Guangde County, three hundred miles from Jinling, is located in the northwest of Hangzhou, at the junction of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. It belongs to the transition zone between mountains and plains along the river. The territory is mainly hilly, with low mountains and winding mountains, and the topography is very complex. The Southern Tang Dynasty is here
The establishment of the Guangde Zhizhi Division has always been a key point in the defense of Wu and Yue. The two sides have always fought wars, mostly in the Su and Chang areas, also because of the terrain restrictions in this area.
It is a pity for people with lofty ideals to say that the straight-line distance between the capitals of the Southern Tang Dynasty and Wuyue is only about 400 miles. Geographically speaking, but the back gardens in the southeast are each other's lips and teeth, each other's elbows and armpits, threatening each other.
Under such threats, both sides have been able to coexist for so many years.
Under the governance of the Qian family, Wu Yue made its people prosperous and the country prosperous, and its economy and people's livelihood developed rapidly. However, in terms of comprehensive strength, it was difficult to compete with the Southern Tang Dynasty. In the early years, perhaps due to the pressure from the north, it was unable to compete with the Southern Tang Dynasty in the Central Plains.
At this time, the South still maintains its inherent balance.
It is strange that the southeastern half of the country could be divided and divided for such a long time. During the "Three Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms" period, looking at the south as a whole, it was a booming economy and culture, but a political and military backwater. Regardless of Wu Yue, Southern Tang, Wang Min, and even
In the early Southern Han Dynasty, Yang Wu, even after the consolidation of his power, still focused on easing administration, nourishing scholars, and developing people's livelihood. He seemed to have no ambitions for external expansion, and only wanted to make it his final resting place.
This is also a political characteristic of the South.
After Jinling surrendered, news came that Guangde also surrendered. As the troops sent by Jinling came to take over the defense, the Han flag at the top of the city was more securely planted.
At this time, there were about 10,000 troops stationed here, including a Jianghuai army, a surrender army, and a part of the Wuyue army. This time, in order to cooperate with the imperial court in Pingnan, Wuyue mobilized a total of more than 20,000 navy and army troops to provide support.
, except for the sudden attack by Lin Renzhao in Changzhou, which resulted in some casualties, the rest were dispersed. One in Changzhou, one in Jinling, and one in Guangde. They went south with the Han army, and there were three thousand Wuyue soldiers who took over Guangde.
However, the leader of the army was his general Shao Keqian.
The winter moon has deepened, and the cold wind from the south is still chilling to the bones, but for the troops stationed in Guangde, it is nothing. Although this time in Pingnan, there is no burning, killing, looting, or extortion, but
For the soldiers who served in the army, life was very prosperous and their treatment was good.
Not to mention the court's logistical supply, after arriving in Guangde, the local rewards were enough to enjoy for a long time. Warm clothes and full food. Every now and then, there were also wine and meat rewards, and there were polo and Cuju competitions in the army. Jiangnan is indeed a place.
A good place. For many officers and soldiers of the Han Dynasty who have experienced hard battles, there is no more comfortable and pleasant war than this time in Pingnan. In this atmosphere, the Wuyue army also enjoyed it, so much so that those who longed to return even
few.
The layout of the camp was quite satisfactory. According to the regulations, there was no slack. The atmosphere in the military camp was warm, and some cheers broke out from time to time. On the school field, there was a fighting competition, which was tense and exciting.
Just intensified the cheers from the audience.
As another batch of wine and meat to reward the troops was delivered, the officers and soldiers were naturally overjoyed. Because of the Winter Solstice, the entire army was preparing to celebrate the festival. Both the north and the south attached great importance to the winter solstice.
Shao Keqian was walking in the camp with a few soldiers. This was a veteran general. In terms of demeanor, compared with those heroes who were sharp-edged and brave, he was mediocre, and there was nothing special about him.
However, in actual leading operations, he has a tough style and dares to fight.
Ten years ago, when the Han army conquered Huainan, the Wuyue army went north to help the battle and fought in Changzhou. Shao Keqian was the general. In that battle, they were defeated by Li Hongji, King of Yan of the Southern Tang Dynasty, with many casualties. Shao Keqian's sons were all killed.
On the battlefield.
Ten years later, Shao Keqian once again led Wu Yueerlang to fight with the Han army. Although there were some twists and turns under Changzhou City, overall, the progress was smooth. He went straight to Runzhou and forced the surrender of Jinling.
