On May 29th, the second year after the saint fled south to Jiangdu, the deposed dragon army entrenched in the upper reaches of Jishui River and the Qilu official army rising in the lower reaches of Jishui River experienced a year-long organization, expansion, friction and war. Due to the current situation, The situation developed, and an unexpected decisive battle broke out on this day.
After the battle lasted for an afternoon, Zhang Xing, the deposed commander-in-chief of the Dragon Army, couldn't wait to declare victory.
This battle was indeed a great victory for the deposed dragon army and a great defeat for the Qi and Lu army. Moreover, the main leader of the latter was killed, most of the main force was surrounded, and the army was forced to land in a collapse-style defeat.
However, this also destined that the impact of the war would not end with Zhang Xing's announcement.
In fact, throughout the night and night, the Dragon Army was operating in the rain, cleaning the battlefield, encircling and suppressing the defeated troops. And not only the army, but also a large number of local strong men and civilians were mobilized to clean the battlefield and search the surrounding areas. . Nearby cities, villages, villages, cities, and ferries, all settlements also received notices from the Qilong Gang after dark, requiring local women and children to be collected for protection, patrols were organized to capture escaping enemy troops, and they came to leave. The fox is exchanged for reward money.
In addition, Zhang Xing took advantage of the situation and continued to issue orders on the battlefield, asking Wang Shuyong to lead the team, leading Zhang Shanxiang and Ding Shengying to pursue the fleeing Fan Bao and the only remaining main force of the enemy army, and dispatched Niu Da, Guan Xu, and Ma Ping'er and Wang Xiongdan respectively led a small number of soldiers and horses to the north to attack Zhencheng and Fanxian, and take back Yuncheng.
Of course, it is inevitable to send Zhai Kuan and Huang Junhan each to lead a thousand people to quickly go west and return to Jiyin City to make necessary garrison defenses.
But this is still just a temporary battlefield response.
Everyone knows that this battle will never end here.
In the evening, the rain still did not stop, but everyone in the gang was still in a state of excitement. Everyone had their own thoughts, and the battlefield outside did not stop either. Zhang Xing, who originally seemed very excited on the battlefield, returned to the temporary military camp with a big head. , after eating something, he immediately asked for a room with walls, and then got into it.
Of course, this is not about gaining battlefield privileges or anything like that, but Zhang Xing is about to start a routine of reflection.
As a key political person, or a big V, how can you do anything without reflecting on it? Especially this battle was a hasty battle, with a lot of flaws inside and out, both front and back.
"First, fighting a war still depends on logistics. Zhenqi military formation is currently the most powerful embodiment of force, and whether it is logistics or Zhenqi military formation, it ultimately comes down to organizational construction."
"Second, perhaps the improvement of the overall military quality can break the strength of the Zhenqi Military Formation to a certain extent, but at least the overall military quality of the Deposed Dragon Army is still not enough, and there are too few outstanding officers...Xu Shiying, Niu Da , Shang Huaizhi's combination was the best in the army anyway, but Zhang Xuguo and Yu Baimei cut off both wings while they had control of the overall situation, causing a large number of unnecessary casualties; Shantong Haibu did not rush up to the official road quickly at first, Later, during the counterattack, I disobeyed military orders and acted without authorization; I myself also relaxed after the victory, so that I was caught off guard by Zhang Changgong... To improve military quality, one lies in military experience, and the other lies in timely summary after the war. , plus necessary training.”
"Third, hilltop doctrine is pervasive. Even if all the troops on the eastern front are defeated, the troops still need to take into account the hilltops when arranging their formations. Whether the troops have their original leaders in charge, the combat effectiveness is completely different."
"Article 4..."
Zhang Xing spoke with his mouth and started writing with his hands. In an instant, a piece of paper was filled with writing.
Bai Yousi stood inside the door holding a long sword, always feeling that something was strange.
Finally, Bai Yousi spoke while the other party was changing the paper: "Sanlang... are you talking specifically to me?"
"Yes." Zhang Xing looked up. "Do I have to carry you behind my back when I write these things? Besides, aren't you still visualizing me? Naturally, I will try my best to tell you what I am thinking in order to help you.
.”
