"Is there something more important than this? What's the matter?" Liu Yu asked immediately after hearing this.
"Liu Kun, the governor of Jin Bing Prefecture, left Jinyang for Changshan County and gathered troops from Changshan and Zhongshan counties!" Gongsun Sheng said.
"Gather troops from both counties?"
Liu Yu frowned slightly after hearing the news.
He knew that Liu Kun, the governor of Bingzhou in Jin Dynasty, had not long ago issued a message to the four prefectures and counties, agreeing to jointly raise troops to besiege the Xiongnu and Han Dynasty in September this autumn, claiming that they would join forces in Pingyang to welcome the bones of Sima Chi, Emperor Huai of Jin Dynasty. .
Liu Yu was naturally happy to see the outcome of Jin Ting Prefecture's forces besieging the Huns and Han Kingdom, but he was not very optimistic about the results of this military operation.
"Didn't Liu Kun say that he would attack the Hulu in September? There are still several months left. Why are we gathering troops now? Is that so?"
Liu Yu immediately thought if there was any conspiracy against him.
"Your Majesty, Liu Kun has gathered soldiers and horses from Changshan and Zhongshan counties not to plot Jizhou, but to lead his army to rescue Jinyang!" Gongsun Sheng's words immediately dispelled Liu Yu's worries.
"Rescue Jinyang? What happened to Jinyang?"
Liu Yu was slightly surprised. There was no other force that could threaten Bingzhou Jinyang except the Xiongnu and Han Kingdom in the south.
However, the army led by the Xiongnu Emperor Liu Cong was still in Hanoi County and did not retreat. Only the Xiongnu troops in Henan Province retreated.
With the main force of the Xiongnu and Han Kingdom going out, do they still have the remaining strength to attack Jinyang?
If this is the case, then the real strength of the Huns and Han Kingdom may far exceed one hundred thousand troops.
"I heard from the spies who reported that Liu Kun, the governor of Bingzhou, listened to the false accusations and did not distinguish right from wrong. He killed his general Fenwei Linghu Sheng and his son Linghu Ni fled to the Huns!"
Gongsun Sheng's words immediately reminded Liu of this major event that changed Liu Kun's fate.
Looking at Liu Kun's experience since he became an official, at the beginning, Liu Kun was a romantic and powerful son from a high family. His mother, Guo, was the aunt of the "Demon Queen" Jia Nanfeng. Liu Kun also took advantage of the opportunity to cling to Jia Mi, a powerful person from the Jiananfeng family. , at this time, it is not an exaggeration to call him a 'dandy of Jia Hou's party'.
Later, when King Zhao Sima Lun gained power and usurped the throne, Sima Lun's crown prince was Liu Kun's brother-in-law, and Liu Kun served as an official in Sima Lun's pseudo-dynasty. At this time, he became known as the 'Afu rebel'.
As for the subsequent kings, they did not affect Liu Kun's power and status in the slightest, but instead became more and more prominent.
Coupled with Liu Kun's own character, his behavior of frivolous political affairs and enjoyment has not completely changed.
It is precisely because of this that what happened in history was that Liu Kun favored the happy man Xu Run and unjustly killed the general Linghu Sheng, which later led to Linghu Ni leading the Xiongnu troops to capture Jinyang.
"If this happens, Jinyang may be in danger!"
Liu Yu said immediately.
"Yes, Your Majesty, you know that the Linghu family is a wealthy family in Jinyang. The truth and falsehood inside and outside Jinyang are all in Linghu Ni's heart. Once he leads the way for the Xiongnu troops, I am afraid that Jinyang will not be protected!" Gongsun Sheng continued.
Liu Yu nodded, of course he understood this.
Liu Kun's move would not only chill his generals, but especially the Linghu family behind Linghu Sheng, who was unjustly killed by Liu Kun, and turn against Liu Kun.
Since the Spring and Autumn Period of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the Linghu family has been operating in Taiyuan, Bingzhou for nearly 800 years!
Although they are not currently ranked among the top-ranking families, the power of the Jinyang Linghu clan is almost as strong as that of any high-ranking family.
It is conceivable that as the governor of Bingzhou, Liu Kun offended the Linghu family and the consequences were terrible.
"In this case, it is reasonable for Liu Kun to mobilize troops and horses from the two counties of Changshan." Liu Yu was slightly worried, wondering whether Liu Kun could hold Jinyang City this time.
Liu Kun, the governor of Bingzhou in Jin Dynasty, had never been good at fighting, or was very bad at it. He had to rely on his generals and Tuoba Xianbei to repel the Huns' invasion from the north several times.
