In Tokyo, the Han Emperor issued an edict to abolish the dynasty for three days. The former prime minister, grand master, and Duke of Yan Feng Dao died. It was less than a year and a half after Feng Dao resigned. Judging from the results, Feng Dao had no intention of Liu Chengyou. It is indeed a "heartfelt speech" that foresees life and death.
After hearing the sad news, Liu Chengyou felt a little sad in his heart. Feng Dao was a famous official and a roly-poly who was active in the political arena of the Central Plains. In the past thirty years, he had held the positions of general, prime minister, three ministers, and three divisions in all dynasties. Noble and glorious, they are a famous generation.
In his later years, he became an official in the Han Dynasty, which was the pinnacle of Feng Dao's official career. Although in the next two years, his role for the emperor was little, almost a yes-man, but in the first three or four years of the country, with his reputation and ability, , experience, Liu Chengyou made great contributions in stabilizing the government and appeasing people's hearts. Therefore, Liu Chengyou also paid tribute to him and mourned him after his death.
Feng Dao's death can be regarded as ending his life and enjoying his old age, which few people regret. Although the emperor abolished the imperial court, the operation of the imperial court was not affected in the slightest, especially after the outbreak of the southwest war.
Now, it is early autumn, and the sun is about to come out. The sun is not as fierce as before, but the weather is still hot. The Privy Council, the Ministry of War and the Third Division are probably the busiest departments in the imperial center recently. However, compared to the other two departments, It is trivial and complicated, and the Privy Council needs to invest more energy.
Deputy Privy Envoy Guo Rong personally selected several staff members to be responsible for the military situation in the Southwest Expedition against Shu, including Li Chuyun and Pan Mei who had returned from the army reorganization in Hebei.
When Liu Chengyou stepped into the engine room, Guo Rong and others were in front of the map, comparing the military reports from the front, marking, studying, and discussing. When he stepped forward and ordered the ministers to refrain from courtesy, Liu Chengyou asked directly: "There is something new. The battle report has come to Beijing?"
Military reports from the southwest front line are reported once every three days, reporting the battle situation so that the central government can monitor it. Six days ago, the first successful report since General Liu Chengyou's imperial expedition to Shu was received in nearly a month. Wang Renfan and Li Yaner The general led twelve battalions of soldiers, marched southward to the Sanguan Road, and attacked the Eight Shu Huangniu Strongholds. In three days, they defeated four strongholds in a row.
Li Chuyun reported to Liu Chengyou: "The Shu army's Huangniuzhai, Qingmaling and other eight villages have been completely defeated by Wang Renfan and Li Yan. The Shu army in the eight villages has lost more than half of its troops. Shu general Han Jixun has led his defeated troops to retreat to Liang. The mighty city in the northeast of Quan. The road for our army to go south to Fengzhou has been opened..."
"This king, General Li, is indeed a talented general. He won the first battle and defeated eight villages in a row. The Shu army must be frightened. The situation is great!" Liu Chengyou showed a look of satisfaction on his face and he did not hesitate to praise: "Two years ago, Dong Dong In the battle of Hecun, the two of them also had military exploits and defeated the Shu army. It seems that these two are the vanguard of the attack on Shu!"
Probably because he felt that the emperor was too happy too early, Li Chuyun flashed a trace of embarrassment on his face and said to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, after defeating the Eight Strongholds, Wang Renfan led two thousand soldiers and horses and rushed south to pursue Han Jixun's defeated army, intending to take advantage of the opportunity to seize the mighty army. City. However, after taking the double road, the company's troops were exhausted and frustrated at the city gate. They were defeated by Shu general Gao Yancuo. He lost 500 troops and retreated north."
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou frowned slightly, smiled slightly, and said: "Wang Renfan, you are still impatient!"
"What's going on now? Show me the military report!" Liu Chengyou turned his head.
When he presented it and took the imperial ban, Guo Rong stood by and said to Liu Chengyou: "According to Xiang Xun's report, he has led 30,000 troops and dispersed from the pass to Feng. It has entered autumn and the weather has improved. He intends to Mighty City, start a big battle with the Shu army!"
"Your Majesty, the Fengzhou Road is blocked and dangerous. After Liangquan, there is the Qingniling Road. From Sanguan to Weiwu City, although the post road is difficult to travel, it is not the most dangerous place. However, judging from the situation ahead, the army is marching, and the food and supplies are The transportation of ordnance is already very inconvenient. Therefore, if we can gather our troops to fight north of Liangquan, it will be of great benefit to our army!"
"It also depends on whether the Shu army will give you this chance or not!" Liu Chengyou nodded.