Bai You thought for a moment, nodded, and then shook his head: "I still feel something is strange."
"It's weird, that's right." Zhang Xing said with a smile. "I make the summary myself, copy it myself, and explain it to you. It's too hard... Logically speaking, the most appropriate way is for me to write it for you.
, that’ll be fine.”
Bai Yousi smiled, walked over, and laid the sword across the table. Zhang Xing also put down the pen and paper in his hand, stood up and moved out of the way.
The two of them exchanged words. Bai Yousi sat down, spread out the paper, and picked up the pen, but he noticed something strange again: "Something is still wrong."
"Of course not." Zhang Xing got up and stood aside, still laughing. "We were fighting and preparing for war before, and time was tight. We never talked about it... Do you feel it now?"
"What?" Bai Yousi sat there holding the pen, with a look of surprise on his face. "Are they the same words you said during the day?"
"Yes or no, it should be more detailed and direct..." Zhang Xing finally calmed down. "Or more in-depth and specific."
Bai Yousi's heart moved slightly: "What should I say?"
"Let me ask you." Zhang Xing continued to stand there and talk. "Who is the master and who is the slave between us now? In those days in Dongdu, was it normal for you to write for me and for me to write?"
When Bai Yousi heard this, he first smiled, then put down his pen and sighed.
"You see, this is the problem." Zhang Xing said from behind. "When I was in Dongdu, I was your subordinate. It can even be said that I was protected by you and shrank under your wings. This is recognized
Things. But now, here, the Deposed Dragon Gang was founded by everyone, and finally opened up the situation. There has been a complicated system in the gang, but it has nothing to do with you... The most important thing in the gang is your ability and mine.
We accept you and recognize you in our relationship, but how can we be willing to give up our foundation and serve you as the leader? They don’t even look down on me and Li Shu. And you can’t make the decision, and I am the leader of the gang.
Then one of the most embarrassing aspects was revealed."
At this point, Zhang Xing paused for a moment, then looked at the small crown on the other person's head and said seriously: "I want you to submit to me."
Bai Yousi, who had his back turned to his lover, opened his mouth to speak, but was silent.
"So, you can actually only stand here as a member of Zhang Dalongtou's family, not to mention how can you accept it with your pride? Even other people, after knowing your origin, ability and reputation, may also
I feel embarrassed." Zhang Xing continued. "Sisi, let's seek truth from facts... Are you unable to accept being under me, or within the system of the Deposed Dragon Gang?"
Bai Yousi was silent for a moment, and then answered seriously: "I just can't accept being under you, but it doesn't necessarily mean I can't be in the Deposed Dragon Gang... But as you said, you are the leader in the Deposed Dragon Gang, so it's not okay to be in the gang."
It means living under you, even having to inherit your glory... I can't stand it."
"Write it down." Zhang Xing pointed casually. "This is a real problem... Our positions are misaligned, which makes you uncomfortable."
Bai Yousi didn't say anything, but picked up the pen and wrote it down. After finishing it, he asked: "How to solve it?"
"It's very simple." Zhang Xing was magnanimous. "I still suggest that you relax, join the Deposed Dragon Gang with a correct and suitable identity, and then establish special honors and establish prestige. It's as if I can suppress Li Shu to some extent through this battle.
Half a head, and then you can more or less suppress the big bosses... As long as you take the lead and experience this kind of thing a few times, you will naturally take advantage of the situation. By then, not only the whole gang will be convinced, but it is also normal for the gang members to overpower me.
.”
Bai You thought for a while and asked seriously: "What is the correct and appropriate identity?"
"How about becoming a big leader on the left wing? If Li Shu firmly opposes it, go to the central wing... Once you go to the central wing, the central wing will live up to its name." Zhang Xing blurted out, as if he had already thought about it.
"That's okay." Bai Yousi nodded slowly and started to write, but then shook his head. "It's still wrong."
"What's wrong?" Zhang Xing leaned over from behind with his hands behind his back.
"With you here, I'm afraid I can't compete with you, because if I can build prestige, you can naturally build prestige as well." Bai Yousi turned his face sideways, almost face to face with the other party. "And you have an absolute advantage now.
