On February 22nd of the seventh year of Wude, Li Shan, who had been back in Beijing for more than half a month, finally set off back to Daizhou. In addition to his personal guards, he was accompanied by Wen Yanbo, the Duke of Xihe County, the minister of Zhongshu.
It was still Baqiao farewell, but this time the protagonist was Wen Yanbo, who even impromptu chanted to the friends who came to see him off.
Deep down in his heart, Wen Yanbo was quite grateful to Li Shan, who kept silent about poetry today... After all, Li Shan's poems are all classics handed down from generation to generation.
Alas, what Li Shan fears most when reciting poetry is improvisation... After all, there is only so much stock.
Crossing the river from Longmen into Hedong, passing through Taiyuan Prefecture, Wen Yanbo even specially held a banquet at his old house and invited several members of the Wang family in Qi County to the banquet...Li Jiancheng and Wang Gui have both written letters to confirm the appointment of the Xiangyuan family.
Make peace.
Going further north, passing through Xinzhou and entering Daizhou, Wen Yanbo couldn't help but be surprised. Although he was once the Sima of Luoyi in Youzhou, he joined the Tang Dynasty in the first year of Wude. He once returned to his hometown and stayed in Hedong for several months. He saw Xinzhou with his own eyes.
, Daizhou was in ruins, but now, it suddenly looks brand new.
"Jiang Guogong praised the King of Handan for having great strategies and being good at governing. It's true." Wen Yanbo said with a smile, "No wonder His Majesty said that before the time comes, he will already be the best in the world."
"Mr. Yan Bo should be called Huairen." Li Shan emphasized again and then explained: "In fact, it is not my fault."
"Liu Wuzhou, Song Jingang, and Yuan Junzhang started in Mayi and attacked Hedong repeatedly. Within more than ten years, Turks often broke through the border and entered, leaving the ancient state in ruins."
"Now that the Central Plains are unified and Ma Yi is in hand, all we need to do is guard Yanmen Pass and select good officials. It is not difficult to restore the old outlook."
"Huairen is too modest." Wen Yanbo shook his head slightly. He was summoned by His Majesty before leaving, and Princess Pingyang told all the inside stories. Therefore, he knew very well that the stability of Daizhou depended largely on the recovery of Mayi, and even more on the Turks.
civil strife...and both of these are inseparable from the young man beside him.
The group passed through Nao County and arrived at the intersection of Yanmen Pass, Nao County, and Dai County. Li Shan saw the crowd of people from a distance, reined in his horse slightly, and looked sideways.
Several bodyguards rushed forward to take a look, and after a while they returned to report. Li Shan smiled and said, "Make Yan Bogong laugh."
More than ten knights came towards the horse, and the knights dismounted one after another, prostrated themselves on the ground, and said, "Greetings to the King of Handan."
"You are either old acquaintances or old friends, why are you doing this?" Li Shan also got off his horse and was the first to pick up Daizhou Sima Zhu Yichen... He had to help him up first, after all, he was an elder.
Behind Er Zhu Yichen were Yiyang County Duke Liu Shirang, General Xue who had just switched defenses and returned to Daizhou, Ma Sanbao who was stationed at Yanmen Pass, cavalry chief Su Dingfang, and acting county magistrate Li Kai.
Li Shan personally picked up Li Kai's arms one by one, joked a few words, and had a gentle attitude. He put his arm around Li Kai's shoulders and said, "My aunt is very concerned about her, and asked my younger brother to bring a lot of clothes."
"King of Handan..."
"Brother Demou." Li Shan interrupted: "You and I met at brother Xiaoqing's home three years ago. We hit it off immediately, and we got to know each other. We didn't even talk about helping each other, but we just talked about friendship. Could it be that Brother Demou just ignored him?"
Li Kai smiled and said: "Privately, you and I are brothers, but at this moment, we still have to..."
Seeing Li Kai looking at Wen Yanbo from the corner of his eye, Li Shan laughed and said, "Mr. Yanbo is not that kind of person."
