The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 303 The Eve of the Great War
After bidding farewell to the central army, Zhu Xiu led [-] vanguard troops to march towards the outskirts of Qili.

On the way, we have to pass Liuzipo, which was the site of the decisive battle between Chigang where Yedu's army was stationed and Qili Subiao where the imperial imperial army was stationed.

Two veteran generals, He Fujin and Yao Yuanfu, had already taken the lead and led their troops to Liuzipo, surveying the terrain to select the most favorable position for the army.

Zhu Xiu's mission was to go to the suburbs of Qili to provoke and spy on the strength of the imperial imperial army. It would be best if he could lure Murong Yan out of the battle.

During the march, dozens of messengers were divided into several groups, traveling back and forth between the central army and the front army day and night to maintain contact with the vanguard army.

This is a habit that Zhu Xiu developed while leading troops in Jingzhou. Especially when marching in the wild, food, grass and baggage are the first priority, followed by the accuracy and timeliness of intelligence.

Zhu Xiu wore a set of [-]% new Mingguang armor that was temporarily remade in Chanzhou. It was also a low-end stock that was dug out from the Chanzhou treasury.

The gold-lacquered armor pieces are edged with silver and white, combined with a bright red leather belt and a red tassel. The gorgeous armor represents the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

This armor is the treasure of an unknown Jiedushi envoy. It has been sitting in the treasury for many years. If Zhu Xiu hadn't suddenly thought of getting an outfit for himself, I'm afraid this armor would have remained in the box and never seen the light of day. .

Compared with the more widely used mountain pattern armor these days, Mingguang armor, which has a cumbersome production process and is gorgeous but relatively heavy armor, has gradually been eliminated as a collectible. It is kept at home by officials and generals, and is occasionally taken out to wipe the dust. Take a look at the glory and prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

Mingguang armor is made of large pieces of plate armor, and its protection focuses on crossbows, Turkic knives and horse swords. This is also because since the Sui, Tang and Jin Dynasties, the Central Plains dynasty has frequently used foreign troops, and there have been frequent cavalry battles in Mobei and the Western Regions. Mingguang Armor The extensive use of armor has certain characteristics of the times.

The light version of the Mingguang armor that Zhu Xiu bought from the Chanzhou treasury has slightly thinner armor and more emphasis on gorgeousness. It is obviously a set of ceremonial armor worn by high-ranking generals, perhaps only for participating in major court celebrations or special events. Wear it for the occasion.

The protective power is more than enough for generals who don't need to go into battle personally, and with a little modification, it can perfectly fit Zhu Xiu's body shape.

Among the generals under Guo Wei, Wei Renpu had the responsibilities of military advisor and marching commander. He assisted Guo Wei in daily military affairs and had a great say in the decision-making of the army. Almost all civilian officials were dispatched by him.

The rest of the generals like Yao Yuanfu, He Fujin, Shi Yanchao, etc., commanded their own soldiers and horses, participated in military plans, and followed the commander's order to lead troops to fight.

Zhu Xiu's role is a bit more special. As the secretary-general, he is regarded as an important member of the military affairs department and a key member of the think tank.

But at critical moments, he can also lead the battle alone. After all, he also has two extraordinary generals, Shi Xiangwen and Pan Mei, under his command.

Zhu Xiu was not only a member of the military aristocracy who united around Guo Wei, but also a loyal adviser like Wei Renpu. Looking at the civil and military officials under Guo Wei, Zhu Xiu was the only one who had both identities.

Although Wei Renpu has a high status and is one of the most influential figures around Guo Wei, he does not have military power or his own armed force.

Zhu Xiu came in a hurry this time, and Zhang Yi's army was far away in Jingyuan, so it was impossible for him to lead the army all the way through the city gate.

However, after the commander-in-chief's meeting that night, it was decided that Zhu Xiu would lead the troops to the Qili suburb to provoke, Guo Wei readily transferred [-] soldiers and horses from the Tianxiong Army and other Yedu regiments and placed them directly under Zhu Xiu.

Zhu Xiu's reputation was not unfamiliar to the Tianxiong Army. With the Tianxiong Army's men and horses as the backing, the formation of this vanguard army was particularly smooth.

Chai Rong, who commanded the rear army to transport grain and fodder, specially sent someone with his warrant, and in front of Zhu Xiu, strictly ordered the Tianxiong Army generals transferred to Zhu Xiu's command to obey all orders of the new commander-in-chief.

With Chai Rong's strong support for his platform, and the good relationship foundation established by working briefly with the generals of the Tianxiong Army in Cangzhou, Zhu Xiu's vanguard army was successfully formed.

Wearing Mingguang armor, riding Jinshan Horse King Honghaier on his crotch, with a wild goose feather sword hanging on his waist, looking up at the red flag of the general hunting in the wind, Zhu Xiu couldn't help but feel infinite emotion in his heart.

I escaped from death in Cangzhou and went to Jingzhou by chance. I worked hard for more than three years just for this day.

