Aspirations for Nation and Beauty: Section 1 The Wind Rises

As winter approaches, Wufeng's study career is coming to an end, and Wufeng's relationship with Mo Lun, Su Minshun, and Gu Ji is also getting closer. All kinds of news from Wufeng also continued to reach Wufeng's ears.

This year is not a good year for the empire. Except for the imperial capital and Wuhu County and Jiangnan County, the crops in other parts of the empire are not good. The rich coastal areas in the eastern part of the empire caused huge economic losses to several prefectures in Jiangnan County and Donghai County along the coast, and seriously affected the empire's shipping trade, which dealt a great blow to the powerful image of the empire. The Luobei people from the northwest once again drove straight in and swept across the northwest region of the empire. Five of the six prefectures in the northwest county were looted. Among them, the three prefectures of Qingyang, Guide, and Bonan were almost robbed. The military power of the empire in this area has almost become There was nothing, bandits and horse thieves took advantage of the opportunity, and the situation was in chaos. The three prefectures of Qingyang, Guide, and Bonan had actually fallen into anarchy.

Some people around who had ambitions for this area also took a wait-and-see attitude and did not dare to step in rashly. The humble iron cavalry is fighting, and it is still unknown whether it can get the support of the central government of the empire, otherwise stealing chickens will not make a fortune. Therefore, the major forces around have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. The riots of peasants and slaves broke out again in Kansai and Yanyun counties. Fortunately, they were controlled in time and did not lead to major incidents.

After returning to the barracks several times, Wufeng discussed the current situation of the empire with Tanxiao, whose alias Xiao Tang, and they all believed that the empire had reached a very difficult situation, and the surrounding countries must have noticed this, and had a little understanding of it. Any turmoil will cause great turmoil in the situation. If there is an opportunity, we should seize the opportunity, jump out of the circle of the imperial capital, and develop in a place far away from the center of the empire. At the same time, Wufeng also asked Gu Jido to collect intelligence from other regions outside the imperial capital, especially the northwest region of the empire, for future preparations.

After winning the hearts of Guan Yingying and Hua Yumei, with the support of the two daughters, Wufeng launched a fierce emotional offensive against Angel. The influence of power, I dare not make it public, and the relationship with Wufeng has not dared to break through the last line of defense. After all, Angel's name is well-known in the upper class of the imperial capital, and many princes and nobles have failed to pursue it. It is said that Wufeng has captured the heart, which will definitely cause an uproar, and will definitely have a negative impact on Wufeng, so the two of them are dating underground. And Wufeng is quite satisfied with the current situation, except for some regrets that he didn't share the joy of fish and water with Angel, but Wufeng thinks that Angel is a flower in the upper class of the imperial capital, and there are many suitors. Well, if a young girl turns into a young woman, she will definitely not be able to hide it from someone who cares about it, and it will inevitably bring some troubles, so it is better to wait for a while, choose the right time, and then act cheaply.

The study career ended soon, and Wufeng was very satisfied with the learning effect. Although he didn't spend much energy on the real study, but he made a few friends and had three confidantes, so he should be satisfied. However, Mulige and Shalang benefited a lot. Not only did they get an opportunity to systematically study military strategy and tactics, but they also got an opportunity to exchange experience with other colleagues. Wufeng also chose some military books for the two of them during the study period. , I want the two to cherish the opportunity and study hard, and both of them have successfully completed the learning tasks.

Back at the barracks, after inspecting the training situation of the troops, Wufeng called Xiao Tang, Liang Chongxin, Cui Wenxiu, and Lu Man to hold a small meeting. Later, it played a very important role in the history of the empire, because at this meeting, after introducing the current situation of the empire, Wufeng proposed to his confidants for the first time to jump out of the center of the empire and look for opportunities , To get rid of the shackles, in order to achieve greater development, he also solemnly introduced the pseudonym Xiao Tang Tanxiao to the other three present.

Xiao Tang made a further detailed elaboration and analysis on the current situation of the empire and its surrounding areas combined with the information obtained. Liang, Cui, and Lu present here were shocked after listening to their words, and couldn't help but feel excited , Thinking back on the treatment they received in the imperial army, they were already somewhat dissatisfied with the current empire, and they had already made up their minds to be loyal to this unfathomable young man in front of them, but they still had many questions.

Liang Chongxin first raised the question in his heart? "My lord, we belong to the city guard system. I'm afraid it's very difficult to have the opportunity to garrison areas outside the imperial capital. At most, there are a few short-term military operations like last year."

