Since the intruders took over Luoyang, their next move has become the focus of public attention.
Mengjin County, fifty miles north of Luoyang, was still under the control of the government troops. After Zhang Cheng withdrew, Yanshi County was again captured by the Chu army, but they did not continue their eastward attack to capture Hulao Pass.
Only teams of mules, horses and donkeys carried the confiscated food and property out of the south gate of Luoyang and transported them to the old camp of thieves in Funiu Mountain via Wangchenggang. At the same time, a team of newly recruited thieves were also recruited here in Luoyang. The team headed towards the Funiu Mountains.
On December 20th, there were rumors that Chuangwang's troops were attacking Ruzhou City from all sides, trying to open up the "Wanhub" arterial road from Luoyang to Xuchang, Nanyang and Runan, and connect western and southern Henan.
On December 21st, in the afternoon, fire suddenly broke out from all sides in Prince Fu's Palace in Luoyang City. In an instant, the flames were rising, and the fire burned for several days.
At this time, Li Yan was chatting softly with his younger brother Li Cao in the study room of his mansion, and was completely unaware of the fire blazing into the sky in Prince Fu's Palace in the distance.
Li Dong had been stationed at the old camp of Desheng Village in Funiu Mountain. He came to Luoyang City last night and came to see his brother Li Yan as soon as he had lunch today.
Li Dong first asked Li Yan about the relief work in Luoyang, and then said with a confused look: "This is the fundamental plan to seize the land of Wan and Luo, control the Central Plains, and compete for the world. Why don't you come in front of King Chuang? Strive for?”
Li Yan smiled bitterly and said: "I also know that the imperial court is in decline today. The official and military forces are at the end of Qiannu. It is the right time to occupy Wan and Luo to control the Central Plains.
Unfortunately, Chuang Wang has no intention of concentrating on running one place at present, especially in Wan and Luo, and most of the generals can't forget their hometown of Shaanxi.
You and I are both natives of Henan, so it’s hard to say more! "
However, Li Dong ignored his brother's reminder and continued to ask, "You didn't talk to the military advisor and ask him to advise King Chuang?"
"Let's talk. It's a pity that Xiancai is also hesitant in his heart and refuses to seriously persuade King Chuang."
Li Tong said thoughtfully: "Since the suggestion is like this, I think there must be some truth in it."
Li Yan glanced at his younger brother and said: "In offering advice, I also saw that the veterans around King Chuang had strong local aspirations, and many of them were in favor of running Guanzhong with all their strength, so he supported my suggestion at first, but then he hesitated.
In addition, King Chuang also thought that Wan and Luo were in dilapidated condition, with ten houses and nine empty houses, and sparsely populated areas. It would not be very cost-effective to stay here now. "
Li Dong nodded slightly and said, "King Chuang's idea is not unreasonable."
Li Yan continued: "King Chuang thought it would be better to go east to the east of Henan and central Henan, and fight a few more battles to further exhaust the officers and soldiers. When the situation calms down a little, he can then start to choose a place to set up officials to manage the people. Reward planting and restoring mulberry farming.
King Chuang's view is from a military perspective, which naturally makes sense. What I'm afraid of is that if we don't take a deep-rooted strategy early, if the war is frustrated in the future, we will have no basis to retreat. What can we do? "
Li Tong thought for a while in silence, and suddenly said with a smile: "I thought carefully, King Chuang has many extraordinary qualities, and some of his actions in Luoyang are also proof. I thought that at this time, he would definitely choose a place to build the city. fundamental."
Li Yan also nodded and said: "Yes. King Chuang does have many extraordinary things, which are beyond the reach of today's heroes.
Just like after the defeat of Luoyang, he refused to live in Fu Wang's palace, did not covet enjoyment, and set an example for the generals to endure courage and sacrifice. This is quite the ambition of Liu Bang in the early Han Dynasty.
