"Surrender, at this time?" Liu Chengyou's lips curled up slightly, and he moved his fingers towards Zhang Yanwei and others, and ordered: "The generals have to fight hard to stop. Since the enemy knows the current situation, he will save our army from further losses. You go. Let's deal with it, control the whole city of Fuyang, and prevent any unexpected situations!"
"In addition..." After a pause, Liu Chengyou added: "The situation in the city is a bit strange. Let's investigate clearly!"
"yes!"
Liu Chengyou did have some doubts in his heart. During the fierce battle between the Longqi Army and the Khitans, the reaction of the defenders in Fuyang City was really strange. Even though the Gaotang Ying soldiers were small, they did not completely stand still and huddled in the city from beginning to end. .
The results proved that it was not a false surrender. The defenders in Fuyang City surrendered without reservation, abandoned their weapons and armor, and did not make any changes. However, the person who led the surrender was not the defense commander Gao Tangying, but a general named Wang Jihong. As for Gao Tangying, his head has been chopped off.
After entering the county town, Liu Chengyou inspected various camps and appeased the soldiers before meeting this man in the government hall. At first glance, he looked like a rough man. He looked very ordinary, but he gave people a low-key feeling, with a bit of caution on his face. He smiled slightly and had a humble attitude towards Liu Chengyou.
He had neither good feelings nor bad feelings about this person, but after all, he took the initiative to surrender and surrendered with the city. Liu Chengyou still comforted him and expressed his appreciation. After nearly two months of experience after dispatching troops, Liu Chengyou had an idea in his mind about quickly seizing a stable country. A relatively clear understanding is nothing more than "recruiting surrender and accepting rebellion".
"Tell me, what's going on with Wang Jihong? Who is he?" Liu Chengyou asked directly after he was asked to step aside peacefully.
After looking at each other, Xiang Xun stood up and reported to Liu Chengyou: "Wang Jihong was a thief when he was young, and he was an official and a soldier. He was born in the army. Last year, he served in the Forbidden Army and was the commander of the country. After the Khitans entered Bian, they surrendered and were taken under Gao Tangying's command."
Xiang Xun was very efficient. In a short period of time, he had already investigated clearly the situation between Wang Jihong and Fu Yang: "According to inquiries from his subordinates, Gao Tangying treated Wang Jihong very favorably. He treated his mother like his mother and his son like his son, and tried his best to win over her. , relying on relatives, losing money to soldiers, without any suspicion."
"Today, when our army was fighting a fierce battle with Yelv Jieli, Gao Tangying originally wanted to lead his troops out of the city to help in the battle, but Wang Jihong dissuaded him. After our army won, he united with several commanders to kill Gao Tangying and surrender the whole city!"
After listening to Xiang Xun's narration, Liu Chengyou slightly raised his eyebrows and said calmly: "As you said, Gao Tangying treated Wang Jihong so kindly, but what this person did was ungrateful!"
Hearing this, Xiang Xun nodded, with obvious contempt in his eyes: "Just now, I asked him this in a humble position!"
"How did he answer?" Liu Chengyou became a little interested.
With a tone full of disdain, Xiang Xun said: "He said that he is a villain. If he does not take advantage of the convenience, assess the situation, seek wealth, and protect his life, he may not be able to achieve his goals throughout his life. This person said this, There is simply no sense of gratitude or shame!”
"Although this man's virtues are shameful, there is nothing false in what he says or does!" Liu Chengyou commented calmly, without the contempt written on his face like Xiang Xun.
"What a villain!" Guo Rong also echoed at this time.
"He is indeed a villain!" Liu Chengyou nodded, and then sighed: "Wang Jihong was an enemy of the Gao family, and he was alone in the country and the army, but he finally made a contribution..."
When Liu Chengyou said this, everyone in the hall was silent, especially Guo Rong and Xiang Xun, both of whom were thoughtful. Obviously, Liu Chengyou's mentality was extremely peaceful at this time, and he saw the problem very clearly.
He thought about the experience of facing Wang Shou'en in Shangdang that day. After listening to Xiang Xun's description, Liu Chengyou absolutely despised Wang Jihong, but he had no intention of reacting based on his likes and dislikes.
