As Zhao Yanshou said, the generals present are all the backbone of the Yan Army and can be said to be the cornerstone of the army. If there is a problem with these people, the Yan Army will be in chaos. It is impossible to arrest them all, and Zhao Yanshou did not
The idea of senior generals to wipe out all schools in one fell swoop is tantamount to disrupting the situation and goes against the original intention of stabilizing the situation in Youzhou.
After all, Zhao Yanshou's goal was only to eliminate imminent hidden dangers, deal with those rebellious elements, and at the same time pave the way for Zhao Kuangzan's rise to power.
Therefore, they only captured a few chickens in a targeted manner in front of a group of monkeys, and Zhang Yan, the deputy commander of the Lulong Army Yamen, and the white-faced captain were both among the "chickens".
Such an action is very dangerous, and if done improperly, it can easily lead to greater disasters. However, with the current situation in Youzhou, the army and people's hearts need to be rectified urgently, and coupled with Zhao Yanshou's illness, we must use boldness and sharpness.
There is no room for any sloppiness in cutting through the mess. If Zhao Yanshou doesn't get the job done and leaves Zhao Kuangzan to deal with it alone, there is a great possibility that Youzhou will collapse directly.
Fortunately, although the plan of Zhao Yanshou and his son was sudden, they were well prepared, acted decisively, and had everything under control. The chicken was taken down and successfully frightened the monkeys present. Zhao Yanshou invited them into the hall, had a heart-to-heart talk, and rested for a while.
Its heart.
Immediately afterwards, there was a major adjustment of the command level of the Yan Army. Officers loyal to the Zhao family and the "pro-Southern faction" were promoted and quickly occupied important positions in the Youzhou army. As for the "Shunbei faction", or
They were moved, demoted, dismissed, or imprisoned. Of course, it was inevitable that some of them would have their heads removed. At the same time, the investigation of "Khitan spies" in the army was carried out.
In such an era, coups and military coups are commonplace and not surprising. If a few people are not killed and some blood is shed, it will be an incomplete military coup. If the chicken is not killed, how can we scare the monkeys or scare the monkeys?
Several senior generals of the Yan army led by Yan were charged with "colluding with the Khitan, deceiving the military, and conspiring to rebel".
Of course, although military coups are normal, harsh means and decisive measures are always only the first step. How to deal with the aftermath, stabilize the situation, and win over people's hearts is the most important thing, and is watched by both the military, government, and civilians.
Killing can scare people, but it is difficult to convince them. If it is handled improperly, it is not impossible for the subordinates to overcome the superiors. Zhao Yanshou and his son obviously understand this principle well.
After dealing with Zhang Yan and others, Zhao Yanshou took his illness and personally inspected the army, met with the sergeants, and reassured the soldiers. Zhao Kuangzan was also personally responsible for dividing all the property, land, and tenants of Zhang Yan and others' families in the three states of Lulong.
Together with the other generals, they also used all the money and silk from the treasury to reward the soldiers, as well as wine and meat to reward the entire army.
Benefits have always moved people's hearts, and using money to buy people's hearts is the most direct and effective method. It's just that the price is not small, and Youzhou's treasury, which is not rich to begin with, has been depleted, but it is worth it.
This major adjustment of the army by Zhao Yanshou and his son caused a sharp decline in the combat effectiveness of the Yan army in a short period of time, which after all reduced the morale of the soldiers. However, in the long run, the benefits naturally outweighed the disadvantages.
To save the Yan army from the critical situation of disintegration, to stabilize the scattered people's hearts, and to stabilize the turbulent situation, the most intuitive result is that all the messy resentments and rumors in the army will disappear.
At the same time, the "Shunbei faction" was suppressed, making the whole army's awareness "highly unified" again, and resisting the Liao and Wei family was still the theme. The most important thing was that they controlled the army, and the Zhao family's rule over Youzhou was temporarily stable. , and has more capital to show value to Liu Chengyou.
Of course, although the subsequent gentle measures won the hearts of most people, the frustrated people would inevitably hug each other more closely and become a hidden danger. But this hidden danger is no longer worth fighting, and you only need to be careful to guard against it.
With the onset of the Great Summer, the condition of King Yanshou Zhao Yanshou deteriorated rapidly and he fainted again. Zhao Kuangzan put down his military and government affairs and returned to the government urgently.
"The adjustment of important military and political positions in the two states of Zhuo and Yi has been completed, and all the trusted ministers have been dispatched." Sitting on the side of the couch in the back hall of Prince Yan's mansion, he said to Zhao Yanshou. Since he was making a report, he also wanted to offer comfort: "All the generals in the army They have also fulfilled their duties, training has gradually begun, military morale has gradually stabilized, and combat strength will slowly recover. The elite Yajun troops have been stationed to guard the city gates of Youzhou. In addition, Youzhou civil and military forces have a lot of land in the surrounding area, and they want to organize civilian forces. , provide money and food, and use the city gate as a link to help them build forts to guard their fields and protect the people against the intrusion of Hu Qi..."
After several days of tossing, Zhao Yanshou's body was completely broken, and he could not sit up. He looked like he was dying, and he could only hold his breath, but his breath was like a gossamer.
He obviously listened to Zhao Kuangzan's words. A trace of relief appeared on his withered face, and he said in a low voice: "As a father, I can protect you until now, protect you from some turbulence, and bear some infamy. Now Youzhou's military and political power , it’s all in your hands, you can use it as you wish. But remember, with the situation in Youzhou, the most important thing at any time is to stabilize the people’s hearts, especially the military’s.”
"My son understands."
