After settling the soldiers of the three battalions in the Northern Army camp, Huangfu Song, Gongsun Zan, and others changed into their official robes and went to Deyang Palace to report to Liu Hong.

"I haven't seen you all for many years. Please don't be shy today, sit down and let's talk!"

Looking at the respectful-looking group, Liu Hong also greeted them kindly and invited them to sit down.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Huangfu Song and the others also obeyed the order, sitting up straight on the chairs.

Although they had served Liu Hong since the beginning of his reign, as they grew older, they became increasingly respectful of the emperor.

Liu Hong, realizing this, only sighed inwardly, his expression remaining unchanged, still showing a kind demeanor.

Liu Hong turned his gaze to Huangfu Song, "What's the situation in Liaozhou now?"

Huangfu Song replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, after the Yilou were subdued, the Woju also submitted. I then sent many soldiers to search through the dense forests and mountains of Liaozhou, and found many foreign tribes. I then moved them all to the area around Jilin County to learn farming.”

There are no longer any threats within Liaozhou. The local people live in peace and stability. Including the Han people who have migrated there in recent years, as well as newborn children, the population of Liaozhou has reached more than three million. The newly added arable land is 110 million mu. The grain produced each year is enough to supply the three prefectures of You, Bing, and Liao, and there is still a considerable surplus.

Moreover, the coal, medicinal herbs, and furs from that region were highly sought after, and coupled with the gold mines near Heihe, there were many merchant caravans coming and going, resulting in considerable annual fiscal revenue.

Huangfu Song also gave Liu Hong a detailed report on the situation in Liaozhou, from military affairs to people's livelihood and economy.

"Good! After all these years, the Han Dynasty has spent so much manpower and resources, and finally it has reaped the rewards!"

Upon hearing Huangfu Song's report, Liu Hong's face broke into a hearty smile.

Although Liu Hong had been paying close attention to the situation in Liaozhou, all he could see were strings of data in memorials and secret letters.

Being able to hear Huangfu Song recount the various changes in Liaozhou in person filled Liu Hong with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that naturally delighted him.

Huangfu Song nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty. I originally thought that developing Liaozhou would take at least ten or twenty years, or even longer. I never expected that such a change would happen in just a few years. It is truly unbelievable!"

Liu Hong smiled and said, "This is nothing unusual. The people of our Han Dynasty are just as good as the soldiers. They are also capable of breaking the impossible and creating miracles."

With such good people, nothing is impossible.

"Your Majesty is right!"

Huangfu Song echoed with a sigh.

During the years he guarded Liaozhou, he witnessed the city transform from a barren wasteland into a fertile and prosperous place in just a few years.

Besides the efforts of the emperor, the court, and officials at all levels, the most important factor was the hard work and dedication of the people, who were full of hope.

Afterwards, Liu Hong chatted with Gongsun Zan, Ma Teng, and Gongsun Du for a few minutes.

After exchanging pleasantries, Liu Hong looked at Huangfu Song and said, "The reason I am sending you to Bingzhou is to completely eliminate Tanshihuai within the next year or two, so that the Great Wall defense line will no longer be threatened by the grasslands."

What are your thoughts on this decisive battle?

Huangfu Song pondered for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, I am not familiar with the sandalwood tree."

However, given the current situation of our Great Han, I have two strategies to deal with it.

First, troops from Liaozhou, Youzhou, Bingzhou, and Liangzhou were simultaneously dispatched in four routes to launch a full-scale attack on the grasslands, surrounding and killing Tanshihuai on the grasslands.

Second, locate their main force and defeat them head-on, while simultaneously sending a detachment to attack their rear.

"The first one involves a large number of troops and is difficult to supply, resulting in too much expenditure. The second one is not bad, as it gives the main force a complete advantage in a direct confrontation with the Han Dynasty."

Liu Hong immediately rejected Huangfu Song's first strategy.

Over the years, I have finally managed to accumulate some wealth, and I absolutely cannot use it all for the final battle against the grasslands.

Then, Liu Hong continued, "However, how can we get Tan Shihuai to lead the main force and take the initiative to fight a decisive battle with our Great Han?"

You see, over the past few years, he's done quite a few spies for the Han Dynasty, so he has some understanding of the Han military's strength.

Huangfu Song seemed to have been prepared for the emperor's choice and questions. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke:

"Your Majesty, it seems unlikely that Tan Shihuai will take the initiative to fight our army. The only way is to force him into a desperate situation and then offer him a lure that he cannot refuse, so that he will see hope and fight to the death."

"Now, Fengxian's Bingzhou wolf cavalry, along with the cavalry under Hansheng, Shoucheng, and others, are enough to force and suppress them to the point of being unable to bear it within two years."

Upon hearing Huangfu Song's plan, Liu Hong nodded and then asked, "What is this bait?"

"Whether it's land, profit, or a way to survive, the reason remains to be determined by my personal journey to Bingzhou!"

The plan has not yet been implemented, and Huangfu Song dares not speak too confidently.

"That's fine too."

Liu Hong nodded, then said with a helpless expression, "You gentlemen have been guarding Liaozhou for many years. Now that you've come, you should, in principle, take a good rest and spend time with your families and children."

However, spring has already arrived, and things won't be peaceful on the grasslands this year. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you all to rest for a few days before heading to Bingzhou as soon as possible."

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