The news that Li Mu, the gatekeeper of Yanmen, had committed suicide was quickly sent back to Jicheng. After learning about the incident, the prime minister opened his eyes, and the governor, Han Kui, and other court officials were silent about it.
At the same time, what was also passed back to Jicheng were the heroic words of Li Mu's eldest son Li Yao, such as "I am willing to die as a minister of Han, but I am not willing to live as a minister of Wei", "A coward harms the country", and "After Lihou Hanwu, the court will "There are no more men among them" and so on, which made many officials in the Jicheng court feel ashamed.
However, more people are slandering Li Mu privately, thinking that Li Mu is ignorant of the situation and does not know how to advance or retreat. They say that he is "in the final analysis just a reckless general who leads troops." These people are undoubtedly those in South Korea. Aristocrats and aristocratic classes who protect their own interests.
On the contrary, Zhang Qigong, Bei Gongyu, Yang Ji and other Wei people felt that Yanmen guard Li Mu was an undisputed hero.
"It would be great if this famous general would submit to me, the Great Wei..."
After learning that Li Mu and his son committed suicide, Bei Gongyu sighed with regret: "Li Mu is a person worthy of respect."
Hearing this, Zhang Qigong chuckled and said: "You and I are acting like villains and stirring up public opinion to force Li Mu to death, and at the same time, we say that Li Mu is a true hero... Haha, don't you think this is a bit ironic?"
"No!"
Beigong Yuzhengse said: "Captain Zhang and my subordinates stirred up public opinion to force Li Mu to death, just because Li Mu's existence hindered Wei Dynasty from secretly controlling Korea. This does not prevent me from thinking that Li Mu is a true hero... …How can the two be confused?”
When he said this, Bei Gongyu couldn't help but think of his monarch Zhao Run.
What he admires most about the monarch Zhao Run is his magnanimity - Zhao Run made it very clear when he killed Xiao Luan that this was a personal grudge!
Therefore, although Xiao Luan was once beheaded and placed in the temple of the late king Zhao Si, Zhao Run still ordered Xiao Luan's body to be buried in Nanyan afterwards. The tombstone was inscribed with "Xiao Luan, the Crown Prince of Nanyan Marquis". of words.
Bei Gongyu felt that maybe in the heart of Wei King Zhao Run, he also felt a bit sorry for Xiao Luan's confrontation with Wei.
After listening to Bei Gongyu's words, Zhang Qigong smiled lightly.
To be fair, Zhang Qigong didn't feel much regret for Li Mu - although Li Mu was a hero, this hero was destined not to be used by the Wei State. So, for Zhang Qigong, who had a strong "utilitarianism", Li Mu didn't care at all. worthless.
Instead of having time to lament that "heroes like Li Mu have ended up like this", it is better to think about how to recruit generals such as Qin Kai, Le Yi, Yan Fu, etc. to complete the atonement as soon as possible and return to Luoyang.
Thinking of this, he turned around and asked Yang Ji, the leader of the Black Crows: "Chief Yang Ji, Zhang asked you to inquire about something, how did your inquiry go?"
After hearing this, Yang Yi said: "Basically, we have almost done the research...Bao Yuan and Jin Bo, the former lives in seclusion near Han Wangran's royal tomb, and the latter lives in Jicheng... Le Yi returned to Beiyan The county's "Yang Le", Yan Kui currently lives in seclusion in "Haiyang" in Beiyan County, Xu Li lives in seclusion in "Zhuoxian" in Shanggu County, and Sima Shang lives in seclusion in "Shangquyang". The other generals, like Gong Zhongpeng, Tian Ling and others mostly live in seclusion in Shanggu County."
As he spoke, he took out a booklet containing the specific addresses of the above generals from his arms and handed it to Zhang Qigong.
In fact, the generals mentioned above, except Le Yi, Sima Shang, and Yan Kui, were all captured by the Wei army in the Battle of Shanggu. However, in order to avoid the disgust and resistance of the Koreans, the Wei army later fought "Wei Han" Under the banner of "harmony", Qin Kai and other generals were released by the Wei army.
When the overall situation was decided at that time, after being released, generals such as Qin Kai did not go against the Wei army again, but lived in seclusion one by one - maybe they did not want to be supported by Han Wangyi, a Wei man.
The puppet king has his subordinates.
Apart from Yuyang guarding Qin Kai, he was the only general at that time who was still willing to serve as a minister under the rule of King Yi of Han. However, judging from his plea at that time, "I would like to guard Yuyang in my life," I think this general may not be true.
