"The Jinghu strategy should be the top priority of the Han Dynasty. Everyone in the imperial court should be tense and unite to take a solid step to level the world and clarify the world!" Liu Chengyou encouraged the ministers.
"As you command!"
"Then what happened to Xuzhou Man Fu Yantong?" Liu Chengyou asked after a pause.
Many civil and military officials of the Han Dynasty only had a rough understanding of the southern countries, let alone these barbarians. Most people probably thought that they still lived among the streams and caves.
Guo Rong had the right to investigate and speak, but it was still up to Wei Renpu to explain Liu Chengyou's doubts: "Fu Yantong is the leader of the Man Yao tribe in Xuzhou, and is said to be a descendant of Fu Jian of the former Qin Dynasty. However, he has been in central Guizhou for decades and has a great reputation. . In his early years, he united with other barbarians to defend each other against the King of Chu, Ma Yin. Hunan was unable to suppress it and was deeply disturbed by it, so that its power has been entrenched in Chen and Qi to this day.
At that time, Ma Xi'e launched an army to attack Tanzhou to seize the throne. He used Changsha's wealth to lure Fu Yantong to send troops to help in the battle. After the city of Changsha was defeated, Fu Yantong gained a lot of wealth and returned home with a full load. With the wealth, he became the most powerful and powerful force among the barbarians. His prestige spread throughout the streams and caves, and he called himself King Xu.
If Zhou Xingfeng can lure Fu Yantong to help, he can get tens of thousands of Miao Yao's soldiers. If this happens, it will be a huge trouble for our dynasty! "
Hearing what Wei Renpu said, some doubts emerged among the civil and military personnel present. Liu Chengyou also frowned slightly and asked: "Since you noticed it in advance, then you should find a way to solve this trouble!"
Wei Renpu said: "Over the years, these Miao and Yao barbarians have become kings for the first time. Although their people are fierce and fierce, their livelihood is poor. They can gather tens of thousands of people, but they can hardly leave central Guizhou. If Zhou Xingfeng can lure them, he can only use It’s just mutual benefit! If Zhou Xingfeng can send people, the imperial court can naturally do the same. Although Fu Yantong belongs to the barbarian tribe, he is not a stupid person, and he will not be unable to distinguish between strong and weak situations!"
"If we can use Chuman soldiers, it will be easier to go to Hunan!" Guo Rong said.
"The barbarian soldiers are difficult to control and may harm the people of Hunan!" Fan Zhi said.
Guo Rongze said: "The imperial court's use of force is intended to lead to war. As long as Hunan is pacified as soon as possible, there will be no serious problems!"
"Even if we can't use it, if we can stabilize the Hunan barbarians, it will be enough!" Liu Chengyou made up his mind and said, "Prepare a gift list and send an envoy to Xuzhou to contact Fu Yantong.
Didn't he call himself King Xu? As long as he can submit to the imperial court, I will make him king. After Hunan is pacified, I can divide the land among the states, cultivate it with his tribe, and assign officials to posts. Let him think carefully about the pros and cons, whether to help a corner of Hunan that is about to be destroyed and fight against the imperial court, or to be a subordinate of the Han Dynasty and enjoy wealth and peace! "
It can be seen from Liu Chengyou's instructions that he is already considering the management of the barbarians after pacifying Hunan...
"The envoy must be courageous and quick-witted. He must also be familiar with geography and barbaric conditions. I'm afraid it will be difficult to choose a suitable one from the court. Is there anyone available?" Liu Chengyou asked Wei Renpu and Guo Rong directly.
Guo Rong thought for a moment, then raised his hands and said: "I recommend a person to serve as Wang Qianlang in Lizhou. This person was originally a general of Wang Kui's tribe. After Wang Kui's defeat, he fled to Lizhou and served under the defense envoy Cao Yin. According to investigation, This person is quite courageous and knows the barbaric emotions!"
"Then let's use this person to send an urgent message to Lizhou. It's convenient for him to be in Hunan and won't delay things!" Liu Chengyou made the decision immediately.
"yes!"
While Liu Chengyou was discussing with Wen and Wu, an urgent report came unexpectedly and interrupted them briefly. Of course, the thing that could interrupt the meeting in this situation must be something related to the Jinghu strategy.
After reading the memorial, Liu Chengyou's expression immediately became solemn, and he placed it on the case. Liu Chengyou explained in a deep voice: "Lizhou memorial, defense commander Cao Yin died of illness two days ago!"
After saying this, the expressions of the distinguished civil and military officers immediately became more solemn. Lizhou was forcibly captured following the civil strife of the Ma brothers. It was like a nail, wedged deeply in Hunan. Although it was an enclave, it became a base for the imperial court to monitor the situation in Hunan.
It's like a knife, hanging over Hunan, pointing directly at Wuling, Langzhou. After Zhou Xingfeng eliminated his dissidents and nominally controlled most of the land in Hunan, he was always afraid of the Han army in Lizhou, so he always maintained a heavy army in Langzhou.
Cao Yin, the defense envoy, has been in charge of military affairs in Lizhou for four or five years, and has three thousand troops stationed all year round. Lizhou was built as a bridgehead for the imperial court to conquer Hunan, and it also played a very important role in the Privy Council's plans, whether it was to seize Jingnan from the north or advance south to Wuling.
However, the defense envoy Cao Yin died of illness at this juncture. Cao Yin has been in charge of Lizhou's military affairs for many years. The court can replace him with someone else, but it is extremely difficult to achieve Cao Yin's effect and role.
