The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 531 The weather was unfavorable, and it was not a fault of war

Chai Rong looked around at the crowd and tried his best to cheer himself up so as not to look too tired.

"My lords, I have just received two pieces of good news. One is that Wei Wang Fu Yanqing and Shi Yanchao have blocked the Khitan people from Tangjiao County. King Yelu Talie of the Khitan South Academy led an army to garrison at Xinkou to confront our army. At present, the Khitans do not dare to attack rashly.

The second is that Zheng Chuqian, the defense envoy of Daizhou, wrote a secret letter to vote, expressing his willingness to lead the soldiers and civilians of Daizhou to surrender.

I ordered Zheng Chuqian to be the envoy of the Jingsai Army and stationed in Daizhou to coordinate with King Wei's army from the north to the south and cut off the Khitan people's retreat. "

Chai Rong held up a blood-stained letter and ordered everyone to circulate it in turn.

"With Zheng Chuqian leading the Daizhou Army to block Yanmen Pass, King Wei and Shi Yanchao will have the opportunity to break through Xinkou and defeat the Khitan!

This time, if we can defeat Yelu Talie in one fell swoop, our military power will be greatly enhanced! "

Chai Rong's eyes were piercing, and his voice couldn't hide his excitement.

In his opinion, this is a rare opportunity to defeat the Khitans!

Everyone was overjoyed after reading Zheng Chuqian's secret letter of surrender. If the Daizhou Army could cooperate with Fu Yanqing and Shi Yanchao's East Route Army from north to south, they might have a chance to eat up this Khitan army that went south to rescue the Northern Han!
The battle in Taiyuan was not progressing smoothly due to weather conditions, and the generals could not help but feel overwhelmed.

The good news from Daizhou was like a shot in the arm, re-invigorating the morale of the generals.

Zhu Xiu did not read the secret letter. He had already received the news of Zheng Chuqian's surrender long before Chai Rong received the secret letter through Wu Desi.

Si Yanping, deputy commander of the Zangfeng Battalion and deputy envoy of the Anti-Security Department, has been operating in Taiyuan for many years and has long established a strong intelligence network in the Hedong and Yunshuo areas. Even the Wude Division is far inferior.

As the Wude Secretary, secretly supported by intelligence from the Zangfeng Battalion and the Police Department, coupled with his familiarity with the historical context and the absolute advantage of foresight, Zhu Xiu dared to say that no one in the world could understand Zhou better than him. The current situation of the army.

As the emperor of the Zhou Dynasty, Chai Rong could only see the tip of the iceberg of the overall direction.

Zhu Xiu didn't dare to tell the whole story, but the overall development of the situation was not what he expected.

This is also his biggest advantage as Chai Rong's top adviser.

In the imperial tent, everyone looked happy after reading Zheng Chuqian's secret letter, but Zhu Xiu frowned and remained silent.

Li Chongjin laughed and said: "It's not painful enough for the Khitan to break a Yelv enemy. Yelu Talie dared to lead his army into Yanmen Pass. It's just the right time for Zheng Chuqian to surrender. Cooperate with our army to beat the dog behind closed doors. If we can capture and kill Nan The King of the Academy will definitely inflict heavy damage on the Khitan people!"

Immediately, Li Chongjin said with envy: "It's a pity that such a good job fell on King Wei and Shi Yanchao. I, Old Li, would like to be that dog-beating stick and teach the Khitan bastards a lesson!"

The generals laughed, and Chai Rong also smiled and said a few words of relief, but he saw that Zhu Xiu remained silent and his expression was not good-looking, which was incompatible with the warm atmosphere in the imperial tent.

"Zhu Xiu, if you have any opinion, it doesn't matter!" Chai Rong said with a smile.

Zhu Xiu pondered for a moment, then raised his hands and sighed: "Your Majesty, Rong Chen tells the truth, the current situation is not optimistic, and it is not our army's turn to relax our vigilance!"

Zhu Xiu glanced at the crowd, all eyes focused on him, and said with a wry smile: "It's too early for you generals to be happy."

All the generals were stunned, and Li Chongjin said carelessly: "Are you too nervous? Even if the siege of Taiyuan does not go smoothly, if the East Route Army can defeat Yelu Talie at Xinkou, it will be a great achievement, which will be enough for our army. Return in triumph!"

All the generals nodded. Choose one of Taiyuan City and Yelu Talie's army. The Zhou army must kill one of them to be worthy of the battle of Hedong.

Judging from the current situation, Taiyuan City will be difficult to break in a short time, and the only hope is to focus on the Eastern Route Army.