, when can I surpass you?! Even in terms of cultivation, you have gradually improved."
"If that's the case, it only means that I am indeed more capable than you." Zhang Xing didn't mean to blush at all. "You should be inferior to me!"
Bai Yousi was stunned for a moment, then laughed: "Are you trying to provoke a general?"
"I am seeking truth from facts." Zhang Xing responded with the same smile. "After this battle, the Deposed Dragon Gang survived... There may be greater setbacks in the future, but it has been enough, leaving the fire to rekindle...
In other words, if you want to do something, why should you let go of the Deposed Dragon Gang and start a new one? It is also good to use a banner."
Bai Yousi turned back, looked at the paper on the table, and remained silent.
"One more thing, not to mention that you still want to meditate on me, just that it is rare for us to get together, do you want to abandon me so easily?" Zhang Xing continued to ask. "Are you going to be the knight before us alone?
Agreement?"
"Do you think I am the one who loves your children?" Bai Yousi tilted his head and smiled sideways. "Why can't you go?"
Zhang Xing thought for a moment and could only laugh: "What about visualization?"
"This is actually not what you think." Bai Yousi blurted out.
"How do you say that?" This time it was Zhang Xing's turn to be surprised.
"When I visualize you, I don't just visualize your arms and legs, but I visualize your words and deeds, and how you behave as a person." Bai Yousi explained seriously. "We have known each other for several years, and there are all things that should be observed.
Now that I’ve seen it, it’s time for me to go a step further, apply what I’ve learned, and use your way of dealing with the world to open my own path... This is the right way to meditate.”
Zhang Xing's heart moved slightly: "So, you just asked me to write down what I was thinking?"
"Yes." Bai Yousi answered frankly. "I want to do my own thing."
"If that's the case, I have nothing to say." Zhang Xing sighed. "When are you going to leave? Where are you going?"
"You've gone too far again." Bai Yousi shook his head. "I haven't seen you for a long time, so how could I leave immediately? There are many things, and I have doubts in my heart. Where can I just ask you to write some articles? Just go to him.
You just have to do your own thing. As you said, you may not be able to use the banner of the Deposed Dragon Gang... I want to be the big leader of Zhongyi! When I succeed, I will be the big leader of Zhongyi!"
"Okay!" Zhang Xing applauded immediately. "It is indeed the Yitian Sword! But you still have to be careful... From an outsider's perspective, they only think that we are a couple, and they may treat us as one person. Who knows that you are just a weirdo.
"
When Bai Yousi heard the last three words, he thought of tearing the other person's mouth apart, but after thinking about it, he decided not to do it. Instead, he raised his hand to write: "Is there anything else to write?"
"There is a lot to write." Zhang Xing sighed. "However, there is something that can only be written by you and me."
"What?"
"I want to sort out and list the affiliations, positions, temperaments, abilities, and origins of the people in the gang, and make a table." Zhang Dalongtou said seriously.
"Isn't it rare that you don't know this?" Bai Yousi was surprised for a moment.
"I know, but people's energy is limited, and it is impossible to know everything." Zhang Xing explained seriously. "Especially in this year, the personnel structure has been superimposed and complicated... such as the left, right and center wings at the beginning, and the various leaders' subordinates.
The system, such as being born in Hebei, the Eastern Border, others, such as the children of high-ranking families and the powerful people of the common people, and then the demoted generals, demoted officials and people who started the business, and the later very important diversion of the Eastern and Western Fronts... I will not re-discuss it.
Not at all."
Bai You thought about it for a while and felt that his head was heavy, but he could only nod his head.
In this way, the two of them were busy for an hour, and the noise outside gradually died down. They just analyzed and sorted out the main figures in the gang.
"Actually, you can get another piece of paper and do another analysis." Bai Yousi looked at the dozens of papers in front of him and suddenly spoke.
"I know." Zhang Xing sighed. "But... you shouldn't do it. In other words, it's best to keep the last piece of paper in your mind, otherwise it will be a naked partisanship. To win today, in essence
It is better to be more united than the other party and not to destroy the city wall."
Bai Yousi nodded in approval.
Without him, the last piece of paper is nothing more than a list based on how close Zhang Xing is to him.
