Previously, the Yan soldiers led by Geng Chongmei totaled more than 4,000 people. After the battle, those who went out were killed or escaped, and a total of 2,000 people were captured. A small number were with Li Wanchao in Zezhou, and most of them were brought back by Liu Chengyou. Join the party and be detained and trained.
These Yan soldiers are all Youyan warriors, strong and good at fighting, and they are all veterans who have been on the battlefield. This time, if he had not followed Geng Chongmei and was tricked by Liu Chengyou, laid out his position and faced the enemy head-on, he might not have been able to defeat him.
Seeing such power, how could Liu Chengyou not be greedy? During the time when Shangdang was resting, Liu Chengyou also tried his best to appease these "Yan soldiers". Slowly, the Yan soldiers also let go of their slight rejection of Liu Chengyou.
It just takes a period of influence (brainwashing) and bribery to make him serve.
In these troubled times, serving as a soldier and eating food is a common way to make a living. It is also normal for a soldier to move around various states and join the generals. These Yan soldiers were no exception. It was not unusual for them to surrender to Liu Chengyou after being defeated.
However, most of them are from Youyan, and most of their relatives are under the rule of Khitan. This is not like the annexation of towns in the Central Plains. They have to take into account the safety of their families. Liu Chengyou also understood this and said he would find a way. He also launched a satellite, saying that sooner or later he would reach the north and retake Youyan Yunyun.
Although he said that, what Liu Chengyou wanted in his heart was to allow these "Yan people" to resettle, get married, and have children in the Central Plains in the future...
In this era of frequent dynasty changes and wars breaking out all year round, it is not easy for ordinary people to have a stable home, let alone these soldiers who lick blood from their swords.
...
"Invite the person into the Yamen and serve him tea. I will return later!" Liu Chengyou told the bodyguard who came to report that Wu Xingyou was visiting.
In fact, since taking over Lu and Ze prefectures, Liu Chengyou has been paying attention to the situation of the surrounding Khitan forces, especially the three prefectures of Heyang. During the few days after returning to Jinyang, I participated in the strategic discussion organized by Liu Zhiyuan. After some seeking common ground while reserving differences, the next strategic direction of the Hedong army was basically decided.
Take the Central Plains first, and then Hebei; the capital will be the main one, and Zhao Ye will be the auxiliary.
And Heyang is the shortest and most convenient passage for the Hedong army to go south to the Central Plains. It can be said that it is the only way. Therefore, Liu Chengyou could not care less about Heyang and ordered Li Wanchao to monitor the situation in the south.
Wu Xingde had just made a fuss in Heyang, and the news was quickly conveyed to Shangdang. Three days had passed since his friend Wu Xingde arrived. Liu Chengyou was still a little curious and surprised by this sudden appearance of Wu Xingde.
It seems that this person has good courage, luck, and vision, which can be seen from the fact that he chose Heyang.
Since March, the resistance against the Khitans has been in full swing in the Central Plains, Hebei and eastern Hebei areas. They attacked Khitan skirmishers, killed officials appointed by Khitan, and occupied cities controlled by Khitan.
However, most of the areas where the rebels operate are within the control of the Khitan army. It is difficult for them to gain momentum for a short time but for a long time. In particular, those rebels who blocked the Khitan's way back north will become the key targets of the Khitan army. For example, the dead Wang Qiong started an uprising in Chanzhou, but was forcefully eliminated by Yelu Deguang's troops.
But Heyang is different. If you control it, you can get in touch with the forces in Hedong. If you rely on Hedong to develop, your ability to resist risks will be much stronger. Of course, choosing the right place is only the first step. What truly embodies the ability of martial arts is that he raised his troops from Heyin to kill Hu, then marched westward to defeat Cui Tingxun with an exhausted army, and stably defended Mengzhou. A series of actions.
Liu Chengyou was optimistic about the situation in Heyang, and he was also a little curious about Wu Xingde who could make a commotion in Heyang. This was a person worth winning over.
