Liu Chengyou's words seemed quite reasonable at first glance, and Liu Zhiyuan nodded subconsciously. However, he soon realized something was wrong and frowned:
"I know the importance of Luzhou, but at the moment, Lucheng is still in the hands of Han officials. As for Geng Chongmei, I'm afraid he won't be able to reach Luzhou in a short time, let alone control the military and political affairs of the whole state to strangle me. I said before We have sent envoys to persuade them to surrender, but there is no news yet. If we send troops to seize it at this time, we may cause criticism."
When Liu Zhiyuan finished speaking, Liu Chengyou immediately answered: "It is not to seize it, but to assist the army and people of Luzhou to resist the threat of the Khitans. I have sent people to inquire about the news of Luzhou. After the Jiedu envoy Zhang Congen went to Bianliang, Luzhou also The soldiers and the people suffered from the plundering caused by the money-rich envoys. My father sent the army to relieve the suffering and resolve the difficulties. How can we talk about plundering?"
Liu Chengyou's expression was numb and his tone was calm, but his words were clearly cunning: "As for your envoy, I don't think that a few words can make the whole state surrender. Necessary force deterrence is still advisable."
"Furthermore, Zhang Congen personally went to Bian to surrender to the Khitan, and his subordinates who stayed in Luzhou were named Khitan. If they were not convinced by the new dynasty, we sent troops to capture them. This was also a crusade against the Khitan and weeded out their 'accomplices'..."
At this point, Liu Chengyou's meaning has been expressed very clearly.
Liu Zhiyuan looked at him calmly, thought for a moment, and said quietly: "Are you planning to take Luzhou because you want to personally lead the army south?"
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's eyes widened, as if he was a little surprised. Facing Liu Zhiyuan's scrutiny, he stood up and bowed: "The son's thoughts cannot escape the father's wise eyes."
This answer is regarded as an admission and a formal request for orders.
Liu Zhiyuan was a little hesitant. Although the second son's performance over a long period of time was outstanding enough, it was still not enough to reassure him. After thinking for a while, he hesitated and said: "The battle formation is so dangerous that you can't imagine it. You have never had the experience of leading an army in battle, let alone leading an army alone to attack the enemy and seize the city!"
Liu Zhiyuan's words make sense, which is what Liu Chengyou lacks. No matter how much he talks, it's just talk on paper. However, Liu Zhiyuan's words clearly indicated that he was inclined to accept Liu Chengyou's suggestion and use troops to capture Luzhou.
Liu Chengyou had already thought deeply about this matter. He looked at Liu Zhiyuan and said with confidence in his calm voice: "Luzhou, the government is in chaos and the people are tired, so what's the difficulty in getting it? Although I am not talented, I have confidence. I will lead the troops in battle. To solve the problem, just send a general..."
After Liu Chengyou finished speaking, he quietly waited for Liu Zhiyuan's response, looking very indifferent.
Liu Zhiyuan stared at Liu Chengyou for a long time, breathed a sigh of relief, and asked lightly: "How many troops and horses do you need?"
His expression was indifferent, but in fact he had been observing Liu Zhiyuan's expression. Looking at his eyes, Liu Chengyou relaxed his body and responded softly: "The Longqi Army is enough."
"Can the Longqi Army alone capture Luzhou?" Liu Zhiyuan frowned, probably because he felt that Liu Chengyou was a little overconfident: "Although you are usually taciturn, I know that you are arrogant, but don't underestimate him. People of the world!"
Liu Chengyou's back straightened up again, as if he had corrected his attitude, and he said seriously: "Sir, please remember your father's teachings!"
After looking at Liu Chengyou for a few more times, Liu Zhiyuan pondered for a while, and then said slowly: "It's okay to capture Luzhou first..."
"Stay back!"
"I resign!"
Liu Chengyou respectfully resigned and left the palace. A dull expression appeared on his face again, as if everyone's energy had been restrained. He did not have the demeanor to talk eloquently or point out the country in front of Liu Zhiyuan.
