Looking at this guy's sinister and scrutinizing gaze, Li Dan remained calm and did not dodge at all. Instead, he put the silver cup on the table and asked, "Why do I have to kill you?"
Lou Shiming was stunned, but he didn't expect that the problem would come back to him. He looked at Zhao Jingzi and Dou San'er behind Li Dan with some surprise, and spread his hands:
"Li Sanlang, you are an inspector of the imperial court. Isn't it natural for officers and soldiers to catch robbers? How can there be any reason to open a wine table and drink with robbers under the blue sky? It doesn't make sense. What kind of medicine are you selling in your gourd?"
"Officers and soldiers want to catch robbers, but things must be prioritized." Li Dan spoke in a leisurely manner, making the other party forget his age.
"My inspection is the inspection of the northern part of Guangxin Prefecture. My duty is to protect the smooth flow of official roads on the northern line of Shangrao and escort the supply baggage to Shangrao in a complete and timely manner."
"I seem to understand." Lou Shiming's eyes flashed: "You mean, the purpose of your coming here is to send supplies, not to fight, so you hope to negotiate peace twice and get what you need?"
"The second general is indeed a sensible person!"
"But do you think I will let you enter Shangrao?"
"What can you do if you don't let go? Your handsome father can still mobilize thousands of people to fight?"
Lou Shiming's eyes showed sullenness, but he clenched his fists and stared at the young man in front of him without saying a word.
Li Dan continued: "The words may be unpleasant, but the second general should know that Li is telling the truth.
The current military strength in Shangrao city and outside the city is about the same. Of course, this does not include Yin Tuo's group. Even if you and your son mobilized troops, they would only be one or two thousand.
This kind of fueling tactics is useless and can only make Yin Tuo stand in the back and laugh. Is that right? "
After taking a deep breath, Ertian Wang said, "I didn't expect you even knew about Yin Tuo."
"I'm the North Road patrol inspector. The prefect can't appoint someone who only works for a living, right?" Li Dan smiled, beckoned him to come closer, and said softly:
"Actually, your father also knows that he can't take down Shangrao, but he doesn't give up, and he's afraid of losing face, and he's afraid that all the rebels won't listen to him in the future, right?"
"What the fuck!" Lou Shiming was unhappy.
Li Dan didn't take it seriously, waved his hand and continued: "Second General, don't curse, listen to me explain it to you carefully.
Assuming that you and your son now have the ability to suddenly pull out 30,000 to 50,000 people in the army, I think it is still a try to attack Shangrao, otherwise it is just a slogan and has no practical meaning.
Besides, you can't just attack Shangrao, but you also have to attack Guangxin? Fighting on two fronts definitely requires more troops than fighting a city!
But on the other hand, even if there are so many soldiers and horses, where can they find food and grass to support them?
From what I can tell from what you captured from the camp of your third brother and Guangxin Chow Tai Fook, your army's food and grass will definitely not last for half a month!
Even if the things I transport cannot be delivered, Shangrao can support itself for several months. It can consume you until you collapse without a fight!
The troops have to retreat sooner or later anyway. Should they retreat when their food supplies are exhausted and their morale is low, or should they retreat now? You and your son should make a decision as soon as possible.
To be honest, since the war has been going on for so long, the surrounding people have already run away and hid food that should and could be hidden.
Even if the troops are plundered, it will only be a drop in the bucket. Plus you have to feed that greedy Yin Tuo, what should you do? "
"Inspector Li means to persuade my father and son to withdraw from the army?"
"Hehe, either you quit now, or you don't quit until you are about to pee on your pants. There are only two choices. Which one is better? You don't need me to help the second general choose. You should make the decision in your own mind, right?"
Li Dan's words left Lou Shiming speechless for a moment. He realized that the "little thief" in front of him not only had a good understanding of their internal affairs, but also had a far better judgment of the situation than the officials in Shangrao City.
"If it weren't for Yin Tuo, our father and son would have captured Shangrao!" He said angrily, then looked at Li Dan:
"I still can't let you in. Shangrao can be saved by getting food and grass, but it's hard for us, father and son. As you said, how can my father command the world?"
"Emperor Taizu also besieged Hefei from three sides. You and your son want to capture Shangrao with only 10,000 people. It's too immodest in your eyes."
