Li Ji stepped on the snow and the news of the surprise attack at Huaisikou spread.
The world was shaken.
Anyone who knows a little bit about the art of war knows that the fall of Huaisikou meant that the hundreds of thousands of Wu and Chu troops in Liang State were immediately facing a desperate situation.
When King Wu Liu Bi received the news, he felt like the world was spinning, a mouthful of old blood spurted out, and he almost fainted on the spot.
Fortunately, he reacted quickly and bit the tip of his tongue hard to maintain his clarity.
By now, Liu Bi knew that something big was over!
Once Huaisikou is lost, this mighty army will collapse immediately...
"No..." Liu Bi stood up fiercely. How could a major event that had been planned for more than ten years and thought about day and night fail like this!
"I am not defeated!" Liu Bi's eyes were red, thinking in his heart: "In the past, Xiang Yu sank the cauldron and the boat, the giant deer destroyed Qin, and the Marquis of Huaiyin fought with his back against the enemy and conquered Zhao. My situation is similar to these two things, and I still have the strength to fight!"
So Liu Bi shouted: "Beat the drum! Raise the tent! Call the generals together!"
The top priority is to boost morale while there is still food to eat. With the kindness and prestige that Liu Bi has cultivated over the past few decades, Liu Bi believes that his generals will still be willing to make this last stand with him!
As long as Suiyang can be captured before the food runs out, the entire situation will be reversed immediately.
Suiyang is the capital of Fengyi and the capital of the Liang Kingdom. The amount of grain stored in the governor's treasury is unimaginable!
…………………………
At the same time, in the palace of Suiyang City, Liang Wang Liu Wu learned that Zhou Yafu sent generals Li Ji and Han Daidang to successfully capture Huaisikou and block the Wu-Chu grain route.
Even Liu Wu was very unhappy with Zhou Yafu.
He couldn't help but clapped his hands and praised: "I have heard that in the past, when the ancients did not sing, they would have a blockbuster. Today, the Taiwei does not sing for three months. Victory or defeat is determined by one call. I admire you!"
Between the words, there is still deep hatred for Zhou Yafu.
Liu Wu is not stupid.
After so many days, Liu Wu finally understood.
This Lieutenant Zhou Yafu was using his Liang Kingdom and the sacrifice of the Liang Team in exchange for victory over Wu Chu.
As for the emperor's eldest brother, I'm afraid he is just sitting back and watching what happens.
Because of this, Liu Wu was deeply angry and fell in love with Zhou Yafu.
Brother Emperor, he doesn't dare to hate, he doesn't even dare to have the emotion of hatred in his heart.
But Zhou Yafu, who was just a minister, dared to ignore the request for help from a noble vassal king, the late emperor Miao Yi, and even deliberately took advantage of him. This made Liu Wu hate him to the core of his bones.
"Your Majesty, I think that for the current plan, we should prevent Wu Ni from leaping over the wall and imitating King Xiang's Huaiyin story. I would like to ask your Majesty to immediately order an order to strengthen the city defense and wait for Wu Ni to defeat himself!" A general came out and said.
When Liang Wang Liu Wu heard this, the unpleasant emotions in his heart were immediately thrown out of the sky.
Liu Wu was a young man with a loose temperament. He did as he pleased.
To put it simply, it means wherever you think of it.
Moody and unpredictable.
Compared with Zhou Yafu who was far away in Changyi and could not scold him even if he wanted to, Liu Wu was really elated and extremely happy after seeing this general in front of him.
This general is eight feet tall, burly and strong, with a dignified appearance. The most rare thing is that he is well-informed and has the demeanor of a Confucian general.
Liu Wu admired Lord Mengchang and loved to attract diners from all over the world.
Ever since the general named Li Guang was ordered to come to Suiyang to assist in the defense, Liu Wu immediately fell in love with this steady and elegant general. He would call Li Guang to ask for advice when he had time, and he would talk with him with great respect.
It's almost time to undress and eat.
At this moment, Liu Wu heard Li Guang's suggestion. Not to mention that what Li Guang said was reasonable, but even if it didn't make sense, he would not deny face.
So, Liu Wu immediately said: "Shan, what the general said is true, I will entrust the important task of city defense to the general!"
With that said, he handed Li Guang a seal and tiger talisman representing his Liang Wang Liu Wu without any care at all, with a sincere and profound look.
Before Li Guang could even react, he muddle-headedly received the seal and the tiger talisman and became the general of Liang State.
After the meeting, as he walked out of the palace, a gust of north wind blew. Li Guang suddenly felt a chill on his neck and felt very uneasy.
