In Tokyo, the Han Emperor issued an edict to abolish the dynasty for three days. The former prime minister, grand master, and Duke of Yan, Feng Dao, died. It had been less than a year and a half since Feng Dao resigned. Judging from the results, Feng Dao had indeed given Liu Chengyou a "heartfelt speech" and foresaw life and death.
After hearing the sad news, Liu Chengyou felt a little sad. Feng Dao can be described as a famous minister, a tumbler who was active in the political arena of the Central Plains. In the past thirty years, he has held the position of general, prime minister, three princes, and three divisions in all dynasties. His dignity and glory made him famous throughout the generation.
In his later years, he became an official in the Han Dynasty, which was the pinnacle of Feng Dao's official career. Although in the next two years, he had little effect on the emperor and was almost a yes-man, but in the first three or four years of the country, with his reputation, ability, and experience, he made great contributions to Liu Chengyou in stabilizing the government and appeasing people's hearts. Therefore, Liu Chengyou also paid tribute to him and mourned him after his death.
Feng Dao's death can be regarded as the end of a long life, and he enjoyed his old age, which few people regret. Although the emperor abolished the imperial court, the operation of the imperial court was not affected at all, especially after the war in the southwest broke out.
Now, it is early autumn and the sun is about to rise. The sun is not as fierce as before, but the weather is still hot. The Privy Council, the Ministry of War and the Third Division are probably the busiest departments in the imperial court these days. However, compared to the triviality and complexity of the other two parts, the Privy Council requires more energy.
Deputy Privy Envoy Guo Rong personally selected several staff members to be responsible for the military situation of the Southwest Expedition against Shu, including Li Chuyun and Pan Mei who had returned from the army reorganization in Hebei.
When Liu Chengyou stepped into the engine room, Guo Rong and others were in front of the map, comparing the military reports from the front, marking, studying, and discussing. Stepping forward and ordering all ministers to refrain from courtesy, Liu Chengyou asked directly: "Is there any new battle report coming to Beijing?"
Military reports from the southwest front line are reported once every three days, telling the battle situation so that the central government can monitor it. Six days ago, I received the first successful report since General Liu Chengyou's order to conquer Shu in nearly a month. Generals Wang Renfan and Li Yan led 12 battalions of soldiers to march south to Sanguan Road and attack Shu Huangniu Eight Villages. In three days, During this period, four villages were destroyed in a row.
Li Chuyun reported to Liu Chengyou: "The eight villages of the Shu army, including Huangniuzhai and Qingmaling, have been completely defeated by Wang Renfan and Li Yan. The Shu army in the eight villages has lost more than half of its troops. Shu general Han Jixun has led his defeated troops to retreat to Liang. The mighty city in the northeast of Quan. The road for our army to go south to Fengzhou has been opened..."
"Generals Wang and Li are indeed talented generals. They won the first battle and defeated eight villages in a row. The Shu army must be frightened. The situation is great!" Liu Chengyou showed a look of satisfaction on his face and he did not hesitate to praise: "Two years ago, Dong In the battle of Hecun, the two of them also had military exploits and defeated the Shu army. It seems that these two are the vanguard of the attack on Shu!"
Probably thinking that the emperor was too happy too early, Li Chuyun flashed a trace of embarrassment on his face and said to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, after defeating the Eight Strongholds, Wang Renfan led two thousand soldiers and horses and rushed south to pursue Han Jixun's defeated army, intending to take advantage of the opportunity to seize the mighty army. City. However, after taking the double road, the company's troops were exhausted and frustrated at the city gate. They were defeated by Shu general Gao Yancuo. He lost 500 troops and retreated north."
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou frowned slightly, smiled slightly, and said, "Wang Renfan, you are still impatient!"
"What's going on now? Show me the military report!" Liu Chengyou turned his head.
When he presented it and took the imperial reading, Guo Rong stood by and said to Liu Chengyou: "According to Xiang Xun's report, he has led 30,000 troops and dispersed from the pass to Feng. It has entered autumn and the weather has improved. He intends to Mighty City, start a big battle with the Shu army!"
"Your Majesty, the Fengzhou Road is blocked and dangerous. After Liangquan, there is the Qingniling Road. From Sanguan to Weiwu City, although the post road is difficult, it is not the most dangerous place. However, judging from the situation ahead, the army is marching and the food is The transportation of ordnance is already very inconvenient. Therefore, if we can gather our troops to fight north of Liangquan, it will be of great benefit to our army!"
"It also depends on whether the Shu army will give you this chance!" Liu Chengyou nodded.
