The next morning, news of the Shen family’s treasure presentation spread throughout the city.
Many people have heard about Shen Wansan's two sacred stones, and they all thought it was normal when they learned that the Shen family wanted to present this treasure to the King of Chu.
However, both the Cai family and the Bian family found it strange that they had offered treasures to the King of Chu many times, but were always rejected. Could it be that the treasures they presented were not good enough?
In the middle of Sishi, new news came. The King of Chu was going to hold a ‘Sacred Stone Conference’ in the palace, and he was obviously very satisfied with this treasure.
In addition to civil and military officials, some prestigious celebrities, wealthy businessmen, and great scholars were also invited.
At noon, everyone arrived. Following Zhang Yangquan's order, four personal guards carried the sacred stone in and placed it in the center of the lobby.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the sacred stone, but it was a pity that the sacred stone was covered with red silk and could not see the true face of Mount Lu.
Shen Qianqian stood up from the table, walked to the sacred stone, took out a piece of jade Ruyi from his sleeve, and said: "Your Majesty, the God of Wealth still needs you to come and invite me in person!"
Zhang Yangquan nodded, stood up, came to the sacred stone, took the jade Ruyi, and opened the red silk on the sacred stone.
After the onlookers saw the sacred stone, they all exclaimed in exclamation. They were all obviously shocked by the appearance of the sacred stone.
Zhang Yangquan suddenly said: "In our hometown, the God of Wealth has to be lifted up to appear. Who can lift this God of Wealth for me?"
When everyone heard this, they were all stunned and whispered among themselves.
Cai Yuanwai whispered to his son: "Have you ever heard of this custom?"
Cai Heng whispered: "I haven't heard of it, but it seems that the king is not from Yangzhou. Maybe the customs are different from ours!"
At this moment, Chang Yuchun and Wang Da stood up almost at the same time and said in unison: "I am willing to lift you!"
Zhang Yangquan glanced at the two of them and said: "It seems that General Chang spoke first, so let General Chang lift it up for me!"
Everyone was talking in low voices again. This god was very heavy at first glance. How much effort does it take to lift it? Everyone looked like they were watching a good show.
Only Wang Da sat back gloomily and muttered in a low voice: "It was obviously me who spoke first."
Chang Yuchun walked up to the sacred stone, circled around it first, then rolled up his sleeves, held the bottom of the sacred stone with both hands, and roared.
"Ha!"
However, the sacred stone only shook, but was not lifted up.
Wang Da Teng stood up, his eyes flashing with eagerness.
He felt that he was stronger than Chang Yuchun. If Chang Yuchun couldn't lift it, but he could lift it, and if word spread about it, his reputation would skyrocket!
Seeing that Chang Yuchun was still exerting himself, with his face turning red from holding back, he hurriedly said: "General Chang, don't force yourself, be careful of getting hurt!"
Yu Tonghai touched Bian Yuanheng with his shoulder and whispered: "Brother Bian, if he can't lift it, you can try!"
Bian Yuanheng laughed and said: "General Chang's strength is about the same as mine. If he can't lift it, I probably won't be able to lift it either."
Yu Tonghai was about to say more when he suddenly heard Chang Yuchun roar again and finally lifted the stone statue of the God of Wealth.
Everyone cheered in unison: "Okay!"
With a "bang" sound, Chang Yuchun put the sacred stone back, panting and cupping his hands towards Zhang Yangquan: "Your Majesty, finally, I am lucky enough to live up to my command!"
Zhang Yangquan was secretly amused. He didn't expect such a rough person like Chang Yuchun to have such superb acting skills, so he patted him on the shoulder.
"Thank you for your hard work!"
Wang Da hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, I can lift it too!"
Zhang Yangquan waved his hand and said: "Raising the God of Wealth once is to invite him, raising him twice is to send him off. There is no need to raise it again!"
Wang Da was hit hard, and the opportunity to become famous was missed!
The conference continues.
Shen Qianqian told the origin of the god, Zhang Yangquan personally worshiped, and then invited the stone statue of the God of Wealth to the back house. At this point, the conference ended.
Under Zhang Yangquan's secret instructions, the news that Chang Yuchun was a man of spring power swept across the city like a wave.
Rumors emerged.
Some people say that when Chang Yuchun lifted the stone statue, the god suddenly appeared and spoke to the King of Chu.
Some people say that Chang Yuchun was unable to lift the statue of the God of Wealth at first, but then a burst of golden light flashed across his body and he transformed into Wuqu Xingjun, and then he lifted the stone statue of the God of Wealth.
When the news reached Hangzhou, the rumors became more and more outrageous. There was even a version that said that the statue flew into the air and became larger than the Prince of Chu's Mansion, almost destroying the Prince of Chu's Mansion.
