Wei Choutai's words echoed in everyone's ears, and they also knew that Fuyu was currently in a difficult situation.
If they surrender to Goguryeo, Li Xiao certainly won't be able to provide enough food to feed them. In that case, he and his men, along with the people in the city, will all starve to death.
If they wanted to survive, the only option was to be incorporated into the Han Dynasty. But even then, it depended on whether the Han emperor was willing to accept them.
"Sigh~ Let's draft a surrender document. Maybe the Emperor of Han is merciful and will accept us Buyeo. It's better to live than to die."
Sitting on the throne, Wei Qiutai looked at his ministers and nobles, all of whom remained silent, and couldn't help but sigh deeply.
"Your Majesty is wise."
All the officials and nobles of Buyeo bowed to Yuchoutai.
"Gentlemen, please quickly compile the topographical map and population register of the Buyeo territory, and send them to the Great Han along with the letter of surrender."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Soon, a letter of surrender was drafted, and Wei Qiutai solemnly handed it over to one of his personal guards, along with a topographical map and population register of Buyeo.
"Go to Xuantu and tell the Emperor of the Great Han that hundreds of thousands of people from Fuyu are willing to submit and only hope that the Emperor of the Great Han will have mercy and save our lives."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The guard nodded heavily, then quickly turned and left.
Watching the guards' departing figures, a fleeting look of sorrow crossed Wei Choutai's eyes. He didn't want to be a ruler of a fallen kingdom, but he also didn't want to be trapped and die like this. Right now, he had no other choice.
After everyone dispersed, they all began to get busy. The officials of Buyeo led their men to search the city for anything edible.
All the grain, livestock, and animal hides worn by the people in the wooden fortress were gathered together, distributed uniformly, and awaited the reinforcements of the Han Dynasty.
December 28th.
At this time, Liu Hong's army of 80,000 had been stationed in Xuantu County for five days.
In addition to his usual meetings with local wealthy merchants, Liu Hong also sent people to constantly inquire about the situation in Goguryeo and Buyeo.
When news of the atrocities committed by Goguryeo in Buyeo reached Xuantu, Liu Hong was also furious.
Because he saw the phrase "three alls" (kill all, burn all, loot all) in the atrocities committed by the Buyeo people, Liu Hong could no longer tolerate it.
Liu Hong then summoned Huangfu Song, Zhu Jun, Xu Rong, Gongsun Zan, Ma Teng, Gao Shun and others together.
"Gentlemen, how are our soldiers? Are there any suffering from frostbite?"
Huangfu Song stood up and said, "Your Majesty, due to the march, only about three hundred soldiers suffered frostbite on their feet. Fortunately, the medical team provided timely treatment, and they are all fine."
Currently, the local governments of several surrounding counties are organizing manpower to collect furs and make cotton-padded leather boots. Once the supply of these boots is complete, there will be no more worries.
Liu Hong nodded, then asked, "If our army were to depart for Buyeo now, would that be acceptable?"
Upon hearing this, Huangfu Song considered it for a moment and then said, "That's fine, but just in case, I suggest we wait a few more days."
"Alright, let's talk about it after the New Year."
Liu Hong nodded. Although he wished he could wipe out the brutal Goguryeo people immediately, he felt even more sorry for his soldiers.
Liu Hong then asked, "Yizhen, has there been any news from Qiuliju?"
"Your Majesty, according to General Lu's message, after Qiuliju, Nanlou, and Wuyan returned to their tribes, they began conscripting able-bodied men. Currently, the three tribes have recruited a total of over 30,000 people..."
"Ha~, these guys, they've been complaining about being poor all along, but now that they've got some benefits, they've gathered over 30,000 people so quickly..."
Upon hearing Huangfu Song's report, Liu Hong couldn't help but sneer, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Huangfu Song also said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, those who are not of our race will surely have different intentions. Qiu Liju and others violated the border several times during the reign of the late emperor. Later, after a conflict with the Northern Wuhuan, they returned to the Han Dynasty to seek benefits."
After so many years of recuperation, their strength has been established. In the battle two years ago, although I managed to wound five or six thousand of their men, it was not enough to cripple them.”
As he spoke, Huangfu Song looked at Liu Hong with a hint of hesitation in his eyes, and lowered his voice considerably: "Your Majesty, I believe that this opportunity may be used to further weaken Qiu Liju and his troops."
Gongsun Zan, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but ask, "But what if Qiuliju and the others suffer heavy losses, and the Northern Wuhuan take the opportunity to grow stronger?"
Huangfu Song said in a deep voice, "Qiu Liju and others have been asking our army for help every time the Northern Wuhuan invades these years. Our army not only has to send troops to fight against the Northern Wuhuan, but also has to send troops to protect and guard against them."
This meant that what should have been a mere 10,000 troops to repel the enemy ultimately required 30,000, resulting in a significant waste of manpower and supplies.
Upon hearing this, Liu Hong, who was sitting in the first seat, couldn't help but chuckle, because Huangfu Song's words reminded him of the Italian army in later generations.
"Your Majesty, what's wrong?"
The generals were taken aback when they saw the emperor suddenly laugh in such a solemn setting.
"Cough, it's nothing!"
Liu Hong coughed lightly, then his expression turned serious. He looked at the generals and said in a deep voice, "I think General Huangfu is right. The greater the losses suffered by Qiuliju and his people, the greater the benefits to our Han Dynasty. Without their hindrance, our Han Dynasty can free up more energy to deal with the Northern Wuhuan."
As for the Northern Wuhuan, their total population is only a little over 600,000. Subtracting the elderly, children, and women, the number of soldiers capable of fighting is at most around 150,000. Even if they cause trouble and grow larger, they can never be a match for our Han army.
"Your Majesty is absolutely right."
The generals echoed the emperor's words in unison.
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