Chapter 135 Leading the Troops
But Luoyang had to rush to help. The longer it dragged on, the harder it would be for the outsiders to attack, and the city might even open up on its own. Fan Zigai did not have enough prestige, so he could only hold the fort for a while.

The emperor summoned his ministers to ask for advice. First of all, they could only gather food and fodder for an army of 40,000 to 50,000 at once, and this was even before the counties along the way had to supply food.

For ten consecutive years, he levied corvée labor without interruption, repaired the Eastern Capital, dug river embankments, opened roads, and built the Great Wall. He also led a million-strong army on expeditions for two consecutive years. The food and necessities for the men and horses almost consumed all the grain reserves accumulated in the counties of the Sui Dynasty.

The Liyang Granary and several other granaries around Luoyang, which still had a large amount of grain and grass, were also under Yang Xuangan's control.

"Your Majesty, the most urgent task is to dismiss some of the soldiers and civilians who are originally from nearby counties and allow them to return to their homes to farm and make a living. This will relieve a lot of burdens."

"allow."

"Your Majesty, we have enough food and grass to support 50,000 troops. I suggest sending the elite troops of the Xiaoguo Army."

Yang Guang nodded, then looked at the generals. They had to be loyal and trustworthy and not have any friendship with Yang Xuangan. Yuwen Shu was one of them. Lai Huer was also suitable, but his son surrendered to Yang Xuangan, so he could not be used.

He believed in Yuwen Shu's loyalty, but the emperor was worried about whether he could defeat Yang Xuangan. After much deliberation, he appointed Qu Tutong, the General of the Left Guard, as his deputy general.

"Your Majesty, Chang'an has plenty of food and grass. You should order them to send troops to help again."

"Who do you think should be appointed as the commander?"

For a moment, everyone was frowning and thinking hard. Originally, Chang'an was the base camp of the Guanlong nobles, and Wei Wensheng had specially led those who had nothing to do with Yang Xuangan to go on the expedition. Now no one could say what would happen to the rest.

If there was a rebellion, the person who recommended the emperor would also be punished, so everyone kept silent and let the emperor figure it out on his own.

Yang Guang pondered for a long time, and Li Jiancheng's name kept flashing in his mind. This was his confidant who he promoted and cultivated. Moreover, according to the letter from his grandson, both the father and son of the Li family were very well-behaved. He remembered that Li Jiancheng had specifically reminded him that Yang Xuangan seemed to have some unusual movements.

Of course, the most important thing is that his father Li Yuan is now under Wei Wensheng's command.

"How is Li Jiancheng?"

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Some wanted to say that it was inappropriate, but if they rejected one, they would have to recommend another. So who else could they use?
Moreover, saying this would inevitably offend Li Jiancheng. After Yang Xuangan, the representative of the Guanlong nobles would either fall into the Yuwen family or the Li family. But how old was Yuwen Shu, and how old was Li Jiancheng?

"Your Majesty is wise and wise. At a time when the country is in crisis, Your Majesty has appointed him. I believe he will do his best."

Seeing that no one directly opposed, Li Jiancheng's in-laws and old friends made some bland remarks of opposition. They believed that being too smooth was never a good thing, as it would shake the emperor's decision.

Sure enough, when Yang Guang heard that these were all trivial matters, he felt that he was right to employ people in this way.

He immediately ordered people to rush to Chang'an to convey his order and urged Yuwen Shu and others to set out on the expedition as soon as possible.

...............

As usual, after hearing the news from Luoyang, under the auspices of King Dai, everyone began another day of performance, first scolding Yang Xuangan, and then looking forward to the future after the rebellion was quelled.

In short, they couldn't discuss any serious matters until the emperor's edict came. The king received the edict and read it, and then ordered his uncle to announce it.

