Luo Xi's eyes narrowed slightly. When he heard the news that Chu State was heading north, he knew that the time had come to close the net.
He told Guan Zhong and Lu Xiaobai about the plan prepared by Luo State for Chu State, "Luo State has always paid attention to Chu State. As early as many years ago, Luo State had begun to contact Ying State, Wu State, Zheng State, and Chen State.
But I didn't expect that Chu State was stronger than expected, and Chen State didn't even wait until its allies came.
However, among the four countries, the most critical one is the Wu State. Just like the Xu State back then, the Chu people would never have expected that the Wu State would appear behind them and deliver a fatal blow. "
Guan Zhong and Lu Xiaobai looked at each other. Not to mention the Chu State, even they would not have thought of it. After all, the Wu State had no sense of existence. It had been fighting in the southeast with Xu Huai and Yue, which was too far away from the Central Plains.
Especially the state of Wu with broken hair and tattoos. The state of Chu at least looks like the state of Zhu Xia. The state of Wu is so integrated with the barbarians that if it weren't for the state with the surname Ji, no one would pay attention to it at all.
“If the Wu State can fall to our side, then according to the current position of the Chu State, it will be like dying.
They occupied Chen State, and they must have wanted to attack Zheng State, so the one who could station the army was Yanling.
The fastest way to transport grain is through the Ying River, and Ying Guo can't take care of it now, but if Wu State goes up the river, they can directly cut off their grain route. Then our army will carry a large amount of grain and grass, and Ying Guo will send troops with him. , the three parties surrounded the Chu army. Will the Chu army not fail?
Even if the demon kings like Chu Wugong were still alive, they would probably have no choice but to hate themselves when faced with this situation. "
Lu Xiaobai already felt that he was sure of victory, and said solemnly: "I will use the Chu general's head to pay tribute to my uncle."
This time Qi Hou convened the princes, which may be the most comprehensive meeting among all the previous alliances.
If Xiong Xiji knew that Luo Xiu had just passed away, he would never choose to attack Chen Guo and Zheng Guo at this time.
Luo Xiu's reputation was indeed high. Even the Jin State, whose internal affairs were still in chaos, also sent a partial force.
The first one to respond was the State of Song, which was already close to the State of Chen.
The current Duke of Song was sent back to the country by Lu Xiaobai to inherit the throne, and Song State allocated two hundred miles of land to Qi State, which allowed Qi State to be condescending and take the initiative in the strategies of the two countries.
So now Song is half a vassal of Qi and always takes the lead in everything. Lu Xiaobai is a monarch who likes to show off and listen to flattery, so he likes Song Gong very much.
Guan Zhong always turned a blind eye to these things. Anyway, in Lu Xiaobai's heart, thousands of flattering words from others were not as good as one word from him, so nothing would happen.
However, although the Duke of Song is flattering, the State of Song should not be underestimated. His territory is indeed large. Even if these two hundred miles are cut off, it is still a big country second only to Qi.
Even though the Song Dynasty still adhered closely to the Zhou rites and did not make changes domestically, it was still a small overlord among the surrounding small countries.
The Song State was a big country with three armies. The situation at the Chen Bing border suddenly became tense, and the high spirits of the Zheng State monarchs and ministers gradually dropped their minds.
The clear support of the Marquis of Qi gave Zheng Hou the confidence to lose his previous timidity. He laughed in Xinzheng City and said: "Sure enough, it is right to participate in the alliance. The Marquis of Qi is a trustworthy person who abides by the oath of the alliance. The Song Dynasty The three armies are coming for reinforcements, and soon the allied forces will arrive, and those arrogant and domineering Chu troops will be wiped out."
The second country to respond was the State of Wei. The State of Song was adjacent to the State of Chen. The State of Wei was basically adjacent to the State of Zheng, separated only by the small South Yan State.
The restoration of the number of princely sons in the Luo Kingdom required a large amount of resources. After gradually no longer supporting the Wei Kingdom, and with the restoration of the Wei Kingdom by the Qi Kingdom, the Wei Kingdom completely fell to the Qi Kingdom.
Now the Marquis of Wei decisively sent troops to station in the north of Zheng, which was only a day's journey from Xinzheng City. As long as he gave an order, Wei's troops would attack the Chu army.
