Stepping out of the second hall, it was already dark, and the breeze blew by, making a "rustling" sound in the bamboo trees in front of the courtyard. It adds to the tranquility in front of the court. Glancing at the guards in the corridor, Gao Fang let out a heavy breath and couldn't help but look back. The yellow light in the hall was still there, and through the window he could vaguely see Liu Chengyou's figure sitting with his head buried in a book.
Thinking about the conversation with Liu Chengyou just now, some complicated emotions inevitably appeared in my heart. I quickly calmed down, my eyes became clearer, and my face became more relaxed.
It is true that Hedong has strong soldiers and horses. Liu Zhiyuan has long been famous. Now it seems that the second prince of the new dynasty is also a good one. From a human perspective, Hedong has a great chance of becoming a king!
As his mind was turning, a heavy step accompanied by the sound of screeching scales rang in his ears. He turned his head and saw Li Wanchao walking towards him under the guidance of a guard. Gao Fang subconsciously glanced towards the hall. Gao Fang was slightly surprised, but he had some guesses.
Li Wanchao also saw Gao Fang for the first time. Without thinking much, he stepped forward and saluted: "Judge Gao."
"General Li." Gao Fang showed a gentle smile to Li Wanchao and said softly: "It seems that you are also invited by His Highness."
The two briefly exchanged a few words, and Li Wanchao was urged by the guards to go inside and pay homage.
"I have heard about the name of the general for a long time. He joined the army as a young man, and he was resolute and brave. He made many military exploits and even went to the military academy. He took the lead in attacking Yang Guangyuan. He bravely climbed the city and was hit on the head by flying rocks. He almost died. In the battle of Yangcheng, a stray arrow pierced his palm. , drew his arrows and fought again, with a calm look on his face. General, what a brave general!"
When he met Liu Chengyou, he heard Liu Chengyou's words of appreciation as soon as he came up. Li Wanchao sat there in a daze for a moment. However, he didn't think much about it, and what Liu Chengyou said was even more proud of him. There was a look of reminiscence on his face, and he said with a smile: "It's all a matter of the past."
Li Wanchao is now in his forties. Although he has passed the peak age of a military commander, he still has a strong air about him. He grew up from the bottom with swords and shots, fighting with blood and courage.
His growth was almost accompanied by the development of the troubled times of the "Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms", and he can represent most of the military commanders of this era.
"General, don't make modest remarks. With the help of a loyal and brave man like you, we can conquer the Khitan and help the country. It is a blessing to the east of the river and a blessing to the world!" Liu Chengyou's voice was very soft, but his words were heard.
Li Wanchao should still be self-aware, and he was a little embarrassed to be praised, but he was not praised so highly. He felt something in his heart. He raised his hand and solemnly said to Liu Chengyou: "The last general, I will devote myself to serving the country with my own body."
After saying some compliments to Li Wancao, Liu Chengyou fell silent and thought for a moment before looking at him: "General, I must be curious about what I am calling you for."
Li Wanchao nodded simply and asked honestly: "Yes!"
Taking a gentle breath, Liu Chengyou's back suddenly stiffened, and his expression became cold and solemn. The bright yellow candlelight made his eyes shine, and he said: "Someone suggested to me that Wang Shou'en should serve as Luzhou's deputy director. Marshal. However, I have received a detailed report on the matter of justice. The recovery of Luzhou is all due to the general. Wang Shouen is greedy and cowardly. I want to kill him. I will use the general as a measure to calm down Luzhou. What do you think?"
After speaking, Liu Chengyou stared at Li Wanchao closely.
Li Wanchao was obviously surprised, but he quickly reacted, shook his head repeatedly, and replied firmly: "Your Highness, you must not have such an intention?"
"Oh?" Liu Chengyou slowly relaxed again and asked, "Why?"
Without thinking, Li Wanchao clasped his fists and said: "The general's act of righteousness and the execution of Zhao Xingqian and the Khitan envoys are in response to the emperor's call and ambition to fight against the Khitan and reorganize the country, not for his own selfish interests. Wang Shou'en is greedy, and although he is shameless, But he is the hero after all. Your Highness is like killing the hero and replacing him with a low-ranking general, which will probably chill the hearts of everyone!"
Liu Chengyou carefully observed Li Wanchao's expression. His face was simple and his feelings were sincere. He should be speaking from his heart.
After blinking, Liu Chengyou continued to speak, with temptation in his words: "General, you have to think carefully, this is the position of Jiedu of a town."
It's a pity that Li Wanchao still shook his head simply: "The last general has neither the prestige to convince the people nor the literary talent to govern. He is just a rough man who can only lead troops to fight and kill the enemy in battle. Even if he has the duty of Jiedu, he can only For fear of misdirecting the government and harming the people..."
After listening to Li Wancao's words, Liu Chengyou could not help but feel some emotion in his heart. He is also a martial artist, but it is really rare for him to be so sensible and righteous. Liu Chengyou didn't know what this man's ability was in leading troops in war, but he couldn't help but feel good about him after what he said.
In history, there were many famous generals during the "Five Dynasties" period, but Li Wanchao was not very famous among them. Liu Chengyou had never even heard of him. However, from what he saw, this was a general who could be entrusted with important tasks.
"General, you are a true hero!" Liu Chengyou solemnly raised his hand to Li Wanchao, and praised him, this time with a little more emotion.
Without waiting for his answer, Liu Chengyou stood up and said, "I would like to go to Jinyang and appoint the general as the commander of Surui Capital and lead the soldiers of Surui to fight with our army. What does the general want?"
Hearing this, Li Wanchao didn't hesitate at all: "I am willing to follow His Highness' orders!"
In Liu Chengyou's impression, this era is characterized by righteousness between monarch and ministers, loyalty is unreliable, and betrayal is constant. However, the performances of Gao Fang and Li Wanchao gave Liu Chengyou a little more confidence in this era. There is still some positive energy in this world.
After the interview at night, it was basically certain that both Gao Fang and Li Wanchao could be used. With the help of these two, it was basically impossible for any major accidents to happen in Luzhou.
Luzhou's army is not large in strength, with a total of only more than 3,000 people. In addition to the more than a thousand soldiers of Surui camp, there are also the Jieduzhen soldiers, who have been under Wang Shouen's command before, but now, Liu Chengyou intends to let Gao Fang take over.
Liu Chengyou's consideration is also very simple and straightforward. If he controls the army in Luzhou, the rest will not be a problem.
As for Wang Shouen, even if he expressed his loyalty to Zhaoyi, he still had to stand aside.
...
The next day, the city of Luzhou changed into a new atmosphere. It seemed to be less repressed than before. The soldiers and civilians in the city basically knew that Luzhou had changed its owner and they were citizens under the new dynasty. Most people support this, at least they no longer have to endure the exploitation of the Khitan's harsh rule, even if they are far from understanding the suffering suffered by the people of the Central Plains.
However, under Liu Chengyou's strict order, the entire Shangdang was still under martial law and no entry or exit was allowed.
In the morning, Han Tong returned with his cavalry and was directly welcomed into the city to present his military situation to Liu Chengyou.
Han Tongnan spent more than a day and night, and obviously gained something. He brought back news about Khitan Geng Chong's American army.
