There is a rush to harvest wheat in Yongzhou, and the war is in full swing outside Jiankang City. Liu Yu was attracted by the partial division sent by Lu Xun and went to garrison at Baishi Barrier. Xu Daofu received the reward and led the elite rebel army to attack Chapu in Huaikou.
Dense tree fences outside Huaikou and Chapuwu blocked the access. Xu Daofu ordered a small boat carrying ignition materials to approach, and lit the fire boat with rockets. Immediately flames rose and thick smoke billowed.
After Muzha was burned, Xu Daofu led his fleet to the south bank of the Qinhuai River, bypassing Chapu and heading east to Zhanghou Bridge.
Zhanghou Bridge was built by Zhang Zhao, the Marquis of Wu State during the Three Kingdoms period, hence its name. To the east of the bridge is Yuechengwu, where Jianwu General Wang Zhongde led his troops.
Xu Chite, the general stationed in Chapu, saw the rebel army passing by the dock in a chaotic formation and without any formation, so he was tempted to attack.
He sent someone to ask Shen Linzi in Stone City for instructions.
"It is not advisable to attack with a small number of people, but to hold on and wait for help" was dissuaded. This Xu Shenjun had heard about the feat of Liu Lu Shangshu when one man chased a thousand people, and thought that although the number of thieves was large, there were more than a thousand soldiers in the dock, and it was not easy to capture the ragtag rebels.
Eager to achieve meritorious service, he disobeyed Shen Linzhi's orders. Xu Chite led the soldiers in Chapuwu to fight, preparing to attack in tandem when the mutineers crossed Zhanghou Bridge, and jointly attack both inside and outside Yuechengwu to defeat the enemy.
The dream was soon shattered by reality. Not far from Chapu, ambushes appeared in the rear, and Xu Daofu led his army to cut off the retreat.
Seeing that he had fallen into the trap, Xu Chite quickly ordered a breakout and returned to Chapuwu. The rebel army formed an arc formation and captured the Jin army with weapons in hand. They were well-equipped, no less than Xu Chite's soldiers and horses, and their numbers were further ahead.
Xu Chite was anxious to return to Chapu and commanded his troops to charge forward, resulting in heavy casualties. Seeing his subordinates fall to the ground one after another, Xu Chite was dumbfounded. It turns out that not everyone can achieve the feat of recording the affairs of a minister.
Taking advantage of his good water properties, Xu Chite took off his armor, crawled through the wooden shed, jumped into the Qinhuai River, and swam to the north bank.
Xu Daofu annihilated the official army and returned to attack Chapu. There were only 200 official troops left in Chapu, and the civilian army quickly captured Chapu.
Shen Linzi was shocked when he learned that Chapu Wu was missing. While sending someone to ask Liu Yu for help, he and Liu Huaishen rushed to Zhuque Bridge with two thousand soldiers and horses.
The twenty-four bridges on the Qinhuai River are all pontoon bridges, with the Zhuque Bridge being the largest. It is opposite the Zhuque Gate of Jiankang South Gate, and the east side of the south of the bridge is Wuyi Lane.
Crossing the Zhuque Bridge is the imperial road. From south to north are the Salt City, Taishe and Taimiao, and hundreds of official residences. At the end is the Xuanyang Gate of the imperial city. If the rebel army is allowed to cross the Zhuque Bridge, only Jiankang City will be left. The lower imperial city can be defended.
All other pontoon bridges on the Qinhuai River have been demolished, leaving only the Zhuque Bridge still open to traffic, making it easier to support the south bank from the north bank.
When Shen Linzi arrived, the rebels were attacking Yuechengwu and had not yet crossed the bridge. Shen Linzi breathed a sigh of relief and led his army across the bridge. At this time, the aristocratic family in Wuyi Lane organized two thousand troops to come for reinforcements.
At the critical moment of life and death, the army and the family cooperated fully, and Shen Linzhi led the army to defend against the wooden fence.
Xu Daofu led his army to charge twice. Seeing that the defense was tight, he simply led his troops and horses all the way east to attack Danyang County.
At this time, Lu Xun led his army to land at Chapu. Instead of fighting for Yuechengwu, he directly joined the attack on Danyang County.
Chu Shudu, who joined the army, saw that the number of rebel militiamen had exceeded 40,000. He knew that he could not hold on. Taking advantage of the siege of Sanque, Xi Sengshi and others who protected Danyang Yin escaped across the Qinhuai River through the Zhuque Bridge. Danyang County was transformed. Seized by the people.
