Li Tangbin was riding a tall horse, his face smiling like a chrysanthemum.
Wearing the treasured armor, cloak, good bow, and saber given by the saint one by one, looking at it from a distance, it is very dazzling - if it were exploded, the gold coins would be scattered all over the floor.
The two sons were also fully armed and followed behind.
The scribes who have been hosting guests for many years are also arrogant and looking around.
His grandma's, let's follow the lord to make a fortune!
Nanya Privy Deputy Envoy, Jiangxia County Duke Qian Liu looked on with a smile.
Let’s say I’m envious, a little bit. I’d say I’m not envious. It seems like I’m not very envious at all.
In this life, I have experienced all the pleasures I should have had. Even though at the last moment I was in danger of losing my life, and I was reported to have a dragon chair, a royal robe and other things hidden in my home, and my title was reduced from Duke of the State to Duke of a County, it was enough.
The master of the two Zhejiang provinces and his vast wealth will not be counted until the dust settles. Only the princes canonized by saints are the foundation of Qian Liu's status in the new dynasty.
The past events of the Tang Dynasty, the dreams of wealth and wealth, let them go with the wind.
"Li Shuai, we're here." Qian Liu reminded at the entrance of the military camp.
Li Tangbin, who was chatting and laughing with the guests, looked serious and said: "Let's go!"
After saying that, he got off his horse and strode into the Flying Bear Army's military camp.
After the Flying Bear Army returned from Guanbei, it has been stationed in Bashang. The military camp is very large, and there is a penned horse farm outside. Looking at the sleek and smooth horses, Li Tangbin was secretly happy.
With this strong army, great things can be done!
Yang Hongyin, the deputy envoy of the Flying Bear Army, had already received the order from the Privy Council and came out to see the ceremony.
"Where is Wang Chong? Why don't you come to see me?" Li Tangbin glanced at him and asked.
"The military envoy asked for leave from the saint and has been home for many days." Yang Hongyin replied.
"We can do without him." Li Tangbin didn't care and said, "I heard that you fought with the Khitan in a series of battles during the attack on Yunzhou and were very brave. I'll let you lead the troops south this time."
Yang Hongyin used to be a member of the Silver Spear Army. During the attack on Yunzhou, he charged directly into the enemy formations in the Yuyi Town area and shocked the grassland. He was already quite famous.
"Yes." Yang Hongyin was originally not very willing to go to the southern mountainous area, thinking that there was no place for cavalry there, but he was relieved when he thought that the Western Expedition was far away.
Ten birds in the forest are not as good as one in the hand. Why do you think so much?
"Is everyone here?" Li Tangbin asked.
"Three thousand people, all equipped with armor and horses." Yang Hongyin replied.
"Three thousand men or three thousand cavalry?" Li Tangbin asked.
"Three thousand people."
Li Tangbin turned to look at Qian Liu.
Qian Liu stepped forward and said: "Li Shuai, there are only Qianqi, and this is a privilege granted by the saint. In the southwest, it is difficult to find flat land, and it is useless to have more."
An armored cavalry requires two auxiliary soldiers to serve. There are three thousand people, but there are really only one thousand cavalry.
"That's alright." Li Tangbin's expression changed several times, but he finally nodded in agreement, but he still couldn't help but muttered: "When we enter the border of Yaozhou, the cavalry still has a place to use. Back then, Yimouxun had officials who specialized in raising horses.
, the grade is not low. Forget it, let’s leave it at that. Let the men bring their equipment and assemble at the Xiweiqiao Camp.”
"As ordered." Yang Hongyin responded.
After spending half a day in Bashang, Li Tangbin went to Dongwei Bridge in the afternoon, where the Luoyan and Pinglu armies were stationed.
Under his hand, Liu Yan, the envoy of the Luoyan Army, selected two thousand Mohe infantry and one thousand Uighur cavalry who were good at riding and shooting. They were led by Qiu Zengxiang, the Marquis of Duyu.