Cui and Lu also expressed deep approval, while Wufeng smiled confidently. "You don't have to worry about this. I'm just putting forward a preliminary idea. I don't want to implement it immediately. What's more, I estimate that the empire will use troops on the Luobei people on the northwest border this year. The riots delayed the preparations, so I estimate that the empire's military action this year is imperative, because the corruption in the northwest region has seriously affected all aspects of the empire, and the interruption of land trade in the north has caused goods from the western and central continents to be transported to the empire Afterwards, the price almost doubled compared to the original price, and the goods in the empire were seriously backlogged, and many merchants went bankrupt because of this, and the military aggression of the Luobei was undoubtedly a slap in the face to the dignity of the empire. I believe that the current imperial court is incompetent, so the empire urgently needs a war victory to improve the current unfavorable situation. At that time, maybe we will have a chance. The current top priority is to strengthen the full training of the troops. Chongxin and Wenxiu, you should step up. In addition, Lu Man, you have to prepare all the logistics materials including weapons, war horses, food, clothing, medicine, etc. as soon as possible, and you must not take it lightly."

The three of them stood up and obeyed the order, Wufeng told the three of them not to spread the matter for now.

"The Luobei people are a branch of the nomadic people. Since ancient times, they have lived together with several other nomadic peoples on the Tengger Prairie in the northern part of the mainland. The first time it fought a war with several other nomadic peoples on the prairie for the hegemony of the prairie. After entering the middle of the seventh century, its strength was further strengthened, and it successively defeated the Quors, Numidians, and Tutus in the eastern part of the prairie. The Bu people and the Mot people ruled the East Tengger Prairie and confronted the Chidi people, the overlord of the West Tengger Prairie. The Kingdom of An and the countries of the Hansen Alliance launched wars of aggression until the establishment of the empire.”--Excerpt from "Biography of the Empire"

The time has entered July 691 in the Continental Calendar, and the imperial army has gradually shifted to a state of readiness, especially the Second Army of the Northern Military Region and the Third Army of the Western Military Region are stepping up their training, and the City Guard Army has also entered a state of alert. , all kinds of military materials are also continuously replenished in place, all for the upcoming war with the Luobei people. In the Sun and Moon Hall of the imperial capital, the emperor Situ Mingyue had a solemn face, listening intently to the report of the head of the Intelligence Department of the General Administration of Military Affairs.

"The Tengger Grassland where the Luobei people are located has encountered another drought this year. Many herdsmen's livestock have died of thirst. It seems that if they want to survive this year, they will definitely launch a war. According to our information, they The Besan Department of the Great General Who Conquers the South under Chief Wadya has already started to mobilize the war in advance, mainly targeting the Indian Kingdom in the southwest of them and the countries of the Hansen Alliance. It must be us, because the five countries of the Western Regions have paid them food, fodder and livestock according to their requirements, and the Mote and Tubu people have reached an agreement with them. Launch an attack, so their target is only us."

"What do you think of this war?" Situ Mingyue was a little annoyed. After all, the strength of the Luobei people should not be underestimated. It's unpredictable.

"Your Majesty, the General Administration of Military Affairs has drawn up a plan. We plan to deploy three divisions from the Third Army of the Western Military Region and the Second Army of the Northern Military Region as the main force, and another two divisions of the City Guard Army as a reserve. The team will go to the Northwest County when it is ready. According to our information, the Luobei people's general has about 30,000 heavy cavalry, 60,000 light cavalry, 60,000 light infantry, and no heavy infantry. There are a total of 150,000 people, and it is estimated that some of them will stay behind, and we have dispatched a total of more than 220,000 people this time, not including a division of Yinchuan Prefecture that has expressed that it will fight with us, of which there are more than 30,000 heavy cavalry There are more than 50,000 heavy infantry, more than 40,000 light cavalry, and more than 100,000 light infantry. We have an absolute advantage in the comparison of troops. Moreover, we are fighting defensively at our own door this time, so we can give full play to our strength. The defensive advantage of the heavy infantry, as long as the logistics supplies keep up, the enemy's invasion will definitely be defeated." Minister of Military Affairs He Zhiqiu calmly comforted the emperor, and several other ministers also expressed that this battle has been carefully planned, and it will definitely be a big hit. win all.

"I don't know who the General Administration of Military Affairs plans to appoint as the commander-in-chief of this battle?"

