What Xu Shiji said actually just made Li Po confirm two things.
Wang Shichong was indeed crazy. He killed important generals in the army in front of the battle. No matter what the reason was, it was not something that a wise and calm leader could do.
In addition, if Shen Qingnu is reliable, then Fengling Ferry is completely open to the army he leads, and the defenders on the other side and the natural barrier of the Yellow River are useless under such a situation.
"Thank you for your hard work..." Li Po praised reluctantly, and then habitually picked up the stick, "You have to be careful when dealing with Wang Ren Zexu, and don't let him see any flaws, otherwise, bad things will happen.
When it comes to important matters, you are the only one I ask."
"Yes, the general knows the importance. As long as Niu Jinda and Shen Qingnu can calm down, then Wang Renze will not notice anything wrong."
He is getting smarter and smarter now. He never speaks his mind fully in front of the King of Han. He always leaves some room for regret for himself. He took care of everything when he was in Henan.
It's completely different.
Li Po rolled his eyelids and said something sly in his mind before turning to look at Zhang Shigui, "General Zhang has been here for a few days, but are you still used to it? Isn't there any lack of hospitality from my subordinates?"
Zhang Shigui was listening to the two people talking, and he had doubts in his heart. It seemed that... this wise brother didn't seem to be welcomed by the King of Han. As the commander of the King of Han's personal army, if this was true, he would be a bit incompetent.
.
Of course, he hoped that this was just his illusion. The friend he had just made was very good to him, but he didn't want to meet someone unkind again...
In fact, his experiences over the years have made him doubt his own vision and talents. Apart from his pride, there may be no other factors that can support him to this point.
"What did your Majesty say? I am ashamed to be treated so favorably by Your Majesty even though I have done so little..."
"Okay, there's no need to be so polite." Li Po nodded and said, "I'm calling you here now. You should know that the day to cross the river may not be far away. Each of you will lead two thousand soldiers and be ready to cross the river.
.”
"What General Zhang said before is very much in line with my wishes. After crossing the river, we will first occupy Hongnong... I want to hear what you say now. You may be able to adapt to the situation when the time comes, but if I am caught off guard, then you must be careful.
My military law is over."
The two people really knew what they were doing. They were both from Henan, and they both had quite a reputation in Henan. Once the army was preparing to cross the river into Henan, they would naturally be the best candidates to lead the army. In the words of later generations, they were commonly known as the leading party.
.
But when they heard this, both of them were overjoyed.
Needless to say, Xu Shiji had been holding back for a long time and didn't even have a chance to be his own man. He didn't want to work around this person all his life. Otherwise, how could he marry a beautiful woman and return home?
Needless to say, Zhang Shigui said that it was a good thing to be able to take over military power, and the King of Han still listened to his advice before he wanted to take over Hongnong first. This was of great significance to him.
The two men hammered their chests and said, "General, I will obey the order." After pondering for a moment, Xu Shiji spoke first without hesitation.
"The general thinks that, judging from the current situation, if there are no other changes, it will not take much effort to cross the river. If Wang Shichong slowly withdraws his troops, if he crosses the river at that time, he is afraid that he will have to engage in battle with the Tang army. In that case, wouldn't we?
Become Wang Shichong’s army?”
After hearing this, Zhang Shigui immediately wanted to refute, but Li Po glanced over and made him swallow all the words that were on his lips.
Li Po had already spoken over there, and this time he did not give Xu Shiji a hat. Although the possibility of what Xu Shiji said was extremely small, the retreat of more than 200,000 troops under the current situation has almost become an unavoidable task.
possible tasks.
But having said that, this is what military discussions are like. No matter how small the possibility is, you have to think about it, because no war can be guaranteed. If you are negligent, sometimes nothing will happen, but sometimes war will teach you how to behave.
Xu Shiji said this first, obviously already understanding his character and habits, and did not expect his own talents to be questioned. It seems that the "teaching" these days has been very successful. A guy who looks in front and looks behind has finally become too big-minded.
Part of it was used for business.
If this guy didn't care about his sister, he should have been reused a long time ago given his age.
"Then do you think that with me crossing the river and occupying Fengling Ferry, the Tang army will still have the courage to go out and pursue Wang Shichong and then fight with him?"
In fact, Xu Shiji is also a person who likes to be more serious. For people like them, it is undoubtedly a manifestation of self-confidence and has nothing to do with stubbornness. It's just that under Li Po's "teaching", there are not many such opportunities.
After pondering for a moment, Xu Shiji said, "If Li Shenfu crosses the river and attacks our rear, and the Tang army leaves the pass and attacks Fengling Ferry first, it will be difficult for them to perform successfully if they are attacked from both sides."
Zhang Shigui finally couldn't help it anymore. In fact, his emotional intelligence is not very low. He understands many things, but he has been oppressed for a long time and can't control himself.
So he knew that this was not a good time to talk, because when generals in the army argue about military affairs, they argue and hold their own opinions, which may turn into personal grudges.
