Became a feudal lord in the late Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 152 Go straight in

At the city gate, the Zhenyuan Army and the Shengjie Army quickly took control of the entire city wall as soon as they entered the city, killing several Song soldiers who reacted, and then moved almost step by step, not even daring to continue advancing into the city. After seizing the city wall, Just stop marching.

At this time, even the stupid soldiers of the Song Dynasty realized that these were definitely not friendly troops!

Liang Zhe also understood something when he rode into the city. Resisting the desire to curse, he ordered the soldiers to be restrained and asked a general to lead three hundred cavalry to the government office in the city to arrest people.

When the sound of horse hooves sounded on the streets of Xiongzhou City, it was echoed by the lights of thousands of houses in Xiongzhou City. Just like the peaceful days of the past hundred years, most people have become accustomed to a peaceful life.

A bowl of fish noodle soup, the fish meat was very fresh. Zhao Mingcheng picked up the plate next to him and poured some vinegar into it. He mixed it with chopsticks and ate it deliciously. The stall owner was busy next to him. After Zhao Mingcheng finished eating, he gave him money. The two chatted casually for a few words.

Zhao Mingcheng had no airs. When he stood up and was about to return to the government office, he caught a glimpse of black-armored cavalry riding out of the street corner in the distance. The bluestone beneath Zhao Mingcheng's feet began to shake.

At first, he didn't react in his mind until the cavalry stopped in front of him and shouted at the middle-aged man Zhao Mingcheng and the old stall owner next to him: "Tell me, is the magistrate in the government office?"

Zhao Mingcheng was wearing casual clothes. If he didn't recognize him at this time, he could take the opportunity to escape.

But Zhao Mingcheng hesitated and replied directly: "I am here."

His wife Li Qingzhao is still in the back house of the government office. If she is caught by these soldiers, even if she is forty-two years old, she will definitely not end well.

The deputy general quickly rode out and asked some questions. After Zhao Mingcheng answered, the deputy general sat on the horse and saluted him, saying: "General Liang specially ordered to take care of you. Please also hand over Tong Guan's army roster and Open the treasury and General Liang promises not to plunder the city."

Liu Ling had previously told Liang Zhe that Zhao Mingcheng was a trap planted by himself, and the city was not broken. It was hard to say whether the trap could be used, but now that the city gate was lost, the main force of Liu Ling's army was quickly Just arrived, so Zhao Mingcheng made his situation clear in just a few words.

He surrendered very simply.

The army's roster, as well as various books and files regarding money, food and equipment, were all registered in Xiongzhou City. They were all taken out and handed over to military officials for sorting and review. This way we can have a clearer understanding of Tong Guan's army. Element.

When Zhao Mingcheng led a group of soldiers into the government office, he saw his wife coming up to him. Li Qingzhao also knew what was happening in the city. When he looked at his husband, there was distress in his eyes, and there was also a trace of hatred.

If her husband could be tougher, she would be willing to die together as husband and wife.

Late at night, the hall of Xiongzhou City Government Office was brightly lit, and more than twenty clerks were constantly looking through the case files and documents, sorting out the letters and documents from Tongguan and various places in Hebei and the imperial court, and would present them to the King of Han later.

Subsequently, the map of Hebei Road in the Song Dynasty was also handed over by Zhao Mingcheng.

Xiongzhou is very close to Hejian Prefecture, and there is only Mozhou in between. If Hejian Prefecture falls, not to mention whether Tong Guan can capture Zhuozhou, his troops will actually fail this time.

"Greetings to the King of Han!"

"Greetings to the King of Han!"

"Bye bye" sounded outside the lobby. Zhao Mingcheng had been sitting in the lobby helping the clerks organize the books. At this moment, he raised his head in confusion.

Liu Ling untied his cloak and handed it to the deputy general next to him. He walked into the lobby and saw Zhao Mingcheng sitting in the main seat. He immediately smiled and said, "Brother Zhao, are you okay?"

In private, Zhao Mingcheng would really be tougher, but here are Liu Ling's officials and soldiers from inside to outside. He knows that since he has become a dog, it is best to keep his head down.

"I have met the King of Han."

A civil servant handed the compiled documents to Liu Ling, then bowed and stepped away. Liu Ling nodded slightly and smiled at the others: "You have worked hard on the march all day today. Let's keep a few tonight to continue sorting." , I will reward you with two hundred coins, and the rest of you can go have a good meal and rest."

The civil servants bowed and saluted one after another, and then exited the lobby. Zhao Mingcheng motioned for Liu Ling to sit in the main seat, while he casually pulled a futon and sat under him.

