On July 25th, the emperor issued an edict to attack Jingzhou; on August 1st, Liu Yu led his army on the expedition; on August 2nd, the intelligence was sent to Yang Anxuan in Luoyang.
Liu Yu's attack on Jingzhou was expected, and Yang Anxuan had already prepared for it. He sent Shen Qingzhi to garrison Jingling and three thousand naval troops to garrison Pozhong, to provide food supplies to Jingzhou, and to send out servants to help build fortifications on both sides of the strait, etc.
Yang Anxuan expected that Liu Yu would launch an offensive next year. Unexpectedly, Ding Ao's assassination incident turned public opinion against Liu Yu, forcing Liu Yu to resort to military campaigns to divert public opinion pressure.
If Liu Yu wins, the momentum will naturally increase, and the last bit of Sima's power will be wiped out, leaving him at the mercy of others, and the opposition will disappear.
Yang Anxuan smiled coldly, how could he let Liu Yu go as he wished? He was about to use this battle to teach Liu Taiwei a lesson and show the Jiankang clan that the invincible Liu Taiwei would also suffer defeat. .
Yang Anxuan did not rush back to Xiangyang, but issued multiple orders in succession at Yuanpeng's residence in Luoyang.
First of all, Yang Anxuan wrote to Sima Xiuzhi, asking him to go to court to accuse Liu Yu of his crimes and actively prepare for war. He would fight with Liu Yu's army and jointly attack Liu.
Secondly, Yang Anxuan wrote to Wang Zhene, the governor of Northern Yongzhou, asking him to stabilize the northern border; he asked Meng Longfu to garrison Chiyang and defend the Xia army with all his strength; he wrote to Kuai En, asking him to lead his army southward and join Liangzhou Sima Zhu Chaoshi. After quelling the Qiuchi Kingdom, the territory expanded to Wudu, Tianshui, Lueyang and other counties, and merged with Anding County.
Write a letter to Yin Ji, the governor of Northern Yizhou, asking him to keep an eye on Tan Daoji. If Tan Daoji attacks Jingzhou from Nan Yizhou, he will take advantage of the situation to capture Nan Yizhou.
In order to prevent the Northern Wei Dynasty from taking advantage of the situation, Yang Anxuan ordered Lu Zongzhi to recruit a large number of troops in Sizhou. He selected 12,000 strong men from the garrison and crossed the river to Puban City. In this way, his second brother Yang Anyuan had 40,000 soldiers and horses under his command, plus Chen Yu's navy. , enough to resist the invasion of the Wei army; at the same time, let Qi Ke, Wang Huilong, and Pei Qiang secure the line on the south bank of the Yellow River, preventing the Wei army from taking advantage of it.
Third, Yang Anxuan sent a letter to Yanzhou Governor Mao Xiuzhi and Biejia Zhu Lingshi, asking Zhu Lingshi to lead the army south to Gaoping County to guard against Pengcheng Liu Daolian and Xiapi Prefect Tan Shao leading an army to attack Yan.
Once he and Sima Xiu jointly issued a statement to denounce Liu Yu, a war would be inevitable. They could not limit their attention to Jingzhou and prevent Liu Yu from invading Yanzhou from Pengcheng.
Liu Jingxuan of Northern Jizhou, located between Beiqingzhou and Yanzhou, could not only unite with Pengcheng to attack Yanzhou, but also send troops to Northern Qingzhou, so Yang Anxuan wrote the fourth letter to Yang Zijing, the governor of Northern Qingzhou, and Biejia Hu Fan, asking them to be ready to send troops to Northern Jizhou at any time. Jizhou's preparations are preemptive.
Hu Fan's sharp blade has been hidden deep in his box for a long time. It's time for him to show off his sharp edge. 33
Liu Jingxuan is the son of Liu Laozhi. If Liu Yu had not stood out, he might have become the successor of the Beifu Army. Yang Anxuan thought about whether it was possible to win over him. Liu Jingxuan was loyal to Liu Yu. Since Liu Yu came to power, he has fought in the south and north, conquered Shu, destroyed Liu Yu, betrayed Zhuge Changmin, and helped Liu Yu firmly control the Beifu Army. Such a person himself Without a sufficient price, we can't say that after Liu Yu is destroyed, the Beifu Army will be handed over to him in the future.
Liu Jingxuan was resourceful and good at leading troops in battle. When he led the army to attack Shu, if he hadn't secretly held back, Yizhou might have been pacified by him long ago. As the son of Liu Laozhi, Liu Jingxuan is quite prestigious in the Beifu Army. His full support for Liu Yu will make the Beifu Army more loyal to Liu Yu.
Since it is impossible for Liu Jingxuan to surrender to him, keeping this person would be a disaster. He must be eliminated first, and then order Hu Fan to seize Northern Jizhou.
Yang Anxuan thought hard for a while and wrote a second letter to Sima Xiuzhi. In the letter, Yang Anxuan analyzed that Liu Yu might have ordered Liu Daolian of Pengcheng and Liu Jingxuan, the governor of Beiqingzhou, to attack Yanzhou to divert him from aiding Jingzhou, so he had to strike first to gain strength. Except Liu Jingxuan.
