Guiyi Fei Tang

Chapter 261: Northern Expedition to Liangzhou
"Equalize the rich and the poor by 3 cents!"

"The imperial court is unjust, so we are raising an army to eliminate the heavy taxes levied on the people of eastern Zhejiang, and to equalize the rich and the poor!"

In the 13th year of Dazhong, as the imperial court's decree to increase taxes by three cents spread to all directions, corrupt officials in counties and prefectures across the country took advantage of this opportunity to exploit the people on a large scale, which unsurprisingly triggered an uprising.

On the 20th day of the first lunar month, Qiu Fu, a wealthy man in Xiangshan Township in eastern Zhejiang, sold his family property to buy weapons and hosted a banquet for the villagers.

After three rounds of drinking, Qiu Fu told the country folk about the three-cent tax. The people were outraged and supported Qiu Fu in the uprising.

The next day, Qiu Fu led hundreds of rural farmers and captured Xiang County in one fell swoop.

After taking Xiang County, Qiu Fu ordered his men to open the warehouses and distribute grain. With the slogan "equalize the three cents, and make the rich and the poor equal" he called on the people of eastern Zhejiang to revolt.

At one time, thousands of people responded. Qiu Fu selected strong men, trained them into an army, and marched towards Ninghai County.

Upon hearing the news, Zheng Yude, the governor of eastern Zhejiang, reported the news to the court while mobilizing thousands of Tang troops in eastern Zhejiang. At the same time, he recruited 500 new soldiers and sent three people, including the general Shen Junzong, the deputy general Zhang Gongshu, and the general of Wanghai Town Li Gui, to encircle and suppress the rebels.

On the 28th day of the first lunar month, Qiu Fu captured Ninghai County and continued the strategy of "opening warehouses to provide relief to the people". He then marched towards Shan County (now Sheng County).

When the news reached Chang'an, Li Chen urgently ordered Zheng Yude to suppress the rebellion.

Zheng Zhide received the imperial edict. In order to prevent the peasant army from occupying Shan County, he sent Liu Su, the envoy, Fan Juzhi, the deputy general, and others to cooperate with more than 2,000 Tang troops from Taizhou to stop the peasant army in Tangxing County.

The two sides fought a fierce battle at Tongbai Temple in Tangxing County. The peasant army defeated the Tang army, and the Tang general Fan Juzhi was defeated and killed. Liu only escaped. The peasant army captured Shan County in one fell swoop.

Qiu Fu ordered his men to open the treasury and recruit able-bodied men, and the peasant army in eastern Zhejiang grew to more than 10,000 people.

By the end of February, the peasant army in eastern Zhejiang had become too powerful to be eliminated. Zheng Zhide hurriedly recruited militiamen and trained them into an army in an attempt to encircle and suppress the peasant army led by Qiu Fu.

At the same time, Pei Xiu, the commander of the Chishui Army, led troops from various towns to besiege Wang Shouwen in Puzhou. Wang Shouwen opened the treasury, recruited tens of thousands of hungry people, trained them into an army, and tried to break out several times but failed.

Gao Pian led his army to suppress the rebels in Lingnan Town. Only 2,000 elite cavalry were left under his command, and most of the rest fled or died of illness on the way.

King Shi of Annan repelled the Tuman tribe and caused Champa, Zhenla and other countries to resume diplomatic relations, thus developing Annan through trade.

Seeing that the situation in Annan was stable, Nanzhao immediately instigated the people of Annan to expel Wang Shi, but Wang Shi sent troops to suppress them.

At the beginning of March, the Minister of Revenue Jiang Shen reported to the emperor that a tax of more than 1.2 million strings of cash had been collected from the three-cent tax, all of which would be used to reward the troops.

There were disputes among the government and the public about this, and everyone felt that it was not worth it to incite a peasant uprising in eastern Zhejiang because of the 3-li tax on 1.2 million strings of cash.

However, Li Chen never took such hindsight reports to heart.

At the moment, he only knew that, except for the loss of Liangzhou, everything else was under his control, and that was enough.