Liu Yu learned that Chapuwu was lost and the rebel army had landed. Knowing that he had been tricked, Lu Xun's main attack direction was Huaikou, and he hurriedly brought two thousand elites back to Stone City.
When we returned to Stone City in the evening, we received news that Danyang County was missing. Suo Miao, Liu Zhong and others requested immediate rescue of Yue Chengwu and recapture Danyang County.
Liu Yu did not rush to cross the Qinhuai River, but asked the soldiers to eat and rest first. After regaining their energy, he went to Nantang via Zhuquehang to set up defenses.
The next day, Xu Daofu led six thousand elites to approach Zhuque Bridge. Jiankang was close at hand, and all the rebels took the lead bravely, thinking of rushing into the city to burn, kill and loot.
Liu Yu ordered Liu Huaishen to lead the elite troops of the Northern Expedition and the surrendered Yan soldiers, a thousand men, to form a long formation and wait. The swords and spears held by the rebels were shorter than the Changxi, and they were stabbed to death by the Changxi before they could get close.
In less than an hour, six thousand soldiers and horses were killed and more than a thousand wounded. Seeing that the Jin army was full of fighting spirit, Xu Daofu led his army back to Danyang County.
Xu Daofu came to see Lu Xun, preparing to lead people to sneak across the river at night. Lu Xun told Xu Daofu bad news: the army rations were only enough for ten days, so he asked him to lead people to search for food and grass first, and then choose an opportunity to fight again.
In the evening, the north bank of the Qin River was brightly lit, and the entire embankment was like a long fire dragon. There was an arrow tower every fifty steps. Xu Daofu led his army to sneak to the Huqi Navigation Place. The pontoon bridge had been demolished, and the lights on the other side of the river were brightly lit, with human figures standing everywhere. .
The generals in the army had difficulty seeing at night, and a forced attack would cause too much damage. Xu Daofu knew that there was no chance to take advantage of him, so he had to give up.
The next day, Lu Xun sent troops south to search for food in Changqianli, Xiaochangqian, Dongchangqian and Nanshi areas. Liu Yu moved the people into Jiankang City long before their arrival.
At the end of the day, the civilian army gained very little. Xu Daofu continued to lead his troops to attack the Qinhuai defense line. Lu Xun was stationed in Danyang County and sent a large number of troops south to plunder. However, the villages along the way were already deserted, and even the nearby county towns were deserted. The rice in the fields would not be ready until August. It’s cooked, now it can only be fed to horses.
Food supplies for the rebel army were mostly transported by waterways in the directions of Panyu, Shixing and Xunyang. On June 8, the emperor newly appointed Liu Yu as Taiwei and Zhongshu Supervisor, and also granted him Huang Cheng, leaving the safety of Jiankang City in his hands.
Liu Yu accepted Huang Cheng and resigned as Taiwei and Zhongshujian. The war was at a stalemate. Starting on June 15, soldiers returned to Jiankang City from Xiangyang in groups. In ten days, nearly 4,000 people gathered.
Liu Yu did not expect that Yang Anxuan actually released the imperial soldiers and horses captured by the rebel army, and after identifying them, he added these soldiers to the Qinhuai defense line.
Xi Hui, Yin Youqi and others reported Yang Anxuan's contribution. Sima Dewen learned that Xiangyang had repatriated most of the captured officers and soldiers and that the combat power in Jiankang City had increased. He ordered Yang Anxuan to be promoted to General of the Wei, overthrowing Liu Yi. The lack of.
As a result, the highest-ranking general in the imperial court was Yang Anxuan. For more than ten consecutive days, the rebel army, led by Xu Daofu, launched a fierce battle with the Jin army. However, they could not rush through the Qinhuai River despite all their efforts. Moreover, the official army became more courageous as the war progressed, and the morale of the rebel army was low.
Xu Daofu found that the Beifu army was well-trained. In comparison, his own army was just a bunch of rabble. They didn't understand any battle tactics at all. They only knew how to kill randomly with bloody courage. When the wind went smoothly, their morale was high, but when the wind went against them, they were dejected.
Lu Xun was also a little downcast. He had been blocked by the Jin army on the south bank of the Qinhuai River for nearly a month. It became increasingly difficult to supply food and grass. If he didn't leave, he might not be able to leave.
