About sixty miles northeast of Kaifeng, on the north-south official road, a large-scale post station is located here, named Chenqiao Post. As a major transportation thoroughfare, it plays a role in the north-south transfer of government, military, business travelers, and pedestrians. In recent years, it has become increasingly prosperous and the population mobility is extremely high.
Its establishment was first proposed by Emperor Liu Chengyou. It has been 14 years now. There is a team of forbidden troops on duty all year round, with more than 30 officers and soldiers responsible for management. There are more than 100 horses and post horses. There are 185 inns, which are always full of guests. Together with Shofu-eki in the west and Eian-eki in the south, they are collectively known as the Kinki Saneki.
On the flat and wide road that extends to the north, a group of people drove quickly, led by a middle-aged military general with a thick beard and yellow skin. The coming general is Guo Tingwei, the commander-in-chief of the Jinghai Navy (upgraded from the Jingjiang Army). There are only three knights accompanying him. According to the regulations of the court, with Guo Tingwei's rank, the maximum number of retinues that can accompany him when traveling is ten.
As a reduced general, Guo Tingwei received rare respect and preferential treatment in the Han Dynasty, especially as a scarce naval talent in the north, he was promoted exceptionally. In real terms, he has been in charge of the main force of the Han Dynasty navy for nearly ten years. Over the years, he has been responsible for the construction of the Han army's navy in Laizhou and Mizhou, making the Han Dynasty's influence spread all along the coast.
Especially after the Northern Expedition, cross-sea operations made the Han's ability to attack foreign countries more three-dimensional. At first, he led 15,000 naval troops from Laizhou Bay to the north, successfully landed on the Liaodong Peninsula, fought continuously, captured several states, and displayed the military might of the Han Dynasty on that long-lost land.
Although he was later driven back by Liao general Gao Xun due to factors such as lack of troops, supplies, and popular support, he persisted for nearly three months, and was finally driven into the sea. However, there are still positive impacts. At least it has accumulated experience for cross-sea military operations, gained a true understanding of the military, geography, and folk customs in the Liaodong region, and also made Liaodong no longer the stable rear of the Liao Kingdom.
In view of this, it is said that at the suggestion of Gao Xun, who stayed in Liaoning in Tokyo, he also began to form a naval army to prepare for the invasion of the Han army. However, for the Liao State, which was poor and had no foundation for a naval army, this step was extremely difficult.
For Guo Tingwei, the failure in Liaodong was regarded as a shame, even if the emperor had already said it before, he would only try and not see the results. In terms of the results of the battle, the achievement of annihilating tens of thousands of Liao troops at the cost of losing more than 3,000 soldiers cannot be considered a failure. However, Guo Tingwei himself could not pass the test in his heart.
To sum up, the reason lies in his status as a reduced general, which forced him to invest more and put in more energy and effort in his official career. This was an invisible pressure.
Therefore, after returning to Laizhou, the first thing Guo Tingwei did was to apologize to Liu Chengyou, who was still in Youzhou, for the war in Liaodong. Of course, Liu Chengyou comforted him with good words. He also asked him to report to the imperial court and personally asked him about various situations in Liaodong. Later, he even encouraged him better to reduce his psychological pressure.
Therefore, Guo Tingwei was grateful to the emperor and wanted to make achievements in order to repay the emperor's kindness. During the three years of dormancy, he supervised the construction of sea ships in the east, replenished troops, and trained in water warfare, waiting for the opportunity.
But this time, he was summoned to Beijing. After receiving the imperial edict, he explained the military affairs and hurried westward with his entourage. Guo Tingwei was a very knowledgeable general. From the emperor's actions, he saw that the opportunity had come, and the court must have plans to conquer the Tang Dynasty. After all, when Liu Chengyou gave the order to build a navy in the East China Sea, his main goal was Jiangnan.
In his early years, he might have had some psychological barriers when it came to fighting against the Tang Dynasty, but after ten years in the Han Dynasty, he had almost forgotten all about his love for his homeland, and he did not dare to show a similar attitude again. When he first surrendered, the emperor might have appreciated his loyalty, but now, if he still remains reserved, it would be a recipe for death.
On the other hand, there are only a few small countries left in the south. Unification is imminent and the world is about to return to peace. Warriors like them have fewer and fewer opportunities to make contributions. If we don't take advantage of the final unification war to take active actions, earn merits, and have a wife and son, then the future will only become more and more bleak.