There seemed to be a voice echoing in my mind: Even someone like Wang Jihong could tolerate being treated kindly and rewarded for merit, so who else in the world could not be treated kindly?
Wang Jihong's matter was, after all, just a minor incident. It was mentioned a little and the confusion was clarified, that's all.
At night, Guo Rong and Xiang Xun visited him together.
"Your Highness!" After obvious hesitation, Guo Rong called in a thoughtful tone.
Noticing Guo Rong's performance, Liu Chengyou waved his hand directly: "Speak up if you have something to say!"
Seeing this, Guo Rong did not show any pretense, took a breath lightly, cupped his hands and said: "The general thinks that it is a foregone conclusion that Yelu Deguang will return to the Khitan in the north. It is unnecessary for our army to follow him again and we will not make much money." The benefits are great, but the risks are very high.”
"Although we had a dangerous victory over Khitan in the Battle of Fuyang, it was mostly due to the fact that the Liao generals underestimated the enemy and fought slowly. After this battle, we may not be able to find such an opportunity again. If we continue to follow, our army will have no way out. , I’m just afraid of falling into danger!”
While speaking, Guo Rong almost expressed his thoughts and concerns. Liu Chengyou glanced at him and asked: "In your opinion?"
Guo Rong obviously had an idea and answered directly: "In the Central Plains, His Majesty has personally proposed that the army march south and restore the two capitals. It will be a matter of time. On the contrary, in the Hebei states, the power of the Khitan people is still strong!"
"At this time, His Highness no longer needs to keep an eye on Yelu Deguang, who is destined to withdraw the Khitan. He should change the direction of his strategy and attack the prefectures and counties. He should unite with the old ministers, generals and volunteers of Hebei Daozhou to attack the Khitan and prepare for the war of the Central Plains in the future. The division will go north, completely drive out the Khitan forces, and make preparations to conquer Hebei..."
After listening to Guo Rong's words, Liu Chengyou said nothing and glanced at Xiang Xun: "What do you think?"
Nowadays, these two people have basically become Liu Chengyou's confidants. They discuss with him almost all important matters, and they dare to speak out boldly.
General Liu Chengyou asked himself, Xiang Xun glanced back and forth between him and Guo Rong, and calmly answered: "I think that General Guo's words are reasonable. Although our army is strong in combat, it is ultimately insufficient. To Yelu De The hundreds of thousands of cavalry alone cannot pose a big threat after all. On the contrary, if they entangle for a long time and incur attacks from them, it will be dangerous!"
"In the opinion of my subordinates, after Yelu Jieli's defeat, the Liao army's vigilance against us will be heightened to the highest level. Now, it's time to change our thinking..."
Obviously, Xiang Xun and Guo Rong have the same opinion.
His eyes wandered around the two of them twice, and Liu Chengyou fell silent. He lowered his head and thought for a while, then sighed quietly. Of course, Liu Chengyou knew that the suggestions of the two people made sense. With the strength of the Longqi Army, he would chase Yelu away. Deguang's army returning to the north was really overestimating its capabilities.
In the current situation, the most suitable approach is to unite all forces, spread the influence of the new dynasty, and strengthen themselves while jointly attacking the Khitans.
Liu Chengyou understands in his heart, but...
Seeing Liu Chengyou's pensive look, Guo Rong and Xiang Xun were surprised. Based on their impression and understanding of Liu Chengyou, this shouldn't be the case.
After pondering for a while, Liu Chengyou finally spoke, with clear eyes and a firm tone: "Yelu Deguang wants to withdraw and return to the country, and I will treat him as a 'gift' to leave the country!"
"Your Highness!" Hearing his words, Guo Rong was a little stunned, and immediately held up his hands, trying to persuade him again.
Liu Chengyou did not give him this opportunity, and said decisively: "I have decided! Send the order, Han Tong, Luo Yanxuan, closely pursue the Khitan military situation, and then lead the army alone and continue to advance northward!"
Liu Chengyou's stubbornness surprised Guo Xiang and gave him a headache. Liu Chengyou has always listened to people's opinions, but why did he do it this time?
Liu Chengyou, of course, had no way to explain to them, so he could only wait secretly.
Sometimes, he is very stable. But other times, he is willing to take risks!
