When the news of the capture of King Zhao came, Zhuang Xun was preparing to cross the river. He was faced with very bad news. The navy of Cheng State was stronger than that of Xia State.
The chain reaction of King Qinghe's quick defeat was that Chengguo's navy was almost unscathed, because King Qinghe controlled most of Chengguo's navy.
Then Zhuang Xun's pressure suddenly increased. He originally wanted to take advantage of the opportunity of King Qinghe and Li Pingyuan's attack to cross the river.
At that time, I planned to take advantage of the two people to start fighting, and cross part of the army to respond. It was not a pleasant feeling to be attacked by someone who was half-crossed.
King Qinghe failed too quickly and lost almost no navy. Zhuang Xun had to put down his offensive rhythm and start building ships.
There was a confrontation with Chengguo, and he had to cross the river to talk about anything.
Since Cheng Guo had not lost any strength and Zhuang Xun's troops did not have an advantage, he planned to negotiate a peace with his father-in-law. He would deal with Zhao State first and drag Zhao State's army in Jing State over at all costs.
At the same time, he accumulated his own national strength, suppressed the remaining power of domestic aristocratic families, vigorously promoted new legal reforms, and continued to increase his strength.
Regarding the news of successive defeats in Zhao State, the main force of Zhao State has not yet been transferred back. Zhuang Xun is not angry and lacks strength. Who can blame him.
After plundering a lot of Zhao's population and many craftsmen and talents, Zhuang Xun could only go so far. Zhuang Xun had no regrets. The King of Zhao had already marched on the expedition himself, so what if he gave way to him.
After he and his father-in-law have discussed it, they will call back the army that attacked Chengguo, and then invade the borders of Zhaoguo. Anyway, he will not give Zhaoguo a chance to fly in the sky.
Then he received the news from the front that He Heng and Luo Yuecheng had defeated King Zhao and captured King Zhao and taken him to Hengdu. He was so baffled and full of questions.
Didn’t I just say that Zhao was in decline and dying?
He even suspected that he had made a mistake or the information was wrong. Is King Zhao so easy to catch?
The information was handed to Li Rusi, and Bi Yuewu was asked to help verify it. He confirmed again and again that King Zhao had been caught, and Zhuang Xun was even more confused.
King Zhao was captured in one charge. When did Luo Yuecheng become such a tough man?
Autumn was approaching, and winter was about to begin. With such a big deal like King Zhao being captured, Zhuang Xun had no choice but to return to Hengdu to discuss how to deal with King Zhao and a group of captured ministers.
He didn't even care about the child he was about to give birth to. He went back and asked about the situation of Zhao State first. Because there were prisoners from the noble family, he knew that it was the noble family who gave the order to avoid the war, which led to the defeat.
I felt in my heart that it was indeed a noble family that could do such a trick, but when I thought about the outrageous operations in the history of my hometown, it was not surprising. After all, ten Japanese pirates provoked a city and no one responded, which is even more outrageous.
"It's not easy to conquer the division of troops between these two groups." The map of Zhao State was replaced, and the two cities that held firm were highlighted.
"It seems that we have 10,000 Tiance troops. In fact, our combat strength is not necessarily as high as the other two. Some people are not accustomed to armor and do not have the tactics to train this army."
Si Qinmi folded his hands and stood elegantly beside Zhuang Xun, explaining the current situation. On the surface, the Xia State took the initiative by annihilating King Zhao's troops. In fact, the Xia State side was weak.
The combat effectiveness of the ancient army was not as good as that of modern times. To be considered a soldier by holding a gun and conducting assault training requires physical training and practice formation tactics.
The actual analysis is that the quality of Xia's soldiers is not better than that of Zhao. If the two teams of Zhao are forced, the result may not be good.
"Then we have to eat these two groups of people. Otherwise, how can we force Zhao to retreat? Do we rely on King Zhao?" Zhuang Xun was quite determined and wanted to pursue the victory.
It was worth being happy to catch King Zhao, but when I was overjoyed, I found that he didn't seem to be particularly useful, a bit like King Huai of Chu.
Xuannv and Mrs. Jiang are not fools. King Zhao also has a prince, and there are many aristocratic families in the country. It is impossible to exchange King Zhao for another country. If you do this, the aristocratic families will jump first to support the new king.
If you are afraid of the prince's revenge, then you can directly support other clans. Anyway, the clan that wants to be the emperor is not very successful, so there is no need to stick to a Zhao King.
Things can be exchanged, but important national interests cannot be exchanged. This is not a game world. Capturing the enemy's monarch is equivalent to victory.
The monarch is just the representative of everyone's interests. There has never been a saying that the country will not be able to survive without an emperor.
"Not necessarily. The State of Zhao has sent people to negotiate. One of the conditions in exchange is to agree to withdraw its troops and not attack Jing State again."
Si Qinmi chuckled and said with a relaxed and happy expression. This was the strategic purpose of Xia State, to force Zhao State to withdraw its troops from Jing State.
If we can win this major premise, everything will be easy to discuss. Letting the flying dragon of Zhao State coil up is more important than anything else.
