The bonfire celebration ended at the beginning of Haishi, and the soldiers returned to the town to sleep in groups. Although there was no wine tonight, they were full of meat. It would be perfect if there was another woman to accompany them through the long night.
Of course, the soldiers could only talk about it, but they knew in their hearts that this was impossible. However, for the two generals of the Youzhou Army, Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi, everything is possible.
After the battle, the two of them sent their soldiers to "patrol" the surrounding areas. During the "patrol", the soldiers brought several young women from remote villages for their general. While he was busy dealing with dead and injured horses, he secretly hid the young woman in the house where the two generals lived.
Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi were talking quietly as they walked back to their "mansion". Seeing that there was no one else around, He Lanyi quietly asked Zhao Shizhu: "Brother Zhao, can you and my brother be promoted to a higher rank?" , it depends on this battle. But what Hou Mo and Chen Yi said is clear and reasonable, do you think Yang Jihui will listen to his slander and let go of this opportunity to make meritorious deeds? "
Zhao Shizhu was also thinking about this issue. Hearing this, he said, "Things are not as simple as you think."
"Why isn't it simple?" He Lanyi asked puzzledly.
"Li Jing was suppressed by Qiao Zhongkui and couldn't move. Isn't this incompetence?" Zhao Shizhu sneered: "The reason why he sent Hou Mo and Chen Yi to bring hundreds of soldiers over was undoubtedly to use our soldiers to gain a share of the credit. , this can offset a little of his faults. If we win, his merits and faults will be equal to each other at most."
He Lanyi nodded and asked: "Since it's all for merit, why did Hou Mo and Chen Yi prevent Yang Ji from sending troops?"
"I guess Li Jing was afraid that our meritorious service would reflect his incompetence, so he asked Hou Mo and Chen Yi to obstruct us in every possible way. If we made no achievements, then the attack and defense of Yanmen City would become very heroic; under the attack of a strong enemy, Li Jing, who has always stood firm, will also become very capable and loyal." Zhao Shizhu pondered for a while and then said: "We must force Yang Ji to listen to us and send troops to fight decisively before Yang Yichen arrives."
"How to force it?"
"Kill Hou Mo and Chen Yi and demonstrate to Yang Ji. Tell the soldiers that Hou Mo and Chen Yi have surrendered to Yang Liang. The reason why he obstructed the army's achievements is because he wants to create a fighting opportunity for Yang Liang. If the whole army thinks so , Yang Ji can't do it without fighting, otherwise, he will not be able to explain to the court and the soldiers."
The two walked into the house where they lived, but were stunned. The courtyard was brightly lit and filled with hundreds of soldiers, including Yang Ji's personal guards, but more of them were Youzhou troops. Yang Ji, holding a sword in his hand, was watching them coldly.
Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi took a few steps back in shock, but the door suddenly closed. Several Xuanwu guards hiding behind the door rushed forward, pushed them to the ground, and tied them up.
He Lanyi was so shocked that she raised her head and shouted: "Manager Yang, what do you mean?"
"What do you mean?" Yang Ji waved back coldly, and the dozen soldiers behind him spread out to both sides, revealing several crying young women, and behind them, dozens of tied up soldiers. Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi took a closer look and found that they were both their personal guards.
Zhao Shizhu tried hard to restrain the panic in his heart and asked loudly: "Manager Yang, are you falling out with us because of these women?"
"Hiding women during the battle is a serious violation of military law. I don't care because you have made great contributions to defeating the enemy, but these women are not your slaves or maids. Today, I will only talk about military law and nothing else." Yang Ji shouted. : "Yang Shanhui."
"Here!" Yang Shanhui stood up.
"According to our military regulations of the Sui Dynasty: What should happen to those who disturb the people and kill them?" Yang Ji said loudly to everyone.
"kill!"
"What should happen to those who rape and insult civilian women?"
"kill!"
"What should happen to those who violate military discipline?"
"kill!"
The three words "kill" were loud and powerful, and Yang Ji's voice became more and more sonorous. He looked at a group of Youzhou soldiers and said in a deep voice: "Remember, you are soldiers of the Sui Dynasty, not thieves. I don't want to say anything else. , I just want to ask you: How would you feel if another army passed by your door another day, killing your parents, brothers, and robbing your wives, daughters, and sisters?"
"Then what else is there to talk about? I am a man, even if I risk my life, I still want revenge." The Xuanwu Guards in Youzhou shouted one after another
"Desperately!"
"Desperately!"