Wen Yanbo came forward to talk for a few words. He was not familiar with these people. He only thought in his heart that Liu Shirang relied on Li Shan when he was surrounded by enemies. Mr. Xue was seconded to Daizhou and was originally under the command of Li Daozong, the general manager of Bingzhou.
Ma Sanbao was from Princess Pingyang's palace, and Su Dingfang was from Li Shan's personal guard... In other words, among the officials who came to welcome Li Shan, the acting governor, there were only Daizhou Sima Zhu Yichen, who was under the East Palace Gate, and Daixian, whose father was attached to the King of Qin.
Order Li Kai.
Everyone in Chang'an knows about the relationship between Li Kai and Li Shan, but what about Er Zhu Yichen?
And several others did not come. It is said that Zhang Gongjin, the commander of Daizhou who was scolded by Li Shan, Duan Zhixuan, the general of Zuowuwei and Zuolang, and Xue Wanche, the military recorder under the East Palace Gate.
Obviously, the news that Yongkang County Governor Li Jing will soon be appointed as the Governor of Daizhou has long been heard... People's hearts are floating, so some people feel that Acting Governor Shi Lishan, who is temporarily in charge of the Governor's Office of Daizhou, is no longer important.
After resting on the side of the road for a while, the group set off back to Dai County. Without even having time to wash up, Li Shan went straight into the Daizhou Governor's Mansion to summon his subordinates.
The Daizhou Governor's Mansion was completed just a few days ago. In fact, some parts are not perfect yet, but it is already ready for use. Li Shan walked around with Li Kai before returning to the main hall.
Wen Yanbo, who was nominally inspecting Daizhou, was sitting on the side, and Li Shan was sitting in the main seat, squinting at the people who were saluting, especially Zhang Gongjin... In his plan, this person was an important role.
If Zhang Gongjin was angry, then Li Shan would have no choice but to give up... even though this man was a rare and talented man with both civil and military skills in the early Tang Dynasty.
Fortunately, Zhang Gongjin's face was calm, and he looked tired and haggard. It seemed that he had not been having a good time for the past half month... He checked the fields, concealed the population, and dug out the fertile land and slaves from the wealthy families.
Obviously it is a thankless task, although there are few influential wealthy families in Daizhou and Xinzhou.
At this time, Duan Zhixuan, the general of Zuowuwei Zuolang, looked sideways at Li Shan and said, "The King of Handan, the official document from the court, the Duke of Yongkang County has been appointed as the acting governor of the state."
"So, I can't take the throne alone?" Li Shan looked at Duan Zhixuan with great interest, "His Majesty, Liangyi, ordered that the Yongkang County Duke was appointed as the acting governor of the prefecture. Before arriving, I took charge of the acting governor's office.
, but you can’t sit alone.”
How could Duan Zhixuan know so clearly? His face was earthy and he forced a smile and said: "I never said that."
"That's what I think you mean." Li Shan said coldly: "His Royal Highness the King of Qin has used Tiance Mansion to attract all the heroes in the world, why did he send you to Daizhou?"
"Do you think Gu will never return to Daizhou?"
The hall was silent for a moment, and a solemn atmosphere arose spontaneously. Li Shan stared at Duan Zhixuan indifferently, "On January 28th, you broke the arms of two soldiers in the camp. Is this relevant?"
Duan Zhixuan turned his head and glanced at Chang He, gritted his teeth and said: "It is true, those two people offended..."
"How did Dangu hear that you were drinking in the camp?"
Duan Zhixuan was speechless.
Li Shan turned his head and looked at Xue Wanche on the other side, "It will be a pleasure to have three beautiful concubines within half a month."
"King Handan..." Xue Wanche explained hesitantly: "This is a private matter..."
"But what if private affairs are abolished because of public service?" Li Shan snorted, "You, Xue Wanche, are behind the generals and a famous general in Hebei. With only a hundred acres of fertile land, you can be made to bow down. How shameful!"
Seeing Xue Wanche's glaring eyes, Li Shan scolded: "Don't look at Zhang Gongjin, it's not his fault!"
"You, Duan Zhixuan, don't have to go see Chang He, he didn't tell the secret!"
