"Shaomo Wuwan, in Xianbei, was converted to his species." [Three Kingdoms·Volume 30]
Zhang He was ordered to attack north and captured Yixian County as expected. Yuan Xi and others had already fled to Zhuoxian County. Zhang Liao wanted to take advantage of the victory to pursue them and completely attack them in one go, but was stopped by Fazheng in time.
"After Yuan Xi's defeat, the people of Youzhou were in panic. We might as well station our army in Yi County temporarily to observe the changes." Fa Zheng's suggestion was very suitable for Zhang Liao's current situation. It would be better if he could capture Youzhou without any bloodshed.
, if not, then it will cost a lot to continue to conquer Yuan Xi.
"Indeed." Zhang Liao said in agreement: "I heard that when Liu Gong entered Youzhou, the powerful people in Yan responded one after another, and those who raised troops gathered in large numbers. At present, there are still righteous people in Youbeiping, Yuyang and other counties resisting the Yuan family, which is clear evidence. Today our army is taking advantage of
After victory, how can anyone be far inferior to Liu Gong's prestige at that time?"
They said they wanted to give Youzhou's powerful men a chance to show off, and cut off Yuan Xi's head to offer it as a sacrifice. In fact, Zhang Liao and Fazheng knew in their hearts that they had crossed the entire Jizhou to reach Yan, and now the emperor was gathering an army to besiege him.
In Nanpi, the supply of grain and grass naturally has a priority. After obtaining the few grains from the high officials in the river, Zhang Liao was able to move his troops one step forward and stationed them in Yi County to form a deterrent to Youzhou.
Of course, Zhang Liao's lack of food and grass at this time was still a secret. In the eyes of outsiders, the imperial court was victorious in all battles and was invincible. The Yuan family, who was at the height of their power, was about to be wiped out. Under such circumstances, who would continue with all their heart?
Working for the Yuan family? Youzhou has only been in the hands of Yuan Shao for a year or two, and has not been in business for too long. Before Yuan Xi was defeated, there were already people who cooperated with Liu Yu to rebel. At this time, Yuan Xi returned from a disastrous defeat, and there were even more people.
My thoughts started to change.
Sun Li, a native of Rongcheng, Zhuo County, is one of them. He was persecuted by Gongsun Zan in his early years for hiding Wen Hui and others. When Yuan Shao defeated Gongsun Zan, he also raised troops to respond, but he could distinguish between strong and weak in his heart. Under Zhang Liao's leadership
When the soldiers pursued Yuan Xi to Yixian County, Sun Li knew that the opportunity to retaliate had come. He immediately invited his friend Ma Tai from the same hometown and said: "Back then, the orphans of Lord Lu and Lord Wen were protected by me. Now, the two of them are under my protection."
They have all been appointed as secretaries to serve Your Majesty. With this relationship, how can we sit back and ignore the fact that Yuan's roots are broken and trees are broken?"
Ma Tai was a chivalrous and righteous person, and always followed Sun Li's orders. At this time, Sun Li's words came naturally: "What Deda said makes sense. I heard that Zhao Du and Huo Nu in Gu'an County have already started to start trouble. As long as
If we raise our troops and coordinate with them, the situation in Zhuo County will be overturned immediately!"
Sun Li was having this intention, and he immediately raised his palm and praised him. The two men immediately recruited troops and heroes. Without further ado, they raised an army that night anyway. When Han Heng, the keeper of Youzhou, heard about this, he volunteered to lead more than a thousand troops to attack.
He is a powerful family in Youzhou, famous for his filial piety, and has been serving Yuan Xi since he was conquered. He thought that with his fame, he could easily convince Sun Li and others to stop the rebellion. Unexpectedly, after arriving at the city, Sun Li and Ma Tai
Set up an ambush and capture him.
Seeing that Han Heng was a famous scholar in Youzhou, Sun Li did not dare to harm him, so he persuaded him personally: "I heard that the young master is in Zhuo County. There are only a few thousand soldiers like Hu Han, and his generals are no more than Yan Rou and Zhang Nan. Even counselors like Han
I also captured him for me. The Yuan family went against heaven, so their defeat was not God’s will. Han Gong already knew the fate of heaven at his age, so why didn’t he surrender to the imperial court with me? In this life and death, he would be worthy of being a minister of the Han Dynasty!"