But some things are just like this. When objective information is expressed about the core figures in the gang, no matter how many tables are listed, it can still be frank, because this information exists objectively. Even when these small objective information tables are added together,
It is easy to draw some subjective relevant conclusions. And it cannot be denied that Zhang Xing must have some private thoughts, which is inevitable in the power struggle. But this still does not mean that he can put the most naked things
Put it on paper, it's almost a bit self-indulgent.
Especially Zhang Xing knew it very well.
After today's battle, he can stand out from the crowd, overpower Li Shu, and establish considerable personal authority within the gang. And with the encroachment on the Eastern Territory after this great victory, this authority will be further deepened.
But if you want to completely establish the so-called core leadership within the Deposed Dragon Gang and comprehensively transform this military and political group according to your own wishes, it is far from enough.
Because if it really comes to that point, Li Shu will not be the only source of resistance for him. Almost all powerful factions will oppose him out of instinct. This is not to say that these people have any grudge against Zhang Xing, but that no matter who they are,
Li Shu, Wei Xuanding, and Bai Yousi all had to face this difficulty when doing this.
After all, the powerful background of the Deposed Dragon Gang is based on real politics, economy, and military. These powerful leaders really have their own independent forces. And the gang-style collective leadership method that has been repeatedly emphasized before also has a strong political tradition.
.Not to mention, there is still the difficult mountain confrontation.
Especially the last one, it is almost conceivable that with the subsequent expansion, this internal faction will become more complicated and the opposition will become more obvious.
So, he must think carefully about how to properly deal with internal contradictions and external pressures in the future, while simultaneously carrying out external expansion and internal transformation.
"But how are you going to deal with the situation in the future?" Bai Yousi asked seriously. "I'm still curious."
"I can only make decisions based on the situation, but I have three ideas." Zhang Xing blurted out. "One is for public and private reasons. We must use some methods that are beneficial to the development of the Dragon Gang and are also my personal pursuit.
That is to use conspiracy as much as possible; the other is to vary from person to person, no matter what background or origin, they are also human beings, whether they do things impartially or have clear rewards and punishments, as long as you can convince each person, you can always become a great person.
It depends on the situation; in the end, it is necessary to make choices with moderation, not to be too hasty, and not to give in easily... I will have the advantage if I work slowly and steadily."
Bai Yousi nodded, but finally couldn't hold it back: "Sanlang, are you sure you can play it safe and sound?"
Zhang Xing was startled when he heard this, then he laughed dryly and said nothing.
Talking all night.
It was indeed true. Around early in the morning, Zhang Xing suddenly received a military intelligence report. It was said that Zhou Xingfan and Wang Zhen had occupied Yucheng and blocked the march route of the southern army.
In a moment of great joy, Zhang Dalongtou simply asked Bai Yousi to leave overnight to provide rescue and support to ensure that Wang Zhen would no longer be half-hearted, and to prevent the disappeared Sima Zheng from doing unnecessary things again.
And the next morning, a few hours after Bai Yousi left, when the sky was slightly bright, in the drizzle on the last day of May, a new news came. After the surrender, the internal servants launched a riot in the camp, triggering an incident in Han Yingong's headquarters.
Almost half of the camp was in disorder, and at least the rear camp suffered a huge blow.
This news has been verified by many people who have escaped from the internal service army at the same time, and it is basically correct.
Zhang Xing hesitated again and again about this, and then finally made up his mind before breakfast, and summoned the main generals to discuss military affairs under his shed during breakfast.
At this time, Wang Shuyong and Niu Da were not present. In addition to Zhang Xing, there were only eight people participating in the meeting: Wei Xuanding, Li Shu, Xiong Bonan, Xu Shiying, Shan Tonghai, Zu Chenyan, Chai Xiaohe, and Zhai Qian.
Zhang Jinshu, who was responsible for informing the military situation, did not take his seat. This seemed to be a hint that Chai Xiaohe and Zhai Qian were about to take over.
However, there was no time to think too much about this. Zhang Xing informed everyone about the military situation, and then got straight to the point, proposing to temporarily abandon the pursuit of the army to the east, concentrate most of the troops to the south, and gather the Mangdang Mountain bandits and internal servants, including those who had no choice but to be annexed.