Just when he thought it was enough, the flags of Longyou floated towards Liangzhou like red clouds.

On the bank of the Wuni River, the morning mist was hazy. The iron armor of four thousand elite cavalrymen from Longyou was shining. The sound of their hooves stepped lightly on the wet soil after the melted snow, stirring up pieces of mud.

Eight thousand cavalry infantrymen, wearing red battle jackets, rode on four thousand horse-drawn carriages and stood in awe.

Twenty thousand civilians drove horse-drawn carts, some carrying armor and soldiers, some carrying food, and farm tools and equipment.

The whole team's faces were filled with determination and fatigue. They went against the current and headed towards the distant mountains.

Liu Jilong rode on a black-maned horse, wearing armor and a robe.

He held the reins in one hand and the whip in the other, and swept the team with his sharp eyes.

He didn't need to say or do anything. Just standing by the official road and looking at the soldiers and civilians in Longyou with a firm gaze was the biggest boost to their morale.

In the distance, Hongchiling is in sight, and the sound of birds singing can be faintly heard among the mountains, as if welcoming the arrival of the team.

Zhang Chang was in charge of the front army, Ma Cheng was in charge of the rear army, and Dou Bin was in charge of the Tang soldiers and was responsible for reconnaissance within thirty miles of the Longyou Army.

Cao Mao and Li Shangyin followed Liu Jilong closely.

"The deployment of troops, the management of money, food, supplies, and military personnel all require your two special attention."

After Liu Jilong finished speaking, he immediately ignored Cao Mao and looked at Li Shangyin:

"Cao Mao has learned a lot in the past few years, but you, Yishan, have just started learning, so you need to pay attention."

"I will definitely study hard!" Li Shangyin responded with a smile and a bow.

For him, he could feel that Liu Jilong was really teaching him things and wanted him to be able to stand on his own.

For Li Shangyin, who had wasted more than 40 years, the years in Longyou were the most fulfilling time of his life.

Liu Jilian was not like the other military governors he had met before. Liu Jilian wanted not only his articles and reputation, but also wanted to entrust him with important tasks after he was promoted.

Because of this, in the past few years, Li Shangyin has been involved in the reclamation of wasteland in the countryside, the people's livelihood management in the county government, and various government affairs in the state government.

A few years ago, he would only write articles about the sufferings of the people.

Now, he can adapt to local conditions and write excellent policies for governing the people.

Although Liu Jilong is twenty years younger than him, he is the only "elder" who has taught him everything he knows about how to behave and do things, except for his father and elders such as Linghu Chu.

Just like now, after Li Shangyin responded, Liu Jilong explained:
"It is far from enough to write an article that is colorful and can govern people's livelihood."

"Only by grasping both the political and military fronts and being strong on both ends can we let the enemy know that we are not to be trifled with."

"In the past few years, Yishan, you have learned a lot about people's livelihood management, but your military strategy is still very insufficient."

"I'm not afraid of hitting you. You are now at most a brigade commander in my place."

Liu Jilong spoke the truth, and Li Shangyin humbly admitted after hearing it: "Being able to control a hundred people is the result of the training of the commander over the years."

"I, Li Yishan, have lived in vain for forty-five years. Only in these few years in Longyou did I know what it means to be a human being and what it means to do things!"

Li Shangyin learned from Liu Jilong how to admit his shortcomings so readily.

Liu Jilian not only examined himself three times a day, but also asked his subordinates Gao Jinda, Cui Shu, Cao Mao and others to point out his shortcomings, and then debated with them on the issues until they came up with the best solution.

It is precisely under his leadership of this self-modest and straightforward style that the entire Longyou area has always been dominated by straightforwardness and modesty.

"It's best that you think so."

Liu Jilong smiled and said to Li Shangyin: "After we recover Liangzhou this time, I will stay in Liangzhou for a while."

"But Liangzhou will eventually be controlled by you, Cao Mao, and Chen Ying."

He told Li Shangyin the arrangement directly. Li Shangyin was naturally excited about this, but then he felt the pressure on his shoulders.

