The choice given by Pei Yue was naturally not without purpose.

Tiancang River is the natural chasm that separates Daliang and Nanzhou. Most of the water areas are under the control of Nanzhou Navy. Only one section of the river is always in the hands of Daliang Navy. That is the second point mentioned by Pei Yue.

Among the two options, the water area between Wufeng Ferry and Shennu Ferry is about 80 miles long.

The water in this section of the river is gentle and the river surface is wide. The most powerful Dingzhou Navy water village in Daliang is located here.

The water village is built on the north bank, backed by Puqi, the second largest city in Dingzhou, and facing the three cities of Jiangling across the river. There are two pontoon bridges on the water connecting the north and south banks. Dingzhou Zhennan Camp can rush to Jiangling in a very short time. If it is discussed

The overall combat power of the Southern Zhou Dynasty was naturally far superior to that of Daliang. However, the Dingzhou Navy abandoned the thousands of miles of rivers and mobilized all its warships to guard the two pontoon bridges, and it never failed in ten years.

After Gu Liang captured Jiangling City, he spent all his energy to train an elite navy in the water village. He also gathered the power of Dingzhou, Sizhou and Yaozhou to build a batch of strong warships, which will be used by Dingzhou.

The state navy forged a small but refined sword. Although this sword could not fight the enemy in a battle on the long Cangjiang River, it was enough to defend the flat water area of ​​more than eighty miles.

Regardless of Fang Xiexiao, Xian Chunqiu, or the Emperor of the Southern Zhou Dynasty, they knew very well that the prerequisite for retaking the three cities of Jiangling was to cut off the support of the Liang Army on the north bank. The navy of the Southern Zhou Dynasty did not know how many ways they had thought of. They just relied on the flow of water and wind to use a large number of

Fire boats made no fewer than ten surprise attacks on Dingzhou's water village, but all failed.

Although this fact made the Southern Zhou Dynasty very depressed, the Dingzhou Navy and even the Liangnan Army were not easy, because the Southern Zhou Dynasty could fail countless times, but the Dingzhou Navy would be cut off from the three cities on the south bank as long as it failed once.

connect.

How long can the three isolated cities hold on with only 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers in the city without support from the rear?

Before Xu Ziping set out on his journey, the Emperor of the Southern Zhou Dynasty had many discussions with several close ministers, trying to guess the true intention of the Emperor of the Northern Liang Dynasty.

There should be no doubt that the other party is trying to gain benefits from Fang Yunhu. The key lies in what he wants and what he can give.

After detailed deliberation and analysis, the bottom line given to Xu Ziping by the Emperor of the Southern Zhou Dynasty was that he could give up the attack on the Dingzhou Water Village in Northern Liang, so as to calm the disputes between the two countries and establish a peaceful and friendly relationship.

At this moment, Pei Yue said it out. Xu Ziping was shocked and felt that this matter was particularly difficult.

Of course, the so-called bottom line cannot be handed over easily. It would be best if it could be settled with money.

Thinking of this, Xu Ziping cheered up and said calmly: "Pei Hou, the Tiancang River is the boundary between the two countries. Logically speaking, it is shared by both countries. How can there be an exclusive water area? However, since this trip is to conclude a treaty

The two countries have a friendly alliance and are willing to make some concessions. On behalf of His Majesty, I solemnly declare that our Navy will not take the initiative to launch offensives in the future."

Pei Yue looked at him indifferently and suddenly chuckled.

It is true that he is not good at quoting scriptures, but if he talks about negotiation alone, he may not be weaker than the learned people around him. In his previous life, he made a career from scratch. He has very rich experience in negotiating with others, and you can tell by listening to it.

I have already felt the opponent's pulse.

Xu Ziping's attitude is not firm, because Pei Yue adopts a progressive strategy to gradually reduce the other party's psychological resistance. In essence, it is still a routine of asking for money and paying back the money. In addition, behind him is Emperor Kaiping.

Unreserved support, so this battle without gunpowder has a huge disparity in strength.

To Xu Ziping's surprise, Pei Yue did not force him to express his position immediately. He only heard the young powerful man say calmly: "Master Xu, I will give you a few days to think about it. You can think about it carefully when you go back. Of course, even if you don't

Agree to my conditions, and I will also ensure the safety of everyone in your mission."

