Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 692: Condemning the people and punishing them
After the war, many diseases broke out. The corpses on the battlefield would attract scavengers and pollute nearby water sources. Since Li Baochen had defeated the Konghe Army, he naturally could not leave the corpses everywhere exposed in the wilderness.

So after occupying the unmanned Luoyang City, he ordered the burial of those who died in the battle around Luoyang on the spot, posted notices to reassure the people, and cleaned up the mess.

During this period, Li Baochen was very alert to the developments in Bianzhou. However, after waiting for a long time and seeing no one showing up to "take advantage of the situation", he finally felt relieved.

Three orders were issued in succession.

The first step was to select eloquent men from the army to go to the wealthy families in Luoyang City to ask for military pay. Those who gave money would hang a Tai Chi Bagua diagram on the lintel of the gate, and Li Baochen's troops would never invade.

As for how much to give, so many soldiers died this time, all for the protection of Luoyang, wouldn't it be inappropriate to shed some more blood?

If you don’t give money, haha, Marshal Baochen won’t force you.

Anyway, the world is so chaotic now, those who understand will understand, right?
The second order was to send people to Chang'an to report the achievements and gain more support.

Back then, the Konghe Army dealt a heavy blow to the Tianlong people in Chang'an. Now that Marshal Baochen has wiped out the Konghe Army, it can be said that this incident has put an end to that year.

These Tianlong people owed him a huge favor, so when Marshal Baochen returned to Guanzhong in the future, his words would naturally carry more weight. In other words, in the eyes of the Tianlong people in Guanzhong, Marshal Baochen was now on their side.

People like Fang Chongyong, who were staunch defenders of the Tang Dynasty’s interests during Ji Ge’s era, have now become traitors.

The third order was that the army would rest in Luoyang for three days and then indulge themselves!
Set up a buffet and eat as much as you can as long as you don’t die.

Let the wealthy families in Luoyang provide some female slaves to entertain the soldiers. Of course, it would be even better if the noble ladies of the noble families were willing to come to the military camp to entertain the soldiers. Although Marshal Baochen himself did not play with them, he opened it up to the brothers to play with, the more the better.

Not only did he eat, drink and play with women, but he also distributed the looted money on the spot!

This time, Li Baochen had betrayed many people in order to win the Konghe Army, and even his trusted confidant Wang Wujun was betrayed. The army was full of complaints. As long as there was a spark, a mutiny was likely to break out.

Now that the battle was won, General Baochen had gained his own political interests and the city of Luoyang, and naturally the welfare of his brothers was indispensable. The looted money did not need to be sent back to Chang'an, let alone handed over to the damn court, it could be divided directly!

In short, just one word: awesome!

After defeating An Shouzhong and Li Huaiguang in one fell swoop, Marshal Baochen's prestige reached its peak and he was credited as a great contributor to the "revival" of the Tang Dynasty.

The soldiers were delighted to return, and everyone had a smile on their face.

As for Fang Qing, Li Baochen felt that he would be happy if he could get some money from Bohai State by reaching out to him. As for Luoyang, he was out of reach and didn't have such a big appetite to eat it.

Li Baochen felt that Fang Qing's biggest mistake this time was to "shoot" the arrow in advance. No matter how careless he was, he should not have appeared in public in Dengzhou.

He showed up in Dengzhou and staged a martial arts show in which dozens of people were killed and hundreds were injured. Everyone knew that the main force of the Bianzhou army had moved eastward to attack the Bohai Kingdom, and it would be impossible for them to return to Bianzhou without one or two months.

It was because Li Baochen saw that the opponent's moves were already old that he dared to concentrate on dealing with the Crane Control Army. Otherwise, when he attacked, Bianzhou also attacked, wouldn't that be a disaster?
Inside the Mingtang of the Luoyang Imperial Palace, Li Baochen sat on the dragon throne with light overhead and felt more and more the wonder of this building.

This was the only spot in the hall where sunlight was shining directly on me, the rest of the place was dark.

