It was late at night, the stars and moon were dim, and the entire Yehu Ridge was shrouded in darkness. Only the flickering lights in the Lingkou Fortress dotted the dark night. Under the raging north wind, the military fortress was slightly deserted. Except for the soldiers who stayed to guard the troops, most of the officers and soldiers went out to defeat the Liao Dynasty.
Outside the residence where Emperor Liu stayed, the guards of Suwei were still standing there, not sheltering from the wind and cold. Especially the majestic Ouchi guards at the door, who looked like they should not be approached by strangers.
In the dim and narrow corridor, scattered lights illuminated two figures, one sitting and one standing, one still and one moving. The one who was sitting was carefree and calm, while the one who was standing was wandering around. They were Liu Xi, Duke of Jin, and Zhang Yong, cabinet bachelor and secretary.
"I'm talking to Bachelor Zhang, the good news has been passed on early, the victory has been determined, you should stop wandering around here, calm down, I think you are tired from walking, come and sit for a while!" Liu Xi looked at the people pacing back and forth. Zhang Yong said casually, and moved his buttocks to make room for him.
Zhang Yong is in his thirties. Although he looks ordinary, he is a Confucian scholar. He belongs to the old school of Confucianism. He adheres to moral theory, maintains the orthodox status of Confucianism, and disciplines himself and others. Of course, if you are just a pure Confucian minister, it will be difficult to become a close minister of Emperor Liu.
What is commendable about Zhang Yong is that while he possesses moral cultivation, he also has the talent for studying Confucian classics. This is also one of his ideological concepts. While studying the classics, he also spent a lot of energy on specific professional skills such as law, water conservancy, and farming.
Emperor Liu admired this man not only for his own talents, but more importantly, because he saw some shadows of Wang Pu and Fan Zhi in him.
Of course, this is not a perfect person. For example, as an official, he is honest and self-disciplined, but he pays too much attention to reputation. Moreover, he is too urgent in dealing with things and often finds it difficult to feel at ease when faced with emergencies.
No, when he and Liu Xi came to see him and report the military situation, it was difficult to stand upright and made him anxious while waiting. If it were someone else who made fun of him, Zhang Yong would have been dissatisfied, but facing Liu Xi, he could only show a simple smile and said: "Victory reports come frequently, I am so excited that I can't control myself. Let Your Highness." What a joke!"
Liu Xi smiled and looked at Zhang Yong, only finding this person interesting. People like Zhang Yong are not liked by his colleagues. He fulfills his official duties, has few personal friendships, and is merciless in his dealings. Others think he is stingy and laugh at him for his reputation. But in Liu Xi's view, if the big man had more people like him Officials like Zhang Yong who put their knowledge into practice are also a clear stream in the officialdom.
"Scholar Zhang is full of enthusiasm for the country, the court, and the common people, which is really admirable!" Liu Xi said flattering words.
"Your Highness is ridiculous! I don't dare to accept it! Your Majesty will not treat me as a humble minister. Your kindness is as deep as the East Sea. I dare not forget it. I can only do my best to repay the favor in case..." Zhang Yong said , and also arched his hands towards the house.
Seeing that Zhang Yong did not forget to show his gratitude to Emperor Liu in his words, Liu Xi smiled and said: "Who said that Bachelor Zhang is unkind? I think the person who said this is really ignorant."
"Your Highness is joking!"
While the two were chatting, the waiter in the room added candles to make it brighter, and soon the news spread that Emperor Liu had summoned him. When meeting Liu Xi and Zhang Yong, Emperor Liu looked like he had just woken up in a lazy manner, wearing simple clothes.
"I had a good sleep this time!" Emperor Liu sat down and slouched, smiling at the two of them.
Liu Xi: "You have been working hard these days, working hard at military affairs, and you really need a good rest to recuperate your dragon body!"
Looking at the deep night outside, the cold wind that penetrated seemed to wake up Emperor Liu a little. He shook his somewhat groggy head, looked at the two of them, and said, "Tell me, what was the result of the battle?"
As early as afternoon, when he learned that the Liao army was defeated and the victory was determined, Emperor Liu put aside his concern and paid no attention to it. He went to bed and slept peacefully, and slept until the deep night. What makes him happy is that as soon as he wakes up, he can hear the good news ahead.
Liu Xi gave the opportunity to Zhang Yong and asked him to report. Feeling grateful, Zhang Yong took out a preliminary statistics of the battle results and read in a brisk tone: "Your Majesty, so far in the battle of Yanzi City, our army has killed more than 3,000 enemies and captured more than 2,000 people. The Liao army was scattered and defeated, and the cavalry and Longjie cavalry were still pursuing them. The specific results are still to be planned, but they will definitely be more fruitful than what has been reported.
At present, most of the soldiers have returned to camp after victory and are temporarily stationed in Yanzi City. Generals Liu Dushuai and Li Du are dealing with the aftermath. General Tian Renlang pursued the enemy for more than sixty miles and killed the Liao general Han Kuangmei at Yuanyangbo in the northwest and returned.