The soldiers of the Youzhou Army thought of the scene of "parents and brothers being killed, wives, daughters and sisters being robbed" in their minds, and they all felt the same way. Under the bewitchment of the Xuanwu Guards, they also started shouting.
"This is the role of military law. Only a mountain of military law can prevent the army from harming the people along the way. The people here include not only the people of Bingzhou, but also the people of Liangzhou, Yongzhou, and Youzhou. If we look at today's criminal law enforcement If it's not strict, then the ones who will suffer tomorrow may be your relatives." After Yang Ji said this, he said to Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi: "You two have committed three crimes at the same time, so killing them three times is not an exaggeration. But It is nothing compared to the crime of collaborating with the rebels. The two of you tried to help the rebels from within, so you repeatedly encouraged the entire army to go south, preparing to lead the Youzhou soldiers into Qiao Zhongkui's ambush. "
Zhao Shizhu said in shock: "When did we have an affair with the rebels?"
Yang Ji threw two Han King's Order Arrows in front of the two of them, "These are the Han King's Order Arrows found in your room. Now the evidence is conclusive and cannot be denied. Come, behead these two rebel generals who insist on it!"
Zhao Shizhu recognized that these were the command arrows seized from Wang Ba's army. He immediately understood Yang Ji's intention. He was frightened and shouted loudly: "Yang Ji, you are clearly framing us. You..."
Before he could finish his words, two Xuanwu guards had already raised their swords and chopped off their heads with one blow, blood spurting out from their necks.
Yang Ji ordered those around him: "The rebel generals Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi are guilty of killing people, robbing civilian girls, colluding with the rebels, and trying to bring the entire army into an encirclement. They are guilty of several crimes and cannot be forgiven. The rebels should be punished immediately." The leader sent an order to the three armies and told them the crimes committed by the two men. Anyone who dares to speak for the two men... will be guilty of the same crime!"
"Here." The two soldiers picked up the heads of Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi and went out, escorted by a group of Xuanwu guards.
Yang Ji then said to the Youzhou soldiers: "You have seen and know why Zhao and Helan died. When you go back, you must tell your colleagues the truth instead of spreading rumors."
"I obey my command!" When the woman appeared, the soldiers had already believed half of Yang Ji. When Yang Ji threw the arrow of the King of Han, they believed another third; when he said that Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi were trying to bring everyone into When the enemy troops surrounded the circle, the soldiers of the Youzhou Army present were already convinced.
Just because Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi had been encouraging everyone to fight against the numerous and well-equipped rebels after they won during the day. This in itself was very unreasonable. Now when I heard that Yang Ji had done so much and said so much It suddenly dawned on everyone, and they felt that the second general was preparing to lead everyone to death, so they strongly urged everyone to fight the powerful rebels.
At this time, everyone felt a sense of survival after a disaster, and said to themselves that it was lucky that King Wei had seen through the rebels' plot, otherwise, everyone would have really fallen into the plot.
After these Youzhou soldiers dispersed, Yang Ji ordered again: "Xue Ju temporarily takes over Zhao Shizhu's post and commands the first battalion of soldiers; Hou Mo and Chen Yi take He Lanyi's place and command the second battalion of soldiers. Ming Brigade All officers above the commander's rank go to the 'Chinese Army Tent' to listen to orders."
Yang Ji used thunderous means to kill Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi, and then used Xue Ju and Hou Mo Chen Yi to control the army, successfully seizing the command of the Youzhou Army. After that, he seized all military supplies and property on the battlefield overnight. The officers and soldiers in the army were divided according to their military merits. There were thunderous cheers for a while, and everyone forgot about the "rebellious generals" Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi.
Yang Ji knew that the key to leading troops was to have strict military laws and strict rewards and punishments, but more importantly, the soldiers should gain something after the war; even if the commander only gave him a copper coin, the soldiers would feel at ease and would be grateful to the commander. , and fought hard in the next battle. This is also the valuable experience and the reason for victory for famous generals such as Yang Shuang, Yang Su, and Yang Yichen.
Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi were dead, and the soldiers generally believed that rushing to a decisive battle was an act of traitors. This also made those Youzhou officers who were eager to do their best not dare to mention a decisive battle again, let alone fight for Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi. Complaints.
After daybreak, Yang Ji led his army to leave Zaolin Town and headed for Fanju County in the northeast.
The Youzhou Army quickly left the battlefield, which not only failed Qiao Zhongkui's plan to lure the enemy into a trap and annihilate Yang Ji first, but also put him in a dilemma with Li Jing in front, Yang Ji in the east, and Yang Yichen in the west.
