That's it?

The Empress Dowager's request made Liu Hong's lips twitch. Dong Shi, whose eyes had been red, was now looking at Liu Hong with eager eyes.

"Yes, that's it."

Dou Miao nodded with a smile in her eyes: "If Hong'er doesn't agree, then your mother will have to use the power of the Empress Dowager, after all, you are not yet of marriageable age."

"Alright, I agree, but I want to make my own decision about the election."

Liu Hong was not opposed to the selection of women to enter the inner palace, but he still wanted to make the decision himself regarding the selection of the empress.

"good."

Dou Miao readily agreed. All she and Madam Dong wanted now was a companion and a grandson of the emperor. They didn't care who gave birth to him.

After all, as long as their sons were alive, no one could touch their status in the harem.

In the end, Liu Hong sacrificed himself to persuade his two mothers to agree to his personal command of the expedition.

After discussing the selection of women, Liu Hong, thinking about matters concerning the court after his departure, became solemn and bowed to Dou Miao.

"Mother, this time I will personally lead the expedition for at least five months and at most eight months. There will inevitably be some matters in the court that I need to trouble you to handle."

Dou Miao nodded solemnly: "Hong'er, don't worry, your mother will definitely keep the court in check for you. It won't fall into chaos."

"I'll take my leave now."

Liu Hong bowed to Dou Miao and Madam Dong, then turned and left.

Soon, the Imperial Secretariat issued an edict ordering the emperor to personally lead an expedition north to seek revenge.

The 30,000-strong Imperial Guard, expanded from the elite troops of various armies, along with five battalions of the Northern Army and four battalions of the Blazing Fire, Yellow Wind, White Horse, and Black Edge, quickly began preparations.

The Royal Trading Company also began to operate urgently, and all factories and workshops began to switch to producing various military supplies.

The Royal Transport Corps also began urgently recruiting laborers and forming teams to transport supplies.

At the same time, the fifteen families under the Royal Trading Company, as well as private workshops around Sili, also received orders from the imperial court.

The empire's war machine has begun to run once again.

Just two days later, news of the emperor's personal expedition spread throughout Luoyang through newspapers and then to all directions.

The students and common people who had been shouting fiercely to crush Goguryeo were now completely enraged.

This time, the emperor responded to their request by personally leading the expedition, and there could never be more awe-inspiring news.

In the streets and alleys, in teahouses and taverns, people everywhere were discussing the war. They had never heard of the emperor going to the battlefield before.

The Imperial Guard, the Imperial Academy, the College of Engineering, the College of Agriculture, and the College of Medicine were filled with fervent enthusiasm; these young people were now the emperor's most loyal supporters.

Countless young people also began to gather their companions and friends, and prepared their own weapons and horses, ready to follow the example of previous rebellions and go on expeditions with the army.

A true man should wield a three-foot-long sword and seek fame and glory on the battlefield.

In the past two years, the heroic stories promoted by the Martyrs' Shrine, the Heroes' Shrine, newspapers, and storytellers have filled the hearts of young people with a desire to shed blood on the battlefield and make great achievements.

At this time, the people of the Han Empire were still filled with pride, passion, and arrogance, and still believed in the principle: "Those who offend our mighty Han, though far away, shall be punished."

The commotion among the people also affected the imperial court. Both young and middle-aged officials submitted memorials requesting to join the army on the expedition. Even a few old men with white hair tremblingly sought out Liu Hong.

After three consecutive days of grand court assemblies, Liu Hong and his officials finally decided that the army would set off in mid-October.

Although military strategy dictates against waging war in winter and summer, after discussions among Huangfu Gui, Huangfu Song, Xu Rong, Zhu Jun, and others, as well as between the opposing and friendly forces, it was still believed that launching an expedition at this time would be most advantageous for the Han Dynasty.

Thanks to vigorous promotion, cotton has been planted on a large scale in Sili, Youzhou, Jizhou and other places this year. The cotton clothing that can be made is enough to protect an army of 50,000 from the severe cold of the north.

With the official granaries in Youzhou and Jizhou storing grain, there were no logistical concerns whatsoever.

Most importantly, the people's hearts are with us. Now the people support the Han Dynasty in launching this war. Therefore, no matter what, we must bring back news of victory before April next year.

There are five factors in warfare: the Way, Heaven, Earth, the General, and the Law.

The so-called "way" is the will of the people. As long as the people support us, we can win this battle.

As for the timing and location, they were not a problem for the group. They had already formulated a plan to gradually take over the Northeast and were very familiar with it.

As for the generals and the law, needless to say, the Han Dynasty has no shortage of generals, especially outstanding ones, and the military discipline is unmatched by others.

All five matters concern the Han Dynasty, so there is no room for hesitation.

To encourage the soldiers to fight bravely, Liu Hong and his officials began discussing a new system of rewards and honors at the court assembly on the fourth day.

Military merit and the awarding of titles became the main topic of discussion this time.

After careful discussion, the existing titles of nobility below the rank of king were re-established as six ranks and eighteen grades: duke, marquis, earl, viscount, baron, and meritorious official.

Including military merits, anyone who makes contributions can be granted a title. The lands of Goguryeo, Juyan, and even those developed in the future will be given as rewards to the recipients.

Soon, with the issuance of the imperial edict, the young people were once again in a frenzy.

When loyalty, ideals, and interests come together, they are enough to make people give their lives for them.

If Liu Hong and the imperial court had not set extremely strict selection criteria, the entire youth population of Luoyang would probably have been wiped out.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!