"Anyone who is on the battlefield first and waits for the enemy is lost, and whoever is behind the battlefield and rushes to fight is tired." [Sun Tzu·Xu Shi Chapter]
Bi Sheng didn't care about the pursuers behind him, and only wanted to return to Xiangping as soon as possible. As long as he returned to Xiangping, he could join hands with Gongsun Du to defend, and the war would have a chance to turn around. However, he hurriedly followed slowly, and finally ended up in Xiangping City. Shoushan, a few miles to the southwest, encountered Zhang Liao's ambush.
On one side were the tired and exhausted troops who had fled in a hurry, and on the other side were the elite soldiers who had noticed the movement in the rear while setting up camp and were waiting for work on the first mountain. The war was one-sided from the beginning. Bi Sheng was unable to fight anymore, and pursued him from behind. Cheng Pu, who was reluctant to give up, also came to kill him at this time. He could only fight and retreat. Finally, he was tripped on horseback and captured alive.
After Zhang Liao learned about what happened at the Liao Tunnel from Cheng Pu, a trace of displeasure flashed across his face. Xu Miao, the chief secretary at his side, said coldly: "Zhang Junyi is too adventurous. The general entrusted him with such an important place as the Liao Tunnel." , he should be prudent in everything and drag Bi Sheng and other soldiers and horses to the ground. But he made a rash plan. This time, fortunately, the general Yingrui always paid attention to the movements behind him, so he got the upper hand and set up an ambush to win. Otherwise... Zhang Junyi The crime is not small!"
"This man has always been prudent, but he also has some clever tricks. If something goes wrong, I will definitely deal with him, but now I have won..." Zhang Liao muttered, and glanced at Cheng Pu, who had contributed a lot in this battle, and said slowly. : "It's not bad at damaging morale."
Xu Miao didn't say anything.
After the victory at Shoushan, no one in Liaodong except Xiangping, where Gongsun Du was guarding, could pose a threat to Zhang Liao. After the army rested, Zhang Liao's troops approached Xiangping City. Gongsun Du was shocked when he learned about it. He thought about taking the city and defending it, because based on his understanding of the climate in Liaodong, spring would start soon. By then, the spring rain would be continuous, the Liao River would swell, and Liao Ze would become a vast ocean, and Zhang Liao would be unable to advance or retreat.
At this time, he might be able to wait for reinforcements from Lelang...
However, Taishi Ci from Fanhan broke his illusion. As the letter of surrender written by his cronies in Lelang was shot into the city, Gongsun Du no longer had any illusions about the situation, and chose to abandon the city and flee north late one night. , trying to escape to Goguryeo through Xuantu County.
After Zhang Liao learned about this, instead of getting angry, he calmly arranged for the army to march into Xiangping, seal off the Liaodong County map list, appease the people, and detain Gongsun Du's subordinates who were helping the evil.
Han Dang, Zhang Heng, and Jiang Xu realized that Zhang Liao had no intention of pursuing them, so they rushed over to ask for a fight. At this time, Zhang Liao was at the place where the gods of society were worshiped in Yanli in the city, watching a large tree that the locals said had grown "overnight". Stone.
This stone is more than ten feet long, with three small stones as its feet underneath, like a tripod. At that time, some people said that this stone looked like the crown stone of Emperor Xiaoxuan, and this was a place where the gods of society were worshipped, so I agreed. , flattering Gongsun Du will conquer the world.
Now Zhang Liao is standing next to this huge stone, reaching out to pat this stone that is taller than a man. He asked Wen Hui, Xu Miao and others around him with interest: "Now that I think about it, some of the prophecies are inaccurate. .Not to mention whether this stone grew overnight, but no matter how majestic it is, it still cannot save Gongsun Du’s family name?”
"Maybe in other words." From the corner of his eye, Xu Miao caught a glimpse of Han Dang, who was impatient. Seeing Zhang Liao looking at the boulder as if he hadn't seen it, he followed the other person's words and said: "The stone standing here is not a sign. For Gongsun, it is a sign that the imperial court will establish a foundation in Liaodong, just like when Emperor Xiaowu destroyed the Wei family and opened four counties."
"What a coincidence." Zhang Liao applauded, stroking his palms, and looked at Wen Hui: "Emperor Xiaowu destroyed the Wei family, and now the country has destroyed Gongsun. Isn't it a sign from heaven? I have sent Taishi Ci to lead troops to Lelang.
