"These thieves are just like crazy wild dogs!" Putting down the secret report sent by Zhao Deming, the magistrate of Yanshan County, Yang Yichen, the imperial servant, shook his head and commented with a sneer.
At the same time as the secret report of Yang Gongqing's movements, there was also an unconfirmed news, or a real lie. The bandits in Bohai County spread rumors that on the night of separation from Yang Gongqing, Tianwei General Ge Qian fell.
Ge Qian was killed on the spot in a trap set by General Yang Yichen of the Sui Dynasty. Zhang Jinshu and other remnant soldiers took advantage of the darkness to escape into the dense forest to escape, and were finally rescued by Prince Chishiro Wang Bo who came after hearing the news.
In fact, Yang Yichen and Li Xu did not send a single soldier to Bohai County at all. After using the tactic of surrounding three ques and attacking from the east to the west to regain Wuluo County, the two teamed up to block Gao Shida in the Caiju Valley in the south of the county.
Gao Shida was seriously injured and knew that he could not be saved. That night, he ordered his confidants to stab him to death. He used his own head as a token to ask the army to let the rest of the prisoners live. Yang Yichen advocated beheading all the prisoners, while Li Xu advocated pardon. The two argued repeatedly.
In the end, a compromise was adopted, and all the captive leaders, big and small, were beheaded, and the remaining ordinary minions were escorted to Zhuo County, and together with the previously captured Sun Xuanya tribe, they were engaged in military camps under the supervision of local county soldiers.
Later, the two generals followed the retreat of the rogue bandits and recaptured Raoyang and Leshou. They pursued them past Zhangshui. At the junction of Hejian and Pingyuan counties, a county town named Gonggao repaired and supplied supplies.
Regarding Ge Qian and Yang Gongqing's troops who were retreating in panic from Lucheng, Yang Yichen, the Grand Servant, suggested that the officers and soldiers should calm down in Gonggao County and wait for work. With many years of experience, the old general believed that the bandits were all ruthless beasts.
, they can still cooperate with each other when there are bargains to be made. Once they return empty-handed, someone will definitely take the bad idea from their companions.
The fact was as expected, Yang Gongqing annexed several other bandits, and Ge Qian was killed by the joint efforts of Wang Bo and Yang Gongqing. The only thing that disappointed the old general was that Yang Gongqing, whose troops had doubled in strength, refused to
Directly follow the Yongji Canal to return to the plains, but instead make a long circle and take the southeast of Bohai County to Pingchang.
"This thief, I saw how aggressive he was before, and I thought he was really a character!" Thinking of Yang Gongqing's arrogance before crossing the Tonghui River, Deng Youjian sneered and scolded (17k Literature Network buys out works, please do not reprint
) "Wild dogs, of course they bark loudly, but in fact they are very timid!" Hou Qiao listened to everyone's scolding and agreed with a smile, "Those things will bite themselves when they have no food to make them bolder."
Come and fight the tiger, but it is absolutely impossible!"
This analogy caused the soldiers to burst into laughter. They all praised Old General Yang for using the word "wild dog" so appropriately that it was enough to make them laugh. Only then did someone add in a low voice, "This is good, Brother Zhongjian."
At least I no longer think that the bandits are innocent and they even plot against their own companions, so how can they deserve mercy!"
"It's not pity, but the local army needs labor as much as the civilian army. More than 70% of their income must be supplied to the army!" Li Xu saw that the robes under Yang Yichen turned the topic to him, shook his head, and explained to everyone with a smile
"Anyway, they came to kill you, and in the end you gave them a bowl of rice. Only you, General Li, can do such a good thing! In ancient times, Buddha gave up his meat to feed eagles, and today, General Li sacrifices his life to feed dogs. The principle is the same.
, the result is different!" Deng Youjian smiled and scolded Li Xuhao
"Kill them all and see who will farm the land for you! Does General Deng only eat minced meat?" Li Xu retorted.
Since the Boling Army returned to normal, Li Xu's kind-heartedness has become the object of everyone's rejection. The generals of the army led by Yang Yichen laughed at him as Mr. Dongguo, risking the world to save a group of wolf cubs, but Li Xu used to raise
Those who have lived with wolves retort: In fact, wolves are very understanding of human nature and seldom retaliate after being adopted. Moreover, the reason why the bandits rebelled is most likely out of helplessness. If there is a way to survive without robbing, no matter how difficult it is, they will
I'm sure they don't want to be a thief again.
Due to their different experiences, there are many similar disputes among everyone, but they are all limited to the scope of verbal disputes and do not hurt the harmony between each other. Sometimes, because of the different viewing angles, Li Xu and General Yang are the opposite.
I feel that the other person’s point of view also has merit, at least I think of an aspect that I didn’t pay attention to before.
