The Later Three Kingdoms: Slaying Deng Ai, and Reviving the Han Dynasty

"Your Majesty, Wei Yan is a fierce general. Leading ten thousand elite troops and defeating enemy generals is his forte," Huang Chongxian said first, then added, "Wei Yan is arrogant and doesn't get along well with his colleagues. He can only be a general, not a commander-in-chief. If you let him lead the troops on a northern expedition, there will definitely be problems."

Wei Yan is no good… Liu Chen understood, raised his hand and pinched his chin. History buffs of later generations had debated for countless years whether the Ziwu Valley strategy was feasible. Huang Chong's perspective was novel. First of all, Wei Yan was a general, not a commander. Due to his personality flaws, he was unsuitable to be a commander.

After Zhuge Liang's death, Wei Yan ordered his generals to work together to kill him.

The decisions made by a fierce general like Wei Yan were certainly not as comprehensive as those made by a brilliant strategist like Zhuge Liang.

Moreover, military strategy prioritizes governing the country, and Zhuge Liang had too many things to consider: provisions, finances, able-bodied men, and so on. He couldn't be like Wei Yan, trying to accomplish something monumental based solely on momentary bravado.

"I see, I understand now." Liu Chen collected his thoughts and nodded with a smile.

He looked up outside, then cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Huang Chongyi and said, "Sir, your explanation of military strategy has enlightened me greatly. However, it is already late, and I need time to ponder your words tonight. Please return, sir. I will send someone to invite you to explain military strategy again tomorrow."

"Sheng, you can go down too," he said to Zhang Sheng.

"Yes." Huang Chong and Zhang Sheng clasped their hands in a salute, stood up, and turned to leave.

"Use orthodox tactics to engage, and unorthodox tactics to win." Liu Chen pondered for a long time, then looked up with a glint in his eyes and said, "Wei Yan cannot command 100,000 elite troops, but Huang Chong might be able to. Even if Huang Chong is not capable on his own, he can assist me. Add to that General Jiang Wei. As long as I kill Deng Ai, stabilize the situation, and strengthen the nation, we can divide our forces into two routes in the future. I will lead one army, and Jiang Wei will lead the other to launch a northern expedition."

Liu Chen sat for a long time, his mind filled with many whimsical ideas, until he couldn't help but laugh at himself. He summoned a eunuch to bathe and change his clothes, then crawled into bed and fell fast asleep.

The next morning, after having breakfast, Liu Chen sent for Zhang Sheng and Huang Chong to discuss military strategy.

Days passed by like this.

Liu Chen spent all his time with Huang Chong and Zhang Sheng, talking from day to night, and sometimes even sleeping together.

It's not just the two beautiful women beside Liu Chen who were jealous; originally, only they were allowed to serve him in bed.

Even the prime ministers and guests, including Yang Yong, were taken aback. Originally, Liu Chen was supposed to hold a grand gathering of guests every few days to listen to anecdotes about his ancestors.

As a result, Liu Chen and Zhang Sheng made rapid progress in their understanding and comprehension of military strategy, advancing by leaps and bounds.

How to use spies, how to manage an army, how to set up camp, how to use strategies, how to select vanguards, and how to select generals.

However, Liu Chen and Zhang Sheng had different focuses.

Huang Chong said to Liu Chen, "Your Majesty has learned the military strategy of leading an army of 100,000 to conquer the world."

He then said to Zhang Sheng, "Lieutenant Zhang is trained to be a match for ten thousand men."

Zhang Sheng wholeheartedly agreed. He was a warrior who "raised strong men" and "charged into battle," aspiring to become a general like Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, or Wei Yan. Of course, he didn't dare hope to become one of them, but he felt he had the potential to become a fierce general like Wei Yan.

As for Liu Chen, he was a general, a commander.

Although he still felt that Liu Chen was the emperor and that it was enough for him to stay in the rear.

Liu Chen and Zhang Sheng studied military strategy for ten days, and then spent another ten days discussing military matters with Huang Chonggao.

.......

morning.