This time it is time to take back the Zhenfan and establish the two counties of Lintun, and then destroy the three Koreans there. Please ask the imperial court to establish new counties or vassal states."
Xu Miao knew that Zhang Liao was stimulated by Xu Huang, Ju Jun and others to expand their territory in Nanzhong and Jiaozhou. Now that Xu Huang was about to be transferred to the imperial court, his reputation, title, and official position were all over Zhang Liao's.
On top of that, I heard that the imperial court has rebuilt Lin Pavilion and Yuntai, and plans to follow the previous example and hide the drawings of the new heroes in the White Tiger Palace. Why is Zhang Liao not in a hurry?
This is why Zhang Liao accepted Sima Yi's radical plan and chose to leave Liaodong before the weather thawed.
Hearing that Zhang Liao had arranged arrangements for Tai Shici in advance, Han Dang and others could no longer bear it. Among them, Zhang Heng, the captain of several schools, had the most direct temper. He was a native of Wuwei, Liangzhou. He had served as a palace minister next to the emperor in his early years.
Because of his merit, he was assigned as a school under Zhang Liao. Therefore, compared to the concerns of Han Dang, Cheng Pu and others, Zhang Heng actually said bluntly: "Since the general wants to take back the four counties, why did he ignore Xuan Tu?"
Zhang Liao seemed to have noticed someone coming next to him and glanced over there.
"Why don't you be polite when you see the king?" Xu Miao frowned and scolded.
Seeing that the army secretary, Rong Hui, was also present, Zhang Heng did not dare to be rash, and bowed his fists honestly, and then said: "Your Majesty, Xuantu is also the hometown of my Han family. Now Gongsun Du's remnant army has fled here. General
You only want to let people recover Lelang and other counties, why not let us chase the remaining soldiers and achieve the full success?"
"The army rushed thousands of miles and finally captured Xiangping. How can we use the army again when we are waiting for rest?" Zhang Liao said with a lesson: "At the end of the powerful crossbow, the force cannot penetrate Lu Zhen. You must learn more about the art of war. The same is true.
I know about the cavalry, why did I ask Qian to lead the Hu cavalry on the march this time, instead of you?"
Zhang Heng's face turned red, but he did not dare to refute. He kept looking to the side. Jiang Jiong beside him was also from Liangzhou. Why didn't Zhang Liao talk about him?
"The same goes for you." Zhang Liao was not polite, followed Zhang Heng's gaze, and said reproachfully: "I thought you were more stable than others, but clinker is also so unbearable. You don't know that at this time of year, the spring flood will
Is it coming? What’s more, Qianzhao worked hard to lead Wuwan, Xianbei and other Hu cavalry to march a long distance, how can we not give him a chance to fight? "
Others heard a hint of meaning in Zhang Liao's words, as if he wanted to give Qianzhao a chance to make meritorious deeds, so that he would appear impartial as a general. Jiang Ji nodded secretly, thinking that he had learned from this.
However, Xu Miao and Wen Hui, who had been following Zhang Liao, heard another meaning. The tribes behind Hu Qi led by Qian Zhao had each received rewards from the court. After taking the money, they had to work hard and work hard. Although at the moment
The battle in Liaodong went smoothly unexpectedly, but in order to weaken the Hu tribe outside the Great Wall, Zhang Liao still wanted Gongsun Du to lead the remaining soldiers and the Hu cavalry led by Lian Zhao to fight to the death for a while.
Zhang Liao silently observed the expressions of these people. Secretly, no one among these people knew his true intentions, and it would be difficult for him to take charge of them alone in the future. Maybe Qianzhao and Taishi Ci could know his intentions, but as for Zhang He...
I'm afraid he is thinking as far ahead as himself.
The composition of the generals under Zhang Liao is complicated, including former generals of Yuan Shao, local generals from Youzhou, and confidants directly sent by the emperor. Over the years, he has relied on his personal prestige to barely conquer all forces, but some people still have their own thoughts.
, believes that Zhang Liao was biased. For example, Zhang He's actions in the Liao Tunnel this time were not because he was worried that he would not achieve great success, so he took the risk to lure the enemy?
He couldn't let such a sign appear, so he had to give up the pursuit at this time and give Qianzhao, who was also Yuan Shao's old general, a chance to perform meritorious deeds. This would let Zhang He know that he had no such intentions and give an explanation to the emperor.
