The person who came over full of joy and reported to Liu Chengyou was a mature official in a scarlet robe. He had a short beard, a straight face, and an outstanding temperament. Although he was a scribe, he was obviously not bookish. This person is Zhao Pu.
Among the staff appointed by Liu Ci, Zhao Pu and Chu Zhaofu were the most famous. They were highly recommended by Liu Chengyou, and Liu Chengyou only received these two people. Chu Zhaofu was over forty years old. He was known for his talents, outstanding work ability and rich political experience. Liu Chengyou inquired about him and responded quickly. He drafted a seal and worshiped him as the magistrate of Cangzhou.
As for Zhao Pu, even for the great reputation he left in history, Liu Chengyou looked up to him. Instead of giving him an official position, he took up a post in the Chongzheng Palace, served the imperial court, and was a counselor in military affairs.
People who can achieve such a reputation in the long history are the elites of every era, and Zhao Pu seems to be the standout among them. Moreover, in the process of communicating with him, Liu Chengyou discovered that although this person was not an erudite scholar and did not seek a thorough understanding of reading, he had quick thinking, broad vision, did not stick to conventions, and was very adaptable to changes in circumstances.
In this way, it gives Liu Chengyou a "novel" feeling. You must know that the prime ministers and bureaucrats in the Han Dynasty are very conservative and stubborn, and the longer they are in contact, the stronger the feeling for Liu Chengyou. The most prominent example is Prime Minister Fan Zhi. In the past two years, he has repeatedly disagreed with Liu Chengyou in terms of governance, decision-making, and decision-making.
Zhao Pu is not the case. Since he entered the palace, every time he talked with him, he always gained something, and it was very enjoyable. The sparks of ideas between the monarch and his ministers collided fiercely...
In fact, many of Liu Chengyou's reform policies since he succeeded to the throne have imitated what he planned for Zhao Kuangyin in the original history. Therefore, when it comes to planning the country and making policies, the two often have similar opinions. Zhao Pu also gave high praise and recognition to Liu Chengyou's hard work in governing and controlling the army. The two of them had worked together for a short time, but they felt like a monarch and his ministers were one and had the same interests.
Less than half a year after joining the official position, everyone knew that there would be another upstart in the temple.
During this period, Liu Chengyou was worried about the floods in the Yellow River and the war between Qin and Feng. This time, Zhao Pu was ordered to go to the Privy Council to inquire about the latest military situation, and the result was good news.
"Has the war ended?" Liu Chengyou frowned and looked at Zhao Pu.
"Your Majesty, a great victory!" Zhao Pu reported excitedly: "He planned for the commander-in-chief to defeat the Shu army, and wiped out more than 30,000 enemies before and after. The elite soldiers of Shu who dared to fight were almost killed in one battle!"
"Finally, I've been waiting for you!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand and clenched his fist, and there was a hint of excitement in his eyes: "Xiang Xun finally lived up to my expectations!"
"Go, inform the ministers, the chief officers of the ministries, and the commanders-in-chief of the two yamen, to discuss the matter in Chongzheng Hall!" Liu Chengyou ordered Zhang Dejun, and then looked at Zhao Pu: "Tell me the details."
"yes!"
The joy quickly subsided, and Liu Chengyou's expression turned into one of relief.
Weiji, at the Chongzheng Hall, senior civil and military officials gathered together, each with a relaxed look on his face. They all received the news of a breakthrough in the southwest war and a great victory. Civil servants including Li Tao, Fan Zhi and others couldn't help but feel relieved, with a feeling of relief on their faces.
"...On the 18th, the Shu army took the initiative to attack. They attacked in two directions, with 3,000 soldiers on the way. They entered Baijian, and 5,000 soldiers on the way. Under the command of Shu general Han Jixun, they attacked Huanghua Valley, intending to cut off our food route. With the back road.
The southwest general noticed it and made a quick decision. He led the army to retreat from the enemy with Shi Shouxin, the general in the inner hall and straight chamber. Shi Shouxin divided his troops into two groups, attacked Tangcang, and set up an ambush at the entrance of Huanghua Valley. In the evening of that day, he severely defeated the invading Shu army. Han Jixun was defeated and fled Tangcang, but was rejected by the general Han Chongyun who attacked the town and surrendered. In the battles of Huanghuagu and Tangcang, our army killed and captured more than 3,000 people.
Afterwards, generals Shi and Han regrouped and headed north to threaten the Shu army in Baijian. Hearing the news of defeat first, with no way out, the morale of the army was turbulent, and they were defeated in one battle, with half of them surrendering.
On the 19th, they all deployed Xiang Xun to attack Weiwu City with fire. They sent out fifty thunderbolt chariots and fired 2,400 oil bombs. At that time, the vegetation in the mighty city was dense and the climate was dry. When the fire started, it surged in the wind and spread for dozens of miles, killing all birds and animals. It stopped with autumn rain at night. Under the fire, the Shu army hurriedly withdrew from the pass and retreated to Liangquancheng. More than 4,000 corpses were found in the walls and roads.