Chang Yuchun turned into a ten-foot-tall golden-armored god and fought with the stone statue of the God of Wealth for 300 rounds, finally subduing the statue!
Of course Tamerlane would not believe these outrageous rumors. He had spies in Jiang and knew that Chang Yuchun had indeed raised the statue.
In fact, even if there is no spy, he still believes it, because he himself has the same stone statue of Wu Caishen.
The stone statue weighs less than 400 kilograms. His strong men can lift it, and the most powerful general in Jiangdu can naturally lift it.
What he cares about now is not whether Chang Yuchun can lift the statue, but the matter itself.
Three days ago, a monk from Lingyin Temple came to report that Yang Tongguan had secretly colluded with Jiangdu Army, and also provided a secret letter of collusion between the two parties.
The letter stated that Yang Tongguan had been persuaded by Yang Weizhen and secretly defected to Jiangdu Army.
In order to deceive others and protect Yang Weizhen, Yang Tongguan arrested Yang Weizhen.
Da Shi didn’t believe it at first.
However, the letter also stated that the two parties had agreed that as soon as news came from Jiangdu that a statue of the God of Wealth had been raised, Yang Tongguan would take action immediately.
The King of Chu hoped that Yang Tongguan would capture the thieves first, so he asked Yang Tongguan to visit Da Shi on the pretext of raising the god's stone statue.
While he was lifting the stone statue, he suddenly took action to kill Da Shi, then controlled Da Shi's troops and horses in one fell swoop, and dedicated the city of Hangzhou to Jiangdu's army.
Now the news of raising the statue has been transmitted, and it is exactly the same as what was written in the letter.
Of course, this may also be a forged letter by Jiang Dujun.
However, if Yang Tongguan really wants to come and lift the god stone statue as stated in the letter, then the authenticity of the letter will be completely proven!
This is not surprising. It is said that Zhang Yangquan admired Yang Tongguan very much when he was in Mopeng Bay and even spared his life. Now that Jiangdu's military is strong, it is logical for this man to seek refuge there.
Da Shi thought about it by putting himself in Yang Tongguan's shoes. If he were Yang Tongguan, he would definitely betray him, so he already believed in the authenticity of the letter.
It is daytime, but there is an oil lamp burning in the lobby. Dashi stands quietly in front of the lamp, stretches out a finger and moves it back and forth over the flame.
Suddenly, a black-armored general came to the lobby and said in a deep voice: "Master, Yang Tongguan is here!"
Da Shi took a deep breath, and the last trace of fantasy in his heart disappeared. He took out the informing letter from his sleeve and slowly moved it above the flame.
With a "chi" sound, the letter was instantly ignited.
"Go ahead as planned. This man is brave. As soon as he enters the courtyard, take action immediately. There is no need to talk nonsense with him!"
The black-armored general cupped his hands and said: "Yes!"
The letter quickly burned into flames, and Da Shi slowly walked back to the main seat and sat down.
Suddenly there was a faint sound of weapons outside the house, and then a strong wind blew in, and the candle flame went out with a "whoosh".
Da Shi's heart tightened, he stood up and walked slowly to the door.
But hearing the sound of armor, an armored soldier came running from a distance, it was his captain.
Seeing that he was covered in blood, Da Shi hurriedly asked: "Did you succeed?"
The captain of the personal soldiers looked pale and said: "Thieve Yang is really fierce. He was killed out of the province. General Fu Lu was also killed by him!"
Da Shi changed his expression and said: "You five hundred people, how can you not kill him?"
The captain of the soldiers smiled bitterly and said: "He brought a dozen followers, all of them brave men!"
Da Shi angrily yelled: "Useless trash, you..."
Suddenly, another guard came from a distance and said happily: "Master Xiang, a group of warrior monks suddenly rushed out near the province. They were all monks from Lingyin Temple and surrounded Yang Tongguan! Our people also took the opportunity to kill him.
All the followers have been killed and the bandit has been surrounded. He cannot escape!"
Da Shi laughed: "Great, the monks of Lingyin Temple are really loyal!" Just as he was about to go out to take a look, he suddenly saw a group of officials coming towards him.
"Your Excellency, Prime Minister Zuo, what's going on outside! What's going on?" The leading official is Xingtai Censor, Puhua Timur.
Da Shi told Yang Tongguan that he was going to rebel.
Puhua Timur frowned and said: "Could this be Jiangdu Army's counterintuitive plan?"
Da Shi snorted coldly: "If it was really a counter-intentional plot, how could Yang Tongguan go straight to my residence as the letter said?"
Puhua was silent for a while, then said with a wry smile: "If Yang Tongguan is killed, how can we resist Jiangdu's army?"
Da Shi said: "If we don't kill this thief, our heads will be given to Zhang Yangquan!"
