"Your Majesty, this is really a clever plan. I didn't expect that Shang Boqian, who has been in Longyou for more than ten years, was already under your control."
In the meeting hall of the fortress, all the generals couldn't help but smile when they heard Yang Hao disclosed his plan against Shang Boqian. But Yang Hao only smiled lightly and said: "You guys should not be careless. Although it is easy to defeat Shang Boqian, I have never taken it seriously.
Shang Boqian takes it seriously. Once I take Longyou, my opponent will not be Shangboqian at all. When I only wanted Longyou before, he was not, and now...he is even less so."
All the generals were startled when they heard the words. They knew the elegant meaning of the strings and understood the meaning of Yang Hao's words. Shang Boqian rose rapidly with the support of the Song Dynasty and became the most powerful force in Longyou.
If you want to capture Longyou, you must become an enemy of Shang Boqian. However, Yang Hao does not have Shang Boqian in his heart, so who is the real opponent in his mind? Especially... when he said that he wanted to capture Longyou before,
Shang Boqian has never been regarded as his opponent, not even now. Now... has his mind changed?
At the thought of this, all the generals couldn't help but feel excited. To be honest, Hexi is still too small. Even if it is doubled and a Longyou is added, it is still too small. Even if they travel across the Western Regions and hunt for various countries, in their hearts, this territory
It was still too small. The reason was simply because there was a richer and more prosperous country next to them: the Song Dynasty.
In recent years, under Yang Hao's care, Hexi has been prospering and rising day by day. The Yellow River floodplain surrounding the Helan Mountains has become a land of fish and rice. The two prefectures of Shagua are known as the South of the Yangtze River. With these two places, there is sufficient food.
With Yang Hao's conscious support, business in Ganzhou and Dunhuang also began to revitalize. Luzhou, Yanzhou, Lingzhou, and various light and heavy industries also began to be interested. However, the situation of vast land and sparsely populated areas in the northwest will not change so quickly.
Compared with the Central Plains, it is still poor.
Everyone wants to make meritorious deeds, and making meritorious deeds means being granted a wife, a son, glory and wealth, and Yang Hao has so many ministers and generals under his command. Even if he swallows Longyou, it will not be enough to reward the merits of the ministers. Only... there is only the Central Plains, a hundred miles away.
The city, with its wealth and prosperity, will surely defeat the countries thousands of miles away in the Western Region. The eyes of all the generals are bright.
"Tong Yu."
"I'm here!"
As soon as Yang Hao called, Tong Yu immediately stood up and respectfully clasped his fist towards Yang Hao.
In the battle that day, Shangbo fled thousands of times. The 200,000-strong army fought on their own, and were steadily beaten by Yang Hao. Only a few remnants relied on fast horses and sharp arrows to cut a bloody path and rushed westward to various places.
Now that they are on their way, their strength is no longer enough to cause trouble. The Xixia army began to clean up the battlefield, reap the profits, provide compensation for the disabled, and clean up the remnants of the enemy.
At this time, Xiaoliu and Tietou came back immediately and led their troops to visit Yang Hao. The brothers were extremely affectionate when they met, but after saying goodbye and breaking up, Xiaoliu corrected his attitude and respectfully held court in front of Yang Hao.
This is not only for outsiders to see, but also a clever expression of his docility and loyalty to Yang Hao.
When leaving Xingzhou, the two Yang Hao brothers had a secret conversation. Yang Hao had several sworn brothers, but there was only one fraternal brother, and that was Ding Chengzong. Ding Chengzong can be said to be the most loyal person to Yang Hao.
Anyone can harm Yang Hao, but he will not. Therefore, he will not hide any worries or considerations from Yang Hao.
Ding Chengzong was talking about Tong Yu. In Ding Chengzong's view, a sense of loyalty is not enough to bind a hero. Zhao Kuangyin has ten brothers in the righteous society, and the feelings between the ten brothers are not fake. Zhao Kuangyin is not a heartless and unrighteous person.
