Even after nightfall, Li Xin's house remained brightly lit.
Even now, the nights in Yuguan City are not very cold, but the servants still prepare hot soup, hot dishes, and hot wine.
At this moment, only Li Xin, Zhao Bingzhang, and He Chaojun were inside the room.
The three of them sat around the table, eating and drinking.
After several rounds of drinks, He Chaojun looked up at Li Xin and asked, "Your Highness, what are your plans next?"
Having served in the army for so long, he naturally knew why His Highness had kept the two of them here; there must be something he wanted to tell them.
Li Xin did indeed have some things to explain.
"What's next?"
Li Xin put down his wine cup and said, "Next, we need to consider other matters. On the front line at Yuguan City, the two sides are in a stalemate. The enemy will not be able to break through Yuguan City in a short time, and we will not be able to advance into the pass. Therefore, I do not need to oversee the battle here."
After some thought, I've decided to entrust the frontline at Yuguan City to you, giving you full command of the battle here.
Just follow the established procedures and carry out defensive operations. Don't be stingy with bullets, shells, or grenades.
As long as we can hold Yuguan Pass, everything else will be fine!
"Your Highness, rest assured!"
He Chaojun nodded and said, "I guarantee that everything will be safe and sound in Yuguan City!"
He Chaojun naturally understood that Yuguan City was the gateway between the capital and the area outside the Great Wall, and this gateway had to be well guarded. Only by closing the gate could Liaodong and Dongning develop and build freely.
"What kind of war is this?"
Li Xin continued, "We're fighting for money! We're fighting for logistical supplies! We're fighting for human and material resources!"
Even with slightly tipsy eyes, Li Xin's mind was still very clear.
He continued, "Why do I say that?"
Whether it's a defensive battle, a siege battle, or guerrilla warfare in the mountains, the reason why Dongning has been able to win every battle and be invincible is because of the quality of its soldiers and its advanced weaponry.
All of these require financial support!
Leaving aside us, just consider the 300,000 enemy troops inside the pass; they must need a lot of food and supplies, right?
This is also why we send people behind enemy lines to harass their supply lines.
What did we rely on to hold out in Yuguan City for more than a month?
It relied on a steady stream of artillery shells and on the fact that the soldiers didn't have to worry about food, clothing, shelter, or transportation.
As long as our logistical supplies can be continuously transported to the front line, holding Yuguan City will be a piece of cake!
This is why I say wars are fought over money!
Therefore, I don't need to stay in Yuguan City any longer; you can handle it.
I'm going to Shenzhou City and Liaodong to properly develop our base!
Li Xin picked up his wine glass again, took a small sip, and continued, "Actually, we already have a clear idea of how to proceed with the war on Li Ming's side and how to win."
That is the plan that was decided in today's meeting.
Firstly, during the standoff at Yuguan City, Li Ming's strength was continuously depleted.
Secondly, by continuously developing its strength in various provinces in mainland China, it is internally depleting Li Ming's strength.
Everyone knows these two points.
Another point is that our Prince Xin's Mansion is constantly developing its own strength.
With the combination of internal and external factors, and as time goes by, and with the balance of power shifting, what ability does Li Ming still have to oppose us?
His failure was inevitable!
It's just a matter of time!
Therefore, rear-area construction is also very important.
"Your Highness's considerations are far-sighted!"
Zhao Bingzhang couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
"It's nothing,"
Li Xin waved his hand and said, "Actually, thinking about the recent losses in Yuguan City and the results achieved here, one can naturally understand the importance of logistics."
We should be even more aware of the importance of development and construction!
Nowadays, most of our bullets, shells, and grenades are produced through the joint efforts of the Dongning Manufacturing Bureau and the Dongning Ironworks.
However, we are now fighting on four fronts. Not only in Yuguan City, but also against grassland bandits, Silla, and special operations in various inland provinces.
All of these require weaponry and logistical resources.
Therefore, relying solely on the Dongning Manufacturing Bureau and the Dongning Ironworks would be insufficient to sustain our continuous consumption.
I also started monitoring the construction of the Liaodong Manufacturing Bureau and various railway factories in Liaodong. Once these facilities are in operation, there will be even more supplies.
The pressure on all fronts has increased even more!
"I understand."
Zhao Bingzhang nodded and said, "There's almost nothing special to pay attention to in Yuguan City. Just follow the plan and fight step by step."
As for the grassland bandits, although the Divine Might Army and militia are conducting guerrilla warfare in the mountains and forests, they are still under tremendous pressure and need special attention.
And then there's Silla.
During this period, He Tongyuan sent a lot of news: Silla's preparations were basically complete, and they had prepared an army of 70,000 to 80,000 men, ready to attack Dongning at any time.
We naturally need to deal with the pressure from here!
Your Highness, with an army of 70,000 to 80,000 from Silla, relying solely on the militia might be difficult, wouldn't it?
Should we send a contingent of troops from Yuguan City to Silla?
"Yes, yes, I am planning to do that!"
Li Xin nodded, looked at He Chaojun, and said, "During this period, most of the new recruits recruited in Liaodong have been sent to Yuguan City."
The total strength of the various armies on the Yuguan side reached as many as 60,000 to 70,000.
This number of troops is naturally still insufficient.
Two-thirds of the newly recruited soldiers will be assigned to various armies in Yuguan City after their training is completed, so that these soldiers can grow up as quickly as possible in the standoff battle.
The remaining third was added to the Divine Might Army.
Besides these, I will transfer the Divine Martial Army when I return this time.
"After the Shenwu Army is transferred, Yuguan City will face some pressure, but I believe it can be alleviated."
"Your Highness, rest assured!"
He Chaojun said, "Zhang Fuchen's troops have already suffered heavy losses during this period. The pressure will increase after the Shenwu Army is transferred, but it won't be too difficult to deal with."
Everything is under control.
"Okay!"
Li Xin nodded and said, "However, this time the Divine Martial Army is being transferred and is not planned to return to Shenzhou. I plan to send the Divine Martial Army to Jinzhou."
"Jinzhou?"
He Chaojun was stunned. He frowned, puzzled, not understanding why His Highness had made such an arrangement.
Jinzhou is located at the southernmost tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides. What would you do there?
He Chaojun couldn't figure it out for a moment.
Zhao Bingzhang, however, was quick-witted and immediately understood His Highness's intentions.
Zhao Bingzhang smiled slightly and asked, "Your Highness, are you preparing for a long sea expedition?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