"Brother Zhao, is your sister-in-law not frightened?"

Zhao Mingcheng gave a bitter smile and said: "Keep in mind that the king is concerned about you. General Liang also took special care of me, so the soldiers did not disturb the back house. My wife and family members are all well."

Liu Ling exchanged a few pleasantries, then got straight to the point and brought the topic back to the war at hand.

"Tong Guan only brought more than a hundred thousand soldiers and civilians to the front line. Where did the tens of thousands of soldiers and horses go?"

Zhao Mingcheng thought for a while and replied: "He did say that he should divide his troops to guard against the garrisons in Luanzhou and Jizhou. Although the lower official did not know the deliberations and plans of his army, but just by looking at this, Guangyang Tongguan that guy, There must be other plans."

Liu Ling looked down at the document in his hand, and Zhao Mingcheng couldn't help but ask:

"Why did the king arrive outside Xiongzhou City today, but the official didn't receive any news? Could it be that the king has defeated Tong Guan's main force?" "Starting from Yizhou, we have been marching southward all day, so Come quickly."

"Then the king didn't even encounter a Song army?"

Liu Ling stretched out and said with a smile: "Many generals in the Song Army wanted to pass news to my men, so they all avoided it."

Zhao Mingcheng: "."

He originally felt a little guilty towards the court, but now he felt completely indifferent.

You guys have released the enemy troops on your own. Do you have the nerve to ask me to defend here afterwards?

"Don't worry." Liu Ling could probably feel Zhao Mingcheng's emotions.

If you want to reject it, welcome it.

He said calmly: "Next, I want you to continue to be an official in the Song Dynasty. I have no intention of burning, killing and looting in Hebei. As for you, just follow my arrangements."

No matter what happens next, let's say good words to win over Zhao Mingcheng and stabilize his mind.

"But, isn't it true that I have already been demoted?"

Liu Ling stretched out his hand and tapped him: "That's right, you would rather die than surrender. I am currently imprisoning you in prison. After I leave, the loyal warriors in the city will release you and restore Xiongzhou."

It is very necessary to keep burying nails on the side of the Song Dynasty. Even if Liang Zhe did not attack Xiongzhou City before, as soon as Liu Ling leads the main force of the army, Zhao Mingcheng will definitely open the city gate and surrender, because of his and Liu Ling's interests The relationship has become inseparable.

"After this war, you will be at most responsible for losing the city, but you can still get up and running."

"It is a grave sin to lose a city in battle."

"But you would rather die than surrender," Liu Ling said with a smile, "Don't worry, with these four words, you will be able to gain a foothold in the court after the war."

"I don't understand something."

"Because, other people in the Song Dynasty will soon be more embarrassed than you. The imperial court will need a piece of...what, oh, by the way, it's called the Chastity Archway. You are the Chastity Archway of the imperial court, and you have to cover their faces. .”

After the two of them finished talking, it was already around midnight on the second day. Liu Ling stood up to say goodbye. Zhao Mingcheng hesitated and said, "Your Majesty, aren't you going to rest in the government office?"

"The soldiers should have woken up. After breakfast, they will continue south."

Liu Ling said lazily: "Tonight, I will sleep in the Mozhou government office."

When they reached the door, the two were still walking and talking. The sound of horse hooves sounded outside, and a Zhenyuan Army sentry rider galloping appeared on the other side of the street. Although he was wearing armor from his own army, he was guarding the gate of the government office. The Zhenyuan soldiers immediately drew their swords to protect Liu Ling.

The night was getting darker in the sky outside, and the horizon was slightly brighter.

"Report, urgent report from hundreds of miles away!"

The sentry rider jumped off his horse from a distance, trotted all the way to the outside of the crowd, bowed to Liu Ling, and presented the battle report he carried with him with both hands.

A pro-military captain took the battle report and passed it to Liu Ling.

Liu Ling unfolded the letter, and there was not much written on it. After reading it, he remained expressionless.

Zhao Mingcheng glanced at the side subconsciously and asked curiously: "Your Majesty, what happened?"

He thought that Tong Guan realized that Liu Ling had gone around and stolen the house, and had already started to divide his troops to come back for reinforcements.

Liu Ling shook his head and sighed: "There is a bastard in the army who does not obey military orders. Last night, he led a thousand cavalry south to Mozhou overnight. All the troops in Mozhou surrendered without a fight."

Zhao Mingcheng's heart trembled, and the look in his eyes when he looked at Liu Ling changed completely.

(End of this chapter)