Emperor Taizong's Growth Plan

Chapter 402 The reason for the cruise

The majestic and square city with tall walls stands majestically here.

The Han River flows continuously, and at this point it makes a sharp turn, bypasses the Xiangzhou City in front of us, and continues to flow southeast until it merges into the Yangtze River.

Xiangzhou City has an important terrain and is the gateway of Jiangzhou County. It is related to the security committee of Jiangcheng Mansion in the hinterland of Xia Kingdom, so it has become a battleground for military strategists.

And because Xiangzhou City faces the Han River on three sides, the artificially excavated wide moat and the towering solid city wall together constitute an easy-to-defend but difficult-to-attack location.

The Vanguard Battalion of the Yun Army under Cheng Bushi's command came all the way from Anshun County.It wasn't until under Xiangyang City that they encountered obstacles.

The vanguard battalion of the army attacked for several days, but because of the height of the city and the depth of the pond, they were hit on the head for the first time and were bleeding, so they could only temporarily retreat dozens of miles and lick their wounds.

Because the traces and bloodstains left by the war still remain on the city wall, under the afterglow of the setting sun, the isolated city is independent, and the broken flag of the Xia army is flying, showing a tragic atmosphere.

Cheng Bushi was fully in armor, and surrounded by personal guards, rode his horse to not far from Xiangzhou City.

Looking at the city surrounded by water on three sides, the city is high and the pool is deep, and the Xia army's elite garrisoned the city, Cheng didn't know it, so he couldn't help but sigh:

"If Yangping Pass is the most powerful pass in the world, then the Xiangzhou City in front of you can be called the most powerful city in the world!"

The "majestic city" in Cheng Bushi's words is obviously not referring to the majesty and vastness of Xiangzhou City, but just because of his emotion at the fact that Xiangzhou City is easy and difficult to conquer.

After the Mohists, among the hundreds of schools of thought, developed the Sanhe soil that can be quickly solidified and hardened, solid and unbreakable, and can be used to build cities, many cities in the world have been built so tall that it is difficult for ordinary people to surpass.

Surrounded by water on three sides, Xiangzhou City's unique terrain allows it to stand out among the great cities in the world and receive such praise from Cheng Bushi.

When all the cloud generals heard the words, they also looked forward and sighed.

"If we storm Xiangzhou City, I'm afraid the loss will be too great!"

"The final general thinks, why don't we leave the soldiers and horses to besiege Xiangzhou City, and then the army will continue to advance and take Jiangcheng Mansion directly?"

Cheng Buzhi heard the words, but after thinking for a moment, he slowly shook his head and said:

"Xiangzhou City is surrounded by water on three sides, and the Han River flows into the Yangtze River, leading directly to Jiangcheng Mansion. Xia Guo's navy can go up here, how can our army besiege it?"

Although the upper reaches of the Han River are now in the hands of Yunguo, there is no water vein leading directly to Yunguo, and the inland river navy cannot be dispatched.On the other hand, Xia Guo was able to freely dispatch sailors from Jiangcheng Mansion to help out.

What's the use of the so-called siege if the water veins are continuous?

When the generals heard the words, their faces sank and they looked at each other. They all gritted their teeth and came out to beg for orders:

"Since this is the case, the last general is willing to be the vanguard and lead his troops to attack!"

"The last general has always been the defender of the Chinese army. He has not made any meritorious service in the war so far. I hope the commander has mercy, and the last general will be the vanguard!"

"Marshal, the last general has the merit of ascending the Yunyang Mansion first, and is best at attacking the city walls. The last general will be the vanguard!"

The reason why the generals of the Yun army fought so hard was because they were arrogant soldiers, arrogant, fearless, and eager to win.Secondly, it is also because of the rumor that His Majesty intends to tour Jiangzhou County after the war, personally meet and reward the meritorious soldiers.

A group of generals wanted to make meritorious deeds, and were favored by His Majesty today. Naturally, they were unwilling to be left behind, and they all asked for orders to be pioneers.