After establishing a foothold in Xiangping, Zhang Liao ordered Zhang He's commander in the rear to recapture the counties south of Liaodong County, and then sent his army north to join him. At this time, Qianzhao, who had detoured from the Great Wall, hurriedly led the troops.
Thousands of fine cavalry captured Gaoxian County in the north of Xuantu County. Goguryeo, which Gongsun Du had expressed hope for, did not send reinforcements at this time. Instead, it betrayed the 'hero' who had conquered all ethnic groups in the Northeast and sent troops to follow the lead.
Attack Xuantu.
After Qianzhao learned about it, he did not stop him. He only led his own cavalry to guard the dangerous position, and allowed his Hu Qi and Goguryeo, Fuyu and other tribesmen to attack Xuantu.
Gongsundu watched the Goguryeo and other soldiers who had been conquered by him in the past gain the upper hand and beat the fallen dogs. He was filled with grief and anger. In the end, he gave birth to Yu Yong to supervise the troops to fight. With only the last few elite soldiers, he
They won many battles and killed Goguryeo, Buyeo and other armies until they lost their armor.
Just when Gongsun Du thought he had reversed the situation, he ran into Wu Wan, Xianbei and other barbarian cavalry. Gongsun Du lost his troops and generals, and finally fought his way out. Lian Zhao, who had gathered his strength, had already led his army out.
The troops are approaching the city.
Gongsun Du, who was completely at the end of his rope, no longer resisted and had no choice but to surrender.
After the victory news was sent out, Zhang Liao's army came belatedly and generously offered condolences to all the troops. Hu Qi, Fuyu, Goguryeo, etc., who were already afraid of Zhang Liao's reputation, saw this and consciously helped the battle for their merits, and came forward to ask for credit and rewards with a shameless face.
He comforted him with kind words and said that he would have to wait for the imperial edict to be issued before he could be rewarded together.
Afterwards, Zhang Liao called Qianzhao alone and said in a questioning tone: "Did you invite these soldiers and horses from Goguryeo and Fuyu?"
"Reporting back to the military lords, they heard that the heavenly troops of the imperial court were attacking Buchen, so they took the initiative to bring troops here." Qianzhao was shocked, and soon realized that if Zhang Liao really wanted to question him, there was no need to tell him in private, so he felt relieved.
, and added: "They are so enthusiastic that the general is reluctant to leave. He just wants to see if their soldiers and horses are strong, so he agreed."
Zhang Liao's face was still cold, and he continued: "Do you know that the soldiers and horses of Goguryeo and Fuyu have no military discipline and are plundering Han people in Xuantu?"
"Your Majesty, forgive me!" Qianzhao immediately knelt down, his expression unchanged, as if he already knew the situation: "The general was in the midst of using his troops at the time and had difficulty controlling himself, which is why he caused so much harm. I thought they were helping me because of their intentions.
Mu Tianwei, not only does he have such thoughts... The general is willing to ask the king for troops and go to conquer it himself!"
"Since you have already had such thoughts...what else do I have to worry about?" Zhang Liao said suggestively, waving his hand for the other party to stand up: "Just wait for the imperial edict."
In the spring of the eighth year of Jian'an.
Following a spring rain, the imperial edict was finally brought to Liaodong by envoys. Zhang Liao got his wish and was worshiped as General of the Northern Conquest and granted the title of Liangxiang Marquis; Zhang He was also granted the titles of General Pingdi, Taishi Ci, Qianzhao, and Huang Gai for his merits.
Everyone also has their own rewards.
Immediately afterwards, Gongsun Du and other guilty officials were executed on the spot, and the news spread to all the counties of Youzhou and the Goguryeo, Fuyu and other tribes. Not only did the Goguryeo and other tribes not get the long-awaited reward, but because Zhang Liao truthfully reported the truth, the Goguryeo and other tribes used the pretense of aid.
Name, carried out plunder, which aroused the emperor's dissatisfaction, and ordered Zhang He to preside over the conquest in Liaodong. By the way, he accepted Zhang Liao's opinion and planned to open new counties outside Liaodong.
Unexpectedly, Zhang He was finally able to lead an army on his own and made great contributions in Liaodong. He knew that his subordinate was Han Dang. After Cheng Pu and other generals, they understood who was behind this and helped him.
He was even more convinced of Sima Yi, who was already the captain of Diannong School in Liaodong.