Han Heng lowered his head and refused, and said stubbornly: "I have received great kindness from Mr. Yuan and his son, but now it is in ruins. Wisdom cannot save it, courage cannot die, and there is a gap in justice. If I surrender to another master, it is beyond my power.
!”
Ma Tai cursed in a low voice from the side: "How can the Yuan family be compared with the emperor of the Han Dynasty? You are really an old fool."
"This is the righteousness of a monarch and his ministers." Sun Li didn't feel anything was wrong with this. On the contrary, he admired Han Heng's integrity. Not only did he not put Han Heng in prison, but he took good care of him and left it to Zhang Liao and others to deal with.
After Sun Li initiated the uprising, Zhao Du, Huo Nu and others from Zhuo County and Gu'an County also followed closely. For a time, Zhuo County was in flames, and Guangyang, Yuyang and other counties also launched another rebellion. This time the rebellion was strong
It was far bigger than when Liu Yu entered Yan again, because at that time the imperial court had not completely defeated the Yuan family, and many powerful people were waiting and watching. Now that the Yuan family's life is hanging by a thread, the thoughts of different families are naturally different.
Yuan Xi originally wanted to flee to Youzhou Prefecture to rule Jixian County, trying to use Youzhou as a final resistance. However, when he arrived at Zhuoxian County, he was surrounded by enemies on all sides. Now he could not even go back to Jixian County. Yuan Xi was confused and could not make up his mind.
He had no choice but to ask Yan Rou for an idea: "Now that various places in Youzhou are rebelling against the banner, and Zhang Liao is watching eagerly in Yi County, our army is in real danger. Is there any good strategy for the general?"
Yan Rou was not a general of the Yuan family. The Wuhuan and Xianbei people he had befriended at the beginning wanted to retaliate against Gongsun Zan, so Yan Rou was the one to connect him and join forces with Yuan Shao to plot Youzhou. Later, Yuan Shao controlled the three states, echoing Yuan Shu's north and south.
Occupying half of the world. Yan Rou, considering her own interests, persuaded Wuhuan to borrow troops to stay in Hebei and serve Yuan Shao. He and the Yuan family had an advantageous alliance at the beginning, but now the building has collapsed, and Yuan Xi stupidly left Yan Rou
It's really funny to be your own person.
"I have been serving Duke Yuan for a short time. Now that I have suffered a big change, it is rare for the general to trust me!" Yan Rou had tears in her eyes and held Yuan Xi's hand tightly, looking very moved.
He winked quietly to the side. Seeing this, his younger brother Yan Zhi cleverly and quietly retreated from the tent.
"Although General Yan and I have not worked together for more than a year, we have known each other like old acquaintances for many years!" Yuan Xi did not notice the coldness passing through Yan Rou's eyes, and said honestly: "Last time Liu Yu led the army to attack
Yan Di, claims to take our lives. Why don’t you and I join forces and defeat the enemy with all our strength? With such a deep friendship, I should believe it!"
Only then did Yan Rou suddenly understand the reason why Yuan Xi blindly trusted him. The other party believed that Liu Yu was in the same situation when he came to crusade. He did not give up easily, and it is naturally the same now. But the situation at that time was that Liu Yu was selfishly deliberately trying to make up for the past.
Not wanting to save Gongsun Zan, she blamed Yan Rou for Gongsun Zan's death. She refused to accept surrender and threatened to kill Yan Rou to sacrifice Gongsun Zan. Only then did Yan Rou give up the idea of turning against Yuan Zan and fight with Yuan Rou.
The Xi coalition forces defeated Liu Yu.
Now Liu Yu was neglected by the Han emperor because of his defeat and went to Jiedu Pavilion to organize the sacrifices at the ancestral cemetery of Emperor Xiaoling. The person in charge of the war in Youzhou belonged to Zhang Liao, who had nothing to do with Gongsun Zan. Yan Rou believed that he had enough
It is certain that Zhang Liao can be accepted, provided that he only needs to provide one person's head...
