"On the way, we encountered a group of soldiers who broke into Taotian. The cavalry battalion pursued and killed the 97-level bandit, and captured nearly a thousand people, most of whom were kept as servants. Nineteen of our troops were killed, 13 were seriously injured, and 41 were slightly injured. I sent a letter to the Suizhou official office.
There was no response from the prisoners who were taken into custody, so they were later released by the general.
After being released, the rangers detected and escaped into the sky, and the staff then pursued and captured the headquarters of the eight thieves."
On the night of the 28th, Pang Yu received Chen Rulie's Tongbao at the main account. Nowadays, Zhongjun Tongbao is sent and received by Zan Painting Room, and Secretary Xie Zhaofa personally delivers it.
"Chen Rulie brought a new battalion. It was good to beat Liu Guoneng away, but the number of troops was reduced too much." Xie Zhaofa agreed, "It took three months for the first cavalry general to recruit enough troops, and they marched thousands of miles long distances. There were inevitable losses on the way. Now it has been
We have lost more than 300 soldiers due to injuries and illnesses. We still need to keep troops to protect the injured and baggage. Only half of them can fight. If we continue to fight,
After chasing for hundreds of miles and then halving the number, there will only be two or three hundred men left. The eight thieves have been fighting for more than ten years and are best at setting up ambushes. I am afraid that Chen Rulie may make mistakes if he pursues too hastily."
Pang Yu knew that what Xie Zhaofa said was true. He had never marched so far on land. After passing Huangmei, the route gradually went deeper and further north, getting further and further away from the river. It was still far away from the Han River and could not use waterways. From Huangmei
Macheng was the hardest-hit area by the invaders. The officers and soldiers in this area were weak, and various bands of bandits came and went. The road was devastated. There were almost no people around the official roads. Except for some large county towns, almost only the ruins of villages and towns remained.
Yuan, he couldn't buy anything even with money. His brigade was marching with Xiong Wencan, and they didn't dare to open the gates of the cities they encountered. They replenished military rations twice on the way, but the cavalry was so far ahead and there were no civilian officials accompanying them.
The local officials will not look good on the city.
It is normal to be closed. Naturally, rice and beans cannot be replenished, and the sick and wounded cannot find a place to stay. If it is a temple or other place outside the city, troops will be required to guard it, which will further reduce the combat strength. Pang Yu pondered for a moment and then said,
"They are cavalry, and thieves are not that easy to surround and fight. After all, it is not about who can fight longer. The eight thieves fought for ten years, and 80% of them were defeated. Chen Rulie only fought for three years, but they were all victorious. The cavalry must have
Dare to attack, but you are right to remind me. Reply to Chen Rulie, continue to pursue the eight thieves, pay attention to detection and defense from far and near, and the camp must be solid. If the number of troops in a division continues to decrease, the forward number can be reduced again. If it is less than two hundred, it can be
Rest on the spot." Xie Zhaofa wrote it down and whispered, "I just received a report from the First General of the Infantry. The Ranger Flag Team directly under it intercepted a group of officers on the way today. They are the servants of Xu Mingchen of the Yunnan Army.
, there is a detailed application submitted to Mr. Xiong, mentioned
The eight thieves negotiated the terms of appeasement. The eight thieves claim to have seven thousand horsemen and three thousand infantry, and are willing to destroy the thieves and redeem themselves."
"He has 7,000 horsemen and he will be beaten like this by Zuo Liangyu." Pang Yu sneered, "The eight thieves suffered heavy losses in the Chema River. The horsemen will not exceed 2,000, and the infantry will only be kept together.
Thirty thousand is useless."
When Xie Zhaofa was about to reply, the adjutant said outside, "Sir, Mr. Guo from Lord Xiong's tent is here and has entered the camp gate."
Pang Yu was not surprised. This Mr. Guo was Mr. Xiong's secret friend brought from Guangdong. He was very capable and should be one of Xiong Wencan's confidants. He Xianya had a good relationship with him before.
Pang Yu thought about it and said, "I'm afraid it has something to do with the letter I sent, so you can keep it first."
After saying that, he went out first and greeted him outside the tent. When Mr. Guo came and saw Pang Yu, he greeted Pang Yu politely and then went into the tent and sat down.
"Mr. Guo, the laborer, came to the camp in person in the evening to see if there is anything important to dispatch." "It's not important." Mr. Guo said politely, "I heard that the general has a cavalry army. I saw it when I left Susong, but it hasn't happened recently.
Seeing the encampment, there were countless bandits and horses. The horse army was indispensable to defeat the bandits. Commander Xiong called me to the general.
Ask everywhere, I wonder where this cavalry army has gone, don't miss the important task of quelling the thieves." "Mr. Guo made it clear that the Qianqian Cavalry Headquarters in the lower official camp serves as the vanguard of the entire army, and must quell the thieves blocking the road ahead to avoid disturbing them.
