In the big tent, Yang Yuanqing was listening to the report from Yang Yi, the governor of Hanoi County. Yang Yi was also a member of the Sui Dynasty clan and knew who he should be loyal to. He bowed and said: "The Queen Mother is very satisfied with the conditions of the palace and has settled down.
I don’t have any objections, and I’m very grateful to His Highness for the arrangement.”
Yang Yuanqing nodded. In his impression, Empress Xiao was mean and narrow-minded. However, after encountering a disaster, her temperament began to change. She was even polite to a county magistrate. This shows her change. This is a smart person.
A woman like this is easy to deal with in the future.
"How is the eldest grandson?" Yang Yuanqing asked again.
"The eldest grandson was very silent and seemed to be in a very depressed mood. He didn't say a word from beginning to end. The subordinate officials ignored him when they spoke to him. The Queen Mother even scolded him for being rude."
Yang Tan's low mood was expected by Yang Yuanqing, and it is understandable. He is the eldest grandson and has much greater responsibilities than others. I hope he can understand the situation clearly and not do anything stupid.
At this time, Yang Yi said again: "The Queen Mother asked me to tell His Highness that she wants to have a good talk with His Highness."
Yang Yuanqing smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work in arranging the palace these days. If you see the Queen Mother again, tell her that the Sui army is about to launch the Battle of Luoyang these days. I am very busy. When I have time, I will go to see the Queen Mother and tell her
Please greet me."
"I understand, I will take my leave!"
"go!"
Yang Yi said goodbye and left. Yang Yuanqing pondered for a moment. He sat back in his seat and picked up Li Mi's alliance agreement. He had already discussed it with Fang Xuanzao, and the two parties basically reached a consensus.
However, this so-called alliance has no practical significance. Li Mi refused the request to join the Sui army in attacking the Tang army. He also blocked the Sui army's request not to march into the Central Plains. Both sides avoided the substantive issue. It should be said that this was just
A courtesy alliance agreement.
But this kind of ceremonial alliance is also necessary. At least the two sides have ended the state of hostility. Everyone can sit down and talk about many things. The two sides have changed from rigid confrontation to flexible confrontation, which is good for both Sui and Wei. Many times, sitting down
The problem can be solved by talking down. After all, war is just a continuation of diplomacy.
For example, when the Sui army occupied Dongjun, if there was no such alliance agreement, a battle would most likely break out between the two sides. But with this alliance agreement, Yang Yuanqing could give Li Mi a face and find an excuse, such as relieving victims, defending Dou Jiande, etc.
, In fact, the Sui army occupied Dongjun, but Li Mi could also give instructions to the soldiers. This was a tacit understanding.
Just like the alliance agreement was signed between Tang and Wei, the Tang army could use the excuse of dealing with the Sui army to blatantly send troops to Yingchuan County. Their real purpose was to occupy the Central Plains.
Yang Yuanqingdong read these clauses carefully. The last clause was that the Sui army was not allowed to support Jiangdu Chen Leng. This clause was a bit funny and a bit deceptive. It was tantamount to implying that the Wei army wanted to seize Jiangdu. I wonder if it was included in the agreement between Li Mi and Li Yuan.
This one?
At this time, a soldier reported outside the tent, "Report to the general manager, the patrol found a boat by the river. The person on the boat claimed to be the envoy of Yu Shichong and came to see the general manager. He is now waiting outside the camp."
Yang Yuanqing frowned slightly and asked again: "What is the envoy's name?"
"It seems that Wang Renze is still the same."
It turned out to be him. Yang Yuanqing laughed knowingly, "Bring him to me!"
…
This was the fourth time Wang Renze came to see Yang Yuanqing, but it was also the most nervous time for him. He didn't know whether he could save Zheng Guo. Wang Renze followed the soldiers into the camp and waited for a moment in front of the deputy tent. A soldier
He came out and said: "My lord please come in.
Wang Renze had dark skin and a strong build, but he wore a white Confucian robe and a plain scarf, which made him look a bit nondescript. He straightened his clothes and walked quickly into the tent. Inside the tent, Yang Yuanqing was sitting
While reviewing the memorial in front of the case, he quickly stepped forward and bowed: "Wang Renze is here to see His Highness the King of Chu!"
Although Wang Renze was named the king of Tang, his king was really not comparable to Yang Yuanqing's king of Chu. Even he himself did not have the courage to recognize his kingship. Of course, Yang Yuanqing would not recognize his kingship, let alone
Acknowledge Wang Shichong’s brilliance
"General Wang, long time no see, please take a seat!"
Yang Yuanqing politely asked Wang Renze to sit down, and served tea with his own soldiers. Then he asked with concern: "I wonder how the war is going in Luoyang now?"
Wang Renze sighed, "Zheng's army was defeated in two battles and lost more than 20,000 people."
"Why is this?"
Yang Yuanqing was a little puzzled, "As far as I know, part of your army is elite soldiers trained by my master, and the other part is the powerful Jianghuai Army. The combat effectiveness is quite strong. Why did you lose both battles?"
Wang Renze smiled bitterly, "This is indeed difficult to explain. To be honest with His Highness the King of Chu, it is because the clan interfered too much in the army."
"Oh!" Yang Yuanqing's face showed a look of sudden realization, "So that's it. It seems that King Zheng has a problem with his employment."
As the conversation with Yang Yuanqing increased, Wang Renze's inner tension gradually relaxed. Although he was a military general, he was as cunning and astute as Wang Shichong. He could already smell a glimmer of hope in Yang Yuanqing's attitude and tone.
In fact, when he was crossing the Yellow River, he saw the big ship covering the sky and the sun on the north bank. He knew that the Sui army would definitely send troops and would definitely not allow the Tang army to occupy Luoyang. So when the Sui army would send troops was the key to the entire battle.