Puhua took a deep breath and said: "In the current situation, Yang Tongguan's troops must be controlled as soon as possible!"
Da Shi smiled and said: "You don't have to worry, I have already made arrangements and sent people to receive Yang Tongguan's troops. As long as Yang Tongguan dies, there will be no obstacles!"
……
Yang Tongguan knelt on the ground on one knee, holding a spear tightly.
This gun was naturally not his black iron gun. He never expected that he would be surrounded and killed when he came to the Prime Minister's Mansion!
After finally escaping from the Prime Minister's Mansion, the monks from Lingyin Temple surrounded him again and wanted to kill him!
Yang Tongguan stared closely at the majestic monk in front of him. If it weren't for this man, he could still escape the siege.
That monk was Zhi Hai, and his right arm was dripping with blood. He was also injured in Yang Tongguan's fight with a trapped beast just now.
Yang Tongguan took a deep breath and hissed: "Did Da Shi instruct you to kill me?"
Zhihai snorted and said, "You have taken over our temple, what else is there to say?"
Yang Tongguan was about to speak again, and a general named Xi under Dashi shouted: "The Prime Minister Zuo has an order, don't talk nonsense to him, Master Zhihai, please quickly take off this person's head and go to Xiang Zuo to meet him!"
Zhihai rolled his eyelids and said: "He is about to die. Don't you guys know how to do it yourself? Do you have to let us monks do it?"
General Xi snorted and ordered his men: "Let's all work together to kill Yang Tongguan!" He raised his steel knife and rushed towards Yang Tongguan.
Just when the steel knife was about to fall on Yang Tongguan's forehead, the latter moved to the side, blood spurted out, and the knife struck his right shoulder.
Yang Tongguan roared, raised a spear with his left hand, and stabbed the opponent's throat.
General Xi wanted to pull out the steel knife, but found that Yang Tongguan's right hand backhand pressed the knife on his shoulder, and the steel knife could not be pulled out.
He hurriedly stepped aside.
Fortunately, Yang Tongguan was exhausted and the gun was not fast enough, so it only hit him in the shoulder.
General Xi was shocked and angry, and kicked Yang Tongguan flying.
After Yang Tongguan landed, a group of guards attacked him with knives and hacked him to death.
General Xi went over and cut off Yang Tongguan's head, then went to Da Shi to return his life, ignoring Monk Zhihai.
Zhihai sneered, and left the Prime Minister's Mansion with the monks, returning directly to a row of houses at the foot of Lingyin Mountain.
Once Yang Tongguan died, the soldiers on Lingyin Mountain were likely to fight with Da Shi's troops.
In order not to be affected, Abbot Cizhao took all the monks down the mountain to hide.
As soon as Zhihai led the monks into a private house, he saw Rutongzheng waiting in the courtyard.
"Junior brother, is Yang Tongguan dead?" Rutong asked.
Zhihai chuckled and said: "His grandma was hacked to death with random knives. Those officers and soldiers are really unreliable. If I hadn't led someone to guard outside, he almost escaped!"
Only then did Rutong notice that Zhihai was injured and quickly asked: "How are you injured?"
Zhihai waved his hand and said: "A little skin injury. But that guy is really powerful. If we were one-on-one, I should be the one who died. By the way, was Yang Weizhen rescued?"
Rutong smiled and said: "I have been rescued and I am talking to the master inside."
Zhihai laughed: "That's good. I'm going to take a nap to regain my energy. When Jiangdu's army comes to kill him, we'll fight him again!"
That night, the news of Yang Tongguan's death spread throughout Hangzhou.
All of a sudden, the big families in the city were rushing to each other in carriages to inquire about the details of the matter.
Early the next morning, an announcement was posted on the south wall of the province, saying that Yang Tongguan had colluded with the Jiangdu Army and had been executed. It also said that Yang Weizhen also colluded with the Jiangdu Army and was wanted throughout the city. Anyone who dared to hide it secretly would be guilty of the same crime.
The announcement quickly spread throughout the city.
The upper class dignitaries in Hangzhou were moved by each other.
No one doubts that Yang Tongguan’s collusion with Jiangdu Army was false. In this situation, everyone wants to collude with Jiangdu Army.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
What they thought was that Yang Tongguan was a well-known man who was good at fighting and brave, and even he colluded with the Jiangdu Army, which meant that the city of Hangzhou could not be defended.
Now that Yang Tongguan was killed, it was even more impossible for Timur to defend Hangzhou, so everyone began to find a way out for themselves.
Some people who had gone to Jiangdu for activities in advance were secretly glad that they had the foresight.
Those who are slow to act have no choice but to go to those who have already done something to give gifts and make smiles.
On the streets of Hangzhou City, ordinary people are hiding in their homes, and only the carriages of the rich and powerful are left on the streets.
