The cold mountains turn green and the autumn water flows. The change between summer and autumn always comes so suddenly.
In the new morning, people walk out of the closed door again. What greets people is no longer the warmth of yesterday's summer. What comes back is the golden breeze blowing in the sky and the jade dew on the leaves.
In the early autumn of August, Zhao Yong was still in Fanwu City.
Some people in later generations once said that war is a continuation of politics. At this time, politics was not based on war.
Although the war in Zhongshan District has come to an end for the time being, the Zhao people's rule in this new land has just begun.
This has undoubtedly become a new frontier of war.
Although there is a natural moat like Hutuo River, it makes people feel at ease temporarily.
But if Zhao wants to firmly control this raw land, he will undoubtedly need to do a lot of work. Post-war economic recovery can be said to be a long process, just as it often takes hundreds or thousands of years to create a civilization; but it can only be destroyed in a snap.
Fortunately, Zhao's Hu Fu Order greatly eased the gap between Zhao and the local Zhongshan people, making the implementation of Zhao's new policy in the new land of Zhongshan much smoother.
In addition, a large number of immigrants began in the new land.
The Huns and other Hu tribes who moved inland, as well as the common people, slaves, and captives from various countries lost in the war, are a good choice.
Zhao Yong personally came forward to appease these people who had just settled in the interior.
At the same time, Zhongshan was assigned to Xingxiang, and Xingxiang was separated from Handan and renamed Xingxiang County.
Lian Cheng was appointed governor of Xingxiang County. Adopt a gentle policy towards Zhongshan area and select local deputy officials to coordinate and stabilize the situation.
...And the biggest reason why Zhao Yong stayed here was because of the State of Yan.
Ten days ago, he received news from Weiwen's border army.
Su Dai, along with Queen Yan, Prince Yan and other members of the Yan clan and surviving noble ministers, had safely entered the territory of Zhao.
The thistles have all been broken, the King of Yan has died, the ancestral temple has been destroyed, and the sacrificial vessels and state utensils have all been plundered by the Qi army.
From the perspective of patriarchal etiquette, the Yan Kingdom was considered destroyed.
However, the fire of the Yan Kingdom is still there, and the inheritance and sacrifices of the Yan Kingdom's royal family have not been completely cut off.
Coupled with the "rebellious" common people and nobles of Yan State, they were even more dissatisfied with the tyranny of Qi people.
In the more than a month since the Qi army captured Jidu, the Qi army had suppressed no fewer than three 'rebellions'.
Zhao Yong believes that unrest in Yan will be more frequent in the future.
As long as the time is right, perhaps we can take advantage of the affairs of Yan State to completely knock Qi State into the abyss.
Now Jingxing has returned to Zhao.
The clan members of the Yan State seeking asylum should have gone south from Daijun to Jinyang and crossed Jingxing to Handan.
Zhao Yong planned to meet here first. The more chaotic the Yan land, the better. But if he wanted to make a big splash, he would have to ask someone from the Yan clan to come forward.
While Zhao Yong was deep in thought, Chen Zhong's voice, which could not conceal his joy, suddenly came from outside the door: "Your Majesty, this is an urgent report from Handan."
"Come in and talk." Zhao Yong put down the memorial in his hand and said hello to the door.
Chen Zhong bowed first when he entered the door, and then handed over the silk in his hand.
Zhao Yong reached out and took it. He didn't pay too much attention to it, because in the past few months, letters from Handan would arrive every two days. In addition to political affairs, it was about the love of the palace.
At first he thought it was just an ordinary report, but then he took a closer look.
Zhao Yong couldn't help but smile with joy. Ji Yao successfully gave birth to a baby boy on July 17th.
This is a good news message. He's a father!
Zhao Yong compared the time and found that when Ji Yao gave birth, it should be the eve of Zhao Jun's attack on Jingjing.
Although Ji Yao is twenty years old, she is the most suitable age for women to get pregnant. But in this era, when a woman gives birth, she has undoubtedly stepped into the gate of hell. Zhao Yong had been worried about Ji Yao's body and safety before.
