xie Tanzhi bowed slightly: "Occupying there is equivalent to inserting a sharp knife directly into the hinterland of Guanzhong, and the imperial capital will become unsafe for us." ”

Xu You said loudly: "Master Xie is right. If Tianshui and Baoji fall into our hands, the emperor will be within the range of the Zhenjiang army at any time, and he can only be in fear all day. And after their strategic maneuver space is further compressed, it means that the ultimate battle between Shengtang and the Turks will come soon! ”

Li Jiangyao nodded and asked, "Do you have the confidence to defeat Lanzhou, Tianshui and Baoji?" ”

Xu Youchang replied without hesitation: "Have confidence!" ”

"If you don't rely on the imperial court to contain the enemy from the eastern front, you have confidence?"

"Yes! Most of the capital guards, the front line of 330,000 soldiers and horses, morale is high, without the help of the imperial court, still attack the city! ”

"How long will it take?"

"How long can I be given by Metropolitan Care? There are fast and fast plays, and slow and slow plays, and the casualties and losses are different. ”

Li Jiangyao pondered for a moment and said, "I'll give you a month!" How about sending you the Eighth Army at the same time? ”

Xu Youchang smiled: "The three heavy infantry legions are all handed over to me?" Haha, no problem! Within a month, I guarantee that the eagle flags of the Zhenjiang Army will be fluttering on the heads of the cities of Lanzhou, Tianshui and Baoji! ”

Xie Tanzhi hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't help but ask, "Dadu Hu, why are you in a hurry to enter?" If he could manage to persuade the imperial court to act at the same time, wouldn't the pressure on General Xu be much less? ”

Li Jiangyao smiled and explained to everyone: "It is precisely in order to persuade the imperial court that I will urge Youchang to attack." At present, the Eastern Capital is facing two problems, which make them hesitate to attack the Turks. The first is the old problem. The imperial court thought that it was impossible to really control our Zhenjiang Army and Ma Hongjie's Southern Army, and it was not even possible to determine who would be the commander of the decisive battle, so it was impossible to talk about unification and coordination, so it simply let it go. The second problem is the threat from the Xuanjia rebels. Bao Yuchun played a trick before, not only forcing Murong Xue back, but also sneaking up on Ma Hongjie, causing Luoyi's southern defense line to face the risk of being broken by the rebels at all times. The imperial court was scared, so it wanted to focus more on defending the eastern capital. ”

"In this case, no matter how much we reason, the emperor and the courtiers will not listen. It is better to persuade people with their mouths than to force them with their actions; It is better to use action to convince people than to use results. If our army can sweep through the cities of Lanzhou within a month, and force Ashina to defend the imperial capital, it will inevitably cause a sensation in the world and inspire the people. At that time, the imperial court will not only have more confidence in the decisive battle, but will also be forced to focus on expelling foreign enemies first. ”

Hearing this, Xie Tanzhi nodded again and again: "My lord is wise, and I have been taught." Seeing that victory was in sight, there really was no reason why the emperor should not deal with the Turks first. What's more, once the imperial capital is successfully recovered, the imperial prestige will also climb to the peak, and with the convergence of troops and horses from all walks of life, the crusade against the southern rebels will become easy. ”

Xu Youchang agreed: "It seems that achieving a big victory on the battlefield is a key step in condensing the strength of the Holy Tang Dynasty in the future, and I instantly feel that the burden on my shoulders is very heavy." ”

Li Jiangyao couldn't help laughing: "You guy, it's rare to be funny." However, it is also true. Friend, the responsibility you shoulder is related to the fortune of the Shengtang Dynasty, please do everything. ”

Xu Youchang Huo Ran got up and gave Li Jiangyao a standard military salute: "Please rest assured, you will definitely go all out in your humble position!" Conquer the cities of Lanzhou and gather strength for the country! ”

Li Jiangyao motioned for him to sit down, and then said to Ma Mu, who was sitting not far away: "The battle line stretches more than 2,000 miles to the east at once, and the burden on your side is not light." What do you think? Can it withstand it? ”

