If the Song Dynasty does not build towards the southern mountainous areas, but focuses on the northern plains first, then the speed of building more than 40 kilometers a month is really nothing. It will take at most half a year to build a direct railway to Hebei.

Therefore, the Liao Kingdom had underestimated the speed of road construction in the Song Dynasty.

However, Yelu Zongzhen and his men responded promptly. After considering the exaggerated speed of road construction, he made a quick decision: "We must send troops this year."

"That's what I thought."

Li Yuanhao said.

"This summer and autumn are good times. I can go hunting in the east."

Yelu Zongzhen narrowed his eyes and said, "Under the pretext of hunting in the east, they suddenly launched an offensive against Goryeo."

There was one thing he didn't say, which was that the Jurchens in the Changbai Mountain area were also restless, and he could take this opportunity to subdue them.

But Li Yuanhao was an outsider, so it was naturally impossible for him to expose the unstable factors in his country.

"Well, I will also launch an offensive against Qingtang at this time."

Li Yuanhao said.

"inappropriate."

Yelu Zongzhen thought for a moment and said, "If we launch our offensive simultaneously, the Song State will surely be alert. We must not let them notice this."

"What does your Majesty mean?"

"I heard that you have been organizing troops and raising food supplies in your country recently?"

"Nothing can be hidden from your Majesty."

Li Yuanhao smiled bitterly.

He had originally planned to launch a surprise attack on Qingtang, but suddenly learned that a steam locomotive had appeared in the Song Dynasty, so he stopped his action and ran to form an alliance with Yelu Zongzhen.

Otherwise, he would have probably crossed Qishan Mountain and was preparing to attack Qingtang by now.

"I know, and the Song people may also know."

Yelu Zongzhen said calmly, "King Xia should be more careful this time. I'm afraid if you send troops again like last time, they will act immediately."

"No, even if they knew, they wouldn't be able to intercept me like last time."

Li Yuanhao smiled and said, "This time I plan to cross Qishan Mountain and go around to the back of Qingtang. I will first destroy Qingtang and then raid Lanzhou. As long as we control the key road to Lanzhou City, the Song army will not be able to attack us."

"oh?"

Yelu Zongzhen looked at Li Yuanhao in surprise, then said, "King Xia is really brave, but this is indeed a good strategy."

Although taking a detour is a bit more difficult, it can be very effective, just like Deng Ai's sneak crossing of Yinping.

In this way, even if Qingtang and the Song Dynasty knew that Xixia was preparing for war and might make a big move, they would most likely only defend the front and ignore the rear, thus giving Li Yuanhao an opportunity to take advantage.

"In that case, King Xia can act immediately. When Song is focusing on the northwest, I will suddenly march towards Goryeo and catch Song off guard!"

Yelu Zongzhen said.

"good."

Li Yuanhao agreed.

Although he took action first, the pressure might be a little greater.

But Li Yuanhao knew very well that he had to bear this part of the pressure in order to allow the Liao Kingdom to deal a fatal blow to the Song Dynasty.

Otherwise, his attack power would be much weaker. If the Song Dynasty focused on attacking the Liao Kingdom and guarding against the Western Xia, he might not be able to break in. Therefore, there was no way around it.

"Then the plan is finalized. During the transition between spring and summer, King Xia will deploy troops against Qingtang for approximately three to four months. After autumn, I will deploy troops against Goryeo."

Yelu Zongzhen pondered for a moment, then said, "But there must be internal collusion between the Song people and my Liao Kingdom. I am afraid that I cannot hide the deployment of troops from the Song people this time, so I have to think of another way."

"Your Majesty, I think you have a brilliant plan."

Li Yuanhao said.

What this means is that it all depends on one's ability.

Anyway, his method was relatively simple. The territories between Song and Xia were mostly wilderness grasslands, so his army could be deployed in the hinterland. The cavalry came and went like the wind and could attack or defend at any time.

Yelu Zongzhen's situation was rather awkward.

Because his defense area was the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, which was originally the territory of the Han people and had many cities.

Deploying troops on the border and soldiers entering and leaving the city would inevitably alert Han spies, so he really needed to find a way to conceal the truth and prevent the Song Dynasty from noticing that his main force was not attacking Goryeo, but on the Song-Liao border.

"I will naturally make the decision on this point."

Yelu Zongzhen pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "King Xia, aren't you worried about being defeated and ultimately doomed?"

Li Yuanhao raised his head and looked at the sky. It was finally dark at this moment. It was approaching dusk. The sun had set and the night sky was bright. The night wind seemed to be much softer, not as violent as during the day.

He said calmly, "If we don't fight, and this continues for a long time, how can Xixia and Liao survive?"

"In that case, we must fight to the bitter end!"

Yelu Zongzhen couldn't help but look at him with admiration. At least they both had the same vision.

Or rather.

Anyone smart can see it.

If we continue like this, our country will eventually be destroyed.

It’s better to give it a try.

Night falls.

Yelu Zongzhen and Li Yuanhao's troops had also begun to set up camp, building tents around the mountain and arranging densely packed fortifications.

A little fortification was built on both sides.

In fact, both sides are very clear that unless the other side is extremely stupid, they will not engage in internal fighting at this time. Otherwise, there is no possibility of war.

So basically it was just a symbolic repair.

Afterwards, Yelu Zongzhen held another dinner, attended by several of his own generals as well as Li Yuanhao and several of his generals.

The banquet was enjoyed by both the host and the guests, and the drinking did not end until midnight.

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!