Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 761: Marshal Baochen’s Stubbornness
When the morning mist had not yet dissipated, the outline of Niaoshu Mountain appeared like ink of varying shades on the dark blue sky.

The fir forest growing along the ridge is the first to receive sunlight. The dew on the tips of the needles refracts tiny starlight. The shaken morning dew slides along the old bark into the cracks in the rocks and merges with the dark spring under the moss to form a clear stream.

Facing the morning light, the Tibetan vanguard army, with heavy infantry in front and lightly armed archers in the back, was marching on the mountain path under Niaoshu Mountain. Many people had dried dark red bloodstains on their armor, which seemed to be evidence of the previous battle.

Marching in heavy armor was indeed tiring, but Dazhalugong had received military orders not to take off his armor during the march and to be on guard against surprise attacks by the Tang army at all times.

Therefore, along the way, those armored petty nobles who were at the forefront of the Tubo vanguard army were all suffering terribly, but they did not dare to act rashly.

Li Daoyuan's "Water Classic" says: "The Wei River originates from Niaoshu Mountain, south of Weigu Pavilion, Shouyang County, Longxi."

Niaoshu Mountain is located in the central part of Gansu Province, southwest of Weiyuan City, and belongs to the northern branch of the Western Qinling Mountains. It is like a green dragon, rising and falling, winding eastward. This is the only way for Liangzhou to enter Guanzhong, and it is also the last line of defense for the Tang army against Tubo.

The Great Wall built by the Qin State during the Warring States Period is not far from here. It was built to defend against the Qiang people, but it has long been abandoned.

Ji Ge probably didn't expect that Weizhou would become the front line to defend against Tubo. Back then, the Tubo people were pinned down to the west of the Hehuang Valley. I didn't expect that after just a few years, the northwest border defense would be so lax.

Niaoshu Mountain originates from the remnant of Qinling Mountains in the southwest and reaches the Loess Plateau in Longzhong in the northeast. It stretches for hundreds of miles. It is not only the source of Weihe River, but also the watershed between Taohe River and Weihe River. There are three gullies on its main peak, which are called "Three Ditches". There are three clear springs on the mountain, called "Pinzi Spring", which is the direct source of Weihe River.

The strategic position of this place is extremely important. Dazalugong also attaches great importance to it. He sends elite troops to open the way and is determined to capture this place.

However, along the way, they didn't even see a shadow of the Tubo army.

"Stop the whole army!"

Nanang Chitojie, the commander of the Tibetan vanguard army, suddenly ordered to stop advancing.

Soon, a messenger rode a horse and galloped towards the rear of the team, shouting "All troops stop" as he ran.

The Tibetan army soon stopped.

"Surrounded by mountains, there is only one mountain road, one way in but no way out, this..."

Nanang Chitojie, who was riding on a horse, frowned and had a bad feeling in his heart.

This man was from the Nanang family of Tibet, his name was Chituojie, and he was a staunch supporter of Bon religion. He was a political ally of Dazha Lugong, so Dazha Lugong gave this pre-war mission to this man.

Chitojie was a cautious person and was good at military affairs. When he saw this scene, he thought this was a good place to bury someone and did not dare to move forward at all.

Since Tubo was a tribal serfdom, the average military quality of the Tubo nobles was much higher than that of the already pampered Tianlong people in Guanzhong.

Because those who can't fight and have no military knowledge have long been "optimized".

Just as he was hesitating whether to continue moving forward, countless flags suddenly rose up on the hillside beside him. Looking around, the mountains and plains were covered with flags as far as the eye could see. Then, on the east side of the mountain road, drums roared, and a team of elite soldiers in armor, holding shields, lined up in front and slowly advanced forward.

Chi Tojie didn't think twice and immediately ordered the front team to become the rear team and retreat directly!

He is already trapped on three sides, so why is he still fighting? He is not a fool! If he doesn't retreat, he will be encircled!
The Tibetan drums kept beating, and the Tibetan troops on the mountain road began to change their formations hastily. As if to verify Chi Tuojie's idea, the ambushers on both sides of the hillside began to throw pottery jars filled with fierce fire oil at the Tibetan troops on the mountain road.

The Tibetan vanguard army was suddenly in chaos and could no longer maintain its formation, and the troops began to retreat at an accelerated speed.

Fell into a trap!
Chi Tuojie cursed in his heart that something was wrong. In fact, he had always wondered why he had walked so far and walked along so many Tianshan roads without encountering any Tang army scouts. It turned out that they were waiting for them here!
He couldn't help but admire Dazalugong's extraordinary military vision.

Before leaving, Daza Lugong reminded me that this road was a bit dangerous, so it would be better to go through Jingchuan! Enter Guanzhong from Jingchuan.

Although the road is narrower and farther, it has the advantage of not having so many unexpected problems.

Although the name Niaoshu Mountain is vulgar, it is the source of Guanzhong culture.

Dayu, Qin Shihuang, and Cao Cao all attached great importance to this place. Weiyuan near Niaoshu Mountain has relatively abundant supplies and can be used to station troops.

