There is a thick city wall towering outside Xiapi City, towering and straight, like an indestructible iron wall, majestic and solemn. Above the city wall, there are densely populated arrow towers, like a forest, ready to suppress any possible threats at any time.
"This is truly a fortified city!"
Looking at Xiapi from outside the city, we understand why Xiapi is a battleground for military strategists.
Xiapi County was called Xiapi County during the Qin Dynasty. In the Han Dynasty, Xiapi County was the capital of Chu, and Han Xin was stationed here when he was the king of Chu.
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Xiapi State was established, with jurisdiction over seventeen cities. The area was quite large, extending from the southeast of Shandong in the north, to Jiashan in Anhui in the south, to Tongshan in Jiangsu in the west, and to Lianshui in the east. Xiapi had the widest territory at that time.
As an important town in the east of the Han Dynasty, Xiapi's economy and culture were quite developed.
It borders Sishui in the south, and Yishui and Wushui come to the north to circle the city and meet Sishui. It not only benefits from water transportation, but also provides irrigation, fishing and hunting. The soil is fertile and the products are rich.
Its humanities and history are even richer.
Not talking about the previous dynasties, just talking about the Three Kingdoms, there are countless stories that happened here: Liu Bei stationed his army, Cao Cao captured Bu, Guan Yu's three covenants, and even this is the place where Sun Quan was born.
While Jiang Gan was feeling the humanities and history of Xiapi, expressionless Li Xu slowly came forward.
"Mr. Jiang, Yili is not in the city, but in the military camp."
Military camp?
"Oh? This is strange. Instead of enjoying the blessings in the city, you went outside the city to suffer."
The military camp was where Mudlegs lived, and the smell of sweat alone in the camp could kill someone.
Like the beauty Meiji, you can't see it.
The only person beside him was the smelly Qiu Ba.
"In troubled times, only those with military power can survive. Yili is one of the four thieves in Mount Tai. He still understands this truth."
"Then let's go to the military camp to meet Yili."
The group of people turned from outside the city to the military camp outside the city.
Outside the city wall, military camps were scattered in an orderly manner. After revealing their identities, Jiang Gan and his party headed towards the camps.
At this moment, in the military lieutenant school field, the flags were fluttering, the sergeants stood in awe, and the atmosphere of bravery filled the air.
The soldiers were wearing armor and holding sharp swords. Their eyes were firm and they were full of energy, ready to join the battle at any time.
"kill!"
"kill!"
"kill!"
Xuzhou soldiers performed martial arts calmly and orderly, with swords, spears, swords and halberds interlaced, like a steel-like army, with high fighting spirit and fearless advancement.
"What a powerful army! If Yili is willing to bring order to the chaos, why worry about Xuzhou's uncertainty?"
In the military camp, the warriors on the training ground are undergoing intense and high-intensity training.
Dang Dang Dang~
Between the light and shadow of swords, the sound of clashing weapons is endless. Every movement is full of power and speed, showing their superb combat skills and outstanding skills.
Jiang Gan compared the soldiers in the military camps outside Pengcheng and Xiapi City, and found that compared with the soldiers here, the Pengcheng defenders were just new soldiers.
If the Xiapi army faced the Pengcheng defenders, they could be destroyed with a snap of their fingers!
"The messenger has been kept waiting."
I saw a shirtless man walking in front of the military formation in the school field.
This shirtless man exudes a strong masculine aura. His muscles are tight and solid, and the lines of each muscle are outlined like sculptures. His skin was wet with sweat, condensing into crystal drops of water, rolling down from his forehead, cheeks, and chest.
Although his hair is slightly white, showing his age, his face is masculine and powerful, with deep lines and resolute and sharp eyes. He is really like a general who has fought a hundred battles, which is intimidating.
"I've met the Sheriff."
Jiang Qian saluted Yi Li, who took the handkerchief handed by his guard, simply wiped off the sweat, and casually put on a robe.
"Mr. Jiang, please!"
"please."
The two of them walked into the main tent of the Chinese army together.
"The general's soldiers are brave and brave. They are really heroes in hundreds of battles. With such soldiers, it is easy to conquer Xuzhou."
Jiang Gan was smiling, but there seemed to be something else behind his words.
"hehe."
Yi Li smiled softly and said, "Compared to the elites of Wei State, what do these soldiers under my command mean?"
Sitting on his knees on the main seat, Yi Li adjusted his posture, looked at Jiang Qian, and asked: "Mr. Jiang is not in Pengcheng, but he came to my Xiapi. What can I learn from you?"
Jiang Gan touched his short white beard, and a flattering smile appeared on his old bark-like face.
"The general has a reputation far and wide and can be called a famous general of the generation. Now that Xuzhou is in turmoil and Zang Ai openly rebels, our country in Wei needs heroes like the general to help us. As long as the general is willing to be used by our country in Wei, you will be the governor of Xuzhou in the future. "
Jiang Qian didn't play tricks and went straight to the point with Yi Li.