Now because of the unjust killing of Linghu Sheng, he will definitely lose the support of some Jinyang soldiers. In addition, Tuoba Xianbei Shanyu Tuoba Yilu is also busy competing with the Qiang and Hu for the pasture in Jiuyuan County's hometown, and I am afraid he has no time to take care of Liu Kun.
At this time, Gongsun Sheng smiled slightly.
"Your Majesty, now that Liu Kun has transferred the soldiers and horses from Changshan and Zhongshan counties, the two counties must be empty and defenseless. It is better to wait until Liu Kun returns to Bingzhou and send troops to attack the two counties of Changshan. In this way, we can go east to Taihang. All the key places are now under His Majesty’s control!”
What Gongsun Sheng said was actually not strict, because the land of Zhao and Wei now occupied by Shi Hu, the remnant of Jiehu, and others, also had passes.
After occupying Changshan and Zhongshan counties, Liu Kun's power in Jizhou can be completely cut off.
However, Liu Yu directly rejected the suggestion without even thinking about it.
"No, I originally sent a message to the whole world to fight against the Hulu. If the Hulu besiege Jinyang, but I send troops to attack Liu Yueshi's rear, wouldn't I become a partisan of the Huns!?"
"It is bound to be underestimated by the people in the world. Although it has gained the land of two counties, it will lose the heart of a hero. It is not advisable!"
After hearing Liu Yu's rejection, Gongsun Sheng was obviously prepared, and he went on to say.
"Liu Kun uses the two counties of Changshan and Zhongshan to supply the armies of Bingzhou, and the levy of soldiers and civilians is quite strict. If your Majesty is unwilling to be criticized by the world and does not take the two counties, I have another plan!"
"You only need to send someone to inform the powerful people in the two counties and promise them generous treatment. Then the powerful people can donate the two counties themselves, thus saving your majesty the trouble you are worried about!"
"Just like what happened to the Bolingcui family!"
After hearing Gongsun Sheng's words, Liu Yu was slightly surprised at first, but after thinking about it carefully, he immediately understood.
In Liu Yu's thinking, there are always ethnic differences. Although Liu Kun was a minister of the Jin Dynasty and not one of his own, Liu Yu felt that he was on the same page when it came to fighting against the Huns.
However, in Gongsun Sheng's heart, even though Gongsun Sheng hated the barbarians, it did not stop him from taking this opportunity to invade Liu Kun's territory.
Liu Yu felt a little helpless and began to explain patiently to Gongsun Sheng.
"If Liu Kun had mobilized soldiers and horses from the two counties of Changshan to Jinyang, I would definitely not take the opportunity to attack the two counties. Even if it is the method of using force and outsmarting that Mr. said, I would not agree."
"Now that the world is in chaos, although the Sima Jin Dynasty still has land in several states, the people's support in Zhongzhou has long been lost. Whoever can defeat the Huru and then deal with the various barbarians who have entered the fortress can regain the people's support. Dingding Central Plains!"
"Under such a situation, we only need to focus on farming and fighting, and it is entirely possible to defeat the Huru!"
"As for the loyal ministers of the Jin Dynasty like Liu Kun, they already have too much to take care of themselves. The power of the Jin Dynasty will only weaken day by day. Even the barbarians can't resist it. How will they be able to stop the fierce soldiers of the powerful Han in the future!"
"What's more, when these Jin Dynasty remnants are unable to resist the Hulu, they may come to surrender in person!"
"The towns of the Jin Dynasty are nothing more than dry bones in graves, not worth a penny!"
After listening to Liu Yu's words, Gongsun Sheng also thought about it seriously and then said.
"Since His Majesty insists on this, I won't say any more! However, if Liu Kun rallies the troops of the two counties and defeats the Hulu, he might really go straight to Pingyang, the den of thieves. In that case, the Jin Dynasty will probably regain its momentum. La!"
When Liu Yu heard this, he immediately laughed.
"Haha, in my opinion, sir, you are overly worried. The five Xiongnu tribes have been in Bingzhou for more than a hundred years, and most of them regard it as their homeland. With Liu Kun's power, it is definitely difficult to see Pingyang."
When Liu Yu said this, he frowned slightly.
"On the contrary, I am worried that Liu Kun will not be able to protect Jinyang, and will lose ground and defeat the troops, which will only increase the power of the Hulu!"
Liu Yu and Gongsun Sheng talked as they walked, and soon arrived at the meeting room in front. As soon as they entered and sat down, a waiter came in and announced that they were Xi Jian, Hua Xiu, and the chief minister. Nong Cui met three people who came to see him.