The commanding officer made Liu Zhiyuan his deputy.
The Pinglu Army selected 2,000 Xi people, Han infantry, and 1,000 Khitan cavalry, led by deputy envoy Wang Jichuan, Yang Shihou, the Duyou Yi envoy, and Xiang Lijin, the infantry commander.
On the twenty-ninth day of the first lunar month, Li Tangbin went to the Longxiang Army camp in Gaoling County and asked for two infantry commanders and two cavalry commanders, totaling 5,000 infantry and cavalry. They were commanded by Zhu Zhen, the Marquis of Du Yu, and He Delun, the envoy of Du Yu Yi, and the infantry left.
The first commander of the chamber was Bai Fengjin, his deputy.
After this selection, there were a total of fourteen thousand people.
Li Tangbin stopped here, enough was enough.
He wisely did not deploy too many infantry and cavalry from the imperial army, so as not to be suspected by the saint.
However, the Youguo Army stationed in northern Sichuan can still be at his disposal. This is also a forbidden army. After major reorganization, there are not many veterans, and their combat effectiveness can be guaranteed.
Coupled with the 30,000 Shu soldiers at his disposal, it was enough for him to carry out various plans - what he should worry about was whether food and supplies could be delivered in time, not whether there were enough troops.
On February 2nd, all the transferred troops gathered at Xiwei Bridge. After getting familiar with each other, they quickly headed west to Chengdu Prefecture the next day.
The commander of the Chengdu camp was King Yan Shao Mingyi, and Li Tangbin served as King Yan's deputy. But everyone knew that it was Li who really commanded the battle.
At the same time, Zhu Yanshou's division of the Longhu Army, which was stationed in Zhangzhou and Bozhou, was also assigned to the Chengdu camp.
Li Siyuan of the Guangjie Army accelerated supplies and then stationed in Zangzhou as a reserve force.
As a result, the war machine started slowly.
Huguang, Qianzhong, Guannai, and Jiannan were all mobilized, and were managed by the Chengdu camp to provide teachers and various supplies.
As for Yongzhou and Jiaozhou, we have to wait for further orders from the Privy Council.
****
The movement of the army could not be concealed from anyone.
Especially those who had families in Chang'an sent their officials to Xiwei Bridge to say goodbye, and the news quickly spread throughout Chang'an.
Those who were silently waiting for the scientific examination also poured into various teahouses and wine shops to talk loudly.
"Li Lugong's reputation seems not to be very good," said Chen Ti from Jinjiang, Quanzhou, Fujian.
Chen Ti is twenty-four years old this year and it is his first time to take part in the scientific examination. He did not expect to become a Jinshi at this age, but he still came with the mentality of "participation is the most important" and it would be nice to see the world.
"Li Gong is afraid that he will do something bad, and Nanzhao is not easy to fight." Cui Guangbiao, a Qinghe native, said: "Nanzhao is somewhat similar to the former Tang Dynasty. They learned what the former Tang Dynasty did. As far as I know, there are various festivals in the country.
Envoys are mostly leaders of large tribes. Even if they defeat their leader Zheng Renmin, these leaders must be treated politely and appeased as soon as possible. It seems that Mr. Li is not the person to do such a thing."
"It's unheard of that Nanzhao also has Jiedu envoys," said Wang Che, a native of Weizhou.
"Why not?" Cui Guangbiao stroked his beard lightly, smiled contentedly, and said: "In the fourth year of the Dali calendar of Emperor Daizong of the Tang Dynasty (769), Ge Luofeng built Lishui City, appointed Lishui Jiedu envoys, mined and panned for gold, and most of the Pius people they plundered were sent to Lishui."
The area under the jurisdiction of Lishui Jiedushi was roughly west of today's Tengchong and northern Myanmar, and it should be located in the Yinlowaddy River area of Myanmar. In fact, it was learned from Tianbao's Ten Jiedushi, giving full power to the generals in the border areas.
