Upon seeing the emperor suddenly mention Chengde, Lu Zhi seemed to have been prepared and immediately ordered someone to bring the blueprints.

"Your Majesty, in Chengde, because the trade fair has been going on for quite some time this year, several interconnected market towns have been built within the designated area, and a large number of residential houses have also been built around them."

After spring arrives next year, the inner city can be built around the market towns and residences, and finally the outer city will be constructed. Now that we have concrete from the cement plant, it is estimated that the new city of Chengde will be largely complete in three years…”

Liu Hong nodded: "Alright, Chengde is an important hub for the Han Dynasty to control the Northeast. All construction should be planned and built to the standards of a great city that will last for hundreds or even thousands of years. It doesn't matter if it's a little slow, but it must be built well."

After saying that, Liu Hong picked up the blueprint and handed it to Zhang Zhen, who was leading the engineering team.

"Zhang Qing, take this blueprint back and study it carefully with the construction team. We must make sure that Chengde New City becomes a city that integrates military, commercial, and transit functions."

"promise!!"

Zhang Zhen respectfully accepted the blueprints and then carefully placed them in her bosom.

Liu Hong then asked, "Have you thoroughly investigated the geography and topography of the three prefectures of Yuyang, Youbeiping, and Liaoxi leading to Chengde?"

"Your Majesty, the survey has been completed. Next spring, the three prefectures will simultaneously begin construction of roads leading to Chengde. Once the roads are open, Chengde will be completely under the control of our Great Han."

As Lu Zhi spoke, he took out three more detailed maps and handed them to Liu Hong.

"Indeed, it seems you have all put your hearts into it."

Looking at the clearly marked mountains and rivers on the map, as well as the future road plans, Liu Hong nodded in satisfaction.

"Report!!"

Just then, a messenger suddenly rushed into the tent looking hurried.

"Your Majesty, according to reports from scouts, the Goguryeo army, knowing of Your Majesty's personal campaign, has launched an attack on the capital of Buyeo, attempting to capture Buyeo before our army can."

Li Xiao also urgently ordered Goguryeo to begin a large-scale conscription of able-bodied men and sought assistance from the Shefu tribe of the Northern Wuhuan, attempting to join forces to resist our army.

Liu Hong waved to the messenger: "Understood, go down and order the generals to hold a meeting in the tent."

"promise!"

The messenger respectfully acknowledged the order, then turned and quickly left.

Soon, drums sounded loudly in the camp, and all the officers and soldiers of the Northern Expeditionary Army, along with those of the Yuyang Camp, gathered in the main tent.

Inside the main tent, Liu Hong sat in the main seat, with Lu Zhi on his right and Huangfu Song on his left, and the rest of the people were arranged on both sides of the tent according to their respective military ranks.

After all the generals had arrived, Liu Hong first looked at Lu Zhi on his right.

"How long do you think Fuyu can hold out, Lu Qing?"

"Your Majesty, according to intelligence, Buyeo still has the strength to fight. If they fight to the death, they can hold out for two months."

"Two months, that's about right in terms of time..."

Looking at the marching map behind him, Liu Hong stroked his smooth chin, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Lu Zhi said, “Your Majesty, the weather is extremely cold right now, especially in Buyeo and Goguryeo, where it is even colder. Our army is already unable to fight. Two months is only if they have enough food and supplies. Once spring comes, Buyeo will surely fall.”

"Very well, the army shall set off immediately, first along the Great Wall to Xuantu, and then attack Goguryeo next spring."

With a wave of his hand, Liu Hong set the tone for this northern expedition.

Subsequently, Huangfu Song, together with Lu Zhi and other generals, began to plan the campaign, while Liu Hong sat quietly to the side without saying a word.

Whenever a general asked for his opinion, Liu Hong would simply let them discuss it among themselves.

After all, professional matters should be handled by professionals. Everyone in the tent is a general capable of guarding a region. In addition, the army is well-equipped, has ample supplies, and high morale. They could win even if they brought a dog.

If I speak carelessly, it will definitely affect the thoughts of the soldiers. What if I give bad orders and end up as a Goguryeo student? How am I supposed to survive?

The generals were overjoyed to see that the emperor was so open-minded and bold in delegating power.

Soon, after some discussion and deliberation, a preliminary plan for the northern expedition was finalized.

Holding the plan in his hand, Lu Zhi said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, your personal expedition this time is to crush Goguryeo. Goguryeo will definitely resist with the strength of the whole country. If we include the 50,000 troops they have besieged Buyeo, the number of troops in Goguryeo will not be less than 200,000."

"Shefu has been busy unifying the various tribes of the Northern Wuhuan for the past two years, and it is now basically complete. He can now raise an army of 50,000 men."

Liu Hong frowned: "So, the enemy force we're facing this time will reach 250,000?"

Lu Zhi nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Liu Hong continued, "How many men can the Yuyang Camp spare?"

Lu Zhi said solemnly, "At most 50,000. Any more than that, and there will be gaps in the defense along the Great Wall. If Murong Tu of the Eastern Xianbei takes the opportunity to move south, then Ji Province will be in danger!"

"Eighty thousand...."

On the surface, this battle appears to be a contest of 80,000 against 250,000, and it's an expedition across borders; the Han army seems to have no advantage whatsoever.

Then Liu Hong looked at Huangfu Song beside him and asked with a smile, "General who is about to subdue the rebels, now that you have finished explaining the situation of the enemy, please tell us your strategy for defeating them."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Huangfu Song got up and walked to a huge map, pointing first to the territory of the Northern Wuhuan.

"Your Majesty, the greatest threat to our army in this battle is the 50,000 cavalry of the Northern Wuhuan. As long as we prevent them from sending troops or delay them, our army can easily defeat Goguryeo."

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