Zhao Yanshou continued to warn in a weak voice, speaking extremely slowly: "You are still young, so naturally you like to use your youth, and you should have a group of close ministers to protect you. However, I think that Zhao Siwan is quite ferocious. If you use it well, it will be a sharp blade, but you must be careful to prevent it from hurting your hands. Ghost faces are strong and dare to fight. They can be iron soldiers in the army. They need to take back the power and control it. Don't let them do whatever they want!"
Suddenly hearing his words, Zhao Kuangzan was slightly surprised, and his eyelids trembled slightly. He had his own considerations and thoughts about Zhao Siwan and Guimiandu. However, in the face of his father's earnest instructions, he did not hesitate at all and responded respectfully: "Don't worry, I will." Pay attention."
Zhao Yanshou was terminally ill and his illness seemed to have unleashed all his remaining energy, making his mind extremely clear.
After a pause, he continued: "A report of the situation in Youzhou should be sent to Tokyo and reported to the court to show loyalty. In addition, you can ask an official to go north to supervise the army!"
Hearing this, Zhao Kuangzan frowned and said hesitantly: "Isn't this a self-inflicted restriction?"
"Youzhou needs the support of the Han court. It needs to reassure the court and the emperor. Otherwise, why would food and weapons be exported to the north?" Zhao Yanshou explained.
Zhao Kuangzan thought for a while and then nodded in agreement: "I remember it."
These instructions seemed to have exhausted all Zhao Yanshou's energy. His face became darker, his eyes became wandering, and he praised Zhao Kuang: "Go ahead. From now on, Zhao Kuang will be the leader of Youzhou." The honor and disgrace of our clan are all tied to you alone!"
"Yes!" After hearing his father's words, Zhao Kuangzan felt sad, but his will was strong. He knelt down in front of the bed and saluted him solemnly.
He told him to take good care of the backyard and take good care of Zhao Kuangzan, and then left.
On the 25th day of the sixth month of the first year of Qianyou, Zhao Yanshou, king of Yan, died of illness in Youzhou. After all, he could not survive the summer, but he passed away peacefully, with his wife and Youzhou civil and military officials to see him off. Compared with the original history He died miserably in a foreign land, which can be called a good death.
...
The situation in Youzhou was reported to Tokyo as quickly as possible and put on the desk of Emperor Liu Chengyou.
In fact, a few days in advance, all the military coup incidents that occurred in Youzhou were gradually spread southward to Kaifeng. In Youzhou, there were not only "pro-Southern factions" within the Yan army, but also many informants from the imperial court.
Previously, the secret spies arranged by Liu Chengyou had been officially placed under the Privy Council, and a Military Intelligence Department was established, which was different from the Wude Department and was specialized in spying on foreign military intelligence.
The actions of Zhao Yanshou and his son were clearly under the banner of "rectifying lawlessness", but after analysis by Liu Chengyou and several important privy officials in Guo and Wei, it was natural to see the essence of eliminating dissidents and centralizing power. However, Liu Chengyou was I am happy to see its success. Previously, the "anti-Han" sentiment among the Yan army was strong, which was deeply tabooed by him.
Now, after the Zhao family's arrangement, the situation has suddenly changed. What Liu Chengyou and the court want is a stable Youzhou military and political group to perform the function of controlling the Liao. As for the Zhao family becoming powerful, they are not worried about it. I have also mentioned that Youzhou has its own limitations, especially after the Zhao family and his son's rectification. As long as Liu Chengyou doesn't do anything himself, there will be no serious problems.
Of course, the maintenance of the relationship between the two parties needs to be treated with caution. Conflicts are inevitable. If you blindly support the north, there will be dissent in the court, which may lead to trouble. Youzhou may also have negative opinions due to the troubles in the court. Having a different mind makes you feel uneasy.
Due to its special situation, Youzhou's relationship with the imperial court was different from the normal relationship between the central and local governments, and between the imperial court and vassal towns. Liu Chengyou still needed to keep a clear mind, especially after Zhao Kuangzan came to power.
In Liu Chengyou's impression, although Zhao Kuangzan was smart, he was young and energetic. However, because of his sharpness, he had to change his way of getting along with Youzhou.
However, judging from Zhao Kuangzan's attitude in writing the letter, he was still very "obedient" and "loyal" to the court.
"The sky is ruthless, and it will not take more than a year. The death of King Yan has left the great Han Dynasty with one less pillar in the northern frontier to help him!" In the Guangzheng Palace, Liu Chengyou summoned the prime ministers and the Privy Council officials, sighed with emotion, and then went to Fan Zhi who was waiting beside him. He ordered: "Let the Hanlin Academy write a memorial to inform him."
"yes!"
"Your Majesty, the King of Yan has passed away and the military and political affairs of Youzhou are in the hands of his son Zhao Kuangzan. At this time, the situation in northern Xinjiang must be unstable. If the Khitan people take the opportunity to invade, people will be uneasy and may suffer misfortune. The imperial court should immediately take action In order to stabilize the situation in Youzhou!" Guo Wei stepped out and seriously suggested to Liu Chengyou.
"Guo Qing's words make sense!" Liu Chengyou nodded. He had obviously considered it in his mind. He looked at Yang Bin and other ministers and ordered: "Pass the system, Zhao Kuangzan will be the envoy of Lulong, the general manager of the northern camp, Ji Taiwei, Tongping Zhang The matter is to attack the Duke of Yan."
"Let Chengde, Zhang Yanwei, and Wang Jing of Henghai coordinate part of the food and salary to support Youzhou. In addition, all the troops stationed along the Nanyishui River are on guard to prevent unexpected events. We must ensure that the military power of Youzhou is transferred and the transition is smooth!"
In Zhao Kuangzan's memorial, the intention of asking for help is very obvious. In order to reassure him, the court had to express his hope. This was also the first formal exchange between the two sides after Zhao Kuangzan took charge of the military and political affairs.