In terms of military dispatch strategies, Li Yan and Li Zicheng, and even most generals in the Chuangshi system, are different.

For some reason, the generals of the Chuang faction had a special obsession with Shaanxi. Their always thought was to fight back to their hometown and proclaim themselves emperor in Xi'an. Before that, they sent troops to Shandong and even Huguang to do this goal.

However, Li Yan's idea was different. In addition to proposing to exempt taxes and equalize the fields, gather the people's hearts and consolidate the existing controlled areas, he also wanted to use the existing troops to continuously expand. Therefore, under his plan, the rebel army captured Jining in the east, consolidated Huguang in the south, and also penetrated the troops deep into the Jianghuai River, using all means to attack the official army.

A long time ago, Li Yan believed that Liu Zeqing was tyrannical and had little kindness and could not achieve great things. He suggested that Li Zicheng lead his troops eastward to seize the entire Shandong from Liu Zeqing before Sun Chuanting left Shaanxi. Then he led his troops northward to attack Tianjin, and bypassed Shaanxi, Shanxi and other places, and captured the capital from the east.

However, Li Yan's plan was opposed by most of the generals of the Chuangshi system, and Li Zicheng also disagreed. He wanted to use Liu Zeqing to restrain the official army and avoid the worries of fighting with Sun Chuanting. Therefore, he completely stopped the troops after sending troops to capture Jining.

After seeing Zhou Xian sending troops, Li Yan suggested that Li Zicheng mobilize troops eastward to seize the Yanzhou territory west of the canal to consolidate his army's eastern wing. However, Li Zicheng thought that Liu Zeqing was unlikely to be a threat, and it was not too late to deal with him after defeating Sun Chuanting, so he rejected Li Yan's proposal.

In fact, there was a saying at that time that Li Yan didn't say it. What he wanted to be on guard against was Zhou Xian, not Liu Zeqing.

Niu Jinxing knew the different views of Li Zicheng and Li Yan, and saw that Li Zicheng looked hesitant. He coughed lightly and said to Li Yan: "Lin Quan, you also know that General Li Guo stationed in Shangqiu. In addition to shocking Liu Zeqing, he also wanted to guard against Xu Dingguo stationed in Suiyang. Although Xu Dingguo has surrendered to the King of Chuang, he still has a close relationship with the official army in private. What if General Li Guo leads his troops to retreat westward and Xu Dingguo rebels again?"

Li Yan said: "Xu Dingguo is a man who is very cunning and chooses to surrender to preserve his strength. At that time, Xiao Yuanying betrayed the King of Chuang, and our army had no time to take care of him, so he allowed him to surrender and promised him to save his existing troops. Such a person would only change due to the situation. How could he be completely loyal to the King of Chuang? If he dares to rebel, he can only order General Li Guo to wipe out him. How can he use 30,000 elite troops to guard against him? The King of Chuang, Xu Dingguo's rebellion at this moment is far less damage than his future rebellion. I think you should order you to force Xu Dingguo to lead his troops to Bianjing. If he does not obey the order, he will no longer have to talk nonsense with him and send troops to take Suiyang."

Li Zicheng looked at Li Yan in surprise. He didn't understand why Li Yan, who was usually kind and tolerant, was so persistent in this matter.

Niu Jinxing next to him was obviously surprised by Li Yan's reaction and looked at him blankly.

Li Zicheng was silent for a while and said, "Lin Quan, what you are saying is a reason. Xu Dingguo is indeed unreliable. I can give an order, but I don't want to force him to rebel at this time. What are some good ways for you?"

When Li Yan saw Li Zicheng supporting him, he was obviously relieved and said, "This is easy to deal with. After Xu Dingguo surrendered, his troops should be in charge of our army. Although Xu Dingguo tried his best to maintain his control over his troops, he did not dare to stop our army from interacting with his generals. During this period, we have won over some of his generals. He had 30,000 soldiers on the surface, but if he dared to rebel, at least 10,000 people would directly join our army. Xu Dingguo knew this, as long as we let General Li Guo lead his troops westward and be on guard; at the same time, a unit from Bianjing was transferred eastward to Qi County to deter Xu Dingguo. As long as Xu Dingguo was still a little rational, he would obey your orders honestly."

Li Zicheng nodded, "Then if Xu Dingguo obeys the order, how should he deal with Suiyang City?"

Li Yan said: "During the reign of Emperor Jing of Han, seven vassal states led by King Liu Bi of Wu raised an army to rebel against the Han Dynasty. Liu Bi raised an army in Guangling with more than 200,000 people, crossed the Huai River to the west, and broke several cities in a row. It was not until Suiyang that King Liu Wu of Liang held the city and defended for three months before creating an opportunity for Zhou Yafu to quell the rebellion of the seven countries. Suiyang is an important town in eastern Henan. Whether it is north, east, or west, it is an unavoidable strategic location. Such a city must never be allowed to continue to guard. After he obeys the order, General Li Guo can be divided into 10,000 troops into Suiyang."

Niu Jinxing suddenly interrupted, "This may cause dissatisfaction from Xu Dingguo."

Li Yan said: "He will definitely be dissatisfied, but it is better than experiencing the rebellion of Xiao Yuanying again. There is no need to be too polite to such a capricious villain."

Li Zicheng thought for a while and nodded, "Then do it like this! If Xu Dingguo obeys the order, he will let him come to the west with Li Guo. With Li Guo here, he dare not do anything randomly. But in this way, in the east, our army will only have 20,000 soldiers left in Jining, and I am a little worried about He Jin."

Li Yan clasped his fists and said to Li Zicheng: "King of Chuang, I'm about to tell you about this! I want to go to Jining."

Li Zichengqi said: "Why are you going to Jining at this time? How can the war in Luoyang be separated from you?"

Li Yan said: "There is General Liu Pao in Luoyang, and you are in charge of the King of Chuang. There will be no major changes. On the contrary, in Shandong, the situation may reverse within the month."

Li Zicheng frowned and said, "Reversal? How to reverse?"

Li Yan replied: "Zhou Xian captured Liu Zeqing, recovered the entire Shandong, and then marched into Guide, and restrained our army from the east wing."

Niu Jinxing smiled faintly and said, "Lin Quan, you value Zhou Xian a little too much! As far as I know, he has only more than 20,000 soldiers under him. Liu Zeqing's army is several times higher than him. Even if he can't defeat Zhou Xian, he shouldn't have lost so quickly!"

Li Zicheng also nodded and agreed with what Niu Jinxing said.
Chapter completed!