After Xi Jian and others came in, Liu Yu immediately received another news.
"Your Majesty, we have just received news from Liaodong that Murong Xin, the chief of the Xianbei Murong tribe, is preparing to form an alliance with the Dongyi tribes and plan to attack Lelang and Daifang counties in the south!"
Grand Sinong Cui Yu has been responsible for contacting Dongyi Colonel Cui Ao recently, and he is also the most knowledgeable about all kinds of news in Liaodong.
"Murong Xianbei?" When Liu Yu heard this, he immediately became irritated.
Since the Cao Wei Dynasty, after the Gongsun clan who had ruled Liaodong was eliminated, many Han clan forces that had flourished in Liaodong for hundreds of years since the Han Dynasty have also been severely weakened. A massacre that showed off the martial arts of Cao Wei almost cut off the influence of the Han people in Liaodong. Liaodong’s absolutely dominant position.
Subsequently, barbarians such as the Xianbei tribes, the Goguryeo tribe of the Fuyu tribe, and the Liang Yu of the Sushen tribe took advantage of the opportunity and entered the Liaodong area, showing an increasingly strong momentum.
"How strong is Murong Xianbei now? How many people are there? How many soldiers are there?" Liu Yu asked immediately.
After hearing Liu Yu's question, not only Cui Yu, but also Xi Jian, Gongsun Sheng and others shook their heads silently.
Liu Xian saw the situation, pondered for a moment, and said.
"How does Murong Xianbei compare with Duanbu Xianbei?"
After hearing this question, Hua Xiu thought for a moment and said.
"The people of the Duan tribe are many types of rough and powerful soldiers. Although Western Liaoning has the convenience of being close to the Central Plains, the refugees and settlers are mostly unwilling to rely on the Duan tribe. Instead, the Murong tribe who lives in the east of Liaodong has always had a reputation of admiring the enlightenment. Scholars are also treated with great courtesy."
"So, in this way, Duan Bu's soldiers and horses may be slightly better than Murong's, but Murong's people, Dingkou, are better than Duan Bu!"
"However, the current Chief Murong, Murong Xin, has long received the official position of the Jin Dynasty and is quite prestigious in Liaodong. If he can ally with the Dongyi tribes in Pingzhou, the troops he can muster will not be weaker than the Duan tribe! "
After hearing this analysis, Liu Yu immediately had an intuitive understanding of Murong Xianbei's strength.
Except for Liu Yu, none of the people present actually regarded Dongyi Xianbei such as Duan Bu and Murong Bu as any great potential threats.
After all, the barbarians in Liaodong have been very weak since the Qin and Han Dynasties. Not to mention the threats on the grasslands, even the Qiang and Hu in the northwest are a greater threat than them.
What's more, these barbarians in the Liaodong area are often very respectful to the Central Plains regime.
However, Liu Yu knew that starting from Duan and Murong, powers that threatened the Central Plains regime repeatedly appeared in Liaodong.
"So, if Murong Xianbei really leads his army to attack south, Zhang Tong's military strength may not be able to resist it!" Liu Yu was worried.
Although today's Lelang and Daifang counties have not increased much in terms of their own strength, their farming and production are at best self-sufficient.
However, with a steady stream of material support, the Han forces in the two counties quickly got rid of the threat of Goguryeo harassment.
Buyeo Baekje, in the southern corner of the peninsula, gradually became a servant after several military defeats. It helped Zhang Tong, the governor of Pingzhou in the East of the Han Dynasty, and plundered the more backward Ma Han, Chen Han and others as slaves, and then sold them to Qingxu. The area is farm slaves.
Therefore, if he loses Daifang and Lelang counties, Liu Yu will not only lose tens of thousands of Han households in the two counties, but also lose a very good channel to obtain farm slaves.
You know, now that the military operations of the Han Dynasty are becoming more and more frequent, almost all the land owned by the military soldiers has to be worked by farm slaves. It is absolutely impossible to support a retired warrior by relying solely on the family members of the military soldiers. .
"The two counties of Daifang and Lelang are covered with hills. As long as we guard Wubao City and then fortify the walls and clear the country, we will definitely retreat when the invading Dongyi gain nothing."
Not long ago, Gongsun Sheng had just gone to Daifang County for Liu Yu and made Zhang Tong a marquis. He was quite familiar with the mountains and geography there.
"If the walls are strong and the wilderness is cleared, a lot of them will be destroyed and abandoned. The two counties of Dongping Prefecture are already poor. If this happens, even if Murong and other barbarians retreat, the vitality of the two counties will be greatly damaged!"