This ingenious design was specially designed by a craftsman in order for Wu Meiniang to show her so-called "divinity".

Every time the emperor went to court, the dragon throne was open and the sun could shine directly down. However, there was no direct sunlight in other places in the hall, so the person sitting on the dragon throne looked like a "god" who needed to be worshipped.

It has to be said that the ancients were not stupid at all. They were very good at playing, had very active minds, and would do anything to achieve their goals.

"How about it? Your sword is still sharp as ever, and it will be easy for me to kill the crane."

Li Baochen was very proud and boasted to his eldest son Li Weichen who was standing beside him.

"My father is a military genius. I can never catch up with him."

Li Weicheng complimented him, but he complained in his heart: The price was a bit high, the number of people who died on his side was more than twice that of the Konghe Army! No matter how you look at it, it was a tragic victory, how can it be called "easy as pie"?

However, he is usually very well-mannered, so naturally he would not open his mouth to refute at this time.

"That shouldn't be the case. If Bianzhou wants to take action, it's time to do so now. When our army first entered Luoyang, it was also the weakest time. Why didn't they take action?
If Fang Qing is really in Dengzhou, does he really not care about what’s happening in Luoyang?”

Li Baochen suddenly started talking to himself, puzzled.

He could never believe that Fang Qing would ignore such an important war that would decide the fate of the Central Plains!
Are the interests of the Bohai Kingdom really that great?
Even if he was in Dengzhou, he should be back after so many days. The waterway from Dengzhou to Bianzhou was not as far as imagined, and it could be reached in two days at most, or even shorter.

"Father, the situation has been decided now. Even if Fang Qing wants to take action, it's too late.

I could only give up and watch from the sidelines.

Even if he was unwilling, what could he do? He already had no chance! What else could he do?
There are still troops in Guanzhong that haven't moved yet. We are not alone!"

Li Weicheng explained.

Li Baochen thought about it and found that it was true. The current situation was a bit like Taizong's defeat of Wang Shichong and occupation of Luoyang, and was about to sweep the world.

The pseudo-imperial court in Bianzhou is nothing more than a bigger fat sheep.

"Fang Qing had several opportunities to join the game. The first time was when the Control Crane Army defeated An Shouzhong, the second time was when we had a decisive battle with the Control Crane Army, and the third time was when we had just entered Luoyang after the victory and had not yet established a firm foothold.

In the end, nothing happened.”

Li Baochen thought about it and couldn't see any chance for the other party.

Do it now? Fang Qing, give it a try!
If we take action now, we will risk our lives. What's the point of such a fight?
"Father, rest assured. After this battle, the powerful people in Guanzhong have returned to their hearts. Your weight in the court has become even greater."

Li Weicheng persuaded.

Li Baochen nodded. The political benefit of this war did not lie in how much property was seized or how many people were killed.

The first is to "recover" Luoyang, which has great symbolic significance.

In the minds of the Guanzhong Tianlong people, Luoyang is regarded as a "secondary capital" and an extension of Chang'an.

This concept was not proposed by the Tianlong people in Guanzhong. It has existed as early as the Western Zhou Dynasty.

The second is to annihilate the Konghe Army and thus occupy the so-called "righteousness".

The Konghe Army killed the Tianlong people in Guanzhong, and they were the rebel army. And the one who dealt with the rebel army was the "king's army". From then on, Li Baochen got rid of the dark historical burden of starting a rebellion.

Li Baochen gained huge political benefits from this battle!

"Maybe it's God's will for my father. Over the years, I have always felt that man's plans are not as good as God's plans, and God's will cannot be violated.

People like Li Huaiguang and Fang Qing are going against the will of heaven. Heaven's will is not on them."

Li Baochen waved his hand calmly and said, now that he is a half-goddess, he also speaks in a set of ways. The time he spent cultivating immortals in the past two years has not been wasted.

After winning this battle, Li Baochen's feeling of "God's will" became even stronger.

Where some are happy, others are worried.

Compared with the "joyful" atmosphere in Luoyang, the Bianzhou government office seemed a bit depressing.

