Of course Liu Chengyou was relieved when a battle report came from the East. Fan Xianggong was not the only one who was worried. He was also an emperor on horseback and had the experience of leading an army in winter operations.
Regarding the war in Hanzhong, don't look at Liu Chengyou's appearance of always sitting firmly on the Diaoyutai, letting the front line make the decision. But in my heart, I was always thinking about it.
Fortunately, after knowing each other for many years, Xiang Xun did not let him down after all. In fact, Liu Chengyou also carefully reflected on why this war developed to the current level.
After thinking about it carefully, I still found that I was still not prepared enough. The original goal was to restore all four states, solve the hidden worries that had plagued the southwestern border of the Han Dynasty for several years, and at the same time severely damage the military power of Shu and weaken its national power. Including Liu Chengyou, no one had the idea of defining a battle and fighting directly from Fengxiang to Chengdu.
However, the subsequent development of the war was somewhat unexpected. Although the Shu army was defeated happily, the Shu court's reaction and arrangement, as well as the emptiness in Hanzhong, made the monarchs and generals see opportunities.
Therefore, the appetite increased and Hanzhong was also included as a combat target. The troops were sent southward, and the initial success was smooth. At the beginning of Xingzhou, the army and the people surrendered. The setback at the west county was not due to Li Tinggui's good defense, but to the weather.
The progress is blocked, the retreat is unwilling, the food is tasteless, and it is a pity to abandon it, which makes the Tokyo court a constant source of controversy.
Liu Chengyou has never been to Qin Feng's side. Since he took the throne, although he has made many patrols, he has never even visited Guanzhong. But it does not prevent him from having a basic understanding of the roads in the mountains of Sichuan and Shaanxi.
As for Xiang Xun, he was able to break the situation and fight against the solar terms. He even went to Xixian and Nanzheng, and captured Hanzhong for the imperial court. Liu Chengyou is still a little curious, it's definitely not easy.
In the Chongzheng Hall, several military and political ministers were sitting neatly, making tea with the emperor, summarizing the war in Hanzhong, and discussing the aftermath.
Taking into account many aspects of the situation, in summary, there are three main reasons why the Han army was able to make a breakthrough in the face of difficulties and capture Hanzhong.
First, the Han Dynasty had a strong army and was on the verge of a great victory. Although it encountered obstacles, its morale was high, and it had many strong generals and an effective commander. The Shu army was dwarfed by it.
Secondly, in order to break the city and conquer the pass, Xiang Xun attacked with all his strength regardless of the cost or casualties. The two attacks from Xixian to Nanzheng were the two most brutal and bloody battles since the conquest of Shu.
The third is the response from the Chengdu court. They made a mistake and focused on the stabilization of dangerous strongholds such as Jiange, while neglecting to support Hanzhong. Especially during the month when Xi County was firmly guarded, Shu Ting relaxed even more.
Judging from the situation of Shu, even if the losses are severe, it can still gather an army of troops. It does not need to be a strong enemy of the Han army. It is enough to use Hanzhong to defend.
Of course, when Xiang Xun led the army to attack Nanzheng, the Shu army in Lizhou sent north to support, but was decisively defeated by Wujie Lieutenant General Liu Guangyi and his army. With the reinforcements gone and the Han army attacking fiercely, the Shu army in Nanzheng City had no reason to be trapped and waiting to be killed.
However, Zhao Jizha, Zhao Chongtao and Han Baozhen, who had learned from the past, did not abandon their troops and leave. Instead, they led their subordinates and fought desperately to break out of the encirclement. Thousands of Shu's forbidden troops were leading the charge. They were bent on survival and eager to return home. They burst out with a lot of energy. In addition, Xiang Xun fought hard for a long time and seized the city first without pursuing them desperately. Generals Zhao and Han, with some The remaining soldiers escaped.
Of course, after a summary report by the Privy Council, the emperor's wiseness, prowess, and ability to employ people were placed first. Of course, Liu Chengyou does not deny that he has a certain amount of credit, but he also admits that it is not enough to be considered the first contributor.
"Let's talk about it!" After summarizing the military situation, Liu Chengyou looked around and said, "Now that Nanzheng is here, how will we deal with the follow-up matters?"
"Your Majesty!" As soon as he finished speaking, Fan Zhi stood up, cupped his hands and said, "I believe that since Hanzhong has been taken, we should implement a truce to stabilize the government and appease the people. I have already drafted a few rough plans, and I would like to ask your Majesty for your approval."
"Sure enough, Fan Qing is an important minister of the country. He is thoughtful and foresighted, and he is thinking of me!" Hearing this, Liu Chengyou looked at Fan Zhi with a smile, waved his hand and said, "Fan Qing, please speak, I am all ears!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Maybe there was a shadow in his heart, always feeling that the emperor's words were strange, but Fan Zhi still responded calmly: "First, the war between Han and Shu lasted for a long time. After the new occupation, he was busy with conquests and neglected politics. , in order to appease people's hearts, and most of the officials in the prefectures and counties remained in office as surrendered ministers, the imperial court should quickly select talented officials to serve as Qin Feng, so as to ensure public security and turn the Han prefectures into counties.
