The imperial army, carrying baggage, food, fodder, and servants, sailed westward along the Yangtze River on more than 500 warships, and arrived at Jiangzhou City in Bajun on July 28th.
Minjiang and Tuojiang should continue to occupy Jiangyang City to the west, then go from Minjiang to Bodao, break through the Pingmo and Dabi passes, seize Jiangyuan City, and finally attack Chengdu from the southeast; take the Tuojiang River and go north from Jiangyang City , capture Niujiang from the capital, and then attack Chengdu City from the east; Fulishui goes directly north from Jiangzhou City, crosses Dianjiang River to Guanghan County Deyang, Guanghan, Santai to Fulian County, and then goes south from Fulian County to attack Mianzhu Pass. Attack Chengdu from the north.
After arriving in Jiangzhou City, Tan Daoji ordered the army to be stationed on the south bank of the Yangtze River and did not rush to divide his troops and advance. The end of July is the hottest time of the year. Although we took a boat from Jiangling to Jiangzhou, many soldiers and servants were still exhausted and unaccustomed to the climate. Tan Daoji was afraid that there would be an epidemic among the army, so he decided to go to Jiangzhou. Rest for a few days near the city.
Moreover, Tan Daoji also had to wait for a letter from the governor of Liangzhou to confirm the matter of food and cooperation. If he could not rely on Jiangzhou to raise food, he would have to send the baggage ship back to Jiangling to transport food and grass. It would not be too late to send troops after preparations were made.
In Jiangzhou City, Mao Xiuzhi had quietly arrived at the prefect's mansion. Fu Hongzhi had received orders from Yang Anxuan in advance. After Mao Xiuzhi arrived, he took him to the military camp to order troops, check the baggage, food and grass, and inspect the warships.
Throughout the process, Fu Hongzhi answered all questions and cooperated fully, which made Mao Xiuzhi very satisfied. It seems that Yonggong did have full authority to put himself in charge of destroying Shu. The imperial troops and horses had not yet arrived, nor had the reinforcements from Badong and Brazil, so Mao Xiuzhi decided to wait.
Mao Xiuzhi was a little regretful. When he led his army to conquer Shu, Wen Chumao, the governor of Brazil, and Shi Yanzu, the governor of Badong, did not obey the order of the then governor Yang Siping to cooperate with him. As a result, they were transferred to Yanzhou as officials by Yonggong. Otherwise, with these two old members of the Mao family still there, I would be much more handy.
Although Wen and Shi went to Yanzhou, many old generals of the Mao family still stayed in Liangzhou. After discussing with Fu Hongzhi, Mao Xiuzhi began to write letters to summon the old generals of the Mao family. When these old generals gathered, he would pass it. They united the army to attack Shu and avenge their father, uncle and people.
When he learned that the imperial army had arrived, Fu Hongzhi brought more than a hundred cattle and sheep across the river to reward the army. Tan Daoji held a banquet in honor of the army. During the dinner, Tan Daoji proposed that Ba County support grain and fodder and build supplies.
Fu Hongzhi said with a look of embarrassment: "Before leaving office, the governor of Sima collected a batch of grain and grass and went to Nanzheng. He then ordered the counties to level roads, build bridges, and build water conservancy projects. Bajun's grain and grass were only enough for his own expenses, and he was really unable to raise military rations for the army. . Because the construction work has been started, the civilian officials have already requisitioned them, and I am afraid they will not be able to find anyone to build supplies for the army. There are still a few ladders and city assault vehicles among the county army. If General Tan needs them urgently, I will send someone to transport them."
Tan Daoji had already expected Fu Hongzhi's rejection and did not say much. After Suo Miao took over as governor, he would naturally order the counties in Liangzhou to cooperate.
…………
In Nanzheng City, Suo Miao decided to visit the important figures in the city, and the first one was his former enemy Jiang Xian. The greeting card had been sent to Jiang's house three days ago. Jiang Xian twitched his beard and thought about the purpose of Suo Miao's visit.
Although Jiang Xian had not been an official for a long time, he had been in Liangzhou for many years, and his disciples and former officials were all over the government office, so he knew the situation of the government office very well. As he had expected in advance, Suo Jieshi encountered obstacles at every turn in the government office. The official document to collect grain from the counties was like a stone's throw, and even Zitong and Guanghan were unable to respond.
The new official has three things to do when he takes office. Is this Governor Suo going to use himself as the damn chicken? Jiang Xian's eyes darkened. He visited Feng Biejia a few days ago. Feng Li told him that the court had laws, and even the governor had to abide by them. This made him feel at ease.
Find your children, grandchildren, and tribesmen, and ask them if they can commit crimes, and ask them to clean up the mess as soon as possible, and don't let Suo Miao get the handle. No matter how he arranged it in advance, his offense against Suo Miao could not be revealed, making Jiang Xian uneasy.