People! Li Dan snorted and said:
"Victory and defeat are common matters for military officers. Why should we care about the gains and losses of a city or a place? Besides, my food and grass are not specially provided for the garrison in the city, but to save the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of people in Shangrao and Guangxin."
He pointed at Zhao Jingzi and said, "Taizu besieged Hefei and ordered the soldiers and people in the city to go out to collect firewood without being harmed. That's why our descendants are so proud today. If your father and son are really determined to save the people, they won't watch the people starve, right?"
Lou Shiming was silent, as if thinking, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. He knew that Li Dan was indeed telling the truth. Even if he retreated to the other side today, he would probably end up persuading his father to retreat.
Without geographical advantage, no strength advantage, and no abundant food and grass, a surprise battle against Shangrao ended in a lukewarm outcome. Now that we can’t advance or retreat, what should we do?
The meaning of Li Dan's words is very clear: I'm not afraid of you, if you come again I'll fight you! But when you think about how much you have suffered, which one is more appropriate than a dignified retreat?
Lou Shiming thought of the volley of generals' and bird's guns in the morning, and seemed to smell gunpowder smoke in his nostrils again.
"You want us, father and son, to run away with our tails between our legs with just these two words?" He sneered and said:
"Little guy, if you want to do business, you have to show some sincerity, right? Having said all that, you deserve credit and hard work, but I haven't seen any benefits to the Lou family!
It would be nice if it was as simple as patting the butt and walking away, but how could I convince my handsome father? You have to give me something, right? "
"It seems that the second general is not only good at fighting and killing." Li Dan laughed: "Then, is there anything in my place that the second general likes? Please feel free to ask."
"I mentioned it, can you give it to me? You don't have to go back and discuss it with that person Shanda?"
"Tell me, if you can agree, I will make the decision now. If not, I will go back and ask again!"
"Okay, let's talk about the living ones first. Do you have my third brother and the first gold in your hands?"
"The third general is very good. He reassures you. This is his letter from home." Li Dan took out a letter, put it on the table and pushed it over, and continued:
"As long as the supplies are safely delivered to Shangrao, the three generals can go home immediately. As for the gold... it's a bit troublesome."
"What's the trouble?" Lou Shiming asked, eyes widening.
"My subordinates went to ask her opinion, and she seemed...reluctant to return to your father." Li Dan made an innocent expression:
"I didn't stop her, nor did I force her. She fell in love with a Yingzheng named Zhou here, so she refused to go back."
"This..." Lou Shiming blushed and cursed in a low voice: "This lowly bastard, I have already told you that she has a fickle temperament, so it's okay if she doesn't go back!"
He poured a glass of wine, drank it, and wiped his mouth: "I heard that the mountain leopard was also captured by you?"
"He was seriously injured and his head has been displayed to the public." Li Dan replied without changing his expression.
"Where's Chow Tai Fook?"
"Same."
"Damn it!" Lou Shiming punched the table: "Thankfully, he sent people here last night. I rushed them here early in the morning, but I ended up giving you a bunch of heads!"
"One of the two people sent last night came back to deliver a message to Chow Tai Fook. That person is Sheng Qianhu's subordinate."
Lou Shiming was so angry that he cursed something, closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, and smiled bitterly for a long time: "Then you can't give me much."
"I can return to you the prisoners this morning, as well as those captured by Chow Tai Fook." Li Dan raised a hand after saying, "But we have to wait until you have all crossed the river before sending a ferry to pick them up. Bar."
"I can't thank you enough!" Lou Shiming said, clasping his fists and handing over his hands, and then said, "I have to ask my father to tell you whether I will let you enter Shangrao. I can't promise you anything about the retreat now."
"Of course, after all, you can't have the final say in this family. Oh, by the way, there's your eldest brother too!"
"Stop talking nonsense, provocation is of no use to our brothers!" Lou Shiming slapped the table, then glanced out of the corner of his eye, and said slowly: "Since you don't have many chips, let me set the price. This wine …….”
"I won't sell it!" Li Dan crossed his legs and said, "The third general said, it's all your second general.
He came up with the idea and arrested the people I sent to the winery. So, the cooperation with the winery is out of the question. I don’t want to take risks anymore! "
"Tsk, you are quite vindictive!"
"Besides, it's not certain where this winery will be opened in the future. Maybe it will be in Geyang, or I'll see after I finish my errand and go back to Yugan!"