If he can successfully take refuge under Uncle Guo when he raises his army and become a qualified young general, as long as he waits until Uncle Guo takes over Kaifeng, he will be able to successfully obtain the merits of Conglong, and he will definitely have a place in the credit book of the founding heroes. .

All the agencies have been exhausted, just to gain wealth and fame for today.

Throughout the ages, there is no other meritorious service that can compare with the two miraculous achievements of rescuing the driver and following the dragon.

If you include Cangzhou who helped Chai Rong defend the city and used thunder to drive back the Khitan soldiers, plus Puzhou City who offered advice to help Uncle Guo break the city, Zhu Xiu can be regarded as having achieved two great achievements.

With past merits as a foundation, and this time following Uncle Guo and Chai Rong into Kaifeng without hesitation, when the dust of the artifact dispute is settled, all the heroes will be rewarded based on their merits, and glory and wealth will be at your fingertips!
The more Zhu Xiu thought about it, the more pleased he became, and couldn't help laughing.

Hu Guangyue, who was following behind, was horrified and hurriedly rushed forward to see if the young envoy was suffering from hysteria.

Shi Xiangwen, carrying a heavy iron stick on his shoulders, strode beside Hong Boy and turned his big head to look at him with a confused expression.

Zhu Xiu also felt that she had lost her composure, so she wiped her mouth and regained her composure.

"Da Lang, how did you feel after fighting with Shi Yanchao?" Zhu Xiuxiao asked.

Shi Xiangwen scratched the shaggy yellow lion's mane and said in a dull voice: "It's nothing special. That black guy is just stronger and has a solid body, so he can withstand beatings better than ordinary people."

"Haha~ My Shi Dalang is really powerful!" Zhu Xiu extended his thumb.

Among the generals under Guo Wei's command, Shi Yanchao is definitely considered to be extraordinary in martial arts. In addition, he is born with strong muscles and bones. At the age of 40, he is in the golden stage of a general. He is quite mature in terms of ability and experience.

In terms of pure martial arts, only Silver Spear general Wang Yanchao can compare with him.

However, Wang Yanchao was younger and had not followed Guo Wei as long as Shi Yanchao. His experience was weaker in both officialdom and battlefield.

Therefore, Shi Yanchao is currently the number one general under Guo Wei's command.

Shi Xiangwen's violent beating of Shi Yanchao this time will definitely cause an uproar in the Yedu Army.

But who told the black bear spirit to provoke first and not listen to the advice? It would be better to let his memory get better.

Shi Yanchao was a naive person, but he was not a petty person, so he was not afraid of him harboring a grudge.

Even if Shi Yanchao was angry, Zhu Xiu was not afraid at all.

For Guo Wei, Shi Yanchao's role was limited to the battlefield, while Zhu Xiu was confident that his value far exceeded him.

With Uncle Guo's wisdom, he would never let his trusted generals get into irreconcilable troubles.

"Shi Dalang's battle today can be regarded as a demonstration of the majesty of our Zhangyi Army, so that others will not dare to underestimate us in the future." Hu Guangyue said with a smile.Zhu Xiu smiled slightly. After this incident, he believed that Uncle Guo and Wei Renpu would not try to trick Shi Xiangwen again.

After all, although Shi Xiangwen was said to be brave and invincible, he was an uncontrollable lion that could hurt others or himself at any time.

Wei Shusheng, a stinking scholar, was thinking about the long term and was already thinking about the division of military power after Guo Wei took over Kaifeng.

Of course, a peerless general like Shi Xiangwen is loved by everyone, so it would be better if he could be loyal to him.

If it is left in the hands of the generals of the feudal town, it may one day turn into a thunder that may explode at any time.

Fortunately, Shi Xiangwen has a confused mind and a child's heart, and Uncle Guo also has enough trust in him, otherwise he might not be able to tolerate Shi Dalang's existence.

"Send someone to notify Pan Mei and arrive at Liu Zipo in three days to be on standby. Then send someone to contact Tao Wenju and ask him to ask Marshal Chai to temporarily transport the grain and grass allocated to our vanguard army to Liu Zipo and hand it over to the old general He Fujin for safekeeping."

Zhu Xiu ordered Hu Guangyue.

Hu Guangyue wrote it down and respectfully accepted the order.

"By the way, I asked Tao Wenju to stay in the rear army and assist Chai Shuai in supervising the transportation of grain and grass. Does he have any objections?" Zhu Xiu asked.

Hu Guangyue said with a smile: "Tao Wenju couldn't wish for him to stay with Chai Shuai, so there is no way he would have any objections."

"Oh?" Zhu Xiu glanced at him and heard something behind his words, "What did Tao Wenju say to you?"

Hu Guangyue shook his head and said: "That's not true. It's just that according to my subordinates, Tao Wenju would rather stay under Chai Shuai than stay with the Young Envoy. After all, Chai Shuai's status lies there."

Zhu Xiu frowned, thoughtfully.

Hu Guangyue hesitated for a moment, then clasped his fists and said, "Young envoy, please forgive me for speaking bluntly. Tao Wenju came here from the Xue family. There was no chance of winning, so he took the risk and surrendered to the young envoy.