Yang Anxuan suggested to Sima Xiuzhi that he should write to Sima Daoci of Northern Jizhou and ask him to secretly contact people with lofty ideals to assassinate Liu Jingxuan. After the incident was completed, he would send a memorial to request that Sima Daoci be crowned King of Qi and guard Northern Jizhou.
…………
On August 9th, in Langya Palace, a few people were sitting in sorrow, drinking and not enjoying themselves.
There were six or seven people at the banquet for Sima Xun, the prefect of Wuxing, but now only Sima Zhenzhi and Sima Guofan are left. King Qiao Sima Wensi has been demoted to a commoner and is now in Jingzhou; Sima Shufan and Sima Chuzhi are also in Jingzhou and are about to fight Liu Yu's army. Life or death is uncertain. Sima Daozhi is an official in northern Jizhou.
Sima Dewen sighed and said: "Liu Yuqiang wants to attack Jing. I'm afraid that after he wins, he will imitate Huan Xuan and usurp the throne."
Sima Zhenzhi forced a smile and said: "Didn't you secretly report to your Majesty what you have done? When the time comes, Yong Gong will join forces with Xiu Zhi to fight against Liu. Yong Gong's soldiers and horses are strong and they will not be inferior to Liu Yu's. Don't worry, Your Majesty."
Sima Guofan said in a dull voice: "Even if Yong Gong can win, it will be of no use to the royal family. It is nothing more than chasing the wolf in front and facing the tiger in the back. Only Xiuzhi can use this battle to revive the royal prestige and win over the people of Jingdi. Only then can the royal family have a chance." vitality."
Sima Dewen sighed again, shook his head and said: "It's easier said than done. All the princes in the court are silent. Most of the feudal vassals in the world are divided between Song and Yong. The royal family has no other place except Jingzhou, which is under the control of Xiuzhi. Now Jingzhou cannot be protected, and the country is separated. Death is not far away."
The imperial court's decree to attack Sima Xiuzhi was issued. Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Yuzhou, Jiangzhou, Nanyizhou, Ningzhou, Jiaozhou, Guangzhou, and Northern Jizhou expressed their acceptance of the imperial edict, while Yong, Yan, Beiyong, Beiqing, Si, Liang, and Bei Yi said that Sima Xiuzhi of Jingzhou had no fault and should not raise an army without reason.
The princes in the court remained silent and watched the success or failure; the common people in the world were the best to be fooled and believed whatever the official announcement said. They expressed their indignation at the rebellion in Jingzhou and supported Song Gong's Northern Expedition.
However, different voices are also rising secretly. They are talking in the streets and alleys that Song Gong wants to imitate Cao Cao, and he will become king after destroying Jingzhou, and he will become emperor after destroying Yong Gong in the north.
"Don't believe it. Do you know that Song Gong sent guards to assassinate Yong Gong? My cousin came back from selling dates from the north and saw with his own eyes that Ding Duhu, who was beside Song Gong, assassinated Yong Gong..."
"It's nonsense. A few days ago, Duke Song went on an expedition. I went to watch. Isn't the big man beside Duke Song the same as Ding Duhu?"
"Alas, you don't know that Governor Ding is fake."
…………
Jingzhou, Jiangling City.
In the governor's office, Sima Xiuzhi was like an ant on a hot pot. Liu Yu personally led an army of 50,000 to attack. In addition, Jiangzhou and Xiakou's troops had exceeded 60,000. Even if he had Yang Anxuan's troops to help him, he would still be far behind. What could he do? Defend the enemy.
Letters asking for help in Xiangyang were sent out like snow flakes. On August 10, Sima Xiuzhi received a letter from Yang Anxuan, and felt relieved after reading it. In the letter, Yang Anxuan made it clear that he would send a message to attack Liu together with him, and would send a large army south to support him.
Regarding Yang Anxuan's suggestion that Sima Daoci assassinate Liu Jingxuan, Sima Xiuzhi did not refuse. The two armies fought in every possible way. Being able to kill Liu Jingxuan was regarded as cutting off one of Liu Yu's arms, and Sima Daoci was able to take control of Northern Jizhou afterwards. It is a good thing that the power of the clan has been strengthened.
The news of Song Gong's attack on Jing had long spread, and the city of Jingzhou was in panic. Two years ago, Taiwei Liu Yu attacked Jing and destroyed Liu Yi. Many people in the city died in the flames. Now the war disaster has come again, and many people have left the city to avoid the war.
When Sima Xiuzhi learned of this, he ordered the city gates to be opened to allow the nobles and common people to leave. This move won him praise from many people.
Farewell, Nanman Colonel Sima Shufan walked into the lobby and reported: "There are many defectors in the state. Sima Changyu and Nanping Prefect Tan Fan have defected to Liu Yu."
Zhang Yu was the elder brother of Zhang Shao, the governor of Xiangzhou, and Tan Fanzhi was the son of Tan Pingzhi, the elder brother of Tan Hezhi, and the cousin of Tan Daoji.
