In early December, Shao Shude received a military report that after Zhongguancheng in Qiziling was captured, Dongguan City was also conquered, and more than 400 remaining soldiers of the Bian Army surrendered.
There are three gates in Qiziling. There are not many troops in the front and back gates, and the main force is stationed in Zhongguancheng. In fact, most of the middle city has been lost, and the rear is just hanging on.
The city of Guan was being cleaned up, and the sick bodies of the Bian army were being burned together. The pillars of smoke could be seen in Wangwu County, and the Bian army in Zhiguan must have seen it too. But they did not attack. The Xia army suffered too many casualties, and the soldiers
Tired and unable to attack Zhi Pass in the short term, the battlefield calmed down for a while.
The people of several counties in the eastern part of Hezhong Prefecture received orders from the Commander-in-Chief Wang Yao, and tens of thousands of masters were recruited in the twelfth lunar month to go to Qiziling to renovate Guancheng.
This is an unreasonable order, but military orders are like mountains and must not be disobeyed...
Some people knew that this was probably the intention of the "mastermind behind the scenes" Shao Shude, but most people only focused on Wang Yao, who directly gave the order. Not surprisingly, Marshal Wang's reputation dropped another level, and was almost completely ruined.
Then he used the money and food from the four prefectures in Hezhong to feed the outsiders, then forced the soldiers from Hezhong to go to Qiziling to attack the fortified city and die, and now in the twelfth lunar month, he forced the people to build the city.
Wang Yao, go to hell! It's better to let Wang Ke come back and be the military envoy. No, the descendants of the Wang family are not good enough and they are just trying to kill the people. Let the court send a wise prime minister who loves the people like a son out of Zhenhezhong.
The imperial court did send a prime minister here, but he was not here to be the governor of the river, but to discuss matters with Shao Shude.
"Xiang Wei, what do you mean when you come here in the twelfth lunar month of winter?" Shao Shude received Wei Zhaodu in the camp outside the city.
Wangwu County is being rebuilt, and Yuan County is also being rebuilt today. The former is a concubine from Cizhou, and the latter is from Hezhong Prefecture, both under orders from Wang Yao.
"The army is rough and there is not much good tea. Wei Xiang takes care of it." Shao Shude sat behind the desk. His two sons were also brought over, one sitting on the left and one on the right beside him.
Wei Zhaodu looked at the two children carefully, thoughtfully.
The eldest son was engaged to the daughter of Zhu Shuzong, the military commander of Shuofangdu, and the eldest son was engaged to the daughter of Zhang Huaishen, the governor of the Guiyi Army. No outsiders had a chance.
In fact, the rich and powerful families in Guanzhong are very concerned about these two children. It would be great if they could get married. Unfortunately, Zhu Shuzong and Zhang Huaishen, two vulgar warriors, had great luck, so there was nothing they could do.
Of course they knew that these two marriages were almost impossible to ruin.
More than half of the sergeants in the Shuofang Yamen were trained by the Du Jianzhi Yamen commanded by Zhu Shuzong. When the armies returned to Lingxia for rest, the military envoys and deputy military envoys handed over their military power, and the sergeants were still trained by the Du Jianzhi Yamen.
.
Zhu Shuzong was a man of few appearances, but his influence in the army should not be underestimated. Otherwise, Shao Shude would not have given him the power to command troops all the time. It would be too terrible to have the power to train troops and to have the power to command troops.
The three major yamen of Dujianshi (recruiting and training troops), Duyuhousi (commanding and dispatching troops), and Military Envoy (money, food, equipment) stand side by side. This is the experience summed up by the commanders of the towns and vassals with blood and tears in the difficult years. But it has always been
Implementation was difficult. It was clear that these positions existed more than a hundred years ago, but the military generals were very resistant. They all wanted to be governors and generals, not yamen generals.
When you are a pure government general, you usually have no military power. Killing you is like killing a dog. More than ten years ago, Kang Chuangui, the governor of Hedong Province, killed Zhang Kai. Guo Fei is the best example. Unless you lead the troops, it will be difficult.
Resist.
What a pity, Wei Zhaodu sighed.
"I came here this time to help resolve the fight between Xia and Bian towns." Wei Zhaodu said with a bitter smile.
"I didn't occupy the imperial ship, so what does it matter?" Shao Shude asked.
Shaozhou Yingtian Inspector Du Xiao was also accompanying him. He looked at Wei Zhaodu curiously, wondering what he was thinking.
"It would be great if the King of Lingwu County does not occupy the watercraft. However, Zhu Quanzhong, the King of Dongping County, has repeatedly dispatched troops and generals. There are ships coming and going all day long on the waterways of Bian, Si, Huai, Ru, Ji, Huan, Wei, and Cai.
It affects the imperial court's food and salary transportation." Wei Zhaodu said: "If you two are willing to stop fighting, the imperial court will naturally benefit."