He hoped to assist Han Wangyi, but he did not want the aliens on the grassland to see that Han was weak and take the opportunity to invade.
After taking the booklet, Zhang Qigong glanced at it casually.
Beside, Bei Gongyu asked curiously: "Your Majesty really wants to recruit these Korean generals?"
"Hmm." Zhang Qigong nodded.
In his opinion, the so-called opportunity to atone for his sins was just a casual remark made by the monarch of Wei State. Even if Zhang Qigong had not committed the crime of deceiving the emperor before, I believe that the monarch would still let him try to find a solution.
Recruit these Korean generals.
As for the reason, I am afraid there is only one reason, that is, the monarch of Wei State, Zhao Run, has completely murderous intentions towards the countries in the Central Plains, and wants to annex them with troops and conquer the Central Plains.
For this reason, Wei State naturally had to do its best to network with capable generals from all over the world.
When Zhang Qigong told Bei Gongyu and Yang Yi his speculations, the latter two felt excited.
After all, conquering all the countries and unifying the Central Plains is an unprecedented martial arts feat!
What excites them is that this grand goal that no one has been able to achieve so far, and no one even dared to say it out loud, is indeed achievable in Wei State, and it is by no means an empty extravagant hope.
When they thought of this, the three of them couldn't help but feel a little excited.
But having said that, the Korean generals such as Bao Yuan, Jin Yao, Yan Kui, Xu Li, Le Yi, etc. were willing to submit to Wei without even seeing it. What's more terrible is that this time Wei Wang Zhao Run also specifically told Zhang Qigong to ask him
Threats and threats are not allowed, which makes Zhang Qigong feel a little constrained.
You must know that his best method of persuasion is to threaten the lives of the other party's family members - put the knife on the necks of his wife and children, and ask directly: Are you willing to surrender?
If the other party is willing to surrender, then everyone will be happy; on the other hand, if the other party is unwilling to surrender, then this person's value to Zhang Qigong is similar to that of Li Mu. Even if he kills him with one knife and slaughters his entire family, Zhang Qigong will not
Somewhat regretful.
But unfortunately, the monarch of Wei State, Zhao Run, prohibited him from doing so this time.
However, after learning about this, Yang Ji said with a smile: "Captain Zhang was able to instigate a rebellion against Han Pu, the Marquis of Yangyi, and I believe he can also persuade Bao Yuan, Le Yi and other generals."
After hearing this, Zhang Qigong felt very complicated.
Instigating a rebellion against Han Pu, the Marquis of Yangyi, was certainly his proud move, but the problem was that what he said to persuade Han Pu, the Marquis of Yangyi, was taken from Confucian scholarship. Therefore, even though he was proud, Zhang Qigong was somewhat reluctant to mention it.
, lest others misunderstand that Legalism is not as practical as Confucianism.
But this time, in order to atone for his sins, he didn't care about so much. He couldn't continue to attack Jie Zhi with his appearance as a disciple of the Legalists, right?
On that day, Zhang Qigong and Bei Gongyu made a plan. Beigong Yu went to persuade Bao Yuan, Jin Miao, Xu Li, Sima Shang and other generals who were living in seclusion in Shanggu County. Zhang Qigong immediately set off eastward to persuade Le
Yi, Qin Kai, and Yan Kuang are three generals who are currently living in seclusion in Beiyan County.
In addition to regional differences, the value of these generals was also taken into consideration - among these Korean generals, the four most valuable to recruit are Le Yi, Sima Shang, Yan Kui, and Qin Kai.
The next day, Zhang Qigong sent someone to quickly send the letter recording the news that "Li Mu, Li Yao and his son committed suicide" to Daliang or Luoyang, and handed it over to Zhao Run, the monarch of Wei.
Then, he took a group of black crows and set off for Yuyang to persuade Han general Qin Kai.
In his opinion, among Qin Kai, Le Yi, and Yan Kui, Qin Kai should be the easiest to persuade, because this general cares about Yuyang and whether the Central Plains will be taken advantage of by the grassland. As long as
Prescribe the right medicine and don't worry if Qin Kai doesn't obey.
Facts have proved that Zhang Qigong is quite accurate in judging people.
A few days later, when Zhang Qigong met Qin Kai and expressed to the latter Wei Wang Zhao Run's intention to recruit him, Qin Kai hesitated for a moment and nodded in agreement.
However, Qin Kai also put forward his request, that is, to guard the northern border of South Korea, whether for South Korea, for Wei, or for the entire Central Plains.
Of course, Zhang Qigong would not refuse this condition proposed by Qin Kai.