"The envoy Yang Qianzhen who came to Beijing a while ago is the envoy of Dongchuan." After Cui Guangbiao finished speaking, he glanced at everyone.
The scholars from various states crowded in the tavern were amazed when they heard this. How did they know this kind of news? Cui Guangbiao was from Qinghe, and he really had a good family background.
"How can the ruler of Nanzhao control so many military envoys?" Wang Che asked.
"The core of Nanzhao lies in the two capitals, namely Dali Prefecture (Dali) in the west and Shanchan Prefecture (Kunming) in Tokyo." Cui Guangbiao said: "Nanzhao started in Dali. After the difficulties, it focused on Tokyo, and its ruler often visited Shanchan.
Chan Mansion. There were many households in the two capitals, and they farmed and weaved, and they had food and money. In the seventh year of Tianbao by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (748), Nanzhao defeated the Baiman and moved 200,000 households from Cuan () to Xijing. This wave alone did not stop.
Millions of people. What can the governors from all over the country do to fight against the lord of the country? Nanzhao is not as vast as China and Korea. There are heavy troops in the two capitals and there is chaos in the border areas. They can kill them immediately, but it is much more convenient."
"But -" At this point, Cui Guangbiao gave up and said: "The current Nanzhao Jiedu envoys are different from those before. At the time of Geluofeng, most of the Nanzhao Jiedu envoys were generals, but now they are
The leader of the tribe is much stronger than before."
After hearing the words, everyone thought silently. The previous Jiedushi had no roots, but now the Jiedushi are rooted in their own tribes. The leader of Nanzhao may not be able to move lightly. The changes in the Nanzhao court will not affect their status, such as
Dongchuan Jiedushi Yang Qianzhen served as an official in two dynasties, and neither the Meng family nor the Zheng family could do anything to him.
"I'm afraid that two hundred thousand households is an exaggeration." Chen Ti was dissatisfied and said, "How big is Nanzhao, with its mountains and mountains, how many people can it support?"
Cui Guangbiao was displeased when he heard this and said: "Even if it is exaggerated, Nanzhao still has a population of one million. During the Xiantong period, Gao Pian fought with Nanzhao and captured and killed more than 100,000 people. He did not have many household registrations. How could he have such a population?"
Many soldiers?"
"I'm afraid this number is exaggerated." Chen Ti said: "Even if it is not a big statement, the Dingkou of the tribe is not something that King Nanzhao can call at will."
"Oh, I'm too lazy to tell you more." Cui Guangbiao became increasingly unhappy and said: "From the time of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty until the usurpation of the throne by the Zheng family, how many years did Nanzhao go without war? Let me tell you, more than 150 years ago
There was peace for at least forty or fifty years, and during the rest of the time there were wars. He was either conquering the barbarians, fighting with the Tang Dynasty, or attacking the Tubo tribe. He was very busy. The leader of the country was conquering the south and the north, and he was honored as "Piao" in the country.
"Xin" means the lord of the Piao people. Wuman, Baiman, and Piao people are all people under the rule of Nanzhao. If you don't understand, don't speak, or you will make me angry."
Chen Ti was so angry that he drank wine and ignored him.
Wang Che looked at Cui Guangbiao, then at Chen Ti, shook his head and sighed. The good discussion turned into a battle of tempers in the end.
"I asked, can Li Gong win the Nanzheng Campaign?" In order to ease the awkward atmosphere, Wang Che changed the subject and asked.
"If there are only Shu soldiers, it's hard to say." Cui Guangbiao said: "But there are strong northern soldiers, there may be a slight chance. During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, Jiannan Jiedu envoy Xianyu Zhongtong conquered Nanzhao. The 80,000-strong army suffered 60,000 casualties and returned with a disastrous defeat.
Later, after staying in Jiannan, Li Mi sent troops from Jiannan and Annan to attack Nanzhao. The entire army of 70,000 people was wiped out and Li Mi sank into the river and died. However, in the Dali period, Tubo and Nanzhao joint forces invaded, and Daizong became mad.