"Weiwu City is about eighty miles southwest of Sanguan. It is the barrier of Shubei Pass and its military defense fortress. Once we capture Weiwu City, we can drive directly to Liangquan. The victory is ours, and the Shu army will never give up. Therefore, as planned by Xiang Xun, we will definitely be able to fight a big battle that will determine victory in Mighty City!" Guo Rong said with certainty.
"We Chen Bing are sharpening our swords at the border. Isn't this what we want?" Liu Chengyou opened his description slightly and nodded: "As for Xiang Xun, the war between Qin and Feng was decided at the last moment, and we left it to him. In order to destroy Shu, let him Let me fight this battle with all my heart!"
"Yes!" Guo Rong looked at Liu Chengyou and praised him: "It is a blessing for a general to have such an ambitious strategy!"
Guo Rong seldom praises others, and even less compliments Liu Chengyou, but every word of praise must come from his sincere feelings. Liu Chengyou understands this, so he can't help but feel good after listening to his words.
"How is the battle going over there in Qinzhou?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"It is reported that the prince has led Wujie and the southwest frontier army of 20,000 people, followed the Weishui River, along the Long Road, and fought in Longcheng for the first time, forcing the Shu army to defend itself in the city, and has suppressed the Shu army. The Shu general Zhao Jizha is mediocre and has no military strength. He is also outnumbered by our army and is definitely no match for the princes!" Guo Rong replied, looking very confident.
"After the war begins, we can only rely on the frontline generals to lead the army in battle. I am in the rear, so I can only raise food and pay to make sure that I have no shortage of supplies!" Putting down the military newspaper he was playing with, Liu Chengyou sighed: "Come to the southwest general, and he will live up to my expectations!"
"Your Majesty always makes plans before taking action. He sends generals and troops, and launches wars. He is fully prepared. With such comprehensive plans, our court will definitely win and the Shu army will be defeated!" Li Chuyun handed over to Liu Chengyou and said excitedly: "Your Majesty, all you have to do is... Tokyo, just sit back and wait for the good news!"
"These words are indeed encouraging!" Liu Chengyou smiled at Li Chuyun: "I still have this little bit of confidence!"
After saying this, he looked at Guo Rong again and said with some sadness: "The Duke of Dai is not feeling well and it is difficult to take charge of the affairs. All the privy secrets and national military affairs will be placed on Guo Qing. Please take care of me!"
Hearing his words, Guo Rong responded solemnly: "I dare not neglect the duties that this minister should fulfill!"
Guo Rong was always ambitious and energetic, and the increased responsibilities only made him more excited and motivated. After the summer, the head of the state resigned from Ruan and fell ill. After all, he was old and had to work hard for many years, and his body was overwhelmed by the burden. tired.
However, the Privy Council was not affected too much. Zhe Congruan was not greedy for power. In the past two years or so, Guo Rong's actual power was greater, enough to take over the military and political affairs smoothly without causing trouble.
Hello everyone, our official account will find gold and red envelopes every day. You can get it by paying attention. This is the last benefit at the end of the year. Please seize the opportunity. Official account [Book Friends Base Camp]
Liu Chengyou felt that it might not be long before he would lose this elder and veteran minister. Therefore, in recent times, he had taken great care of the Huizhe family. The imperial doctor sent medicinal materials, supplements, and royal supplies to the house, and generously rewarded them. In the palace, the side where the virtuous concubines and concubines go is the most frequented. It’s a bit like the time before Gao Xingzhou died of illness.
Suppressing some confusion in his heart, Liu Chengyou glanced at Pan Mei, who was studying the military situation in front of the map seriously and calmly, and asked Guo Rongdao: "Guo Qing, what do you think of Pan Mei?"
Upon hearing the question, Guo Rong did not hide the admiration in his eyes: "Your Majesty has a keen eye for knowing people! Pan Meizhi knows military integrity and is a general who can be put to great use!"
"In the two years since I served in the Privy Council, I have worked diligently, analyzed affairs, and often had insights. Although there are many brave generals in the Han Dynasty, handsome talents are still precious, especially the veteran generals are gradually withering away. Pan Mei has her qualifications, but today the world is not at peace, I secretly believe that she will lead Soldiers go to war, attack cities and forts, and they can show their talents even more!"
Liu Chengyou couldn't help but nod. So far, among the rising stars in the army, there are not many who are valued by Liu Chengyou and have the ability to be a general and can stand alone. They are Gao Huaide, Yang Ye, Zhao Kuangyin, Pan Mei, Shi Shouxin and others.
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou said: "I plan to send Pan Mei to Xiangzhou, what do you think?"
Guo Rong's eyebrows raised slightly, and his eyes turned to the map of the Han Dynasty and landed on Jinghu Lake. It was obvious that the battle against Shu had just begun. The battle between Qin and Feng was not yet over, and the emperor had already begun to think about the next step.