Yes, this is what Wang Renze wanted when he went to the Sui Dynasty as an envoy.
Thinking of this, Wang Renze said in a very sincere tone: "Your Highness the King of Chu, the State of Zheng has always followed the Sui Dynasty, and has been loyal to the Sui Dynasty. Now the Tang army is attacking in large numbers, and Luoyang is in danger. Please look after us in the past."
For the sake of our loyal followers, we must save Luoyang, otherwise, we will be forced to surrender to the Tang Dynasty, which will make Luoyang a serious problem for the Sui Dynasty."
Wang Renze's pleading words clearly contained threats. If the Sui Dynasty refused to support Luoyang, then they would surrender to the Tang Dynasty and make Luoyang a close friend of the Sui Dynasty. Yang Yuanqing's face changed and he said angrily: "You are threatening me.
?”
Wang Renze was actually in a hurry and regretted what he said. He immediately knelt down and cried: "Wang Nu will never dare to threaten His Highness in the slightest. The situation in Luoyang is really critical. We look forward to the Sui army."
Just like a baby looking forward to its parents, if Your Highness continues to fail to rescue me, Luoyang has finished speaking and begs His Highness to send troops!"
Wang Renze begged hard, with tears streaming down his face. Yang Yuanqing's face softened a little, and then he said: "It's not that I don't want to save Prince Zheng. In fact, the court's opposition is severe. All the court ministers said that since ancient times, there has been only one emperor in the world. There has never been one emperor."
There is no reason for one emperor to save another emperor. This is my dilemma. As long as King Zheng can solve this problem for me, I will send troops immediately!"
This was the condition Yang Yuanqing offered, requiring Wang Shichong to remove the title of emperor and restore King Zheng. Wang Renze sighed inwardly, Yang Yuanqing's condition was really not easy!
He wanted to say something else, but when he saw Yang Yuanqing's sharp eyes and that non-negotiable decision, the last glimmer of hope in his heart was shattered. He had no choice but to agree: "I will rush back to Luoyang immediately to persuade the lord.
I will remove my imperial title and declare my vassalship to the Sui Dynasty. I only hope that His Highness can keep his promise and send troops as soon as possible."
Yang Yuanqing said calmly: "If this is the case, I will never break my promise!"
…
Wang Shichong received accurate information that Qin King Li Shimin was in the camp next to Qingcheng Palace at the foot of Beimang Mountain. The Tang army's barriers had not yet been built, and there were only 20,000 troops in the camp. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Wang Shichong finally failed to resist this temptation and personally led 50,000 troops to march out. They crossed the valley river, advanced to the Qingcheng Palace camp, and launched a fierce attack on the Tang army's camp.
At this time, the bonfire was lit in Beimang Mountain, and he asked for help from the Tang army leader dozens of miles away. At the same time, Li Shimin arranged 5,000 crossbowmen in the camp, and lined up 10,000 Xuanjia light cavalry at the foot of Beimang Mountain.
, in addition, Wei Chigong was sent to lead 5,000 cavalry across the Valley River to attack Wang Shichong's rear army.
The battle lasted for a full hour. Tsumashi Chong's army frantically attacked the Tang army's camp. They encountered stubborn resistance from the crossbow troops and constant left and right attacks from the Tang army's cavalry on both sides. Corpses were everywhere, but Wang Shichong seemed to be determined.
Regardless of the heavy casualties, he must capture the Tang Army's camp. He had already seen Li Shimin in the camp.
After paying the price of thousands of casualties, the Zheng army finally opened a gap and rushed into the Tang army's camp. At this moment, 10,000 cavalry led by Tang general Zhai Changsun and Tang general Hou Junji suddenly arrived.
Galloping in scattered directions, with clouds of dust rising under their horses' hooves, they slashed with swords and thrust with spears, and started a fierce battle with Wang Shichong's elite Jianghuai army outside the camp.
This time, the Jianghuai Army, led by Wang Shichong, was completely free from the chaos of the previous two times. They advanced and retreated in a well-organized manner, fought bravely, and attacked extremely sharply. Zheng Jun took the lead in defeating Hou Junji's 5,000 cavalry, forcing Yuchi Gong's troops to give up.
He attacked the rear army and led five thousand cavalry to replace Hou Junji's defeated army.
The casualties on both sides continued to increase. Due to the huge disparity in strength, Li Shimin's army could not withstand it. The army was scattered. There were only a dozen cavalry behind Li Shimin, and General Qiu Xinggong followed.
More than a hundred Wang Shichong's cavalry were chasing closely. The soldiers around Li Shimin became fewer and fewer as the battle continued, leaving only General Qiu Xinggong. At this time, a burst of arrows shot out. Li Shimin's mount was hit by an arrow and fell to death. Qiu Xinggong dismounted and knelt down to shoot.
After killing dozens of people, no arrows were fired, and the pursuers retreated in panic.
Qiu Xinggong then gave up his horse to Li Shimin. He fought on foot and killed more than a dozen people in a row. At this moment, an exciting horn sound came from the distance, and the main force of the Tang army came back. Sixty thousand people rushed to kill him.
The situation was overwhelming and the momentum was huge. Seeing that the battle was unwinnable, Wang Shichong had no choice but to order the withdrawal of his troops.
The Tang army pursued them all the way to the city walls. Both sides suffered heavy casualties in this battle. The Tang army suffered casualties of more than 10,000 people, and Wang Shichong lost nearly 20,000 people, leaving the Zheng army with only 30,000 people left. Li Shimin immediately surrounded Luoyang and led his army day and night.
They continued to attack the city, and Wang Shichong led his troops to resist desperately. Luozu City was in extremely critical condition.