Do you know: I have a different surname: Wang, uncle Minglan.

Chapter 249 Inspection of Shaanxi Province

Before Zhong E became the deputy envoy of Shaanxi's pacification and recruitment, Kang Guogong Han Jiang was the biggest leader in the entire Shaanxi Road.

Previously, Han Jiang's official position was Shaanxi Road Xuanfu Envoy, responsible for overseeing the resistance to Xixia.

Later, after Zhong'e became the deputy envoy, Han Jiang became the Shaanxi Economic Strategy's appeasement and recruitment envoy, and was a veritable leader on the Shaanxi Road.

This time when he went to Yanbian, Wei Yuan had to deal with him.

It stands to reason that since they are all nobles, no matter what they do when they go to Yanbian, Han Jiang should strongly support him.

But according to Zhang Fu, Han Jiang was born as a Jinshi. He was one of the few people in the Zhou Dynasty who had both a title and an imperial examination.

The most important thing is that Han Jiang has a good relationship with Han Zhang and has a long-distance relationship with the martial artists in Bianjing City.

Before arriving in Yanbian, Wei Yuan had already begun to have a headache as to how to deal with the Duke of Kang.

Wei Yuan went all the way west, taking Hezhongfu to Yanzhou.

First, by being based in Gyeongju, one can remotely control or influence several nearby Imperial Guard regiments;

Wei Yuan responded slowly.

Under such circumstances, how could the imperial court manage Shaanxi Road?

But after waiting for several days, there was still no trace of the other party.

Zhong'e has been operating in Yanzhou for many years and has already asked Yanzhou to change its surname to "Zhong".

In the sixth year of Jiayou's reign, it's mid-September.

"."

What I saw on the way was from prosperity to depression, and even as we got closer to Yanzhou, there were more and more beggars on the roadside.

Secondly, it was what Han Zhang meant.

After all, only if you stay in Qingzhou and fight against Xixia, your achievements will not be taken away by Yanzhou's Zhonge.

How could Wei Yuan not understand what they were saying?

Zhong Yi said impatiently: "Brother, it stands to reason that even if the Manjia Camp climbed, they should have climbed to Yanzhou. Or, they went to Qingzhou and not Yanzhou?"

When we reached the border near Yanzhou, except for a few prefectures, counties, towns and counties, there were no villages or people.

Xiao Yuming said: "According to the current journey, we can reach Yanzhou in three days at most."

"We will not go to Yanzhou or Qingzhou, but go directly to Pingrong Village. From there, we will go north to Helan Mountain to inspect the border troops."

Wei Yuan detoured to Yanzhou and headed to Pingrong Village.

Chen Daniu and Xiao Yuming, who followed Wei Yuan, were all sighing.

In this way, we fall into an infinite loop.

One person is in Gyeongju, relying on the security army, Fengxiang army and others to resist Xixia.

The imperial court allocates grain to the Shaanxi Road area every year, hoping that the people here will have a better life.

However, when Xixia was short of food, they would plunder the Shaanxi Road. They had fast horses, and the Zhou army could only defend one side, and it was difficult to defend against the intrusion of Xixia bandits.

Zhong E glared at him and reprimanded: "Your mouth will bring you trouble sooner or later."

At this moment, above the head of Yanzhou City.

You can see some abandoned or in-use castles everywhere, all used for garrisoning soldiers.

"Kang Guogong is in Qingzhou, which is hundreds of miles away from Yanzhou. Should we go to Qingzhou to see Kang Guogong first or..."

"It is said that in the previous dynasty, there were big cities in the Yanzhou area, but now, I only hear that there are many villages on Shaanxi Road, but not a prosperous city."

Moreover, when Han Zhang visited Shaanxi, his focus was on Qingzhou.

After all, as far as the eye could see, it was not devastated, but it was almost there.

Qingzhou is as important to Han Zhang as Daizhou is to Wei Yuan.

Wei Yuan's "General Strategy for Attack and Defense in Xixia" was intended to change this situation.