The remnants of the Meng's rebel army who stayed in Liang County also recalled Ma Ping'er and Wang Xiongdan, asking them to go south to contact the forces in northwest Huaihe of the Huaiyou Alliance to promote the uprising. Finally, they used a huge military advantage to suppress Han Yingong and drive him away.
, then turn around and head east.
Plan proposed.
Wei Xuanding first expressed concerns about the combat effectiveness of the army after marching in the rain; Li Shu expressed doubts about contacting the Huaiyou League at this time; Chai Xiaohe, who was brought to this occasion by Zhang Xingyue, also expressed concerns about logistics; Xiong Bonan made it clear
, he has no military knowledge and is willing to obey the overall situation; the famous Dong Qi Prime Minister Hou Zuchenyan, who came to this kind of occasion for the first time, just obeyed; and everyone else all recognized Zhang Dalongtou's plan... Zhai Qian even patted his chest and wished
Be a pioneer.
This is of course. On the one hand, Zhang Xing's majesty was not diminished in yesterday's battle. On the other hand, Xu, Shan, and Zhai are all powerful men. They simply don't want to have an imperial army at their doorstep that can pose a threat to the base area.
With the plan in place, the troops set off immediately.
Countless messengers also left in all directions.
However, on the first day of June, when the sun was shining brightly, when the troops reached Chengshi territory and turned westward along the Jishui River, military information was sent to them one after another:
On the one hand, Niuda easily captured Yuncheng;
Second, Wang Shuyong had already pursued Jibei County, but because there were too few troops and horses, he did not dare to go deeper, so he asked for support and raided the counties downstream of Ji River;
In the third case, Han Yingong learned that Lihu was defeated, so he abandoned the city and headed west, towards Huaiyang County.
When the news came, Shan Tonghai immediately asked for a change of direction, turned eastward, and invited himself to enter Lu County.
But Zhang Xing did not agree. Instead, he asked to continue going south and join the southern rebel allies. Of course, the force was slightly reduced, and a part of it was sent to the Lishan battlefield to continue to help clean up the battlefield, including controlling the towns west of Yuncheng... This plan got almost
Shan Tonghai knew full well that everyone else's approval was because he had failed in this battle. Everyone was unwilling to fight Lu Jun with him again. Moreover, Zhang Xing's own method of annexing the southern rebels first could not be said to be unjust.
It was impossible for a while.
Three days later, on the fourth day of the sixth lunar month, Bai Yousi, Wang Zhen, Zhou Xingfan, Chef Fan, Wang Gonggong and others waited in the north of Yucheng for the main force of the 20,000 deposed dragon army and most of the leaders of the deposed dragon army.
In addition, there was a prisoner of war named Lu Changheng - he was captured by Bai Yousi.
Without arresting him, Han Yingong ran away, and at the same time ordered the five thousand men under Lu Changheng to go with him. At this time, Zhou Xingfan saw Bai Yousi coming, and without any worries, he directly mobilized the entire army to launch an attack on Lu Changheng.
Following the pursuit of the troops, and the bold interception from the south by the Imperial Guards, this elite army of 5,000 people quickly changed from retreat to flight, and with Bai Yousi's personal attack, it turned into a rout.
After Lu Changheng cut it off in person, he was easily captured by Bai Yousi.
"Are you willing to surrender?" Zhang Xing, riding a yellow gelding under the bright June sun, looked at his former subordinate and asked with a dry mouth, a sentence that made him thirsty a few days ago.
Lu Changheng was silent for a moment, and glanced at Bai Yousi and Zhou Xingfan, extremely frustrated: "I heard that those who don't surrender to Lihu will die?"
"Yes." Zhang Xing spoke simply.
"I want to live, I surrender." Lu Changheng answered with difficulty.
The people around him were sighing for a moment, but Zhang Xing had already looked at the two people in front of him, and he immediately turned over and dismounted. He shook hands with Zhou Xingfan first without saying anything, and then came to the armor-clad Wang Gonggong and sincerely handed over his hands:
"I feel ashamed to say that I have known him for many years, but I have never asked him his name... Please enlighten me."