The eastern border is where Chang Zhen garrisoned troops.
After the Ling army wiped out all the barbarians and established the territory, King Ling set up a county here and named it Tongping. He used a hundred thousand troops to guard the eastern border and control the strategic location.
Tang Yue has arrived in Tongping for several days. In the past few days, the two sides have held several talks on peacefully resolving the eastern border issue.
It was now morning, and in the hall, there were several tables and tables on both sides, and the two sides sat facing each other.
On Chang Zhen's side, he was the main one, plus several generals of the Spirit Army.
Tang Yue's side was similar. Sitting next to him was the civil servant Gao Xin, who was equivalent to the general's staff.
Gao Xin is also one of the counselors who has followed Xiao Yuan for a long time. He is similar to Tian Shuo and Lu Fan, but he has never performed very well, but his intelligence is still good. An errant civil servant.
The two sides have almost discussed the issue of Eastern Xinjiang in the past few days. Most of the basic issues have been resolved, and now it is finally finalized.
There were teacups on several cases. After both parties took a sip of tea, Gao Xin was the first to speak: "In view of the large number of tribes in Eastern Xinjiang and the complicated situation, our king, considering the issue of territorial stability, believes that garrisoning troops is indispensable. He has written many times. , General Chang’s contribution cannot be erased.”
His attitude was very good and his tone was respectful. When Chang Zhen heard the words, he politely replied: "Where is the responsibility? How dare you talk about credit."
"The general is too humble. Without you and a hundred thousand men to guard the eastern border, there will be no peace for the nation."
Gao Xin said, then changed the topic: "It's just that the soldiers have been guarding the border all year round. They must be very homesick. I wonder if they have the holiday to visit relatives recently."
The meaning of these words is already very clear. If Tang Yue were to say it, those who are willing to continue to serve in the army will be recruited, and those who are unwilling will be disbanded and returned to their hometowns. However, this civil servant's words are different. He is more tactful and retains some room.
When the generals of the Spiritual Army heard this, they subconsciously looked at each other and did not speak easily.
The 100,000 troops garrisoned in the East are not only border guards. They have fought many big battles in the past. Their combat power cannot be underestimated. Whether they are reorganized or disbanded, they cannot stay here anymore.
The scene was slightly silent. Tang Yue took a sip of tea, looked at Gao Xin and nodded slightly. The latter received the signal and continued: "General Chang, don't worry. Due to the complexity of Eastern Xinjiang, we will also take over the garrison immediately. No, There will be no problems.”
Now that we have reached this point, King Ling has abdicated and announced the surrender of the whole country. All the remaining counties have also announced their decision. Regardless of whether Chang Zhen is willing to relinquish military power, he can only accept it.
After a moment of silence, he had no choice but to say: "Of course, since you have asked to surrender, we will naturally obey the orders of His Highness King Qin. How can we dare to disobey."
"The general's understanding of righteousness is really a blessing to the nation." Gao Xin said: "My king has already made it clear that General Chang Zhen is a hero of peaceful reunification, that is, he will retain all titles and salaries, and grant corresponding official positions to others. I hope Generals, please return to the capital as soon as possible."
"Okay, I'll leave as soon as possible." Chang Zhen said.
Seeing that the matter was settled, Gao Xin couldn't help but look happy, and couldn't help but pick up the teacup: "I would like to replace the wine with tea, and I wish you all peace."
The issue of garrisoning troops in the east is actually not difficult to deal with. It all depends on Chang Zhen’s attitude.
Now he has already decided to submit. Before that, he had discussed with his tribe many times, and he was very clear about the military power issue of these 100,000 border troops.
Now Xiao Yuan has retained his title and given some official positions to his generals. This is actually better than they expected.
Therefore, the meeting went very smoothly, and Chang Zhen did not use the 100,000 garrison troops as a bargaining chip to threaten an official position. He knew very well that the result of doing so would only make him die miserably.
After this meeting, the next day, the 100,000 eastern garrison troops officially announced their surrender. At this point, the entire territory of Lingguo was completely recovered.
When it comes to dealing with the issue of the Ling Army, Xiao Yuan has already given clear instructions. Those who are willing to stay will be incorporated into the regular army of the Qin State, and those who are unwilling will receive their military pay and return home on their own.
After this series of actions, although the military camp was in chaos for several days, there was no trouble, because the surrender was not a secret, and everyone had been mentally prepared for it.
In the end, some of the people were disbanded and returned to their hometowns, and some of them stayed behind. Together with Tang Yue's own tens of thousands of soldiers and horses, it almost became about 100,000.
Of course, the 100,000 fused garrison is only temporary.
The issue in the Eastern Territory was resolved, and more than half a month later, Chang Zhen and several spirit generals also returned to Lingzhou.
During this period of time, after Xiao Yuan made the decision on the subsequent prefectures and counties, he did not move the official positions of those county guards. Instead, he stabilized the existing political situation and exempted the Lingguo ministers from the issue. A group of people were appointed, a group of people were killed, and they truly achieved the combination of kindness and power.
At the same time, the imperial edict ordered the soldiers in all counties to disarm.
By the time Chang Zhen and his party returned to Lingzhou, the overall situation here had basically been decided.
Spiritual Palace.
Although King Ling abdicated and surrendered, Xiao Yuan did not occupy the palace. In the battle of Qin Ling, he respected his opponent.
Even though King Ling was defeated at the beginning, he did not mobilize the garrison in the east. He even refuted the advice of his subordinates, saying that the disaster of foreigners should not spread to the Central Plains again.
At this time, Chang Zhen had already arrived and met the Spirit King immediately.
In the bedroom, the Spirit King had already fallen ill in bed. He was already suffering from physical illness, and he had been coughing up blood frequently recently. He didn't have much time left.
"His Majesty."
Chang Zhen fell to his knees, his mouth trembling and his eyes red.
On the hospital bed, the Spirit King's hair was a little messy and seemed to be much grayer, and he had no energy at all.
It can be seen that when he saw Chang Zhen, he forced himself to sit up.
Seeing this, the latter quickly stepped forward to help.
The Spirit King put a hand on his arm and asked feebly: "When did you come back?"
"I just arrived not long ago." Chang Zhen answered truthfully. Seeing the appearance of the Spirit King, he couldn't help but feel sad.
But after hearing this, King Ling's expression changed: "You mean, you didn't go to see King Qin after you returned to Lingzhou?"
"This, yes." Chang Zhen said.
"Confused!" King Ling shook his arm angrily, but the force caused him to cough, "You are now a subordinate, and King Qin is your king. You returned to the capital to report on your duties, but you did not meet the king, but came to see the old master. Whatever you want King Qin to think, you want him to think about Yang'er."
"Ah? Your Majesty, I, I just miss your Majesty too much." Chang Zhen reacted, and his expression also changed dramatically.
"Alas!" King Ling sighed heavily, closed his eyes slightly, and said slowly: "I don't have much time left. Remember, protect Lingyang well and don't do any rebellion. At least, while King Qin is still here, While you are alive, you must not have this intention."
(End of chapter)
