Chapter 52: Before the Troops Move, the Supplies Must Advance

Chapter 52: Before the Troops Move, the Supplies Must Lead

For Li Tai, lacking generals under his command and without military authority, the circumstances he could latch onto were limited.

But unlike everyone else, Li Tai was certain that this war would be victorious.

It was akin to traveling back to the Anti-Japanese War period and believing that one’s strength surpassed that of the people at that time.

In Li Tai’s view, the answer was the same as now: he firmly believed the resistance would succeed more than anyone else.

At present, all he needed to do was to show his utmost support for the Northern Expedition.

However, this matter would have to wait until Emperor Taizong officially announced the campaign. Li Tai believed that moment was near.

Though he did not know exactly when the Northern Expedition against the Turks would commence, it was certain that the decision to dispatch troops would be made this year. All he needed was patience.

In fact, as Li Tai had anticipated, nearly all mid-to-high rank officials gathered in the Taiji Hall to discuss the memorial sent by Zhang Gongjin, debating whether to launch the Northern Expedition against the Turks.

Emperor Taizong observed the ministers’ discussions, especially noting the opposition from Dou Lu Kuan of the Ministry of Rites and Dai Zhou of the Ministry of Revenue.

Dou Lu Kuan said, “Since the Wei River Pact, there has been no conflict between us and the Turks.

Now, if we break this balance proactively, regardless of whether we can win or not—

Suppose the Turks retreat to the Great Desert, should we pursue them or not?

If we are unable to defeat the Turks, then when they invade next year, wouldn’t it only bring needless suffering?”

In short, Dou Lu Kuan believed that since the Turks had not troubled them for so many years, it was better to live in peace rather than provoke them.

Regardless of victory or defeat, if others do not attack you, then we would be forced into a passive stance.

Dai Zhou presented another perspective: “In recent years, natural disasters have been frequent, and the court lacks stored grain.

When Emperor Wu of Han fought the Xiongnu, it depleted the prosperity of Emperor Wen and Jing’s reign. Now, if we engage the Turks, how can we support a long-distance expedition?

We should first focus on recuperation for a few years, waiting until our forces are strong and provisions sufficient before discussing the campaign against the Turks.”

Of course, from the perspective of the generals, they were eager to fight this battle.

After all, Zhang Gongjin had clearly stated his reasons: in August, the Turks suffered a severe snowstorm, causing countless deaths among their cattle and sheep.

This winter would be harsh for the Turks, and if this opportunity was missed, it would be gone forever.

Emperor Taizong glanced at Li Jing, who had submitted the memorial but had yet to voice his opinion. The very act of submitting it indicated Li Jing’s stance.

Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui quietly discussed among themselves, not stepping forward to speak openly.

Li Tai, noticing this, asked, “Xuanling, Kemin, what do you mean?”

Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling exchanged glances.

Fang Xuanling gestured for Du Ruhui to speak, who stepped forward without hesitation.

“I believe this battle must be fought!” Du Ruhui declared.

Wei Zheng frowned slightly at Du Ruhui’s words but did not interrupt, instead thoughtfully watching him.

To be honest, Wei Zheng was not afraid of Du Ruhui or Fang Xuanling individually.

But when these two worked together, since the time of Li Mi, Wei Zheng had never gained any advantage under their leadership.

So he decided to listen carefully to their arguments before judging whether they were reasonable.

“Please, go on!” Emperor Taizong’s eyes brightened upon hearing Du Ruhui’s words.

Du Ruhui continued, “The military strategy is clear, as stated in Zhang Gongjin’s memorial—I need not repeat it.

My real reason is that we must strike first!

In recent years, the Turks have been plagued by internal rebellions, and Khagan Xieli has suffered repeated defeats.

Now, with the sudden snowstorm, their livelihood is further disrupted.

From reading the histories of Northern Wei and Sui dynasties, I have observed that whenever the northern steppes suffer disasters near year-end, they inevitably invade southward.

This is to reduce population strain and seize supplies, enabling their people to survive the winter.

Therefore, rather than letting the Turks take the initiative, it is better for us to attack first and freely choose the battlefield!”

“Minister Du’s words are easy to say!” Dai Zhou stood up and argued, “The Tang has suffered disasters year after year, resulting in shortages of grain and exhausted people.

At this time, dispatching grain from Chang’an to the north is no simple matter.”

Du Ruhui nodded but explained further, “Indeed, grain supplies in Guanzhong are scarce, and even if we want to transport them north, it is difficult.

But please do not forget the Grand Canal connecting Jing and Hangzhou—grain stored in Luoyang can be sent directly to Youzhou.

Although the Sanggan River is not easily navigable, it runs through Youzhou and Shuozhou, sufficient to transport supplies to the front!”

Fang Xuanling added, “If the Turks choose the battlefield, transporting supplies in this way would be impossible.

They would only need to send a force to harass Guanzhong, and our army would be exhausted dealing with it.”

Hearing Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui speak so confidently, the civil officials present were at a loss for words.

They knew well that Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui were Emperor Taizong’s closest confidants and strategists.

Whatever these two decided, Emperor Taizong would certainly support.

Sure enough, after responding to Dou Lu Kuan and Dai Zhou’s objections, Emperor Taizong said, “Very well, then prepare for battle against the Turks.

Dou Sinong, you shall proceed to Youzhou to conscript laborers to repair the Sanggan River channel and transport grain from Luoyang to Youzhou.

I give you three months to prepare for the Northern Expedition.”

“I obey!” Dou Jing stood and replied to Emperor Taizong.

“Saintly One, I request the Water Ministry’s master craftsmen be assigned to assist me, and to conscript Li Chunfeng from Gaoling County along with his laborers,” Dou Jing added.