On August 2, Suo Miao arrived at Jiang's Mansion by car. The gate of Jiang's Mansion was opened, and Jiang Xian bared his upper body to greet him outside. Just in case, Jiang Xian also invited his in-law He Yuan and his friend Qin Biao, a great scholar, to accompany him.
Seeing Suo Miao getting out of the car, Jiang Xian knelt down on one knee to greet him. Seeing this, Suo Miao quickly took off his coat and put it on Jiang Xian. He sighed: "I just came here to visit Mr. Jiang. If Mr. Jiang is so stupid, he will have to turn around." .”
Seeing that Suo Miao showed no hostility, Jiang Xian smiled and said, "The presence of Suo Miao, the governor, will make the house look brighter."
After letting Suo Miao sit down in the hall, Jiang Xian changed his clothes and greeted Suo Miao again. Suo Miao stood up and returned the courtesy, chatting and laughing happily with everyone. Talking about the past events of that year, Jiang Xian apologized and Suo Miao smiled and said: "Don't worry about it, Mr. Jiang. Everything that happened in the past was all for the public good. How could you have a private grudge against me because of this?"
Jiang Xian smiled. Regardless of whether what Suo Miao said was true or not, he said these words in front of He Yuan, Qin Biao and others, indicating that he would not pursue the past. To say that he had deliberately suppressed her back then, Jiang Xian was indeed touched by Suo Miao's ability to laugh away his grudges.
After drinking for three minutes, Suo Miao began to talk about business, saying: "The imperial court intends to conquer Shu, and the army is short of food and grass. Song Gong intends to let Liangzhou raise part of the army's food. If you are stupid, you will know that there is very little food in the warehouse and it will be difficult to meet the needs of the army after you take office." , I can only have the audacity to ask for donations from the powerful people in the state. Mr. Jiang is highly respected in Liangzhou, and if he can ascend to the top and raise his voice, there will be a lot of people who will respond. I would like to offer a toast to Mr. Jiang, and I hope that Mr. Jiang can help me."
With that said, Suo Miao raised his glass and drank all the wine. The smile on Jiang Xian's face froze. Suo Miao was willing to let go of the grudges of the past easily, and it was indeed conditional.
Jiang Xian had known that there was no food in Liangzhou, and even knew that Duke Yong and Duke of Song were fighting behind his back. Song Gong first used Tan Hezhi and Xie Xuan to intervene in Liangzhou, and then used Suomiao to take charge of Liangzhou, hoping to separate Liangzhou from Yonggong. However, Jiang Xian knew that the soldiers in Liangzhou were all close followers of Yonggong, and even the old Mao family members After being transferred elsewhere, it is not easy to control Liangzhou with just Suo Miao and a few people.
Now that Suo Miao had spoken, and there was still the old feud, Jiang Xian thought for a moment and said, "How dare you not help me wholeheartedly because of Suo Miao's love. The Jiang family has little family wealth, so they are willing to donate 1,400 shi of corn. Two hundred thousand dollars to help."
The money and food are not small, but the drunkard's intention is not to drink. His purpose is to use Jiang Xian's reputation to open up the situation in Liangzhou. Jiang Xian had been in charge for many years, and many officials in counties and counties had received his favor and cultivation. With his help, he could compete with Feng Li and others for the right to speak in Liangzhou.
He Yuan decided to help his in-laws and said with a smile: "The He family cannot compare with the Jiang family, but we cannot refuse to donate food to help the army. The He family is willing to donate 800 shi of corn and 100 bolts of silk."
Qin Biao on the side smiled and said: "The two gods of wealth generously donated their money, so I will accompany the last one and donate two hundred shi of corn. Don't ask for too little for the governor. I'm afraid I will be nagged by my old wife for most of the month after I return with these corns." ”
Everyone laughed, and Suo Miao raised his glass and said: "It is a great blessing that Yu can get the help of all the princes. After the imperial army defeated Qiaoshu, Yu will ask the Taiwei to take credit for the princes."
After having had enough wine and food, Suo Miao stood up and left, and Jiang Xian and others saw him off. Suo Miao took Jiang Xian's hand and walked quickly for two steps. The people behind him realized what was going on and slowed down, keeping a few feet away from the two of them.
Suo Miao stopped under the porch and said softly to Jiang Xian: "Mr. Jiang, if you can raise 400,000 stones of corn for Yu, Yu will recommend you to the Taiwei as a farewell driver in Liangzhou. Mr. Jiang has been helping Yu in Liangzhou for two years. I can recommend you to the Taiwei to serve as an official in the capital."
Jiang Xian's eyes flashed and he said with a smile: "Thank you so much for your kindness, Governor Suo. I will do my best."