At this moment, Cheng Bushi shook his head slightly, and said in a deep voice:
"There is no need to attack by force for the time being!"

Having said that, Cheng Bushi raised his hand slightly, pointing the whip in his hand diagonally to the north.

When the generals heard the words, they subconsciously looked in the direction Cheng Bushi's whip was pointing at.I saw the Han River rolling in from the north.

The generals didn't react, and looked at Cheng Bushi in confusion.

Cheng Bushi's eyes were fixed, and he said in a deep voice:
"North of the Han River, there is a small town called Fan County, which is not as deep as Chengaochi in Xiangzhou, and is heavily guarded. But once this city is captured, it will resist the reinforcements from Nanyang County in the Xia Kingdom to the north, look at Xiangzhou City across the river to the south, and set up a city along the east coast. The water village can also try to isolate the waterway of the Han River and besiege Xiangzhou, making Xiangzhou a completely isolated city. If Fancheng is captured, Xiangzhou will no longer be threatened!"

When the generals heard the words, their eyes lit up and their spirits lifted, they clasped their fists together and shouted:

"Little general, follow the order of the commander in chief!"

It's nothing but your Xiangzhou city, can't you take down a small county town in your Fan County? ——
Outside the Yuezhou Mansion, the army gathered together, the soldiers were clearly armored, and the banners covered the sky.Wu Zixu and Di Qing from Yunguo, with more than [-] troops, gathered here at this time.

Wu Zixu and Di Qing, who were dressed in armor, each led their generals forward, and when they met, they clasped their fists together.

Although Wu Zixu has a title, his official position and qualifications are not as good as Di Qing.For Di Qing, who was born in the Imperial Army and is now His Majesty's confidant, he did not dare to treat him slowly. At this time, he bowed first without saying a word, and cupped his hands and said:
"Wu Zixu, I met General Wu Xiang!"

Di Qing also hastily cupped his hands in return, saying:

"Qujing Hou Ye is famous, I have heard about it for a long time, but I dare not accept the gift!"

However, neither of them is someone who would waste time on politeness. A few simple politenesses brought the topic to the war.

Di Qing was the first to speak:

"After General An Dong captured Leizhou, he led his troops to attack Shaoyang from the coast. The Xia army was attacked by the enemy, and it was difficult to defend for a long time, so they retreated. Now Shaoyang County is all in my Dayun's hands. Now those who stand in front of my army are also There is only Yuezhou in front of me!"

Wu Zixu also nodded, and said in a deep voice:
"Our army is here, and the Xia army stationed in Yuezhou is nothing to worry about. It's just that if the Xia Guo Navy doesn't solve it, it will be difficult for our army to attack Jiangcheng Mansion."

Strictly speaking, Yuezhou's hills and basins are interspersed with each other, plains and lakes intersect with each other. Apart from the numerous water systems in the territory, it is not considered a place that is easy to defend and difficult to attack.

As for Yuezhou, the reason why Jiangzhou County is relying on it as a barrier now is because of the Dongting Lake, which is said to be [-] miles away, and the Jinling Navy of Xia Kingdom stationed here.

The existence of the Navy was fully reflected in the Battle of Wuzhou.At that time, Di Qing, who was superior in both military strength and morale, was blocked by Zimmer using the Yongjiang River, and he could not make any progress for several months.

It can be said that as long as the Jinling navy stationed here is not defeated, Yuezhou can be called impenetrable!
Di Qing nodded in agreement and said:
"The Inland River Navy has been dispatched from China. After the Battle of Nanpanjiang, our army has all the warships of the former Liguo East Road Navy. Up to now, the strength of the Navy has never been inferior to that of the Jinling Navy. We only need to wait for the Inland River Navy to arrive. Now we can officially attack!"

After Wu Zixu pondered for a moment, he turned around and said:

"Now more than [-] troops are stationed here, waiting for the navy to come, but they can't advance an inch, which really consumes a lot of food and grass. The lower officials think that the army may move..."