“Gaoling County? Why single out Gaoling?” Emperor Taizong was surprised.

Dou Jing explained naturally, “Li Chunfeng is skilled in numerology and especially adept at organizing labor to complete tasks on schedule.

Even the one hundred thousand refugees in Guanzhong are managed in an orderly manner under his direction.

Having him along will surely double our effectiveness!”

Previously, Li Tai had opened his methods for arranging refugees to public view, and Dou Jing had certainly taken note.

However, Dou Jing’s attention was less on Ma Zhou, who oversaw overall coordination, and more on Li Chunfeng, who meticulously managed tasks with mathematical precision.

Dou Jing was responsible for military farming and knew well how difficult it was to organize large-scale personnel and motivate refugees to labor willingly instead of with resentment.

“I must notify Qingque of this matter. Prepare to depart for Youzhou,” Emperor Taizong instructed Dou Jing.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace, I obey!” Dou Jing responded.

Frankly, Emperor Taizong could have approved immediately, but he recalled how Li Yuan had once disbanded his Tiance Army generals without consulting him.

Putting himself in Li Yuan’s shoes, Emperor Taizong did not want to repeat that mistake by giving orders directly to Li Tai’s subordinates.

Hence, he chose to have Li Tai come to Chang’an again, confident Li Tai would not refuse.

With the meeting concluded, all present understood Emperor Taizong’s intent to wage war.

Sending Dou Jing to clear the river channel and coordinate supplies was merely the prelude.

As for who would command the campaign and how it would be conducted, those were matters for further deliberation.

Still, many guessed that the commander would be either Li Xiaogong, the clan leader who defeated Xiao Xian, or Li Jing, the actual executor of that victory and a repeatedly proven general in recent years.

Younger rising stars like Hou Junji and Li Daozong had potential but lacked the qualifications.

After all, the Turks to the Tang were like the Xiongnu to the Han—defeating them required both the courage of Huo Qubing and the steadiness of Wei Qing.

Currently, only Emperor Taizong exhibited both qualities.

But as emperor, Taizong would not personally take to the battlefield unless absolutely necessary.

In a way, if Taizong himself fought, then all other generals from Li Jing onward might as well be dismissed.

After this meeting, the generals were eager to take part in the Northern Expedition.

Though not all would be commanders, they wished to join the army.

Meanwhile, the civil officials began preparations, as the campaign against the Turks was certain; the only uncertainty was who would lead.

Everyone knew this was Emperor Taizong’s first proactive campaign against the Turks since his enthronement.

The outcome would likely determine the fate of both nations, causing Taizong to hesitate.

Even Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui refrained from pressuring him on the choice of commander.

Though familiar with other generals, neither could decisively judge who could assure victory against the Turks.

During Taizong’s unification of the realm, he was the supreme general.

Other commanders were like stars around the bright moon—brilliant but a tier below.

None had truly stood out enough for Taizong to be confident of a guaranteed victory.

Hence, selecting a commander was difficult.

Politically, Taizong preferred not to deploy Li Xiaogong, the top prince general.

If Li Xiaogong were defeated, Taizong himself might have to take the field.

Choosing Li Jing risked alienating Tiance Army veterans like Yuchi Jingde, who might claim too much credit and be hard to control.

Discord among generals would prevent the Tang army from achieving its full potential.

Thus, even Taizong was troubled.

Li Jing’s talents were undeniable, but his abilities did not surpass other Tang generals by much.

At least Li Xiaogong had always been his superior, sharing in all plans and honors.

Fortunately, Taizong had time to consider.

He decided to summon Li Tai, letting Li Chunfeng and Dou Jing handle the work.

Whether to select Li Jing or Li Xiaogong would be decided later.

Soon, Li Tai, who had barely been in Gaoling a few days, was summoned back to the Taiji Hall.

“Greetings, Father. Why summon Qingque this time?” Li Tai asked, puzzled.

He had been quietly staying in Gaoling, waiting for Taizong to announce the campaign and ready to present his medical students and preserved chicken breast.

“Dou Jing will head north to Youzhou to clear the Sanggan River channel and requests your Li Chunfeng and reserve laborers.

I’m informing you,” Taizong said.

“Father, may I speak?” Li Tai hesitated.

“Go ahead,” Taizong encouraged, surprised that Li Tai did not immediately agree.

“Sending Li Chunfeng and the laborers to clear the river is fine, but if Dou Sinong intends to replicate Li Chunfeng’s labor model, he cannot do so,” Li Tai stated firmly.

“Hm?” Taizong frowned. “Qingque, do you think you’re the only one capable?”

“No, Father, I mean to explain the labor group from the beginning,” Li Tai sighed.

“This labor group’s efficiency isn’t accidental; it relies on two crucial supports.

First, labor supervisors must understand mathematics. Otherwise, even geniuses like Li Chunfeng cannot enforce their will. Without a common language, there’s no outcome.

Second, resources: though called laborers, I pay them wages.

They are even rewarded daily with chicken and duck legs to maintain their health and strength.

So copying this labor group isn’t as simple as assigning other laborers to mimic them.

If Dou Sinong simply wants to use them, I agree.

But if he tries to build a similar group, it might trigger unrest.

I must clarify this point!”

Taizong reflected on Li Tai’s words.

“I understand the first point: your laborers need arithmetic-skilled managers.

But the second point—I’ve been curious.

Where do you get so much money?

Now you actually pay laborers?

Did I hear wrong, or has the world changed?

Taizong looked at Li Tai with curiosity.

After all, he could not fathom where his son’s funds came from.

Especially now, preparing to fight the Turks, money was tight.

If his son could create resources from nothing, it was time for a thorough audit!”

(End of Chapter)