Liu Chen remained seated in the palace, having prepared pastries and tea, and sent someone to summon Zhang Sheng and Huang Chong.

Huang Chong sat down first, followed by Zhang Sheng.

"Huang Qing, let's begin." Liu Chen smiled, picked up his water glass, took a sip, and looked expectant. Although he had learned a lot, Huang Chong was like a treasure trove, inexhaustible.

Zhang Sheng sat upright, his ears perked up, his eyes gleaming, looking as if he were "listening attentively."

"Your Majesty, this old minister believes that one should not bite off more than one can chew. Your Majesty, General Zhang, and this old minister have been discussing military strategy for twenty days. It is time to take a break." Huang Chong smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and bowed to Liu Chen.

He had come to understand Liu Chen's feelings and was growing increasingly fond of her. He felt completely at ease with Liu Chen. Looking at Liu Chen's face, and recalling Liu Chan's chubby face, gave him a headache.

With Liu Shan, Liu Shan wouldn't listen to anything he said. But with Liu Chen, he was even willing to sleep side by side with him. He genuinely believed that Liu Chen was capable of great things.

Therefore, he had to work hard to plan for Liu Chen.

As for military strategy, firstly, he shared Zhang Sheng's opinion that Liu Chen's study of military strategy was of little use. The emperor should stay in the rear to oversee the situation.

Secondly, he didn't just give a perfunctory answer. Liu Chen had been discussing military strategy for twenty days, and it was time for him to reflect and take his time.

Liu Chen and Zhang Sheng were somewhat reluctant, and were discussing the matter enthusiastically, feeling that their understanding of military strategy was advancing by leaps and bounds... but Huang Chong suddenly stopped abruptly.

Zhang Sheng had no say and could only sit out the game.

After thinking for a moment, Liu Chen felt that Huang Chong's words made sense, so he nodded and said, "What Minister Huang says is true. But since we're already here, how about we discuss some political matters?"

Zhang Sheng felt he could take his leave.

Huang Chong shook his head, his face serious, and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister has something more important to say."

Liu Chen raised an eyebrow and looked at Huang Chong's face. Huang Chong nodded slightly in response.

Liu Chen nodded, then turned to Zhang Sheng and said, "Zhang Qing, go stand outside the door. No one is allowed to enter without my order."

"Yes." Zhang Sheng's heart stirred, but he didn't think much of it. He stood up, bowed, and turned to leave. He was a warrior; planning was the job of a strategist.

Huang Chong nodded, stood up, passed Zhang Sheng, and knelt down beside Liu Chen. This way, they could speak more quietly and avoid being overheard.

"Does Your Majesty covet the throne?" Huang Chong asked in a low voice, his eyes gleaming.

"Indeed," Liu Chen replied calmly.

"Is Your Majesty greedy in order to secretly raise assassins and wait for the right opportunity?" Huang Chong asked again.

"Indeed," Liu Chen nodded again.

Huang Chong nodded in satisfaction. The guess was a guess, but the confirmation was certain. Moreover, he carefully observed Liu Chen's expression and found him calm and composed. A person destined for great things shouldn't be easily startled.

Even if Mount Tai collapses before your eyes, you must not sit down recklessly. Even if you are fleeing for your life, you must not be discouraged.

Liu Chen's composure is truly extraordinary.

Huang Chong's expression grew increasingly serious. He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and asked, "This old minister dares to ask, how much wealth does Your Majesty currently possess?"

This requires careful consideration. Liu Chen tilted his head and thought for a while before revealing all his family's wealth to Huang Chong.

To seize by force or coercion.

She killed her husband and seized his land and house.

They suck the blood of the nation and turn it into their own fields, houses, and farms.

He married the daughter of a merchant and received a generous dowry.

Use the accumulated money to buy farms and houses.

In just two years, his wealth, land, population, and food have become astonishing.

The power of the Northern Kingdom is growing day by day.

However, the property, land, and population of each village in the kingdom are managed separately and are not subordinate to each other.

Only Liu Chen knew the truth, but now Huang Chong knows too.