In this battle, the Liao army collapsed, and our army won a complete victory, completely achieving our goal! "
At the end of Gu's words, Zhang Yong's voice seemed a little louder, but Emperor Liu's reaction seemed calm, as if it was no big deal. Also, compared with the brilliant achievements that Emperor Liu had experienced in the past battles, this kind of victory was really boring.
"A small victory, not enough!" Emperor Liu just raised the corner of his mouth slightly, and his tone was very aggressive, and said coldly: "Han Kuang's American army is just an appetizer, the main meal is still in Shanyang, in the clouds! If we can keep the Liao Lord and the Shanyang Liao Army behind this time, it will be a great victory!"
"What your majesty said is true! I have provoked Meng Lang!" After hearing this, Zhang Yong also recovered from his excitement and joy, adjusted his mentality, and continued: "Now, the army is temporarily resting in Yanzi City, and Generals Liu and Li have already begun to reorganize their troops. Horse. According to the plan, we will no longer pay attention to the defeated and remnant enemy. Tomorrow, we will break camp and march westward, rush to the aid of Shanyang, and encircle and annihilate the Liao army!
General Tian Renlang has already led three thousand forbidden cavalry to march westward. If nothing unexpected happens, they will be able to reach Baishuiluo in the future! "
"This Tian Renlang is also a good general!" Emperor Liu nodded and expressed his satisfaction with the arrangement. He did not hide his appreciation in his tone: "I remember that during the Qianyou Northern Expedition and the Battle of Nankou, he was able to fight with strength!"
"Exactly!" Liu Xi agreed and greeted outside. A sergeant brought in a box. Liu Xi took it and offered it: "This is sent by Liu Dushuai. The enemy general Han Kuangmei's head, Yuanyangbo After a fierce pursuit and annihilation, General Yutian’s men beheaded him!”
For Emperor Liu, this seemed to be more joyful than receiving the good news. He raised his eyebrows and stretched out his hand to signal: "Open it! I want to see what this thief looks like!"
The box containing the head was opened. Under the bright light, Emperor Liu looked at it carefully. It was face up. There was no flesh and blood on it. It had obviously been cleaned, but it was pale and sinister, which made it even more terrifying.
But Emperor Liu had never seen a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood. Instead of being frightened, he pointed at Han Kuangmei's head with interest and said with a smile: "It's just an old chief with a gray beard. It's nothing unusual. He is so loyal to the Liao Kingdom. He deserves to end up with his body and head missing!"
"Dispose of it!" Emperor Liu waved his hand and ordered, his interest quickly dissipated.
"I am going to issue an edict to Liu Tinghan and let him march westward to fight according to the plan. There is no need to ask for instructions on everything!" Emperor Liu ordered Zhang Yong.
"yes!"
"Over there in Yunzhong, the battle should have already begun!" Looking back to the west, Emperor Liu said with bright eyes, "This side of Yanzi City has made a good start. I hope that the Shanyang armies will not let me Be disappointed! If the Liao Emperor can be retained this time, then the Northern Expedition will also bring unexpected joy!"
"Dad, I have a suggestion, I hope you can adopt it!" At this time, Liu Xi said seriously.
Looking at him, Emperor Liu was a little surprised. Generally speaking, Liu Xi rarely spoke proactively, but his words were often meaningful. Expressing curiosity, Emperor Liu said: "Speak!"
"If the army marches west to fight, Yehuling will be empty, and you are no longer suitable to stay here. Although it is unlikely, if the Liao army comes from Yunnan, the imperial commander will face threats. For the best strategy, it is still possible to Please leave for now and return to Youzhou! Furthermore, the environment here in Yehuling is really rough, which is not conducive for Shenggong to recuperate..." Liu Xi explained.
After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu's expression changed slightly. Of course, it was not for his own safety. Ming Yantuo took the map of Shanyang and looked at it. He pointed out: "Our plan is based on the arrangement of the Liao army's withdrawal to the north. , what if they turn east after sensing the danger? Then is there another loophole in our troop deployment? "
Liu Xi also observed it, thought for a moment, and quickly shook his head: "Even if the Liao army is aware of it, it is difficult to get a full picture of our army's preparations and actions. In this case, retreating north is still the best choice. , I don’t know the true situation of our army. If I come east, I will be trapped in death. What I am worried about is just the remnant soldiers of the Liao army who will disturb the Holy Master!"
He nodded. Emperor Liu still agreed with Liu Xi's views. After thinking about it, he smiled and said: "I won't be scared by such doubts and shrink back to Youzhou! In this way, we can mobilize a troop of soldiers and horses to march along the Great Wall. To the south, search to the west, and if there are any remaining enemies, destroy them immediately!"
"Yes!" In this case, Liu Xi had no other opinions. It was enough to check for leaks and fill them up.