Zhao Yong originally thought that if he could catch Jiyao giving birth for the first time, he would be able to rush back to Handan, stay by her side, and accompany her through the most difficult moments, but in the end he failed to do so.
However, now that he heard the news that Ji Yao's mother and son were safe, Zhao Yong finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The letter was written by Ji Yao herself, and it ended with a naughty question: What should I name the child?
Looking at the beautiful seal characters, Zhao Yong couldn't help but hold the silk tightly in his hands. He walked out of the house and looked at the clear sky and earth in the distance, and a desire to return home suddenly arose in his heart.
"Your Majesty, please spread this good news to the army, bring some meat and wine, and let the officers and men enjoy themselves together." Zhao Yong ordered.
"Here!" Chen Zhong responded.
…
…
The lands of Yan and Zhao are full of joy; a country in Bashu in the southwest has been quietly annihilated.
Ba and Ju, taking advantage of the change of power in Shu, joined forces with 80,000 troops to attack Langzhong, the capital of the state.
Chongguo was declared destroyed.
The Ba Kingdom moved its capital to Langzhong and its national prestige was greatly shaken. At the beginning of July, King Ba once again united with Ju State to destroy Shu in one battle.
However, King Du Lu of Shu personally led an army of 30,000 people. In order to fake defeat, he ambushed the Baju coalition forces who were blindly pursuing the enemy on the south bank of Fulishui River, and took advantage of the situation to invade the territory of Ju State.
The two countries, Ba and Ju, were frightened. Seeing that they could not defeat Shu's military front, and their country was about to be destroyed, they had no choice but to urgently condemn their envoys and ask for help from Qin.
... Danshui is in the middle, and the Chu army is encamped.
"General, we have been facing off against the Qin army for more than a month, and we look at each other across the city every day. If we don't advance to break the barrier at this time, the morale of the army may change." Jing Cui bowed to his superior Qu.
"Now the whole country is supporting our Chu army. More than a month has passed, but there has been no success! General Ying has sent three letters in a row, urging us to break through the barrier as soon as possible!" Fenghou Chou said.
Qu Gai waved his hand, glanced at the two men, and said with a somewhat unhappy tone: "It is normal for the king to be thousands of miles away and not to know the enemy situation here. Don't you, as the commander of the army, also not know?"
After that, Fang pointed to the map of Kanyu and continued: "The Qin army's refusal to fight decisively is wearing down Chu's patience. You must not mess up your position. Now our Chu army can only fight against Qin, Wei, and Qin if we unite with the troops of Qi." The Three Kingdoms of Han. The war between Qi and Yan has been decided. When the Qi army arrives on the battlefield, we will have a good opportunity to attack Chu."
"Our army has captured Quyi of Wei State (now northeast of Lingbao, Henan Province). At this time, we are pursuing the victory to seize Shaanxi City and Quwo to control the Hangu Passage, so that we can advance from two fronts and put pressure on the Qin Army." Jing Cui retorted.
Qu Gai shook his head and said sincerely: "The reason why our army achieved successive victories in the first battle was because we attacked quickly and Qin and Wei were not fortified. Now Qin has divided its troops into three groups. Wei and Han have also gathered hundreds of thousands of troops, and The generals in command are all battle-hardened warriors, so how can we rush to war? Now that our army has the upper hand, we may be able to return the favor in his own way. We can delay the stalemate until they are tired before waiting for an opportunity to attack. Only in this way can we There is absolutely no chance of anything going wrong. We have all the troops of Chu in this battle. If we lose even one thing in this battle, we will lose everything and our country of Chu will be in danger!"
"But... if we delay, the morale of our army will also be sluggish." Qu Yuan came to pay homage.
Qu Gai nodded and then said: "Our army is not afraid of procrastination in this battle, but the Qin army is afraid... Qin has been fighting for many years, and its soldiers cannot rest. The country has no farmers, and its political successors are weak. When the Qi army arrives, the Qin army will I'm afraid we will collapse if we don't fight."
