Chapter 787 - 43: Longhe Northern Campaign, Liao Pays Tribute

Is it possible to destroy Liao in one fell swoop?

No!

The soldiers of the Great Song are too exhausted, and this winter is even colder than the previous two. Not only is morale affected, but even the cotton-padded clothes for logistics supply are now in short supply.

How should this battle continue?

For this so-called Yuan Yang Lake, how many more lives must the Great Song sacrifice?

Until this moment.

Gu Rui finally understood all that Gu Jun had done in the past.

For those who bear the weight of the world, sometimes, indeed, they cannot advance further.

This choice is beyond him.

Because for the Great Song, the cost is not proportional to the gain!

Thinking of this, Gu Rui raised his hand to calm the noisy generals, his gaze sweeping over each face, he said calmly:

"The brothers are all tired."

"Let them have a good rest."

"The time... has not yet come."

Over nearly three years of war, Gu Rui had long proven his abilities.

With various arrangements to ensure the stability of the court, repeatedly designing ambushes against the enemy on the front lines, he had gained unprecedented prestige.

Upon hearing this, the generals couldn’t help but fall into silence.

No matter how unwilling they were, they had to admit that Gu Rui was right.

The Song Army was indeed too exhausted.

They themselves were no exception.

In an instant, there was pin-drop silence within the tent, leaving only the howling wind outside, gusting over everyone’s hearts.

Seeing a group of deflated leaders, Gu Rui rose again, gently reassuring, "But rest assured, this is the time for our Great Song soldiers to recuperate, but not for Liao."

"Gentlemen, wait and see."

The generals all raised their heads, their expressions stirred.

They seemed to sense something.

In the past two years, whenever Gu Rui spoke and behaved like this, it often meant he had an unexpected strategy.

Could it be this time...?

Facing everyone’s questioning gazes, Gu Rui merely smiled faintly, saying no more.

The soldiers instinctively looked up, their expressions changing.

They seemed to feel something!

For the past two years, whenever Gu Rui acted this way, he would employ some unexpected strategy.

Is it now?....

Meeting the eyes of the generals and soldiers, Gu Rui smiled faintly, without further words.

In fact, it is quite simple.

It’s indeed difficult for the Song Army to hold on, but the same is true for Liao!

The territories of Fengsheng, Guihua, Ruzhou, and even the southern bank of the Sanggan River, which the Great Song seized over these three years, are far from insignificant frontier lands.

They are among the richest agricultural areas and core pastures of Liao’s Nanjing Road, serving as key defenses for the Central Capital and Anding Prefecture.

Losing these states means Liao not only loses a large population, taxation, and sources of warhorses, but its political heart, Central Capital Road, is now exposed directly to the threat of the Song Army’s military might.

And this is just basic!

Now, the forces of Western Xia are continually hovering within Liao.

Although the ties between the two countries grow deeper, where is the friendship between nations?

Gu Rui absolutely doesn’t believe that there will be no friction between these two countries!

And the Liao royal family will certainly have concerns!

What Gu Rui wants is very simple, even if this battle ends here, Liao must continue to weaken!

He wants Liao to pay tribute!!!

......

(Ps: Begging for monthly votes and recommendation tickets, I humbly ask for more support from brothers, Yuwan is immensely grateful.)