After hearing what Jiang Qian said, Yi Li was slightly stunned, and a trace of hesitation flashed across his face, but he immediately regained his composure, raised his chin, and met Jiang Qian's eyes.
"Zang Ai is ambitious. After the news of Zang Ba's death came, he dared to betray Wei. Now that he controls Xuzhou, he is a big threat. General, as long as you are willing to lead the soldiers to rebel against Zang, Zang Ai will surely fall into internal and external troubles. There is only one way to die."
Jiang Gan's voice gradually became louder and his eyes were sharp. He knew that this was a critical moment and could not hesitate at all, so he immediately added more fire.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime plan. The main force of the Wei army has not yet arrived, and we have enough time to reverse the situation in Xuzhou. As long as the general is willing to send troops, Xuzhou can be captured without losing its title of lord. If the main force of the Wei army arrives, the general There will be no opportunity to make meritorious deeds. This opportunity cannot be missed. Time waits for no one."
Yi Li tapped his fingers on the table, his eyes flashing with excitement, as if he could already see himself becoming the governor of Xuzhou.
Seeing that things were about to come true, Jiang Gan showed an expression of concern for the country and the people.
"If the general doesn't think about himself, he should also think about the people of Xuzhou? Xuzhou has finally regained some popularity. Don't let a big war wipe out the people again."
Cao Cao conquered Xuzhou twice, leaving no chickens or dogs behind. The area where Xuzhou could still provide people, money and food was only the narrow strip along the river from Tan County to Xiapi, and from Xiapi to Guangling. To put it simply, several counties.
There are no people inhabiting thousands of miles, and there are no roosters crowing in hundreds of miles. This is not just talk.
Cao Cao's swords were very sharp and he spared no effort in slaughtering the city.
Hiss~
Yili took a deep breath and frowned slightly. He was struggling in his heart, and bad memories of the past came to his mind.
Wei Jun...
If that Wei army had come back then, wouldn't Xuzhou be slaughtered again?
"If I agree to Jiang Gong's request, what should I do?"
Seeing Yi Li relent, Jiang Gan showed a look of joy on his face, and he hurriedly said: "I will immediately ask the king to represent the general as the governor of Xuzhou, and promise you to take charge of the soldiers in all counties in Xuzhou. At that time, the general will capture Pengcheng and take Zang Ai's head. Level, this generation of Xuzhou governor's code name has been removed. If he has contributed to the stabilization of Xuzhou, it will not be a problem to be granted a title of marquis."
It's that simple?
Yi Li thought about it for a while and asked, "Can the Wei army have reinforcements?"
Jiang Qian thought in his mind, but he still pretended to be calm and said: "The main force of our Wei army will arrive after taking care of the disobedient people. At the latest, we will arrive within a month!"
A month?
Yi Li frowned slightly, and after thinking about it carefully, he nodded.
"If this is the case, I would like to be a loyal minister of Wei!"
"good!"
Jiang Gan had been on an envoy to Xuzhou for many days, and finally saw signs of meritorious deeds. His nerves, which had been tense for many days, also relaxed.
"In the past few days since I entered Xuzhou, the prefect of Langya, the prefect of Donghai, etc. have all been in contact with me. I will write to them and ask them to gather an army to fight against the evil Zang Ai!"
"Then I'll have to thank Mr. Jiang."
After further discussion with Jiang Qian, Yili sent his cronies to send Jiang Qian into the city.
Just when Yili was about to summon the generals to discuss important matters, another soldier came to report.
"Report~"
"The general, the envoys staying behind, and the envoys from the crown prince of Hanzhong are asking for an audience outside the camp."
Forget about leaving behind envoys.
Did the Crown Prince of Hanzhong also send an envoy?
"General, we have already defected to Wei. Why don't we capture these people and offer them to the envoy of the King of Wei?"
"No!"
Yi Li waved his hand and said, "We can talk about other things after meeting them."
Shop around before deciding.
Raising an army is a matter of wealth, wealth and prosperity, and should not be decided lightly.
perhaps...
The benefits they gave may be more practical than those given by Jiang Qian.
Anyway...
He will only follow the winning side, and he will help whoever wins!
"Bring them in."
"promise!"
...
at the same time.
Runan County, hundreds of miles away.
In Xinxi City.
An evil wind came from nowhere, causing a trembling sound inside and outside Xinxi City.
The news that the main force of the Wei army was about to come to Runan was like a huge stone thrown into a calm pond, causing ripples. People in the city were restless, and rumors spread everywhere, making the gentry and people in the city worried and confused.
On the wall at the head of the city, the eyes of the defenders became more and more nervous. They could not see through the distant glow. The birds returning south in the distance were chirping, which made them think that the main force of the Wei army was coming. It was heart-stopping.
The defenders were all a bit out of control.