The bad side of the Daizhou war situation also began to tilt towards Qiao Zhongkui from Li Jing's side. Of course, this tilt is only temporary. After all, Qiao Zhongkui's military advantage is there, and the three people in the court combined are not as many as him, and they are still fighting on their own. If he can defeat any of Yang Yichen and Yang Ji, With an army, it was still him who won the final victory.
. . . . . . . .
At noon that day, Yang Yichen led Shuozhou's 20,000 cavalry from Xixingguan to Zaolin Town, and took over the task of blocking the enemy head-on from Yang Ji's "hands".
Shuozhou was under the jurisdiction of the Bingzhou Governor's Office. Before Yang Liang raised his army, he sent people to win over Yang Yichen many times. However, Yang Yichen, whose original surname was Weichi, grew up in the palace. Yang Jian saw that he was good at riding and shooting, and had the ability to lead a general. He also looked exactly like the old man. His friend Yu Chichong gave Yang Yichen his national surname and officially included him as a grandson in the Yang family tree.
Yang Yichen is cautious and loyal. He has followed the example of his father who killed enemies with violence, valued justice over life, and shrouded his body in horse leather since he was a child. He is extremely loyal to Yang Jian. Although Yang Jian is no longer alive, he still does not hesitate in this battle between brothers to seize the throne. Yang Guang stood hesitantly at Yang Jian's choice and remained indifferent to Yang Liang's attempts to win over him.
Yang Yichen knew that Yang Liang was disobedient and rebellious, so when he received the warning message from Yang Ji and Li Jing, he immediately assembled his troops and led his troops to support Daizhou in time.
On the way south, Yang Yichen had been worried because his strength was only half of Qiao Zhongkui's. If Qiao Zhongkui knew that he was leading an army to help, he would definitely concentrate his heavy troops to beat him first and then turn around to deal with Li Jing. In that case, Shuo, who came to help from a long distance, would The state army will undoubtedly be defeated. But when he heard that Yang Ji had taken the lead and led 10,000 Youzhou elite cavalry to come to the rescue, he was immediately relieved and encouraged. With the help of these 10,000 elite cavalry, he had at least an 80% chance of winning.
However, Yang Yichen is still a little worried that the Youzhou Army led by Yang Ji will not cooperate, because the current battle situation has become dominated by the Shuozhou Army. If the imperial army defeats the rebels, the first contribution will be made by the Shuozhou Army, not The Youzhou Army was the first to enter the country to contain Qiao Zhongkui. Based on his understanding of Yang Ji, Yang Ji definitely didn't care about this first achievement, but how could the Youzhou Army under his temporary command agree to it?
Just as he was thinking about his thoughts, the soldiers reported at the door of the big tent: "General manager, the messenger is back, and King Wei also sent an envoy to pay a return visit."
"Oh? Invite them in." Yang Yichen was just thinking about why his envoy had not returned, and they came. What a coincidence.
After a while, two generals led a burly young man into the tent. Yang Yichen felt that this person looked very familiar, but for a moment he could not figure out who he was. Just as he was thinking about it, the young man raised his hands and saluted: "Your Majesty King Wei, Li Daliang comes to see Manager Yang."
When Yang Yichen heard this, he immediately thought of it and said with a smile: "Are you the youngest son of General Li Chong?"
"Exactly a humble position! I used to follow the king to the palace. I listened to your lectures many times and benefited a lot." Li Daliang bowed again and said with a smile: "We haven't seen you for many years. Manager Yang's style is even better than before."
"Hi! Mayi in Shuozhou has been exposed to wind and sand for many years, so there is nothing to say about it." Yang Yichen confirmed that Li Daliang was the son of an old friend and had also attended his class. He was very happy and said enthusiastically: "Brother Li, please invite me." sit."
He didn't know what official position Li Daliang held, and he didn't have a formal master-disciple relationship. He couldn't think of a suitable title for a while, so he had to call him brother, and asked someone to bring him a bowl of buttermilk, and asked with a smile: "Li Daliang" What is my current official position?"
Li Daliang sat down and replied quickly after hearing this: "My humble position is now to record affairs in the palace and join the military."
When Yang Yichen saw that he was wearing armor, he thought he was a military general, but unexpectedly he was a civilian official. However, he was relieved when he thought of the strange management style of Prince Wei's palace and the official system that did not distinguish between civil and military officials.