For Qu Gai, the burden on him at this time was much greater than that of Zhaoyang at that time. This battle was related to the national fate of the Chu State. If he won, it would be fine. If he lost, the Chu State would no longer be the hegemonic position it is today.
At this moment, a report suddenly came from outside the tent: "Shangzhu Kingdom, urgent report from the southwest!"
"Come in!" he whispered.
The scout entered the account, took out a silk letter from his arms, and handed it to the guard.
Qu Gai took the secret code, browsed it quickly, and then passed it to Jing Cui beside him.
When all the generals looked at it, their expressions changed.
'The Shu army conquered Pingzhou. (Wangcang County, Guangyuan)'
Qu Gai narrowed his eyes and said, "This battle is not over yet, but another battle has started again. On this occasion, the land of Bashu is raging again. What do you think?"
"Does the Shangzhu Kingdom want to send troops to intervene in the Bashu war?" Qu Yuan asked doubtfully.
Jing Cui worshiped: "We, Chu, have been at war with other countries in the southwest many times. However, the mountains and rivers are dangerous and the losses are huge. Even if we occupy the city, we cannot hold it for a long time. It can be said that it is easy to conquer, but difficult to capture... Moreover, at this time, I, Chu, are in a state of affairs." To confront the Qin army, it may not be appropriate to divide our troops in the southwest."
"I thought that when you heard this, you would be inspired, but I didn't expect it. I dismissed it." Qu Gai couldn't help but shook his head.
Qu Gai looked at the map of Kanyu and made some gestures: "If I were to conquer Bashu, not only would I be able to trade at Wuguan and garrison troops, but I would also have a way to go north from the southwest. Moreover, Bashu is not only a shortcut to attack Qin, but also a lush and fertile land. ... Even if our Chu State cannot conquer Qin State in this battle, once we capture Bashu, I will definitely take possession of Qin State."
All the generals were shocked when they heard this.
Qu Yuan asked at the right time: "Shangzhu State, if Qin is the first to invade Ju at this moment, what will happen to Chu?"
Qu Yuan was not trying to dampen everyone's enthusiasm, because this could indeed happen.
The relationship between Chu State and Ba and Shu is not very good, especially Ba State, which can be called a 'world feud'.
(In the past, Ba Zi Kingdom was the hegemon in the southwest and invaded Chu from time to time. During the periods of King Chu Wu, King Chu Wen, King Chu Zhuang, and King Chu Hui, several generations of Ba Kingdom monarchs had wars with Chu Kingdom. In the early stages, Ba Kingdom had the upper hand. "In the eighteenth year of Duke Zhuang of Lu, Ba attacked Chu and defeated it." In the battle of 'Na Chu', it is clearly recorded in Zuo Zhuan: 'The Ba people rebelled against Chu and attacked 'Na Chu', captured it, and then The gate is in Chu." After being defeated, the general of Chu State even dived to escape in embarrassment.
Historical records: "Sent to attack Huang, defeated Huang's army in Queling. Returned to Qiu, and was ill. Geng Shen died in June of summer. He was buried in Zhu Xi's house with his fists. He also committed suicide and was buried in Liao." King Wen of Chu and Ba After the war between the two countries, he was defeated, but before he could return to Chu, he suddenly fell ill and died outside. This was the beginning of the enmity between Ba and Chu. )
Since the rise of the Chu State, the first target has been set on the Ba State. In addition to revenge, the most important reason is because of the geographical structure of the Ba State and the competition for salt.
Since the three generations of Chu Su King, Chu Xuan King, and Chu Wei King, Ba State not only lost its three major salt springs, but also its capital was conquered by Chu State.
Putting himself in Qu Yuan's shoes, if Ba was asked to choose which country to ask for help at this time, Qin would definitely be the top one and Chu would be the bottom one.
"Are you afraid that Qin will send troops to Ba and Shu?" Qu Gai turned around and asked.
Qu Yuan said solemnly: "The people of Qin are greedy. Seeing this good opportunity, they will not give up easily."
Qu Gai waved his hand and said: "The Qin State's troops are now divided into three groups, and the country is already empty. How can it take care of Ba and Shu? Even if the Qin State sends troops, it will definitely divide its main force. Then I, Chu, can respond immediately, and Bashu can get it." If you can't, then you can find the advantage from Qin."