As a general of the imperial court, it is a big taboo to receive the seals and appointments of princes and kings!
However, after thinking about it, Li Guang didn't think this was a problem.
Today, I have a broad mind, the Taiwei is wise and mighty, and the King of Liang is a benevolent relative.
Even if he is sealed, the emperor will definitely not punish him because of his saintliness!
…………………………………………
When the news that Liji successfully captured Huaisikou reached Changyi, Zhou Yafu was inspecting the camp with Yi Zong and other princes' personal entourage.
When Zhou Yafu heard the news about Li Ji's success, he just smiled and said: "I know, just wait and see!"
He looked calm and calm, unfazed by honor and disgrace.
After the envoys retreated, Zhou Yafu continued to inspect the camp with Yi Zong and others. As usual, he personally checked the depth of the trenches and inspected the camp walls and the preparation of bows and arrows.
There is no trace of the joy and happiness that one would feel after a successful surprise attack.
Yi Zong was surprised when he saw it, so he took advantage of an unoccupied opportunity and asked: "The Taiwei, Quzhouhou, and Gonggaohou succeeded in the surprise attack on Huaisi. Why didn't the Taiwei express any praise?"
At this time, Yi Zong can be said to have become a big fan of Zhou Yafu.
As the contact with Zhou Yafu deepened, Yi Zong respected Zhou Yafu more and more.
By Zhou Yafu's side, Yi Zong learned knowledge that he could not learn in the past. He was able to understand how to dispatch an army and respond to battle situations. What moved Yi Zong even more was that whenever he asked questions, Zhou Yafu would definitely answer them.
This kind of kindness can no longer be covered by the ordinary relationship between superiors and subordinates.
Yi Zong lost his family at a young age and lacked fatherly love. At this moment, in Yi Zong's eyes, Zhou Yafu was like his own father.
Tall, majestic, and wise.
When Zhou Yafu heard this, he smiled slightly and said: "Since ancient times, arrogant soldiers will be defeated. The so-called famous generals in ancient times are all unfazed by honor and disgrace. They will not change their expressions when Mount Tai collapses in front of them. As a Taiwei, I have the great trust of the emperor. I can't be proud of myself."
, when this happens, it should be calmed down!"
At the end, Zhou Yafu added something meaningful: "Besides, the outcome has not yet been determined at this time. Many generals were defeated after a great victory. For example, Zhang Han was so arrogant at the time of Julu, and the dragon was in Zhao."
What a glorious country the country is, what about in the end? Therefore, as a general, you should remain calm and cautious before seeing the enemy beheading you. When you win, you should think more about the enemy's movements..."
Zhou Yafu turned around, looked at Yizong, and asked: "Lieutenant Yidu, let me ask you: What would happen if you were Wu Ni at this moment?"
After hearing this, Yi Zong thought for a moment and said, "Reporting to the Taiwei, seeing that I am the last general, I will naturally raise my troops to attack Suiyang..."
"What if Suiyang can't go down?" Zhou Yafu continued to ask.
Yi Zong said confidently: "If Suiyang is in a hurry and can't go down, we will naturally attack Changyi and go down to the city, trying to survive in death!"
Following Zhou Yafu these days, if nothing else, I at least learned a lot about the military formation.
And this question is so simple. These days, by Zhou Yafu's side, listening to the discussions among the generals, Yi Zong naturally knew that these two choices were the unanimous conclusions of almost all the Han generals.
As for whether Liu Bi will withdraw his troops?
What a joke!
Since ancient times, many tragedies have occurred when the army was withdrawing. Liu Bi could still survive when he stormed Suiyang or Changyi, but as long as the army retreated, it would immediately collapse.
Especially at this time, Wu and Chu rebelled against the enemy. The army was short of food and people were in panic. Once the troops were withdrawn, countless people would immediately start fleeing.
By then, it may only take a few thousand people to capture all the hundreds of thousands of rebels like sheep.
It's just that these questions are known to everyone, but Yi Zong doesn't understand why Zhou Yafu asks himself this.
But Zhou Yafu immediately asked: "Then according to the captain's opinion, if Wu Ni can't attack Suiyang fiercely and moves to Changyi or Xiayi, will Wu Ni attack Changyi or Xiayi?"
"Xiayi!" Facing this question, Yi Zong thought about his answer.
"Why?" Zhou Yafu asked with a smile. He was deeply gratified that Yi Zong could answer the question of "Xiayi" and felt that the teachings he had received these days were finally in vain.
Although, ordinary generals can come to the decision that the Wu army must capture the city after careful consideration.