"This has to be decided by His Majesty."

"Everyone can recommend it."

A burly figure stood up. "The younger brother recommended himself, willing to lead the army to kill the enemy and share the worries of the emperor's brother."

When everyone saw it, it turned out that it was His Majesty's younger brother Tu Mingzhi from the Zhenguo Company. He Zhiqiu, Minister of Military Affairs, immediately frowned.

"My lord, the battlefield of this battle is far away in the northwest frontier area. The road is long and difficult to travel, and the boats and vehicles are exhausting. Your lord's health is important, so it is not suitable to take on this hard work." He Zhiqiu hurriedly came forward to dissuade him.

"What do you mean, this duke is in good health and is trying to share his worries for the emperor. Why, does Mr. He think that this duke is not qualified, or does he lack confidence in this duke." Situ Mingzhi's face was already a little ugly.

He Zhiqiu couldn't help crying inwardly, but he quickly explained: "Where is the Duke thinking, the reputation of the Lord has long been spread throughout the Eastern Continent. His Excellency the Duke is going out, it feels like killing a chicken with a sledgehammer."

"Stop talking nonsense, I just want to use these ignorant barbarians to practice my skills, so I ask the emperor to order me to lead the army."

He Zhiqiu was secretly anxious, and quickly gestured to the other generals and ministers present, but the few present pretended not to see them and turned their heads to the side. A close lord of the town.

Situ Mingyue was still a little cautious, "Imperial brother, this is not a big or small matter, but you can't make any mistakes, you can go, but if you lose the battle, you know the consequences, don't blame me You are ruthless to be a brother's subordinate." Situ Mingyue exhorted with a solemn face.

"Brother Huang, don't worry, just listen to the news of the great victory." He Zhiqiu saw that the matter was a foregone conclusion, so he had to ask Lord Zhen Guo to be more careful, and not to act rashly, especially not to be greedy for merit. Situ Mingzhi agreed impatiently.

Back in the mansion, He Zhiqiu was a little irritable. This battle is so important that it will affect the future situation in the northwest region of the empire, and even have a major impact on the entire empire. However, Situ Mingzhi is by no means a suitable candidate for this battle. There was a bad premonition that there would be a big mess, and there were only sighs in the study.

"My lord, why are you so troubled?" He Zhiqiu looked up and saw that it was his wife He Yangshi and his concubine He Anshi.

"It's madam, sit down."

"I heard people say that when the adults returned home, they went to the study and sighed. They didn't know what happened, so they came to have a look." My husband is usually very calm and calm, and rarely has such a frown.

"Ma'am, I don't know something. Today, the court meeting discusses the candidates for the commander who will go to the Northwest. Lord Zhen Guogong asked to lead the army~IndoMTL.com~ I can't persuade him. His Majesty has already agreed. There is trouble."

"Then why don't you speak to His Majesty again?"

"Your Majesty has already made a decision. If I try to speak again, I'm afraid it will backfire."

"My lord, as long as you do your best, we will have a clear conscience."

"Okay, I'm going to meet the emperor now."

"He Aiqing, what is the urgent matter to see me so late?"

"Your Majesty, I'm here because of the candidate for the commander of the Northwest expedition that was discussed at the court meeting today. After careful consideration, I feel that Lord Zhen is not the best candidate for this campaign. Could you ask Your Majesty to consider it differently?" What about?"

"Oh, why does He Aiqing think so?"

"I think Lord Zhen Guo is too old to travel long distances, and Lord Zhen Guo has a more irritable personality. I am worried that the judgment of the commander will be affected on the battlefield."

Situ Mingyue was also a little hesitant. After all, this was a battle of great importance, and there could be no mistakes. He thought about it. If Situ Mingzhi was not allowed to lead the army at this time, he would definitely not give up easily, and Situ What Mingzhi said made sense. This is a force equivalent to the strength of two legions. If it is controlled by some people with ulterior motives, there will be even bigger problems. Why Zhiqiu attaches so much importance to the selection of the commander of this battle, doesn't it? Thinking of this, Situ Mingyue settled down: "He Aiqing, since the candidate has been decided in the court council, it's not easy to change it now, so let me tell Lord Zhen Guo to act carefully."

He Zhiqiu saw that His Majesty had made up his mind, so he had to kneel down and return home. On the way home, he felt a little melancholy. Could it be God's will? Hope my hunch is wrong.