The Juma River originates from the Taihang Mountains, gathers hundreds of waters, and collects thousands of springs. After ten crossings, it gradually becomes a large river, and finally runs across the land of Younan, rolling eastward, day and night. The current is large and rapid, just like its name, like a giant horse galloping, the water is huge, and together with the ravines, valleys and springs on both sides, it forms a majestic and beautiful picture.
For thousands of years, the Juma River has nourished and nurtured the people on both sides of the strait, but it has also brought many disasters and sufferings. Due to its geographical and hydrological conditions, the raging river is like a violent and unrestrained beast. If it is not happy, it will Breaking free from the shackles of the gully and bank walls, they invade the fields and houses along the coast.
In the past few years, when floods occurred frequently in Han Dynasty, the middle and lower reaches of the Juma River were the hardest-hit areas, and the property losses of officials, soldiers and civilians were very serious. Similarly, along the Juma River, it is also the center of defense in the north of the Han Dynasty, and the defense line relies on it.
Along the Juma River, a group of cavalry marched from east to west, upstream. Thousands of cavalry were galloping lightly. Although they were flying the Han flag, the color of their armor and uniforms was obviously different from that of the Han army. This group was the group of King Zhao Kuangzan of Yan who came south under the imperial edict.
Zhao Kuangzan is thirty-four years old. He has a square and majestic face and an outstanding demeanor. He has a demeanor achieved by being immersed in power for many years. Wearing silver armor and a military robe, he was among the Yan Cavalry, but his calm expression was filled with a touch of solemnity. Their group went south, passing by the Yongqing Army, crossing the Juma River from the Xiongan Army, and heading west to the Shun'an Army.
As usual, it was Zhao Siwan who led the army to escort Zhao Kuangzan to the south. This was the most fierce general in the Yan army and the number one general under Zhao Kuangzan, commanding the most elite army in the Yan army.
As time passed, the scars on Zhao Siwan's face became more and more hideous and terrifying. While driving the horse forward, Zhao Siwan couldn't help but observe the surrounding geography. For a long time, he pointed at the Juma River and said: "Your Majesty, along the Juma River, the Han army's defenses are very tight! The Guanhe River matches. The fortresses are interconnected and intertwined, so tight..."
Hearing his words, Zhao Kuangzan couldn't help but come back to his senses and glanced at him: "Younan is a flat river with no danger to defend. The imperial court has built defenses and garrisoned elite troops to prepare for the Khitans. Why is it so strange?"
"Beware of the Khitans?" Zhao Siwan said immediately, looking a little disapproving: "Now there has been peace between Han and Liao for nearly five years. Both sides are in peace, and the Khitans have no intention of going south. The Han army is so tightly guarded, and it is unclear who they are defending. ?”
"What you said is biased!" Zhao Kuangzan frowned and stared at Zhao Siwan: "What you said in your mouth is sarcastic. If you have something to say, why not say it directly?"
After a moment of silence, Zhao Siwan said: "Your Majesty, although I am a warrior, I can see that the Han Emperor is very ambitious. Now he has begun to cut off the southern countries, and once he pacifies the south, he will definitely go north to use force.
Others may be afraid of the Khitan, but the Han emperor would never. Thinking back then, when he was not as good as the weak champion, he dared to lead less than ten thousand troops, seize the opportunity, and defeat the Liao army dozens of times in one fell swoop, causing heavy casualties and severely damaging the Hu people. Hebei was not yet settled, and the Khitan's power was still spread throughout Youji, so he dared to send his ancestors to attack Youzhou in the north, which established the situation in the north for the next ten years, and we have been a barrier for the Han Dynasty until now.
But how could a king like Emperor Han allow the north to be controlled by others? He would definitely go north in the future. And once the Han army launches a large-scale Northern Expedition, the first ones to bear the burden will not be the Khitans, but us Youzhou.
When the time comes, how will the king deal with himself? How did the soldiers respond? Where will You Yan go? "
Hearing Zhao Siwan's remarks, Zhao Kuangzan couldn't help but look at him with a hint of surprise: "I never thought that General Zhao, a tough-faced warrior and a raw eater of captive meat, would be so knowledgeable. This is so impressive!"
Zhao Siwan responded: "My life is at stake, my future is at stake, I have to think too much about this situation. I have to think about this situation for many years before I can achieve anything!"
"I still remember that in the early years, you were still not convinced by the emperor. You said that the battle of Luancheng was due to luck, and you won by luck, and you exaggerated the results..." Zhao Kuangzan said with a chuckle.
Zhao Siwan seemed to recall his mentality at that time, and said with a wry smile: "To be honest with you, the Emperor of Han was only a young man at that time. What role could he play in marching and fighting? He secretly thought that the army was gilded. On the other hand, the battle of Luancheng may have It was due to luck, but his determination and courage were also extraordinary. At first, he was only looked down upon because of his age.