However, Yi Zong has only been in the army for less than three months, and his age is no more than a junior.
This is extremely valuable.
Zhou Yafu has led the army for so many years and has seen countless smart people, but this is the first time he has seen a young man who can grow up as fast as Yi Zong.
"Such a young man should pass on my mantle!" Zhou Yafu thought to himself.
Zhou Yafu knew very well that after Wu Chu was pacified, he would probably leave the army and take a civilian position.
Otherwise, even if the emperor is generous, I am afraid he will not be able to sleep at night!
But none of his sons are mature enough to take over his banner.
Therefore, he urgently needed someone to help him complete his unfinished business, which was to complete the cavalry reform of the Han army and turn the cavalry into the main battle arm, instead of the embarrassing status of neither high nor low like now.
And righteousness can be said to be the right time, right place, right people and all the people.
He is the prince's favorite, the star of future officialdom, and more importantly, he may also become a relative.
Relatives outside the Han Dynasty worship the general when they leave, and become the prime minister when they enter!
With this thought, Yi Zong became even more important in Zhou Yafu's eyes.
Twenty or thirty years later, Yi Zong was in his prime, and perhaps he could represent the veterans of his generation. He went on an expedition to the desert, chased the North, defeated the Xiongnu, and realized the ideal that everything in the world is the king's territory, and the people who lead the land are not the king's ministers.
Yi Zong didn't know this. He just expressed his thoughts honestly and said: "Captain, I think that if Wu Ni fails to attack Suiyang fiercely, his courage will be exhausted, and he will not dare to come to Changyi to attack the emperor."
Wei Huxu, in order to find a way to survive, they naturally had no choice but to attack Xiayi in the hope of finding a way out!"
After Zhou Yafu heard this, he smiled with satisfaction.
To be honest, at this point, Yi Zong's performance has far exceeded Zhou Yafu's expectations.
But Zhou Yafu still wanted to give it a try to see how deep this young man's potential and vision were.
So, he asked again: "The site of the Fourth Battle of Xiayi is between Liang and Luo. From which direction do you think Wu Ni will attack?"
This question immediately stumped Yi Zong.
Yi Zong thought about it carefully. He went through the information he knew so far in his mind one by one. Unfortunately, he still had no inspiration.
At this time, a light suddenly flashed in Yi Zong's mind.
He remembered that the prince once taught him, "If you encounter a problem and cannot make a decision, it is better to eliminate those impossible options first. This is called the elimination method!"
Xiayi, this place is quite famous.
Yi Zong couldn't be more familiar with this place.
At that time, the Gao Emperor Liu Bang was defeated in Pengcheng and almost his entire army was destroyed. He and Zhang Liang fled to Xiayi. It was during the escape process that the emperor and his ministers made a plan for Xiayi, which changed the strategic situation of Chu and Han.
Haixia's victory is determined in the future.
After recalling the geography and landforms of Xiayi and all possible attack directions Liu Bi could choose in his mind, Yi Zong raised his head and asked tentatively: "Northwest?"
When Zhou Yafu heard this, he was shocked and stared at Yi Zong, looking at him like a monster.
After a long time, Zhou Yafu asked: "How did the captain know?"
This question is basically equivalent to admitting that Zhou Yafu also believes that if the Wu army comes to attack, it will definitely attack from the northwest.
Yi Zong touched his head honestly and said respectfully: "I am not sure either. However, I have been taught by my family that if you are in doubt, you should eliminate the options that you cannot decide and then choose the best one."
'!"
"The rebel army came from Suiyang, so naturally they cannot attack from the north and south, and Changyi is to the east of Xiayi, which is even more impossible!" Yi Zong explained his thinking: "In this way, the rebel army can only advance from the west, and Xiayi
To the northwest is Luoyang. If we march from here and break it, we can go straight to Luoyang. At that time, the rebels will definitely be hungry and thirsty. People in desperate situations will definitely choose the shortest path subconsciously, so in the end
You will think that the bandit army will attack from the northwest of Xiayi!"
After a pause, Yi Zong was extremely certain and said confidently: "It must be attacking from the northwest!"
After hearing Yi Zong's answer, Zhou Yafu was stunned for a while. After a long time, he said: "My family is really a divine gift!"
After two or three days of investigation and repeated research, he came to the conclusion that Wu Chu would definitely attack Xiayi from the northwest.
Unexpectedly, Yi Zong just came to the same conclusion based on the prince's instructions and using a simple elimination method based on human nature.
Zhou Yafu could not find any other explanation for this except God's teaching!
……………………
Then, the Wu-Chu coalition went crazy and attacked Suiyang fiercely.