"Li Jiancheng, accept the order!" Li Jiancheng, who was standing in the middle in a coarse cloth robe, stepped out and saluted the imperial edict. Wei Yijie, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice, announced the order, "The national situation is difficult, the military situation is urgent, and we cannot delay in rushing to help Luoyang. You are loyal and filial, and I wanted to save you, but... now you have been in mourning for half a year, and your filial piety has been demonstrated. I will give up your kindness and restore you to your original position. You will lead the troops to the battle immediately. I decree this!"

Li Jiancheng was in tears and did not stand up. A group of court officials tried to comfort him. After a long time, he stood up and sighed: "It is difficult to have both loyalty and filial piety. Today, I have to obey the emperor's order and give up filial piety for loyalty."

"My dear husband, you are so righteous. If my old lady is still alive, she will definitely be pleased."

The King of Dai dismissed the unimportant officials and kept the officials who really held important positions. Li Jiancheng was no longer sad and said frankly: "Yang Ni now has 100,000 troops, which is not a trivial matter. I wonder how many troops are left in Chang'an?"

The Minister of War said, "Li Taishou, Chang'an cannot be lost. At most, there are only 20,000 soldiers and horses available for you to lead."

Although there was the emperor's order, since the number of troops was not specified, it meant that they were allowed to discuss it at their own discretion. Those who held the military power naturally did not want to hand over the troops to Li Jiancheng.

Without Li Jiancheng saying anything, an official from the Dou clan immediately said: "There are at least 100,000 elite troops in Chang'an, and you can easily say 20,000."

Dugu's Minister of Civil Affairs also said, "Do you want to disobey the order?" It is His Majesty's order to order Li Taishou to mobilize elite troops to rush to Luoyang. How dare you do this in secret?

The assistant minister of the Ministry of War waved his hands and said, "How dare I do that? But Minister Wei also specifically instructed before he left that no matter whether his trip succeeds or fails, the troops in Chang'an cannot be withdrawn on a large scale."

"Humph, Wei Wensheng has wasted his troops and was defeated in one battle. His words are not credible. After we pacify the traitor Yang, we will file a petition to impeach him."

After listening for a while, King Dai Yang You felt that something was not right. The troops were too few. Wei Wensheng led 70,000 elite troops but was defeated in just half a month and was reduced to only 10,000 men. What was the use of giving Li Jiancheng only 20,000 men?

Li Jiancheng ignored them and said to the King of Dai: "Your Highness, I am not here to defeat the enemy, but only to resist and delay them, waiting for the troops from the counties and prefectures or for Your Majesty to gather enough food and lead a large army to the south to encircle them.

Therefore, soldiers and horses are indispensable, but guarding Chang'an is also of utmost importance, so I only need 30,000 elite soldiers, but I would like to draw some from the 100,000 young and strong men who are building the city walls, and I also ask Your Highness to allow me to recruit soldiers in Chang'an."

"The Ministry of War can gather 30,000 elite soldiers for Li Taishou. In addition, I think what Li Taishou said is very true. At this moment, Yang Ni is in full swing, and we should not rush for success like Minister Wei did. It is the right way to resist and slowly annihilate him. I agree with what Li Taishou said."

In fact, their bottom line was 40,000, but since Li Jiancheng only wanted 30,000, they naturally had to reciprocate.

Prince Dai Yang You was obviously unable to handle such a big matter, and his eyes subconsciously fell on his most trusted uncle. Li Jiancheng also took the opportunity to look at Wei Yijie.

Wei Yijie silently weighed the pros and cons, not only for the sake of the Sui Dynasty and his nephew, but more for the sake of his own family.

The world is becoming more and more chaotic, and this is something that everyone can see. Since Your Majesty has returned to Zhuo County, it means that this expedition against Goguryeo has not been successful again. Your Majesty has failed twice.

"I also agree with what Governor Li said."

"So be it."

Li Jiancheng bowed solemnly and said, "Thank you, Your Highness. I will definitely help the Great Sui Dynasty to defeat the rebels and defeat the disloyalty!"

...............

(End of this chapter)