I knew Lord Xiong’s schedule, probably a day or two earlier than the brigade, and the camp was indeed not in the same place, but it definitely wouldn’t be
We missed the pirates." "News came from Huguang, saying that a Nanzhi cavalry army has arrived near Macheng. I didn't know if it was the general's cavalry army before. Macheng is more than a day or two away from us, so it is not ours.
There are people and horses, maybe the place is wrong
Already."
Pang Yu heard that Mr. Guo's tone was different from before, and took a closer look. Mr. Guo's expression was sincere, but less close than before.
Pang Yu knew that there was a meaning behind the surface sincerity, so he said carefully, "That should be the case. There are soldiers and horses on the way, and it's common to be in the wrong place." "There are soldiers and horses everywhere, and soldiers from all over the country are on their way just like us.
, it’s the New Year’s Day in a few days, and I can’t rest. It’s really hard to fight for the country.” Mr. Guo glanced outside the tent door and said, “When it snows this year, it will be a good year. If there is no drought in previous years, it will be a good year.”
Waterlogging, it is not easy for the people to have good weather. When there is good weather, there must be a good world. Only when the invaders stop, can the people farm with peace of mind and enjoy the New Year all year round. Fortunately, the emperor and his soldiers have made ten o'clock.
With the strategy of opening the net, the thieves will be defeated not far away. I think next year the people of the world will have a moment of respite."
"How lucky are the people to meet such a capable minister as Prime Minister Xiong? It is possible to quell the thieves." Pang Yu glanced at Mr. Guo and asked tentatively, "Sir, you are such a talented man. I wonder how long it will take to quell the thieves?"
Mr. Guo smiled and said, "To be fair to General Pang, my soldiers reported to the emperor last month, and the governor and ministers gathered their troops two years ago. The deadline is three months to pacify the thieves. I thought this should be the case." Pang Yu's heart flashed.
After a few thoughts, he didn't expect that the imperial court would really set a goal like this. Although the pay had reached a certain level, many of the newly recruited soldiers and horses were not yet ready. Basically, the old soldiers and horses were still there. If the thieves were to be defeated in three months, they had to start now.
At once
For such a large scale, it was very hasty. Mr. Guo looked at Pang Yu meaningfully and said, "General Pang, since ancient times, the suppression of bandits and chaos has been successful only through suppression and appeasement. It is not advisable to kill and appease blindly.
But you should also know that whether it is suppressing or pacifying, it is still pacifying.
They are all things that benefit the country and the people.”
When Pang Yu heard this, he was sure that Xiong Wencan had received news from Huguang and knew that the cavalry was chasing the eight thieves. Mr. Guo's intention was very clear. The emperor wanted to pacify the thieves in three months. No matter whether Pang Yu thought this goal was reasonable or not,
But it is a practical target. Xiong Wencan is carrying the task of quelling ten years of rebellion within three months. It is understandable that Xiong Wencan is under a lot of pressure. For Xiong Wencan
, time has become the main pressure. When it comes to defeating the thieves, Xiong Wencan will choose the one that is most beneficial to him. Xiong Wencan is eager to break the situation. He must have received the news that Liu Guoneng was being chased by Chen Rulie. Liu Guoneng and the eight thieves were worried that they would be killed.
The news that Mr. Guo came here today is to make Pang Yu stop pursuing him.
Suppress it, lest it ruin his plan of recruiting people.
After thinking about it for a moment, Pang Yu said, "Mr. Cai just said that we should carry out both suppression and appeasement, and I agree with it very much. However, these old thieves are very cunning and we have to make them feel that there is no hope of escape. Perhaps it is better to negotiate terms while suppressing."
Mr. Guo's eyes flashed a few times, and he said with a smile, "While we are suppressing, we are talking about how to win people's trust. Naturally, it becomes a single-handed suppression. Can General Pang guarantee that all the bandit camps can be defeated within three months?"
Destroyed?"
"There is a humble opinion here in Xiaguan. If the strongest one is wiped out, the rest will realize that they have only one way to go." "First there was Wang Jiayin, then Zijinliang, and then Gao Yingxiang. These are the strongest.
Yes, after killing them all, there are no remaining thieves to appease. If the strongest camp head is destroyed, the second strongest will become the strongest, and the momentum will become stronger. With the troops gathered, the situation will become more fierce." Mr. Guo paused.
After a while, "Premier Xiong has been in Fujian and Guangdong and Guangxi for many years. Therefore, he was able to restore peace to the southeast because he repeatedly benefited from appeasement. Those who appeased were the strongest thieves. The remaining thieves were able to
Will follow suit.”
"Sir, it is clear to me that there are some differences between the bandits and the pirates. Especially the strongest thief, he has escaped from difficulties many times by pacifying, and has been implicated in pacifying various officials many times. The subordinates are worried that this thief has the same tricks again.
Shi."
"Then the suppression of thieves was ineffective, so how few officials were implicated and convicted?"