Xi Jian shook his head slightly and then said.
Liu Yu also believes that the so-called "strengthening the wall and clearing the field" can offset the threat of invading enemies as much as possible, but it is also a self-destructive tactic.
For example, if the enemy invades when the grain fields are ripe, if the defenders have no time to harvest the grain, they will often burn all the farmland to prevent it from falling into the hands of the enemy. In this way, most of the hard work of the year will be wasted. ash.
"But if you want to protect grain fields, etc., you have to fight in the wild. The two counties of Dongping Prefecture only have 5,000 soldiers and horses. Even if you don't distinguish between old and young, there must be no more than 10,000 people. How can you stop Murong's tribes?" Gongsun Sheng said .
"What if reinforcements are transported by boat?" Da Sinong Cui Yu couldn't help but ask.
"The grain and grass reserves of the two counties in Dongping Prefecture are barely self-sufficient. If we transport soldiers, they must transport them together with the grain and grass. The wind and waves on the sea are unpredictable, and I'm afraid the losses will be equivalent to transporting them thousands of miles!"
Liu Yu said.
Nowadays, the most lacking thing in Liu Yu's hands is food. A series of climate abnormalities in the late Western Jin Dynasty caused the harvest in the north to decrease by 30 to 40%. It was already a good harvest year. One can imagine how difficult it is to reserve food.
At this time, Xi Jian smiled softly and said calmly.
"Your Majesty, I have a plan to retreat Murong's troops in the future!"
"Mr. Xi, what's a good plan?" Liu Yu immediately became interested.
"Since we already know in advance that there will be changes in Murong's department, it's better to take a preemptive strike and keep the enemy out of the door!" Xi Jian said.
"What do you mean by this?"
"I looked at the map of Pingzhou and found that if you want to enter the two counties of Daifang from Liaodong, you must cross the Mazi River from Xi'an, go south along the mountain road to the north of Hunmi, and then cross the Mi River again to reach Daifang County. "
Liu Yu once specially sent people to draw topographic sketches of various states and counties. Unexpectedly, Xi Jian only saw it once and wrote down the mountains and rivers.
"In this way, as long as we guard the final road from Xi'an Ping to Hunmi, no matter how many enemies there are in Liaodong, they will return in vain!"
"Unless they don't take this flat road, but turn from the Gaima Mountains. In that case, these barbarians can still have the remaining strength to attack the two counties of Daifang. With such giant bandits, there is no need to force the two counties of Dongping Prefecture. "
After listening to Xi Jian's words, Liu Yu couldn't help but feel enlightened.
"Haha, if Murong Xianbei goes south by detouring through the Gaima Mountains, not to mention how difficult and dangerous the journey is, which is nearly three times as long, just crossing the heart of Goguryeo will lead to desperate resistance from the Goguryeo barbarians."
"Although these barbarians are vulgar and may not know the allusion to the false Taoist attack on Guo, they certainly understand the truth behind it!"
Having said this, Liu Yu already understood Xi Jian's intention.
"Now the mountains to the north of Hunmi are all in the hands of Goguryeo. Your Majesty can take a pre-emptive strike and attack the mouth of Hunmi with strong troops. Then build forts to guard the main roads and guard against danger with elite troops. Murong's tribes are all for the purpose of plundering. Come on, once the losses are too great, you will definitely not dare to continue!"
When Xi Jian said this, he smiled slightly and said.
"What's more, I feel that Murong Xuan's so-called invitation to the alliance to invite Le Lang probably has some other motive!"
"There are hundreds of thousands of Dingkou in Pingzhou very close at hand. Murong Xin doesn't want to capture these, but he has to mobilize his troops and travel hundreds of miles to attack a barbaric place like Fang County. How can it be so reasonable?"
When Liu Yu heard this, he immediately put down most of his worries.
"If we follow Shi Zhong's policy, we will need an elite army to attack Hunmi and then defend Hunmi. I wonder which county soldiers do you think Duke Xi can do?"
If we hold on to the mountain fortress, we can save a lot of troops, and by the way, we can save a lot of material transportation.
"We don't need soldiers from the army. We only need to select the newly surrendered Taihang and Hu barbarians from Jizhou and select the fittest ones among them. That's enough!"
"Anyway, these miscellaneous barbarians don't want to farm, they only do plundering!"
After Liu Yu heard this, he couldn't help but applaud.
"Haha, this method is wonderful!"
"If Murong's tribe comes to invade, use the bastards to block it! If Murong's tribe is bluffing, then use these bastards to plunder the mountain barbarians such as Tuhan, Haoqi, and Woju."