"It was my negligence that I didn't consider Cao Yin's physical condition. His sudden death may cause the situation in Hunan to change!" Guo Rong reacted with a bit of self-blame in his tone.
Wei Renpu said: "Although there are not many soldiers and horses in Lizhou, in today's Jinghu, it is the most important chess piece of the imperial court, holding the north and the south hostage. Cao Shijun died of illness, and Lizhou is leaderless. Under the current situation, something unexpected may happen Change! Send people immediately to Lizhou to take charge of the overall situation!"
"Who can be sent?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"Han Tong can go!"
"Pan Mei is available!"
Fan Zhi and Guo Rong spoke almost at the same time.
Fan Zhi recommended Han Tong because of his seniority and experience as a general of the Forbidden Army, who could quickly control the situation. Guo Rong appreciates Pan Mei's abilities more and hopes to give him an opportunity to show off his talents and be independent. Of course, this is more in line with the emperor's regard for Pan Mei.
Today, Han Tong and Pan Meike are both in Xiangyang. Liu Chengyou thought about it for a while, and finally chose the upstart Pan Mei among the two generals Han and Pan. In comparison, Pan Mei's potential was much higher than that of Han Tong. Furthermore, before the expedition to Shu was over, Pan Mei was sent to the south just to use Pan Mei in Jinghu affairs.
"Pass the order to Xiangyang and ask Pan Mei to go south to Lizhou immediately to temporarily take over the post of defense envoy and act as military and political agent!" Liu Chengyou made the decision and gave the order directly without any hesitation.
"Yes!" Even though Fan Zhi was rejected, he didn't seem happy or sad.
"How do you think Zhou Xingfeng will react?" Liu Chengyou asked.
Guo Rong said: "Lizhou will not be able to play a role in a short period of time. I'm afraid he will speed up his move south. He will first decide on Zhang Wenbiao and then send his troops northward!"
Many people think so.
At this time, Murong Yanzhao, who had not spoken much, spoke up: "It will take three to five days to settle the matter. If Zhou Xingfeng is more courageous, he can go north to take Lizhou first..."
Murong Yanzhao's words immediately attracted everyone's attention. Wei Renpu calmly analyzed: "The imperial troops and horses are far away in the north of the Yangtze River, with Jingnan in between. They cannot provide support in a short time. Moreover, if the army cannot move south, If we quickly conquer Jiangling and are blocked by it, then Lizhou will be completely alone, and there is no guarantee that Zhou Xingfeng will not be successful!"
"If he takes the initiative to attack Lizhou, he will completely break with the imperial court. Does Zhou Xingfeng have the courage to do so?" Fan Zhi objected.
"The imperial court has been sharpening its sword, but it has just been provoked but not launched. Sooner or later there will be a battle. This person rises out of the grass and can bring order out of chaos. He should still have this vision!" Guo Rong said.
After pondering for a while, Guo Rong slowly opened his eyes, as if his energy was released: "If Zhou Xingfeng can take the initiative to attack Lizhou, it may not be a bad thing for the imperial court!"
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Guo Rong seriously stated his plan: "If Zhou Xingfeng attacks Lizhou, it will be a rebellion. The imperial court sends troops to quell the rebellion, which is a famous division. It is proper to send troops south, but it can be done a little later." To dispel Jingnan Gao's doubts.
Previously, the biggest concern of the ministers and others was that something unexpected happened in Jingnan, which would delay our army's march south. If there is a rebellion in Hunan, if we send troops to the Gao family in time, and if we do so, great things can be accomplished! "
After Guo Rong finished speaking, Liu Chengyou thought about his idea for a moment and said quietly: "So, the imperial court still needs to encourage Zhou Xingfeng to attack Lizhou as much as possible?"
"But the Military Intelligence Department is spreading news in Hunan that the imperial court wants to capture Hunan. In short, we must first force Zhou Xingfeng to take action!" Guo Rongdao.
"That's it!" Liu Chengyou agreed.
"The imperial court is now preparing for war. What if Zhou Xingfeng contacts Gao Baorong and the two parties become allies to fight against the imperial court?" Li Tao, who said little, opened his mouth to propose a possibility that had not been considered before.
"Although this possibility is unlikely, we have to consider it!" Liu Chengyou raised his index finger and said calmly: "It's time for the imperial court to send an envoy to Jiangling!"
"yes!"
After the discussion, all the civil and military personnel dispersed, but Liu Chengyou left his father-in-law Fu Yanqing behind and asked curiously: "We just discussed the army, why didn't you say a word?"
Fu Yanqing has been the commander-in-chief of the Guards Department for nearly three years. During these three years, he has not shown any greed for power. Instead, he has lived very comfortably, always with a relaxed look on his face. Others tend to get older and tired, but he does get more and more tired. Live younger.
At this time, facing the emperor's son-in-law's inquiry, Fu Yanqing showed a modest smile: "Your Majesty and the civil and military officials are careful in their calculations and planning, so I don't need to elaborate more!"
Hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou also smiled heartily: "I am too humble. The court still needs a minister like you!"
"If Your Majesty has any use for my veteran, I will serve you wholeheartedly!" Fu Yanqing responded calmly.
"Haha..." Weng and son-in-law laughed loudly, and seemed to have a tacit understanding.
Speaking of which, Fu Yanqing is not too old, not even sixty years old. However, one is the father of the queen, the other is the powerful Fu family, and Liu Chengyou has been placed in the position of commander-in-chief. This shrewd old man naturally knows how to behave on weekdays.