"Either you are an official of the Tiance Mansion, or you are a disciple of the prince. I don't expect to be harmonious, but I definitely don't want to see you attacking each other!"
Li Shan's words were clear enough. First, he would not punish the two forces for exposing each other's shortcomings. Second, although he had been away from Daizhou for more than half a month, he knew everything about Daizhou like the back of his hand.
It might not be possible to change places, but in Daizhou, Li Shan can do it.
Only Li Kai and Su Dingfang were present and understood that in the past half a year, Li Shan had firmly held the powerful clans in Daizhou in his hands, using both kindness and power. The children of the powerful clans were either personal guards or taught skills by him.
The military, the general manager's office, and county government agencies are all filled with such people.
Xue Wanche, who was the military recorder and military officer, had various military officers including Sijun, Sitian, and Treasurer, but the junior officials below him were all more or less related to the local powerful clans, and no news of any kind could escape Li Shan's eyes.
Among the general officers who went north to take up posts, the most honest ones were Ma Sanbao and Er Zhu Yichen. The former was because he himself knew that he was nothing more than a windshield for Li Shan and Su Dingfang.
The latter knew that his appointment as Daizhou Sima seemed to be by chance, but in fact there was someone pushing him behind it, in order to protect the nephew who... seemed to have no need for his own protection.
The most responsible person is Chang He. This character with a strange identity in history did nothing. He ordered Mao in the army every day, trained his soldiers, lived in Xia City, and talked and drank with Ma Zhou every night.
The hardest worker is Zhang Gongjin, who has traveled all over Daizhou and Xinzhou, even to Yuzhou and Shuozhou, using both soft and hard tactics. On the south side of Daizhou and the northeast side of Xinzhou, where the two states meet, on the southwest side of Wutai County,
A large area of fertile land was created to serve as the first batch of military camps.
The most arrogant one was Duan Zhixuan. He had been drinking and causing trouble in the army more than once or twice. According to the rules of the willow camp, ten heads were not enough to behead him. That is to say, Su Dingfang knew that Li Shan secretly defected to the King of Qin, so he showed mercy.
The most greedy one was Xue Wanche. A local Liu family member reluctantly mentioned in the letter that this military official had a great appetite and was willing to accept any benefit no matter how much or how little.
Xue Wanche looked pale as he listened to Li Shanru's account of the family's treasures, describing the origins of the three beautiful concubines he had received, as well as the four houses and three villages...
"I don't want to know, Prince, why did King Qin send you to Daizhou?"
"But one thing you have to understand is that neither the prince nor the King of Qin is a saint today!"
"And Gu was ordered by the saint to take charge of Daizhou!"
"This is Daizhou!" Li Shan stood up suddenly, "What will you do after the Yongkang County Lord takes office? Even if you draw a river of blood with knives and guns, you don't care about Gu's business!"
"But before Yongkang County Duke takes office, if anyone messes up Gu's affairs, don't blame Gu for being unkind!"
"As early as when you and I went north to take office and met for the first time, I already mentioned it..."
Li Shan stared at Xue Wanche, "Li from Daixian County will give you a beautiful concubine, two houses, and a hundred acres of fertile land. What do you want?"
Xue Wanche hesitated for a moment, and said angrily: "The people of the county have recently discussed the matter of marching and garrisoning. The northeastern part of Dai County has flat terrain and has water sources. The Sitian Cang Army intends to choose a place to prepare for the garrison."
"Do you agree?"
"not yet."
"The farmland of the house will be returned, and the concubine will be sent back to Chang'an to reject the matter." Li Shan raised his eyebrows, "The second batch of military camps will be located around Dongjingguan."
Seeing Xue Wanche's hesitation, Li Shan sneered and said: "Zhang Hongshen has traveled all over the four states and is only known to me. He refused to bribe beautiful concubines and cultivated fertile land nine times in total."
Zhang Gongjin's face changed slightly, and he counted in his mind, there were eleven times in total...only two times he didn't know.