"Now that Liangzhou has been recaptured, I plan to relocate 4,000 households from Guangwu and settle them in Liangzhou."

"Yishan, if you have any suggestions, don't say them in a hurry. After we recover Liangzhou, I will give you three months to travel around Liangzhou. Then you can give me a plan."

Liu Jilong did not rush him, but after giving instructions, he gave Li Shangyin enough time to prepare and think about how to govern.

Li Shangyin nodded in agreement, then took the initiative to change the subject:
"General, you said before that our army's overall marching speed is between seventy and eighty miles, while the imperial court's is between forty and fifty miles."

"Is there a secret to anticipating the enemy's moves hidden in this speed?"

Seeing that Li Shangyin was interested, Liu Jilong immediately started chatting with him.

This was the second day of the Longyou Army's march north, and it was also the time they needed to cross the Wuni River and enter Hongchiling.

Hongchiling is very easy to set up an ambush, so Liu Jilong has a lot to explain.

As for Cao Mao, he had already learned these things from Liu Jilong.

But for Li Shangyin, this was the first time he had the experience of being taught how to lead troops in battle.

What Liu Jilong said about marching and fighting was different from what most generals and military books said.

The Jiedushi that Li Shangyin met usually only told him...how a general should think about problems, what to pay attention to when making decisions, how to control the situation of the battle, when to deploy troops, and other issues.

But what Liu Jilong talked about was telling him how to build an army, how to select soldiers, how to organize and plan the army, how to choose the formation when going into battle, how to march and set up camp, etc.

It can be said that as long as the audience listen carefully to what Liu Jilong said, even a farmer who knows nothing can become a good team leader by following his method.

Li Shangyin used to be idealistic, but now he is pragmatic, so he wanted to listen to Liu Jilong's words in two words.

Even when the army crossed the Wuni River, Li Shangyin followed Liu Jilian closely, not to mention eating.

"The Wuni River is not deep. After we recover Liangzhou, we will have to build a stone bridge here."

On the north bank of Wunishui River, Liu Jilong, who had just crossed the river, was talking to Li Shangyin. At the same time, Dou Bin, who was in charge of the Tang soldiers, also received news from the Tang soldiers ahead. He rode his horse to Liu Jilong's side and bowed, saying:

"General, the Wucheng Castle ahead has been abandoned for several years. It should be that Li Yizhong has not taken care of it since he retreated to Ganzhou."

"Yes," Liu Jilong responded, and then explained:
"First, arrange for a group of brothers to take three months' worth of food and garrison there. After we recover Liangzhou, we will expand the army to a full detachment."

"Yes!" Dou Bin agreed, then turned his horse around and went to make arrangements.

At the same time, Liu Jilong looked at Zhang Chang who followed him and said:

"This place is about a hundred miles away from Changsong. It is still noon now. We will set up camp after marching thirty miles."

"Tomorrow we will march seventy miles to surround Changsong, and within three days we will recapture each city one by one."

"I obey your command!" Zhang Chang also bowed in response, then turned around and gave orders to the captains and colonels in the army.

During this northern expedition, everyone was very calm, whether they were soldiers or civilians.

It seems that in their view, retaking Liangzhou is as simple as catching rabbits by catching grass.

Two hours later, the Longyou troops arrived at a relatively open area in Hongchiling and immediately began to set up camp.

During this period, Li Shangyin naturally studied under Zhang Chang and Dou Bin.

Even if he has Chen Ying and Cao Mao to help him in Liangzhou in the future, he himself must be able to have basic knowledge of military affairs.

He watched from dusk till nightfall, until the army's meal was ready. Then he and Cao Mao carried the meal into the tent.

"How is it?"

Seeing that he seemed unsatisfied, Liu Jilong asked him about it immediately.

Li Shangyin responded: "There is a lot of knowledge about marching and camping. I have read it for two days, but there are still many things I don't understand."

"Compared to managing people's livelihood, I really think fighting a war is more difficult."

"If possible, I want Dalang to join the army and learn military affairs after he graduates from Linzhou University."