In the streets and alleys, people gathered together and talked in low voices. Someone said: "I heard that King Cao Pi of Wei said that anyone who surrenders can be exempted from death penalty."
Someone else added worriedly: "But if you are stubborn, you will destroy the three tribes!"
These words were like a bolt from the blue, hitting the hearts of the people in the city hard.
In the teahouses and restaurants in the city, the discussion was even more heated.
Some people were arguing: "The King of Wei is coming with hundreds of thousands of troops. No matter how scheming the Crown Prince of Hanzhong is, he is definitely no match. Should we surrender or continue to follow the Crown Prince of Hanzhong, Liu Gongsi?"
Others spread various news, increasing the level of chaos in the city.
Some people rumored that the Wei army had arrived at the city, some said that Cao Pi's army was about to arrive, and some said that people had fled outside the city.
The uneasy atmosphere in the city is becoming more and more pervasive.
The owners of the shops in the city also felt the uneasiness from the outside world, and they began to act cautiously, fearing that their temporary decisions would cause trouble.
In the past few days, many defectors have appeared in the city. Some people took the opportunity to flee due to the safety of their families, while others believed the rumors and did not dare to stay in the city.
In this atmosphere of uneasiness and fear, the situation in the city gradually got out of control.
Some people began to worry that surrendering would be regarded as a traitor, and that defending the city would bring the threat of genocide.
There are also some people who resolutely follow Liu Chan and are not afraid of the main force of the Wei army coming.
Of course, those who support Liu Chan are in the minority after all.
After all, Liu Chan's policy of appeasing the people had only been implemented for a few days.
...
Xinxicheng government office lobby.
The atmosphere in the meeting hall was very dull.
"Your Highness, these rumors are spreading and there is chaos in the city!"
Facing the chaotic situation in Xinxi City, Liu Chan's advisers and generals became increasingly anxious and angry.
Seeing the unrest spreading in the city, everyone knew that measures must be taken quickly to stabilize the situation.
Otherwise, if Xinxi's people are in turmoil, how can they defend the city in the face of Wei's main army?
"Your Highness, the matter of raising food and grass is not going very smoothly. Those powerful nobles only made perfunctory remarks and did not offer any food and grass."
Fei Yi hurried forward to report the situation of raising grain and grass.
"The recruitment of soldiers has almost come to a standstill."
After all, Xinxi City had not been occupied for long, and Liu Chan had sent troops to plunder Runan before. Even with Zhao Yun's guarantee, it is easy to lose something like the human heart, but it is difficult to get it back again.
Zhang Bao stood in the center of the meeting hall with a frown on his face, his eyes flashing with killing intent.
"Such defectors and troublemakers should be arrested and beheaded immediately as a warning to others! Rumors are spreading in the city now, and there are more and more defectors. We must use severe measures to scare them and let them know The price of betrayal."
His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was pronouncing the life and death of the captured people.
There was a military camp outside Xinxi City. As soon as the rumors first appeared, Liu Chan mobilized his army.
Most of the people who escaped from Xinxi were arrested and imprisoned in military camps outside the city.
Uncle Zong Hui looked at Liu Chan's expression and found that His Highness was very calm, and his face did not express any agreement or objection to what Zhang Bao said.
After thinking for a while, he stood up and saluted Liu Chan and said, "What General Zhang said is true. But I think that perhaps more stringent measures can be used to prevent defections. We can organize the people in the city into In the team, if one person in the team defectes or causes chaos, then the others will sit together for him and behead him together, so as to force everyone to supervise each other and prevent the trend of defection and chaos."
Good guy!
The Qin Dynasty's continuous sitting system was introduced.
Many people at the scene agreed.
"In emergencies, extraordinary methods must be adopted. Once this method is used, I will see who dares to cause chaos!"
The advisers and generals spoke to each other and each came up with ruthless strategies.
In their eyes, they did not regard the people as human beings at all, as if they treated them as cattle and sheep.
For Cao Pi or Sun Quan, their suggestions may be adopted. After all, at this critical juncture, there seems to be no more choice.
But Liu Chan is not Cao Pi, nor is he Sun Quan.
He is Liu Gongsi!
"Your methods may cure the symptoms, but they cannot cure the root cause."
Originally, the Han army had a bad impression in the eyes of the people in Runan. Their repeated plundering and relocation of the people easily reminded them of the Cao army that massacred the city many years ago.
If harsh methods are used again, all the political decrees Liu Chan has promulgated in the past few days and the people's support that has been finally gathered will be dispersed.
If he just makes a fortune in Runan and leaves, this method can be used.
However...
He, Liu Chan, wants to control Runan.
Liu Chan would not do such a method of cutting off the escape route.
"Your Highness, do you have a plan?" Dong Yun looked at Liu Chan's calm expression and couldn't help but ask.
Liu Chan smiled softly and said, "The plan has actually been in place for a long time."
As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes in the meeting hall were fixed on Liu Chan.
