I will be the master of Xuande

Chapter 717 Everyone makes progress

"drink!"

In the handsome tent, Zhang Fei raised the wine prince, and then shouted loudly to Lu Bu and Zhang Xiu.

"Drink!"

Lu Bu and Zhang Xiu also raised their glasses of wine at the same time, and the three of them drank it down in one gulp.

After drinking, Zhang Fei reached out and tore off a piece of mutton from the table in front of him, put it in his mouth and chewed it.

Zhang Xiu also stretched out his hand to tear the mutton and began to feast on it.

However, Lu Bu was not in a hurry to eat, but said rather worriedly: "I didn't expect Ma Teng's army to be so tenacious. They fought several times in the past few days, but we never gained the upper hand and allowed them to wait and gain the upper hand."

Zhang Fei said while chewing the mutton: "There is nothing we can do about it. In fact, Han Sui and other thieves are quite powerful. After all, they have lived on the border for a long time and lived with knives every day. The reason why we were able to defeat them repeatedly in the previous series , mainly relying on the support of General Tao Lue and the imperial court!"

"In terms of strategy, we have indeed defeated them. But now that we have pushed them into a hurry, they have become fierce, and everyone is fighting to the death with us regardless of their own safety. Naturally, if we fight, we will get twice the result with half the effort."

Lu Bu said: "What the Protector said is indeed reasonable, but we must find a way to solve this matter."

Zhang Fei laughed when he heard this: "Fengxian, why are you so anxious again? Don't forget why we decided to come to Liangzhou in the first place!?"

"Liangzhou is always a tough nut to crack! The Han Dynasty has not solved the problem of Liangzhou for more than a hundred years. No matter how powerful you and I are, can we wipe out all these bandits in one or two years? After all, Liangzhou The world is so big!"

"To be honest, this is impossible! And even if you and I kill Ma Teng and Han Sui, other rebels will appear in this world every year, and there may be some kind of rebels the day after tomorrow. "

"Since we are destined to have wars and suppress rebellions every year, why should we rush things? The more urgent it is, the more likely things will go wrong."

What Zhang Fei said was very pertinent. After Lu Bu thought about it carefully, he realized that this was really the case.

"It's just that if we remain in such a stalemate, I don't know when we will be able to completely defeat Ma Teng and Han Sui."

Zhang Fei said slowly: "Don't be anxious, there are many things that you can't just look at for a while,"

"The battle on this battlefield is just superficial fighting, but in fact, this battle is about money and food. The people who are fighting desperately on the battlefield are our soldiers and the rebel soldiers, but the real people fighting are the imperial court and the people who secretly support Han in Liangzhou. So he rebelled against Ma Teng and others in those places."

"As long as we can cut off their roots, as time goes by, our situation in Liangzhou will become more and more favorable."

Lu Bu has very rich experience in war, but in terms of politics and economy, he is still a half-newbie. Compared with Zhang Fei, he is really different.

This time Lu Bu sincerely asked for advice: "Master Protector, please give me some advice! How can we gain an advantage in political strategy and the overall situation?"

Zhang Fei put down the mutton in his hand, and then said slowly: "The iron ore and graphite in Bingzhou have been mined in large quantities now. Compared with the graphite and iron ore in Youzhou, Bingzhou is closer to Liangzhou. In other words, it is closer to Guanzhong, and now the imperial court is moving the stones and ironware to the four eastern counties of Liangzhou, and is starting to roll out earthen houses and fire beds in the four eastern counties, imitating Xiaoyouzhou!"

"After all, Liangzhou is also a bitterly cold place, and all kinds of materials are relatively scarce."

"Especially the Qiang people in Liangzhou are not very fond of farming."

"So, like the nomads in the north, Liangzhou has been relying on animal husbandry to exchange with the Central Plains over the years, or simply hijacking the population and food in the Guanzhong area to use as its own survival."

"But that's not possible now."

"Needless to say, in the north, over the years, the main tribes of Xianbei have gradually transformed into a nation that engages in farm and animal husbandry on the grasslands by using graphite, grain, iron tools, books and other methods. They are gradually becoming Soft.”

"Now Liangzhou in the northwest is gradually becoming more and more similar to You. After Liu Jing was promoted to Hanyang County, he encouraged the local people to cultivate land, while my Liangzhou Production and Construction Corps occupied the four eastern counties of Liangzhou. "

"Both in terms of policy and military strength, they have blocked the path of the Liangzhou rebels and the northwest Qiang people who want to plunder Guanzhong."

"Now for the rebels in Liangzhou in the west, survival has become relatively difficult if they cannot plunder. However, in the east of Liangzhou, under the governance of the imperial court and encouraged by the imperial court's policies, they have become able to cultivate land. , there is food to eat.”