Of course, the most critical thing is the army of Qi and Luo. This is the main force in every war. The Qi army that implemented reforms was quickly assembled.
Under the leadership of Qi State's Great Sima Zhang Qi, Lu Xiaobai came to Qidi, where Lu Xiaobai wanted to hold another alliance to discuss the war with Chu State.
The appearance of the Song Army and the Wei Army made Xiong Xiqie finally know the plans of Zheng's monarchs and ministers.
He said angrily: "Zhenghou, a small country, dares to lie and deceive, thinking that Song and Wei can protect him?
I really don’t know how high the sky is and how high it is. "
Xiong Xiqie decisively launched an attack on the Song army stationed in the north of Chen State. The Song army attacked under the command of Song Gong, and then ushered in a clean defeat!
Xiong Xiqie smiled happily and said loudly: "Is this the princes of the Central Plains? So vulnerable!"
The Zhengguo army and the Weiguo army surrounded them from three sides, and Xiong Xiqie once again won three small victories. He was so arrogant that the kings of the three kingdoms put up their war-free cards and were unwilling to go to war.
"This Chu general is unstoppable, let's wait for the Marquis of Qi to come." The kings of the three kingdoms said in surprise.
Amidst the endless calls, the Marquis of Qi finally led the army to this battlefield. As expected, Xiong Xiqu led the Chu army to Yanling and confronted the Qi army.
"The three kingdoms of Zheng, Wei, and Song fought against the Chu army before, and suffered several defeats, which affected their morale. It seems that we need to fight the Chu army first to boost their morale."
So the next day, Zhang Qi led the Qi army to fight. Xiong Xiqie was naturally not afraid and said to Xiang Ge: "Xiang Qing, the people of Zheng rely on the Qi army.
As long as Qi's army is defeated, Zheng will fall into our hands. "
Zhang Qi has been leading the coalition forces of various countries to fight against the Yi and Di for many years, so he has a relatively clear understanding of the combat effectiveness of the armies of various princely countries.
It is true that the fighting power of the Wei army is not strong, but the Song army is not elite but has many soldiers, and the Zheng army is small but capable. The Chu army can easily defeat it. This proves that the Chu army's combat power is indeed extraordinary, and its formation is a more cautious one.
As the soldiers from both sides began to fight, the two men's expressions froze. Xiong Xiqie narrowed his eyes slightly and said: "Qi Guojun has some strength."
This was originally a trial battle, but by midday, both sides gave up and retreated their troops.
The next day, Xiong Xiqie went to war as usual, and wanted to give the commander-in-chief of Qi a good test. It is said that one general is incompetent and the three armies are exhausted. He didn't see it yesterday, so he wanted to give it a good try today.
Unexpectedly, the Qi army did not go into battle at all, but all countries sent some chariot soldiers and left after three rounds of arrow rain.
A somewhat aggrieved Xiong Xiqi returned to the camp and asked in confusion: "Xiang Qing, what do you mean by the commander-in-chief of Qi?"
The same thing happened again the next day. This time Xiong Xiqi was really confused, "What does the Qi army's confrontation here mean?"
Do you want to wait until our army runs out of food and fodder to force us to retreat?
However, our army's food and grass are transported through waterways, and the loss is very low. Although Qi State has a favorable geographical location, the food and grass loss is great when traveling on land, and it may not be able to defeat our army.
Could it be that they are waiting for news from Ying Guo, but Ying Guo is unable to send troops at all now. "
Xiong Xiqe felt very strange. Behind Yan Ling was Ying Guo. Of course, Xiong Xiqe would not ignore this country with the surname Ji.
The main reason why he dared to go to Yanling at this time was that Ying State was located on both sides of the Ying River. Now it was hit by a flood. The country had too much time to take care of itself, and it was impossible to send troops.
Moreover, he had previously asked Xiang Ge to collect information about Ying Guo. As long as there was any change, he would immediately abandon Zheng Guo and defeat Ying Guo first.
"It's impossible to wait for Ying Guo. Ying Guo's army shows no sign of mobilization." Xiang Ge said immediately as he kept paying attention to Ying Guo.
Naturally, Xiong Xiqie would not have thought that Wu, a non-existent prince, would cooperate with the Central Plains Allied Forces and go up the river to sneak attack on his retreat, instead of competing with Huaiyi and Yue in the southeast.
This kind of divine weapon descending from the sky is the most difficult to guard against.
