12dz Chapter 2299 The Final Decision
Chapter 2299 The Final Decision
As soon as Xue Huaide finished speaking, Zhao Yu also stepped forward.
Although he longed to make a name for himself on the battlefield, he was still hampered by the lesson he learned yesterday when his horse was exhausted and he could barely catch up with Helian Hui.
Having witnessed firsthand the horrific aftermath of the war, he gained a deeper understanding of the difficulties of sustained combat.
He clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this humble general believes that what General Xue said is absolutely right."
"Our troops are indeed exhausted. The warhorses need rest and replenishment, and the soldiers need to return to camp for reorganization."
"When General Qiemo was pursuing Helian Hui, he was deeply impressed by the mobility and endurance of the grassland cavalry. If it weren't for Lady Feng's ambush in advance, the mission would have almost failed."
"The Northern Expedition involves a wider area and a more complex enemy situation, so we need to be fully prepared."
"This humble general seconded General Xue's suggestion to temporarily halt the military advance."
Seeing that his father and Zhao Yu both held this view, Xue Dingshan immediately stepped forward to express his support: "This humble general also seconds the motion."
"The most urgent task is to stabilize the internal situation and restore the country's strength."
The side advocating for a postponement of the Northern Expedition was led by Xue Huaide, with Zhao Yu and Xue Dingshan echoing their sentiments. Coupled with Han Xing's previous strong arguments, they clearly held considerable weight in the hall.
All eyes turned to Ma Chao, the Xiliang general who had not yet made a statement.
Ma Chao was a rough and bold man, and a brave warrior. His opinions may reflect the thoughts of another group of frontier generals.
Ma Chao frowned, glancing at Han Xing, who was barely breathing but staring intently at him, and then at Chu Ning on the throne.
His lips moved, as if he wanted to say he supported continuing the fight, but in the end, he just sighed heavily, clasped his hands in a fist and said:
"Your Majesty, this humble general submits to Your Majesty's judgment!"
He chose neutrality, perhaps because Han Xing's injuries affected him, or perhaps because he also saw the difficulty of continuing the battle.
Finally, almost everyone subconsciously looked at Feng Mulan, who was standing next to Chu Ning.
This imperial concubine not only held a prestigious position, but was also a commander who had achieved great military exploits and demonstrated outstanding military talent in this southern expedition, making her opinions crucial.
Feng Mulan raised her eyebrows slightly, a sharp glint flashing in her phoenix eyes.
Given her personality, she would naturally prefer to press her advantage, expand her gains, and completely eliminate this major threat to the Tang Dynasty.
She had even prepared her arguments to refute Xue Huaide's concerns about domestic instability—that a swift and decisive crackdown would suffice.
However, as her gaze swept over Han Xing's pale, blood-stained figure, yet still stubbornly holding on, she swallowed back the words that were on the tip of her tongue.
Han Xing's loyalty and perseverance at this moment moved her.
She knew all too well that sometimes, the balance of power in the court and the support of the people were more complex and important than simple military victories.
Feng Mulan ultimately did not step forward to speak, but instead slightly turned her head and whispered to Chu Ning, "Your Majesty, General Han... has not had an easy time."
She did not explicitly state which side she supported, but this statement undoubtedly hinted at her consideration of Han Xing's situation and opinions.
The final decision-making power still firmly rests in Chu Ning's hands.
The hall fell silent again, and everyone's eyes were focused on Chu Ning.
Ran Ming and Guan Yun, who advocated radicalism, looked anxious.
Xue Huaide, Zhao Yu, and others who advocated a gradual approach had firm eyes.
Ma Chao remained silent, head bowed in thought; Feng Mulan stood quietly to the side, her posture subtle.
Han Xing, on the other hand, was holding on with his last ounce of willpower, waiting for the decision that would determine the fate of the nation.
Chu Ning's gaze slowly swept over each face, taking in everyone's expressions and stances.
He remained silent, his fingers ceasing their light tapping, and in his deep eyes, it seemed as if a storm was gathering, colliding, and weighing.
