Liu Fang was speechless, and after a long time he sighed sadly: "The Yuan Dynasty's secret memorial said: Dunhuang has been without food and grass for a long time. Therefore, the town general Li Song issued several strict orders, ordering all the troops to save food, even at the cost of horse feed. Wild vegetables serve as food for soldiers...
He was also known as Xiaobo (Cui Guang) once consulted with him, saying that it had only been five years since Li Chengzhi secretly rebelled. However, Hexi had been deserted for a long time and the land was barren, but Li Chengzhi worked hard to manage it, and it only lasted five years. , how many grain fields can be cultivated, and how much grain and grass can be harvested?
What's more, because they are eager for quick success and want to swallow the elephant with a snake, in just five years, the population of Xihai has nearly 4 million (700,000 households, each household has three generations, about six people), and the number of soldiers exceeds 100,000... …
Such a huge thing requires countless amounts of food and grass. The Queen Mother, Gao Zhao, Sikong (You Zhao) and I all concluded that the food and grass in the West Sea would be unsustainable...
However, if you look at it today, the people who are repairing the city wall are actually providing three meals a day, and there is absolutely no sign of food and grass being lost. Therefore, I am wondering: Why is there enough food and grass in the West Sea?"
After a pause, Liu Fang said again: "One of the reasons... The other is that even if Li Chengzhi went to war, the number of people who could be conquered in the Western Sea would not be more than 100,000. But the fertile fields and thin bones, the three areas of Longxi, and the Western Sea The number of troops has exceeded 100,000. Based on this calculation, Hexi and Zhenyi must be empty.
Previously, he had no choice but to risk his life and fight, so the army was willing to do so. But now that the troops have been suspended, if common sense is followed, Li Chengzhi will definitely withdraw part of the army to protect him.
However, in recent months, there is no sign of withdrawal regardless of fertile fields and thin bones. What's more, Li Liang actually went to Qingshui to build a city and farm fields. He clearly regarded Longxi as his treasure and would never retreat even half a step. That means. So I don’t understand why Li Chengzhi is not afraid that the imperial court will take advantage of his internal emptiness to use strange troops to attack his heart? Or is it that the military strength of Xihai is far more than one hundred thousand?"
Liu Fang couldn't figure it out, how could Yuan Yuan figure it out?
But he at least knew that if Liu Fang said it, the peace talks would most likely end in a dead end.
The imperial court relied on nothing more than the conclusion that Li Chengzhi's supply of food and grass was insufficient and his military strength was insufficient. Therefore, he must follow the current and stop fighting with the imperial court.
In this way, the imperial court can take back Longxi with heavy profits and hold on to the natural dangers of the river. It can also test the reality of the West Sea and make plans based on it, whether to attack or defend.
But now it seems that Li Chengzhi is not short of soldiers, let alone food. Even if Liu Fang wants to find a loophole, he can't do it, so where can he start talking about it?
After thinking for a long time, Yuan Yuan could only comfort him in a gentle voice: "It's hard to guarantee that Li Chengzhi didn't have some predictions, so he was bluffing in order to make a last-minute plan..."
Liu Fang shook her head and was speechless.
Regardless of the size of the troops, the imperial court was defeated in consecutive battles and retreated steadily. Now it is huddled in the east of Longshan, and the scouts and agents cannot even cross the river. Therefore, they do not know the military situation in the West Sea, let alone what Huangfu ordered after the temporary truce. , did Li Feng, Li Liang and others withdraw their troops to the West Sea?
But at least Liu Fang could see that the soldiers who built the city were all fat and red-faced, so there was definitely no shortage of food in Qingshui County.
And looking at the calluses on the soldiers' hands and the frayed linen shirts on their bodies, we can conclude that these soldiers were not recruited temporarily. They must have been moving stones through the wall in Qingshui for a full month.
It can be inferred from this that at least the soldiers under Li Liang's command must not be short of food.
As a result, the imperial court's plan to make huge profits from the Western Sea may have to be discounted a lot. Besides, what else can be used as bait to seduce Li Chengzhi?