When Xu Daofu returned, Lu Xundao said: "The attack on Jiankang lasted for more than a month, and we are running out of food and grass. It is not suitable to stay any longer. Wu Zhi led his troops back to Xunyang to rest, then capture Jingzhou, and then slowly fight against Jiankang. "Thousands of people could not attack the Qinhuai River, and the morale of his troops was low. Xu Daofu also planned to withdraw from Jiankang and rest for a while before making a comeback.
In order to prevent the Jin army from discovering that the army had withdrawn, Xu Daofu still led his troops to attack the Nantang and Yuecheng areas. Lu Xun led his army to withdraw from Danyang County, stationed in the Huaikou area, and sent ships to attack Stone City.
After learning that Stone City had been attacked, Liu Yu returned to Stone City. At this time, he was full of confidence. In the past few days, the offensive of the civilian army had become weak. It was clear that the veterans of the division were tired. He only needed to seize the opportunity to defeat Lu Xun's army and solve the problem. The siege of Jiankang has made great achievements.
After the rebel army besieged the city for more than a month, Liu Yu's reputation was at its peak. Not only did he have an excellent reputation among the people, but Liu Yu's relationship with the elites in Beijing also improved.
In particular, Liu Yu sent Shen Tianzi with 500 elite troops to guard the entrance of Wuyi Alley to protect the homes of Wang Xie and other aristocratic families. This greatly improved his relationship with the aristocratic family. The most obvious change was that the affairs in the East Hall became smoother and faster.
This change made Liu Yi feel frustrated. He was annoyed that he underestimated the enemy and was defeated at the hands of the rebels. He should have garrisoned in Xinting and Licheng to stalemate with the rebels. But now he has missed the opportunity and may not be able to compete with Liu Yu for a long time. .
On July 10, the fleet of the rebel army withdrew from Caizhou. The news spread to the capital, and the government and the public were full of joy.
Since returning to Beijing, Liu Yu had not slept peacefully for a few days. When he learned that the rebel army had withdrawn, Liu Yu slept happily until noon.
When he arrived at the government office lobby, he saw everyone waiting for his arrival. Amidst the congratulations, Liu Yu sat down happily, looked at the civil and military officials on the left and right, and said with a smile: "This time, all the princes have made great achievements in defeating the thief. I will tell the emperor to give him rewards according to his merits." Everyone stood up and faced each other. Liu Yu bowed and saluted: "Thank you, Lord." Looking at the people in the hall who were clasping their fists and bending over, Liu Yu laughed happily.
Liu Jingxuan reported: "My lord, the civilian army has fled west. We should send troops to pursue it as soon as possible. If Lu Xun is allowed to occupy Jiangzhou and attack Jingzhou, it may cause serious trouble." Liu Yu said: "The army is tired from long battles and needs to rest for a few days. Send out reconnaissance first. Rider, find out the whereabouts of the civilian army. In addition, the civilian ships are strong and sharp, so we should not underestimate the enemy." After a pause, Liu Yu continued: "The imperial ships are not as strong and tall as the civilian fleet, and they need to be remodeled and built as soon as possible. This exchange General Zhenwu Shen Tianzi is in charge." Shen Tianzi bowed in response.
Liu Yu said again: "Seize the time to organize the ordnance and accumulate military rations. You, Jingxuan, will be responsible for this matter." After explaining the military affairs, Liu Yu ordered to reward the three armies.
After the banquet and everyone left, Liu Muzhi followed Liu Yu to the inner hall, frowned and said: "My lord, those soldiers who were released by Yang Anxuan may be a trouble." Liu Yu was stunned and asked: "What's the problem with these people? "
"These soldiers will talk about what they saw in Xiangyang in their spare time. The description of Yongzhou as a paradise on earth has attracted many people's hearts. I heard that Yang Anxuan promised that as long as he is willing to go to the land of Yongyan, he will be granted fifty acres of land for each soldier, and the government will rent it to Grain seeds, farm tools, thirty acres of land and fifty acres of mulberry fields were granted to the young lady. The reclaimed land belongs to the family, and the children can study for free..." Liu Muzhi said that the more Liu Yu became frightened, such favorable conditions would inevitably make the soldiers tempted, Yang Anxuan Letting these people back is not a good idea, just to poach them.
Liu Yu slapped the case hard and said with a sneer: "What a Yang Anxuan, what a trick to drain the firepower."