If Zheng Chuqian and the East Route Army cooperate tacitly, it is entirely possible to attack Yelu Talie stationed at Xinkou from the north and the south.

Zhe Deke, who was sitting under Zhao Kuangyin, was thoughtful. What Zhu Xiu said was what he wanted to say.

It's just that the atmosphere in the imperial tent was lively just now. His Majesty and the generals were all excited about the news about Daizhou. He had just arrived, so he couldn't throw cold water on it and dampened the interest of the emperor and his colleagues.

The Zhe family has dealt with the Khitan people for several generations. In terms of understanding of the Khitan people, there is probably no one in the world who can compare with the Zhe family.

Zhe Deke knew very well what kind of person Yelu Talie was.

That was a figure who could hold up half of the sky of the Liao Kingdom.

When Yelu Ruan, Shizong of the Liao Dynasty, was assassinated in Huoshenshan, the upper class Khitan nobility fell into a state of fragmentation.

At that time, Yelu Talie was still serving as a tribal commander in Liaodong, equivalent to a military envoy, managing some branch tribes that were dependent on Khitan.

After learning that the Lord of Liao was dead, Yelu Talie decisively sought refuge with Yelu Jing, the eldest son of Emperor Taizong Yelu Deguang. He gathered troops and horses in eastern Liaodong and followed Yelu Jing to kill Yelu Chagang, who had rebelled against the emperor. He put down many noble rebellions and ensured that Yelu Jing could ascend to the throne of God. bit.

Because of this, Yelu Talie was deeply trusted by Yelv Jing and became the king of the South Academy. He was in charge of the troops and horses of the Six Ministries of Khitan and became one of the most powerful figures in Khitan.

This man had an excellent reputation among the Khitan nobles, and the leaders of various ministries spoke highly of him, calling him highly respected.

Such a man personally led an army south to rescue Liu Chong of the Northern Han Dynasty, which was completely worthy of the careful preparation of the Zhou army.

Said that he would be easily defeated, Zhe Dejian didn't believe it at all.

Chai Rong waved his hand to signal everyone to be silent: "Zhu Xiu, you mean that Zheng Chuqian's surrender was fraudulent?"

Zhu Xiu said hurriedly: "Zheng Chuqian has a good reputation and has always been an upright man. During the reign of Jin Emperor Shi Chonggui, he had always been one of the main figures who advocated resistance to the Liao Dynasty. His bloody letter should be true!"

Chai Rong frowned and said, "Speak out your concerns and just speak frankly. There is no need to worry."

Zhu Xiugong cupped his hands, looked around at the generals in the tent, and said with a wry smile: "Zheng Chuqian sincerely surrendered. King Wei and General Shi led the Eastern Route Army to garrison Tangjiao County, seemingly forming a north-south pincer attack on the Khitan army stationed at Xinkou.

Such a situation is indeed beneficial to our army, but I am afraid it is only a flash in the pan!
The one I am concerned about is none other than Yelu Talie!

This person is cunning and cunning, and he is definitely not a good person!
He dared to lead his army into Yanmen Pass, how could he not have a back-up plan?

I predict that within a few days, the situation in Daizhou will take a turn for the worse! "

Chai Rong was obviously taken aback, frowning and remained silent.

All the generals looked at each other, and Li Chongjin said, "Aren't your words too alarmist?"

Zhu Xiudao: "When it comes to understanding the Khitan people, everyone here recommends General Zhe first! You might as well ask General Zhe to introduce to you who Yelu Talie is!"

Chai Rong also looked at Zhe Deku and forced a smile: "General Zhe, you might as well share your opinion."

Zhe Deqian clasped his fists and responded: "I obey your order!"

After a moment of deliberation, Zhe Deke briefly introduced Yelu Talie's life history to the emperor and the generals with a solemn expression.

Everyone, including Chai Rong, listened carefully. Their expressions gradually changed, and the slight contempt and indifference that existed before were all gone.

Zhe Deke paused for a moment and said in a deep voice: "In general, this person is a rare all-rounder in both civil and military affairs among the Khitan people. He is proficient in Sinology and is good at strategy. He can be called the pillar of the Liao Kingdom!
Liaodong is the home of the Khitan, with many branch tribes, as well as more than a dozen foreign tribes such as Shiwei, Mohe, Tieli, Jurchen, Xiren, etc., and there have always been constant disputes.

Yelu Talie has been operating in Liaodong for ten years, bringing all these tribes under the rule of the Khitan people, and winning the trust and admiration of the leaders of each tribe. You can imagine how clever this person is.