Simply put, the defenders have a way to station troops and ambush here at a low cost, but the attackers have to advance through the narrow mountain roads, and once they get in, it's difficult to get out!
At that time, Chi Tuojie disagreed. He thought that Guanzhong was in chaos now, and who would have the mind to defend Weiyuan!
Now it seems that the warlords in Guanzhong may not be united, but they will still take matters concerning their own lives and property to heart.

No matter whether it was Li Baochen or Li Baoyu, no one could just watch the Tibetans enter Guanzhong! Even if they couldn't defeat them, they should struggle and jump a little!
The fire gradually grew bigger. Chi Tojie glanced at the heavy infantry who were left at the back. They had already started fighting with the sword and shield soldiers of the Tang army, and they were not even at a disadvantage for a while!
However, Chitojie did not dare to gamble with his life, nor did he care about these elite troops. He rode his horses wildly with his personal soldiers, rushed directly through the fire scene, and left those heavy infantrymen with limited mobility far behind!
As soon as the commander ran away, the Tubo army was defeated and the soldiers and horses began to trample on each other. No one escaped. The heavy infantrymen wearing heavy armor were touched by the flames and rolled on the ground in pain. The Tang army took advantage of the situation and pursued them all the way until the Tubo army broke away, and then turned back.

On the top of Niaoshu Mountain, Li Baochen looked at the thick smoke at the foot of the mountain and a scornful smile appeared on his face.

The Tubo army had only conquered Liangzhou and Lanzhou, but it was already at the end of its strength. Its supply lines were no longer as close as when it had just conquered the Hehuang Valley.

Now you actually want to enter Guanzhong alone, what are you thinking!
Being beaten is inevitable!

"Father, how do you know that the Tibetans will be defenseless?"

Li Baochen's third son, Li Weijian, asked in a low voice.

He had no doubt at all about Marshal Baochen's ability to fight.

This time, Li Baochen dared to ambush the Tubo army with only 5,000 elite soldiers. The ambushes on both sides of the mountainside were fake, just raising flags and throwing flaming oil. As the saying goes, the more skilled you are, the more courageous you are. Not every general dares to be so arrogant and use troops in this way.

"The Tibetan army commander seems to be quite familiar with the situation in Guanzhong. He must know that we are in a standoff with Li Baoyu and cannot send troops to Weiyuan.

That’s why they dare to come!”

Li Baochen waved his hand gently, with an indifferent attitude.

This person has put all his skill points into military affairs.

If there is no war, Li Baochen's influence will drop sharply. But after going to the battlefield, it is the stage for Marshal Baochen.

The Tubo army could either take the Jingchuan route or Weiyuan route, where it would be impossible not to underestimate the enemy.

This is actually gambling because there is a possibility of failure.

Fortunately, Li Baochen won the bet.

As for Jingchuan, how could Li Baochen take care of it so far away! He only occupied Fengxiang Prefecture now, so of course he couldn't take care of Jingchuan. And the Tibetans entered Guanzhong from Jingchuan, that was something Li Baoyu should worry about!

If anyone is to be beaten, it should be Li Baoyu who gets beaten!

"Father, if there are no reinforcements... Fengxiang Prefecture is not safe either."

Li Weijian said with a frown.

He was not as optimistic as Li Baochen. The Tubo army had an overwhelming advantage in manpower, and there were also troops and horses to support them later. After suffering a great loss this time, it would be difficult to ambush them next time.

The next time the Tubo army attacks, Weiyuan will not be able to be defended!
"Wei Jian, the Tibetans will not go to Weiyuan for the time being, they will enter Guanzhong from Jingchuan.

The Tibetans also need to eat and rest, and they cannot stay in Guanzhong indefinitely.

As a father, I am taking a gamble now to see whether the Tibetans can resist or we can resist.

"I don't have the ability to fight to Hexi and drive the Tibetans to the plateau. But I do have the ability to defend my own land and deal with the Tibetans."

Li Baochen said with a sigh.

The three years of cultivating immortals were not in vain, and Marshal Baochen understood some Taoist ideas. In many cases, winning or losing a battle is not the only factor. In some situations, surviving is a kind of victory.

As long as you can survive longer than your opponent, you will be the final winner.

As for the process, the process is not important. What is important is whether you can survive.

Li Baochen never thought about completely defeating the Tibetans. He just hoped that his troops would not suffer heavy losses in this storm.

If you want to play a game with Fang Qing, you must have some capital in your hand. You can't be a stray dog, right?

"You take 500 people to guard Weiyuan. If any Tibetan cavalry comes, just wipe them out. If a large group of troops comes, you should quickly retreat to Fengxiang Prefecture.

My father is going to withdraw his troops."

Li Baochen gave Li Weijian an order and then went down the mountain with his personal soldiers.

……

In the study of Kaifeng government office, Fang Chongyong invited Li Weicheng and Li Shiyu to sit down and asked the servants to serve wine.

“You’ve worked hard along the way.

The Tibetans were watching closely from the sidelines, and the military situation was changing rapidly.

If you have anything to say, just say it directly, don't be too reserved.