, but the world must be determined, Zhao Kuangyin decisively used the trick of "releasing military power over a glass of wine", which stabilized the country and fulfilled the brotherhood. If they had not been restrained at the beginning, even if they had no objections, surrounding these
People around generals, for their own benefit, will also create all kinds of troubles, brew discord between brothers, and create opportunities for rebellion. Once you ride on the back of a tiger, the future will be out of your control.
Ding Chengzong is a businessman. As a successful businessman, he naturally knows how to win over his subordinates, but he also knows that to ensure that his subordinates are not greedy and have no ambitions, it cannot only rely on showing kindness.
Being loyal will not gain that much trust and power, but there is no restraint on power, and the Ding family has become the richest man in the state, and he is old, but he is just a subordinate of the Ding family. In the end, the sense of imbalance
It still led him to go astray.
A person in a superior position must be able to control the person he uses. Whether he is a dog, a tiger or a dragon, he must be bridle and cannot be allowed to run wild.
What Ding Chengzong was worried about was that Xiaoliu was originally a ruffian in Bazhou, but now he is the commander-in-chief of one side. He and Yang Hao are sworn brothers. However, over the years, they have been together less and more apart, and they have been away all the time. Now they are increasingly powerful and lead a single army.
Army, this time to regain Longyou, how to arrange and restrain him, if he is not handled properly, even if Xiaoliu will not hold a grudge, his generals who have gathered around him from the beginning and do not know who Yang Hao is
Are you willing to accept it?
Yang Hao was in his position and was concerned about his affairs. This was not without consideration. He also believed that believing in a perfect system was more reliable than relying solely on people's consciousness and character. However, he was not as worried about this matter as Ding Chengzong.
After all, Ding Chengzong was a businessman. Although he was meticulous and meticulous in everything, this also limited his thinking and ambition.
Yang Hao thought that although Xiaoliu and Tietou had been leading the army all year round, they had never been out of his control. Intelligence, food, military development and training, and all other aspects were all supported and provided by him. Now because of this,
The Song army was forced to leave the base of Bashu and live in the Longyou grassland during the encirclement and suppression campaign. No matter how powerful his army was, it was not enough to stand on its own at the moment. Taking Longyou at this time was enough to harness this wild horse that had been freed outside.
Cheating his head, he was gradually incorporated into the system.
Ding Chengzong was relieved when he saw that Yang Hao had passed the exam. The reason why he said this to Yang Hao was not to doubt Xiao Liu, but to take precautions. However, the brothers still had questions about how to arrange Xiao Liu.
We thought about it very carefully.
"Xiao Liu, in the past few years, you have been alone outside. Together with Tietou and others, you have gone to Bashu alone, fought in Bashu, and contained the Song army. You have made outstanding contributions to our great cause in Hexi. Now, you can bring 50,000 soldiers to this king.
The fine cavalry has done a great job. Mu En, Mukui, and Zhang Chongwei are all heroes of the founding of our country. They lead an army alone and guard one area. With your merits, you can prevent this. I will make you the governor of Guanzhong, and Tietou will be the commander.
Military envoy, are you willing to still lead your troops and serve under your command?"
In front of many generals, Yang Hao did not call him by his first name, but still called him Xiaoliu. This meant that he looked at him differently. Tong Yu felt a trepidation in his heart. After hearing Yang Hao's arrangement, he had just returned from the post of governor.
I couldn't help but feel grateful, and quickly accepted the order from Tietou. From being a rogue to what he is today, Xiaoliu's power and status have indeed increased greatly, but his horizons have also broadened.
He knows his own affairs, he knows that he can do it if he is asked to lead the army and make him unique. He does not have that ability, not just because he has always relied on Yang Hao for food, grass, baggage, intelligence and planning. Even if he is given this condition,
He did not have this talent, and after he arrived in Bashu, although he claimed to be a rebel, in the eyes of the officers and soldiers, he was a bandit, roaming all over the country. Although he said he was robbing the rich and giving to the poor, to put it bluntly, he was robbing families and homes. The capable people among the nobles would not join him.