After Qu Gai said this, he immediately ordered: "Jing Cui! You immediately divide 30,000 troops and go north, unite with the troops in Qucheng, attack South Korea, surround Yongshi (now northeast of Yu County, Henan Province), and weaken South Korea's ability to assist the Qin army."
"Here!" Jing Cui said.
Qu Gai continued: "Qu Yuan, you go to the Qi army's camp to contact the Qi army to attack Wei's Zhuzao (now Mingnan, Shandong) and cut off Wei's ability to aid Qin."
"Here!" Qu Yuan bowed.
After Qu Gai finished speaking, he paused for a moment, and then said, "If things don't work out, return immediately."
"Is Zhu Guo afraid that the Qi army will not send troops?" Qu Yuan asked.
Qu Gai nodded, and then said: "Zhaosui, you will divide 30,000 troops and follow Qu Yuan northward to coordinate the Qi army."
"Here!" Zhao Sui bowed.
"Zhao Shu, you will divide your troops into thirty thousand troops and station them in Hanzhong (Shangyong). Wait for the movement of Ba and Shu and take advantage of the situation to go south." Qu Gai said.
"Here!" Zhao Shu bowed.
Qu Qi tapped the maps on the table with his fingers: "In this battle, the Qin State is in trouble. The good opportunity has arrived, and the Qin State can be taken."
All the generals bowed and worshiped.
…
At the same time that the Chu army sent troops, all the envoys from the three southwest countries had entered Xianyang.
The two countries of Bazhu and Bazhu asked for help, while Shu asked him to sit back and watch.
Although Qin has been defeated by the three Jins in recent years, its national power has been greatly damaged. But at this time, for the three countries, it is still a force that cannot be underestimated, enough to determine the outcome of each other.
The main hall of Xianyang Palace.
"Xuan, the envoy of Ba Kingdom comes to the palace." The eunuch shouted in a sharp voice.
"The envoy of the State of Ba, please pay homage to the King of Qin." Ji Huo bowed and bowed.
As the son of the Ba Kingdom, Ji Huo was appointed as an envoy to the Qin State this time, which was very difficult.
Now the envoys of Shu Kingdom are still watching with eager eyes outside the palace.
Ying Si sat on the king's couch, glanced at the other party, and asked knowingly: "Young master, what do you think of this visit to Qin?"
In recent days, the war with Chu State has made him a little anxious. At this time, he really doesn't care much about the chaos in Bashu.
Ji Huo said, "Your Majesty is joking. How dare you, a small country, teach me something? The Ba Kingdom is in great danger right now. I am here to ask for Your Majesty's help to save the Ba people from the flames of war."
Ying Si frowned: "The Ba Kingdom was destroyed and the Qin Kingdom did not intervene. At this time, Ba and Shu are at war... Moreover, the Ba Kingdom has an alliance with the Chu Kingdom. Why doesn't the young master go to the Chu Kingdom?"
Ji Huo seemed to be able to hear the impatience of King Qin, and said quickly: "Ba and Chu are feuding countries. The agreement between Ba and Chu is only for the purpose of armistice. There is no actual good alliance. Your Majesty knows this."
Ying Si shook his head and said: "The Qin State has just attacked the Three Jin Dynasties, and its national strength has been severely damaged and has not yet recovered. Now it is time to fight between Qin and Chu. At this time, the Qin State may not be able to assist in the expedition..."
Ji Huoda said anxiously: "Your Majesty, has he forgotten that Qin and Ju have an alliance to defend Chu? Now Ju, like Ba, is in danger of being destroyed!" (Chu refused to return to the old homeland of Yong. The establishment of Hanzhong County was not the whole of Hanzhong in later generations. Hanzhong in later generations now belongs to Ju State. The alliance between Qin State and Ju State was to prevent Chu State from going north along the Han River.)
Ying Si's eyes narrowed slightly: "Young master, please go back to the post house to rest first, and then you will reply after your court meeting."