He has seen a lot of such things, and he also has profound personal experience in this regard. There are very few people who discuss the matter. He Zhang Shigui is not good at it, and the others are just average.
It was obvious that the King of Han did not want him to interrupt at this time. He was a newcomer and would soon lead troops across the river with Xu Shiji. Arguing with Xu Shiji and rebutting him would probably arouse Xu Shiji's dissatisfaction. This would definitely be a big deal.
You have good intentions, but compared to the superficial magnanimity, Li Jiancheng, who is actually small-minded, is truly tolerant.
So he interrupted, while still muttering in his mind, do you talk to the king like this? No wonder the king doesn't like you, I can't let this new friend go further...
Well, at this time, he didn't think about it at all. He often did this kind of thing before, just like a crow standing on a pig, only seeing others being black.
Zhang Shigui also tried to slow down his tone to cover up the harsh elements in it.
"General Xu was overly worried. He finally thought that with the abilities of Li Jiancheng and Li Shenfu, it was impossible to advance and retreat together. Li Shenfu was attached to Daoxingtai, Shaanxi Province, and had a good relationship with Prince Li Shimin. Although he is now under the control of Li Jiancheng,
But without Xiao Yu's order, how could he dare to lead his troops across the river?"
"As for Li Jiancheng, who is timid and timid and prefers to defend his position, he may not dare to lead his troops lightly and come to Fenglingdu to fight me."
The timing of his words was indeed a bit inappropriate. Xu Shiji glanced at him, smiled and fell silent. He was not too angry. When the King of Han was in charge, military discussions were like this, and everyone could speak freely.
Whoever dares to find fault in the future will definitely be severely punished if word of it reaches the ears of the King of Han. This kind of thing happens not only once or twice. Look at the two enemies Yuchi Gong and Bu Qun. How often are they not in a quarrel with each other?
?It’s not that he is above everyone now. In fact, it’s because these two guys have a sense of proportion when they fight openly and secretly.
"What General Zhang said is very reasonable... Well, if there is any change in Li Shenfu, I will send General Zhang to resist, and I will definitely get twice the result with half the effort."
Zhang Shigui was startled at that time. Seeing the dazed look in Xu Shiji's eyes, Zhang Shigui suddenly felt happy. "I'm a fellow-minded person. I want to have a good relationship in the future. It feels really good to have you by my side."
After a little scare to this ungrateful guy, Li Po then returned to the topic, "Crossing the river is related to the foundation, so you must be careful. You may not quite understand what I mean..."
"Today's situation is that if Wang Shichong is defeated and the rebels are like ants, you will be the first to cross the river. Once you arrive, guard the beach and buy time for the cavalry to cross the river. This is the most important thing. If there is no cavalry to accompany you, there will be no way to engage the Tang army.
Any chance of winning."
"Secondly, if someone has food, it is the foundation of the foundation. Now there is no shortage of food and grass. What is lacking is people. Therefore, you must always keep in mind the matter of recruiting surrender and accepting rebels. Be kind to those who surrender. Those who kill and surrender will be punished.
Important point."
At this point, Li Po's eyes gradually turned dark, "Henan has been in war for a long time, talents have withered, and people have been separated. But you and I both understand that in times of war, heroes emerge in large numbers, and Henan is no exception. Aren't you two the leading figures in Henan?
"
"So, no matter how big the attack is in this battle, what I want is men and talents. If Wang Shichong's subordinates are allowed to take off and land in Tang Dynasty, they will surely suffer misfortune when they advance westward in the future."
"You have a reputation in Henan, so I ordered you two to lead the troops to cross first, and then you can decide what to do. If you do a good job, you will be the first to do it. If something goes wrong, you two must be the only ones to blame."
Xu Shiji and Zhang Shigui did not dare to neglect. They stood up one after another and bowed to accept the order.
At this time, Xu Shiji was really a little dissatisfied. Zhang Shigui had wiped out what he wanted to say with just one sentence. From now on, he would be less able to make suggestions and make decisions, which would make no one feel comfortable.
Zhang Shigui was more frightened in his heart. He still didn't understand why. The strategy had been decided a long time ago. They had no intention of sending troops to Luoyang. His previous suggestions were more like just beating the drum.
At this moment, Zhang Shigui felt an inexplicable feeling in his heart, but he could only express his sincerity.
Once the heavy responsibility was placed on his shoulders, he was very excited. He didn't care about the difficulties ahead. At this time, he was more like Yu Wenxin before.
Ambitious and ambitious, not afraid of hardships and obstacles, but afraid of no one appreciating them. A man is born in this world. If he cannot fulfill his difficult responsibilities, how can he show his talents and ambitions as a man?
…………………………
After sending the two of them away, Li Po summoned Zhang Lun and discussed for a while. This was the person he selected to lead the army across the river. Xu Shiji and Zhang Shigui were in the lead, followed by Zhang Lun, who led the army.