Another example is that on the evening of the 12th, when the army invaded Luoyang City, he suddenly issued an order: "After the city is broken, all current civil and military officials in Luoyang will not be killed unless they continue to lead the people to resist." '
This move is quite unexpected and rare in ancient and modern times! "
Li Dong said: "Yes. When we heard about this in the old camp of Desheng Village, we were also surprised. We all thought that King Chuang was too lenient."
Gu Liyan nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, he said to Li Cao with a heavy heart: "From now on, we must be cautious in everything we do. We must not forget that we were forced to rebel and had nowhere to hide just because of King Chuang's sincere treatment. Come to surrender to the King of Chuang."
Li Cao was surprised by his brother's serious look and tone. He quickly asked: "What happened recently? Could it be that some people say that we are not loyal and loyal to the king of Chuang and conquer the world?"
Li Yan glanced at his brother before continuing: "No one said that, it was just my negligence."
He paused and then said: "Or maybe it's not a big deal, it's just that I'm too sensitive!"
Turning around and seeing Li Cao's eager eyes, he continued: "King Chuang is open-minded and generous. It's also the time when he first came to Henan and started PepsiCo. He may not have taken this matter to heart. If it had been when the great cause was accomplished. , just this one thing might cause a big disaster for us.
I have severely scolded Ziying and the others who handled relief matters under me, and I have also scolded myself. This incident will serve as a warning forever.
Fortunately, the advice was provided by our good friend, who reminded me secretly in time. Otherwise, it would be extremely scary to continue! "
Li Dong felt even more anxious when he heard him speak like this, and hurriedly said: "Brother, what on earth is so terrible?"
Li Yan shook his head first, then sighed, and then said: "King Chuang trusted me, so he entrusted me with the relief work for the hungry people, not only in Luoyang, but also in Xin'an and Yiyang." Leave it all to me.
I should have done this carefully so that the people of Heluo could praise King Chuang even more for their survival, but I was careless on this matter!
Now, although King Chuang treats me with courtesy as usual, it is not known whether he has no grudges in his heart.
When we follow King Chuang, we are neither like Jiexuan and other generals who have lived and died with King Chuang for many years, nor like Qidong and King Chuang who met after the defeat of Tongguan Nanyuan, nor like the merits of offering advice and prophecies.
We were in a landless situation, so we came to seek help, and we relied on trust, but there was no reward. This time, the king entrusted me with the important task of providing relief to the people of Heluo, but I couldn't be careful, and almost died. Big mistake.
Of course, it is not entirely my fault that Ziying and the others only see me in their eyes, do not know the heights of the world, and do not understand the truth. More importantly, it is my fault that I was born in an eunuch family, and I am used to hearing other people's praises at home and taking them for granted.
I fail to truly understand that if we serve the king today, we are serving the king. We must not let others think that I take credit for myself and win the hearts of the people for myself. Although I did it unintentionally, if I have been a minister since ancient times, if I am not good at handling myself, I will never be able to do so. Good ending! "
Li Dong became more and more surprised when he heard this, and asked urgently: "Brother, what on earth is going on?"
Li Yan said slowly: "The thing is like this, now whether in Luoyang, Xin'an or Yiyang, the people see that I am the one doing the relief work, so they all say that Mr. Li is their great savior.
Some people don't know why, and even say that Mr. Li is King Li Chuang, and King Li Chuang is Mr. Li. I heard from Xian that these claims have spread far and wide, and are no longer limited to the Heluo area. "
Li Dong hurriedly asked, "Did King Chuang hear it?"
"Xiancai said that someone told King Chuang, and King Chuang laughed loudly without any embarrassment. Although King Chuang is very open-minded and generous, but..."
Li Cao stopped him and said: "This situation is indeed terrible. Even if King Chuang doesn't care about it, others will..."
Before Li Yan finished speaking, a soldier suddenly ran in and hurriedly reported that King Chuang had arrived. Brother Li Yan suddenly stood up and hurried out to greet him.