"We in Daizhou often encounter Liao bandits, why not like this on Shaanxi Road?" Chen Daniu asked.

They farmed in this small defensive city while guarding against the invasion of the Xixia army.

Zhong Yi said disapprovingly: "You and I are the only brothers here. If that Lord Wei were here, I would not dare to say anything."

This Pingrong Stronghold was built by Fan Zhongyan and Han Zhang. Its purpose was to serve as a military fortress and one of the supply stations for the frontier army.

"Since the founding of the Zhou Dynasty, Yanbian has always been a place of hundreds of battles. Even Yanzhou was almost occupied by Xixia. It is not easy for the people here."

Zhong E said: "You didn't go to the capital with my brother, and you never saw the grace of the soldiers of the Manjia Camp."

The soldiers of the Manjia Battalion led by Wei Yuan this time all wore terrifying masks. They were full of evil aura and could not be looked directly at. Wherever they passed, they were so majestic that they naturally attracted the attention of many people.

The administrative seat of Shaanxi Road is in Jingzhao Mansion. Interestingly, the two most influential people in this area, Han Jiang and Zhong E, are not in Jingzhao Mansion.

Zhong E and Zhong Yi looked into the distance from time to time, hoping to see the appearance of Wei Yuan and his party.

Wei Yuan analyzed why Duke Kang ignored Jingzhao Mansion and insisted on staying in Qingzhou.

Wei Yuan said: "There is the Great Wall in Daizhou, Yanmen, what is there on the Shaanxi Road? If Helan Mountain had not been taken back in this battle, Yanbian would still be undefeated."

"My officers and men of the Great Zhou Dynasty all regard the Xixia heavy cavalry Iron Kites as their nightmare, but I have never been afraid of this heavy cavalry."

"However, since my brother saw the soldiers of the Manjia Battalion, he asked himself whether he could win if he led his army to fight against them."

"The answer I got is that if the commander of the Manjia Battalion is Lord Wei, there is no way I can win."

Nowadays, who in the entire Zhou Dynasty doesn’t know that Wei Yuan has created a heavy cavalry regiment?
Although there are only three hundred people, they are still not to be underestimated.

At the critical moment of the war, three hundred heavy cavalry were enough to turn the tide.

Zhong Yi said: "Since my brother came back, he often praised the Marquis Wei, which made my younger brother a little curious about him."

Zhong E said seriously: "I'm not flattering you, but the talents of Lord Wei are far superior to Duke Wu Xiang."

At this moment, a scout came to report that he had seen a strange army in the Sanchuankou area, with everyone wearing heavy armor, masks, etc.

Hearing this, Zhong'e was shocked, "Has Lord Wei gone to Sanchuankou?"

Sanchuankou was a difficult place for many generals of the Zhou Dynasty.

That year, the Xixia bandits entered the pass and defeated the main army of the Zhou Dynasty here.

Later, after Fan Zhongyan's long-term development and gradual encroachment, the Zhou Dynasty regained many old lands, including Sanchuankou.

This place is also the only way to Pingrong Village.

"Hurry and prepare your horses, cultivate friendship, and follow my brother to pay homage to the Marquis of Wei!"

Zhong E didn't hesitate at all and immediately went down to the city.

Among the people Zhong Yi admired the most was Zhong E. After being mentioned repeatedly by his brother, Zhong Yi not only became curious about Wei Yuan, but also developed some awe.

at the same time.

Mikawaguchi.

Wei Yuan is inspecting the terrain here.

He, Chen Daniu, Xiao Yuming and others came to a hill and saw most of the original appearance of Sanchuankou from a high position.

Chen Daniu therefore exclaimed: "Sanchuankou Sanchuankou, I thought it was the mouth of a mountain gorge, but I didn't expect it to be a mountain range."

It is said to be a mountain range, but there are a few raised peaks, and most of it is plain. There are several narrow openings between the peaks.

Seen from a distance, the entire Sanchuan Pass looks like a 'leaf'.