Li Daliang was also thirsty at this time, so he took the buttermilk sent by his soldiers and drank it in one gulp, and then said: "Manager Yang, the young master wanted to discuss the war with you personally, but he was in charge of the army for the first time, so he had to let him go. This acquaintance of my humble position has come to have a detailed discussion with the manager."
"Didn't Uncle Wang fight a battle? What is the purpose of taking charge of this army for the first time?" Yang Yichen asked curiously.
Li Daliang hesitated for a moment, but he still said frankly: "Young Master is a guest general, and the Youzhou Army is nominally in charge of him, but in fact the people in charge of this army are Zhonglang General Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi , and the Youzhou soldiers were also soldiers under their command, so these two people were really doing things like cheating the host. Last night, they not only harassed the people and robbed the girls, but also searched for adultery from their rooms. The King of Han ordered arrows, so the young master beheaded them in public. The Youzhou army is not yet stable now, and the young master needs to take charge of it himself."
Yang Yichen couldn't help laughing, and he admired Yang Ji's courage and decisiveness in his heart, especially the timing of his attack. If Yang Ji had done it before he arrived, or during the war, the Youzhou Army might have done it because The turmoil in the purge of Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi gave Qiao Zhongkui a chance to break through, which then affected the entire situation in Daizhou.
But now, as soon as Yang Ji heard the news of his arrival, he decisively eliminated Zhao Shizhu and He Lanyi. Not only did he save precious time for unifying his thoughts, but even if there was turmoil at that time, he had to take care of the overall situation. The turmoil will not affect the situation in Daizhou at all.
He smiled and said: "I understand! In other words, the Youzhou Army is now completely controlled by Uncle Wei?"
"That's right!" Li Daliang said: "Young Master asked me to tell General Manager Yang that this time the battle of Daizhou will be dominated by the Shuozhou Army. He will lead the Youzhou Army as a partial division of the Shuozhou Army and fully cooperate with General Manager Yang in the battle. "
Yang Yichen was worrying about this matter, but he didn't expect that Yang Ji would directly give up the first credit and be willing to be his partial teacher. He was surprised, happy, and embarrassed at the same time, but he was a real person and said quickly: "When the war is over, I will report Uncle Wei's contribution to the saint, and I will never let Uncle Wei be wronged."
Li Daliang said quickly: "Young Master doesn't want any credit, please don't tell me."
Yang Yichen was stunned, and then asked: "Why is this?"
Li Daliang said: "Young master, because he captured Shanshan and Qiemo in Liangzhou, was just named the shepherd of Liangzhou by the saint not long ago, so...hehe!"
"That's it!" Yang Yichen's heart was bright, and he heard Li Daliang's unfinished words clearly and clearly. The reason why Yang Ji didn't want this credit was that, firstly, he looked down upon it; secondly, because He has already regarded local officials as the top officials. If he makes great achievements this time, how can he be made a saint? Moreover, now that Yang Liang's rebellion is a counterexample, if Yang Ji, the shepherd of Liangzhou, makes another meritorious service, wouldn't his future situation be very embarrassing? Yang Ji knew that he had no chance of promotion, so he decided to give all the credit here to his old nephew.
But for Yang Yichen, who was just the general manager of Xiazhou, the credit that Yang Ji gave up was extremely important. In this way, he owed Yang Ji a lot of favors. He solemnly said to Li Daliang: "Uncle Wang, I will remember this favor."
"In that case, I have returned to my humble post and resume my life." Li Daliang secretly praised Yang Ji for his vision and courage. Li Daliang knew that although Yang Ji's capture of Dou Kang and aid to Daizhou were two great achievements, at most he would get some physical rewards after returning to the capital; and Yang Ji had never been a person who was short of money, and now he was in control After traveling along the Silk Road, money was pouring in every day. In this case, it would be better to give this effort to Yang Yichen as a favor and make friends with this useful person who is in urgent need of credit for promotion. In the end, for Yang Ji, a big tree that is "unique in the forest", Pulled in another big tree and a bush.
"Wait a minute!" Yang Yichen saw Li Daliang getting up and said quickly: "Brother, you haven't said how to cooperate in fighting?"
"There is nothing to discuss about this!" Li Daliang said with a smile: "Young Master will always keep an eye on the enemy and the upcoming battle, so Manager Yang only needs to fight in his own way. He will be there at the critical moment. Always lead your troops into battle."
Yang Yichen also understood the value of cavalry. He felt relieved when he heard what Li Daliang said: "Please go back and tell Uncle Wang to leave the frontal battlefield to me."
"I obey my command!" Li Daliang bowed deeply and left the tent.