You must know that border wars have always been a worry for South Korea. If there were no Linhu, Donghu, Xiongnu, Loufan, Chidi, Baidi and other grassland peoples to contain South Korea's border troops, South Korea might not be as good as Qi.
Defeated in the war for dominance of the Central Plains.
Nowadays, South Korea exists in name only, and may be gradually annexed by the Wei State in the near future. Then, the military troubles in the north will naturally become the top priority of the Wei State.
If famous generals like Qin Kai were stationed on the northern border, Wei would be able to focus more on its internal wars with other countries in the Central Plains.
On the same day, under Zhang Qigong's suggestion, Qin Kaisui wrote a letter expressing his allegiance to the State of Wei and to King Zhao Run of Wei, and entrusted Zhang Qigong to take it back to the State of Wei and hand it over to King Zhao Run of Wei.
Although this letter of allegiance, which was like a 'contract', seemed unstable at first glance, Zhang Qigong didn't care.
After all, Yanmen Guardsman Li Mu has learned from the past, and I believe Qin Kai will never try similar behavior again - no matter what his real thoughts are, as long as he guards the border, the grassland aliens will not dare to invade the Central Plains. In Zhang Qigong's view, this
That's enough.
The next day, Zhang Qigong left Yuyang under Qin Kai's escort and went straight to "Haiyang" in Beiyan County to visit Julu to guard Yan Crepe.
Yan Kui is an amazing person. During the Wei-Korean War, he led his Julu Navy to destroy at least twenty warships of the Huling Navy of Wei State. Even the Tiger warship was destroyed.
There were six or seven ships. In the situation where the strength of the naval forces of Wei and South Korea was very different, Yan Kui was able to inflict such heavy damage on the Huling navy, which fully shows this person's ability in water battles.
More importantly, Yan Kuang was not only good at commanding water battles, but he was also a county guard who knew how to govern the people. The former Julu County was well managed by Yan Kuang.
It is different from the system of the Wei State. Yan Kui, Li Mu, Qin Kai, Le Yi, including the former Shanggu Shou Ma She, are all generals with both civil and military skills. Compared with Wei's Jiang Bi, Wu Ji, Zhao Jiang,
Generals like Pang Huan, who only know how to fight, are much more talented. It seems that only Wei Ji, Sima An, Shao Hu and others can be compared with these Beiyuan generals.
According to the information gathered by the Black Crows, Julu Shou Yanju is currently living in seclusion at the port of Haiyang County. In addition to Yanju himself, the remnants of the Julu navy under his command are also stationed here.
It turned out that after Wei generals Li Ji, Cai Qinhu, Zhou Kui and others led the Huling navy to attack Qi again, Yan Kui secretly came to Haiyang with the remaining navy under his command.
As for the purpose, maybe Yan Que himself was quite confused. After all, Zhang Qigong and Yuanyi Marquis Han Pu had already supported Han Yi to ascend the throne and announced to the whole country to stop the Wei-Korean war. After learning about this, Yan Que was probably a little confused.
measures.
Generally speaking, the meeting between Zhang Qigong and Yan Kui was quite peaceful. Although Yan Kui may have all kinds of resentment towards Wei, considering that his family members are all in Jicheng - originally in Julu, but Le Yi
Withdrawing
When he arrived at Shanggu County, he brought Yan Kui's family to Jicheng - and Jicheng was actually under the control of the Wei State at present. Yan Kui did not dare to offend Zhang Qigong too much. At most, he made some sarcastic remarks during the conversation.
But unfortunately, people like Zhang Qigong, how can they take these ordinary ironies to heart? As long as the goal is achieved, even if Yan Kui spits in Zhang Qigong's face, I believe this poisonous man can still act as if nothing has happened.
Do it yourself.
Having said that, recruiting Yan Creation is much more difficult than recruiting Qin Kai, but Zhang Qigong also has a way. He used the incident of "Yanmen Guardian Li Mu and his son were forced to commit suicide" as an example to persuade Yan Creation and completely smash it.
Yan Cree's only glimmer of hope for this country.
It has to be said that after learning about Yanmen Shou Li Mu's actions in trying to help the country and being forced to commit suicide in the end, Julu Shou Yanju was both shocked and emotional.
He said sarcastically with some emotion: "Isn't this a conspiracy of your Wei people?"
