Chapter 240: The Jade Seal of the State is here! I, Liu Bian, are the supreme ruler of the Han Dynasty!
On the way to Shaanxi County.
Some secret place.
One team is taking a short break.
Yuan Shao ate some dry food, Gulu took a sip of saliva, and gave Yuan Shu a wink. The two immediately stood up, went to the pile of princes next door, sat down next to a burly man, and patted his shoulder:
"Zhang Sima, you are the only one among our group who is proficient in cavalry warfare. Whether we can win this battle depends on you. The princes and I have placed all our hopes on you."
"That's right."
Yuan Shu also echoed: "Zhang Sima is proficient in cavalry warfare and is much better than us and other princes. If our army can get Zhang Sima's help, we will definitely defeat Dong Zhuo in one fell swoop."
Zhang Yang hurriedly cupped his hands and clasped his fists: "General Yuan praised me so much, how dare you accept it?"
Yuan Shaodan smiled: "Zhang Sima, please don't do this. You can follow us to the west to fight against Dong, which has proven your desire for military success. We are all on the same journey, aren't we?"
"In that case."
Yuan Shao said very solemnly: "We should be in the same boat and go all out!"
Yuan Shu was afraid of being left behind: "That's right! We should unite sincerely and help each other so that we can kill the enemy and make achievements."
Zhang Yang nodded and said: "On this point, please rest assured, alliance leader and general, we will go all out in the end."
"good!"
Yuan Shao calmed down and went straight to the topic: "Zhang Sima, after these days of raids, although our cavalry has become accustomed to riding horses at high speed, if they encounter Dong Zhuo's troops, the winning rate may not be high."
"Zhang Sima is proficient in cavalry combat. I wonder if there is a way to improve the combat capabilities of our cavalry in a short period of time. Otherwise, even if we encounter Dong Zhuo, we will only be facing death."
After several days of attacks, the problem of Yuan Shao's improvised cavalry was finally exposed. It was already very difficult for them to gallop, so how could they kill Dong Zhuo?
After all, Dong Zhuo's Xiliang Knights are rare elite cavalry in the world. With the current state of the team, encountering Dong Zhuo's Xiliang Knights would be the same as asking for death.
Have to admit it.
After all, Yuan Shao still has some self-awareness.
Therefore, when the team was taking a break, he came to find Zhang Sima, the only one who was proficient in mounted combat, to help him. He would simply win over him first and then ask for help, which would be more effective.
"this......"
Zhang Yang's voice was drawn out, he thought for a moment, and his eyes suddenly brightened: "There is a way to give the soldiers a fighting chance, but if our cavalry does not have an advantage in numbers, I am afraid it will be difficult to win."
"oh?"
Yuan Shao looked slightly surprised and asked urgently: "Forgetting all that, Shao has already sent people to inquire about Dong Zhuo's situation. I believe there will be a reply soon. What do you think we can do?"
Zhang Yang nodded: "Okay, that's it."
At that moment, Zhang Yang briefly summarized the way for novice cavalry to hold the spear with one hand and forehand, as well as how to lean on the horse's back to increase stability, and told Yuan Shao.
"General, don't worry."
Zhang Yang cupped his hands and said solemnly: "If all the soldiers fight in this way, they will definitely be able to fight Dong Zhuo. If our cavalry is superior in number, it is not impossible to kill him."
"kindness."
Yuan Shu pinched a strand of beard under his chin, and the scene of King Hongnong's cavalry beating up the wolf cavalry appeared in his mind. He was curious, and asked again: "Zhang Sima, Shu has a question, I don't know whether to ask it or not."
.”
Zhang Yang raised his hand and said, "Excuse me, General."
Yuan Shu took a deep breath: "Is it possible that a cavalry that was only formed for half a year or even a few months, with not only a small number of troops, but also poor equipment, can defeat Lu Bu's Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry?"
"Ah, this..."
Zhang Yang couldn't believe that Yuan Shu could ask such a question.
certainly......
However, he did not directly retaliate, but slowly shook his head: "In Zhang's impression, it is impossible for such a team to exist, especially when the opponent is Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry, it is even more impossible."
"The general should know that the last general was working under Ding Yuan back then, and he is well aware of the power of Bingzhou's wolf cavalry, especially the wolf cavalry led by Lu Bu, which is even more powerful!"
"A team has only been formed for half a year, and you want to defeat the Wolf Cavalry?"