When the Central Plains Allied Forces were confronting the Chu Army, Wu's army was riding a large boat upstream, and the Prince of Wu was standing with a spear.
His name is Qingli. He is born with supernatural powers. He has practiced martial arts since he was a child. He is brave and fearless. He can capture tigers and leopards alive. He has always been known as the first warrior in the Wu Kingdom.
King Wu sent his beloved son out because he attached great importance to this matter.
Qingli's guards looked at the raging river and asked: "Prince, I don't understand why the king agreed to Luohou's alliance?
They also jointly encircled and suppressed the powerful Chu State. Wasn't this not creating an enemy for Wu State? "
Qingli smiled and said: "You only know how to practice martial arts and kill people, and don't want to study more. Naturally, you can't understand. Fan Qing, please help them clear up their doubts."
“Because forming an alliance is not only the need of Luo State, but also the need of Wu State.
During the reign of King Zhou Yi, my king went to Luoyi to participate in the alliance, and eventually participated in the defeat of Xu State and annexed a large area of Xu State and Huaiyi.
The king wants to expand to the west, and the Chu State wants to expand to the east, and has already taken the lead and controlled the Jianghuai Plain.
What's even more frightening is that the Chu State is still in the upper reaches of the Wu State. This is our fatal weakness. Once the Chu State goes downstream, it can attack the newly established cities at will.
Therefore, it is necessary to seize control of the Jianghuai Plain from the Chu State. This was the territory of the concubines of Hanyang in the past, and it can block the Chu State in the basin. "
Wu State wants to take the same path as Chu State now. It hopes to use strong military force to force the princes of the Central Plains to surrender to him, and even learn from Xiong Dun to aspire to the Emperor of Zhou.
But he knew the strength of the Central Plains better than Chu State, and relying solely on the current strength was not enough.
The Central Plains princes could not match Wu in terms of population, land, or army, so they set their sights on the land of Chu.
The land to the west of the Han River is the foundation of the Chu State and cannot be obtained now. However, the land of the concubines of Hanyang to the east of the Han River is not firmly ruled by the Chu State.
If we can get these lands and then go northwest to get all the land of the old Xu State, then the Wu State will be able to dominate the Xia.
At that time, he ordered the restoration of the old customs of the Xia Dynasty. As a vassal state with the surname Ji, it would have more advantages than the Chu state.
Such a perfect plan was not thought up by the Wu people, but was thought up by Luo Xiu before his death.
This very implementable plan excited the kings and ministers of Wu State. They regarded this plan as the truth. Luo Xiu used a future pie to tie up Wu State for more than ten years.
This is the brilliance of Luo's manipulation. I am looking for you to join forces, not to take advantage of you or trick you into helping me, but because you can get the benefits yourself.
So next time I come to see you, won't you agree?
The confrontation between the State of Qi and the State of Chu lasted for half a month. The food and grass of both sides were constantly being consumed. Of course, the State of Qi did not stay still. Both sides also continued to send soldiers, large and small, to fight, but they were not enough to lead the war. victory.
Just like the previous war in which Chu State defeated the allied forces of Zheng State, Wei State, and Song State, it just sounded good. Once the three kingdoms gathered their troops and defeated them, the losses were not great.
During the half-month confrontation between the Chu army and the Qi army, the Wu army had already circled around the Fudi area. Such a fully armored army should appear on the frontal battlefield instead of coming to the rear to crush the grain transport team.
The news that Wu State had cut off Chu State's grain route was quickly spread to the coalition camp by a special person, and Lu Xiaobai, Guan Zhong and Luo Xi burst into laughter.
This is a victory!
"Brother, you can inform Ying Guo to organize the army. If the Chu army is short of food and divides its troops, it will definitely be vulnerable."
"Zhang Qing, Uncle Wu has blocked the Chu army's food route. Our army can now attack fiercely and use up the remaining food supplies of the Chu army!"
The consumption of military rations is completely different between fierce battles and the current swaying battles.
Following Lu Xiaobai's order, the coalition troops stationed everywhere launched an attack on the Chu State at the same time. Xiong Xi, who had been waiting for a long time, was not afraid and immediately fed the Chu army to fight with great interest. "I thought these Central Plains princes were going to I have always been a coward, but now I finally come out and let them see the bravery of Chu Guoerlang."