Zhang Qigong did not deny it, and said with a chuckle: "This is not a conspiracy, but a conspiracy. The so-called conspiracy means conforming to the general trend and designing according to the situation, so that even if the other party knows it is a trick, it will be difficult to escape... So in this matter
, what is 'power'? It means people's minds!... Nobles and aristocratic families, in order to protect their own interests,
Refuse war; civilians also refuse war because they have suffered from war for many years. Everyone in Korea hopes to end the war, but Li Mu goes against the general trend, so he ends up like this... Therefore, it is not because we, the Wei people, forced him to die.
It was not Li Mu who was killed, but people at all levels of your country who forced Li Mu to death."
Yan Kui was silent when he heard this.
In fact, what Zhang Qigong said does have some truth: although it is true that he dedicated the poisonous trick to Han Wangyi, but without the cooperation of people from all walks of life in Korea, Zhang Qigong's mouth alone would not be enough.
Can Li Mu be successfully forced to death?
"That's why I will say "South Korea is dead", because in this huge country, only Li Mu is still fighting. What is incredible is that this hero who wants to save the country is in turn killed by the very person he wants to save.
I was driven to death, General Yan Kui... Isn't this far more ironic than the words you just satirized?" Zhang Qigong said with a smile.
"..."
Julu Shou Yanju glanced at Zhang Qigong and didn't know what to say.
Because as Zhang Qigong said, since Han Wangran and Lihou Han Wu passed away one after another, it seems that only Li Mu is still fighting in the whole country of Korea - including him, Yan Cree. Although he led the remnant troops to station in Haiyang County, he only lamented the ups and downs of the national destiny.
, and never thought of calling on the people of Beiyan County to unite to help the country.
This may also be because deep down in Yan Que's heart, this country cannot be saved.
There may have been a glimmer of hope before that, but with the death of Yanmen Shou Li Mu, this last glimmer of hope was gone.
"Good birds choose trees to roost in. I believe that General Yan Kui also feels that the current monarch of your country, Han Yi, is just a puppet, so he does not want to assist. However, I, the monarch of the Wei Dynasty, I believe he is a hero worthy of General Yan Kui's assistance."
?...That is a man who is open-minded and tolerant of all people
A wise monarch, Zhang firmly believes that even if our great Wei Dynasty annexes your country one day, our monarch will treat the Koreans as his subjects... In both public and private matters, Zhang really can't think of any reason for General Yan to refuse.
Recruitment of the monarch of our country." Zhang Qigong said righteously.
"..." Yan Kui was left speechless.
Because as Zhang Qigong said, the monarch of Wei State, Zhao Run, was an open-minded and virtuous monarch who treated all people equally. Not to mention the current monarch of South Korea, Han Yi, even Han Wangran may not be as good as Zhao Run. Therefore,
, Wei's annexation of South Korea may not be harmful to the vast majority of Koreans.
This is public.
Personally speaking, the monarch of Wei, Zhao Run, is also a very charismatic monarch. Although there are rumors that King Zhao Run of Wei has a domineering personality, anyone who has met this monarch of Wei knows that the monarch of Wei has a very personal personality.
Hegemony is basically only directed at enemies. As for his treatment of his ministers, this monarch has always been approachable, especially when it comes to the people under his rule. It can be said that he is protecting his shortcomings.
Although excessive protection of shortcomings is not worth advocating, it actually shows that Zhao Run, the monarch of Wei, truly regarded the people under his rule as his subjects.
In addition, Zhang Qigong conveyed the promise of King Zhao Run of Wei, that is, the treatment promised to him by Yan Que. As Zhang Qigong said, even Yan Que could not think of any reason to refuse this goodwill - Korea was destined to fall, and Korea was destined to fall.
The people will not be persecuted by Wei for this reason. In this case, why can't they take refuge in Wei and display their talents under that monarch?
But when he thought of Han Wangran and Lihou Han Wu, Yan Kuai still had some hesitation in his heart.
He suddenly asked: "Captain Zhang Xu Yan can re-build a powerful naval force in the future. Is it because your country will fight with Qi and Chu in the future to retaliate against the coalition forces of other countries for attacking Wei?"
Zhang Qigong thought for a moment, then shook his head and said: "It's not revenge, but our monarch believes that the reason why there are frequent wars in the Central Plains is that there are many countries. In the past ten years, including my own country, including the Wei Dynasty, wars have continued.
The people have all been harmed by the war. Therefore, in order to completely eradicate the war, our monarch wants to unify the Central Plains so that there will be no more disputes within the Central Plains."
As he spoke, he endured the discomfort and unhappiness in his heart and told Yan Kui the "great unification" ideas of Jie Ziu and Gong Yang Hao, and Yan Kui was in awe.
"To end war with war...?"
Julu Yankui murmured to himself, then hesitated and said: "Please...please allow Yankui to think about it."
