"Your Majesty, what the envoy of the Tang Dynasty said is not unreasonable! Before, there were 18 anti-kings outside to help us in the Liang Kingdom, but now the Tang Kingdom has long unified the Central Plains. If we don't surrender, sooner or later we will be defeated by the Tang Dynasty. The army attacked..."
"Xin Dacheng, shut up!"
As soon as the two Taichang Temple Prime Ministers left, a middle-aged official stood up in the main hall of the Liang Palace and said with cupped hands.
But before he finished speaking, Master Liang interrupted him with a loud shout and said: "Since the establishment of the Liang Kingdom, the country has been peaceful and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Now Li Tang just sent two civil servants to scare you to death. Are you brave? At such a critical moment, Xin Dacheng, you dare to cause trouble to people's hearts. You must be a spy sent by the Tang State! Come on, put Xin Dacheng in prison and be executed at a later date!"
"yes!"
As soon as Master Liang finished speaking, two guards in front of the palace came up and took the middle-aged official into custody.
"Your Majesty, you must not do this! Mr. Xin is only thinking about your Majesty's safety! Please have mercy on your Majesty and spare his life!"
Seeing that Master Liang was about to kill a minister so rashly, how could the ministers in the palace be willing to sit idly by? A burly military commander immediately came out and begged for mercy.
"Yes! Your Majesty! Although Minister Xin's words are a bit outrageous, his crime will not lead to death!"
"Your Majesty, please take back your order and spare Minister Xin!"
As the saying goes, the rabbit dies and the fox is sad. Seeing that the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty had the intention of taking action against the Liang Kingdom, the ministers had already begun to feel uneasy. Now the Liang Master is still willing to kill the ministers. Naturally, the other ministers in the palace have given up. Today, Xin Dacheng was killed , will they also be killed tomorrow? So everyone followed suit and begged for mercy.
Master Liang's eyes flashed, he hesitated for a moment, and said: "Hmph! Xin Dacheng, since all the beloved ministers have pleaded for you, then I will spare your life for the time being. However, death penalty can be avoided, but living crime cannot be escaped. From now on, you will not be able to escape." Go to Xin Dacheng and take the position of Minister of Household Affairs! If the rest of the people like Xin Dacheng continue to have other people's ambitions and destroy my prestige, I will definitely kill them without mercy!"
Xin Dacheng cupped his hands with a pale face and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The other ministers felt their hearts trembling, and they quickly raised their hands and said: "I obey the order~!"
Liang Shidu was still a little uneasy. Although Xin Dacheng's words just now made him very angry, he had to admit that what Xin Dacheng said was true. Now that the Central Plains were unified, his country of Liang, as the last "thorn" in the Tang Dynasty, It's obviously hard to support alone. At this time, the most important thing is to unify the minds of the subordinates and don't let their hearts wander! So he stared at all the ministers in the palace with lightning eyes and said in a deep voice:
"Although the Tang State is strong, we, Daliang, defend the city and can ask for help from the Turks at any time. It is tantamount to a fool's dream for the Tang army to easily take Shuofang City! The most important thing right now is that our monarchs and ministers are united, while reinforcing the city defense. By actively hoarding food, even if we are besieged by the Tang army, we can hold on until the Turkic army comes to rescue us!
I advise some people not to think of defecting to the Tang army. Li Shimin hates me, Daliang, to the bone. Even if you defect to the Tang army, you will not end well! Therefore, there is only one way left for you, and that is to follow me and protect the Daliang Kingdom. Only in this way can you enjoy the glory and wealth! "
Liang Shidu's slightly warning and tempting words floated in the main hall. The ministers in the hall had different thoughts after hearing the words, but on the surface they all held their hands in "sincerity" and said: "I swear to live and die with Daliang! "
Liang Shi all laughed heartily and said: "Okay! But after the two Tang officials go back today, Li Shimin will definitely be unwilling to accept it, and may even send troops to attack Daliang. For this plan, you need to strengthen the defense of Shuofang City as soon as possible. , rolling logs, crossbow arrows, kerosene and other items needed to defend the city must be prepared as soon as possible. Officials from all ministries must work together to build Shuofang City into a steel city that no one can break! If Li Shimin dares to send troops, call him People who come and go never come back!”
"I obey the order!"
………………………
In the mountain forest three miles south of Shuofang City, the imperial army was hiding here waiting for orders. Since there are now many signs that Liang Division has not noticed the arrival of the imperial army, Yuchi Jingde ordered his army to hide first and act according to the opportunity later.
In order not to be discovered, Dajun must not make a fire to cook these days, so he can only eat some hard dry food mixed with water to satisfy his hunger.
"Report~!"
"Reporting to the Chief Manager, the two envoys to Shuofang City have returned to the camp!"
In the large tent of the Chinese army, Yuchi Jingde sat at the head of the table, and the other main generals were lined up on the left and right. At this time, a messenger ran in to report.
