The news of Yang Yuanqing's eastern expedition was spread to Chang'an through the eagle letter from Taiyuan City.&&
At this time, Xue Ju's army had retreated to Tianshui County. Li Yuan used three thousand taels of gold to redeem the captured Liu Hongji, Murong Luohu and Li Anyuan, and Chang'an was relieved and fled back from Luoyang and even Jiangdu.
Xiaoguo and the children of Guanlong nobles arrived in Guanzhong one after another, and there were as many as a hundred officials who fled back. Even Dugu Zhen led the Dugu family to escape back.
Li Yuan was overjoyed. He appointed Dugu Zhen as Shang Youfu She and Wei Jin as Na Yan. All the officials who fled back were granted official positions and appointed them all. Everyone praised Li Yuan as a generous elder.
The Guanlong nobles fully supported Li Yuan. All the major families had money and made great efforts. The Dugu family alone offered two million stones of grain to Li Yuan and 30 million yuan of money to make Li Yuan's treasury rich, and the army had enough food, and ten thousand
Xiaoguo's escape allowed Li Yuan's military strength to be strengthened.
At this time, his troops in Guanzhong had reached 200,000, of which half of the children of Guanlong accounted for, and the 80,000 troops in Hedong and Taiyuan were added. His army had nearly 300,000, and his power was strong, and the same as the officials.
At the request, Li Yuan officially changed his army to the Tang Wang Army, abbreviated as the Tang Army.
He ordered Chai Shao to lead 30,000 troops to build a city in Qianshuiwon, Qu Tutong was the deputy general, responsible for defending the northern road, and appointed his second son Li Shimin as the marshal of the Western Road Army and Dou Kang as the deputy commander. The two led 50,000 troops to Xue Ju and the other troops.
In the battle, Li Shentong convinced Li Gui of Xiliang to form an alliance. Li Gui sent 30,000 troops south to Jincheng County to cooperate with the Tang army to deal with Xue Ju.
Although Li Xiaogong was defeated by Xue Ju in Sensuwara, he led 30,000 troops to defeat Zhu Jie, the bandit in Luo County, recovered Luo County, and sent heavy troops to guard Wuguan. Li Yuan then ordered him to be the marshal of the Southern Army. He led 50,000.
The army entered Bashu, Hanzhong.
Just as Li Yuan attacked from all directions and played the song of triumphant songs, a news that made him extremely panic came. Yang Yuanqing personally led a heavy army to the east and appeared in Mayi County.
In the Wude Hall, Li Yuan had been sitting in front of the map for almost two hours. Although he was powerful at this time, he was afraid of Yang Yuanqing in his bones. He always regarded Yang Yuanqing as his enemy. Now that Yang Yuanqing led his army to the east, he immediately
Thinking of his old nest, Taiyuan, Yang Yuanqing went east to attack, and it was inevitable that he would attack Taiyuan.
How to deal with Yang Yuanqing's strong eastern expedition and how to protect Taiyuan? At this time, Li Yuan finally believed what his second son Shimin reminded him that Yang Yuanqing's intention to enter Guanzhong was to drag his army, and Yang Yuanqing's real purpose was to advance eastward.
.
But even if he believes it, he can't do anything. He is now unable to take care of Hedong and Taiyuan. He attacked from all directions, and he could mobilize only 50,000 troops, and these 50,000 people still have to guard Chang'an, unless the army of Li Xiaogong who went south to Bashu was transferred back to the south.
.But this is not realistic. If he gives up Bashu, he will be occupied by Xiao Xian's Western Liang army first. All the counties in Bashu in Hanzhong expressed their willingness to be loyal to him, which is another price he cannot afford.
Li Yuan was worried and anxious. At this time, Li Jiancheng, who had been accompanying him, whispered: "Father, the child thinks the situation is not that serious yet, so he doesn't have to be too careful."
Li Yuan glanced at his son and said, "Tell me your reasons."
Li Jiancheng made a mistake in judging Yang Yuanqing's entry into Guanzhong. He was really uneasy. He never dared to say too much. He was just because his father's anxiety made him feel unbearable. He finally spoke to persuade him.
"Father, the child thinks that Yang Yuanqing had just fought with the Turks and suffered serious losses. He wants to defend Fengzhou and Lingwu County. He cannot send too many troops to fight. The news he has received now is that he has only brought 30,000 people, which confirms that
In Child's judgment, even if he wiped out Liu Wuzhou and obtained a lot of troops, the combat effectiveness of Liu Wuzhou's army was much weaker. In fact, our troops were not weaker than him, and they also benefited from the strong city of Taiyuan. Child believes that the key is to choose
A good general, my father should focus on this."