Come, drink first as a sign of respect."

Fang Zhongyong drank the wine in his glass and looked very enthusiastic, which was in stark contrast to his coldness when he met Li Baozhen before.

"You are so polite, so polite."

Li Shiyu was flattered and picked up the wine glass, drank the wine in the glass, and then waited quietly for what was to come.

"After streamlining the army under Li Baochen's command, they can be retained instead of being disbanded. The court can also choose not to assign generals to them."

Fang Zhongyong suddenly put away the smile on his face and said seriously, "I have to say, this condition is very generous."

"Your Majesty, we are willing to accept Li Qi as the emperor and obey your orders. I just don't know how your Majesty plans to arrange the matter of the vassalage?"

Li Shiyu asked tentatively.

Li Baochen's problem is different from Li Baoyu's.

For Li Baochen, there was no question of not surrendering to Bianzhou. Not surrendering would be like putting himself in a desperate situation, and he couldn't really surrender to Tubo, right?
Therefore, for Li Baochen and his family, where to settle down and where to serve as a military governor in the future is the key issue. It has been negotiated, and there is nothing to say about supporting Fang Chongyong and fighting against the Tibetans.

Li Shiyu was also very honest. He didn't talk about other nonsense and just asked one question: Where will Marshal Baochen be in the future?

"Li Baochen's troops are now in Fengxiang Prefecture, so they will guard Fengxiang Prefecture from now on."

Fang Zhongyong nodded, not feeling embarrassed at all.

After hearing this, Li Shiyu didn't know what to say.

Fengxiang Prefecture seems to be an important place, but... it is actually very useless.

If the Tibetans were driven away, then whether it was Hexi, Hedong, or Huainan, they would be far stronger than Fengxiang Prefecture! You could choose any of these places to settle Li Baochen's troops!

But Fengxiang Prefecture was like chicken ribs at that time, with no meat to eat but a taste to throw away.

Not only were their economic conditions very ordinary, but they could no longer benefit from Chang'an as they did before. After all, the economic center had shifted to Bianzhou, and even a blind man could see it!

Fengxiang Prefecture is the back of Chang'an. The decline of Chang'an means that Fengxiang Prefecture will also decline.

But what will happen if the Tibetans cannot be driven away?

In that case, Fengxiang Prefecture would be the front line against the Tibetans. I believe anyone who has fought in a war would understand what this means.

Fang Zhongyong's placement of Li Baochen in Fengxiang Prefecture was really a very subtle move. The key point was that Li Baochen couldn't say anything yet.

You are in Fengxiang Prefecture now, so I will settle you there. Is that reasonable?

Li Shiyu also felt it was "reasonable". Of course, it was in line with the usual habit of placing troops, but it was not in the interests of Li Baochen!
"Sir, my master has offended many people in Guanzhong over the years. If he were to settle in Fengxiang Prefecture, I'm afraid it would be..."

Li Shiyu said this with some embarrassment.

"Well, what you said makes sense.

Well then let’s put it this way, Li Baochen was a Taoist before, so he can continue to practice Taoism and pass the position of Jiedushi to his son, no matter which son it is.

Since I have already cultivated the Dao, I will no longer be involved in worldly affairs. If anyone wants to take the opportunity to take revenge in the future, I will take charge of the Li family.

In addition, if Li Baochen is willing to send troops to fight against Tubo, he will be meritorious for the country, and the court will issue a red book and iron certificate. If his descendants break the law in the future, they can be spared from death unless it is a serious crime of rebellion. "

Fang Zhongyong waved his hands, as if he didn't think Li Shiyu's problem was a big problem.

Li Baochen is serving as the military commander in Fengxiang Prefecture. Will he come into conflict with his former enemies?
Then why not just stop being a general? What's the problem? This is like a debt is cancelled after death. If anyone still causes trouble in the future, it means that they don't take the Bianzhou court seriously.

Besides, Li Baochen practiced Taoism before, so there is nothing wrong with him continuing to practice Taoism now!

Fang Zhongyong’s words made Li Shiyu not know what to say!

On the surface, these are all nonsense and are totally unworthy of being mentioned. But in fact, this is actually a kind of "compliance test" and cannot be omitted.

If Li Baochen was willing to give up his position, become a Taoist priest, and let his son take over the post, then it would be enough to prove his sincerity in surrendering.

As long as you are sincere, everything else can be discussed.

If he disagreed, it would be enough to show that the other party had other thoughts. In this case, Fang Zhongyong thought that Marshal Baochen was still not in a hurry.

It's okay not to be in a hurry, just let the Tibetans beat him and see if he is anxious.

"Sir, we have agreed to what you said. Please send troops to Guanzhong as soon as possible."

Li Weicheng, who had been silent all this time, suddenly interrupted.

Li Shiyu looked at Li Weicheng with some dissatisfaction, but did not say much, as if he agreed with the other party's statement.

"Hahahahahaha, fine, fine, that's easy to say."

Fang Chongyong was overjoyed and quickly poured wine for the two people in front of him.

(End of this chapter)