If he hadn't come from a lowly family and only belonged to a distant clan clan, he would have even had a chance to aspire to the throne after Yelu Ruan's death!

The minister agrees with Zhu Xiangong's words, Yelu Talie will never step into danger easily, if he dares to enter Yanmen Pass, he must be prepared! "

Listening to Zhe Deke's introduction, the atmosphere in the imperial tent became solemn.

Chai Rong also didn't speak for a long time.

Suddenly, the curtain was opened, and Shi Shouxin quickly walked into the tent without warning, holding a fire-painted military newspaper in his hand, looking slightly panicked. "Your Majesty, King Wei is reporting urgently!" Shi Shouxin knelt down on one knee.

Chai Rong stood up in a hurry, took two steps forward in a hurry, grabbed the military newspaper that Shi Shouxin held high above his head, and did not even bother to check the sealing paint, he opened it and read it quickly.

The generals were uneasy, and His Majesty's face did not look good.

Chai Rong's eyes suddenly opened angrily, his body swayed slightly, and the paper in his hand fluttered down.

Zhu Xiu was close, and with quick eyes and quick hands, he grabbed the letter and gently supported Chai Rong's arm.

"I hope your Majesty will calm down!" Zhu Xiu whispered.

Chai Rong's face was ashen, his eyes were horribly bloodshot, and his chest heaved violently several times.

He looked deeply at Zhu Xiu, nodded slightly, indicating that he was fine.

Zhu Xiu returned the letter and bowed and stepped back. He glanced at the letter from the corner of his eye and his heart skipped a beat. Sure enough, something happened in Daizhou!
The generals looked at the emperor nervously, and the atmosphere in the imperial tent was depressing.

Chai Rong took a deep breath and said in as calm a tone as possible: "King Wei urgently reported that Daizhou generals Sang Gui and Jie Wen were killed by Zheng Chuqian. He led his own defense envoys and surrendered to the Khitans! The city gates of Daizhou are now under the control of the Khitans! "

Everyone was in an uproar, with shock on their faces.

Zhu Xiu and Zhe Deyi looked at each other and smiled bitterly.

This should be Yelu Talie's back-up man. Among the generals in Daizhou Town, there are already people he supports.

No wonder he dared to lead his troops into Yanmen Pass without fear of being cut off.

Fortunately now, the gate of Daizhou is wide open, and Khitan soldiers and horses can continue to move south to Hedong.

Chai Rong's emotionless tone concealed great anger and reluctance: "King Wei has found out that Khitan soldiers and horses have gathered in Yunzhou. The number is unknown, and they are ready to rush south to rescue Yelu Talie at any time!"

The generals were even more horrified. The Khitan people gathered a large number of troops and put on a posture that they would not hesitate to fight the Zhou army in Hedong to save the Northern Han Dynasty. This was something that was not considered in the previous strategic deployment.

Zhu Xiu immediately said: "Your Majesty, the Khitan people should be acting as a gesture so that our army will retreat in the face of difficulties! You can order the Chengde Army, the Yiwu Army, and the Henghai Navy to gather and perform martial arts to form a check in northern Hebei, so that the Khitan people Don’t dare to act rashly!”

Zhe Deku also hurriedly said: "What Mr. Zhu County said makes sense! I will immediately send an order to the Yong'an Army of Fuzhou to leave Jiashan Pass and attack Xiongyong Town from the north to contain the Khitan from the west!"

Zhu Xiu and Zhe Deyi looked at each other and thought of going together.

Jiashan is Daqingshan, which is an interruption of the Yinshan Mountains.

Xiongyong Town is a military town in the Northern Han Dynasty. Liu Chong invited the Khitans to garrison here to prevent the Zhou army from Shengzhou and Fuzhou from attacking Taiyuan through the valley at the southern foot of Yunzhong Mountain.

Chai Rong nodded, returned to the main seat and sat down, with a gloomy face and did not speak.

The generals in the imperial tent were also at a loss, and even the noisiest Li Chongjin did not dare to make any noise.

The Khitan army stationed at Xinkou had no worries. No one knew whether Yelu Talie would send his troops south and attack Tangmo County, and then go down to Yangqu and attack Taiyuan.

Fu Yanqing and Shi Yanchao combined had less than 4 people. Tangmo County was just a small county and was unable to resist the onslaught of the army.

The most critical thing is that the Eastern Route Army also needs to rely on the logistical supplies of Luzhou and Zezhou.