Xiao Yuming was also puzzled because of this: "Even if an ignorant person comes to lead the army, as long as they guard a few mountain roads and act as horns, the Xixia army will not be able to rush over, let alone endanger Yanzhou. This battle , how did you lose?"

Wei Yuan said: "I once heard Duke Wu Lie say that the defeat of Sanchuankou was due to the cowardice and lack of strategy of the governor of Yanzhou at that time. His generals did not know the enemy's situation. When the war started, reinforcements did not arrive in time." "Moreover, he is responsible for guarding this area. The general is also a stupid and violent person, who often makes his subordinates complain. Who is willing to fight against the Xixia army? "

"So at the beginning of this battle, our army lost the opportunity. Then we made one mistake and one mistake after another. The right time, the right place and the right people, but we still failed to take advantage of it."

"How can we win in this situation?"

Why does Wei Yuan focus on the time of day, etc.? Because from that time, the time, place and people were favorable, and the Zhou army occupied it all. However, after fighting, it was occupied by the Xixia army.

"I just said it was far away, thinking this place was a dangerous road in the mountains, but I didn't expect it to be quite wide and far away."

"You must always keep in mind that in the future you will lead the army alone and do not trust the map too much. No matter how precise the map is, it is not as good as seeing it in person."

Wei Yuan alerted everyone.

A general who relies on drawings and sandboxes to fight is definitely not a competent general.

A local war, a lake, a mountain or a small hill may all be the key factors to victory.

But a map cannot be drawn too precisely.

Even the sand table, which is said to simulate the original terrain one to several, will have this problem.

"There used to be troops stationed here, why are there no more today?" Xiao Yuming asked again.

Wei Yuan replied: "Since Duke Fan Wenzheng visited Yanbian, the main defenses of the Great Zhou Dynasty were placed in Pingrong Stronghold, Saimen Stronghold, Shunning Stronghold and other places. As for this place, its strategic significance is no longer great."

"If the Zhucheng strongholds are lost, then Yanzhou or the defeated army can come here to re-station defense, but there is no delay."

Xiao Yuming said: "What if one day, Xixia sends out surprise troops to cross Sanchuankou and approach Yanzhou?"

Wei Yuan smiled and said: "There are garrisons in the states and counties near Yanzhou. If they come up with a surprise army, they can only control the size of the army. If the scale is not large, attacking Yanzhou is just a wishful thinking."

"If the scale is too big, are you a vegetarian as a frontier army scout? There is no reason why we, the Zhou Dynasty, would not notice such a large-scale military mobilization, unless Shaanxi has long been eroded by Xixia."

Sanchuankou is Yanzhou's natural barrier, which is the greatest strategic value of this place.

Thirty miles to the northwest from here is Zhao'an Station.

It was previously called Zhao'an Village and was built by Di Qing.

When he originally built this stronghold to resist the Xixia army, he wanted to recruit some Xixia generals, so he named the place "Zhao'an stronghold".

Later, with the development of the city and the settlement of a small number of people, it was gradually renamed "Zhao'an Station".

After Wei Yuan left Sanchuankou, he rushed to Zhao'an Station.

Not long after he left, Zhonge arrived at Sanchuankou. When he learned that Wei Yuan was moving on, he continued to pursue him without saying a word.

Wei Yuan's march was relatively slow, because he was actually waiting for his death.

He believed that if Zhong E wanted to make a difference in the court, he could only rely on himself, so the other party would definitely come looking for him.

Besides, the soldiers in the Manjia Battalion were all the best among the best. They knew better than anyone whether there was anyone nearby who was being targeted by scouts.

It didn't take long.

In front of Zhaoan Yi.

As soon as Wei Yuan arrived here, a general opened the gate of the village and came to see him.

After some questioning, Wei Yuan found out that this caste general, like Zhong Yi, was also Zhong E's younger brother, named Zhong Shen, and he was only in his twenties this year.

Zhong E wanted Zhong Shen to stay at the border camp for a few years to accumulate qualifications, and then go to the court to seek an official position. This was considered a routine operation for a family of border generals.

