Since taking over Fuso, the Tang army rarely deployed an army of more than 100,000. Basically, a few tens of thousands of troops were enough to resolve the battle. This time, including the vassal troops, the total number has exceeded 200,000, not to mention the troops stationed in various places. If the troops stationed in the Western Regions are counted, the number would be at least over 300,000.
According to Li Xiang's idea, the resources in the Western Regions were too scarce. If 300,000 troops were mobilized, a lot of them would be wasted along the way. After all, some of them had to be transported from the Tang Dynasty. However, Li Shimin also told Li Xiang that the troops in many parts of the country had never even been to the battlefield and were basically the same as the yamen runners.
If they were not taken to the battlefield to see the world this time, they would probably have 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 the world.
Li Xiang thought about it and it was true. The military preparations in various parts of the Tang Dynasty had been relaxed for a long time. It was because Li Xiang had won so many victories in various places that the surrounding ethnic groups surrendered. The Tang Dynasty no longer needed a strong military force in its heartland.
In the short term, there is no problem with this, and it can even save money for the court. But in the long run, this may not be 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. It is only because Li Xiang has achieved more victories and has a deeper prestige in various places, so these contradictions have not yet emerged.
But if these contradictions were to arise, it would be a severe blow to the entire Tang Dynasty. Now Li Shimin has mobilized 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 station them on the main transportation routes of the Tang Dynasty. Since so many local troops were on the move this time, if there were any trouble in various places, these 2,500 elite cavalry would let them know how coincidental it was that you were causing trouble.
Li Xiang knew that things were not as peaceful as they seemed on the surface. There were no opportunities in the past, so these people hid themselves. But if an opportunity arose, these people would stand up without hesitation. As long as you dare to show up, then our swords will drink blood.
Li Shimin was very satisfied with Li Xiang's arrangement. Sometimes these conflicts cannot be suppressed all the time. They must be released when it is time to do so. However, when the conflicts are released, it is time to solve the problems.
Some court ministers did not understand Li Shimin's arrangements and kept writing memorials to Li Shimin, saying that the defenses in various places were already very weak. If Li Xiang was allowed to take away so many troops, the situation in various places would be very dangerous. Therefore, they hoped that Li Shimin could revoke his order and strengthen the defenses in various places to deal with various disturbances.
However, some people also believe that the Tang Dynasty has enjoyed peace for a long time and does not need so many troops. On the contrary, the Arab Empire we need to face on the battlefield in the Western Regions is not an ordinary enemy. It is a country that is not much weaker than the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, it is correct to mobilize most of the country's troops to go there.
Li Shimin had all the memorials submitted by these people kept. Whether they were human or ghost, he would not comment for now. When the real war comes, we will see how you guys respond. Those who follow the court will naturally have good results, and those who betray the Tang Dynasty will have their entire families chosen places 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 people had already gone there in several groups.
"Your Highness, don't worry. When the Emperor was fighting, we were nowhere to be found. So even if there was a conflict in the inland areas, the Emperor would be able to handle it. Moreover, Your Highness has mobilized 25,000 elite troops. They have all experienced wars in Goguryeo and Fuso. If anyone dares to take action, they will have to think about where they are buried."
Seeing Li Xiang turning around to head towards Chang'an, Su Dingfang said nonchalantly beside him, although there are only a few old generals left in the capital, you must not underestimate these old generals. These people can still eat half a pound of rice and half a pound of meat in one meal, but 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 new artillery units, all of which are controlled by 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 break the situation.
"You're right. I shouldn't be panicking, but why do I feel so uneasy after leaving Chang'an? I've never felt this way since I sent out the troops. Can you all help me analyze this? Is there something I haven't taken care of?"
As soon as Li Xiang said this, Changsun Ze and Su Dingfang looked at each other. Neither of them knew what Li Xiang meant by this. However, Li Xiang had always been very determined. Half of the territory of the Tang Dynasty was conquered by him, especially these newly acquired lands. Even he felt uneasy. So what was going on?
"ah……"
Suddenly Su Dingfang thought of it, but he didn't know how to continue. If he continued to talk about this matter, he might lose his head. Li Xiang was also a very smart person. When he saw the look in Su Dingfang's eyes, he suddenly thought of it.
The one who wants to cause trouble is none other than the Li royal family.
If this was the case, it would be a special test for Li Shimin. Li Xiang finally found out where he was panicking.
"Send the order down, from Sichuan to the south, and have the troops at each depot be prepared to rush to Chang'an at any time."
Although this is just a guess, we must be fully prepared.
"The Fuso army is moving closer to Goguryeo, 10,000 men."
"The Goguryeo army is moving towards Hebei."
Li Xiang's orders came down one after another. Before someone showed up, Li Xiang could not make too much preparation, but there was no problem with normal mobilization. As the general of Tiance, he had this right.
