Therefore, everyone understands that this military expedition is not necessarily due to the Li family's usurpation of the throne or crimes such as imprisoning their father and killing their brother. Those are just some more legitimate reasons.
The most important thing was that the Ming Dynasty needed to enfeoff princes of the royal family in Goryeo, and the Ming Dynasty needed to open up Goryeo all the way to Busan, connecting it as much as possible to ensure that the silver mines would always be controlled by the Ming Dynasty.
It can only be said that Goryeo was in a very good location. Although it seemed like a wild and desolate place, there were only some Goryeo ginseng or female slaves who were quite popular in the Ming Dynasty.
But there was nothing they could do. As long as this place was being watched by Emperor Ying Shi, and as long as it met Emperor Ying Shi's strategic needs, then the Ming Dynasty's army would eventually conquer it, because the Ming Dynasty was strong enough, and that was the most real reason.
This time, Fu Youde and Xu Huizu discussed that the main force of the Ming Dynasty would once again advance in two directions, further dividing their troops to Goryeo, and striving to officially target Gyeonggi Province as soon as possible.
Just as Xu Huizu was about to leave, Fu Youde couldn't help but say, "Lord Zhongshan, this time the court is not just launching a campaign. If the Ming Dynasty incorporates Goryeo into its territory, it will naturally need to govern it."
Xu Huizu paused for a moment, then said expressionlessly, "Your Excellency, Duke Ying, rest assured, I am not a soft-hearted person. If possible, I may also follow the example of the late Prince Kaiping."
Fu Youde couldn't help but laugh and said, "The imperial court has already appointed officials to govern Xianjing Road and Ping'an Road. We are conquering cities and territories in the front, while capable ministers and officials will govern in the back. We must not be greedy for merit and it is best to proceed step by step."
Xu Huizu understood some of Fu Youde's thoughts. In reality, such arrangements were not favorable to the generals leading troops into battle. However, there was nothing that could be done. These people were not leading troops into battle for their own benefit; it was also because the imperial court needed them to fight on the front lines.
The imperial army had just conquered Xianjing Road and Ping'an Road when the capable officials appointed by the court arrived immediately and began to participate in the governance. It was clear that the court intended to formally bring these areas under its control.
Therefore, this also means that after conquering this place, the status of the Ming Dynasty's royal army has also changed. They need to gain a foothold and defend these cities, and they cannot allow the Goryeo army to launch a crazy counterattack and reclaim their homeland.
Therefore, this also means that the Ming Dynasty's army actually needed to be careful. They could not be greedy for merit and advance recklessly; steady and solid progress was more important than anything else. The Ming Dynasty's army absolutely could not accept a rout.
In reality, the Ming Dynasty's army understood that they didn't necessarily need to be swift as the wind, nor did they need to wipe out Goguryeo completely. Holding onto the conquered territories before winter arrived and waiting to fight again the following year was acceptable.
After all, the Ming Dynasty's army had more reliable logistical support, and the Ming court could continuously replenish its resources.
However, the Koreans obviously did not receive such treatment. They lost their land and soldiers, and could only be continuously weakened, making their situation increasingly difficult.
Fu Youde's reminder was meant to urge Xu Huizu to be more ruthless; the conquered lands could not be lost, nor could they be allowed to fall into disarray. Besides appointing some Koreans, the main concern was eliminating those who might pose a threat.
In essence, this means that on the battlefield, we should kill as many enemies as possible without any mercy and completely eliminate Goryeo's war potential.
In such times, population was always a direct reflection of war potential. In particular, soldiers who had experienced many battles, once they became a defeated army, meant that they could actually pose a great threat.
Having experienced too many wars, Fu Youde had long since developed an iron will. On the battlefield, he was ruthless to himself and to his soldiers. As for the enemy, Fu Youde naturally showed no mercy whatsoever.
As for Xu Huizu, he was born into a noble family and was not as ruthless as Fu Youde, who had fought his way up in the chaotic world.
Riding a majestic warhorse, his scarlet cloak fluttered in the wind.
Xu Huizu rode his horse towards Anbian with a blank expression. He was going to lead a large army to attack Gangwon Province. He wanted to further weaken the Goryeo people's war potential and wear down their determination to resist.
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