With so many Zhou troops staying in the east of Hedong, the subsequent transshipment of grain and grass was blocked in Qi County by flash floods. Once the grain was exhausted, there would be no need for the Khitans to attack, and the Zhou troops would collapse without a fight.

Everyone understood that it was time to withdraw.

Before, it was still possible to imagine that the Eastern Route Army and Daizhou Zheng Chuqian would defeat Yelu Talie in a north-south attack.

Fortunately, Zheng Chuqian was killed, Daizhou fell under the control of the Khitans, and there were Khitan reinforcements in Yunzhou. Once the war started, it would be protracted and the existing military supplies would not be able to support it.

The generals looked at each other, but they all dared not speak.

Everyone knows that His Majesty is unwilling to do so. If he advises to retreat at this time, he may be in trouble.

Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde glanced at Zhu Xiu, indicating that he would take the lead in speaking. Zhu Xiu lowered his eyelids and pretended not to notice.

The two guys didn't dare to say it themselves, but if they encouraged him to say it, would they think he was a fool?
Chai Rong rubbed the space between his brows wearily, and said bitterly: "Let's stop here for today's discussion, everyone, go back and have a good rest."

All the generals stood up and said in unison: "Your Majesty, please rest early, I will leave!"

Just as Zhu Xiu was about to follow everyone out of the imperial tent, a voice came from behind: "Zhu Xiu will stay for now."

The corner of Zhu Xiu's mouth twitched, so she could only turn around, bow, and sit back obediently.

Before Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde left, they still gave him a wink, meaning don't forget to persuade His Majesty to withdraw as soon as possible.

Zhu Xiu glared back fiercely.

Only the emperor and his ministers were left in the empty imperial tent. After a while of silence, Chai Rong sighed: "Do you think the Khitan people will really fight with our army for the Northern Han Dynasty?"

Zhu Xiu thought for a while and said: "I don't think so for the time being. The Khitans only regard Liu Chong as a chess piece and will ensure the survival of this chess piece, but they will not pay too much for it.

However, if our army does not retreat, Yelv Talie will not retreat either.The Northern Han Dynasty could be defeated miserably and Taiyuan City could be besieged, but the city could not be broken and Liu Chong could not be destroyed! "

Chai Rong remained silent, and Zhu Xiu said softly: "Whether the Khitans will go south for a decisive battle depends on what our army will do next.

If the war continues, it may strengthen Yelu Talie's determination to go to war.

After all, the news that our army is short of food and grass cannot be concealed. "

Chai Rong raised his head and sighed: "So, do I have to retreat?"

Zhu Xiu smiled, and deliberately said in a relaxed tone: "Just imagine, Your Majesty, since our army entered Hedong, it has been invincible.

First, Bagongyuan defeated the Khitan coalition forces of the Northern Han Dynasty, and then killed Zhang Yuanhui and Yelu dilu in Jiangzhuling and Diaohuangling.

Dong Xiyan from Fenzhou and Zhang Yanchao from Liaozhou both surrendered.

In the area where the Northern Han Dynasty was separated, our army defeated three of them in one battle, and surrounded Taiyuan for more than [-] miles. It can be said that the victory was brilliant! "

Zhu Xiu said respectfully: "Your Majesty has only been on the throne for half a year, but he has personally led the army to achieve such a major victory. The morale and popularity of the army and the people have gathered together. It can be said that it is glorious in the world, and no one can match it! Your Majesty's name as a heroic master has been praised all over the world! At this time, retreat the troops, Reasonable, but for the sake of the overall situation!"

Chai Rong was silent for a moment, then smiled and said: "I was originally full of resentment, but I was flattered by your brat, although there are elements of exaggeration, it really feels a lot better!

You are right. In the current situation, there is really no reason to continue fighting. "

Zhu Xiu stood up and bowed: "Your Majesty, your Majesty! In this battle in Hedong, the power of our Zhou army has attracted the attention of the world. The reason why we were unable to destroy the Northern Han Dynasty was not due to the war, but because the time and place did not allow us to do so!"
The days ahead are long, and when our army regroups and finds a good opportunity, we will definitely be able to wipe out the thieves in one go! "

Chai Rong closed his eyes and said with a tired smile: "Liu Chong is not exhausted, what can he do?! Send the order, withdraw the troops!"

Zhu Xiu bowed deeply and said: "I obey your order!"

Before exiting the imperial tent, Zhu Xiu raised his head and glanced, only to see Chai Rong standing in front of the map of Hedong, silently stopping for a long time.

After all, the young Emperor Zhou was still unwilling to achieve the goal of destroying the country.
(End of this chapter)