For example, Yang Yichen was very disdainful of Li Xu's policy of privately reopening the imperial examination in the six counties. He believed that the experience of the late emperor and His Majesty had proved that the imperial examination could not really select useful talents. Instead, this policy was inconsistent with the current selection policy of the imperial court.
Inconsistent, it is easy for people to misunderstand that Li Xu is ready to cede territory to himself
But Li Xu believes that the role of the imperial examination is not only to select talents for the country, but also to prevent the obstruction of speech. If all the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty came from aristocratic families, the government decrees will inevitably give priority to the interests of the aristocratic families. Only people of different origins can have it.
Opportunities speak for themselves, only to avoid that the children of aristocratic families will live a more prosperous life, while the common people will have to live a more difficult life, and in the end they have to rise up. With the imperial examination as a way out, many talents from poor backgrounds will follow the proper channels to seek their fortune.
There are also true heroes among thieves. If they had had the opportunity to show off their talents, they would not have joined the bandits.
"Doesn't this mean that the humbler the person, the smarter he is, and the meat-eater must be despicable?" Yang Yichen said angrily during an argument.
"Meat-eaters are exposed to many things and are usually more far-sighted than nephews from ordinary families!" Based on his own experience, Li Xu admitted frankly, "But meat-eaters mostly seek for their own interests. Once they put the interests of the family before the interests of the country,
, the disaster is great!”
After hearing this, Yang Yichen didn't say a word for a long time. After that, whenever he discussed important matters with his subordinates, he would definitely invite Li Xu to participate as an elder in the army. Although Xu Zi's official position was not lower than that of Yang Yichen at this time, he always wanted to learn from his predecessors.
He was usually willing to accompany the other party's thoughts. Over time, he became very familiar with Yang's officers and soldiers, and they were already able to communicate with each other by words, and he could also humbly accept some of each other's different opinions.
None of the parties concerned paid much attention to these arguments, and they smiled and passed by without realizing that in those war-torn times, how many people were able to survive because of a few arguments and a change of thought.
Most of the income from the camp will be used as supplies for the Boling Army!
"Don't mention this, let's talk about how to fight Yang Gongqing!" Yang Yichen saw that everyone accidentally took the topic further and further, waved his hand and ordered with a smile
"Of course I'll kill them directly and scatter those wild dogs!" Hou Qiao jumped up and made a worthless suggestion.
"You'd better look good in front of General Li!" Yang Yichen scolded with a smile and drove Hou Qiao back to his seat.
"Is General Li one of our own?" Hou Qiao whispered aggrievedly that Yang Yichen didn't put on airs in front of his brothers, so Hou Qiao and others seldom scrupled about anything they had to say, including some harmless jokes.
"General Li will definitely fight side by side with us!" Yang Yichen turned his gaze to Li Xu and found the answer he needed from the other person's eyes. "But if we enter Pingyuan County, we may have to face more than just Yang Gongqing!"
"Gao Kaidao and Dou Jiande originally wanted to rescue Gao Shida, but when they got halfway, they heard the news of Gao Shida's defeat and retreated back to Douzigang!" Deng You saw that he was calmer than Hou Qiao and thought.
After thinking about it, he said solemnly
Since the war between everyone and Zhao Wanhai two months ago, the counties in Hebei have become a mess. Not only are the trade routes blocked, but it is also difficult to send news between various places in a timely manner. According to the intelligence collected during the repairs in Gonggao County in the past few days,
, Deng Youjian described an extremely complicated situation, "The Wagang Army has taken advantage of the situation to cross the Yellow River, and now both Wuyang and Jijun are threatened by it. In order to protect Liyangcang, Hebei Ambassador Taichang Shaoqing Wei Ji, and Henan Ambassador Hu Ya
General Lang Wang Bian had already led his troops to evacuate Douzigang and rushed to the edge of the Yellow River to intercept the Wagang army. Dou Jiande and Gao Kaidao had gathered the remnants of the other village leaders, each forming an army. Their power was already overwhelming.
Ignoring Zhang Jincheng, he also took the opportunity to stand up, and now he has killed Ping'en in Wu'an County. Yang Shanhui, the governor of Qinghe County, was threatened behind him and had to retreat to this county to protect the territory!"
"Gao Shida used to be the leader of Hebei Green Forest. After his death, many people were preparing to take over this position in order to command the heroes. If we intercept Yang Gongqing on the only way to Pingchang now, we must always beware of Dou Jiande and Gao
The two who opened the way came from behind to gain fame and reputation!" He thought for a moment and continued to add.
"Hiss!" After listening to Deng Youjian's analysis, many generals couldn't help but gasp. They are not afraid of fighting any bandit, but they are unwilling to swarm up and fight in a group. "We are not familiar with the terrain near Douzigang, so the location is not conducive.