Zhang Qigong didn't care. He nodded and said: "General, please think about it. If the general is willing to contribute to ending the war in the Central Plains, so that our Central Plains will no longer have internal conflicts, the general may wish to go to Luoyang, the royal city of the Wei Dynasty. I believe
, if the monarch of our country learns that General Yan Kui has defected, he will definitely go out to greet him personally."
"Master Zhang said something serious..."
After changing his bad attitude towards Zhang Qigong, Julu Shouyan said in a sultry tone.
After bidding farewell to Yan Cree that day, Zhang Qigong set off east again the next day, heading for "Yang Le".
Although Yan Kui's attitude was not friendly at first, Zhang Qigong believed that he had persuaded the general.
The only one left is Le Yi.
When he thought of Le Yi, Zhang Qigong felt a little guilty in his heart.
The reason is very simple, because it was he who devised a poisonous trick to kill Duke Zhuang Han Geng, thus driving a wedge between Li Hou Han Wu and Le Yi.
Going to Yangle this time, Zhang Qigong couldn't help but worry whether he would be killed by Le Yi.
However, considering that Le Yi was the one targeted by Wei King Zhao Run, Zhang Qigong finally went to Yang Le and sent a greeting letter to Le Yi's residence.
Sure enough, Zhang Qigong's alienation plan that day was not hidden from Le Yi's eyes and ears, so that after seeing Le Yi, the latter's first sentence was to ask about Zhang Qigong's alienation plan that day: "Mr. Zhang planned it in the first place. , to drive a wedge between Li Hou Han Wu and Le Mou?"
"Yes." Zhang Qigong said bravely.
"Duke Zhuang, was he also harmed by Mr. Zhang's men?"
"Uh... yes." Zhang Qigong admitted bravely, and immediately, before Le Yi could get angry, he said, "General Le, forgive me, it's really..."
However, before he finished speaking, he was interrupted by Le Yi raising his hand: "Le can surrender to Wei, but I have a condition."
Even Zhang Qigong did not expect that Le Yi, who was supposed to be the most difficult to persuade, would agree so readily.
He quickly said: "I wonder what the general wants?"
Le Yi glanced at Zhang Qigong and said with an indifferent expression: "The previous battle was related to the survival of the two countries. Le can understand Mr. Le's unscrupulous measures. Although Mr. Le wanted to kill Mr. Zhuang to avenge him, but I am afraid that this will implicate the crown prince... Since the Wei Kingdom has become a major trend now and we cannot resist it, Le Mou only asks Mr. Le to find a way for the crown prince to obtain a title and grant him a rich fiefdom. Le Yi is willing to be the king of Wei drive."
"The prince...could he be Duke Zhuang's son?" Zhang Qigong asked cautiously.
Le Yi nodded indifferently and asked, "I wonder if you agree, sir?"
"This is easy." Zhang Qigong nodded quickly.
With a piece of fiefdom, you can exchange for a famous general like Le Yi to be used by the Wei State. This is simply a huge bargain.
He looked at Le Yi with some surprise. He was also the calmest and most skilled commander in Korea, but the attitudes of Le Yi and Yanmen Guard Li Mu were completely different.
As if he had seen through Zhang Qigong's thoughts, Le Yi said calmly: "When Han Wu, the Marquis of Li, dismissed me from my military post, I had done my best to the royal family. Now the only people I can't let go of are the descendants of Duke Zhuang... Ruo Wei The king is willing to grant him wealth and honor, and Le is willing to be driven by the state of Wei."
"It makes sense." Zhang Qigong nodded in approval.
In the summer and autumn of the third year of Wei Zhaowu, Wei envoy Zhang Qigong successfully persuaded three famous Korean generals, Qin Kai, Yan Kui and Le Yi, to surrender.
His deputy Bei Gongyu also persuaded Xu Li, Sima Shang, Jin Mao, Gong Zhongpeng, Tian Ling and other generals, but Bao Yuan politely refused Bei Gongyu's persuasion because of the recurrence of his leg injury.
But no matter what, the trip went very smoothly. Even Zhang Qigong himself did not expect that the trip would go so smoothly.
He speculated that the incident of "Li Mu, the guard of Yanmen, devoted himself to saving the country but was forced to death by his countrymen" had a heavy blow to the faith of these generals and made them completely give up on saving the country.
Because it's simply impossible to do.
In the late autumn of the third year of Wei Zhaowu, Zhang Qigong set off again to return to Wei.
At this time, Wei State was still fighting to the death with Qin's army, and they were in a stalemate.