"There is no other way now. Zhang Liao is so powerful that we can only stay away from the enemy for the time being!" Yan Rou grabbed Yuan Xi's hand tightly and led him to the main position: "Although Yuyang and other places are inaccessible,
, but we can go north out of the Great Wall, go east along the Great Wall, and reach Liaodong. As long as Liaodong Gongsundu is willing to accept him and lend him a large ship, our army can cross the sea to Qingzhou, harass the enemy's rear, and respond to Nanpi Gong Yuan in a roundabout way."
Yuan Xi was stunned by this statement. He thought Yan Rou was the one comforting him. To get Gongsun Du's consent, he had to cross the sea and harass the enemy's rear. The variables here were too great. But fortunately
The road out of the Great Wall from the north is still feasible. As long as Gongsun Du understands the principle of lips dying and teeth cold, he will probably accept him. This can be regarded as a way to stay.
"Okay, okay, just do what the general said!" Yuan Xi still retained his rationality and said: "If it weren't for the rebellion by Yuyang, Guangyang and other counties, our army could have gone east to Yuyang, so why go far away to Juyong?
?”
Yan Rou laughed in her heart, but said: "Yes, although there are many tribes in Yuyang and other places, the soldiers and horses are not good. If you are lucky, you might as well lead the army to fight in Jixian first to test the strength and weakness, and then make a decision."
...By the way, I remember that General Zhang has been to Yuyang. Is it possible that the young master has brought him here so that he can ask questions?"
"Zhang Nan?" The only person Yuan Xi could rely on since Jiao Chu's death was Zhang Nan. At this time, the situation was unstable, and he took Zhang Nan with him all the time: "Of course it's coming.
Outside the account..."
Before he finished speaking, several exclamations suddenly came from outside the tent. Yuan Xi listened carefully and realized that it was Zhang Nan's voice. Before he could speak, Zhang Nan was kicked in from outside the tent by Yan Zhi and joined him.
Also coming in were dozens of Wuhuan warriors with rough looks and tall bodies.
Yan Rou nodded to his younger brother. They had been through many adversities together. Many times, they could understand each other's intentions with just one look. It was the same this time. While Yan Rou was talking to Yuan Xi, Yan Zhi went out to gather people close to him.
The Wuhuan people captured Zhang Nan and others who only brought a group of personal guards.
"You, you want to murder me?" Yuan Xi was shocked and angry. After calming down, he felt deeply ashamed: "It's useless for me to trust you so much!"
"Young Master Yuan." Yan Rou put one hand on the hilt of the sword at her waist, leaned over and patted Yuan Xi's shoulder, and said in a friendly manner as an elder: "My two brothers were once killed by Karasuma, the Xianbei tribe, when they were young.
I was taken prisoner and turned into a shepherd slave, without enough food or clothing to keep me warm every day... But do you know how I gained their trust and became their guest of honor?"
"Why?" Yuan Xi had a gloomy face, resisting the urge to jump up and run away, and sat alone on the table.
"That's because I know how to do business." Yan Rou recalled the past and said slowly: "I know how to help the Wuhuan and Xianbei people who can't do arithmetic to sell their cattle and sheep at a good price, so I accumulated a lot of money in the tribe.
I gained a lot of fame, and they began to treat me as a friend. Then I used myself as a businessman, and used them to kill Xing Ju, the captain of Karasuma, and replace him, so as to facilitate the trade between Hu and Han. Finally, I used them as cattle.
Like a sheep, I did business with Mr. Yuan, your grandson, and was able to lead his troops into the North. Now, you, my lord..."
"So it's your turn to treat me like a cow and a sheep to do business with Zhang Liao?" Yuan Xi sneered: "You are really a businessman."
"If Liu Yu is still reused in the North, I may not be able to sell it for a price, but now..." Yan Rou said in a low voice. He suddenly stopped talking and glanced at Yuan Xi unexpectedly: "You
It’s quite calm.”
"The matter has come to this, and I have nothing to say." After Yuan Xi knew that he believed in the wrong person, he completely accepted his fate and did not resist at this time. After speaking, he closed his eyes slightly.
Yan Rou was slightly moved. He originally wanted to cut off Yuan Xi's head and give it to Zhang Liao just to be on the safe side, but now he couldn't help but change his mind. He even remembered that at that time, this man and Zhang He surrounded Yi Jing, and then joined forces with him.