He walked slowly, with steady steps, and his dark pupils were full of confidence. Although Liu Zhiyuan did not agree directly, Liu Chengyou knew that he had already agreed.
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On the 18th, according to the scheduled time for dispatching troops, Liu Zhiyuan personally led the army and marched eastward again. This time, Liu Zhiyuan brought the entire Xingjie Army and the annexed Tuguhun Army, and everything went smoothly without any accidents.
At the same time, Shi Hongzhao also led more than 5,000 men from the 10th Battalion in the left wing of Wujie and rushed north to attack Daizhou.
...
The Longqi Military Camp looked very lively at sunset.
In front of the camp gate, a huge recruiting sign was very conspicuous, and there was a long line of people queuing up below. There were quite a few applicants. On the side, military officials patiently inquired about the identities of the warriors who came to apply, and at the same time wrote down notes.
The open space next to the camp was even more lively. The officers in the camp were conducting examinations and screening of the men who had surrendered to the army in an orderly manner.
Since Liu Zhiyuan became emperor, more and more people of all kinds have come to Jinyang to seek refuge. All Jinyang armies have more or less recruited and expanded their armies, and the Longqi Army is no exception.
On the tower next to the camp fence, Liu Chengyou held his hands on the thick hardwood and quietly watched the recruitment of soldiers in front of him. His attention was on the young officer-Yang Ye.
Liu Chengyou granted him the position of head of the capital, and did not directly let him occupy the pits under the Longqi Army's camps. Instead, he took advantage of the opportunity to recruit troops and let him choose on his own to supplement his subordinates.
Liu Chengyou discovered that Yang Ye's selection of students was not like other metropolitan schools, which tended to select those who looked brave and martial, but focused on those with honest faces and innocent backgrounds. In fact, it only took a little turning of the mind to understand the idea. "Yang Wudi" was obviously using his brain.
Zhang Yanwei and Ma Quanyi stood beside Liu Chengyou, looking high-spirited, with joy in their eyebrows.
"Your Highness!" Seeing that Liu Chengyou was fascinated by the recruiting situation, Zhang Yanwei couldn't help but speak: "You seem to value Yang Ye particularly much. You even let him choose his own soldiers. The other brothers are very envious."
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou withdrew his gaze from Yang Ye and said calmly: "I like him!"
After speaking, Liu Chengyou ignored Zhang Yanwei and looked at Ma Quanyi: "How is the recruitment situation?"
"Go back to Your Highness!" Ma Quanyi still looked capable and answered concisely: "As of today, our army has recruited more than 800 people. After being selected, they are all capable people. With a little training, they can become Army. In particular, two outstanding figures have emerged, both of whom are capable of being made!"
"Oh?" Liu Chengyou suddenly became interested: "Tell me about it."
In fact, with so many people joining the army, Liu Chengyou was also looking forward to picking up a few talents. He knew Ma Quanyi well, and he wouldn't have said such words easily if he didn't mean it.
"One person's name is Han Tong, a native of Taiyuan. He has military experience. He is strong and very brave. He once served as a cavalry captain due to his meritorious service. He is especially good at riding and fighting. On horseback, I am afraid that the general will not be his opponent!"
Liu Chengyou's eyes lit up after hearing his introduction. This Han Tong has a name in history, and his reputation is not small. He was the only senior general of the Forbidden Army of the Later Zhou Dynasty who was killed by Zhao Kuangyin and Chen Qiao after the mutiny.
"The other person's name is Xiang Xun. He is from Huaizhou. He is bold and generous, informal and quite chivalrous. The general has talked with him and found out that this man is quite talented. His experience of coming to Taiyuan to join the army is also interesting. On the way. , some thieves saw that he was majestic and different from ordinary people, and thought he was a rich man. They followed him and wanted to rob him, but he was keenly aware of it. When passing by Shihuiguan, he killed the donkey he was riding in. A local hero at the cocktail party told him the reason. . The local heroes were all impressed by him, and more people were sent to escort him north, so that he could have a safe journey, and thieves did not dare to disturb him..."