Li Dan deliberately said angrily: "Didn't you say that I am a court official? It is even more impossible for me to associate with rebels."
"Hey, these are all small things." Lou Shiming knew this was an opportunity and took the winery business from Lao San to his side. After all, raising an army and building weapons and armor would require money, and it would be a lot of money.
That idiot Lou Shifan, if the business is in his hands, this kid will give the money to his father to make him happy.
Instead of doing this, it is better to take this opportunity to quietly take over the plate, so that in the future, we can become stronger and more solid.
"I was afraid that you would use the winery to spy on the military, or do something to disturb the morale of the military. Since you can't deal with my family directly, I think it's better that we each find a brother to act as an intermediary. Wouldn't it be fine if they continue to trade? "
"Well, the Third General's suggestion seems to make sense. You would be a fool not to make money if you have money.
I will give you a reasonable price, and I have nothing to do with your profit from increasing the price. But payment must be made on delivery, no credit will be given! "
Li Dan thought to himself that he just wanted to get a white glove. But you still have to use the "cash on delivery" option to push it a step further and test whether his intention is to actually do business or if he has other plans.
"Deal, but I want the right to sell the entire Jiangxi!"
"This won't work, because someone has already taken the right to sell Jiangxi. However, if the second general really has such ambitions, I can give you the right to sell and go to sea in Fujian."
Lou Shiming raised his eyebrows, thinking that this would be better, because most of Jiangxi is not yet owned by his Lou family, and they are too familiar with Fujian.
Not to mention anything else, most of the yamenmen have some inexplicable relationship with this place. Business in Fujian should be easy to do! "Are you talking about exclusive sales rights and sea rights?" He asked closely.
Li Dan didn't expect him to understand this. He was surprised and replied: "The sales rights must be exclusive. I dare not grant you exclusive rights to the sea. After all, there are too many sea routes, and your Lou family cannot have a monopoly."
"Monopoly? Hey, this word is appropriate!" Lou Shiming felt fresh and nodded and said, "Okay, let's do it like this. Let them discuss the specific matters. We just need to make a big decision."
"Second General, businessmen call this 'catch the big and let go the small.'"
"Oh? Haha, interesting! You know a lot, I like it! Hahaha...!"
After sending Lou Shifan away, he turned around and returned to the shade. Lou Shiming had taken away the pot of wine just now. Dou Saner handed over his water hyacinth to Li Dan to quench his thirst, and then asked a little worriedly: "Inspection inspection, are we really going to do business with the rebels?"
"Do it, of course you have to do it. If you don't do it, where will there be channels to know their movements and news, and how will you have the opportunity to instigate those leaders among them who hope to be recruited?" Li Dan replied with a smile.
"Oh!" Dou San'er immediately gave a thumbs up.
"I guess the inspection has some meaning, right?" Zhao Jingzi pursed his lips and smiled, gesturing with his chin:
"Originally, this business belonged to Lou Shifan and his father, but now Mr. Lou Shiming came to steal it and put it into his arms. What would happen if Lou Thief and his son knew about it?
A lot of money just fell into the pocket of the second child. How could Lou Thief, the boss, and the third child be okay with this? "
Li Dan laughed loudly: "Those who know me are here to show my talents! But it's good for you all to know, and don't make it public, otherwise it won't work. And this is also a long line, and we don't know whether it will be useful yet."
"I heard that Lou Zi was greedy for money and not generous. I don't think he can tolerate it." Zhao Jingzi shook his head.
"Even if he can bear it, others can't."
"Inspection inspection means...Lou Shiyong?"
"Hush... don't reveal the secret!"
"Haha, I understand, I understand!"
Lou Zishi
Looking at the two sons, I simply didn’t know what to say. It was difficult for him to understand why his 5,000-strong army was still defeated. Even the troops surrounding Guangxin were wiped out. If it weren't for Lao Er's cleverness, even his 2,000 men would have almost gotten in (Li Dan released Lou Shiming's captured soldiers on the day of the meeting). Three hundred prisoners saved him face).
After listening to Lou Shiming's report, he walked back and forth twice with his hands behind his back, then stopped, turned around and asked, "What do you think of Mr. Lin Quan's opinion of the outcome of Chi Xu'er's talks? They want to trade the third child for food roads, do we agree or disagree?" Woolen cloth?"