Anything that happened west of Luoyang would be sent to Kaifeng County and to Che Guangqian's desk as soon as possible by special scouts.

They knew everything that happened, and they even had time to send troops to rescue Li Huaiguang!
But Che Guangqian was more patient than Li Baochen. On the day Li Baochen entered Luoyang, he firmly held down the eager Yan Zhuang and did not allow him to interfere.

After being suppressed for a few days, Yan Zhuang finally exploded that day!
"Marshal Che, you are confused!"

In the government office's study, Yan Zhuang shouted in great sorrow.

Seeing Che Guangqian's calm face, Yan Zhuang continued, "It would have been fine if you didn't send troops earlier. Since there was a good opportunity, why not send troops? Li Baochen won a tragic victory and just entered Luoyang. Killing him is like killing a pig, isn't it?"

Yan Zhuang was already filled with anger.

His thoughts were actually changing. Before, he thought it was better not to get involved in the chaos because he didn't see any opportunities.

Later, when he had a chance, he was about to take action, but Che Guangqian held down his claws.

This can't be tolerated!

"Minister Yan, you are also a well-read person. May I ask if you have ever heard of the term 'punishing the guilty by punishing the guilty'?"

Che Guangqian raised the letter in her hand to Yan Zhuang.

To punish the people?

Yan Zhuang was stunned and didn't understand what Che Guangqian meant.

Seeing that he didn't understand, Che Guangqian emphasized, "Minister Yan, a royal army should act like a royal army. We are sending out righteous troops to fight against the unjust. We must put on enough drama. We can't skip it. Look, isn't the opportunity here?"

Yan Zhuang rushed over, grabbed the letter, unfolded it, and his frown immediately relaxed.

"Great! Marshal Che is very far-sighted. The government really did not make a mistake in choosing him."

Yan Zhuang punched the air excitedly. He instantly understood Che Guangqian's plan.

This is a letter from the Xue family who lives in Luoyang. The Xue family has produced many provincial governors in this generation, all of whom are named "Xue × Tong" and have several brothers.

The person who wrote the letter was called Xue Qitong. He had worked as a director of the Dali Temple during the reign of Ji Ge, and was later sent as a governor. He had extensive connections.

Xue Qitong said in the letter that Li Baochen's army had committed all kinds of evil in Luoyang, such as burning, killing, looting and committing all kinds of atrocities, and was no different from bandits. He and his family, as well as many "knowledgeable people" in Luoyang, were willing to serve as pioneers for the royal army in Bianzhou.

Please ask the royal army to march into Luoyang as soon as possible and restore peace to the people of Luoyang.

Of course, these are just official words.

Actually, the translation means: Li Baochen has almost emptied our house, please save the children.

What does it mean to punish the criminals and comfort the people?

This is what it means to punish the criminals!
Che Guangqian was born into a scholar family, not just a soldier. His understanding of the current situation is completely different from that of Li Huaiguang and others.

"Che is still waiting for someone. Judging from the time, he should be here soon."

Che Guangqian smiled at Yan Zhuang.

"Hey, Marshal Che obviously has an idea, why didn't you tell me earlier!"

Yan Zhuang complained with a sigh of relief.

"Che only speculated that Li Baochen would burn, kill and loot in Luoyang, but what if he held back? That's why I dare not tell you in advance. I hope Minister Yan will forgive me.

I dare not neglect the things that the government has entrusted me with, and I must make sure that I can make the final decision."

Che Guangqian saluted Yan Zhuang and said.

At this time, Zhang Guangsheng walked in. Seeing Che Guangqian, his expression was a little complicated. He stepped forward and whispered, "General Che, Liu Longxian from Yecheng is here to ask for an audience."

Hearing this, Che Guangqian could no longer suppress the indifferent expression on her face, and hurriedly said to Zhang Guangsheng: "Hurry up and invite him in!"

After Zhang Guangsheng left, Che Guangqian showed a happy expression and said to Yan Zhuang, "It's done!"

done?