He mobilized 4,000 troops, and 5,000 troops from Youzhou went south. There were also thousands of troops from Xingning, Fengxiang, and Shannan West Road. After many battles and many victories, they regained control and Mao 2 Prefectures were restored. Fan Yang's troops pursued them urgently, and they were defeated again in the Battle of Dadu River.
The morale of the enemy army and thieves was low, and they retreated all the way. Tens of thousands of people died in the cliff valley due to hunger and cold. During Dezong's time, Youzhou soldiers returned, and again defeated Nanzhao and Tubo. The thieves heard the accent of Yan and fled."
Wang Che was fascinated after hearing this. These Youzhou soldiers were so powerful that Lulong Jiedushi and his family might be able to destroy Nanzhao. However, he was born against the vassal vassal and did not always obey the orders of the Tang court.
"There are many people from Yan under Mr. Li's command now. He must have seen the bravery of Fan Yang's soldiers when he made such a selection." Wang Che said.
"I'm afraid Fan Yang's soldiers are not very successful now. They can't even defeat the Jin soldiers." Cui Guangbiao shook his head and said: "Actually, I would rather see Fan Yang's soldiers march to the west. It was rumored earlier that the saint would personally conquer the Western Regions.
, why is there no movement?"
"There is still war in the country, how can a saint leave the capital?" Wang Che sighed: "Compared with the Western Regions, Nanzhao is not exciting."
"Yes." Cui Guangbiao nodded, drank a bowl of wine, and said: "In the pre-Tang Dynasty, many people with outstanding talents were willing to go to Anxi to serve the shogunate and left many immortal poems. In fact, I also want to see saints
How happy it is to march westward and set up iron pillars to commemorate your achievements!"
"This year's exam questions will not be about the Western Regions, right?" Wang Che asked out of curiosity.
When everyone heard this, they laughed loudly and even said it was impossible. However, they decided privately to work hard on this aspect after going back to be prepared.
"Speaking of which, if the imperial dynasty takes over the Western Regions, it will be a bit impressive." Cui Guangbiao finished his drink, his face flushed, and loudly said: "It's nothing to take down Nanzhao. Only by taking over the Western Regions can we have the ability to look down upon the tiger."
.”
"Then why don't you study hard? If you get admitted to Jinshi, you might have the opportunity to accompany the emperor." Chen Ti, who was silent for a long time, said: "Cui Chao, Cui Miao and others, the number one scholar in high school, can always accompany the emperor.
Where do you want to go?"
Having said this, he glanced at Cui Guangbiao with some sourness. Why is this number one scholar always named Cui?
"Tian Yuan is right." Cui Guangbiao said: "It has been more than ten years since the founding of Daxia. Now the world is at peace and the country is prosperous. Needless to say, this is another dynasty. I don't dare to think about it. If I can get lucky,
If you become a Jinshi, you will be able to honor your ancestors and comfort your ancestors."
Everyone nodded subconsciously.
In the beginning, the imperial examinations of the New Dynasty were not that attractive. Many people would rather live in seclusion than let their descendants take the exams. But as time went by, Daxia's foundation became more and more solid, and its territory became larger and larger.
, if nothing else happens, this will definitely be a great dynasty, so more and more people are willing to contribute to the new dynasty.
Their participation also further solidified the foundation of the court, gradually forming a virtuous cycle.
Don't underestimate this virtuous cycle, because it can subtly influence people's thoughts and concepts, and unknowingly change the social atmosphere bit by bit.
If a warrior who likes to take risks sees people around him saying that this court looks great and will last for a long time, and I want to be an official, then when he wants to cause chaos, he will have an extra shackle in his heart. It does not mean that it is impossible to cause chaos.
But the resistance is greater than before, and this resistance still comes from social criticism and from his own heart.
Shao Shude once discussed this situation with the prime ministers, and he called it "exchanging time for space."
The conversations between scholars from all over the city in the tavern in Chang'an City confirmed the feasibility of this strategy.