"Oh?" Seeing Wei Zhaodu speak so openly and straightforwardly, Shao Shude was also intrigued and asked, "What's the benefit?"
"The sage has said that Jin Shaoqing will be the king of Xia, and Zhu Qing will be the king of Liang." Wei Zhaodu replied.
After Dong Chang was granted the title of King of Yue, the court was in ruins. In addition, there were endless wars in Henan and Shannan, and water transportation was greatly affected. The court was already out of money, so making the king seemed to be a good way to generate income.
Shao Shude was a little moved.
The king given by the court obviously did not have a title, it was just a title.
Historically, Zhaozong was taken hostage to Luoyang, and Zhu Quanzhong was not granted a land seal. After Zhaozong was killed and Emperor Ai ascended the throne in the second year, "Quanzhong, the king of Liang, could serve as a marshal of all troops and horses, and he could not open a shogunate", which was considered a reluctant opening.
But it's still of no use.
In November of that year, Emperor Ai "restored his loyalty to the heavens and rebuilt the heroes who were loyal and upright, the marshals of all the soldiers and horses, Xuanwu Xuanyi, Tianping Protector and other military envoys to observe and deal with the situation (Zhu Quanzhong)... He was awarded the prime minister, the general Baikui, and other envoys.
To declare war, declare righteousness, balance the balance, and protect the country... twenty-one principles are for the Wei state, and they are still granted the title of King of Wei... When entering the dynasty, they will not follow the rules, they will go to the palace with swords and shoes, and they will praise and worship without name, and they will also have the orders of Jiuxi..."
It was only at this time that we opened up, this is the real feudalism. In the past, these kings and that kings were not as good as Jiedushi in terms of feudal attributes.
Shao Shude didn't want this kind of false reputation before, because it didn't bring much benefit. But now, isn't it that Dong Chang is the leader? It seems that he can be promoted from the county king to the prince, and the impact will not be big. After all, people talk about it indiscriminately.
The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to conferring a royal title is that Dong Chang bribed middle-ranking officials and the imperial court sold officials to confer titles. I, Marshal Shao, was also a minister of Zhongxing because of my hard work and meritorious service. The court said that I worked hard, so I was promoted to the throne. King Taizong of Xia became the king of Qin. From then on
The title of King Qin became unparalleled in the country.
Now the territory is getting bigger and bigger, and many vassal towns have been annexed. It doesn't matter if the court doesn't grant me a land seal, I can do it step by step.
On the surface, Marshal Shao still respects the imperial court. After the Xia Palace was built, he sent palace officials to various towns. Although there was no name for it, and theoretically those towns were not under the control of palace officials, but everyone was not stupid, could they really support you?
However, it is absolutely impossible not to fight Zhu Quanzhong for the sake of a prince.
On this point, Shao Shude is very determined. I just want to defeat the most threatening competitor, and other things are irrelevant.
"When Prime Minister Wei is in court, he should know that Quanzhong is not like a human minister. If you ask Yantie to move to Bianzhou, you are already taking away the financial rights of the three divisions. I lead the troops to fight against it to eliminate traitors for the court. Unless Quanzhong withdraws his troops and returns to Bianzhou
, no longer attack the towns of Wuning, Tianping, and Taining, and guard the vassal. I will lead the army back to Lingxia and never attack them again." Shao Shude said.
Wei Zhaodu was expressionless after hearing this, as if he already knew the result.
Just listen to the words "Keep the vassal". According to the regulations, the vassal commander cannot leave the town without permission. Zhu Quanzhong left Xuanwu Town every three days, Li Keyong was in Youzhou, and Shao Shude actually lived in Longchi Palace in Anyi.
, these vassals, which one is honest?
"In this case, I have nothing to say." Wei Zhaodu sighed and said.
"Now that Prime Minister Wei is here, don't be in a hurry to go back." Shao Shude said with a smile: "In the past, Wei Wu was the governor of Jiangzhou. He overhauled water conservancy and opened ditches. The people felt his virtues and even erected a monument in memory of him. Prime Minister Wei might as well go more often.
Take a look and see that the people in the river are full of praise for Jingzhao Weishi."
Wei Zhaodu's heart was moved, but he didn't say anything. He just nodded and said: "In that case, I will stay in Jiangzhou for a while."
The situation in Beijing is a bit strange now.
The imperial court's finances were in dire straits. The official salaries of the Nanya court were reduced, and the Privy Envoy of the Northern Division also reduced the rewards for the imperial army. Everyone complained. Cui Zhaowei, the villain, was still deceiving people and blamed him and Zheng Yanchang for this matter.
He was very disappointed.
I originally thought that since we can no longer leave Jingzhao Mansion, there would be no point in fighting anymore. But Cui Zhaowei is really evil-minded. He doesn't want to take the blame, so he harms others, which is very boring.