Li Yuan nodded, the eldest son made sense, and he asked again: "Who do you think will be more secure?"
"The child suggested that Qu Tutong be the main player, he has strong defensive ability, and Yang Yuanqing is also quite afraid of him."
When Li Jiancheng mentioned Qu Tutong, Li Yuan frowned slightly and asked Jiancheng: "Why do you see that Yang Yuanqing is afraid of him?"
"Did my father forget it? Qu Tutong was appointed as the chief supervisor of the county in the pass in the ninth year of Daye, leading 50,000 troops to Yan'an County. For two years, Yang Yuanqing did not dare to touch him. It was not until last year that Qu Tutong had siege in Yanmen last year that Qu Tutong
Withdrawal, this does not conform to Yang Yuanqing's strong style. There can only be one explanation. Yang Yuanqing is quite afraid of him."
Although Li Jiancheng's words make sense, Li Yuan did not believe in Qu Tutong very much. He remembered that Qu Tutong was loyal to the Sui Dynasty in Hedong County, and was forced to surrender to him. It took less than two months to appoint Qu
The main general is the main reason, but he doesn't want to say this real reason.
"But I'm worried that Qu Tutong might not be together with Yuan Ji, and they have not even met."
"Father, Yuan Ji guards Taiyuan City, and Qu Tutong is a foreign aid. The two actually have no contact, so it should be okay."
"Let me think about it again! You retreat first."
"Yes, the child is leaving."
Li Jiancheng knew that his father was not willing to send Qu Tutong as the main general, and he felt a little regretful, but he had no choice but to give a tribute and retreat.
Li Yuan pondered for a moment, and at this time, the guards reported at the door, "Report to the Prime Minister, and Chief Pei asked for a meeting."
Li Yuan always trusted Pei Ji very much, and he hurriedly said, "Please invite him in!"
After a moment, Pei Ji hurried into the room and bowed to Li Yuan, "Mr. Pei Ji, please see His Highness the King of Tang!"
Li Yuan did not allow others to call him the King of Tang or to submit to his subordinates. However, Pei Ji insisted on calling Li Yuan the King of Tang and called himself a humble minister. For this reason, Li Yuan scolded him in public several times, but he refused to change, and Li Yuan had no choice but to deal with him.
At this time, he no longer cared about Pei Ji's name. Li Yuan sighed and said, "Is the Changshi here to see me for Yang Yuanqing's affairs?"
“That’s right!”
"Sit down first!"
Li Yuan asked Pei Ji to sit down and ordered someone to tea again. Pei Ji then suggested: "I advise Your Highness not to send more troops. Sending 20,000 people is enough. The key is to choose the right general?"
Li Yuan nodded, "Jiancheng also advised me like this, and I accepted it. The key is that this master is not sure about me."
Pei Ji asked curiously: "I wonder who the prince recommends to be the chief general?"
"The recommended general for Jiancheng Qu Tutong is the main general."
"inappropriate!"
Pei Ji immediately shook his head. "The prince's recommendation. I will never agree with it."
"Why?"
"Your Highness, Qu Tutong has surrendered for less than two months, and his family is still in Luoyang. Once the King of Yue pardoned him for his crimes, he would be summoned to guard Luoyang. Your Highness said he would go or not?"
Pei Ji's words hit Li Yuan's mind. He was a little hesitant at first, but now he made up his mind. He must not send Qu Tutong as the main general, nor can he do the deputy general.
Pei Ji said again: "I came here today to remind Your Highness that Hedong has rich money and food and a large population. It is a treasure land for self-reliance, and outsiders cannot be used as the main general. I recommend Li Shuliang as the main general and Liu Hongji as the deputy general."
"But Yang Xuangan's defeat still has the lesson. If you use Li as a general, you may repeat Xuangan's mistakes."
"otherwise!"
Pei Ji smiled and said, "Yang Xuangan is not wrong with using the family strategy. It's just that most of his tribe members are mediocre people, and they have ruined major events. His Highness's tribe members are full of talents, so they should be of great use. Besides, the Wu Chong tribe members and the Wen Chong tribe members are good at talented people. This is how he said
It is a good strategy to stick to the country, and your highness should not be doubted."
Li Yuan was told, but in fact, the most suitable one was his second son Shimin, but Xue Ju directly threatened Guanzhong. None of Shimin could not resist. Li Xiaogong went south to Bashu again, and Li Shuliang was slightly inferior, but he was steady and skillful in his army, but he was with Yang Yuanqing.