"Oh? Quick! Invite them in!"
After Yuchi Jingde heard this, he quickly ordered.
"Here!"
The messenger took the order and left. After a while, two Taichang Temple ministers came in and saluted: "I have seen the chief steward!"
Yuchi Jingde nodded and asked directly: "The two temple ministers are going to Shuofang. What did Master Liang say? Are you going to surrender or not?"
Shen Fa cupped his hands and replied: "Back to the chief manager, Master Liang is very stubborn here. In front of Shen, he swore never to surrender. Moreover, he also promised that if the Holy One is not convinced, he will just send troops to attack the city!"
"Hmph! Arrogant! This guy is just continuing the protection of the Turks, but he dares to pretend to be a tiger and despise His Majesty! When Chai attacks Shuofang one day, he will definitely take his head!"
Hearing this, Chai Shao snorted and said angrily.
Yuchi Jingde pressed his hand and said: "Sichang does not need to be angry. Even the Liang divisions are unwilling to surrender. I have expected it! Two years ago, Jieli's troops were able to march to Chang'an, and it was this lao who led the way. He was deeply aware that I know that His Majesty hates him deeply, so it is unlikely that he will surrender. This time, the two Taichang Temple Prime Ministers are asked to surrender, firstly, to show the benevolence and righteousness of the Holy One to the world, and secondly, to divide the hearts of the people of Liang Kingdom! Shen Si Cheng, I would like to ask you, how did the civil and military officials of the Liang Kingdom react after hearing the imperial edict to recruit and surrender?"
The Turks have always been a serious concern of the Tang Dynasty. Their cavalry was too mobile and came and went like the wind. However, in fact, it is not that easy for the nomads to come to the Central Plains. The Central Plains has large cities, many villages, and complicated roads, making it easy to get lost. Maybe Jieli originally came to fight in Chang'an, but he went astray and went to Taiyuan. Wouldn't this delay things?
Therefore, every time they come to rob, they will try to find a few Central Plains people to serve as their guides and compasses, which saves worry and effort. Liang Shidu from Shuofang City was a famous guide, the ancestor of the tour guide industry. He especially liked to guide the Turks and helped others with their ideas. It would be no exaggeration to call him the number one guide in the Tang Dynasty.
In the ninth year of Wude, as soon as Li Er came to the throne, Jieli Khan led an army of hundreds of thousands to destroy the situation, which made Lao Li almost unable to get off the stage. The reason behind this slap in the face was related to Master Liang. The Weishui Alliance was a lifelong shame for Li Er and all officials of the Tang Dynasty, so the entire court hated Master Liang and wanted to catch him immediately and cut him into pieces.
Shen Fa recalled: "After Shen finished reciting the imperial edict, many officials in the hall began to talk in low voices, seeming a little... agitated or frightened!"
Yuchi Jingde nodded and laughed: "It seems that although Master Liang is stubborn, other Liang officials are unwilling to be defeated and die with him. In this way, we will have the opportunity to divide Shuofang City. officials, let them cooperate with us inside and outside!"
Xue Wanjun cupped his fists and said: "The general manager is wise. In this way, we can also reduce casualties and be fully prepared for Turkic sneak attacks!"
"General Manager, I have a plan in the end. I wonder if it's feasible?"
At this moment, a general sitting on the right side stood up and bowed.
Yuchi Jingde nodded and said: "Captain Liu has been guarding Xiazhou for many years, and he must know the situation in Shuofang City better than we do. If you have a high opinion, it's okay to say it!"
It turns out that this person is Liu Min, the governor of Xiazhou, and he is commanding the 30,000 soldiers in Xiazhou this time!
Liu Min cupped his fists and said, "I dare not! Liu thinks that since Master Liang still doesn't know that our army has been ambushed outside Shuofang City, we can first send some special forces to sneak into the city for internal response, and then send out Several groups of cavalry trampled the crops outside Shuofang City to disturb the hearts of the people in the city!
Without the food supply outside the city, people in the city will inevitably become panicked. Not only will the people flee out of the city, but Liang Shidu's officials may also take the opportunity to flee. At that time, if we send troops to besiege the city again, Liang Division will definitely seal the four city gates and not come out. Our internal agents can spread the story of Liang Division's cruelty to the people over the years in the city, and promote the benevolence and righteousness of the current saint, and incite the people in the city. The common people and those generals who are willing to rebel against Liang Shidu, help us capture the city!
With the internal and external coordination, isn't it easy for us to take down Shuofang City? "
Yuchi Jingde laughed loudly and said: "Okay! Governor Liu's plan is very good! Shuofang City is very strong. If you want to attack head-on, you will definitely suffer heavy losses. Cooperation between the inside and the outside is the best strategy! Governor Liu has lived in Xiazhou for a long time. For Liang Shidu, The evil deeds must be well known, so it is up to you to send the agents into the city, and then let them use Master Liang's numerous crimes over the years to incite the people in the city to help us break the city!"