"The condition is to exchange for King Zhao? Is King Zhao that valuable?" This is not political at all. If he is arrested in his own country, Si Qinmi will be so willing to sacrifice capital for himself.
Queen Mother Jiang is dizzy? Or do you love your son so much that you don’t care about the interests of the country? Can the aristocratic families agree?
"Of course not. We have talked about the issue of these two armies. We hand over these two armies and retreat, and they will withdraw from the army in Jingguo."
Si Qinmi pointed at the map marked in red, showing two isolated cities and Jinyang.
"Zhao is afraid that we will capture these two armies and march straight to Jinyang. I am afraid that we have begun to withdraw our troops now."
Si Qin Mi smiled, and his shy smile was like a breath of fresh air. The victory of a war brought life to a dead situation.
"For Luo Yuecheng's contribution, he should be made a marquis." Si Qinmi also praised and said that in this battle, Luo Yuecheng fulfilled his original joke, captured King Zhao alive and turned the tide of the war, which was a great contribution.
"That's right. Now that they have withdrawn their troops and come back for reinforcements, they still want to use this as a condition. They are too smart."
Zhuang Xun also agreed, and then said speechlessly, is Zhao Guo a white wolf with nothing?
"Huh? My concubine naturally saw it and didn't agree. After some bargaining, the State of Zhao agreed to cede Shou'an in the east, Fangyu Road, and gave us 20,000 sets of secret magic armor, some gold and silver treasures, and asked us to let go of the besieged people. The Zhao army withdraws from the rest of the occupied land and returns it to the Zhao monarchs and ministers."
Si Qinmi listed it, and Zhuang Xun frowned, not knowing whether to say yes or no.
"We really can't fight a big battle with Zhao State now. If Zhao State brings over half of its Xuanjia Army, we will be in trouble. Lang Jun, you also know that there is a gap between us and Zhao State."
Xixia defeated the Northern Song Dynasty and ceded territory to pay compensation, which is almost enough. The situation of Xia State is not easy. It is a sneak attack. Now that the body of the giant Zhao State has turned around, it is almost time to stop, otherwise the newly formed Tiance Army will really die. ?
Zhao Guo only cares about Jing Guo. When he gives up on Jing Guo, Xia Guo should worry about his own problems, find his own position, and not be blindly arrogant because of winning.
It is not unacceptable to spit out the land obtained, and there is no intention to get the land from the Xuanjia Army who returns for reinforcements.
It doesn't matter if you let these troops go, because the damage caused by a strong attack on yourself will not be low. It seems that your side only got these things by letting some hostages go.
Especially 20,000 sets of armor, how long does it take to accumulate them.
"Madam, you are too powerful, but I don't know if they will keep their word. The Xuanjia Army on the border came to defend, and it seems that they have the advantage."
Zhuang Xun no longer believes in such covenants made by Zhao State. It is normal for countries to violate agreements at any time.
"It's good to get the armor, but what about the land issue, retreating to Taiyun Pass. The strategic goal has been achieved, and the rest is just to add to the head. Talking like this just shows that we are confident. If we show cowardice, not only will we not get the land, but we will also lose the armor." arrive."
Si Qinmi is well versed in the principles of negotiation, grasps his own bottom line, and at the same time explores the other party's bottom line to make the greatest exchange.
"And if you want to fight us, will Zheng Guo agree? Envoys from Zheng and Jing have also arrived. Lang Junqi will receive them tomorrow."
Diplomacy at a distance and attack at home, the so-called alliance, these countries are consciously fighting against the Zhao State. If the Xia State shows its value, Jing Zheng will win over them, even if the Jing State is now divided.
"Okay, are you okay?" After talking about the business, he hugged Siqin Mi from behind. Zhuang Xun hadn't seen his eldest Mimi for several months.
"There is one more thing that I talked about with my concubine. I don't know if Mr. Lang will like it." After breaking away from Zhuang Xun's arms, Si Qinmi whispered in Zhuang Xun's ear until Zhuang Xun's pupils dilated.
On the other side, Queen Mother Jiang, who was dressed in formal attire, met the decadent King Zhao. He was unshaven and no longer had the heroic appearance of a great hero. Queen Mother Jiang looked ashamed when she saw him.
"Queen Mother, I, I..." I choked up and couldn't speak. Seeing Queen Mother Jiang in this scene, I felt like I wanted to find a crack in the ground and crawl into it.
"The Ai family knows that we can't blame you entirely." Empress Dowager Jiang already knew the reason for the army's defeat from the remnants of the army who had escaped.
King Zhao's only mistake was that he didn't find out what was wrong with the family's army. He couldn't be blamed for this. No matter how sage the emperor was, he would be deceived by his subordinates. At least King Zhao did nothing wrong after judging the decision-making along the way.
Seeing King Zhao's appearance, Queen Mother Jiang's original anger dissipated. She was not the kind of woman who lost her temper for no reason, nor was she someone who would use unknown fire to burn others.
"Did the Queen Mother rescue the child? If the interests of Zhao State have to be sacrificed, then there is no need. The child would rather die than harm the interests of Zhao State."