Secondly, the people of Xinna have often suffered from conquests and wars for food. Now almost every family is in mourning, with little food left. The people are often suffering from cold and hunger, and the court should be sympathized with it. Recently, there have been riots in Guizhou Province, which shows that the people's sentiments are unstable, but they have allocated food to help. The mountains were closed due to rain and snow, making transportation inconvenient. The ministers and others suggested that military rations should be used to relieve the people first, and that the court would replenish the supplies in spring.
Thirdly, in this attack on Shu, the imperial court mobilized more than 100,000 domestic and foreign soldiers, horses, and conscripts, which consumed a huge amount of money. Qin, Feng, and Hanzhong were in ruins and were not able to support them. Now that Hanzhong has fallen, we should gradually call back our troops, especially the imperial army. "
Regarding Fan Zhijin's words, Liu Chengyou listened attentively, but did not comment. Instead, he looked at Guo Rong: "Any suggestions on military matters?"
After hearing the question, Guo Rong glanced at Fan Zhi and continued: "In order to protect the stability of the rear and coordinate political affairs in Hanzhong, the Longqi, Xingjie, and Neidianzhi armies totaled more than 12,000 soldiers, guarding Feng, Cheng, and Jie respectively. The three prefectures, plus the Wujie army participating in the attack, totaled more than 16,000 people.
The war has ended today. As Prime Minister Fan said, there is no need to keep so many troops and horses. In addition, the soldiers have been fighting for a long time and are homesick for home, so they should be recalled. However, we have to wait until spring to gradually withdraw our troops.
As for the rest of the southwestern armies, they should be deployed on the spot, not only to prepare for the Shu army, but also to continue to train their troops and horses, and to replenish food, grass and weapons, with a view to marching south to the center of Shu in the future.
In addition, during the battle between Qin and Hanzhong, more than 30,000 Shu soldiers were captured successively, all of whom were strong veterans. These people are currently detained in Fengxiang, Fengzhou and Hanzhong respectively. How to deal with them still needs to be discussed..."
Guo Rong also proposed some measures, and Liu Chengyou was very satisfied with his opinions. After thinking for a while, he said: "I have listened to what you have said. It is very good. I can handle it as you say!"
"On the contrary, the people of Feng, Cheng, Jie, and Xingzhou, I know, they have really suffered during this period!" Liu Chengyou sighed again, with a look of pity, and said: "Pass the imperial edict to the new Xiazhou County. As appropriate, I will be exempted from the two taxes for one year. The young men and women who were recruited during this attack on Hanzhong, as well as the dead and wounded, should be treated as if they were the Dingfu in Guanzhong. Regarding this point, it involves the people's support. The imperial court is responsible for the stability of the government. Let Song Yanwo be firmly supported by me. Take control, and whoever dares to deduct money will be severely punished!"
"yes!"
"In addition!" Liu Chengyou looked at Wei Renpu and regained his smile: "Wei Qing, the Ministry of War can start to verify and implement the meritorious service of the soldiers this time. After the beginning of spring, the uniforms, food, and ordnance of Hanzhong soldiers and horses should also be prepared in advance. good!"
"Yes!" Wei Renpu stood up, bowed, and responded respectfully. Today, Wei Renpu talks much less in front of the emperor, but he does things more efficiently and properly.
"The mobilization of generals and schools and the deployment of troops and horses in Hanzhong also need to be controlled. Send special envoys there!" Looking at Guo Rong, Liu Chengyou added: "As for the issue of prisoners of the Shu army, we can follow the example of Huainan, select and refine them, and be willing to surrender. Those from the Han Dynasty should be incorporated into the Huaide Army. Meng Chang could not make good use of it to resist the Han Dynasty, but I will use it to destroy Shu in the future. As for those who do not want to surrender, don't let them go. They can keep them to build roads, dig canals, and open up wasteland to grow food. !”
"Your Majesty!" After the discussion was over, Zhao Pu took the initiative to accompany him.
"What do you think about the Hanzhong incident?" Liu Chengyou asked directly as if he could see Zhao Pu's thoughts.
Zhao Pu responded with respect: "Although Hanzhong is down, our court has proposed to stop the troops, but what will happen to the Shu court is still unknown!"
"What do you mean!" Liu Chengyou said calmly: "Does Meng Chang dare to continue to stalemate me and continue the war at this point?"
Zhao Pu showed a smile: "My idea is to send an envoy to Chengdu to communicate with them and discuss the matter of calling off the troops and negotiating peace. I think that if the court releases the good words, the Shu Kingdom will be extremely surprised!"