From the beginning, Yuchi Jingde never thought about attacking the city head-on, because Li Er only gave him a total of 80,000 troops. It would be tantamount to wishful thinking to attack Shuofang City with this small number of troops! So he has always wanted to work together inside and outside to break the city, but he has not yet formed a complete plan like Liu Min!
Liu Min quickly clasped his fists and said, "Yes! Chief Manager!"
Yuchi Jingde looked at Xue Wanjun again and said with a serious face: "General Xue, you lead a thousand light cavalry. After Liu Min's subordinates sneak into the city, you will lead the cavalry at night to trample the crops in the farmland outside the city. Pay attention. , Never harm innocent people!"
Xue Wanjun stood up and clasped his fists and said: "The last general has received his order!"
After explaining Xue Wanjun, Yuchi Jingde continued: "Sichang, I will order you to lead 30,000 elite troops to ambush in the east of Shuofang City. Once Jieli sends a large army to support the Liang Division, they will pass by the east of the city. You will be waiting for work. , Annihilate them with all your strength!”
Chai Shao said sternly: "The last general has received his order!"
Yuchi Jingde said loudly: "Liang Shidu has been stealing Shuofang for many years. In this war, we will not only attract the Turks to send troops, but also capture Shuofang in one fell swoop and pull out this poisonous thorn that is deeply embedded in the northern part of the Tang Dynasty!"
"Here!"
All the generals in the tent suddenly agreed!
…………………………
Among the Qiang tribe near Lanjia volcano in Jiannan Road, Xizhou.
The Qiang people are an ancient tribe, and their history can be traced back to the Huangdi period. At that time, the Yandi tribe fought a war with the Huangdi tribe. After the defeat, Yandi led most of them to merge with the Huangdi tribe to form the Huaxia tribe (Han tribe). Later, a small number of Han people moved westward and southward. , and integrated with the local indigenous people, they formed ancient tribes such as Tibetans and Qiang people.
Most of the Qiang people have lived in the land of Bashu for generations. After thousands of years of reproduction and reproduction, they have divided into hundreds of tribes, large and small. They usually help each other and live a life without competing with the world.
The Qiang tribe near the Lanjia volcano is the largest Qiang tribe within a hundred miles, with tens of thousands of people. Its tribal leader Qiao Feng, his ancestor Qiao Zhou, was a high official of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Qiao family was one of the most powerful families in Shu. Later, with the unification of the Sui Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty, the Central Plains Dynasty's military penetration into Shu became stronger and stronger, and the strength of Shu's wealthy families like the Qiao family was weakened to a certain extent.
At this moment, the Qiao family courtyard was filled with all kinds of people, most of whom were Qiang people, with only a few Han people, including Ke Shiqing, a student from Yanhuang Academy, and Shi Gao Shilian, the governor of Yizhou.
"Dalang of the Ke family, you were admitted to the Imperial Academy a few years ago, which really brought shame to the Qiang tribe in our area! Haha! In the future, if you are named on the gold list, even if Old Man Liang of your tribe doesn't celebrate with a drink, I will I will definitely set up a hundred tables for you to celebrate!"
In the courtyard, a tall, white-haired old man looked at Ke Shiqing and smiled kindly.
Ke Shiqing quickly raised his hands and said: "Thank you Grandpa Qiao for your kindness, but Grandpa Liang told me before that as long as I can be named on the gold list or ranked in the court, he will definitely hold a wine banquet for me to celebrate. If Grandpa Qiao doesn't If you don't like it, you can go have a drink when the time comes!"
"Hey! You kid! Why don't you dislike it? You are from our Qiang tribe. You are promising. It's too late for me to be happy. How can I dislike you? I didn't say that I must go over and have a good drink. I will Drink all the good wine Liang Tou has hidden!"
Qiao Feng laughed heartily.
At this time, the person sitting next to Ke Shiqing looked at him with an annoyed smile and cursed: "Huh! Our Qiao patriarch is really getting more shameless as he gets older. I take it you have hidden a lot of good bars over the years?"
Qiao Feng stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Haha! Shiqing came from your tribe. When the time comes, it's time for you, Old Liangtou, to invite you to drink. Well, if you can't afford it then, just say, I'll do it for you." Do it for me!”
"Who... who can't afford it? I won't be able to drink you down until then!"
Patriarch Liang suddenly said displeased.
You can’t lose the battle even if you lose someone! He doesn't want to be this stingy person!
"Okay! Grandpa Liang, Grandpa Qiao, thank you both for your kindness. If that day comes, Shiqing will treat you to a drink of immortal drunkenness! Here today, I have something I want to discuss with Grandpa Qiao..."
………………………
First update!
Two chapters in one!
Thanks to Hans for the great reward (March 11)
(End of chapter)
