Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

If it weren't for the 200-mile strait separating Asia and North America, and the long, harsh winters that made it difficult to transport supplies, Du He would have wanted to send an army of 100 million to conquer the continent.

After all, the territories of North and South America are too vast, requiring the deployment of large armies to ensure their complete conquest within a few years.

Du He continued, "On the islands in the northeast of the Tang Dynasty and the islands in the northwest of North America, the temperature is above zero only from April to October."

"At other times, the temperature is extremely cold, and the soldiers cannot stay outdoors for long at all."

"During this period, the grain and fodder can be transported to the Mohe territory for storage, and the army should also assemble in the Liaodong territory in early April."

"Once the weather gets a little warmer, we will immediately board a large ship and head north along the Mohe route, then cross the strait to the Americas."

Since the Tang army destroyed the Mohe a few years ago, its activities have extended to northern Siberia.

Moreover, Li Chengqian dispatched 2000 troops to garrison hundreds of miles south of the Chukchi Peninsula.

When the time comes, the large ship will set sail from there, heading due west, and will eventually dock somewhere in North America.

"it is good!"

Li Chengqian shouted "Good!" and immediately ordered Ma Zhou, "Ma Zhou, starting today, transport the grain and fodder to the northernmost part of the Mohe region for storage, and also send prisoners and soldiers there to build more supply points!"

"This supply line needs to cross hundreds of miles of sea, putting great pressure on logistics!"

Previously, Du He had drawn a simple marching map, and Li Chengqian also roughly knew the geographical relationship between North America and the Tang Dynasty.

Ma Zhou stood up and replied, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

Du He's expression shifted slightly as she looked at Ma Zhou's haggard face.

Why does Ma Zhou look so much older?

It seems we need to ease Ma Zhou's burden during this period, lest this virtuous minister fall ill from exhaustion.

Li Chengqian continued, "King Han, those 20 troops who returned from the European battlefields have fought several battles abroad. Let them be responsible for guarding various parts of the Tang Dynasty and supervising the transport of grain and fodder."

"These people have already acquired a lot of gold and silver, as well as several beauties from the Western Regions. We should let the other soldiers also get some benefits."

In the past, people were most afraid of war because the mortality rate of war was extremely high.

Now, fighting a war is not only safe, but it also brings promotions and wealth, and people can even receive beautiful women as a reward for free. People are eager to sign up for the army to get money and beautiful women.

There was a pause.

Li Chengqian continued, "Du He, apart from you and Pei Xingjian staying in Chang'an, all the other generals must lead troops into battle."

"Who do you think would be the most suitable commander-in-chief?"

As Li Chengqian finished speaking, everyone's attention turned to Hou Junji, Xue Rengui, and Cheng Yaojin.

After thinking about it for a while.

Du He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that Hou Junji should be the commander-in-chief, and Xue Rengui and Cheng Yaojin should be the deputy commanders-in-chief."

Li Chengqian nodded: "It's settled then!"

He also believed that Hou Junji had the strongest ability to command large armies and could adapt to various complex climates. In addition, his qualifications and abilities were better than Xue Rengui's, making him the most suitable commander.

Hou Junji, Xue Rengui, and Cheng Yaojin stood up and bowed with excitement.

"The minister obeys the order!"

The group then spent several hours discussing matters related to the battle and logistical supplies.

It's approaching evening.

Li Chengqian pinched the bridge of his nose and said, "The arrangements for the great battle are settled. The specific details and coordination will be discussed and decided by Hou Junji and Ma Zhou."

"King Han, please stay. The rest of you may go back and rest."

The biggest problem in conquering North and South America was logistical support; everything else was a minor issue.

If the people there cultivate enough land to feed and drink an army of 80, that would be ideal.

All the ministers stood up and bowed.

"We shall take our leave now."

Watching his trusted ministers leave, Li Chengqian smiled and nodded.

After the ministers left the main hall, Li Chengqian did not continue to sit on the imperial platform. He asked the eunuchs to prepare a meal, and then walked over and sat down next to Du He.

"Du He, I have two pieces of good news to tell you."

"The rubber tires have been made, but because the technology is not yet mature, the craftsmen are continuing to improve them. It is hoped that they can be used on a large scale in 3 years!"

"A prototype of the steam engine has also been made, and it can even drive a horse-drawn carriage. However, compared with the coal consumption, the distance it can travel and the power it can generate are not enough, so it needs to be improved."

What?

How did they manage to make rubber and a steam engine in just six years?

Are these craftsmen really that skilled?

Du He smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I will go and take a look at the steam engine tomorrow. If it achieves the effect I expect, we can start laying tens of thousands of miles of railway now!"

"Once the railway is repaired, the steam engine may be able to be put into use!"

If the steam engine could be used skillfully, perhaps those craftsmen could build internal combustion engines in the future, and perhaps in his lifetime he could even ride in a four-wheeled car.

"Ok!"

Li Chengqian nodded slightly.

He changed the subject and asked, "Du He, now hundreds of countries and tribes in the Western Regions have all fallen into the hands of our Great Tang."

"Africa and Oceania can be completely conquered within three or four years."

"As for North and South America, they can be conquered within seven or eight years."

"I already have some ideas about enfeoffing princes and kings. I'll tell you about them now, and you can see if they're reasonable."

As he spoke, he waved to the group of eunuchs, signaling them to leave the main hall.

After all the attendants left the main hall.

Li Chengqian took out a small booklet from his wide-sleeved robe, handed it to Du He, and said in a deep voice.

"I intend to establish the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, Xueyantuo, Western Turkic Khaganate, the vast territory of the northern frontier, several countries in the southern frontier, India, Tibet, Persia, the Abbasid Caliphate, and Tokharistan as the homeland of the Great Tang."

“I hereby designate Oceania as the fiefdom of Li Daozong, Li Chongyi and other relatives, Europe as the fiefdom of my brothers, and North America as the fiefdom of my uncles.”

“The vast African lands were designated as fiefdoms for powerful families and ministers.”

"As for South America, which you mentioned is the lungs of the earth, it will not be used for enfeoffment for the time being. It will be used to reward merits later."

Pause for a moment.

Li Chengqian continued, "In order to make your three brothers' fiefdoms closer, I will grant the former territory of Wa and many territories to the north as fiefdoms for Du Gou and Du Aitong."

"As for the gold and silver mines within the territory of Japan, I have already ordered people to stop mining them and leave them to your brothers to exploit."

"What do you think?"

Upon hearing Li Chengqian's reorganization of the fiefdom, Du He's expression shifted slightly.

Unexpectedly, under Li Chengqian's adjustment, everyone's fiefdoms changed completely, and the Li clan members occupied the most fertile lands.

The arrangement for the eldest brother Du Gou and the third brother Du Aitong was also reasonable, allowing them to share the territory of Japan and thus avoiding future disputes.

Du He smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty's arrangements are very reasonable, and I am deeply impressed!"

"I wonder if there have been any changes to my fiefdom?"