On the 20th, the army advanced with the Longqi Army as the front army and pursued the Shu Army. The Chinese army followed behind, approaching Liangquan and encircling the Shu Army.
On the 21st, the Shu army suffered a new defeat and a new siege. The army's morale was turbulent, its fighting spirit was low, and its courage was exhausted. The army attacked the city with all its strength and broke through in half a day. Gao Huaide, the commander of Longqi Army, commanded his men to enter the city first.
In the Battle of Liangquan, more than 30,000 Shu troops suffered 5,000 casualties and 12,000 were lost. Shu general Gao Yanchou was injured and captured. Coach Li Tinggui and governor Zhao Chongtao led their troops to break through and retreat to Malingzhai. The 150,000 stones of rice and grain in the city, as well as the warehouses, armor, weapons, money and silk were all captured by our army.
On the 22nd, our army took advantage of the situation to pursue. Wang Quanbin led the Xingjie Army to defeat Maling Village in a continuous battle. Wang Renfan led his troops to detour and attack Guzhen, hoping to cut off the return of the remaining Shu soldiers.
On the 23rd, Li Tinggui retreated to Qingni Ridge, intending to resist stubbornly. Hearing the movement of Wang Ren's army, he abandoned the stronghold and left. He was intercepted by our army on the way. Finally, Li Tinggui gathered the remaining troops and withdrew to Chengzhou, leaving only three thousand soldiers.
So far, more than 50,000 Shu troops in Fengzhou have been defeated by our army, and the entire territory of Fengzhou has returned to the Han Dynasty. "
In the political hall, after listening to the narration of Li Chuyun, who was ordered by the Privy Council, everyone was happy. After all, they had fought a victorious battle and achieved a complete victory. During this period of time, the war in Fengzhou had been going on for a long time with no results and a lot of money wasted. The courtiers could not help but criticize it. Recently, the floods in the Yellow River have shown signs of recurrence. A group of courtiers, led by Li Tao and Fan Zhi, have repeatedly made petitions to request the withdrawal of the army.
Although he was suppressed by Liu Chengyou forcefully, his blind dominance was not conducive to the relationship between the monarch and his ministers, and caused a certain instability in the harmony of the court. However, now that the good news has come, the victor is still the emperor. The soldiers of the southwest have proved with facts that the emperor's strength is justified.
"Li Chengzhi said so much in one breath, describing the military situation, and he is thirsty. Come, give Li Chengzhi a cup of tea!" Liu Chengyou spoke in a relaxed tone and encouraged the servant.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Li Chuyun bowed respectfully.
"Our army won a complete victory in the battle of Fengzhou! After this battle, the Shu army suffered heavy losses and its national strength was greatly reduced, which laid the foundation for our army to march south to Hanzhong and Sichuan and Shu!" Guo Rong came out and said in an excited voice.
Liu Chengyou nodded slightly, his eyes fell on Li Tao and Fan Zhi, and asked with a leisurely smile: "Li Qing, Fan Qing, this good news can possibly relieve your worries? Can your sorrow be relieved?"
After hearing the question, Li and Fan looked at each other. Li Tao showed a hint of embarrassment on his face and bowed: "Your Majesty, I am short-sighted and unfounded. I actually want to hinder your majesty's plan to win a great victory in the southwest. I am ashamed of myself. Please forgive me!" "
Fan Zhi's expression was serious as usual, but he also surrendered to the emperor: "Your Majesty is far-sighted, has keen eyesight, and understands the situation of the war. I am foolish, stubborn, strong in words, and talk about withdrawing the troops. Please punish me!"
"Okay!" Seeing the second minister's gesture, Liu Chengyou also showed his magnanimity and gently raised his hand: "Second minister, you don't have to blame yourself. I know that you are also dedicated to serving the public and thinking about the country. Besides, I will never be held accountable for my words!”
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty!" The two ministers bowed and bowed.
"Now that the southwest is singing a song of victory, do you still have any objections to the upcoming war?" Liu Chengyou asked again.
As Prime Minister, Li Tao took the lead and said: "I and others must be united and united to fully support the Southwest Army in its operations!"
Fan Zhi seems to be more reserved, but looking at his expression, it is obvious that he will no longer speak out against the situation, at least not regarding the Southwest War.
"Issue an edict to commend the meritorious officers in this battle, and record all the personnel's merits in a book for preparation of post-war decisions and merits. Send an envoy to Fengzhou to express condolences to the general! The lost grain, fodder, ordnance will be quickly replaced by the Secretary. Do not neglect the military situation." Liu Chengyou was sitting high up and ordered: "Also, the Xuanwei Division will fight on this to publicize the world!"
"yes!"