Pang Yu was speechless for a moment, and Mr. Guo said calmly, "The Emperor will pacify the thieves in the third month of Keqi. If the emperor cannot pacify the thieves in March, Master Xiong will not bear the blame alone." After hearing this, Pang Yu knew that Xiong Wencan was in Keqi.
The choice has been made under the pressure of the Ping bandits, but the negotiations are still ongoing, and the bandits' credit is not good. Xiong Wencan does not dare to explicitly order Pang Yu not to pursue the bandits until everything is settled.
, Pang Yu needs to understand what he means. But Pang Yu is not the small squad leader he used to be. The army is under his control. Even if Xiong Wencan is putting pressure on him, there is still a lot of room for him to actually implement this obscure order. He
The elimination of the Eight Thieves is not just about personal hatred. These giant thieves are the most serious cause of disaster. Huguang and Sichuan are important food areas and important consumer markets. If the Eight Thieves destroy these two places, the commercial value of the middle reaches of the river will be greatly reduced, which will be detrimental to them.
The layout is very unfavorable. And
If the Eight Thieves really surrendered, they would lose their value in Huguang and would not even have a reason to garrison troops, which would also be detrimental to his layout. Pang Yu thought about the wording for a moment, but when he was about to speak, Mr. Guo said again, "There is one more thing to do.
Inform General Pang that things in Wuhu are coming to an end, and Mr. Xiong has put a lot of effort into it. It is only because he was entrusted by General Pang that he did it out of kindness.
Pang Yu raised his eyes and looked at Mr. Guo, "Thank you, Mr. Xiong, for your righteousness. Your Excellency and Mr. Xiong have a strategy, and all subordinates will follow it. It is extremely appropriate to suppress and appease at the same time. Your Excellency will definitely be able to quell the thieves in one fell swoop, but what the official said
, these giant thieves are extremely cunning and cunning, and have rebelled many times. Governor Yang and Governor Chen were both convicted for this. After the thieves are defeated, they still need to be heavily deterred to maintain long-term peace. They always need to be stationed for a longer period of time, and it is difficult to rely on land transportation for money and food.
Supplies, if Shuiying can arrive in Huguang early
It will be of great help to find a place to park the thieves." Pang Yu mentioned two governors, Yang He and Chen Qiyu, who were both dismissed from office and convicted due to the failure of the bureau. Mr. Guo seemed to listen to it.
Understanding this truth, "This matter has been discussed before. It is unknown where the general thinks it will be more advantageous to station the thieves."
?”
"The intersection of rivers in Wuchang should be able to support all directions." Mr. Guo did not show any unnecessary expression. He was not interested in Pang Yu's purpose of stationing the navy. He had heard about Pang Yu's business in Nanjing in Anqing, so he did not guess.
It is nothing more than opening a gambling stall and prostitute in Wuchang to sell illegal salt.
"As long as it is beneficial to the thieves, Master Xiong will definitely agree with it, but it will always take effort. Master Xiong is thinking hard, and General Pang is also working hard for the country. Whether it is for the country or for himself, he just wants a good settlement. Pang
The general is a wise man
, they should all understand.”
"Thank you sir for the tip."
The two parties had reached an agreement. Mr. Guo stood up and looked outside the tent, "This is the New Year's Eve. It has to pass every year. Every year, people say it's difficult, but in so many years, I haven't seen a time when it hasn't passed. Isn't it still the same this year?
." After saying that, he walked out of the tent. Pang Yu took a banknote from the adjutant and quietly handed it into Mr. Guo's sleeve. Mr. Guo did not refuse or make any further remarks. Pang Yu took Xie Zhaofa all the way to the camp.
door, watching Mr. Guo’s carriage
leave.
Pang Yu tilted her head and asked Xie Zhaofa, "Xie Zanhua, what do you think Master Xiong has planned."
"This little guy can't tell."
"You are the official of the Praising Painting Department, so you have to say it even if you don't say it." Xie Zhaofa scratched his neck and said after a while, "Master Xiong is quite urgent. Looking at the itinerary reported by Chen Rulie, both the Eight Thieves and Chuang Taotian can make it.
They were very slow and didn't look like they were running for their lives. Even the eight thieves were still walking towards Xiangyang. They must be fighting the bears.
The adults exchanged letters to discuss the terms, and they will be finalized when Mr. Xiong arrives in Xiangyang. I am afraid that Mr. Xiong is only focused on appeasement, and the so-called simultaneous suppression and appeasement is just for the ears of the Ministry of War."
Pang Yu sighed, squinted his eyes for a moment and then said, "The net is spread out on all sides and it's like this, then do you think we should continue to hunt down the eight thieves?"
Xie Zhaofa said cautiously, "It depends on why you came to Huguang." The lanterns of Mr. Guo's team gradually disappeared, and there was light snow in the night sky. The yellow paper wire lanterns in front of the camp gate gave off a dim glow, indicating that entry and exit were prohibited.
The long leopard tail flag fluttered in the wind and kept going back and forth in front of the lantern, making Pang Yu's face flicker.