Not with me!" Shi Weiqing, the head of Yang Yichen's department, whispered, "When the army is approaching, the enemy must form a group, and we will not lose to us. As for the weather..." (17k Literature Network buys out works, please do not reprint)
"I don't think murderers will be blessed by God!" Yang Yichen frowned and interrupted Wei Qing's scholarly words. "I need everyone to discuss how we can fight this battle in the worst case scenario!"
"The worst case scenario is that we will be attacked on three sides, with only the north side to retreat to!" Hou Qiao smiled and said that this reminded him of the siege a few days ago. When the Boling Army gave way to the south gate,
The minions who had been shouting to fight the officers and soldiers before actually took the road and fled without even thinking about whether the cavalry would chase them from behind.
"But I don't think the bandits are so united in wanting to fight together. They need to at least choose another big leader. Whether we attack Yang Gongqing, Gao Kaidao or Dou Jiande first, for the other two, it is equivalent to replacing them.
Eliminating a potential opponent!" He analyzed optimistically, overturning the most critical situation previously described in one fell swoop.
"Zitong makes sense!" Yang Yichen smacked his beard, "But we have to be careful of someone who takes a longer view! As far as I know, Dou Jiande is very scheming!"
"We can use one army to intercept and kill Yang Gongqing, and the other army to intimidate Dou Jiande and Gao Kaidao!" Li Xu thought for a while and suggested
"I also think this is safer!" Yang Yichen gave Li Xu a knowing smile. It's comfortable to deal with young people. They can always make you forget your age. "Let me know which way Zhong Jian is going to fight!"
"
"Yang Gongqing has most of the cavalry under his command, so the speed of the march is very fast. Judging from the time this secret report was delayed on the road, Yang Gongqing has already bypassed Wudi and Leling in Bohai County. If he wants to run back to Douzigang as quickly as possible,
, will definitely walk along the bank of the Majia River." Li Xu hesitated for a moment, and then gave the answer with certainty, "So, I am going to intercept him with light cavalry and leave at least half of his troops behind!"
"That's fine. Most of my men are infantry. It's not easy to chase him. Why not just go south and threaten Dou Jiande!" Yang Yichen nodded and responded.
Now that the two generals have made a plan, all the other generals can do is to complete the details of the plan. In order to prevent Luo Yi from taking the opportunity to cause trouble, Yang Yichen ordered Deng Youjian to lead some troops and horses to return to Lucheng first and recuperate at the same time.
, while strengthening the alert and in order to make up for the shortage of soldiers and horses under Yang Yichen, Xuzi also took the initiative to let Guo Xuan, the governor of Zhuo County under his jurisdiction, lead his soldiers to assist Yang Yichen.
"You also have to be careful. Luo Yi killed Sangganhe. His cavalry consumes a lot of money. The few counties he currently occupies cannot support him at all!" Yang Yichen reminded privately when sending Li Xu out of the camp.
An armored cavalry usually requires two to three horses, as well as a large number of grooms and veterinarians to accompany the army. Therefore, relying on the taxes from the six counties and the supply from the court, Li Xu could only scrape together a thousand armored cavalry, while Luo Yi ruled the vast territory.
The population is sparse, and it is indeed difficult for him to be self-sufficient just by collecting money and food from the people.
In order to protect himself, Luo Yi will definitely target the southern areas of Shanggu and Zhuojun. In order to protect the areas under his rule from war, Li Xu must also leave a large part of his strength to guard against the Tiger Cavalry. He is the comfort ambassador of the six counties and protects the border.
An unavoidable responsibility for the people is "I am going to let the military commander Zhao Ziming and the strong military general Lu Qin take the rest of the infantry to return to Boling first, and be ready to respond at any time. As for the complete annihilation of Dou Jiande and others, I would like to ask the veteran general to worry more."
He thought for a while and solemnly requested
"Well, it's not urgent!" Yang Yichen frowned, a doubt flashed in his eyes. He really liked fighting side by side with the young man in front of him, but the other person's words today obviously had a hint of separation. "Beat Yang
Where are you going after becoming the minister? Have you received any orders from the imperial court?"
"There is a rumor that an appointment for me was blocked by bandits on the bank of the Yellow River!" Li Xu nodded, with a very calm expression on his face. "Whether the rumor is true or false, I will cross the river from Bohai County to the south bank of the Yellow River to request the imperial edict!"
"
"The south bank of the Yellow River?" Yang Yichen heard Li Xu's solemn words and couldn't help but asked in surprise, "Isn't that Qi County? Why did you go around so far?"
"That's General Zhang's home!" Li Xu nodded and replied
Note: 1. Douzigang (original word: Chikang), straddling the Bohai and Plain counties in the Sui Dynasty. Because of the complex terrain, it became a place for the Hebei rebels to avoid. Dou Jiande, Gao Shida, and Gao Kaidao all developed here and were severely attacked by Yang Yichen.
Later, Dou Jiande and Gao Kaidao also reunited with this
