Guangde County, three hundred miles from Jinling, is located in the northwest of Hangzhou, at the junction of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. It belongs to the transition zone between mountains and riverside plains. The territory is mainly hilly, with low mountains and winding mountains, and the topography is very complex. The Southern Tang Dynasty established the Guangde Zhizhi Division here, which has always been a key pass in the defense of Wu and Yue. The two sides have always fought wars, mostly in the Su and Chang areas, also because of the terrain restrictions of this area.
It is a pity for people with lofty ideals to say that the straight-line distance between the capitals of the Southern Tang Dynasty and Wuyue is only about 400 miles. Geographically speaking, the back gardens in the southeast are each other's lips and teeth, each other's elbows and armpits, threatening each other. Under such a threat, the two sides have been able to coexist for so many years.
Under the governance of the Qian family, Wu Yue's people were prosperous and the country was prosperous, and its economy and people's livelihood had developed rapidly. However, in terms of overall strength, it was difficult to compete with the Southern Tang Dynasty. In the early years, it may have been due to the pressure from the north, but when the Central Plains was unable to look south, the south still maintained an inherent balance.
It is strange that the southeastern half of the country can be divided and divided for such a long time. During the "Three Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms" period, if we look at the South as a whole, we can see that the economy and culture were booming but the politics and military were stagnant. Regardless of Wu Yue, Southern Tang, Wang Min, or even the Southern Han Dynasty and Yang Wu, in the stage of consolidation of their political power, they all focused on easing administration, nourishing scholars, and developing people's livelihood. They seemed to have no ambitions for external expansion, and only wanted to expand the country. Make it your own final resting place.
This is probably also a political characteristic of the South.
After Jinling surrendered, news came that Guangde also surrendered. As the troops sent by Jinling came to take over the defense, the Han flag at the top of the city was more firmly planted.
At this time, there were about 10,000 troops stationed here, including a Jianghuai army, a surrender army, and a part of the Wuyue army. This time, in order to cooperate with the imperial court Pingnan, Wu Yue mobilized a total of more than 20,000 navy and army troops to provide support. Except for Lin Renzhao's surprise attack in Changzhou, which resulted in some casualties, the rest were dispersed. One is Changzhou, one is Jinling, and the other is Guangde. Accompanying the Han army to go south, there were 3,000 Wuyue soldiers who took over Guangde, and the leader was their general Shao Keqian.
The winter moon is deep, and the cold wind from the south is still chilling to the bones, but for the troops stationed in Guangde, it is nothing. Although there was no burning, killing, looting, or extortion in Pingnan this time, for the soldiers who participated in the expedition, life was very nourishing and they were well treated.
Not to mention the court's logistical supply, after arriving in Guangde, the local rewards were enough to enjoy for a long time. They had warm clothes and full food. They were also rewarded with wine and meat every now and then, and there were polo and Cuju competitions in the army. Jiangnan is indeed a good place. For many Han officers and soldiers who have experienced hard battles, there is no more comfortable and enjoyable war than this Pingnan. In this atmosphere, the Wu and Yue troops also enjoyed themselves, so that few wanted to return.
The layout of the camp was quite satisfactory. According to the regulations, no slack was spared. The atmosphere in the military camp was warm, and cheers broke out from time to time. On the school field, a fighting competition was going on. It was tense and exciting, with bruises and bruises on the face and bruises, and blood splatters on the bones, which only intensified the cheers of the audience.
As another batch of wine and meat to reward the troops was delivered, the officers and soldiers were naturally overjoyed. Because of the Winter Solstice, the entire army was preparing to celebrate the festival. Regardless of the north or the south, they all attached great importance to the Winter Solstice.
Shao Keqian was walking in the camp with a few soldiers. This was a veteran general. In terms of demeanor, compared with those heroes who were sharp-edged and brave, he was mediocre, and there was nothing special about him. However, in actual leading operations, he has a tough style and dares to fight.
Ten years ago, when the Han army conquered Huainan, the Wu and Yue troops went north to help fight in Changzhou. Shao Keqian was the general. In that battle, they were defeated by Li Hongji, King of Yan of the Southern Tang Dynasty, with many casualties. Shao Keqian's sons were all killed. On the battlefield.
Ten years later, Shao Keqian once again led Wu Yueerlang to fight with the Han army. Although there were some twists and turns under Changzhou City, overall, the progress was smooth. He went straight to Runzhou and forced the surrender of Jinling.