He did not have as many experts as his eldest brother Yang Hao who managed government affairs and advised on strategy, so he never had the idea of breaking away from Xixia and setting up his own banner.
Perhaps some of his generals were self-aggrandizing and had some greedy thoughts, or they may have continued to let him lead the army alone in chaos. As age and experience increased, the soldiers and horses under his command only knew that he was there but not Yang Hao. In the future,
He will also have ambitions, but from now on, this possibility will no longer sprout.
Tong Yu was just happy, watching the generals envy him, but he tasted another taste: Governor of Guanzhong? Does the king really want to take Guanzhong and conquer the world?
Thinking that the king's ambition is not just to be a Longyou, all the generals are excited, and no one is jealous of the rewards Tong Yu has received. There is still a battle to be fought. If you want to have an official career, there are many opportunities. As long as you are capable enough,
That's it.
Yang Hao personally helped up the two sworn brothers and said with a smile: "Xiao Liu, Tietou, you have traveled thousands of miles and just came back from Lanzhou. You have been through a fierce battle. I should have given you a few days of rest, but...
The soldiers are noble and the gods are quick, I have a big thing that I want you to do."
Tong Yu said with a smile: "In the past few years, I have been either fighting in the dangerous mountains and passes of Bashu, or working hard with Shang Bo Qianxu and Wei Snake. I have never stopped. From now on, I feel much more at ease.
No matter how hard you work, you are a hundred times better than before. If the king has any orders, just tell me."
Yang Hao's face became solemn: "I want you to go straight to Liupan Mountain without stopping, cross Liupan Mountain, and firmly occupy Zhong'an Fort, Lianhua Fort, Jiting Mountain, and Wating Village!"
Zhang Chongwei's eyes lit up and he blurted out: "Your Majesty, do you want to break through the victory barrier and advance to Longxi?"
"wrong!"
Yang Haodao: "We will attack Qinzhou in the south, ping Gongzhou in the west, conquer Weilongzhou in the east, leave Qishan, and take Chang'an directly."
As soon as the generals heard that they were gearing up, they asked to be the first general to attack Chang'an. Gongzhou is to the west of Qinzhou, in what is now Gansu, and there are very few Song troops stationed there. Qinzhou has a heavy army. However, if we take Qinzhou, we will
One was to attack Chang'an eastward to solve the internal and external problems, and the other was to march southward to Bashu. Since Yang Hao's purpose was to attack Guanzhong, it was natural that he would get the most credit by going out of Qishan to attack Chang'an.
Yang Hao smiled and said: "Don't fight anymore. If you want to fight, there are many opportunities. Xiaoliu once led troops in Guanzhong for half a year, and is most familiar with the terrain there and the fighting strength of the local defenders. In this tough battle, I, the king
I’m going to give it to Xiao Liu to fight.”
When the generals heard this, they realized that this great achievement belonged to Xiaoliu again. He was the king's sworn brother, so naturally it was not easy to fight for it. Ke Zhen'e flashed out from the side, clasping his fists and saying: "Your Majesty, the Song Army in Guanzhong cannot be underestimated. Your Majesty.
I am willing to work together with General Tong to conquer Guanzhong. I also hope that your Majesty will grant me your permission."
Ke Zhen'e was really suffocating. In fact, in terms of defense, apart from Yang Jiye, there were really few generals under Yang Hao who were better than him. Most of Yang Hao's generals were offensive generals, and what they faced after the attack was
It must be defense. A general who is good at defense is no less effective than those who are good at offense. However, defense is obviously not as glorious as offense, and it is difficult to achieve a distinguished reputation.
Ke Zhen'e was once in Hengshan, once in Yanzhou, and twice. The great achievements that were enough to make him famous in one battle failed due to inexplicable reasons. Even though Ke Zhen'e worked hard and refused to complain, he would inevitably have some thoughts in his heart. He would not achieve great achievements again.