"Lord, we cannot allow these soldiers to spread the customs of Yongzhou, we must transfer them as soon as possible." Liu Mu said.
Liu Yu put his hands on the case and thought for a moment, and said: "You are going to send troops to attack Guangzhou, so let these people go to Guangzhou to fight. Tomorrow, Yu will start to report to the emperor to reward merit, and each of the soldiers who participated in the battle will be granted at least fifty acres of land. , Don't let Yang Anxuan confuse people's hearts." On July 13, the emperor issued a decree to reward meritorious ministers, and a large number of generals were promoted. Liu Jingxuan's besieged cities were returned to him, and meritorious officials such as Shen Linzi, Shen Tianzi, and Suo Miao were all rewarded. Knighted.
What made the three armies rejoice was that the Minister of Records asked for merit for each soldier who participated in the battle. The emperor issued an edict to grant fifty acres of land to each soldier. When the edict was issued, there was cheers everywhere.
In Langya Palace, Sima Dewen hosted a banquet for two clan uncles, Sima Guofan and Sima Shufan. Brother Sima Guofan is Sima Fu, the younger brother of Sima Yi, Emperor Xuan of Jin Dynasty. According to seniority, he is the uncle of Sima Dewen.
Sima Shufan said worriedly: "Your Majesty, I and other brothers had no choice but to flee to Nanyan because Huan Xuan eradicated the clan. I thought that Liu Yu could help the court by killing Huan Xuan, but now it seems that Liu Yu did more harm than Huan Xuan." Guofan said: "This time, all the soldiers participating in the war were given fifty acres of land. I am afraid that these soldiers and horses are all loyal to Liu Yu, and few of them are loyal to the royal family. During the court meeting today, most ministers agreed with Liu Yu. This Liu Yu Yu is clearly the reincarnation of Cao Cao." Sima Dewen sighed softly: "The two uncles came back from Yan, and I originally planned to reuse them, but the court was controlled by Liu Yu, and I was helpless. This time Lu Xun led the people to go north, and I He planned to appoint the emperor's uncle as the governor of Guangzhou, but was blocked by Shangshu Youpushe Liu Liu and others." After Meng Chang's death, Xi Hui was promoted to Shangshu Zuopushe. At that time, Liu Yi had not yet lost power and recommended his friend Xi Sengshi to take over as Danyang Yin. , and Shangshu Youpushe was awarded to Liu Liu.
Liu Liu was born in the Liu family of Nanyang, and his father was Liu Dan, a doctor of Jin Ziguanglu. He entered the officialdom in his family and held many leisure official positions. He later served as the internal history of the state of Wu and Kuaiji. Because of this, he was favored by Liu Yu and was promoted to the right servant of Shangshu. .
Liu Liu knew why his right servant came, so he naturally spoke up for Liu Yu. After the death of Meng Chang and the siege of the city by the rebels, Xi Hui saw that the royal family was on the verge of collapse, and he followed the crowd during court discussions. He often complained that he was ill and refused to go to court, and entertained himself with poetry and wine in the palace.
With tears in his eyes, Sima Dewen looked at the two clan uncles and said: "After Meng Qing passed away, Liu Yi was defeated. Now there are still a few people loyal to the royal family in the court, and the clan is in decline. Except for the two imperial uncles, there are only The only one left is Sima Xiuzhi, the prefect of Kuaiji." The three of them looked at each other in tears during the dinner, and it was difficult to swallow the delicious food in front of them.
Sima Shufan wiped his tears and said, "I heard that the king has an old relationship with Yang Anxuan, the governor of Yongyan. Do you know whether it is true or not?" Sima Dewen said: "Yes. Compared with Liu Yu, Yang Anxuan is quite respectful to the royal family. Every New Year's Eve They would all send envoys to present gifts, but in terms of loyalty, I don’t know how much it is." Sima Guofan said: "The two Yu brothers have fought with Yang Anxuan's soldiers and horses, which gave Yu the feeling that Yongzhou's soldiers and horses are stronger than the Beifu Army. This time Yang Anxuan also sent troops to restrain Lu Xun. Your Majesty might as well write a private letter to Yang Anxuan and ask him to reward him for his military exploits as a show of kindness and to restrain Liu Yu." Sima Dewen nodded and said: "Yang Your Majesty has a close relationship with the Yin family, so I will ask Yin Shangshu to convey this message on your behalf."