But after a day of attacking, they had to withdraw sadly.
The walls of Suiyang City are so high and deep that even though King Wu Liu Bi personally beat drums to help out, he still couldn't gnaw through them.
At this time, Liu Bi also had to change the direction of his battle.
Because there is not much food left.
Three days!
Within three days, the Wu and Chu army must open a road to the north.
Otherwise, this army will collapse without food and drink!
Then, Liu Bi could only choose between withdrawing his troops and advancing eastward.
Withdrawal of troops is definitely ruled out.
No one is stupid, and Liu Bi knows even more clearly that withdrawal of troops has been a sign of great defeat since ancient times.
Hundreds of thousands of troops are retreating. Once the enemy pursues them, if our rearguard and sniper troops fail to respond even slightly, the whole army will be destroyed immediately.
What's more, now that the Wu-Chu coalition troops were panic-stricken and had no way out, Liu Bi knew very well that if he announced his withdrawal, the entire army would immediately collapse and everyone would start fleeing.
Rather than that, it would be better to go to the east and try your luck in front of Zhou Yafu's iron wall as a last ditch effort.
Therefore, Liu Bi decided to change his route to Xiayi without even thinking about it.
In Liu Bi's view, there are many benefits to choosing Xiayi.
First of all, he can use the story of Gao Emperor Liu Bang to boost morale. Back then, Gao Emperor Pengcheng was defeated and almost faced extinction. It was in Xiayi that he rose again and laid the foundation for defeating Xiang Yu.
For Liu Bi, this is also a psychological comfort.
Secondly, the trenches and camps in the direction of Changyi were so densely packed that they were too numerous to count. For Liu Bi, going to Changyi was almost like going to die!
Furthermore, Xiayi is the closest to Luoyang. As long as you can pass through Xiayi, you can go to Luoyang. Luoyang has arsenals and Aocang. As long as you can occupy Luoyang, it is not a loss!
The most important thing is that Liu Bi still has a life-saving straw in his heart.
Before starting the army, he sent someone to contact Zhao Wang Liu Sui and asked him to get in touch with the Huns.
As long as the Xiongnu troops break through the pass, Yan and Zhao will rise together. Chang'an will be attacked from both sides, and success or failure will be a matter of life and death!
Therefore, Liu Bi's army broke camp the next morning. Only tens of thousands of people were left to monitor Suiyang, while the other 200,000 to 300,000 troops diverted and marched towards Xiayi.
…………………………………………
At this time, Chang'an had just received news of Li Ji's surprise attack on Huaisikou.
As soon as the news reached Chang'an, the whole city immediately rejoiced.
In the eyes of many people, the overall situation has been decided after Huai Si!
Liu Che also saw it this way.
Not everyone surnamed Liu is an invincible Xiaoqiang. People like Liu Bang, Liu Xiu, and Liu Bei who constantly fail, rise, fail, and finally succeed. Those are heroes who only come out every few hundred years.
Although Liu Bi is considered a character.
Once Huaisi is defeated, his failure is inevitable!
Even if Liu Che is not a time traveler, he knows that Liu Bi has no hope of making a comeback.
The reason is very simple. After Huaisi was defeated, Liu Bi's connection with his base of Wu State was cut off.
Hundreds of thousands of troops are hanging outside without food or clothing. Unless Liu Bi moves out of the system and turns into an apocalypse tank or a necromancer, it is impossible to make a comeback!
The most important thing is that Liu Bi's troops came from the vast area south of the Yangtze River.
Jiangnan people have had a serious homesickness complex since ancient times.
The position of Haixia was surrounded by enemies on all sides, causing Xiang Yu's army to collapse.
Although Liu Bi was very powerful, he was still not as good as Xiang Yu. Even Xiang Yu couldn't restrain the homesickness that Chu people would inevitably feel after a defeat, and it was even less possible for him.
Liu Che estimated that at this time, the backbone of the Wu army, from top to bottom, might start to miss their hometown.
Since Liu Bi's defeat was doomed, Liu Che no longer paid attention to these things.
He has been very busy recently.
Not only did he have to manage farming and technology, he was also recruited by the emperor's father to become a young man, and he studied the policies of the vassal state after the Wu-Chu Rebellion with the ministers of Lantai, Shaofu.
What does it mean to burn bridges across rivers?
What does it mean to turn against someone?
Lao Liujia fully interprets these two sentences!
Before Liu Bi was crowned the head, Liu Che, while studying the policies of the vassal state with the Lantai ministers, had already begun to discuss how to weaken the power of the princes and kings and prevent further rebellions.
The policy is very clear.
