Chapter 242: Dispatching Troops, Grand Master

As soon as he finished speaking, whispers broke out in the court.

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

"Since there is no worry in the east for the time being, we can withdraw the 150,000 troops originally used to defend the two states of Dongtu from the Dongning and Dongling passes and send them to Yanzhou for support."

"This army is elite and good at fighting. It will definitely turn the tide of the war."

Kang Zhengjie smiled slightly and continued.

As soon as these words were spoken, exclamations were heard again in the court.

The courtiers opened their eyes wide, as if they couldn't believe their ears.

Transferring 150,000 troops from Dongning and Dongling Pass to Yanzhou for support was undoubtedly a bold and risky move.

In this way, once the troops from Cang and Yun states leave the two passes.

Within one day, the troops can reach the city of Qiandu.

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

At this moment, a general stepped forward and said in a loud voice: "Your Excellency the Prime Minister is right! I am willing to lead the troops to Yanzhou to provide support!"

His face was full of determination and resoluteness, and he was ready to go into battle at any time.

However, at this moment, another civil official stood up.

"Although the Prime Minister's proposal is bold, it is not without reason."

"However, while it is important to dispatch troops to support Yanzhou, the Yellow Turban Army in Luzhou cannot be ignored."

"The Yellow Turban bandit Meng Zhang is a master at using troops. He must be dealt with personally by Grand Tutor Gu Changqing."

"If anyone else goes, I'm afraid they won't be a match for Meng Zhang."

He frowned and spoke in a serious tone.

As soon as he finished speaking, the court fell into silence again.

After this period of fighting, all the court officials knew that Meng Zhang, the leader of the Yellow Turban Army in Luzhou in the south, was a military genius who had defeated Daqian's army many times.

If troops were dispatched to support Yanzhou and Luzhou was lost, the Daqian Dynasty would face an even more serious crisis.

"Minister Lu is right. Meng Zhang of the Yellow Turban Army is indeed a tough opponent."

"But please rest assured that I have already considered this."

"Although Grand Tutor Gu Changqing is old, he is still as skilled as ever and is still the pillar of our Daqian."

"You can ask the Grand Master to go to Luzhou in the south to take charge."

Kang Zhengjie nodded slightly to show that he agreed with the civil official's concerns.

Kang Zhengjie's proposal was like a stone that caused a thousand ripples.

When the court officials heard that Grand Tutor Gu Changqing would be asked to personally go to the Luzhou battlefield to take charge, complicated expressions appeared on their faces.

Although they knew that Gu Changqing's prestige and ability were enough to take on this important task, the situation in Luzhou was worrying.

"Your Majesty, if the Grand Master goes to Luzhou in person, it will surely boost the morale of the army."

"But now Daqian is surrounded by enemies on all sides, and the war in Yanzhou is urgent. Although the prince of Yunwang in the east has temporarily married, there is no guarantee that he will not take the opportunity to raise an army."

"The 150,000 troops we have mobilized are already the limit. Add to that the troops stationed in various places, and it is really difficult to spare more troops to support Luzhou."

A general stood up with a look of helplessness on his face.

"Your Majesty, Lord Wu is absolutely right."

"The key to the battle of Luzhou lies in the number of troops."

"The Yellow Turban bandit Meng Zhang has hundreds of thousands of elite Yellow Turban troops under his command. They are very powerful and are not easy to deal with."

"Although the Grand Master is invincible, he cannot cook without rice. With inferior military strength, I am afraid he will not be able to resist Meng Zhang's fierce attack."

Before he finished speaking, another civil official spoke up.

The court fell silent for a while. The court officials all understood that whether they asked Grand Tutor Gu Changqing to go to Luzhou or to draw more troops for support, they would face great difficulties and risks.

However, they had to face the reality that the Yellow Turban Army in Luzhou had become a huge threat.

If it is not resolved quickly, the consequences will be disastrous.

But in the current situation, only Grand Tutor Gu Changqing can personally take action to deal with Meng Zhang and temporarily alleviate the crisis in Luzhou.

With the support of 150,000 troops, Yanzhou should be able to stabilize its position temporarily.

In the court, the debate has been going on for a long time about whether Grand Tutor Gu Changqing can stabilize the Yellow Turban Army led by Meng Zhang of Luzhou in the absence of troops.

The court officials held different opinions. Some believed that Gu Changqing had high prestige and strong ability and was qualified for the job; others believed that the military disadvantage was too great and even Gu Changqing would not be able to turn the tide.

Just as the argument was endless and it was difficult to reach a consensus, Prime Minister Kang Zhengjie slowly walked out of the line and saluted to the 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, motioning for him to continue.

"There is an endless debate in the court about whether the Grand Tutor can stabilize the situation in Luzhou, but we are just talking nonsense here and don't really understand the Grand Tutor's thoughts and plans."

"I think we can ask the Grand Master in the outer camp of Qiandu to come and ask him in person, listen to his opinions and plans, and then make a decision."

Kang Zhengjie continued.

As soon as these words came out, there was a murmur in the court. The court officials looked at each other, as if they were weighing the feasibility of this proposal.

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

However, Kang Zhengjie stood there calmly, waiting for the emperor's response.

He knew that this proposal was somewhat risky, but only in this way could he truly understand Gu Changqing's thoughts and plans and make the right decision.

"In that case, then we will follow the Prime Minister's instructions and summon the Grand Tutor to the court."

Si Xiaofei thought about it and finally nodded.

Soon, a fast horse went to the outer camp of Qiandu to summon Gu Changqing.

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

Not long after, Gu Changqing, still in military uniform, hurried to the court.

He was wearing armor and had a sword hanging from his waist. Although he was old, he was still energetic and majestic.

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

"Thank you for your hard work, Grand Master."

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

Si Xiaofei looked at the pillar of the country below him and smiled slightly.

"Your Majesty, although I have experienced countless battles, I have never fought against Meng Zhang."

"As to whether we can stop him despite our absolute disadvantage in military strength, I dare not make any rash comments."

In response to the emperor's inquiry, Gu Changqing took a deep breath and answered solemnly.

"Earlier, Generals Yin Yuanxun and Qiu Longteng worked together to fight against Meng Zhang, but they were still defeated."

"Yin and Qiu are both famous generals of our Daqian Dynasty. Their defeat is enough to show Meng Zhang's strength and means."

"Therefore, I, an old minister, cannot guarantee that the war situation will develop as we wish."

He paused and continued.

There was silence in the court, and all eyes were focused on Gu Changqing.

His words made everyone feel a little heavy and depressed. The defeat of Yin Yuanxun and Qiu Longteng was already a heavy blow.

If even Gu Changqing is not sure of victory, then the prospects of this war are indeed not optimistic.

(End of this chapter)