When the war between Qin and Feng first started, Meng Chang was still nervous for a period of time. He convened civil and military meetings every day to inspect the affairs and discuss the army, and to raise awareness for the war in the north.
At the beginning, there were still ministers in Shu who laughed at the Han army, saying that it did not follow the weather and the geography, and chose to mobilize troops in midsummer to attack fortresses. As long as deep trenches and high fortresses were used to resist the Han army, the Han army would be defeated.
Sure enough, it was "victory in the first battle", but two days before the joy, the defeat came. Huang Niu and other eight villages fell, and more than half of the troops were lost. Later, the Han army invaded Weiwu City in large numbers.
Facts have proved that the Han army is as powerful as ever. Even if the weather is not good, the attack is still sharp and unstoppable. Meng Chang demoted the doctor who spoke "wild words" at that time.
However, the subsequent development of the war gave Meng Chang some peace of mind. Li Tinggui, the defeated general, finally lived up to his trust. Although the Han army was strong, it was ultimately hindered by the mighty city.
Although the war has been delayed, it is good news for the monarchs and ministers of Shu. Just as the generals of the Shu army on the front line thought, the Shu army was not afraid of wasting time and money and food. The emperor and ministers of Chengdu also thought the same way.
From the early autumn to the current Ji Qiu, the two sides have been fighting fiercely in Fengzhou. Meng Chang's tense nerves gradually relaxed, and he left the war ahead to the Privy Councilor Wang Zhaoyuan and others to deal with it, and no longer interfered with it every day.
In fact, Meng Chang still has some confidence in the battle between Qin and Feng. In his opinion, the Han army was only strong in its army. As for other things, regardless of military strength, national strength, or additional weapons, the Shu Kingdom was not weak, and it also had the advantage of its terrain.
In addition, he has governed Shu for many years, which has benefited the scholars and the people. The people's aspirations and the military's support are supported. There is no big mistake now. The Northern Han Dynasty invaded with its violence and brazenness. In Meng Chang's view, it was an unjust army and it was bound to fail.
During this period of time, Meng Chang asked the scholars and poets of the Shu court to write many poems and poems that were hostile and satirical to the Northern Han Dynasty, as if he wanted to defeat the Han army with his pen...
"Your Majesty, rumors have been spreading in Chengdu recently. Scholars and people are quarreling about the war between Qin and Feng. People's hearts are floating and there is great unrest!" In front of the imperial court, several ministers were waiting to report. Ouyang Jiong, the minister, reported to Meng Chang: "Your Majesty, I think that behind the rumors, there must be traitors, maybe it's the Northern Han Dynasty who sneaked into the city and spread them in the market to disturb people's hearts!"
Meng Chang was wearing a bright yellow crown, reflecting his handsome appearance. When he heard this, he immediately scolded: "Since you know, why don't you investigate, find out where the enemy is, and deal with it immediately?"
Meng Chang's handsome eyes narrowed slightly, and he said angrily: "What is the Chengdu government doing? Why don't they send out officers to arrest those traitors with ulterior motives?"
"I believe that those who worked carefully in the Northern Han Dynasty will only be in the minority. If the government moves too much, they will fall into a trap and make people's hearts wander, panic and suspicious!" Ouyang Jiong said.
"Is it your intention to let the Northern Han Dynasty's evil deeds run rampant, stir up troubles, and spread rumors?" Meng Chang asked. The imperial prestige cultivated by twenty years of imperial career is still very effective in deterring of.
"That's not what I meant!"
"Send an order to the Chengdu Prefecture to mobilize the officers, clear the streets and markets, and suppress rumors among the people. And put up a notice to inform the officials and the people that enemies are lurking and villains are causing trouble. It is forbidden to talk about Qin Feng's military situation!" Meng Chang ordered sternly with a stern look on his face.
"yes!"
"Have you seen them all?" Meng Chang felt an unknown fire in his heart, as if he wanted to burst out. He glanced around and said: "The minions of the Northern Han Dynasty have all reached Chengdu, before our eyes! As the saying goes, we can live in peace and quiet. Thinking of danger, now that the country is in crisis, what are our courtiers and officials doing? Are they still seeking personal gain and buying properties?
I have also heard that the sons of officials in Chengdu are still flying around, drinking and having fun, and playing fishermen? People have repeatedly said that the bureaucrats and aristocrats in Chengdu are extravagant, extravagant and wasteful, but I have tolerated them more.
I have practiced simplicity for twenty years and dare not inflict suffering on the people. But you don't know how to cherish blessings and don't restrain yourself. How can you have the face to treat your father? How can you bear it?