Hearing his roll call, He Zhang hesitated slightly.
He was very aware of the fierce competition among the three brothers. In front of Lou Shiyong and Lou Shiming, it was really hard to decide which words to say and which words not to say.
After weighing the left and right, he crossed his arms and saluted upward, and said: "My lord, my subordinates thought that we are not discussing whether to replace the three generals at the moment, but first discuss whether to withdraw the troops and how to withdraw gracefully?"
"Oh?" Lou Zishi stroked his beard, narrowed his eyes and asked, "How do you say this?"
"Sir, what you mean is that after losing all the battles, our army's strength, food, and morale are not enough to conquer Shangrao, so we have no choice but to take a step back and make plans. But is this the truth?" Lou Shi asked indirectly.
"Young Master, what you said makes sense." He Zhang replied solemnly, clasping his fists: "My lord, the way of a military strategist is to win. As long as you can win, temporary forbearance, concessions, and retreats are irrelevant.
Even the Taizu of this dynasty had the experience of attacking Shucheng and Hefei three times. Raising an army cannot be achieved overnight, so we should consider the long term and plan for it slowly! "
"I understand the truth." Lou Zishi sighed and banged his fist on the table: "But it's hard for me to accept these words coming from the mouth of the little thief in green!"
"This..." He Zhang knew that he was worried about Yichenjin. Also, even if she has already found it boring, it is still embarrassing to be taken over by another man. What is the difference between being a cuckold?
Even though he was Li Dan's subordinate, as his master, it was impossible not to bear Lou Zishi's hatred and anger.
"My lord, those who want to achieve great things must have the magnanimity to tolerate others and things." He Zhang thought about his words, carefully looked at the other person's face and said:
"You are just a woman. My lord has great aspirations for the world. Please don't worry too much about this matter." After saying that, he glanced at Lou Shiyong secretly.
Lou Shiyong was quite disapproving of his father, but he couldn't directly poke his heart. Seeing Mr. Lin Quan looking over, he had no choice but to bow and say, "Father, now is not the time to seek revenge from him.
The army is waiting for your orders to advance and retreat. Mr. Lin Quan's words hope that my father will take the overall situation first and think twice!
Also..., the last time the child mentioned the matter of making Yin Tuo king, how did his father think about it?
Boy'er actually thought that he might as well encourage Yin Tuo to attack Guangxin and Fengqiguan to the west, or even take Geyang directly.
Now that Marshal Yang He is making a lot of noise in Fuzhou, it's time to capture Ge Yang to coordinate his actions, which will make it difficult for the army to resist.
If we temporarily retreat to recuperate, obtain the food and fodder for the autumn period, organize our troops and horses, and recruit strong men to attack again, then Shangrao will definitely not be able to defend.
My father is only a few months late in becoming king, so what's the big deal? The general trend is mine and the people's will is what they want.
It is a wise move to retreat temporarily. It will not only help me get food, but also paralyze Shangrao's defenders, which is a lot of gains! "
"My son's brilliant plan!" Lou Zishi's eyes flashed. He keenly grasped the advantages of "mobilizing Yin Tuo to the west" to consume his opponent, shrink and protect himself.
Well, the boss has such a good brain! He smiled as he thought about it and nodded: "Okay, very good! Let's do it like this and do what the boss said. Mr. Lin Quan, how about you go to Yintuo Village?"
"Father, Mr. Lin Quan is your counselor. You can't leave him for a moment. Besides, Yin Tuo is vicious and arrogant. I'm afraid I won't be able to suppress him if I go there. It's better to go as a child. At least he can give my father some face on the surface."
Lou Zishi thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay, then go ahead and be more careful!"
"Son, save it." Lou Shi crossed his hands to learn the lesson, feeling very happy that he had beaten the second child.
But Lou Shiming would not be idle. He stood up and said:
"Father, if the eldest brother can persuade Yin Tuo to go west, then we can say that this is his own initiative and has nothing to do with me, the Lou family and his son.
However, it is still time to discuss with Qingyi Sanlang quickly and try to get the third brother back as soon as possible.
Otherwise, if Yin Tuo moves, the boy will worry that they will be angry and use this as a reason to refuse the previously negotiated conditions, or even endanger the life of the third brother. "