For Shao Keqian's military career, this was a shining point and he could leave his name in history. However, along the way, his mood became heavier and heavier. Opposite Guangde was Huzhou. At that time, Wu Yue's
However, Shao Keqian couldn't help but worry recently. He always had the illusion that one day, a military order would be issued for them to march to Hangzhou...
His gray beard was stained with some frost and dew, and the cold wind as cold as a knife blew mercilessly on his face. Shao Keqian seemed not to notice it. His worried state had long attracted attention. A military officer next to him,
I couldn't help but said: "General, the whole army is happy, why don't you see joy on your face!"
On and off the school field, in addition to the Northern Army, there were many Wu and Yue soldiers who were proud of their courage and victory. There may be differences in customs and cultures, but there is no shortage of warriors everywhere. In the military, force is the easiest way to win respect.
direct means.
Pointing to the scene in the school field, Shao Keqian said: "I see, the soldiers are already too happy to miss Shu!"
In fact, after such a long period of time, the Wu and Yue armies had long been subdued and controlled by the Han army's various methods. The Wu and Yue soldiers also knew how to compare. Under the rule of Wu Yue, they rarely enjoyed such preferential treatment. When they were in glory, they were
After witnessing the strength of the Northern Army and the promise of post-war rewards, these Wu and Yue troops basically had their hearts set on the imperial court.
For Shao Keqian, such a situation is visible in his eyes and worried on his face, but he can only keep it in his heart if he has any thoughts. The ending of Wu Yue can already be clearly seen, and because of this, Shao Keqian
But Qian didn't dare to do anything confrontational.
However, seeing the country that I have been loyal to for almost my whole life, seeing its demise and being unable to do anything about it, inevitably makes me feel a little disturbed.
"General Shao, General Kang has prepared food and wine to entertain the generals. The last general will invite you to the banquet!" While Shao Keqian was sighing, an officer came to inform.
"I understand, I'll go later!" Shao Keqian regained his composure and replied to the visitor.
General Kang is a young general who is brave and good at riding and shooting. He has rich war experience, including the Northern Expedition. His name is Kang Baoyi, and he is the son of Kang Zaiyu, the Hexi envoy. This time, he was appointed by Li Gu as the envoy of Quan Guangde and led the army to station.
Guangde and Shao Keqian were traveling together, but when they came into contact with him, they did not dare to look down on this young Han general. One said that although he was a generation older than him, when it came to war experience, he really couldn't compare to Kang Baoyi.
...
When the Wuyue general Shao Keqian was in Guangde and worried about the future of the Wuyue Kingdom, Qian Hongchu was also faced with a decision in the Wuyue Palace in Hangzhou. In the stove, the charcoal fire was burning hot and shining brightly.
, Qian Hongchu was sitting in his seat, holding a book sent by the imperial court in his hand.
He didn't look for anyone else, but found Prime Minister Yuan Dezhao, and handed him the book. Qian Hongchu handed it to him: "Mr. Yuan, the imperial court invites me to come to Kaifeng again to celebrate the success of Pingnan. What do you think?
?”
Yuan Dezhao, who had a gray beard and was an immortal man, took the book and read it carefully. After pondering the intention of the imperial edict, he sighed: "Your Majesty, this is a hint from the imperial court. Your Majesty should be careful."
Go north to offer your land!"
When Qian Hongchu heard this, there was no overly surprised expression on his face, but he confirmed to Yuan Dezhao: "Do you think it's time, Duke Yuan?"
Yuan Dezhao nodded and said in a sighing tone: "Your Majesty, please forgive me for saying this frankly. This time the imperial court celebrates the victory of Pingnan. When the emperor arrives, he accepts the land and surrenders to it, which means unification is achieved. This is the way to please the emperor and the imperial court the most.
It is also the smartest choice for the treatment Qian will enjoy in the future. Now, three thousand Han soldiers are stationed on the side of Hangzhou, and most of the soldiers they send are also controlled by the imperial court. Since the king has the intention of dedicating land, there is no need to hesitate this time.
Got it!"
Hearing this, Qian Hongchu's rich face also showed a little helplessness, and said with a wry smile: "It seems that we can only follow the instructions of our ancestors!"
Within two days, when news came from the south that Liu Guangyi led his army to Zhangquan, Jiedushi Chen Hongjin took the initiative to offer the city and went north to Kaifeng. Qian Hongchu had no other ideas. Soon, after discussing with Tao Gu,
Qian Hongchu began to make preparations to go north. This time he was more prepared to enter the DPRK. He mobilized thirty large ships and filled them with goods and supplies as gifts.
Of course, Qian Hongchu also planned to give the most expensive gift.