"Bribery, bribery, if you don't accept it, it doesn't count as bribery, let alone corruption." Li Shan said impatiently: "If you are reluctant to part with those houses and farmland, then take your beautiful concubine back to Beijing with you!"
Xue Wanche's expression changed greatly, he stood up and saluted, "All in accordance with the King of Handan."
Li Shan turned to look at Duan Zhixuan and shouted: "Where is Su Dingfang?"
"The official is here."
"Garrisoning troops in Daizhou to prepare for war against the Turks, drinking alcohol in the army, and beating soldiers, what crime should be committed?"
Without thinking, Su Dingfang raised his voice and said: "If it's a war, I'll behead you in public. If it's not a war, I'll be demoted after fifty."
"Hmph, you Duan Zhixuan is the favorite general of His Majesty the King of Qin, and your father is an old minister of His Majesty, how dare you punish him with a stick!" Li Shan sneered: "In the first month of the first month, I led the army to chase the enemy. I had already made a preface when I returned to Yanmen Pass!"
"I will send you a letter tonight, and you will start back to Beijing tomorrow. Daizhou is the gateway to the east of Hedong, and there is no room for such frivolous people like you!"
Duan Zhixuan's expression changed drastically, and he pointed his halberd and said, "You are so brave!"
"Hahaha!" Li Shanchang said with a smile: "I am not brave enough. If I am brave enough, I will behead you and spread the word to all the armies!"
"Just driving you back to the capital and letting His Highness the King of Qin choose another good general is enough to give you face!"
"I have told you a long time ago that when you take office in Daizhou, I will not care about your overt and covert struggles, but you must not harm the national affairs!"
"You, Duan Zhixuan, drank in the army to break military discipline, beat the soldiers and destabilized the morale of the army. Now you dare to scold the superior officer, you are very brave!"
Duan Zhixuan's body was trembling slightly, but he did not dare to say anything. Su Dingfang, who was in the first place, had already stood up and looked over with a sullen face... Duan Zhixuan knew very well that in terms of bravery, he was by no means his opponent.
Wen Yanbo, who was sitting aside, couldn't help but be speechless at this moment. Of course he knew that Duan Zhixuan and Xue Wanche were both kings of Qin, and the princes were sent to Daizhou. Once they were driven back... their reputation would be lost, and that would be a small thing.
There was silence in the hall. Regarding this kind of treatment, whoever is causing trouble, who is disobedient, who is ruining national affairs... Li Shan has said it long ago and will not trouble you. He will send you back directly and let your master choose someone else...
In fact, after Li Shan learned about Duan Zhixuan's arrogance in Chang'an, he negotiated with Ling Jing and Li Shimin to transfer Duan Zhixuan back and choose another good general to replace him.
Duan Zhixuan was too frivolous and was quite hostile to Su Dingfang... Li Shimin chose Zhang Gongjin and Duan Zhixuan that day mainly because of their age. He was afraid that the generals he sent were older and Li Shan would not be able to suppress them.
But there is no problem now. Yanmen has been victorious and he is about to be captured alive. Li Shan has enough prestige in Daizhou and has been conferred the title of county king. He can suppress anyone.
As for Daizhou, Li Shimin had no intention of embezzling it. On the one hand, it was because Daizhou was facing the Turks, and he was unwilling to ruin the military affairs of fighting the Turks by seizing the direct descendants. On the other hand, because Li Jing, who was about to take office, was unlikely to
It is biased toward Prince Qin’s Mansion, but it is impossible to be completely biased toward the East Palace.
Of course, the most important thing is that Daizhou is far away from Chang'an, so the number of troops and whose hands they hold has no practical significance for seizing the throne.
Before Li Jing was about to take office, Li Shan was still doing some things in Daizhou. He was afraid that his subordinates would not obey his orders... so he simply took this opportunity to use Duan Zhixuan to establish his authority.
However, if Duan Zhixuan is driven back, who will Li Shimin replace him with?
Li Shan actually wanted Qin Qiong, Yuchi Jingde, and Cheng Yaojin... but Ling Jing had already said that these three were the closest generals to King Qin and could not be released.