Shao Shude then chatted with Wei Zhaodu about some interesting things about Chang'an, and then saw off the guests.
Wei Zhaodu took a deep look at Du Xiao, nodded, and left.
Du Xiao was puzzled. What did the Prime Minister think of me? Did he want me to become an official in the court?
"Commander, Qi Banzhang has already set off." Chen Cheng lingered outside for a long time. After seeing Wei Zhaodu leave, he came in to report.
Shao Shude nodded, took the ultimatum and read it.
Chen Cheng is still quite busy now, managing both military and civil affairs, and he and Zhao Guangfeng each perform their own duties. Strictly speaking, he is now an important member of the army, and he has a lot of power.
Heavy.
Shao Shude turned to look at his eldest son Shao Chengjie again. In a few years, when he grows up, he will resume the post of Marquis of Yu in Mabu and leave it to his son. He cannot trust outsiders in this position, and would rather not set it up.
Don't want to give it away.
"Qibizhang, Yang Liang..." Shao Shude stood up again and went to the map. After observing carefully, he said after a long time: "The main force of our army is stationed in Wangwu County, Qiziling, Qibizhang, and Yang Liang. They are like two open arms.
Arms, raised an iron fist and hit Heyang. This year is not the time for a big fight, let the two of them continue to surprise Quan Zhong."
…
In Heyang City, Zhang Shensi breathed a sigh of relief.
Three cities away, a large group of soldiers had just arrived.
Since Shao Thieves took control of the river, Xia Thieves' offensive suddenly became fierce.
They had too many soldiers, including Lingxia yamen soldiers, river soldiers and horses, and strong Tibetan people. Tens of thousands of people took turns taking turns to charge and fight fiercely.
Battle in Yuan County, forcing our own side to retreat.
The battle in Wangwu County was fought, the city was destroyed, and troops were stationed.
They besieged Qiziling again for more than a month, regardless of casualties, and finally recovered.
This is completely a desperate posture.
In the land of Meng and Huai, there are currently only 16,000 to 16,000 yamen troops, plus more than 10,000 state and county soldiers, and Tu Tuan villagers.
The state and county soldiers are okay, but the more than 10,000 local peasants are not. They do dare to fight and fight hard, but their equipment is poor and their discipline is not good, so they really dare not give them important tasks.
With more than 30,000 soldiers and horses, can they really stop the Xia thieves?
Zhang Shensi is a veteran general in the army. He likes to seek truth from facts, so he decided to write a letter requesting more troops.
This time, for some unknown reason, Prince Dongping actually agreed to his request and promised him "four thousand elite soldiers."
Zhang Shensi was flattered, which was a treatment that even Ge Congzhou did not receive.
Four thousand reinforcements traveled for many days and arrived in the three cities of Heyang today.
The leader is Guo Yan, a veteran general, even older than Ge Congzhou, but apart from his loyalty, he seems to have nothing worthy of praise, and his position is not high. So far, he only has the post of Yamen of Henan Prefecture, and of course he is a distant leader.
In fact, most of the so-called "four thousand elite soldiers" are from Xuzhou, and a small number are from Puzhou.
The Bian army besieged Xuzhou for several months, and no fewer than three thousand people surrendered. These people were reorganized and led by Guo Yan, who brought them back to Bianzhou.
Halfway through the journey, orders were given to reinforce Heyang, and more than a thousand sergeants were to join the Bian army to attack Puzhou. Although they failed to recover, they defeated Zhu Xuan in the field and captured many prisoners. There were also sergeants from Yuncheng who secretly attacked Puzhou at night.
They left the city to ask for surrender, and the total amount was more than a thousand, and now they are all handed over to Guo Yan.
Are these people elite soldiers? Zhang Shensi dare not think so.
These 4,000 people are definitely more capable than the countrymen of Tu Tuan, not weaker than the state and county soldiers, and even slightly stronger, but their morale is very problematic. Are they loyal? Can they climb over the city wall at night and surrender, abandoning their robes and the countryside?
, so loyal!
But now there is a serious shortage of troops, so it would be good if they can be used. After Wangwu County and Qiziling were conquered, Heqing County and Baiyacang needed to be strengthened, so it was perfect to send these four thousand people there.
"Take a rest for three days and let Guo Yan go to Heqing." Zhang Shensi ordered his staff after handling the military affairs.
"As commanded."
"General, there is a military report coming from Bianzhou."
"Bring it to me for a look." Zhang Shensi stood up and took it.
Luocheng in Xuzhou has been destroyed. Shi Pu defended the inner city. The soldiers kept making noises. Some people captured Xu Zhen generals and went out of the city to surrender. The people in the city were in turmoil and the city must be destroyed.
"Okay! Okay! Okay!" Zhang Shensi laughed and said: "As soon as Xu Zhen is defeated, the situation will suddenly become clearer. When more troops arrive, I will counterattack in the river and capture the Shao thief."