This kind of person has never been loyal at all. He likes to ride a donkey in search of a horse, and will do anything for his own selfish interests.

The young envoy entrusted him with important tasks regardless of past suspicions, and now he has brought him under Guo Shuai's command. However, he has no thought of repayment and only wants to cling to high branches. He is really not worthy of trust. "

Zhu Xiu smiled: "The Marshal and his son raised the rebel army in Yedu and went south. The Central Plains is turbulent. It is the time to recruit people. I recommend Tao Wenju to serve under Chai Marshal. It can be regarded as doing my small contribution to the rebel army. In the future If he wins a high position by virtue of his ability, he can be regarded as having a close relationship with my Zhangyi Army."

Hu Guangyue shook his head and smiled bitterly: "I'm afraid that some people will become pretentious and ungrateful as their official positions increase."

Zhu Xiu smiled. Since Tao Wenju surrendered, he has always been loyal, conscientious, and capable, so this time he traveled thousands of miles to help Yedu, and Zhu Xiu was willing to take him with him, firstly as a support, and secondly as a supporter. He is willing to find a job for him under Uncle Guo, so that he can take advantage of the glory of Conglong's achievements.

If, as Hu Guangyue said, Tao Wenju forgot his duty in the future, then he could only be mistaken.

"Let's go, the battle in Qilijiao is still the most important right now! Order the whole army to speed up the march and make sure to reach Liuzipo before dark!"

Zhu Xiu gave the order, whipped his riding whip and galloped forward. Hu Guangyue clapped his horse and followed closely, and Shi Xiangwen spread his legs and started to trot.

Kaifeng Imperial City, Yanfu Hall Nuan Pavilion in the harem.

A huge map of Kaifeng Mansion was hung on the wall, and officers from the Ministry of War also built a marching sand table based on the terrain near Kaifeng City.

Several swords and knives placed by Lanqi were polished by the eunuchs, and a set of extremely gorgeous dragon-patterned gold armor was hung on the armor bracket. The huge and magnificent emperor's bedroom suddenly had more military killings. Qi.

Liu Chengyou and Li Ye were surrounding the sand table, discussing the war with great interest, when a eunuch hurried over and handed over a letter sent from outside the city.

"Let me report to the official family, a letter written by the rebel minister Guo Wei has been delivered!"

Liu Chengyou and Li Ye were stunned, "Bring it quickly!"

The eunuch who was kneeling at the door of Nuan Pavilion got up, bent down and trotted forward.

Liu Chengyou snatched the letter and hastily tore it open, took out the letter, opened it, glanced at it a few times, and threw the letter to the ground angrily: "The traitor dares to say such arrogant words when he is about to die! I am so angry!"

Li Ye hurriedly rebuked the eunuch, bent down to pick up the letter, and after reading it, a cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and his eyes were filled with shock and anger.

Guo Wei urged in the letter to ask the court to quickly kidnap him and the four culprits Nie Wenjin, Guo Yunming, and Houzan to Liuzipo, and then disband the army stationed in the suburbs of Qili. After Guo Wei killed the four culprits, use their heads to commemorate Kaifeng. After the city had collected the dead who had been unjustly killed, they sent people to invite the officials out of the city to discuss the retreat of the troops, and also to comfort and reward the soldiers of Yedu.

Compared with the letter that Yantuo brought back, this letter was more sternly worded and contained a strong warning. At the end, it said, "When the soldiers of Yedu march into Kaifeng City, the officials will regret it too late!"

"Officials! Thief Guo has gone too far! When the thief is captured, he will be cut into pieces!" Li Ye roared in grief.

Liu Chengyou paced angrily with his hands behind his back, "You don't have to tell me, when the day comes when the thief is defeated, I will definitely kill the thief Guo!"

Li Ye stared at the marching sand table for a while, secretly feeling that something was wrong.

Murong Yanchao stationed troops in the seven-mile suburb, but there was no movement. Guo Wei's army formed an array in Chigang, and sent troops to Liuzipo, facing the imperial army at a distance.

If it continues to be delayed, if the war goes wrong and the court panics, there will inevitably be voices responding to Guo Wei's letter, and the officials will kidnap the four of them and send them to Guo Wei's army to apologize.

Li Ye knew very well the temperament of officials, who were mean and ungrateful, and had no affection at all. Once he thought that the court could not defeat the Yedu rebels, he would definitely have the idea of ​​​​making peace with Guo Wei.

At that time, their four heads will be bargaining chips.

There must be no hope of peace between the Guan family and Guo Wei.

Li Ye's eyes were spinning wildly. It seemed that they could only think of a way to urge Murong Yan to go out of the battle and fight the Yedu army early. The two armies fought inextricably and suffered heavy casualties. Both sides were forced to a point where there was no way out. How could their heads be saved? Keep.

"Please also ask the officials to issue a war edict as soon as possible, urging Murong Yanchao to march to Liu Zipo and fight the Yedu rebels!" Li Ye shouted with anger and fell to his knees with a thud.

Looking at the look of grief and anger on his face, without knowing it, he would have thought that he was the one whose family was destroyed.

(End of this chapter)