Hearing this, Di Qing nodded with a smile in his eyes and said:
"But I thought of going with Qu Jinghou. I don't know what Hou Ye thinks, but is it the same as this commander?"

The two looked at each other, and said in unison:
"Jiangling Mansion!"

Jiangling Mansion is located in the lower reaches of Yixian County, among Yuezhou and Xiangzhou.Attacking this place can threaten the flanks of both places at the same time.

Di Qing and Wu Zixu are both veterans of the battlefield, so they immediately thought of this important place.

After the two looked at each other, they said again in a deep voice:

"General An Dong led his troops to garrison Shaoyang to prevent the Xia army from Yuzhang County from attacking. Shaoyang County does not need to worry too much. This commander has Youzhou elite cavalry who are very good at advancing. After Jiangling is captured, they can attack Jiangling. Everywhere behind the state and county, to help the frontline army!"

"I also have experience in being good at naval warfare. I may be able to lead the navy here and defeat the Xia Kingdom Navy in Dongting Lake."

In a few words, the two have confirmed their respective responsibilities.

Di Qing led his troops to attack Jiangling Mansion. At that time, he could use Youzhou cavalry to harass the rear of Xiangzhou and Yuezhou, and even directly threaten Jiangcheng Mansion.

In history, Wu Zixu, who wrote "Water Warfare Art" and was quite good at water warfare, stayed here, waiting to lead the Inland River Navy, defeating the Xia Army Navy stationed at Dongting Lake in one fell swoop, and then captured Jiangcheng Mansion.

The two looked at each other, nodded in unison, and said loudly:

"Assist General Wu Xiang, you have to open the flag to win!"

"Qujinghou, see you at Jiangcheng Mansion!"
-
Yunguo Zhongqing City, in the Palace of Mental Cultivation.

Zhang Zhao, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, stood in the hall, bowed his head and said:

"Your Majesty, the Department of Ceremonies has completed the investigation. Gao Fang's former henchmen have all been questioned about his crimes. The quota for exemption from local government schools has also been resubmitted. Scholars from all over the world have gathered in the middle of Beijing long ago, waiting for the imperial examination to be held in the middle... …Now that it’s October, if this year’s imperial examination is not held, it cannot be postponed to next year.”

After hearing this, Xiao Cheng pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice:
"Okay, decree, the current imperial examination is scheduled to be held on October [-]th, and the rest of the ceremony will remain as usual."

"According to the order!"

Speaking of this, Zhang Zhao hesitated for a moment, but then bent down and knelt down on the ground again, bowing his head and confessing:
"I don't know who I know, which leads to Gao Fang's corruption, colluding with the officials and officials, and polluting the imperial examination system. I am so ashamed that I ask myself to resign, so that I can correct the government and the public and scare all the officials!"

This time, the Ministry of Rites really lost an adult.One of the four divisions of the Ministry, the Department of Rites and Systems, has become so corrupt, Zhang Zhao has no idea, and it is really difficult for Zhang Zhao to continue to sit in the position of Minister of Rites.

Xiao Cheng glanced at Zhang Zhao slightly, and said in a deep voice:
"This time you have indeed neglected to observe. If you don't punish me, there will be criticism from the government and the public... You will be dismissed from the post of secretary of the Ministry of Rites, and demoted to be a minister of the Ministry of Rites. You will be fined for three months. It's just that the court is short of manpower, and you are still ordered to take charge of the Ministry of Rites. Make atonement!"

Xiao Cheng knew that after this incident, Confucianism, Legalism, and Famous schools secretly mobilized people to help. Although Zhang Zhao was guilty of negligence, he really couldn't blame him entirely.

But the first fraud case in the imperial examination is not a small case, and it was not punished, and the government and the opposition criticized it.

This demotion of officials and fine of salaries is neither painful nor itchy, and it is just to silence the courtiers, which is extremely protective for Zhang Zhao.

Zhang Zhao's throat moved, his expression moved, and he knelt down on the ground again, and said loudly:
"Sir, thank Your Majesty for protecting you!"