Sima Xiuzhi smiled bitterly and said: "When a disaster approaches, it is human nature to go their separate ways. These two people have a close relationship with Liu Yu. It would be better for them to escape so as not to become Liu Yu's internal collaborator."
"Han Zhizhong is also Liu Yu's old subordinate. Should we send someone to keep an eye on him?" Sima Shufan suggested.
Sima Xiu said: "Although Han Yanzhi is Liu Yu's old subordinate, he is an upright man and loyal to the court. There is no need to doubt him. Liu Yu's army has arrived at Xiakou, and may advance by land and water. Yang Anxuan sent Shen Qingzhi to guard Jingling. We should be able to block Liu Yu's land army; but we have to rely on ourselves to resist the enemy by water."
Sima Guofan said with a sad face: "The available troops in Jingzhou are only 20,000, and including the young and strong, there are only more than 30,000. The navy is even more dilapidated and cannot stand a fight. If the 3,000 navy in Yongzhou does not obey the command, I am afraid it will be difficult to resist Liu Yu's navy. To attack, we should urge Duke Yong to send troops to help as soon as possible."
Sima Xiuzhi pushed forward the message on the case: "Yonggong has promised to denounce Liu Yu together with Yu, and said that he will personally lead the army south to rescue Jiangling."
Sima Guofan picked up the letter, glanced at it quickly, and breathed a sigh of relief: "If Yong Gong can lead his army south, Jiangling will be safe."
After reading the secret letter at the end, Sima Guofan took a breath and said, "Letting Daoci assassinate Liu Jingxuan is a risky move. If you are not careful, Daoci's life may not be saved."
Sima Xiuzhi sighed: "The building is about to collapse. As a clan member, how can we not step forward? Yu immediately wrote to Daoci and asked him to act according to the opportunity."
…………
On August 10, Liu Yu's troops arrived at Xiakou. Together with Wang Zhongde's 10,000 troops from Jiangzhou, the imperial army's troops to attack Jingzhou reached 60,000.
Thousands of warships stretched for more than ten miles. Seeing this scene, the merchant ships on the river took refuge on both sides of the river. The Taiwei attacked the bushes, and the war broke out again.
Lu Xun's eight-gallon ship was captured, with a height of five stories and twelve feet, and became Liu Yu's ship. Wang Zhongde, Zhao Lunzhi, Zhang Shao, Xie Hui, Fu Liang, Yu Qiujin, Dao Yanzhi, Xu Kuizhi, Shen Linzi, Shen Yuanzi, Shen Tianzi and the civil and military assistants of the Duke of Song Dynasty boarded the ship to discuss matters.
Following the crowd were newly defected Chang Yu and Tan Fanzhi, both of whom were appointed by Liu Yu to serve in the army.
The map hangs high. Liu Yu is dressed in military uniform and standing with his sword. Although he is over fifty years old and his temples are turning white, he still looks heroic.
"Maodu, you come from Jiangling, tell me about the situation in Jiangling." Liu Yu said with a smile.
Zhang Yu came to the map and explained in detail the distribution of troops and horses in Jiangling and the defense situation on both sides of the strait. "The people in Jingzhou are uneasy and the soldiers have no fighting spirit. Song Gong sent troops to Jiangling and should be able to capture Jiangling easily."
Everyone looked happy, and Liu Yu smiled and said: "Jingzhou's soldiers and horses are weak and vulnerable, but we must beware of Yong's army resisting the imperial will and help Jiangling."
Looking across everyone's faces, Liu Yu said: "Xu Kuizhi, you lead Yanzhi, Shen Yuanzi, and Wang Yunzhi to lead 16,000 troops as the vanguard, seize Jingling, and open up the land route to Jiangling."
Xu Kuizhi promised loudly.
Before the expedition, Liu Yu talked to him in detail and told him frankly that he was fifty years old and his eldest son Liu Yifu was only eight years old. He didn't know how long he could take care of him. He wanted his brother-in-law Xu Kuizhi to take care of Liu Yifu and others after his death.
Xu Kuizhi was very moved. His father-in-law had entrusted him with his posthumous affairs. He immediately knelt down and swore to Tianmeng that he would be loyal to Liu Yifu and assist Liu Yifu in the future.
Liu Yu had made arrangements for Xu Kuizhi's future. This time, Xu Kuizhi was asked to lead the elite troops as the vanguard. After his military exploits, he was named the governor of Jingzhou. After serving in Jingzhou for a few years, he was appointed the governor of Yangzhou, and then he was promoted to the minister of official affairs and the minister. Pu She gradually handed over the government into his hands.
"Wang Zhongde and Yu Qiu led 20,000 troops to garrison Xiakou. Once Yang Anxuan went south to rescue Jiangling, they would attack Xiangyang from the waterway and cut off the retreat of Yong's army."
Liu Yu looked at Yu Qiu and said, "Yuzhi, you didn't fight when you encountered bad luck last time. You will be ashamed of yourself this time."
Yu Qiujin said with enthusiasm: "Please rest assured, my lord, my servants must fight bravely to kill the enemy and serve the lord."
"The rest of the troops will follow Yu to attack Jiangling by water, and the war will be over before October."
Everyone agreed with a roar.
Some people died, but not completely...