Having said this, Zhang Yang shook his head with great certainty and said with firm eyes: "There can be no such team in this world."
Yuan Shu glanced at Zhang Yang and said softly: "Zhang Sima may not know yet, but during the decisive battle between Wolf Cavalry and King Hongnong at Dagu Pass, more than half of the troops and horses were lost. At that time, the number of cavalry under King Hongnong's account was only a thousand cavalry."
"ah?"
Zhang Yang's eyes were as wide as bells, and he was shocked: "This...how is this possible?"
Yuan Shu was extremely sure: "But it did happen! Shu wanted to send someone to investigate King Hongnong's cavalry, but he found that the cavalry camp was heavily defended and difficult for outsiders to approach, so he still doesn't know its secret."
"this......"
Zhang Yang began to look for reasons on his own: "The general thought that no matter how secret the cavalry was, it would not be that easy to defeat the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry."
"Unless this battle is fought in special environments, such as forests, valleys and other places that are easy to ambush but are not conducive to galloping horses, if so, it may be possible."
hiss-!
Yuan Shu suddenly understood and nodded slowly: "In the battle of Dagonguan, the place where the wolf cavalry was defeated is called Goat's Pass. This place is indeed not conducive to the galloping of war horses."
Zhang Yang secretly breathed a sigh of relief: "This makes it easier to understand."
"but......"
But the next second, Yuan Shu remembered something: "After the cavalry under King Hongnong's tent raided Luoyang's capital warehouse, on the way back to the city, they were encircled and suppressed by Xiliang's cavalry. They lost more than 300 cavalry, but they were able to break through safely.
.”
Zhang Yang smiled faintly and said softly: "In addition to the requirements for cavalry combat power, breaking out of an encirclement may also be more demanding for the environment at that time."
"King Hongnong's cavalry was able to break through the encirclement, perhaps because the opponent did not encircle it at all, allowing it to break through the weak point of the encirclement in one fell swoop and escape from Luoyang."
"After all, we are all cavalry, so the difference in speed will definitely not be too big. Once we break through the encirclement, it will not be that easy to complete the encirclement again."
Yuan Shu had a look of sudden realization: "So that's it!"
Zhang Yang handed over his hand: "General, just imagine, if a cavalry that has been formed for half a year can compete head-on with a cavalry that has been fighting for more than ten years, then is the cavalry still of such great value?"
Yuan Shao on the side nodded: "Zhang Sima's words are right. King Hongnong was able to defeat the Wolf Cavalry and stand out from the encirclement of the Xiliang Xiaoqi. It should be accidental, not inevitable."
"That's right!"
Based on his many years of actual combat experience, Zhang Yang nodded in agreement with absolute certainty: "The alliance leader is right. It must be so. If it were a head-on decisive battle, even the Xiliang Xiaoqi might not be the opponent of the Wolf Cavalry, not to mention that a team could only be formed in half a year.
of cavalry.”
"Report—!"
At this moment, a long announcement sounded not far away.
Everyone turned to look.
But they saw a cavalry coming from Juechen, who were their own scouts: "Alliance leader, general, Dong Zhuo has sent a cavalry, rushing to the direction of Mianchi for support, with about two thousand troops."
"two thousand?"
Yuan Shao took a deep breath and marveled secretly.
After several months of killings, Dong Zhuo's military strength has been greatly reduced.
Now, there are not many soldiers and horses around him anymore, and now he has transferred another two thousand cavalry.
"Ha ha!"
Yuan Shao looked up to the sky and laughed wildly: "This is God helping me!"
Yuan Shu's face flashed with fierce fighting spirit: "Cao Ah Man's tactics really worked."
"Walk!"
Yuan Shao did not hesitate and waved his hand: "Send the order! The whole army sets off quickly. We must intercept and kill Dong Zhuo before he enters Shaanxi County, and then return to the army to help Mianchi."
The messenger handed over his hand: "No."
Not long after.
The sound of hoofbeats rumbled, heading straight to Shaanxi County.
*****
Luoyang City.
The walls collapsed and the house collapsed, leaving it in ruins.
Xun You stared at the dilapidated palace, his heart twisting like a knife.
In my memory, images of myself in Luoyang emerged one by one like reflections.
call-
He took a deep breath.
Xun You put away his sad posture and instead ordered: "The palace must search carefully, especially the books. All that can be taken away must be taken away. All the things found must be handed over. After His Highness chooses, the rest will be used as trophies."
