"Surrender, at this time?" Liu Chengyou raised the corner of his mouth just slightly, moved his fingers towards Zhang Yanwei and the others, and ordered: "The generals have to fight hard to stop. Since the enemy understands the current situation, he will avoid further losses to our army. You go and deal with it. Let’s control the entire city of Fuyang and prevent any unexpected situations!”
"In addition..." After a pause, Liu Chengyou added: "The situation in the city is a bit strange. Let's investigate clearly!"
"yes!"
Liu Chengyou was indeed a little confused. During the fierce battle between the Longqi Army and the Khitans, the reaction of the defenders in Fuyang City was really strange. Even though the Gaotang Ying soldiers were small, they did not completely stand still and huddle in the city from beginning to end.
The results proved that it was not a false surrender. The defenders in Fuyang City surrendered without reservation, abandoned their weapons and armor, and did not make any changes. However, it was not the defense commander Gao Tangying who led the people to surrender, but a general named Wang Jihong. As for Gao Tangying, his head has been chopped off.
After entering the county town, Liu Chengyou inspected the camps and appeased the soldiers before meeting the man in the government hall. At first glance, he looks like a rough guy. He looks very ordinary, but he gives people a low-key feeling. He has a cautious smile on his face, and his attitude is very humble when facing Liu Chengyou.
He had neither good feelings nor bad feelings about this person, but after all, he took the initiative to seek refuge and came to surrender with the city. Liu Chengyou still comforted him and expressed his appreciation. After nearly two months of experience after dispatching troops, Liu Chengyou had a clearer understanding of how to quickly seize and stabilize the country, which was nothing more than "recruiting surrender and accepting rebels".
"Tell me, what's going on with Wang Jihong? Who is he?" Liu Chengyou asked directly after he was asked to retreat peacefully.
After looking at each other, Xiang Xun stood up and reported to Liu Chengyou: "Wang Jihong was a thief when he was young, and he was an official and a soldier. He was born in the army. Last year, he served in the Forbidden Army and was the commander of the country. After the Khitans entered Bian, they surrendered and were taken under Gao Tangying's command."
Xiang Xun was very efficient. In a short period of time, he had already investigated the situation between Wang Jihong and Fu Yang clearly: "According to inquiries from his subordinates, Gao Tangying treated Wang Jihong very favorably. He treated his mother like his mother and his son like his son, and tried his best to win over her. , relying on relatives, losing money to soldiers, without any suspicion."
"Today, when our army was fighting a fierce battle with Yelvjieli, Gao Tangying originally wanted to lead his army out of the city to help in the battle, but Wang Jihong dissuaded him. After our army won the victory, he united with several commanders to kill Gao Tangying, and the whole city surrendered!"
After listening to Xiang Xun's narration, Liu Chengyou slightly raised his eyebrows and said calmly: "As you said, Gao Tangying treated Wang Jihong so kindly, but what this person did was ungrateful!"
Hearing this, Xiang Xun nodded, with obvious contempt in his eyes: "Just now, I asked him this in a humble position!"
"How did he answer?" Liu Chengyou became a little interested.
With a tone full of disdain, Xiang Xun said: "He said that he is a villain. If he does not take advantage of the convenience, assess the situation, seek wealth, and protect his life, he may not be able to achieve his goals throughout his life. This person said this, There is simply no sense of gratitude or shame!”
"Although this man's virtues are shameful, there is nothing false in what he says or does!" Liu Chengyou commented calmly, unlike Xiang Xun whose contempt was written on his face.
"What a villain!" Guo Rong also echoed at this time.
"He is indeed a villain!" Liu Chengyou nodded, and then sighed: "Wang Jihong was an enemy of the Gao family, and he was alone in the country and the army, but he finally made a contribution..."
When Liu Chengyou said this, everyone in the hall was silent, especially Guo Rong and Xiang Xun, both of whom were thoughtful. Obviously, Liu Chengyou's mentality was extremely peaceful at this time, and he saw the problem very clearly.
He thought about his experience of facing Wang Shou'en in Shangdang that day. After listening to Xiang Xun's description, Liu Chengyou absolutely despised Wang Jihong, but he had no intention of reacting based on his likes and dislikes.