As it was still thousands of miles away from Zhenyi, Liu Fang was already afraid of the difficulty.
After being silent for a while, he sighed: "Now I can only take one step at a time. I will adapt to the situation after meeting Li Chengzhi..."
Yuan Yuan nodded in agreement and whispered, "That's the only way. Fortunately, Yuan Zhi is powerful. I hope he can endure the humiliation and bear the burden. If he has no choice, he can only rely on him to turn things around..."
Liu Fang pondered for a while and sighed heavily. Although she did not speak, she said in her heart: Difficult!
…
Among the envoys, most of them were old and weak like Liu Fang, Gao Zhao, and Yuan Cheng. And because Liu Fang had to stop for half a day to see a city, he couldn't walk very fast. It took ten days to complete the mission.
After traveling 700 miles, we arrived at Jincheng County (now Lanzhou) on the east bank of the river.
Li Chengzhi knew that Liu Fang was stalling for time and was more likely to spy on the military situation, but he did not rush and let Liu Fang work like an old cow.
But after crossing the river and reaching the border of Hexi, there was only one city for hundreds of miles. Moreover, the wilderness was vast and uninhabited. Even if Liu Fang wanted to delay, it was no longer easy to find excuses, so she could only take it step by step.
On the day the delegation crossed the river, thousands of armored cavalry were waiting west of the ferry, keeping the delegation firmly in the middle and marching along the ancient silk road.
When asked about the reason, Li Xiaoxian only said that there seemed to be a large group of Tuyuhun spirits riding around, that's why.
That night, Yuan Zhi sneaked into Liu Fang's tent.
"Master Temple, if what Admiral Naxi said is true, Fulianchou must have responded to the Empress Dowager's request and sent his elite cavalry to recapture the Salt Lake. In this way, the Yuan Dynasty's mission is about to be accomplished..."
Even though her heart was full of expectations, her reason told Liu Fang: The Queen Mother's plan would never be so easy.
Although he has no knowledge of military affairs, he knows human nature.
It is not difficult to attack in the east and west, but what is difficult is that Fu Lianchou (King of Tuyuhun) gains wisdom after taking every step and will not be easily fooled.
Salt Lake was originally the territory of Tuyuhun, but now it was invaded by foreign enemies. As a monarch, no matter how afraid Fu Lianchou was, he could not turn a blind eye and pretend to be deaf and dumb.
Therefore, troops must be sent and attempts must be made to recover the lost territory.
But it would be a bit natural to say that as the Queen Mother wished, she would avenge her previous humiliation and lead the army to attack Hexi.
No matter how stupid Fu Lianchou was, he still had to think carefully: nearly 100,000 Tuyuhun elite cavalry and 200,000 elite Han troops were defeated in just over ten days. How many troops did he need to lead to defeat the enemy?
Have you ever had such a powerful army?
It was clear that the Queen Mother wanted to drive away tigers and devour wolves, and wanted to use him as a spearman. How could Fu Lianchi succeed?
Liu Fang pondered for a long time and sighed leisurely: "Zhiyuan, don't be impatient, and wait patiently. If you really can get what you want, Li Chengzhi will definitely respond..."
Yuan Yuan respectfully agreed, but secretly sighed in his heart.
No matter how anxious he is, what will he do to help?
However, Liu Fang's speculations a few days ago confused his mind. He was restless and frightened for several days. Every night when he closed his eyes, he dreamed that the Western Sea Army was unstoppable. It not only occupied Guanzhong, but also marched straight into Luoyang.
Beijing.
Now when he first heard that the Tuyuhun army had suddenly appeared in the south of the Qilian Mountains, Yuan Yuan forcibly comforted himself that the good strategy the Empress Dowager had said before leaving must have been implemented. Maybe when he and Liu Fang arrived in Zhenyi, good news would come.
But Liu Fang always talked about him, and Yuan Yuan's heart couldn't stop sinking.