Yan Zhuang nodded silently, waiting to see what would happen next.

Soon, Liu Longxian, who had been to Bianzhou many times, stepped forward and clasped his fists to Che Guangqian and said, "General Che, General Li has led his troops to Gongcheng in the southwest of Xiangzhou. As long as you give the order, we will send troops to Huaizhou and penetrate the three cities of Heyang!"

"Okay! Follow the plan! After the matter is accomplished, the emperor will appoint you as the governor of Huaizhou and the defense commander of the three cities of Heyang!"

Che Guangqian walked over, patted Liu Longxian on the shoulder and said.

"The last general dares to die if he refuses to obey!"

Liu Longxian was very excited. After this battle, he could also establish his own government and a festival!

"Go ahead, there's no time to lose, leave now!"

Che Guangqian said solemnly, then wrote a personal letter and gave Xue Qitong's letter to Liu Longxian, asking him to take it back and show it to Li Guiren.

After Liu Longxian left, Che Guangqian said to Yan Zhuang: "When a large army goes to war, how can it be without a small army? This time, Li Guiren will be our small army."

"Uh, can Li Guiren, who is so two-faced, be trusted?"

Yan Zhuang asked with a look of surprise, he knew very well the moral character of these Hebei military governors.

Che Guangqian sighed, "If it were in the past, Li Guiren might have disdained Che's proposal. But after Li Baochen left Guanzhong, he drove away the tiger and devoured the wolf, An Shouzhong died, and the Control Crane Army was broken. Li Guiren saw that his kind had ended up like this. How could he still sit still when the rabbit died and the fox mourned?"

Hearing this, Yan Zhuang nodded silently. This truth is easy to be overlooked, but it is so simple that it cannot be simpler.

When Li Guiren saw that An Shouzhong and Li Huaiguang were both dead, how could he not be afraid of Li Baochen!

The Bianzhou court had been well-behaved on the south bank of the Yellow River for several years and was still the powerful force to which he nominally belonged. Li Guiren was obviously more worried about Li Baochen.

Now Che Guangqian proposed that the two families attack Li Baochen together, and the land on the north bank of the Yellow River would all belong to his confidant Liu Longxian, who would establish a government and establish a festival.

At this time, what choice can Li Guiren make?
If he did not send troops, his relationship with Liu Longxian would be broken. It would obviously be impossible for him to expect Liu Longxian to be on the same side with him as before.

Furthermore, Li Baochen was a great threat, but if he wanted to expand his territory, it would be unwise to attack Bianzhou. The Bianzhou court governed dozens of states and was very powerful.

Li Guiren only controlled Xiangzhou and Weizhou, and only Xiangzhou had a solid foundation.

It's clear who the soft persimmon is.

This wave can be regarded as the self-rescue of the weak.

If we really have to blame someone, we should blame Li Baochen for being too strong and scaring off the small warlords around Luoyang.

In fact, not only Li Guiren was willing to cooperate, but even Tian Qianzhen in Mingzhou took the initiative to contact him, expressing his willingness to contribute his "little bit of strength."

It’s just that Mingzhou is too far away and Che Guangqian felt it was inconvenient, so she didn’t accept it.

Now that everything is ready, it all depends on whether Li Baochen has the ability to fight two people at once.

Che Guangqian sneered, handed a military order to Yan Zhuang and said, "Minister Yan, take a look first. If you think it's okay, hand it over to Li Quan of the Privy Council for execution. Haven't the remnants of the Control Crane Army been howling in the camp? Let them take the lead this time!"

Yan Zhuang took the order and nodded solemnly. Once this order was passed down, it could never be withdrawn.

He and Che Guangqian both understood the dangers of war.

"Has Marshal Che made his decision?" Yan Zhuang asked softly.

"Che's life, property and career prospects depend on this battle.

We have done everything we can. As the saying goes, man proposes, God disposes. If Li Baochen escapes in the end, it is God's will, and Che has nothing to say. "

Che Guangqian sighed and said.

(End of this chapter)