Viewed from the air, these carriages look like a swarm of ants on a hot pot.
Dark clouds were shrouded, storms were coming, and the whole city of Hangzhou seemed to be shrouded in haze.
……
Three days later, Jiangdu, camp in the north of the city.
It is night now, the lights in the tent are bright, but the eyes of the generals are brighter than the lights. There are seventeen generals of fifth rank and above, standing in two rows in the big tent.
Zhang Yangquan rarely convenes people at the camp in the north of the city, but as long as the meeting place is set here, it means there is a major war!
In the current situation, the most important battle can only be the Battle of Hangzhou, so all the generals are in high spirits and hope to achieve success in this battle!
Shan Zhu and Xu Baisheng, the two highest-ranking generals, are both on the front line, so the first people on the left and right are Li Er and Fang Yuan respectively.
In addition to the generals, there was also a civilian official in the tent.
Liu Bowen.
Everyone was silent, and in the big tent, the only sound that could be heard was the crackling of the charcoal fire on the brazier.
Suddenly, a burst of footsteps sounded outside the tent.
Everyone turned their heads and looked over, only to see Zhang Yangquan striding in wearing a white shiny armor.
He walked to the case and stood still, looking at everyone one by one, and finally broke the silence in the tent.
"I know you are all wondering recently why we didn't take advantage of the situation to attack Hangzhou after we captured Jiqing! For this reason, we have tried our best to find out the reason!"
Chang Yuchun, Zhao Desheng, Wang Da, Hou Hou and others looked at each other and looked at each other.
Zhang Yangquan said slowly: "Now you all must know the reason. This is Mr. Liu's plan. The purpose is to pull out Hangzhou's teeth first and kill Yang Tongguan!"
Wang Da hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, can we send troops to attack Hangzhou?"
Zhang Yangquan nodded and said: "Yang Tongguan is dead, and we have internal agents in the city. The time for the decisive battle has arrived! Mr. Liu, it is up to you to arrange the deployment of this battle!"
Liu Bowen agreed, walked to Zhang Yangquan, and looked at the generals.
"This time our target is not only Hangzhou, but also Fang Guozhen in Taizhou! Taking Hangzhou is only the first step. We must attack Taizhou before Fang Guozhen reacts to achieve a complete victory!"
Fang Yuan laughed and said: "As expected of Mr. Liu! If we can raid Taizhou before Fang Guozhen reacts, we will definitely defeat Fang Guozhen!"
"Everyone, please look at the map!"
Liu Bowen walked to the map and said loudly: "The troops used this time are exactly the main force of the three previous southern expeditions!"
"Marshal Shan's 50,000-horse army, mainly naval, will take the Jiaxing Road to attack the east of Hangzhou!"
"Deputy Commander Wang, Vice Commander Hou, and Vice Commander Geng's 30,000 troops will take the Huzhou Road to attack the north of Hangzhou!"
"After Marshal Xu captured Jiqing, he already had 100,000 troops. He could divide his troops into two groups, take the Jiande Road, and attack the west and south of Hangzhou respectively!"
Li Er asked doubtfully: "Mr. Liu, isn't this all about attacking Hangzhou?"
Liu Bowen stretched out a finger and said: "So we only have one day. Within one day, we must capture the city of Hangzhou, and then divide the two armies by water and go straight to Taizhou!"
After speaking, he cupped his hands towards Zhang Yangquan and said, "Your Majesty, I've finished speaking."
Zhang Yangquan put one hand on his waist and pressed the hilt of the sword with the other, saying: "Do you have any objections to Mr. Liu's arrangement?"
All the generals said in unison: "No objection!"
Zhang Yangquan said: "Very good. Next is the specific allocation of generals to the four routes. Marshal Shan and Marshal Xu are responsible for the east and west routes. The north route is still led by three generals, Wang, Hou and Geng. As for the commander-in-chief of the south route."
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His eyes swept around among the generals, and finally stopped on Zhao Desheng.
"General Zhao, the south road may be the direction from which the enemy will break out. Are you confident in wiping out the enemy?"
Zhao Desheng was overjoyed and said loudly: "The general is willing to issue a military order. If an enemy is released, the general will come to see him!"
Zhang Yangquan nodded. Zhao Desheng has not been promoted recently, so he felt that he should be given a chance.
Looking at his reaction now, it is obvious that this choice was not wrong.
Except for Fang Yuan who stayed at the main camp, the remaining sixteen generals were also transferred to the four detachments. The combat time and internal coordination time were also discussed one by one.
After the military meeting was over, it was already dark outside.
After the generals left the military camp, they went home.
It is now December 15th, and the troop dispatch time is scheduled for December 20th.
This means that all the generals cannot spend the New Year with their families, so they all want to say goodbye to their families before setting off tomorrow.