However, in these years, under his governance, the Han Dynasty became increasingly prosperous, with strong soldiers and horses, conquering east and west, expanding territory and occupying cities, and became invincible. Although the general was proud of himself, he had to admit that Emperor Han was the master of great strategy! "
"However, such an ambitious leader is not necessarily a good thing for the king and our Yan army!" Zhao Siwan sighed.
Seeing that Zhao Kuangzan remained silent, Zhao Siwan continued: "In recent years, the imperial court has sent many officials to Youzhou, generously and without deletion, and they have all been entrusted with prefecture and county duties. There is also the Gao Fang, who has been in Youzhou for many years and has contacted There is a group of people who preach the power of the Han Emperor and the government of the imperial court all day long, and their intentions are to be punished.
The Han army in Younan also constantly wanted to explore north. Ma Quanyi of Yongqing was the Han Emperor's confidant, and Yongqing County was originally a county under our jurisdiction in Youzhou. Their forts have been built to the territory of Anci and Gu'an. The distance between the two counties and Youzhou is less than a hundred miles.
The Han army is getting stronger and stronger, and the general is worried that one day, our Yan army will be annexed by the imperial court..."
"I know the concerns of you guys. So in your opinion, how should I deal with it?" Seeing that Zhao Siwan was talking too much, Zhao Kuangzan looked at him and asked.
After hearing the question, Zhao Siwan shook her head simply: "The king's words are difficult for the general. The general is not the one who can come up with solutions!"
The voice paused, and Zhao Siwan continued: "But..."
"But what?" Zhao Kuangzan asked.
"The only one the imperial court is afraid of is the Khitan. With the threat of the Khitan, the imperial court would not dare to attack us easily. The general thought that it might be possible to try to contact the Khitan..."
"Shut up!" Before Zhao Siwan could finish speaking, he was severely scolded by Zhao Kuangzan.
At this time, Zhao Kuangzan's expression remained calm as usual, but his bright eyes were serious and intimidating. The perennial power made Zhao Siwan subconsciously keep silent.
Zhao Kuangzan pondered for a while and said solemnly: "I know, you have had some transactions with the Khitan people in the past few years, but transactions are just transactions after all. Relying on the invaders and respecting yourself will lead to death. You also said that the emperor is strong, If you try to bring Khitan to check and balance the imperial court, you will only offend its majesty and arouse its resentment!
Furthermore, we have been guarding Youzhou for many years, and the hatred between us and the Khitan has been deep. In the early years of the Qianyu period, you also emerged from the bloody battles for many years. Your reputation as General Zhao is also in the fight against the Liao cavalry. Did it spread during the fighting?
So many people died. Most of the officers and soldiers in the army had parents, brothers, and nephews who died at the hands of the Khitans. The blood feud is difficult to resolve. To move closer to the Khitan is not only betraying the imperial court, but also betraying the 20,000 Yan army soldiers..."
"The king's lesson is correct, and the general also understands, it's just a casual comment!" Seeing Zhao Kuangzan's serious and undefeated expression, Zhao Siwan decisively gave in.
Of course, from his own heart, he still disagrees. After all, in his opinion, no matter how deep the hatred is, it has been diluted and alleviated after so many years. In recent years, the transactions between the people of Youyan and the Khitans have become It can be seen that not many people would trade money with a face full of resentment.
Liao's horses, cattle, sheep, furs, medicinal materials and other goods were all profitable to the people of Youyan. In a few years, if they can continue to live a comfortable life, how many people will really remember their hatred.
Speaking of hatred, people who belong to the imperial court are promoting vigilance and hostility, openly or covertly...
After thinking about it for a while, Zhao Siwan said again: "Your Majesty, no matter what, there is one thing that I have to be vigilant about. Back then, when the Han Emperor made his first tour to the north, he promised that your Majesty would be hereditary to control Youyan forever.
However, in the past three or four years, the imperial court has continued to reduce vassals and regain power. Among all the vassals in the world, apart from the Dingnan Army, we are the only powerful vassal in Youzhou. It is bound to be a thorn in its side and it will be quickly eliminated.
It’s not because the general is being suspicious, does your Majesty think that the Han Emperor and the imperial court will really allow Youzhou to exist almost independently? "
These words finally made Zhao Kuangzan's expression change drastically, becoming serious and cautious. After a long time, he sighed: "The saying 'Yongzhen Youyan will always be hereditary but will not be replaced', but now Gu Ru is facing an abyss and is in a dilemma..."
"Your Majesty, the general is just a rough man!" Finally getting a glimpse of King Yan's thoughts, Zhao Siwan suddenly said solemnly: "I can't guarantee anything else, but in the future, if the imperial court wants to annex our Yan army, it will definitely not hold back. Let him control you! I will fight to the death to protect the king!"