After seeing Suo Miao off, Jiang Xian, He Yuan and Qin Biao returned to the hall to drink tea. He Yuan asked impatiently: "Brother Jiang, what did the governor want to tell you?"
Jiang Xian told Suo Miao about his promise to recommend him to Beijing and serve as an official in the future. He Yuan smiled and said: "Four hundred thousand stones of grain is nothing. As long as you ask, brother Jiang, you can raise it in half a month."
He Yuan was more enthusiastic than Jiang Xian. If Jiang Xian could take over the task, the Jiang family would naturally be in a better position, and the He family, as in-laws, would also benefit. If he can really go to the capital to serve as an official in the future, the children of that clan may be able to go to Jiankang City, and the family will then expand to the capital and Jiangnan area.
Qin Biao took a sip of tea and said slowly: "It's a good thing, but it's difficult. Mr. Jiang needs to think clearly."
Jiang Xian tugged at his beard and sighed: "You don't know, if you follow your brother's love and lose your sister-in-law's will, Duke Yong and Duke Song are wrestling with each other. If you choose the wrong side, you will be doomed."
He Yuan was frightened by Jiang Xian's words, and said with a breath of cold air: "Yes, yes. Yonggong destroyed the Qin State, and his reputation was great. He was no weaker than Song Gong."
Lowering his voice, He Yuanshen said mysteriously: "I have heard the rumors from the caravans in the tribe that Yongzheng had to help the gods to destroy the Qin Kingdom. They were given heavenly fire and thunderbolts, and the Qin Dynasty was wiped out in an instant."
Both Jiang Xian and Qin Biao had heard of such rumors. Qin Biao said: "You are not talking about the strange power and chaos of the gods. It is unreasonable to listen to it. Don't spread it to outsiders."
Jiang Xian pondered for a long time and sighed: "First give Suo Miao the money he promised to donate, hoping that the feud can be resolved. Churou, I will send you your two hundred stones of food together, and then donate another hundred Just a piece of cloth."
Qin Biao said with a smile: "Thank you very much, Mr. Jiang, and let me have a clean hearing."
Suo Miao began to frequently visit the powerful families in the state, and accepted his old friends in a high-profile manner. For a time, there were a lot of visitors outside the governor's house, and there were many cars and horses. A restless mood spread in Nanzheng City.
On August 5, Zhu Chaoshi, the prefect of Hanzhong, led 4,000 soldiers to garrison in Chenggu. The initially fluctuating mood quickly calmed down, and there were fewer cars outside the governor's mansion.
On August 6, Zhu Chaoshi, the prefect of Hanzhong and Sima of the prefecture, came from Chenggu City to Nanzheng City to meet with Suo Miao, the governor. Looking at the heroic Zhu Chaoshi, Suo Miao secretly lamented that his youth was gone. He was nearly fifty and already old.
The thought flashed through his mind, and Suo Miao was not one to obey his old age. He said with a smile: "General Zhu was born in a general. I heard that you are proficient in riding and shooting, and that you are brave and courageous. You also like to wield swords and guns, so I intend to follow the general to the school field." After a duel, I wonder what General Zhu’s intention is?”
Lieutenants in the army admire brave men, and Zhu Chaoshi knew that Suo Miao wanted to surpass him on the school field and win the respect of the soldiers. Looking at his slender beard streaked with silver threads, Zhu Chaoshi smiled and said, "It's my wish, but I don't dare to invite you."
On August 7, at the Dongcheng school ground, the gentry and common people who heard the news came to watch the battle. The school ground, which can accommodate a thousand people for training, was filled with water. Ordinary people watched the fun, but those aristocratic families felt that there was a deep meaning behind this fight.
The war drums were thundering, the horns were blowing low, and the two men in military uniforms urged their horses to fight on the battlefield. After two quarters of an hour, there was still no winner. Both of them were furious, and the initial competition turned into a life-and-death struggle. Even Feng Li, a layman on the stage, could tell that something was wrong.
"Ming Jin, tell the two generals to stop," Feng Li ordered loudly.
The gong exploded, and the two horse poles collided and separated. Zhu Chaoshi clasped his fists and smiled: "General Suo is so powerful. If we continue to fight, Yu will not be his opponent. Fortunately, the gong rang in time."
Suo Miao's hand was trembling slightly, and he was afraid of being young. He was older, and his physical strength was not as good as Zhu Chaoshi's. If the fight continued, he might lose. He immediately returned the courtesy and said with a smile: "General Zhu, you are welcome. There is no winner in this battle. If I get the chance, I will fight General Zhu again."
No matter who wins or loses, it ends amicably. Most people watched the excitement, but some saw the clues. Jiang Xian listened to the second son who went to watch the battle to describe the scene of the school battle. It seemed that Suo Miao was unable to intervene in military affairs, and the promised position was just a painting.
Some people died, but not completely...