Among the deeds of defeating Liu Yu, there is no shortage of this man's wisdom and bravery. Yan Rou whispered regretfully: "It would be great if all the Yuan family members were like you!"
After Zhang Liao, Zhang He and other generals led their troops directly into Zhuojun, they quickly contacted Sun Li, Zhao Du and others. The armies met in Dukang, which not only brought Zhang Liao a source of troops, but also provided some food and grass from Youzhou's powerful men.
Zhang Liao said to Fazheng in surprise: "I didn't expect that Youzhou still has corn reserves after Gongsun and Yuan clan cut it off! Liu Gong used generous benefits in Youzhou and enriched the people. It seems to be very effective."
Fazheng raised his eyebrows and said: "Mr. Liu is generous and generous. He is indeed a wealthy man... Is it right to govern alone? General Zhang should be careful about what he says and don't let others listen to him."
Zhang Liao immediately understood. He thought that Fazheng was implying that Liu Yu was in a bad situation, and that he should not say any favorable words for him. So he did not say anything else, but called everyone to arrange the deployment. Qian Zhao led his cavalry to detour to
Liangxiang, cut off Zhuoxian's retreat to the north, and ordered Sun Li and others to garrison Yangxiang and contact the rebels in Yuyang and other places. He took Zhang He and other infantry and cavalry and continued to advance towards Zhuoxian. His arrangement was still to provide
Zhuoxian exerted pressure to achieve the goal of defeating the enemy without fighting.
Sure enough, not long after the army left Dukang, chaos broke out in Zhuo County. Yan Rou launched a mutiny and captured Yuan Xi and Zhang Nan alive and surrendered anyway.
Zhang Liao was so happy that he conquered half of Youzhou without a single battle. While sending a message to report his victory, he officially led his army to Ji County and assigned Zhang He, Qian Zhao and other generals to garrison Youbeiping, Shanggu and other counties.
News that the situation in Youzhou was settled soon spread to Nanpi, and the emperor summoned Wang Duan twice to talk about the situation in Youzhou: "Yan Rou has been in Hu for many years and has not forgotten the Han Dynasty. Since he has made meritorious deeds, he might as well
He served as the Colonel of Wu Wan. However, Liu Gong reported several times that he was a man with a bad heart. He took advantage of the opportunity to join the bandits, killed Gongsun and surrendered to Yuan, and captured Yuan Xi to surrender to the court. He should not be credulous... What do you think?"
Wang Duan thought for a while and said cautiously: "I am not familiar with the land of Yan, so I dare not make any unreasonable comments. I just think that Liu Gong has ruled Youzhou for many years, and he should have his own opinions on the situation between Hu and Han both inside and outside the Great Wall.
Perhaps there is some truth in his statement that Yan Rou should not be trusted."
"It makes sense, but why does Mr. Liu have to be at odds with Yan Rou, and even become the same as Yan Rou? Do you know the reason?" the emperor asked.
Wang Duan did not dare to evade anymore and said hesitantly: "Is it because of Jihou?"
"This is just one of them." The emperor waved his hand. Compared with Wang Fu, Wang Duan was more low-key and humble, neither ostentatious nor presumptuous. If he was just an ordinary official with no background and no outstanding abilities, I'm afraid he would
He could never get ahead in his life. But fortunately, Wang Duan had his special identity. His shortcomings and deficiencies also became strengths and weaknesses in the eyes of the emperor: "There is another place, Wuhuan and Xianbei outside the Great Wall."
Wang Duan immediately realized that there was only one Liaodong left in Youzhou that had not surrendered, but Liaodong was too far away. The court was currently focused on the war in Nanpi and was beyond reach of Liaodong. It is expected that the cultivation strategy would be implemented in Youzhou for a long time. In this case,
Then we must show mercy to the Wuhuan, Xianbei and other tribes inside and outside Youzhou.
Speaking of Huairou, both Liu Yu and Yan Rou have experience and ability in this area. Liu Yu hopes to use this to reverse the decline, and Yan Rou hopes to use this to gain a foothold in the court, perhaps to protect herself from the invaders. That's why Liu Yu targeted Yan Rou.
position, and Yan Rou has also actively moved closer to Zhang Liao since she was rectified.
"What would you do if you were the governor of Shanggu?"