Although this was not yet a battle, it was completely different from the previous battles that were just like playing house. In just a few hours, countless corpses were left on the ground. In the two cities of Yanling and Xinzheng, there were broken arms and blood everywhere.
Hundreds of thousands of people galloped across this plain. The Chu army was so brave, especially the Xi people, that even the most elite warriors of Qi suffered heavy casualties.
When the coalition forces began to attack with all their strength, Xiong Xiqie got the news that the Ying Army was beginning to gather, which made him think that the Central Plains Coalition's trump card was that the Ying Army came from behind.
He asked Xiang Ge to lead part of the army to Yingguo to attack the newly assembled troops. The Yingguo army was no match for the elite Chu army and suffered consecutive defeats. This made Xiong Xiqie, who was on the frontal battlefield, even more proud.
When several waves of food and grass failed to arrive, Xiong Xiqe finally felt bad.
His food route was cut off silently, "It can't be Ying Guo, Xiang Qing is still suppressing them.
Who is that? Could it be that the concubines of Hanyang betrayed her? Even more impossible, their family members were all sent to Yingdu before the war started. "
Xiong Xiqi was puzzled, and then news came about Xiang Ge. When he attacked Ying State, he encountered the main force of Wu State!
"General, it is the State of Wu that has cut off our army's food supply route!
The princes of the Central Plains contacted Wu State at some point. They came along the river and wiped out all the food and grass for the army! "
Upon hearing the news, Xiong Xiqi felt as if the world was spinning, and he spurted out a mouthful of blood, looking like he was crazy and said: "Wu Guo?
How could the state of Wu gather with the princes of the Central Plains?
They did not retain the Zhu Xia hair buns and tattooed barbarian patterns on their bodies. Do they think the Central Plains princes would accept them? "
Although the Wu State has the surname Ji, in order to establish a country in the southeast, it absorbed many local indigenous customs, and also absorbed some Yin and Shang customs.
All the kings of Wu in the past dynasties knew that it was difficult to get the princes of the Central Plains to accept them.
During the reign of Luo Xuangong, the sea was open to all rivers, and King Yi was also a gentle and loving man. That was the only chance for Wu to completely return to Zhuxia.
But now that this opportunity has been lost, Wu Guo did not force it.
Now the most important thing is to use the princes of the Central Plains to gain benefits!
Of course Xiong Xiqe didn't know what Wu was thinking, but as a commander, he knew that the Chu army was going to be in trouble.
The biggest factor that affects the outcome of a war is food and grass. Almost all battles in which a small number defeats a large number are related to the burning of food and grass.
After learning that the Wu State was behind him and cutting off the food route, Xiong Xiqi immediately wanted to retreat as much as he could.
If all these soldiers died here, the fifty years of accumulation of the Chu State would be wiped out. Not to mention the main attack, it would be good to be able to save Ying.
But why is it so easy to retreat? King Xu during the period of King Yi had full say in this aspect. It was also cut off by the State of Wu back then.
At this moment, just like that moment, the Chu State was also cut off by the Wu State, and in front of it was the coalition of the Central Plains princes.
Xiong Xiqie couldn't find a way to survive. In despair, he could only curse: "The princes of the Central Plains are really shameless. When the two countries fight, they should be upright, bully the few and cut off the food routes. Is this what a gentleman does?" "
If Luo Xi and Lu Xiaobai heard this, I'm afraid they would laugh out loud. The two armies are facing each other. It's not a battle of etiquette. Who can tell you the etiquette?
Xiong Xiqe was already so angry that he started talking nonsense, but he really felt aggrieved because Chu State was obviously so powerful.
During the reign of the late Emperor Xiong Dun, Emperor Zhou personally led an army of 100,000 people, but all of them were severely defeated.
How majestic is that?
Unfortunately, Luo Wengong led King Qin's army to block him back in the end. Over the past three hundred years, Chu State has become more and more powerful, and even the concubines of Hanyang joined forces are no match for Chu State.
Chu's territory was so vast that it surpassed all other Xia kingdoms. As a result, when it went north, it was defeated by the princes of the Central Plains.
"Is this destiny?
The destiny of the Zhou royal family has not declined, and the Chu State wants to aspire to the throne, so God sends a punishment? "
Xiong Xiqie cried out sadly, "Supreme Taiyi, look at your people. Can't Haotian and King Su of the Zhou people defeat them?"
