coobybook Chapter 243: Sword Pointed at Tubo
Chapter 243: Sword Pointed at Tubo
“No, that’s absolutely impossible.”
Ning Gao sat on the dragon throne in a daze, muttering to himself.
"Your Highness, should we withdraw our troops?"
The deputy general beside Ning Yuanwu reminded him in a low voice.
"Yes, we must withdraw. Lao Jiu's situation is irreversible now. We cannot give him any excuses."
Ning Gao suddenly woke up and said hurriedly.
"Yes, yes, I'll arrange it right away."
The deputy general responded and then left in a hurry.
...........
Three days later, the news that Ning Gao led his troops to retreat reached Ning Quan's ears.
Ning Quan just laughed it off.
He actually didn't want to engage in a civil war with Daqian, so it would be best if Ning Gao could withdraw his troops.
During these three days, Ning Quan was extremely busy. On the one hand, he arranged for the release of prisoners, and on the other hand, he mobilized manpower to transport food.
In addition to defeating the coalition forces in one fell swoop, Ning Quan also seized nearly four million shi of grain, which greatly alleviated Ning Quan's food pressure.
Although Ning Quan obtained a lot of food, it still could not meet the needs of the people in the three counties.
With these four million stones, we can last for another three months.
"Your Highness, all the Persian prisoners have been released. When will the Arab prisoners be released?"
At this time, Li Jing came in to report.
"Yesterday, Jia Xu told me that it would be best to delay the release of the Arab prisoners for a few days, or not release them at all."
"I have considered it and feel that Wenhe's opinion is correct."
"If we release the Arab prisoners now, they will be able to rearm in a blink of an eye. This is not acceptable."
Ning Quan thought for a moment and said in a deep voice.
"Your Highness, I also agree with Military Advisor Jia's opinion."
"But there are 200,000 captives from the Arab world. So many people consume too much food every day."
Li Jing said with a frown.
"What should we do?"
Ning Quan was also a little troubled.
"How about killing them all?"
"Or maybe just starve them to death?"
Li Jing suggested.
"I definitely can't kill them. Let's just starve them first. I'll consider it later."
Ning Quan shook his head.
These Arab prisoners of war must not be killed, otherwise his reputation will be ruined and no enemy troops will surrender again.
"Okay, then starve them for a few days."
"If it really doesn't work, we've captured so many horses, and we can't afford to keep them anyway, so we'll just kill them and use them as food."
Li Jing pondered for a moment and suggested.
"Well, I'll do as you say."
"I'll discuss this with the Prime Minister, the Military Advisor, and others to see how we can come up with a plan as soon as possible."
Ning Quan nodded.
"Yes, I understand."
"Your Highness, I will take my leave now."
Li Jing bowed and walked out.
...............
The next morning, Ning Quan summoned all the ministers to discuss the matter, mainly discussing the issue of the Arab captives.
After hearing this, all the ministers looked thoughtful.
The Arabs were different from Persia. They bordered Anxi and Northern Ting and could make a comeback at any time.
It was indeed inappropriate to release 230,000 Persian prisoners in such an organized manner.
"Your Highness, why don't you give me some of the prisoners?"
After a moment's silence, Huo Qubing stood up and said.
"General Huo means..."
Ning Quan asked.
"That's right, Your Highness. The Western Xiongnu are short of men now. We can give them some captives to join the Xiongnu."
"This way, the various tribes of the Western Xiongnu will be able to recover faster, and we will be more confident in dealing with the Eastern Xiongnu in the future."
Huo Qubing bowed and said.
"Oh, that's an idea. How many do you want?"
Ning Quan asked.
"I only need 30,000 or 40,000. It shouldn't be too much, otherwise it will be difficult to control."
Huo Qubing replied.
"Thirty or forty thousand?"
"OK, alright."
Ning Quan thought about it and agreed.
The Western Xiongnu are indeed short of men now. Without enough men, they will not have the strength to face the Eastern Xiongnu.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Highness. I will go and select candidates tomorrow, primarily those without families."
Huo Qubing bowed.
"Yeah, no problem."
"Everyone, General Huo helped us digest 30,000 to 40,000. What should we do with the rest?"
Ning Quan looked at the ministers.
"Your Highness, I have an idea."
At this time, Zhuge Liang stood up and said.
"Prime Minister, please speak."
Ning Quan smiled.
"Your Highness, is it possible for us to sell these prisoners?"
Zhuge Liang asked tentatively.
“Sell it? Sell it to whom?”
"Who would want so many prisoners at this time? Who can afford to support them?"
Ning Quan frowned slightly.
He had thought about Zhuge Liang's proposal, but the problem was that no one wanted these prisoners.
"Your Highness, others can't afford it, but Your Majesty can."
"I think it would be a good idea to sell it to Your Majesty."
Zhuge Liang smiled slightly.
"Sell it to His Majesty?"
Ning Quan was stunned for a moment and didn't understand what was going on.
"Yes, Your Highness should be very clear about Daqian's current situation. Your Majesty's biggest difficulty now is the lack of troops at his disposal."
"Compared to the Daqian soldiers who need both food and pay, aren't these Dashi prisoners the most cost-effective?"
Zhuge Liang asked back.
"Well, that's true."
"But doing so would also bolster His Majesty's power. He might even turn against me."
Ning Quan frowned.
"Haha, Your Highness, you're worrying too much. If His Majesty gets these prisoners, the first people he'll deal with will definitely be the Jiedushi of various places."
Zhuge Liang smiled faintly.
"What you said does make some sense, but the question is, can he take all these prisoners?"
"Even if I can't take all of it, at least I can take most of it."
"As for the rest, Your Highness, don't worry. We can also be of use."
"Your Highness has always wanted to attack Tubo. We are now strong and our troops are in great shape. General Yue's 100,000-man army has been training and adapting for half a year. Now is the perfect time to send troops. We might as well use them as cannon fodder."
“That’s a great idea, haha!”
Ning Quan burst into laughter when he heard this.
This is indeed a good idea.
Tubo has always been a concern for him, and he has long wanted to destroy it.
And once Tubo is conquered, Ning Quan will have the opportunity to face the Indian Ocean directly.
The key point is that Tubo’s national strength is weak and its military strength is even weaker. This is the best time to attack it.
"Everyone, what do you think of the Prime Minister? What are your views?"
Ning Quan looked at everyone and asked.
“I agree!”
“Agreed!”
“Second!”
......
Everyone expressed their opinions one after another.
"Good, very good."
"Since everyone agrees, it is decided."
"General Yue, this time it's up to you."
Ning Quan said to Yue Fei.
"Your Highness, rest assured. I promise to conquer Tubo and will never disgrace your majesty's instructions!"
Yue Fei clasped his fists.
"Well, I'm relieved that General Yue is leading the army to battle."
"Also, Prime Minister, regarding the matter of selling prisoners of war mentioned earlier, you must immediately draft a memorial and send it to the capital to present to His Majesty."
"Whether he wants it or not depends on his intention."
Ning Quan ordered.
"I understand."
Zhuge Liang nodded in agreement.
...........