Therefore, Liu Chengyou was quite polite to Wu Xingyou, the messenger. After returning to the city, he personally received him in the middle hall together with Zhang Yanwei, Guo Rong, Gao Fang, and Xiang Xun.
Especially after Wu Xingyou directly expressed his purpose of surrendering allegiance on behalf of Wu Xingde, Liu Chengyou's attitude became even better: "Brother generals, risking your life to expel the evil party is the righteousness of the whole country and is admirable. Now again I am very happy to come to Hedong. I think the emperor of Jinyang will be very happy when he finds out."
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Seeing Liu Chengyou's gentle attitude, Wu Xingyou breathed a sigh of relief.
"I am in Shangdang. I learned about General Wu's righteous deeds and yearned for him. However, what I heard is all hearsay. Can I tell you about it and all the gentlemen here?"
Upon hearing the question, Wu Xingyou's eyebrows flashed with a hint of amusement. It was obvious that he admired his brother very much, and he recounted the details of the act of justice in great detail. In particular, how Wu Xingde endured humiliation and endured heavy burdens to gain the trust of the Khitan people, how he devoted all his efforts to planning a mutiny, and how he captured Heyang in a last-ditch battle...
It sounds like a legendary story.
"General Wu, you are a true hero!" Although he was calm in his heart, Liu Chengyou praised him with a hint of excitement in his tone. It would be more perfect if the expression were more realistic. Obviously, Liu Chengyou's "hypocrisy" attribute has been strengthened.
Wu Xingyou looked cheerful and spoke modestly on behalf of his brother. Then his expression gradually changed and he solemnly said: "Your Highness, my eldest brother is sending the last general north this time to ask for help."
"Oh?" Liu Chengyou looked like he was listening respectfully.
Wu Xingyou did not dare to neglect, and immediately said: "Although my eldest brother defeated Cui Tingxun, occupied Heyang, and expanded some troops, the force is still weak. Cui Tingxun is reorganizing the troops in Wen County, and he is recruiting troops from Huai and Wei. I The army only holds the city of Heyang. There are also Khitan troops in Henan. I am afraid that they are not strong enough. I also ask the Hedong army to go south quickly. My eldest brother will lead the troops from Heyang to attack the Khitan together!"
Liu Chengyou nodded after hearing the martial arts friend's request: "It seems that the situation in Heyang is not optimistic."
However, Liu Chengyou did not reply directly to this matter. Instead, he asked about something he was more concerned about: "You said that the Khitans asked General Wu to transport weapons and armor to the north by water?"
"Exactly." Wu Xingyou was a little puzzled.
"Khitan people, are you preparing to evacuate the Central Plains?" Liu Chengyou's voice suddenly rose and he stared at Wu Xingyou closely.
After hearing the question, Wu Xingyou replied belatedly: "Back to Your Highness, I have heard from my eldest brother that the Khitans are indeed planning to evacuate the Central Plains. In the past half month, they have looted a lot of gold and silver, The wealth and armor go north."
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou's eyes suddenly lit up. He glanced at Guo Rong and others and saw that their expressions had changed. After thinking about it for a while, Liu Chengyou raised his eyes and replied to Wu Xingyou: "If the Khitans want to withdraw from the Central Plains, I'm afraid they won't bother to send additional troops to attack Heyang. As for Cui Tingxun, since he has defeated his generals, I'm afraid there will be many opponents for the generals. "
"In this way, Gu will send people to escort the general north to Jinyang and personally report to the emperor about General Wu's righteousness. As for the situation in Heyang, Gu will order the Zezhou army to go south to provide support!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
"This martial arts virtue was not famous before, but now it is famous all over the world, and it can be regarded as a hero for a while!" After the martial arts friend retreated, Liu Chengyou said with emotion in the hall.
While sighing, Guo Rong spoke up at the right time and reminded him seriously: "Your Highness, all signs indicate that the Khitan is ready to withdraw north. It's time for us to be prepared for contingency!"