Wei Yuan and the soldiers from the Manjia Camp entered the stronghold, and saw that there was already a market here. When they went to the direction of the main camp of the stronghold, they could still see many people.

When the common people saw the soldiers of the Manjia Camp, they didn't feel panic, but were just a little curious. They looked at Wei Yuan and others, as if to ask, who is this big shot coming to inspect?

On the way to the camp, Zhongjian explained: "Master Wei Hou, there are three thousand border soldiers in this village, all officers and soldiers of the Dingbian Army."

"As relations with Xixia have eased in recent years, my brother has taken the initiative to bring the wives, children, and children of the soldiers stationed here to live in the village."

"Some people are willing to come, while others feel that this village is too close to Xixia and not safe, so they don't come."

"The markets we just saw were all purchased by our army officers in Yanzhou, and then traded in barter in this village."

Generally speaking, the soldiers stationed in the walled city may stay here for the rest of their lives.

They also have wives and children, so they cannot afford to see their relatives all year round.

Therefore, as the stockade expanded, some of the soldiers' relatives were simply brought over.

The purpose of doing this is to make the border soldiers feel at ease.

Precisely because those people were the family members of the soldiers of the border army, when they saw the majestic soldiers of the Manjia Battalion, they were more curious than in awe.

However, there were still several children on the roadside who were frightened and cried when they saw the soldiers wearing scary masks.

Wei Yuan had no choice but to let them take off the masks.

"Use the walled city as a fortification, allowing the soldiers to live and farm while training to guard against Xixia invasion."

"Over time, there will be people who stick to this place for generations. Fan Wenzhenggong's method is indeed good."

Wei Yuan couldn't help but admired.

Zhong Jingzuo bowed his head and said: "Master Wei Hou, I have borrowed the 'General Strategy for the Attack and Defense of Xixia' written by you from my brother."

"The strategy you proposed to deal with Xixia, which is to turn from defense to offense, focusing on nuisance and building fortifications as a supplement, is far superior to the method proposed by Wen Zhenggong."

Wei Yuan only thought he was flattering.
"If your words reach the capital and are heard by the scholar-bureaucrats, I'm afraid the censor's spit will drown me."

As soon as these words came out, the originally serious situation suddenly became much more relaxed, and many generals laughed.

The policy essay written by Wei Yuan is invisible to ordinary people.

Only some figures at the level of frontier army leaders can watch.

The purpose of doing this is to worry about leakage.

At this moment, Wei Yuan heard a few weak voices coming from behind,

"Master Hou! Master Hou!"

Wei Yuan turned around.

The word 'House' became louder and clearer.

The one who came was Zhonge.

In order to show his respect for Wei Yuan, when he arrived at the walled city, he did not ride a horse, but trotted all the way over.

When he came to Wei Yuan, without waiting for the doctor to say anything, he bowed deeply to Wei Yuan and said:
"Master Marquis, why don't you go to Yanzhou? I have been waiting for you for a long time. I wish I knew you were here earlier. I would be waiting for you here."

As soon as these words came out.

Unexpectedly, Zhong Yi who came with him was deeply shocked, and even the generals in the city were also shocked.

They even thought that they had heard wrongly.

In front of Lord Wei, General Zhong did not claim to be the last general, but instead claimed to be in a "lower position"?
There is a huge difference between these two words!

Some people standing in the distance were even more surprised to the point of being dumbfounded. Who doesn't know General Zhong?

It can be said that they exist like a belief.

However, that burly man who looks younger than General Zhong is actually more prominent than General Zhong?
Awesome! Zhao'an Yi is welcoming a big shot!

Wei Yuan naturally noticed the changes in the expressions of the people around him. He smiled, helped Zhong E up, who was leaning on his hands, and said:
"General Zhong has worked hard for our country and guarded the border. How can I let you wait for me? You happened to be here today. There is something I need you to remember."

The first half of the sentence is a joke, and it also acknowledges Zhong E's achievements.

The second half of the sentence tacitly acknowledges that Zhonge is his own person.

Otherwise, he would not call himself 'this handsome' but 'this lord'.

(End of this chapter)