Send it to the armies in a certain way."
Shi Ah bowed and handed over his hand: "Don't worry, military advisor, just leave it to the general."
"kindness."
Xun You warned again: "Your Highness seems to care about the palace. He has mentioned it many times. Remember not to hide it privately. Once caught, he will be killed without mercy."
Shi A patted his chest and assured: "On this point, the military advisor should be more at ease. If he is discovered, I, Shi A, will be the first to kill him, so there is no need for His Highness to give the order."
Xun or nodded: "In that case, I'll leave this place to you, or go and have a look elsewhere."
Shi A cupped his hands and clasped his fists: "Commander, walk slowly."
When Xun Yu left the ruins of the palace and walked straight to the south gate.
suddenly.
A familiar figure walked towards me.
"Strategy! Strategist!"
It's Zhang Zhen.
A capable general under Zhang Liao.
Xun You smiled at Zhang Zhendan: "It turns out to be Captain Zhang, are you okay?"
Zhang Zhen quickly took out a wooden box and handed it to Xun Or: "Commander, look, my brothers salvaged this from a well. There is a seal in it. Although the general does not recognize it, he always feels that it is different from others."
The seal is different."
"Please help me take a look."
With a smile on his face, Zhang Zhen hurriedly handed the wooden box over and opened it while introducing: "Although the bottom of this seal is damaged, it is inlaid with gold. I feel that it must be very valuable."
"Gold inlay?"
Xun You also felt a little strange when he heard it, and smiled and said: "Okay, let me take a look for you."
Zhang Zhen nodded and bowed: "Thank you very much."
Squeak.
The wooden box unfolds.
Suddenly, a piece of jade with dense and smooth texture, crystal clear color, warm and elegant appearance appeared in front of Xun or's eyes.
It is only four inches in diameter, with five lifelike dragons crossing it.
"This is......"
In an instant, Xun You's eyes were as wide as bells, filled with shock.
How could he, who is knowledgeable about the past and present, not know that since the Qin Dynasty, the emperor's seal has been specifically named "Xi", and because it is made of jade, it is also called "Jade Seal".
There are six emperor's jade seals in total, namely the emperor's seal, the emperor's official seal, the emperor's official seal, the emperor's official seal, the emperor's official official seal, and the emperor's official official seal.
But only one seal is not among them.
It’s the jade seal passed down to the country!
The appearance described in the book is exactly the same as the appearance at this moment.
In an instant, there seemed to be a sacred, majestic and inviolable aura of a king rushing towards my face.
Even Xun or himself couldn't help but lean back slightly, showing a horrified look: "This... this is..."
Gulu!
The throat or throat rolls, and the person is so nervous that he or she swallows saliva.
He took a deep breath and tried to stay calm.
Seeing Xun You's expression of panic, Zhang Zhen couldn't help but be curious and asked urgently: "Military advisor, what are you...what's going on?"
Only then did Xun You come to his senses and sighed: "It's okay! Let me take a look."
Even Xun Yu had never seen the Jade Seal of the State, he only learned about it from books.
In order to ensure that his judgment was correct, Xun You slowly stretched out his hand, carefully and respectfully took out the jade seal, revealing its broken corner inlaid with gold.
"Look here, military advisor."
Zhang Zhenyou didn't know it, so he pointed to a corner of gold: "Here it is, it's inlaid with gold. This thing must be valuable."
That’s right!
Xun is extremely sure this time.
What is contained in this wooden box is the jade seal passed down from the country.
He quickly put the jade seal back, closed the lid, and held it in his hands: "Colonel Zhang, you have made a great contribution. I will personally deliver this to His Highness later. Your Highness will definitely reward you heavily."
"Whatever you want, you might as well tell me directly."
King Hongnong is a deposed emperor. Although he can return to the palace, his influence will not be great.
But it's different now...
As long as there is this jade seal to pass down the country, King Hongnong returns to the palace, which means that he is inheriting the will of heaven and obeying the people's will. He is the true emperor with divine power and the true supreme king of the Han Dynasty!
"ah?"
Zhang Zhen was shocked and frightened: "If His Highness wants it, how dare I be greedy for it? This is my blessing."
Xun or insisted: "There is no need to panic, Lieutenant Zhang. Don't worry about making demands. Otherwise, I, Xun or, will have to come back. Even if you don't ask for a reward, His Highness will have to reward you."
"Ah this..."