For Shao Keqian's military career, this is a shining point and can be remembered in history. However, along the way, his mood became heavier and heavier. Opposite Guangde is Huzhou, which was the territory of Wu and Yue at that time. However, Shao Keqian couldn't help but worry when he came near. He always had the illusion that one day, a military order would be issued for them to march to Hangzhou...
His gray beard was stained with frost and dew, and the cold wind as cold as a knife blew mercilessly on his face. Shao Keqian seemed not to notice it at all. His worried state had already attracted attention. A military officer next to him couldn't help but said: "General, the whole army is happy, why don't you see joy on your face!"
On the school field, in addition to the Northern Army, there were also many Wuyue soldiers who were proud of their courage and victory. There may be differences in customs and cultures, but there is no shortage of warriors everywhere. In the military, force is the easiest way to win respect. direct means.
Pointing to the scene in the school field, Shao Keqian said: "I see, the soldiers are already too happy to miss Shu!"
In fact, after such a long time, the Wu and Yue armies had long been subdued and controlled by the various methods of the Han army. The Wu and Yue soldiers also knew how to compare. Under the rule of Wu Yue, they rarely enjoyed such preferential treatment and glory. In addition, After witnessing the strength of the Northern Army and the promise of post-war rewards, these Wu and Yue troops basically had their hearts set on the imperial court.
For Shao Keqian, such a situation is visible in his eyes and worried on his face, but he can only keep it in his heart if he has any thoughts. The outcome after Wu Yue can be clearly seen, and because of this, Shao Keqian did not dare to do anything confrontational.
However, seeing the country that he had been loyal to for almost his whole life, seeing its demise and being unable to do anything about it, inevitably made him feel a little disturbed.
"General Shao, General Kang has prepared wine and food to entertain the generals. The last general will invite you to the banquet!" While Shao Keqian was sighing, an officer came to inform.
"I understand, I'll go later!" Shao Keqian regained his composure and replied to the visitor.
General Kang is a young general, brave and good at riding and shooting. He has rich war experience, including the Northern Expedition. His name was Kang Baoyi, and he was the son of Kang Zaiyu, the Hexi military envoy. This time, he was appointed as Quan Guangde's military envoy by Li Gu and led the army to Guangde. Shao Keqian was with him, and when he came into contact with him, he didn't dare to look down on this young Han general. One thing he said was that although he was a generation older, he really couldn't compare to Kang Baoyi when it came to war experience.
...
When the Wuyue general Shao Keqian was in Guangde and worried about the future of the Wuyue Kingdom, Qian Hongchu also faced a decision in Hangzhou and the Wuyue Palace. In the stove, the charcoal fire burned hotly and emitted a bright light. Qian Hongchu was sitting in his seat, holding a book sent by the imperial court in his hand.
He didn't look for anyone else, only Prime Minister Yuan Dezhao was found, and handed him the book. Qian Hongchu handed it to him: "Mr. Yuan, the imperial court invites me to come to Kaifeng again to celebrate the success of Pingnan. What do you think? ?”
Yuan Dezhao, a gray-bearded man with a fairy-like manner, took the book and read it carefully. After pondering the intention of the imperial edict, he sighed: "Your Majesty, this is a hint from the imperial court. Your Majesty should be careful." Go north to offer your land!”
When Qian Hongchu heard this, there was no overly surprised expression on his face, but he confirmed to Yuan Dezhao: "Does Mr. Yuan think it's time?"
Yuan Dezhao nodded and said in a sighing tone: "Your Majesty, with all due respect, this time the imperial court celebrates the victory of Pingnan, and when the emperor arrives, he accepts the land and surrenders to it, which means unification is achieved. This is the way to please the emperor and the imperial court the most. It is also the smartest choice for the future treatment of the Qian family. Now, three thousand Han soldiers are stationed on the side of Hangzhou, and most of the soldiers they send are also controlled by the imperial court. Since the king has the intention of dedicating land, there is no need to hesitate this time. Got it!"
Hearing this, Qian Hongchu's rich face also showed a little helplessness, and he said with a wry smile: "It seems that we can only follow the instructions of our ancestors!"
Within two days, when news came from the south that Liu Guangyi had led his army to station in Zhang and Quan, Jiedushi Chen Hongjin took the initiative to offer the city. After heading north to Kaifeng, Qian Hongchu had no other ideas. Soon, after discussing with Tao Gu, Qian Hongchu began to make preparations to go north. This time he was more prepared to enter the DPRK. He mobilized thirty large ships and filled them with goods and supplies as gifts.
Of course, Qian Hongchu also planned to give the most precious gift.