To advance or to retreat?
Is it better to take a risk and try for quick success, or to take a steady and pragmatic approach for long-term benefits?
This decision will determine the national policy of the Great Chu for the next few years, and may even affect the historical process of unifying the world.
The air in the council chamber seemed to freeze; all eyes and all breaths were fixed on the final decision of the figure in black on the throne.
Both sides, advocating for a radical approach and a gradual one, have exhausted their arguments and presented the advantages and disadvantages. Now, all that remains is to wait.
Chu Ning's fingers, which had been tapping lightly on the rosewood armrest, finally came to a complete stop.
He slowly raised his eyelids, his gaze no longer hesitant and calculating, but instead focused on a calm and resolute strength, slowly sweeping over every civil and military official in the hall.
The gaze lingered longest on Han Xing, who was struggling to stay awake on the verge of unconsciousness, carrying a hint of barely perceptible sorrow and resolve.
“What you have said all comes from the public good and is for the sake of the country. I am fully aware of this.”
Chu Ning's voice rang out, not loud, but clear and decisive, instantly dispelling the tense atmosphere in the hall.
"Ran Ming and Guan Yun's suggestion to press on after the victory and solve the problem once and for all is the talk of a valiant warrior, and their ambition is commendable."
He first affirmed the enthusiasm of the pro-war faction: "However, the concerns of General Xue and General Han regarding the army's exhaustion, the people's hardship, internal troubles, and the difficulties of the expedition are also wise and insightful in their approach to the country."
He paused slightly, his gaze becoming distant.
It was as if he could see through the walls of the hall and see the devastation outside Jianghuai City, the distant mountains and rivers of the north, and the undercurrents that might be lurking in the capital of Chu.
"Although our Great Chu has won this battle, it has been severely weakened. The bravery of our soldiers can be relied upon for a time, but the foundation of our national strength is the only long-term solution."
Chu Ning's voice was calm and powerful as he delivered the final verdict: "My mind is made up—"
"The Jianghuai region has been the site of bloody battles and is a crucial point protecting the south of the Yangtze River. It must be defended. I hereby order Guan Yun to lead his 30,000 troops to garrison the Jianghuai region!"
"Strengthen the city's defenses, appease the people, and wipe out the remaining enemy forces. We must ensure the security of the Jianghuai gateway and eliminate any worries about our rear!"
Upon hearing this, Guan Yun's anxious expression faded slightly. Although he had failed to launch the Northern Expedition as he had hoped, being entrusted with the important task of guarding the Jianghuai region was a sign of trust and reliance.
He immediately clasped his hands in a fist and replied in a deep voice, "This humble general obeys! I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust!"
Chu Ning nodded slightly and continued, "The remaining troops, including the main force of the Imperial Guard, the Xiliang Iron Cavalry, the White Horse Cavalry, and various armies sent to defend the emperor, total more than 90,000 men."
"Starting immediately, we will break camp in batches and retreat to Jin territory for rest and replenishment!"
"Jin region is adjacent to the front line, making the transportation of grain and fodder relatively convenient. Moreover, it has been developed over the years and can serve as an advance base for the Northern Expedition."
"All units must seize the time to replenish troops, repair armor, feed warhorses, train soldiers and horses, and accumulate strength!"
"When spring arrives next year, and all the right conditions are met,"
Chu Ning's voice suddenly rose, carrying a sense of certainty and determination about the future conquest.
"Raise a mighty army once more, launch a northern expedition against the Tang Dynasty! Conquer the empire in one decisive battle, and achieve the great cause of unifying the world!"
This arrangement neither completely abandoned the strategic goal of the Northern Expedition, nor failed to fully consider the practical difficulties.
A prudent strategy of "first securing key positions, allowing the main force to rest and recuperate, and then waiting for the opportune moment to act" was adopted.
Upon hearing this, Xue Huaide, Zhao Yu, Xue Dingshan, and the others all showed expressions of agreement and relief.
Ma Chao nodded slightly.