"Weiwu City is about eighty miles southwest of Sanguan. It is the barrier of Shubei Pass and its military defense fortress. Once we capture Weiwu City, we can drive directly to Liangquan. The victory is ours, and the Shu army will never give up. Therefore, as planned by Xiang Xun, we will definitely be able to fight a big battle that will determine victory in Mighty City!" Guo Rong said with certainty.
"We Chen Bing are sharpening our swords at the border. Isn't this what we want?" Liu Chengyou opened his description slightly, nodded and said: "As for Xiang Xun, the war between Qin and Feng was decided at the right time, and we left it to him. In order to destroy Shu, let him Let me fight this battle with all my heart!"
"Yes!" Guo Rong looked at Liu Chengyou and praised him: "It is a blessing for a general to have such an ambitious strategy!"
Guo Rong seldom praises others, and even less compliments Liu Chengyou, but every word of praise must be expressed with sincere emotion. Liu Chengyou understood this, so he felt very good after listening to his words.
"How is the battle going over there in Qinzhou?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"It is reported that the prince has led Wujie and the southwest frontier army of 20,000 people, followed the Weishui River, along the Long Road, and fought in Longcheng for the first time, forcing the Shu army to defend themselves in the city, and has suppressed the Shu army. The Shu general Zhao Jizha is mediocre and has no military strength. And he is outnumbered by our army, and he is definitely no match for the princes!" Guo Rong replied, looking very confident.
"After the war begins, we can only rely on the frontline generals to lead the army in battle. I am in the rear, so I can only raise food and pay so that I will not be short of supplies!" Liu Chengyou put down the military newspaper he was playing with and sighed: "Come to the southwest general, and he will live up to my expectations!"
"Your Majesty always makes plans before taking action. He sends generals and troops and launches wars, and he is fully prepared. The temple has made such a thorough plan that our court will definitely win and the Shu army will be defeated!" Li Chuyun handed over to Liu Chengyou and said excitedly: "Your Majesty, all you have to do is to Tokyo, just sit back and wait for the news!"
"These words are indeed encouraging!" Liu Chengyou smiled at Li Chuyun: "I still have this little bit of confidence!"
After saying that, he looked at Guo Rong again and said with some sadness: "The Duke Dai is not feeling well and it is difficult to take charge of the affairs. All the privy secrets and national military affairs will be placed on Guo Qing. Please take care of me!"
Hearing his words, Guo Rong responded solemnly: "I dare not neglect the duties that this minister should fulfill!"
Guo Rong has always been ambitious and energetic, and the increased responsibilities will only make him more excited and motivated. After the summer, the head of the state resigned from Ruan and fell ill. After all, he was old and had to work hard for many years, and his body was burdened by the burden.
However, the Privy Council was not greatly affected. Zhe Congruan is not greedy for power. In the past two years or so, Guo Rong's actual power has been greater, enough to take over the military and political affairs smoothly without causing trouble.
Liu Chengyou felt that it might not be long before he lost his second father-in-law. Therefore, in recent times, the Fangzhe family has been taking good care of them. The imperial physician sent medicines, supplements, and royal supplies to the palace, and generously rewarded them. In the palace, the virtuous concubines and concubines were the most visited. It's a bit like before Gao Xingzhou died of illness.
Suppressing some confusion in his heart, Liu Chengyou glanced at Pan Mei, who was studying the military situation in front of the map seriously and calmly, and asked Guo Rongdao: "Guo Qing, what do you think of Pan Mei?"
Upon hearing the question, Guo Rong did not hide the admiration in his eyes: "Your Majesty has a keen eye for knowing people! Pan Meizhi knows military integrity and is a general who can be put to great use!"
"In the two years since I served in the Privy Council, I have worked diligently, analyzed affairs, and often had insights. Although there are many brave generals in the Han Dynasty, handsome talents are still precious, especially the veteran generals are gradually withering away. Pan Mei has her qualifications, but today the world is not at peace, I secretly believe that she will lead Soldiers go to war, attack cities and strongholds, and they can even show off their talents!"
Liu Chengyou couldn't help but nod. So far, among the rising stars in the army, there are not many who are valued by Liu Chengyou and have the ability to be a general and stand alone. They are just Gao Huaide, Yang Ye, Zhao Kuangyin, Pan Mei, Shi Shouxin and others.
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After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou said: "I plan to send Pan Mei to Xiangzhou, what do you think?"
Guo Rong's eyebrows raised slightly, and his eyes turned to the map of the Han Dynasty and landed on Jing and Lake. It was obvious that the battle against Shu had just begun. The battle between Qin and Feng was not yet over, but the emperor had already begun to think about the next step.
"I think it's amazing!" Guo Rong nodded.