It's a pity that there is only one true god in this world, Su Wang. The supreme god of Chu may not be able to answer him.
The Central Plains Allied Forces were dispatched in unison, taking turns to weaken the morale and combat effectiveness of the Chu Army. They attacked day and night. Both sides had enough manpower to replace them, but the food supply on the Chu Army's side was insufficient.
This kind of thing cannot be concealed at all. The fighting becomes more and more frequent every day, but the food becomes less and less. Those grain transport trucks that used to come in an endless stream suddenly disappeared. Is anyone really stupid?
So after another battle, the soldiers who had been recruited from Hanyang directly threw down their weapons and surrendered.
Xiong Xiqie knew that the situation was irreversible. Over the past few days, he had successively asked his men to take away Xindi's strong army and the most elite Chu soldiers. He and the soldiers recruited from the Ji Kingdoms of Hanyang were left here to be buried together. .
"After such a tragic defeat, I have no face to face the king and can only die for my country."
In fact, this failure cannot be completely attributed to Xiong Xiqie. It was a misjudgment of the situation by the entire Chu State and the officials of the Chu State, who did not consider the Wu State. This cannot be blamed on the general who commanded the army.
Xiong Xiqi just couldn't pass the test in his heart, and dying in battle was the greatest relief for him.
The surging allied forces of the princes were like a tide, flooding the Chu army's camp. Countless Chu soldiers were killed by the Yingshui River, dyeing the entire stream blood red.
Such a glorious victory spread all over the world. Emperor Zhou in Luoyi breathed a sigh of relief. He was the most panicked when the Chu State asked for Jiuding by name.
"My lord, the Marquis of Qi has made such great contributions, how should I reward him?"
"Your Majesty, you can upgrade the title of the Marquis of Qi, and you can also give the Marquis of Qi the right to use the emperor's ritual music, cauldrons, chariots, horses, and clothes, and give the Marquis of Qi the honor of Fang Bo. In this way, you can certainly commend the Marquis of Qi for his contributions. .”
His father-in-law was a wonderful man. He understood that Lu Xiaobai did not lack the gold, silver, jewelry and beauties, but what he lacked was the reputation.
Uncle Fang, this has never been given to Bangzhou since its establishment.
In addition to the previous ritual vessels that could only be used by the emperor, the only difference between Lu Xiaobai and Emperor Zhou was the throne.
This is also the pinnacle he can reach. No matter how high he is, he will be counterattacked. Guan Zhong knows very well that Lu Xiaobai's huge appeal now mainly comes from the self-respecting king, and the princes of the world still recognize the rule of the Zhou royal family.
However, Lu Xiaobai was already very satisfied. He remembered Luo Xiu's education and his instructions before his death, and he had no desire to covet the throne.
The princes held another grand meeting in Yanling. This time the Jin State also attended. The Emperor of Zhou sent his ministers and gave Lu Xiaobai the power of conquest.
Nine princes unite, one can rule the world!
No one in the world can compete with him. This is the true portrayal of Lu Xiaobai now.
People have joys and sorrows, separations and reunions, and the moon waxes and wanes. This is a difficult thing in ancient times.
The end of glory is destruction.
In the eighteenth year of Yanling's dominance, Luo Xi passed away.
Lu Xiaobai went to express condolences and support the spirit.
In the nineteenth year, Mrs. Xiyi passed away.
Lu Xiaobai was so sad that he buried Xiyi in a tomb and buried him together after his death.
In the cold winter of twenty years, Guan Zhong became seriously ill.
Lu Xiaobai's heart and soul were broken, and he shed tears. He died of weeping and bleeding before his sick bed.
The king and his minister died together in one day!
…
One hundred years after the establishment of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, hegemony politics appeared on the land of China. Guan Zhong was the creator of this system, and the first overlord Qi Huangong was his most perfect work.
This form of rule, in which the Emperor of Zhou controlled the sacrifices and the great feudal lords controlled the actual power, profoundly affected the history of the next two hundred years, and we can directly believe that the shogunate rule, which had a huge influence in countless countries, even led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. The formation of the country originated from the hegemonic politics more than two thousand years ago. ——"Cambridge History of China·Eastern Zhou Dynasty Volume 2"
Still have it today~
(End of chapter)