There seemed to be a voice echoing in my mind: Even people like Wang Jihong can tolerate being treated kindly and are rewarded for their merits. Who else in the world cannot be treated kindly?
Wang Jihong's matter was, after all, just a minor incident. It was mentioned a little and the confusion was clarified, that's all.
At night, Guo Rong and Xiang Xun met together.
"Your Highness!" After obvious hesitation, Guo Rong called in a thoughtful tone.
Noticing Guo Rong's performance, Liu Chengyou waved his hand directly: "Speak up if you have something to say!"
Seeing this, Guo Rong did not show any pretense, took a breath gently, cupped his hands and said: "General, I think it is a foregone conclusion that Yelu Deguang will return to the Khitan in the north. It is unnecessary for our army to follow him again and we will not make much money." The benefits are high, but the risks are high.”
"Although we had a dangerous victory over the Khitan in the battle at Fuyang, it was mostly due to the Liao generals underestimating the enemy and fighting slowly. After this battle, we may not be able to find such an opportunity again. If we continue to follow, our army will have no way out. , I’m just afraid of falling into danger!”
While speaking, Guo Rong almost expressed his thoughts and concerns. Liu Chengyou glanced at him and asked: "What do you think?"
Guo Rong obviously had an idea and answered directly: "In the Central Plains, His Majesty has personally proposed that the army march south and restore the two capitals. It is only a matter of time. On the contrary, in the Hebei states, the power of the Khitan people is still strong!"
"At this time, His Highness no longer needs to keep an eye on Yelu Deguang, who is destined to withdraw the Khitan. He should change the direction of his strategy and attack the prefectures and counties. He should unite with the old ministers, generals and volunteers of Hebei Daozhou to attack the Khitan and prepare for the future of the Central Plains. The division will go north, completely drive out the Khitan forces, and secure Hebei, and be ready..."
After listening to Guo Rong's words, Liu Chengyou said nothing and glanced at Xiang Xun: "What do you think?"
Nowadays, these two people have basically become Liu Chengyou's confidants. They basically discuss all major matters with him, and they dare to speak out boldly.
When Liu Chengyou asked himself, Xiang Xun glanced back and forth between him and Guo Rong, and calmly answered: "I think General Guo's words are reasonable. Although our army is strong in combat, it is ultimately insufficient. To Yelv De The hundreds of thousands of cavalry alone cannot pose a big threat after all. On the contrary, if they entangle for a long time and incur attacks from them, it will be dangerous!"
"In the opinion of my subordinates, after Yelu Jieli's defeat, the Liao army's vigilance against us will be heightened to the highest level. Now, it's time to change our thinking..."
Obviously, Xiang Xun and Guo Rong have the same opinion.
His eyes wandered around the two of them twice, and Liu Chengyou fell silent. He lowered his head and thought for a while, then sighed quietly. Of course Liu Chengyou knew that the two people's suggestions made sense. With the strength of the Longqi Army, it was really overestimating their capabilities to chase away Yelu Deguang's army returning from the north.
In the current situation, the most appropriate approach is to unite all forces, spread the influence of the new dynasty, and strengthen themselves while jointly attacking the Khitans.
Liu Chengyou understands in his heart, but...
Seeing Liu Chengyou's pensive look, Guo Rong and Xiang Xun were surprised. Based on their impression and understanding of Liu Chengyou, this shouldn't be the case.
After pondering for a long time, Liu Chengyou finally spoke, his eyes clear and his tone firm: "Yelu Deguang wants to withdraw and return to the country, and I will treat him as a 'gift' when he leaves the country!"
"Your Highness!" Hearing his words, Guo Rong was a little stunned, and immediately handed over his hands, trying to persuade him again.
Liu Chengyou did not give him this chance, and said decisively: "I have decided! Send the order, Han Tong and Luo Yanxuan, closely pursue the Khitan military situation, and then lead the army alone and continue to advance northward!"
Liu Chengyou's stubbornness surprised Guo and Xiang Da, and they couldn't help but have a headache. Liu Chengyou has always been able to listen to what others say, but why did he do so this time?
Liu Chengyou naturally had no way to explain to them, so he could only wait secretly.
Sometimes, he is very stable. But sometimes, he is willing to take risks!