Ma Mu arched his hand and said, "My lord, we have been preparing for today for a whole year. Whether it is grain and grass, arrows, medicinal herbs, or folk craftsmen, it is enough to support the needs of the front line. Let's put it this way, wherever Xu Shuai's army hits, our supply lines will follow, and we will never lag behind! ”

"How much are vehicles hoarded? How is the supply relay station set up? ”

"My lord, there are 5,000 double-wheeled carriages, 8,000 single-wheeled carriages, 11,000 ox-carts, and 6,000 camels." Ma Mu replied carefully: "According to the highest standard you set at the beginning, the supply relay station is set up every 100 to 120 miles, and the base number of transfer and hoarding is based on the base line of 50,000 people and 10 days' rations, and other equipment and materials are also stored in accordance with the regulations. Each relay station is equipped with 300 armor soldiers, 100 light cavalry, and 100 fire extinguishing teams to maintain vigilance at all times. ”

Seeing that he was so precious about military supplies, Li Jiangyao nodded with satisfaction, and reminded him a few more words. Then, he turned his head to look at Yudra: "The big battle is coming, the military situation is in the lead, are you ready?" ”

Yudra hurriedly reported: "My lord, the Intelligence Department is keeping an eye on the enemy at any time, and it must not be overlooked. Up to now, we have sent 213 spies to infiltrate six important cities in Lanzhou, Tianshui, Baoji, Qingyang, Longnan, and Hanzhong, and in the direction of the imperial capital, we have sent 61 additional people on the original basis. From the enemy's command center, to the tribal legions, to the grain and grass baggage, the herald station, and the key passes, all have our eyes. ”

Li Jiangyao bowed slightly, and said, "Friend Chief, how many liaison officers have you sent from the Intelligence Department?" ”

"Originally, there were only two, but now there are nine in total," Yudra replied, "A liaison officer has been transferred to each army to provide information to the commanders of each army at any time. ”

"It's not enough." Li Jiangyao said: "In addition to the main general's side, the scout battalions of each army should also maintain close contact with the Intelligence Department. Reconnaissance scouts and intelligence spies cooperate well to be well-informed. ”

Yudra arched his hand and replied: "Obey the order, go back and arrange it immediately!" ”

Li Jiangyao turned to the other side again: "How is the situation in the field medical hall?" Let's talk about it. ”

It was the first time for Xia Lian of the Yiwu tribe to participate in such a high-level meeting, and although she was usually familiar with the adults here, she couldn't help but be a little nervous when she heard Li Jiangyao ask herself. Xiahou Ninghan, who was beside her, smiled and encouraged: "Don't be afraid, speak boldly." ”

Xia Lian nodded, slowly stood up, and tried to make her voice sound calmer: "Tell the capital guard, we now have a total of ten field medical halls, and there are two thousand two hundred and forty-two registered military doctors. In addition, we have recruited nearly 7,000 medical women from all over western Xinjiang, and although they cannot treat diseases, they have no problem bandaging wounds and caring for wounded soldiers. As for the medicinal herbs, bandages, stretchers, and other items needed, Master Ma Mu and Master Situ have prepared us very well, and I think it is enough for the war. ”

After that, she smiled embarrassedly, looking cramped and cute.

When everyone saw this, they couldn't help laughing.

Li Jiangyao praised: "Very good, you have made sufficient preparations, and the lives of the front-line soldiers can be more guaranteed." Minor injuries do not turn into serious injuries, and serious injuries do not turn into death, which is the key means to improve morale. ”

Xu Youchang also nodded again and again: "My lord is right. Soldiers know that they can receive timely and proper treatment when they are wounded, and they will be less worried and more heroic when they start fighting. Miss Xia Lian, on behalf of the whole army, I want to thank you. ”

Xia Lianqiao's face flushed, and she quickly stood up again: "Xu Shuai has won the award, this is what I should do." ”