Compared to this, Li Shuliang is still a little worse. He also needs a strategic person to assist, so that it will be perfect.
Li Yuan smiled and said, "Li Shuliang, although Liu Hongji is a talented person in leading troops, his writing skills are not good. I would like to ask the Chief Secretary to go with him to rescue Hedong in the north. I wonder if Mr. Pei is willing?"
Pei Ji bowed and said, "Your Highness has an order, how dare Pei Ji refuse to obey!"
Li Yuan immediately ordered Li Shuliang to be appointed as the marshal of the Hedong Road and the general of the Right Guard. All the troops and horses of the Hedong counties were dispatched by him. He also ordered Liu Hongji to be the deputy general and Pei Ji to be the marching Sima, and led 20,000 Guanzhong soldiers to support Hedong.
At this moment, news came that Yang Yuanqing defeated Liu Wuzhou in Mayi County. The situation was critical. Li Yuan urged Li Shuliang to support him immediately.
...........
Liu Wenjing hurried to the Wude Hall, and he said to the guards: "Please tell the Prime Minister that Liu Wenjing has urgent matters to ask for a meeting!"
Liu Wenjing only came back from Fengzhou two days ago. Li Yuan personally placed a drink to suppress his fear. He admitted that it was his mistake that caused Liu Wenjing to be humiliated by the captive. He ordered Liu Wenjing to be rewarded for his unyielding character of starving to death and rewarded him with a thousand taels of silver.
He was asked to rest at home and wait until his health recovered before he could resume his post. All of this touched Liu Wenjing.
He was resting at home these days and did not participate in military affairs. Suddenly he heard Li Yuan send Li Shuliang as the commander to Hedong for rescue, which surprised him and rushed to stop him.
After a moment, the guard came out and said, "Prime Minister, please follow me!"
Liu Wenjing followed the guards and walked quickly to the inner palace and into the official room. Liu Wenjing gave Li Yuan a deep bow, "I am not acquainted with the prime minister."
"Mr. Liu is in better health?" Li Yuan asked with great concern.
"Thank you for your concern to the Prime Minister. Hu Yi's health has been cured and he is willing to serve the Prime Minister at any time."
"No hurry! No hurry!"
Li Yuan laughed, "You are the most talented person in the real world. If you have the opportunity to display your talents, I ask you to take care of your body thoroughly. If you need anything, just speak."
"The prime minister's good intentions are recognized by his humble power, but he came today to persuade the prime minister not to use Shuliang as the main general. Although he is talented, he is not Yang Yuanqing's opponent. If he fails again, he may be in danger in Taiyuan and Hedong in danger.
The transfer of Shimin back to Hedong can kill Dou Kang to defend the Great Zhen Pass. First, take the defensive posture. Xue Ju will definitely attack Li Gui in the north, and let the two families fight in the internal struggle. We can reap the benefits of the fisherman. When the situation in Taiyuan stabilizes, we will take the lead.
Bashu, it’s not too late to turn back to deal with Xue Ju.”
Li Yuan smiled and said, "Although Shimin is capable, I am not only a general. Shuliang is my cousin. I know him very well. He has been skilled in archery and horse skills since he was a child, and he is good at learning military tactics. He is both civil and military. Even if he is a little short,
There is also Pei Ji and Liu Hongjiu who are helping him learn from his strengths and weaknesses, which is enough to deal with Yang Yuanqing. Besides, changing generals at the last stage is a taboo in the army. Since I have used him as a general, why regret it? Liu Gong doesn't need to say anything more. I have decided on this matter.
Don't want to change any more."
Liu Wenjing was anxious and wanted to persuade him again, but Li Yuan smiled at the guard beside him and said, "Give me my thousand-year-old ginseng and I want to give it to Liu Gong to nourish my body."
Li Yuan personally sent Liu Wenjing away. He returned to the room, stood in front of the window and pondered for a moment, turned around and slowly took out a letter from the drawer. This was the letter of peace written by Liu Wenjing to his family in Fengzhou. Li Yuan heard that
When Liu Wenjing had news, she asked for the letter on the grounds of missing her.
Li Yuan looked at the letter again with expressionless face, and his eyes fell on the last line, "Fengzhou is rich, the people are stable, and the officials are honest, so that scholars all over the world yearn for it, it is a pure land in troubled times!"
A hint of undetectable sneer appeared on the corner of Li Yuan's mouth.