Nowadays, there are so many good generals in the Han Dynasty, but in terms of achievements, it seems that there are too many monks and too little food. In comparison, Guo Tingwei is lucky. In terms of naval operations, there is really little competition pressure.
In front of Chenqiao Post, a group of people stopped on horseback. Immediately, a post official came up to greet them. After hearing the situation and learning their identity, the clerk became even more humble, with a smile on his face that made his beard tremble slightly.
While arranging for someone to lead the horse and feed it, he served him with a shy face and enthusiastically. While leading him into the inn, he asked thoughtfully: "I don't know, general, whether you will stay overnight tonight. If so, please make arrangements in advance!"
"No need, prepare some food and wine, let us eat and drink before leaving!" Guo Tingwei ordered.
"Yes! General, please come with me!" The postman was very attentive.
Upon entering, there was a burst of hustle and bustle. The interior of this inn is just like a restaurant. It is relatively luxurious, spacious and bright. There are nearly forty food tables in the lobby alone, and most of them are occupied by people.
Those who can afford to live in the inn are not ordinary people. Of course, most of them are officials and business travelers passing by. Looking around, you can see people wearing silk brocade, and some directly wearing official uniforms.
When his group entered, he still attracted the attention of many people. Those who took the initiative to strike up a conversation were rejected by him unceremoniously. He only entered the inn to eat.
However, after sitting down and observing the surrounding scene, Guo Tingwei could not help but sigh: "The post station is full of guests, it is really a prosperous time!"
During the Southern Tang Dynasty, Guo Tingwei saw many people and experienced wars. However, he did not feel at ease, which was probably due to the influence of the dynasty's luck.
Waiting is a test of patience, especially when you are hungry and waiting for food. Guo Tingwei is very patient, but his entourage is quite unhappy. If Guo Tingwei hadn't suppressed him, he would have slapped the table and shouted.
However, at this time, a man in silk clothes and a black mantou walked up to the table and said to Guo Tingwei: "General Guo, my officials are here to invite you!"
"Huh?" Guo Tingwei flashed a look of surprise in his eyes and looked at the man. He was in his thirties. Although he was a servant, he had a calm demeanor and was obviously not an ordinary person's domestic servant.
"Dare you ask your master?" Guo Tingwei asked.
The visitor came closer, lowered his voice, and said a name. Guo Tingwei's expression suddenly became solemn. He stood up, cupped his hands, and said humbly: "Excuse me, please lead the way!"
He gave a few more instructions to his entourage, and then followed the visitor to pay homage.
"The general will meet the Duke!" After entering a quiet room and seeing the middle-aged man sitting at his desk, leisurely drinking tea, Guo Tingwei immediately stepped forward and bowed.
"General, there is no need to be polite!" Chai Rong stood up and returned the greeting with a gentle attitude. He extended his hand and said, "Please take a seat!"
That's right, the noble man in the room is none other than Chai Rong, Duke of the Han Dynasty. After recuperating for almost a year, he was in good health, so Liu Chengyou allowed him to come out and participate in government affairs. First, he served as the governor of Kaifeng for a year, and last year he was ordered to patrol the sky on behalf of the sky, and went north to inspect border affairs, which lasted nearly a year. It's been half a year and I haven't returned yet.
"We haven't seen each other for many years, but the general's demeanor remains the same!" Chai Rong looked at Guo Tingwei and gave a rare smile.
Guo Tingwei also complimented: "The Duke is also very noble, and his majesty is getting stronger day by day!"
Chai Rong's face showed no emotion at all, and he said calmly: "I am returning to the capital this time, and I will rest here for a while. I heard that the general was sitting down, so I specially invited you to talk to him!"
"This is the honor of the general!" Guo Tingwei maintained a certain degree of respect for Chai Rong.
Chai Rong's status among the officials of the Han Dynasty was very high and his power was very important. Not to mention his personal ability and the emperor's trust and respect for him, considering that he had mastered military aircraft for many years and was a relative of the emperor, these were enough to make him Most people in the world are in awe.
Speaking of which, there is still some fate and friendship between Chai Rong and Guo Tingwei. During the Huainan War, in the Huaidong area, Chai Rong, as the strategic envoy, faced the biggest and most difficult opponent Guo Tingwei. Later, Guo Tingwei's surrender was also played by Chai Rong.
This time I met here by chance, and when we talked about it, I felt a little more emotional...
The two sat opposite each other drinking tea and chatting happily. Because of Chai Rong, Guo Tingwei simply chose to stay overnight in Chenqiaoyi and go to Beijing with Chai Rong the next day.