His heart became heavier and heavier, and Yuan Yuan became more and more impatient, but there was nothing he could do, let alone get angry at Liu Fang.
After holding it in for a long time, he said anxiously: "What if something cannot be done?"
What else?
Liu Fang's eyes were stern and her tone was cool: "The so-called do your best and obey fate. If you are unable to do what you do, it is not your fault or mine. It is nothing more than dying for the country..."
Yuan Yuan was stunned subconsciously, and after a few breaths, he suddenly trembled.
There are great horrors in life and death, such as Yuan Cheng. The former emperor was so fierce that he could not be suppressed no matter how hard he was. He was said to prefer death to surrender. However, when the new emperor ascended the throne and the Queen Mother took control, Yuan Cheng was inferior to two people and the leader of tens of thousands of people in one dynasty.
Should I be more loyal?
But when a disaster is imminent, he goes out of his way and becomes greedy for life and afraid of death?
Just as Gao Zhao said, Yuan Cheng during the reign of the late emperor had nothing to retreat from and nothing to lose. He only had the reputation behind him, so he would rather break than bend. But now Yuan Cheng is on the stage, at the top of the court, with glory and wealth.
If you can’t enjoy it enough, how can you give up and die so easily?
Compared with Yuan Cheng when he had not lost power, although the Guangyang king's lineage was slightly inferior, it was not much worse. Moreover, Yuan Yuan was just at the age of 30, and he was full of ambitions. When he showed his ambitions, he was even less willing to do so.
died.
Yuan Yuan was filled with panic, and within a moment, Yuan Yuan was sweating profusely.
"Zhiyuan...Zhiyuan?"
Liu Fang called him several times before he suddenly woke up, collected his thoughts, and pretended to be calm: "After a day of running around, the temple minister must have been tired, and the night is getting late. Please rest early!"
"That's fine!"
Liu Fang replied, got up and sent him out of the tent.
It was already time, when the moon was rising over the willow branches. Yuan Yuan was dragging his long shadow, and seemed to be particularly desolate.
Liu Fang raised her head and looked at the sky, with mixed feelings in her heart.
He has had many ups and downs in his official career, and has been honored and disgraced for half his life. How can he look down upon Yuan Yuan and become timid?
First there was Yuan Cheng, and then there was Yuan Yuan. Even the clan was like this. Can you see the fluctuation of people's hearts?
That’s all, as Cai Cai said, it’s nothing more than doing your best and obeying fate!
Liu Fang sighed sadly and returned to the tent...
…
Just like this, we only stopped at Wuwei and Zhangye for one night each, without any further delays on the way. Although the speed was not fast, we traveled for twelve hours every day, so it didn't take much time.
On the eighth day after crossing the river, we arrived at Biaoshi County.
Thousands of soldiers came to greet the city, and saw a forest of flags, and the cold light flickered. They knew that there were all living people in front of them, but all of them were like sculptures, motionless. All they saw was silence and silence, except for the flag streamers brushing against the rustling of the flagpole.
Voice.
Although Liu Fang had never commanded troops, he accompanied Yuan Hong and Yuan Ke inspected many military formations, and they were all elite.
It's like a feather forest, like a tiger running, and even more like a tiger riding, but Liu Fang always feels that it seems to be a little worse than what he sees in front of him.
While sighing, several riders came up to meet him, and Yuan Yuan reminded him in a low voice: "Si Qing, the person who came here is Yuan Guang Lucheng, the father of Li Chengzhi, Li Shiliang..."
"Guang Lucheng, Li Shiliang?"
Liu Fang squinted her eyes, trying to take a closer look. However, her eyes were dim and she couldn't see clearly.
He asked suspiciously: "Could he be the father of Li Xiaoxian, Tailecheng of Taichang Temple? How could I remember that he died suddenly in Beijing three years ago? Li Chengxian even wrote a letter to bury him back to Jingzhou in violation of the law, but he was scolded by the Queen Mother.
, I was so embarrassed that this Shangguan was so embarrassed..."