"With their original foundation, the rebels can persist for one or two years. However, as time goes by, their resources become increasingly scarce and they will inevitably be unable to fight. Now, both the powerful Liangzhou people and the Qiang people are facing this severe situation. question."

"Actually, it doesn't matter whether we beat them or not."

"If you join the imperial court, you will have fields, food, and benefits."

"There is also a fire kang for sleeping and coal for heating."

“There are all kinds of wrought iron that can be made into tools.”

"Who wouldn't like this kind of life?"

Having said this, Zhang Fei paused and then said: "And the key is that from now on, we big men will open up new industries and explore new people's livelihood interests in Liangzhou, and these industries and interests can only be integrated into Only the Qiang people and people under the rule of the Han Dynasty can enjoy these benefits, but those who rebel will never be able to enjoy these benefits."

Lu Bu said: "Although Dadu protects this statement, it is far-sighted... but when will it be realized?"

Zhang Fei looked at Lu Bu sternly and said, "Things that Feng Xian thought were impossible to achieve, actually, if you think about it carefully, haven't you realized that the Prime Minister has achieved them all these years? Back then, who could have imagined that Youzhou and Bingzhou would be as prosperous as they are today. ?”

"If it had been ten years ago, everyone in the world would have thought it was impossible! If Bingzhou and Youzhou have this precedent to follow, what is the possibility that Liangzhou can't do it? At least the Prime Minister can definitely do it, at least I believe it."

Zhang Fei's words greatly inspired people's hearts, especially what he said was well-founded. In the past ten years, Liu Jian has indeed done many miracles that others cannot do.

Lu Bu sat there and pondered without saying anything, while Zhang Xiu on the side said with emotion: "Others don't believe what the Great Protector said, but Zhang definitely believes it! In the hearts of young generals like me, the Prime Minister is the best in the world. The only god!"

After hearing this, Lu Bu couldn't help but be moved.

"What the Protector said is true. Who in the world today can compare with such an outstanding person as the Prime Minister? It is indeed a bit ridiculous to use ordinary people's thoughts and minds to speculate on the Prime Minister's trip."

Zhang Xiu on the side said: "Master Protector, even if the Prime Minister finally has the ability to change Liangzhou, and now our Liangzhou is prosperous, but Ma Teng is indeed a bit arrogant right now."

"His subordinates, Ma Chao and Pang De, are indeed quite capable. Whether they are in battle or commanding cavalry, they all have their own unique abilities."

"According to the Great Protector, how should we deal with them?"

Zhang Fei reached out again and picked up the mutton on the chopping board and began to tear it apart.

As he ate, he laughed and said:

"Hey! The other army thought we were going to seize Jincheng County, so they fought bravely and fought bravely. Naturally, it was difficult to resist."

"I don't think we will lose to them in a head-on fight, but there is no need to inflict such heavy damage now." "The worst we can do is sit still for the time being! Their combat power on the plains does not belong to us. There is no need to confront them head-on... In the future, we can order the soldiers of the three armies to build an earthen city to block the road from Jincheng County to Hanyang County."

"Our soldiers and horses have a steady stream of food and grass from Hanyang and Guanzhong. The food and grass for the Liangzhou rebels are all from local powerful people. Let's see who can last longer. I won't compete with them for military strength. I will compete with them for durability. force."

"What do you two think?"

Lu Bu solemnly raised his hand and said, "Everything is decided by the Grand Protector. Lu only acts according to the Grand Protector's instructions."

Zhang Xiu also said: "The junior official is just a junior, and he should obey the general's orders in all matters!"

……

The next day, Zhang Fei began to build an earth city on the spot.

He blocked the main road from Jincheng County to Hanyang County and prevented Ma Teng's army from harassing Liu Biao in Hanyang County.

It was winter at this time, and the local soil was relatively loose, so it could only be reinforced by pouring water. Hebei's strong bows and Tucheng were able to defend against the spears and fierce horses of the rebels under Ma Teng and Han Sui.

And just as Zhang Fei expected, Ma Teng and Han Sui are relying on a surge of vigor, but it cannot last long.

As Zhang Fei set up camp on the road and did not go out to fight the opponent head-on, the morale of Ma Teng's army began to gradually weaken, and their momentum was not as strong as it was at the beginning.

Mainly because of generals such as Ma Chao or Pang De, Ma Tie, and Ma Dai. When they came to Tucheng to invite a battle, Zhang Fei ignored them at all, but once they got close to Tucheng, Hebei's long spears and hard crossbows began to fire at them continuously, forcing them to retreat.

The Xiliang rebels are indeed a powerful fighting force on the plains.