, he really has no face to stand with the robes and proclaim themselves ministers in the same palace.
Yang Hao knew what he was thinking, and he also felt that whether it was God's will to trick people or something was helpless, these two things had really wronged Ke Zhen'e. After some thought, he felt that once Chang'an was obtained, he would definitely have to face the Song Army in Guanzhong.
Judging from the time, Zhao Guangyi should have returned by then. Under his personal command, the Song Army's counterattack would not be small.
Yang Hao does not think that Zhao Guangyi can capture Youzhou. Even if Zhao Guangyi does not make the same mistakes he has made in history, he will still lose this battle, but the degree of defeat may be somewhat different, and the time of defeat may be slightly longer.
longer.
The reason is very simple. Yang Hao has a much clearer understanding of the strength of the Liao State than Zhao Guangyi. The expedition was mainly based on infantry. This is the biggest flaw of the Northern Expedition of the Song State. When the troops were launched in June, based on the true strength of the Liao State,
It will definitely not be captured in three or two months. Once it is delayed into autumn and winter, Song's long-distance transportation lines will be their most vulnerable point. Liao has many famous generals. If they use their hands and feet here, Zhao Guangyi will have to repeat Wang Jien's defeat.
The story of Xiazhou City. The reason why blitzkrieg is called blitzkrieg is that it requires a quick victory, otherwise it will fall into passivity. And the Liao Kingdom is by no means an opponent that any country can win quickly.
Thirdly, the Liao Kingdom is a nation where all the people are soldiers. As long as they are determined to fight to the death, reinforcements can come in an endless stream and eventually kill Zhao Guangyi under the walls of Youzhou City. Unless their rulers are timid before fighting and have the intention to retreat. Regardless.
Whether it is the Empress Dowager Xiao Chuo of Liao, brother Da Tiyin Yelu Xiu, or the prime ministers of Beiyuan and South Yuan, these senior civil and military officials, the king, are definitely not afraid of war. The Song Dynasty can despise the Liao Kingdom for its forbearance when attacking the Han Kingdom.
They could ignore them because the orphans and widowers of Liao were in power. Yang Hao would not think so. Xiao Chuo was not the Empress Dowager Fu of the Later Zhou Dynasty. Anyone who thought she was a woman and easy to bully would definitely suffer a big loss.
After suffering a loss in the north, Uncle Zhao would most likely want to take it back in the west. Guanzhong cannot only have generals who are good at attacking. In view of this, Yang Hao agreed and declared: "Once Chang'an is obtained, General Ke will be the leader of Chang'an."
Stay!"
Ke Zhen'e was very happy when he heard about it. Yang Hao saw that all the generals were trying their best to move forward when they heard about his plan. No one was afraid of fighting, and he was also happy in his heart.
Yang Hao was greatly touched by the danger of Xiaoguan in Zheziyu. Coupled with Princess Yongqing's words, his belief has changed unknowingly. Of course, a big reason for this change is because of his
His strength gradually expanded to the point where he could expand, and the influence of his subordinates' collective belief, but he himself did not clearly realize this subconscious influence, and did not know that it prompted him to make a change.
An important reason.
But anyway, he started doing it.
Except for Yang Jiye, it was the first time for all the generals here to hear Yang Hao publicly confirm his ambitions for Guanzhong and even the Central Plains. While excited, Tuoba Haofeng said: "Your Majesty, we want to advance into Guanzhong, what about Ye Luohe over Qinghai Lake?
What to do? This old boy knows that we won’t let him go, so I’m afraid he will jump over the wall and hold us back.”
Yang Hao smiled and said: "Ye Luohe, I have already made some plans. Mr. Yang, please come and tell everyone."
Yang Jiye said: "Yes, everyone, over at Qinghai Lake, the king is planning to ask General Ai Yihai to take action..."
As soon as he said this, a shadow guard sneaked in, walked to Yang Hao, and whispered a few words to him. Yang Hao suddenly stood up and said in surprise: "She? Why is she here? How much did she bring?