Zhang Zhen looked in disbelief.
He pondered for a long time and then said tentatively: "How about rewarding the general with some money? The general wants to buy a house in Nanyang and some land, and when he has time, he can take over his parents, wife, and children."
"good!"
Xun You nodded without hesitation: "Don't worry, you will get what you want."
Zhang Zhen was overjoyed and cupped his hands: "Thank you so much, military advisor."
Xun You shook his head hurriedly: "If you don't want to thank me, you have to thank His Highness and your brothers."
"kindness."
Although Zhang Zhen responded, he was still confused: "Don't worry, military advisor, brothers, I will make up for it."
Xun You smiled calmly: "After noon, ask Wen Yuan to come to the Chinese army to find me. Everyone of your brothers will be rewarded."
"real?"
"certainly!"
"good."
Zhang Zhen nodded and bowed, grateful.
Xun You put away the jade seal and said, "I'm going back to the camp. You guys continue to search."
Zhang Zhen cupped his hands: "No."
After watching Xun You leave, Zhang Zhen was so excited that he wanted to jump up.
He really didn't expect it.
It's just a seal, but it can be so valuable.
"If you search more, there might be some more."
"Ha ha!"
Zhang Zhen was very excited: "I am so smart."
now.
Luoyang South Gate.
Central army, big tent.
Liu Bian sat at the head, ostensibly reading a book, but in fact he was communicating with experts: "Teacher, since we want to give up Runan, why don't we give up Yingchuan?"
"Yuan Shu is the governor of Yuzhou. If he can attack Xu Qiu, the governor of Runan, he can naturally attack Li Min, the governor of Yingchuan. We can definitely withdraw Li Min. Wouldn't this make our fists tighter?"
The Military Advisor Alliance explained: "Master Bian, the fundamental reason for abandoning Runan is because this is the Yuan family's home base and is deeply rooted. Xu Qiu simply cannot stand."
"But Yingchuan is different!"
The Military Advisor Alliance immediately shifted the topic to Yingchuan County: "First, Yingchuan County borders Sili. Even if Master Bian leads his troops back to Nanyang in the future, he will inevitably leave a force in Luoyang."
"Whether we fight or not, as long as we leave a force in Luoyang, we are still nominally attacking Dong Zhuo. There is no food and grass in the Heluo area. Although farming can solve part of the problem, we still need support from Yingchuan and Nanyang."
"From this point of view alone, Yingchuan County cannot be lost, because it is the bridge connecting Nanyang and Heluo. Only in this way can our food and grass be continuously sent up."
"In addition, from a strategic analysis, Yingchuan County is our wedge into Yuzhou and the seesaw for us to occupy the fertile land of the Central Plains. Once we have completely stabilized our foundation and are determined to expand outward, Yuzhou and Jingzhou will definitely be our first choice."
Makes sense.
Liu Bianshen nodded in agreement, and then asked: "All the Ruying nobles are concentrated in Runan and Yingchuan. Our power extends to Yingchuan. Why don't we take action against the Yingchuan nobles?"
"Master Bian, don't be anxious."
"This involves the second issue."
The Military Advisor Alliance followed up with an analysis: "Although there are many aristocratic families in Yingchuan County, such as Xun, Chen, Zhong, Han, etc., they all passed down their classics to the world instead of showing off their official positions for generations. This is completely different from the Yuan family in Runan.
"
"It was during the reign of Emperor Huan of the Han Dynasty that the 'Four Chiefs of Yingchuan' appeared in Yingchuan, and their reputation was truly established. By the end of the Han Dynasty, only the Xun family could handle these four families."
"But he is just a Sikong Xun Shuang, and according to historical records, Xun Shuang will pass away soon. The real rise of the Xun family occurred when Xun or defected to Cao Cao, and after Cao Cao became powerful."
"In a sense, the gentry in Yingchuan County are a new aristocratic class that Bian Ye can win over. What's more, the Xun family still has Xun or, the Tang family still has Tang Yu, and Tang Mao is here, how can the soil of Yingchuan County
Throw away easily."
"Not only can we not lose it, but we must also manage it well."
The Military Advisor Alliance emphasized: "The most important thing is that Li Min has established a firm foothold in Yingchuan County. Although he is slightly lacking in personal ability, he is loyal enough to make up for his shortcomings."
"For Mr. Bian, he can draw on Yingchuan's human resources and product resources, and the only thing he needs to pay is to strengthen Li Min's military power so that he can compete with Yuan Shu."