Xiao Cheng glanced at the Goldfinger panel, sure enough, Zhang Zhaozhong's loyalty value increased by two points.

Zhang Zhao stood up slowly, restrained his emotions again, and then continued:
"Your Majesty, I have heard that your Majesty seems to have the intention of touring Jiangzhou County?"

Xiao Cheng heard the words and replied casually:
"No, in fact, I want to tour the newly attached counties in the southwest. Firstly, I want to reward and meet the meritorious soldiers, and secondly, I also want to be kind to the local people, so that they will no longer rebel and surrender completely!"

[Golden Emperor Card, Qin Shi Huang - Ying Zheng

Card skills:
Survivor of the sixth generation...

Vega Universal - 1. Martial arts, literature, physical fitness, and moral upper limit +30. 2. After the parade, the city will not rebel.During parade, the probability of being assassinated increases greatly.During the parade, there is a certain probability of getting famous ministers (the probability is related to the imperial prestige). 3. Recruiting labor does not cost gold and silver, but after each recruitment, people's hearts -3.

Sweeping Liuhe...

Parade to seek immortality - 1. Each parade, life expectancy +1 month. 2. There is a certain probability that the plot of [Looking for Immortals] will be triggered. After triggering the plot, there will be no disaster after three years. The lifespan of the emperor, concubine, prince, princess, and minister will be +1 year, and a "Heaven and Earth Longevity Pill" will be obtained. 】

Golden emperor card [Qin Shihuang] skill [Vega Universal], after the parade, the city will no longer rebel, and it is possible to find famous officials, and even pass the skill [Parade for Immortals], which may definitely trigger the fairy-seeking plot.

Although the chance of being assassinated has greatly increased, but Xiao Cheng's own force is here, and he can almost turn a blind eye.

This kind of Dika clearly made Xiao Cheng want to go out and play more!

Hearing Xiao Cheng's admission, Zhang Zhao took a deep breath, gritted his teeth and said:

"My minister has the guts to persuade Your Majesty. Your Majesty's dragon body is precious, and it is related to the stability of my Dayun. The new counties are newly attached, and there is a little confusion. There is also Jiangzhou County, which is no better than the six southwest counties. People's hearts are not in my Dayun. Even if it is taken by me, Dayun, I don't know how many villains are hidden in it."

"Your Majesty went on a parade, wouldn't you be in danger yourself?"

The corner of Xiao Cheng's mouth twitched, and he looked at Zhang Zhao helplessly.

He also remembers his kindness for defending Zhang Zhao so much. For other people, he shouldn't disturb his interest.But if you think about it carefully, Zhang Zhao has such a temperament, otherwise he would not have attracted Sun Quan's disgust in history.

"I can also be regarded as the Son of Heaven. When the country was about to be overthrown, I also personally led the army to rush to kill the enemy. The guns and arrows have come, so I am still afraid of so few assassins?"

Hearing Zhang Zhao's words, he froze for a moment, not knowing how to persuade him.

He didn't want Xiao Cheng to take risks, it was out of caution.After all, although there is a prince now, but he is not yet one year old, and the Yun Kingdom's growing power is still tied to Xiao Cheng alone.

But facing Xiao Cheng's force, Zhang Zhao didn't know how to dissuade him.

After all, it is rumored in the world that the current Emperor of Dayun Kingdom has superb martial arts, almost heavenly, and has stepped into an unprecedented realm in the martial arts world!
What kind of assassin can assassinate such an emperor under the protection of the imperial army?

Xiao Cheng shook his head and said with a light smile;

"I went to Jiangzhou County not for fun. As you said, Jiangzhou County is no different than other places, and the hearts of the people are in summer. When I go, I will be kind to the people and at the same time attract those who temporarily surrender, Bring Jiangzhou County under my Dayun rule!"

Zhang Zhao still wanted to persuade him, but facing the reasons given by Xiao Cheng, he was really powerless to refute, so he could only bow his head silently.

　I'm so amazing, it only took two and a half hours to finish writing today, I thought I was going to ask for leave again...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)