However, it is somewhat inferior in terms of siege, especially the armor coverage rate of the Xiliang rebels is not that high. Once they attack Tucheng, they will directly face Hebei's strong bows and crossbows, and the damage they will suffer will still be considerable. of.

Therefore, with no other choice, Ma Teng could only ask Pang De, Ma Chao, Ma Tie and others to lead troops to Tucheng every day to yell and curse. Anyway, it was as unpleasant as possible. I hope Zhang Fei could not bear it and sent troops. Come out and fight him.

The problem is, Zhang Fei is now well versed in Taoist strategy, how can he be seduced by such little tricks?

No matter how much Ma Chao, Pang De and others yelled and cursed, Zhang Fei just ignored them.

In Zhang Fei's view, it is winter now, and the weather in the northwest is cold. Even the Xiliang rebels are locals, but they must fight every day in this cold weather, both mentally and physically. Significant wear and tear.

Within the city, Zhang Fei entertained his soldiers with delicious food and drinks every day, and allowed the soldiers to practice with peace of mind, completely ignoring what was going on outside the window.

In this case, Ma Teng's army really had no way to deal with Zhang Fei.

Later, Pound advised Ma Teng that he wanted to lead a partial army to hijack Zhang Fei's grain road from Hanyang County to here. Ma Teng also agreed. The problem was that Zhang Fei had already planned this little trick. Be aware of it. He asked Lu Bu's men Hao Meng and Hou Cheng to ambush in Wushan, and at the same time he asked Zhang He, who was in charge of the overall situation in Longxi County, to secretly lead a troop to teach Pang De directly.

Pang De was not very old. Although he was capable and strategic, he was still a young general. He thought he was brave and invincible and proficient in battle formations, so he dared to underestimate the heroes of the Central Plains. This time Zhang He taught him a lesson.

During the process of hijacking the grain road, Pang De was ambushed and at the same time attacked from the south by Zhang He's army. Although there was no excessive loss, he also lost his sharpness.

With his bravery, he led his troops to open a way out of the rebel army, killing more than ten people in a row, but it had no impact on the overall situation. The final victors were Zhang He, Hou Cheng, Hao Meng and others.

Pound returned defeated, and Ma Teng had no choice but to suppress his anxiety and spend time with Zhang Fei here.

At the same time, he sent someone to Jincheng County to urge Han Sui to send him food and grass.

However, Han Sui was also in a very difficult position regarding food and grass matters.

Jincheng County, Jiuquan, and Zhangye, who had previously supported the rebels, now began to hesitate.

After all, Zhang Fei and Liu Biao's growth momentum in Liangzhou was so strong, and now the people in the four eastern counties of Liangzhou are living very well, and the trade road from the east to the west, as well as the road of plunder, have been blocked by Zhang Fei and Liu Biao were completely sealed off, and these families could not get any decent benefits in the four eastern counties and Guanzhong.

For the local tyrants in the west, this is really unacceptable.

After all, the reason why they supported the rebels back then was just because of the benefits.

They won't do anything that doesn't benefit them and makes them waste their money and food.

No profit!

The local heroes hesitated in their hearts, but they could not directly cut off Han Sui's food and grass. After all, they had supported these rebels for so many years. The rebels looted from Guanzhong, which gave them a lot of material benefits, and all the rebels were wiped out at once. They are unwilling to give up.

Therefore, these right-wingers just gave the rebels a little bit of food so that they could barely survive.

It won't break up, but it won't cost these powerful people too much.

As for the rest of the matter, everyone in the western part of Liangzhou wants to take it one step at a time.

They can take one step at a time, but Han Sui can't!

They were local right-wingers, and at worst they would think of the imperial court at critical moments to keep their families safe. However, Han Sui was a veritable rebellious leader, and the imperial court would not be able to give him a peace order easily.

The rebels are Han Sui's life and must not be dispersed!

……

At noon that day, Liu Jian, escorted by more than a thousand personal guards, rode a chariot outside Luyang County.

After learning that Liu Jian had arrived in Luyang, the frontline generals in the Han army's camp came outside the camp to welcome Liu Jian's arrival.

During this period, various departments of the Han army have been pursuing Yuan Shao's army.

No matter how Yuan Shao divided his troops, Liu Jian's five-pronged pursuit army and one-pronged supporting troops were still pursuing them.

It can be said that Yuan Shao lost his troops and generals.

But no matter what, Yuan Shao's troops finally arrived at the county seat of Nanyang County.

Five groups of troops also approached the main city of Nanyang County.

In Luyang, the temporary commander of the army was Zhang Liao.

At dawn today, Zhang Liao directed the Han army to repair the barracks.

On the one hand, he began to assign Sima, the captain of various ministries, to lead his troops to build siege equipment and prepare to go south to this important town at the junction of Nanyang and Sizhou.

(End of this chapter)