King Zhao's tone was firm. Zhao was not only his Zhao, but also his mother's Zhao. He had devoted all his efforts to it. If he was exchanged for Zhao's major interests, he would rather be imprisoned for the rest of his life or be killed.
"No, it's a normal exchange. Zhao needs to preserve its strength..."
After talking about the conditions of exchange, just looking at the direction of Zhao State, what they want to do is to preserve their strength. If strategic expansion fails, they will switch to strategic contraction. They must preserve Zhao State's strength as much as possible and wait for the next punch.
There are excess armors made, but not excess people, especially the carefully selected palace guards. Zhao's aristocratic families occupy a large population. Although after these years of struggle, the aristocratic families have paid taxes, but these can Being a soldier of the Xuanjia Army is very precious.
It took her several months to defeat a second prince in Jingguo, essentially to reduce the damage to this precious soldier.
There are six thousand palace guards in the Zhao army that is now besieged. They are the best of the best, the best of the best.
Being eaten by Xia Guo, not only lost 10,000 armors, but also lost 6,000 elites. This made Zhao Guo almost lame. In exchange for 20,000 armors, it cannot be considered a loss.
There is no way to exchange gold, silver, jewelry, materials, items, and two land for these ministers. The ministers are all from Zhao's aristocratic families, and now all the aristocratic families are putting pressure on them to exchange the ministers back.
Moreover, after defeating the second prince of Jingguo, they also occupied two lands of Jingguo, which is not considered a loss. After this series of discussions, they are still in the bottom line of Zhaoguo.
The disadvantage was that a lot of people were relocated by the Xia Kingdom. It would take many years for the east to recover, but the local aristocratic families were also hit hard.
"It's my fault. It's me who ruined such a great situation." Listening to these exchange conditions, King Zhao didn't think anything of it.
What caused him the most pain was the withdrawal of troops from Jing State. This was the greatest momentum that Zhao State had ever waited for. The clouds covering Zhao State in the sky. Zhao State's withdrawal this time represented the failure of Zhao State's attempt to intervene in Jing State. This was the greatest blow to Zhao State. The most hurtful point.
The reason why Zhao Guo had to retreat was that Xia Guo defeated him and now blocked the eastern border of Zhao Guo.
"Feel less sorry for yourself, focus more on the future, and learn lessons. Is this what the monarch of Zhao is like?"
She can accept King Zhao's failure, but she cannot accept that King Zhao became so depressed after his failure.
"Queen mother..."
"Have you given up? Do you think there is no hope for Zhao to fight for the world? Have you forgotten that Zhao still has 150,000 black-armored heavy cavalry and millions of armored men? Zhuang Xun is now facing Zhao and Cheng All countries have ambitions to dominate the world, and you just give up?"
With eyebrows raised, Empress Dowager Jiang thought that her exchange terms were just to exchange for a decadent King Zhao, which was unnecessary.
"The child is gone. These days, the child is always vigilant, sleeping on his bed and trying his best, hoping that one day he can take revenge."
King Zhao's spirit was high. Indeed, even if he lost this opportunity, Zhao State was still the strongest country in Yuzhou and even Jiuzhou. There was no need to feel sorry for himself. As long as he returned, he would still be the monarch of this most powerful country.
"This is my Jiang Xiannuo's son. After you return, you must work hard to wash away the shame. Mother can't help you anymore. Remember Zhuang Xun can endure your ridicule during the banquet. Mother hopes that you can also tolerate his treatment of you and mother. insult."
Empress Dowager Jiang said with foresight, also to remind King Zhao.
King Zhao cheered up, but did not understand the deeper meaning. He just responded with a trace of decadence: "My child understands."
Queen Mother Jiang's smile disappeared when she walked out of the cell, and she saw Lan Qiu coming to greet her.
"Madam, long time no see." He saluted Mrs. Jiang as before, when they were still master and servant.
"Long time no see, I'm here to make you laugh. Is King Xia back?" I couldn't explain the feelings, but I felt like a butterfly on a spider web, unable to break away due to fate.
After all, mothers love their sons, and King Zhao has nothing to exchange with them. National interests cannot be exchanged, and gold, silver, and jewelry are not favored by the Xia Kingdom.
"I'm back. Waiting for Madam in Yangle Palace. Madam, please come with your servant." Lan Qiu looked at Empress Dowager Jiang worriedly and led the way.
"Yangle Palace, what a good name..." Mrs. Jiang murmured to herself and followed Lan Qiu.
When she saw Zhuang Xun, she still looked the same, wearing a brocade robe, loose and shapeless. This was how she looked at home, and it was not like she would be tidied up by accompanying women like Si Qin Mi or Li Rusi outside.
Zhuang Xun also saw the Empress Dowager Jiang, with flowing clouds and glow, golden ring and jewels, as noble as a peony, proud phoenix eyes, beautiful nose and red lips, pink cheeks like color, jade neck and magatade, oval face, rich and graceful, and countless beautiful things. Described as a noble and elegant lady, she is the best in his heart.
"Kneel down and lick me." She is a beauty, not the Mrs. Jiang he respected.
Update on the 30th
(End of chapter)