Yang Shu snorted: "Even Li Chengzhi can fake his death and escape, so it's not surprising that there is another Li Shiliang!"
Liu Fang was startled, with a strange look on her face.
The so-called rumors come out of nowhere, not necessarily without reason.
It was Gao Zhao who was so ambitious that he used his sweet words to seduce the Queen Mother and used clever tricks to persuade Yuan Ying and Yuan Ying. As a result, everyone from top to bottom was secretly swayed by Li Chengzhi.
If he said that Li Chengzhi was wrongly accused, he would be telling a joke. Before he even had an official position, he had already taken precautions and made all the old Baijia troops hide in the West Sea.
When Fang Yi gained power and led his troops on an expedition, Li Dai Tao Zong sent his relatives to the West Sea to control the overall situation.
But now the city is full of turmoil, and everyone says that Li Chengzhi was forced to have no choice but to revolt angrily. Instead, it was all the fault of the Queen Mother and the court?
It is absolutely impossible to say that there was no handwriting by Li Chengzhi in this process. I just don’t know whether someone allowed him to spread rumors in Beijing, or whether someone in the DPRK was fishing in troubled waters and adding fuel to the flames?
Thinking secretly, Liu Fang raised her head and looked at the horses approaching. They were still ten feet away, so Li Shiliang dismounted and took a few steps forward.
Seeing Liu Fang sitting upright on the horse, standing still, Li Shiliang secretly said that it was true.
Before leaving, Li Chengzhi gave him some advice, saying that the Yuan and Wei Dynasties were now in a state of decline and the sun was declining. But even if he asked for help from others, he would definitely act like a donkey that could not fall down.
There is no need to worry about it, just be respectful and treat me as someone who is hospitable in Xihai...
With secret thoughts in his heart, Li Shiliang bowed his head towards Liu Fang: "Welcome to the temple minister!"
The etiquette was quite good and the attitude was respectful, but the greeting was nondescript and vague.
If Li Chengzhi has established the country and is king, Li Shiliang should call Liu Fang "angel". If not, he should at least call him "shangshi". If it is an official title, it means that Li Chengzhi has not lost the last bit of his face and still uses his name as an official.
The ministers of the Wei Dynasty regarded themselves as such.
But the strange thing is that Li Shiliang is not called "Chen" or "Xiaguan", which is a bit thought-provoking.
Liu Fang secretly clicked her tongue, not daring to push further. She signaled her personal followers to help him off the horse, and bowed from afar: "May I ask what your name is and what your official position is?"
Li Shiliang was stunned.
Is Liu Fang pretending to be confused?
Guanglu Temple was in charge of court gatherings, palace banquets, wine stalls, delicacies, and sacrifices. It had frequent interactions with the ancestral temple and rituals.
Although Guanglu Cheng was not of high rank, he was Guanglu Qing, the direct assistant to Shaoqing, and Li Shiliang was also in charge of Qingzhang, which was specialized in ice affairs. It can be said that he had many low-level affairs, and most of them were related to Taichang. Therefore,
When we are in Beijing, we can meet Liu Fang not only once a day, but at least once in three to five days.
Besides, Li Xiaoxian was still serving as Taichang, and Li Shiliang would visit Liu Fang with his son from time to time. How could Liu Fang not remember him?
Not to mention that Yang Shu and Yuan Yuan were on the left and right. Even if his eyes were dim and he didn't recognize him, could these two people be blind as well?
Maybe there is something waiting for you.
Although Liu Fang's nature did not allow him to be humiliated in public, Li Shiliang still kept it in mind.
He laughed loudly and cupped his hands again: "Nobody is worth mentioning. I think the nobles who come to the temple forget things a lot, so I might as well not mention it..."
As he spoke, Li Shiliang pointed forward again, "Traveling thousands of miles, you can imagine the hardships... A certain person has prepared hot soup, water and wine in the city. If you don't give up, you can go into the city to rest for a while, and then go to Zhenyi tomorrow.
It’s not too late!”
Seeing that he didn't respond directly, Liu Fang was a little disappointed.