Just waiting for King Wu's head to be sent to Chang'an, he will defeat Yu Wei.
The ministers of Lantai proposed many restrictive policies, including but not limited to the fact that princes and kings could no longer appoint officials above a thousand stones, could not appoint and control county soldiers, and except for the palace guards, all other military powers were returned to the central government.
Compared with the previous life, these restrictions are relatively lighter, the chain is not so tight, and many privileges that should have been revoked are retained.
Since Liu Che was involved, he naturally took the opportunity to stuff some private goods in.
For example, comprehensively implement the Tuen Order, etc.
Naturally, the Lantai ministers did not dare to object to these suggestions, so they also wrote them in the memorial to the emperor.
At this moment, Liu Che was walking in the corridor of Changle Palace.
After the news of Li Ji's capture of Huaisikou reached Chang'an, the tense atmosphere in Guanzhong immediately disappeared.
Song and dance banquets also resumed in the palace.
Liu Che came to Changle Palace this time on the orders of Empress Dowager Dou.
According to the old queen mother, the crown prince has been established for almost half a year, and it is time to recruit more beautiful girls, enrich the harem, and expand the branches of the Liu family as soon as possible and give birth to a grandson.
This is also Liu Che’s natural right as the prince!
In fact, Liu Che also hopes to give birth to a son and a half daughters as soon as possible.
A prince without heirs is not a complete prince!
In the previous life, Xiaozhu was unable to give birth to a son, which made many people anxious and made many princes and kings ready to take action.
It's just a pity that neither Yi Nu nor Xin Na's Yu Jie has had any stomach movements.
This made Liu Che feel a little nervous.
Since concentrated firepower is not enough, we can only rely on fraternity.
Under the guidance of the eunuch, Liu Che came to Changxin Hall. At this time, the crowd in the hall was shaking, and countless nobles and nobles, all well-dressed, were in line.
When these people saw Liu Che, they immediately acted like hungry wolves, their eyes gleaming, and they almost wanted to run over and hug him.
Everyone thinks that their daughter will be selected by the prince, and from then on she will be placed in the harem and become a relative of the emperor.
But Liu Che knew in his heart that none of these nobles, especially the women from the Chehou family, would be selected.
Although the Han Dynasty did not stipulate that the concubines could not be concubines like the Ming Dynasty, there were similar unspoken rules.
Look at the history books. Among the favored concubines of the emperors of the Han Dynasty in the past dynasties, apart from relatives, are there any daughters of the noble Lord Che?
The answer is clearly counted on five fingers!
Liu Che naturally knew this unspoken rule. In fact, the emperor's father had already dealt with him. Except for the minister, he would like anyone!
Contrary to what most people think, although the prince of the Han Dynasty has no say in the main concubine, he has great autonomy outside of the main concubine. Basically, the prince has the final say on who to choose or not!
For example, the Book of Han records the story of Liu Wu personally referring to his concubine.
Moreover, the selection of concubines by the princes of the Han Dynasty was actually full of entertainment.
Basically it's a bit like a beauty pageant in later generations.
Rows of girls dressed up beautifully stood in a row, each showing off their talents and doing their best to please the prince. Then the prince would just point his finger at whoever liked it, and that girl would be promoted!
Even the range of beautiful girls selected by the princes of the Han Dynasty was quite wide.
Basically, the old Liu family is not afraid of meat and fish.
Be it a lolita, a royal sister, or a married woman!
It can be said that there is everything you want among the beautiful ladies!
When Liu Che walked into the Changxin Hall, all the officials in the room quickly stood up to greet him.
Liu Che returned the courtesy one by one, and then was led by a eunuch to sit under the throne of the Queen Mother.
After waiting for a while, Empress Dowager Dou, surrounded by Empress Bo, walked into the Changxin Hall from the back hall.
Liu Che and the officials quickly stood up to greet him.
"Sun Er Che welcomes the imperial grandmother!" Liu Che recently thanked Chen Ajiao for his status in front of Empress Dowager Dou. He was now second only to Guantao and Chen Ajiao and became Empress Dowager Dou's new sweetheart.
Therefore, as soon as she heard Liu Che's voice, Queen Mother Dou laughed and said, "Prince, sit next to Aijia!"
Liu Che naturally understood what was going on, so he stood up quickly, helped Empress Dowager Dou and sat down on her seat.
After Queen Mother Dou sat down, she smiled and said: "Today, the prince must choose a few more beauties, so that the great-grandson of the emperor can be left for the Ai family as soon as possible, and the Han family can flourish!"
Liu Che naturally said quickly: "No!" (To be continued...)
