Chapter 1524 Deploying the Army
Since taking Fusang, the Tang army rarely mobilized more than 100,000 troops. Basically, tens of thousands of troops can solve the battle. In this case, even the vassal army is counted, the total number has exceeded 200,000, not counting the troops stationed in various places. If the troops stationed in the Western Regions are counted, it must be at least more than 300,000.
According to Li Xiang's idea, the resources in the Western Regions are too scarce. If 300,000 troops are mobilized, it may be a waste along the way. After all, some of them have to be transported from the Tang Dynasty. However, Li Shimin also told Li Xiang that many local troops in the country have never been to the battlefield. They are basically the same as the yamen runners.
If they are not taken to the battlefield this time, I am afraid there will be no chance in the future, so Li Shimin mobilized nearly 70,000 local troops at once, and all of them had to go to the battlefield to see.
Li Xiang thought about it and it was the same thing. The military slackening in various parts of the Tang Dynasty was not a matter of one or two days. It was because Li Xiang was too victorious in various places, so the surrounding ethnic groups all surrendered, and the hinterland of the Tang Dynasty did not need too strong military forces.
In the short term, this is not a problem, and it can even save money for the court, but if you look at it from a long-term perspective, this is not necessarily a good thing. It is very likely to affect the overall national strength of the entire Tang Dynasty. You must know that from the current situation, there is still some instability in the surrounding areas, but because Li Xiang has won more victories and has a deeper prestige in various places, these contradictions have not yet emerged.
But if these contradictions emerge, the blow to the entire Tang Dynasty will be very sharp. Now Li Shimin has withdrawn half of the local troops to the battlefield, which is also a good thing for the entire Tang Dynasty.
When Li Shimin made this decision, Li Xiang also made another decision, which was to draw 25,000 elite cavalry from Goguryeo and Fuso and place them on the main roads of the Tang Dynasty. This time, the local troops went so much. If there were any disturbances in various places, these 2,500 elite cavalry would let them know how lucky they were to make trouble.
Li Xiang knew that various places were not as peaceful as they seemed. There was no opportunity before, so these people hid themselves, but if there was an opportunity, these people would stand up without hesitation. As long as you dare to show up, then our swords will drink blood.
Li Shimin was also very satisfied with Li Xiang's arrangement. Sometimes these contradictions cannot be suppressed all the time. They should be released when they should be released, but when the contradictions are released, it is time to solve the problem.
Some court officials did not understand Li Shimin's arrangement and kept writing memorials to Li Shimin, saying that the defenses of various places were already very empty. If Li Xiang took away so many troops, the situation in various places would be very dangerous. Therefore, they hoped that Li Shimin would withdraw his order and strengthen the defenses of various places to deal with various unrests.
But some people also believed that the Tang Dynasty had been peaceful for a long time and did not need so many troops at all. On the contrary, the Arab Empire that we need to face on the battlefield in the Western Regions is not an ordinary enemy. It is a country that is not much inferior to our Tang Dynasty, so it is correct to mobilize most of the troops in the country to go there.
Li Shimin kept all the memorials sent by these people. Whether they are human or ghost, I will not comment on it now. When the real war comes, we will see how you people deal with it. Those who follow the court will naturally have good results. Those who betray the Tang Dynasty will have their families choose a place for you.
One hundred and fifty miles west of Chang'an City.
After a quick march, this is where we set up camp today. Although Li Xiang led a large number of troops to the Western Regions, there were only 5,000 guards around, and the rest of the troops had already gone there in several groups.
"Your Highness, don't worry. When the emperor was fighting, we didn't know where we were. So even if there was any war in the inland area, the emperor could handle it. What's more, your Highness has mobilized 25,000 elite soldiers. They have all experienced wars in Goguryeo and Fuso. If anyone dares to take action, they have to think about where they are buried."
Seeing Li Xiang turn around and head towards Chang'an, Su Dingfang said nonchalantly beside him that although there are only some old generals left in the capital, you must not underestimate these old generals. These people can still eat half a catty of rice and half a catty of meat for a meal. If they really go to the battlefield, they will have to kill people.
What's more, the defense of Chang'an City is not weak, and there are also new artillery units. All of this is in the hands of the Li Tang royal family. If someone really wants to make trouble, with Li Shimin's great reputation and the strength of the remaining troops, no one can open up this situation.
"You are right. I shouldn't panic, but why do I feel uneasy after leaving Chang'an City? I have never felt this way since I sent troops to the present. Can you all help me analyze it? Is there anything I haven't taken care of?"
When Li Xiang said this, Chang Sunze and Su Dingfang looked at each other. Neither of them knew what Li Xiang meant by this, but Li Xiang has always been very determined. Half of the land area of the Tang Dynasty was also conquered by him, especially the newly added land. Even he feels uneasy. What's going on?
"Ah..."
Suddenly Su Dingfang thought of it, but he didn't know how to say it. If he continued to say it, he might lose his head. Li Xiang was also a very smart man. When he saw the look in Su Dingfang's eyes, he suddenly thought of it.
The one who wanted to make trouble was not someone else, but most likely the Li royal family.
If this is the case, it will be a special test for Li Shimin. Li Xiang finally found the reason for his panic.
"Send the order down, from Sichuan to the south, let the troops at each military station be prepared to rush to Chang'an at any time."
Although this is just a guess, it is necessary to be fully prepared.
"Fusang's army will move closer to Goguryeo, 10,000 people."
"Goguryeo's army will move closer to Hebei."
Li Xiang's orders came down one after another. Before someone showed up, Li Xiang could not make too many preparations, but normal mobilization was no problem. As a general of Tiance, he had this right. (End of this chapter)