Yuan Shu?
Liu Bian could only laugh.
After such a long period of fighting, Liu Bian really didn't take Yuan Shu seriously.
If Yuan Shu did not have the support of his family, it is still unclear whether he could have established a successful career.
What's more, now, Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao are bound to face a big defeat. When he completely recovers, his strength will be even stronger.
...
Just as Liu Bian was communicating with the military advisor alliance.
"Your Highness!"
"Your Highness—!"
Suddenly, a long voice called outside the tent.
It's Xun or.
Liu Bian judged it all at once.
He looked up.
But when the curtain was raised, Xun You stepped forward quickly, with unmistakable joy on his face: "Wen Ruo, what's the happy news?"
Xun You nodded quickly: "Your Highness, what a happy event!"
Say it.
Xun You hurriedly presented the wooden box: "Your Highness, what do you think this is?"
Liu Bian's eyes suddenly brightened, and a term came to his mind: "Could it be the jade seal passed down from the country?"
Although Xun Yu had not yet opened it, King Hongnong, as the deposed emperor, had naturally seen the imperial seal.
Therefore, Xun You didn't have the slightest doubt and nodded: "Yes, it is the Imperial Seal! It was discovered by Captain Zhang in a dry well south of Luoyang City."
"Look!"
Squeak.
Xun You then slowly opened it and presented it to Liu Bian: "With this, His Highness can return to the palace at any time, and he can declare to the world that you are the orthodox Supreme Leader of the Han Dynasty."
Liu Bian stood up and walked around the commander, went straight into the tent, and came to the Yuxi.
At the same time, netizens in the live broadcast room were equally excited:
"Damn it! Is this the real imperial seal? It feels different from what was shown on TV."
"It's so small? It's probably only about ten centimeters in diameter. People on TV have to hold it with both hands."
"Although I'm not as awesome as the ones on TV, I still feel that I'm a little bit more awesome."
"Look at the five dragons above, they are so handsome."
"Master Ben, pick it up quickly and let us see the back."
"Idiot! The one with the words is on the front."
"Whatever has words is the front."
"..."
Liu Bian was equally excited.
He stepped forward slowly and gently picked up the jade seal.
It's slightly cool in the hand, but warm and delicate, with an excellent texture.
Liu Bian held it in his hand and looked at it carefully: "No wonder, when we were on the mountainside of Mang Mountain that day, Mr. Gu felt that something was calling me in the dark in Luoyang City."
"I didn't expect that!"
Liu Bian let out a long breath and said softly: "The ancestors actually left the jade seal passed down to me. It seems that they still hope to be the emperor alone, rather than Chen Liuwang Xie."
"That's right!"
Xun Or said with great certainty: "The mysterious collapse of the North Gate Bridge, and now the appearance of the national jade seal, is enough to prove that Your Highness is the true chosen one."
"Now, the grain and grass transferred from Nanyang have arrived. Your Highness should hold a banquet to entertain the soldiers. He will inform the generals about the imperial seal and the broken bridge at the north gate. While calming the morale of the army, he can order Xu Qiu, Li Min, Cao Cao and others to do so.
Be more loyal."
Liu Bianshen nodded in agreement: "Okay! Let Wen Ruo handle this matter."
Xun Yiyi bowed his head and said: "Leave this matter to your subordinates, so your Highness can rest assured."
"Oh right."
Liu Bian reminded: "We must reward Captain Zhang heavily. He has made great contributions."
Xun Ordan smiled: "Your Highness, don't worry, we will not only reward you generously, but also reward you with great fanfare."
How could Liu Bian not understand what Xun Yu meant?
The imperial seal passed down, the broken bridge at the north gate!
These two mysterious events can be spread among the army by rewarding Zhang Zhen, thereby adding a mysterious color, which will greatly consolidate Liu Bian's image of imperial authority and orthodoxy.
When Liu Bianzheng was admiring the Jade Seal of the State, the voice of the military advisor alliance sounded: "Master Bian, the history expert asked me to thank you. The Jade Seal of the State has been around since the late Tang Dynasty when Emperor Li Congke and the Empress Dowager Cao burned themselves in Xuanwu Tower.
It has been lost."
"There are too many self-made jade seals in later generations, all of which are said to be the first emperor's jade seals, but today experts can conclude that they are all fake. Only this square jade seal is the real jade seal passed down from the country."