I see, this unhealthy trend needs to be corrected! If you don't take it seriously and continue to sink, I'm afraid that one day the Northern Han army will approach the city, and you will still be in a state of drunkenness, dreams, and death! "
Meng Chang's words were very straightforward. This was the first time in so many years that he reprimanded his officials so directly, with a very serious tone.
"I'm guilty!" All the officials were surprised, but they didn't move slowly and immediately fell down to apologize.
"I hope to be close to each other and share peace with you. Today I express my heart to you. I hope you can listen to my heart and take it as a warning!" Meng Chang said calmly: "At the moment, the most important thing in the imperial court is the war between Qin and Feng. The Yamen should fully cooperate with the Privy Council and support the Han military!"
"yes!"
"Everyone, please step back!"
Meng Chang's words today have actually been held in his heart for a long time. Over the years, no one has warned him, saying that the aristocrats and bureaucrats in Chengdu are extravagant. However, Meng Chang did not disparage the traitors or correct bad habits, but only maintained his diligence and frugality.
However, the monarch was austere in the palace, and the ministers enjoyed themselves outside the palace. As time passed, Meng Chang naturally found it difficult to balance his mind. After taking advantage of this war between Shu and Han to vent his anger to the officials, Meng Chang felt much more at ease...
After simply calming down, Meng Chang stood up and left his seat, heading out of the hall. The eunuch in attendance hurriedly asked for instructions: "Guan family, where do you want to go?"
"To the Privy Council!"
The Privy Council of Hou Shu was much smaller than that of the Northern Han Dynasty. The atmosphere was not tense and the officials seemed very relaxed. Meng Chang turned around and couldn't help but ask: "Where is Wang Zhaoyuan?"
"There is a batch of military rations that need to be sent to Xingyuan Mansion. The Prime Minister has personally inspected it!" the staff reported.
Hearing this, Meng Chang's face immediately turned ugly and he reprimanded: "The Privy Council is in charge of the country's military affairs. There is a fierce war in the north. How much military information and military affairs are there? A mere batch of food. Does he, the Privy Council, need to go and check it in person? Under the Privy Council, there is no Is there anyone else?"
Seeing the emperor's anger, the officials in the Privy Council suddenly fell silent. Seeing this, Meng Chang waved his hand: "Go and find Wang Zhaoyuan, I will wait for him here! In addition, there is a military report in the north, bring it to me!"
"yes!"
Regarding the true situation of the Shu-Han war, it is naturally not as mysterious as the rumors circulating in the wells of Chengdu. The true version is that the two sides faced off with nearly 100,000 troops in the mighty city, and the stalemate has continued to this day.
Li Tinggui led his army to defend the city wall, while the Han army's movements were the same, constantly reinforcing the camp and assuming a defensive posture... The commanders of the two sides only made tentative appointments to fight twice. The result was naturally a great victory for the Han army and a complete defeat for the Shu army, with over a thousand troops lost.
At the time of the confrontation, it was just the beginning of autumn, and the weather was still hot. By now, the autumn mood was already strong. Before and after, the Han army only launched a tentative attack on Weiwu City. After being frustrated, they stopped attacking the stronghold.
Li Tinggui did not dare to cover up the battle situation on the front line, but reported details to the Chengdu court. Because they knew everything about Xiao Xiao's battle, Meng Chang and his ministers could still sit still.
After capturing the four states of Qin and Feng, he went on two Northern Expeditions and fought fierce battles with the Han army. They were both protracted and fierce, and dragged on to the final decisive battle. This time they were on the defensive, and they were mentally prepared for the delay of the war.
Moreover, some of Li Tinggui's analysis and reports on the war were also in line with the wishes of the kings and ministers of Shu. The Han army had fought for a long time without success, and after its morale declined, it would retreat. At that time, it could look for opportunities to defeat the enemy...
However, even though this is the truth, as an emperor with some attributes of "great success", he is always a little dissatisfied with this stalemate. In terms of offense, it was difficult to break through the Han army. When it came to defense, they were still so passive. The tens of thousands of troops actually made no achievements, and instead allowed the Han army to achieve small victories and small gains.
"Your Majesty, Wang Zhaoyuan, see you!" After half an hour, Wang Zhaoyuan returned in a hurry. He arranged his clothes nervously, and without taking a breath, he bowed to Meng Chang as soon as he entered.
Wang Zhaoyuan is less than forty years old now, and his appearance is really good. He has sharp eyebrows and starry eyes, a dignified appearance, and is quite heroic.
"Get up!" Meng Chang's behavior was full of favor towards this lucky minister who accompanied him in his study and growth.
"Your Majesty, why do you have time to come to the Privy Council?" Wang Zhaoyuan asked.
Meng Chang sighed: "The war in Fengzhou is not going well, and I still feel uneasy in my heart!"
—————