The implication is that if Xu Ziping does not agree, there will be no need to discuss anything later, including the marriage between the eldest prince and Princess Qinghe.

In fact, by now, Xu Ziping has noticed that he is mentally weak, mainly because Pei Yue has put too much pressure on him. Seeing that he is willing to postpone it, he can't help but feel relieved. This is not only the case for him, but also for many other Southern Zhou officials.

People look happy.

Pei Yue took in all these reactions, then acted as domineering as ever, got up and left without greeting anyone.

"Marquis Pei, please stay."

After walking out of the main hall, an urgent voice suddenly came from behind. Pei Yue turned around and saw Sheng Duanming, the Minister of Rites, chasing after him.

He asked expressionlessly: "What's the matter?"

Sheng Duanming looked at him with complicated eyes, suddenly raised his hands and forehead, bowed and saluted extremely solemnly, stood up and said again: "This official has a narrow vision and a shallow spirit. He has repeatedly slandered the character of Marquis Pei. Only today did he know that a true hero can be true to himself. He is like Marquis Pei.

Such talented people have risen to great heights. They are not only your Majesty’s discerning eye, but also God’s blessing to me.”

After saying this, he turned around and left without waiting for Pei Yue to respond. Although he was old, he could still straighten his back.

Pei Yue was stunned by his move and recalled what he said. This was the first time in his memory that he had won praise from a civil servant in person, especially such an upright and conservative veteran.

"Hey, this old man."

Pei Yue smiled and walked away from the post house.

Compared with the laughter after the party in Daliang, the atmosphere seemed extremely heavy after the Southern Zhou envoys returned to their residence.

Xu Ziping sat on the Taishi chair, took the handkerchief from Xu Churong, wiped the sweat on his forehead, and showed a wry smile involuntarily.

Although Xu Churong did not participate in today's negotiations, she already understood the detailed process. After seeing the embarrassment on her uncle's face, she said solemnly: "Uncle, the conditions offered by the north are too harsh."

Xu Ziping turned to look at her, shook his head and sighed: "What can I do?"

The initiative is in the hands of others. It would be fine if the other party is stupid. But from today's confrontation, it is obvious that Pei Yue is not as arrogant and powerful as he appears to be.

Xu Churong was silent for a moment and said slowly: "But now we have a lot of troubles in the north. Even if we don't agree, does the Northern Liang Emperor dare to send his troops south?"

Xu Ziping whispered: "Never underestimate our enemies."

Xu Churong recalled the impression Pei Yue had on her when they first met outside the city, and couldn't help but have a deeper understanding of this sentence. But she did not continue to persuade her because she knew that her uncle was extremely determined and it was impossible to get him to change his mind.

, it seems that the signing of this covenant is imperative, and the marriage of the princess sister is also...

She is not too impatient. Thanks to Xu Huiyan's words and deeds, this seemingly naughty and unruly girl has a calmness in her heart that outsiders don't know.

Even if she couldn't make it happen in Beiliang Kyoto, she would have many ways to ruin the marriage after returning to Jian'an City.

Xu Ziping didn't notice the change in his niece's expression, or he didn't even pay much attention to the negotiations now, because after Pei Yue pressed his bottom line, the follow-up things were just a process. What he was thinking about now was the relationship between the two countries.

In the future situation, there will be an endless supply of famous generals and talents in the north. Wang Pingzhang will not be mentioned for the moment. Before Gu Liang gets old, young people like Pei Yue have already stood on the high platform.

It’s a time when the storm surges and heroes emerge in large numbers.

However, the situation in the imperial court of the Great Zhou Dynasty was chaotic, the talents in the army were withering, Xian Chunqiu was already old, and only Fang Xie Xiao was left to support him independently.

As for the famous five tigers of the Fang family...

They obviously can't support the overall situation, and only Fang Yuntian, who leads the Pingjiang camp, can be regarded as a rough jade.

Xu Ziping could understand why many people in the country did not agree with the marriage. Even his cousin Xu Huiyan, the chief minister of the cabinet, did not publicly express his support. After all, in their view, the fate of the country was entrusted to a woman with a gentle temperament.

Isn't it an extremely ridiculous and shameful idea to expect Princess Qinghe to block the Northern Liang army?

However……

Xu Ziping took a long breath and his eyes became firm again.

As long as we can buy a few more years for Dazhou, there may not be no improvement in the future.
Chapter completed!