Liu Jilong nodded and said, "Laying the foundation is more important. My requirements for the offspring of Longyou officials have always been three years of being a soldier, three years of being a farmer, and three years of being honest."

"Of course, there are still only a few children who can achieve this standard."

"I've heard a lot of comments recently. Some people think my set makes their dolls suffer and is too complicated."

"This three-year, three-year, three-year system has made their children grow up to 27 or 28 years old. It will be difficult to get promoted in the future because of their age."

"But I think if our children want to govern the people well and be better at leading troops in battle, these three, three, and three more years are necessary."

"Not only do you have to be a soldier for three years, you have to endure hardships for three years. Only in this way can you learn knowledge and understand the difficulties of being a soldier and a farmer."

Liu Jilong revealed his thoughts to Li Shangyin and also told him how difficult it was to come up with his ideas.

Of course, he also knew about Liu Jilong's tricks.

"General Jie, your arrangement makes sense, but life is short after all. Three three-year periods equals nine years. If you are still wandering around without a rank for nine years, it makes sense for the officials to worry."

Li Shangyin expressed his opinion tactfully, and Liu Jilong asked after hearing it: "Then what do you think of those two children in your family?"

After Li Shangyin came to Longyou, he had another child. His eldest son, Li Gunshi, is now twelve years old and is about to go to Linzhou University.

The second son, Li Bailao, is just four years old and still has three years to go before he can start primary school.

Facing Liu Jilong's question, Li Shangyin put down his bowl and chopsticks and stated his attitude:
"I can't control other families, but for Dalang and Erlang, I still hope that they can take steady steps and not be like me in my early years, too vain."

Li Shangyin spent most of his first forty years being flattered by others and suppressed by the court. He knew the feeling of flattery and suppression, as well as the consequences of being empty.

Because of this, he prefers to let children get closer to reality.

After hearing this, Liu Jilong nodded with satisfaction and also mentioned Ma Cheng who was not present.

"Ma Cheng's kids will graduate from Linzhou after this year."

"I heard that he wanted his son Dalang and his son Ma Yi to join the army."

"If you ask me, joining the army is good, but you still have to keep your feet on the ground."

"I plan to keep these students who graduated from Linzhou University by my side as my personal guards. I will look after them for a year, and then send them to Liangzhou to serve as reclamation soldiers for two years."

Reclaiming wasteland is undoubtedly a very hard job. Not only does it require training, but you also have to reclaim land. Basically, you are half soldier and half farmer.

However, it is precisely because of this that we can train them to be down-to-earth, allow them to fully experience what they have learned in the past five years, and feel the difficulties faced by ordinary people.

"What happens after three years?"

Li Shangyin couldn't help asking, and Liu Jilong continued:

"After three and a half years of military service and half-farming, if they still want to be officials, they can continue to serve as grassroots officials for three years and experience the life of these officials who have no rank and do not have an easy job."

"There are a number of people in our government who are resting on their laurels and just trying to get by every day."

"If that's all, then I have nothing to say. After all, they have made contributions."

"It's just that they don't do their own work well, and leave their own affairs to the new Zhibai, fooling themselves, and stealing from the people from time to time."

"This kind of behavior is unacceptable and must be corrected."

"Then how should we correct it?" Liu Jilong asked everyone, and before they could speak, he continued;
"I thought about it and decided that we should start with this year's graduating students and correct them little by little."

There are many problems in Longyou, many of which are inherited problems.

To eliminate these malpractices, the officials in the yamen did not even need to go to the various counties and cities of the Tang Dynasty to learn. They could learn them on their own and bring these malpractices back to the yamen and the army.

Faced with these ills, Liu Jilong needs to rectify them.

Since he was ready to break one piece of darkness, he couldn't let another piece of sky fall into darkness as well.

Even if the sky will turn dark again in the future, he at least wants everyone to know what a sunny day is like.

As long as someone has seen the day, there will always be people who will yearn for it in the future. After all, the sky can’t always be so dark, right?
"What you are talking about is too far ahead. I just want to live a good life now."

Li Shangyin responded with a wry smile, while Liu Jilong looked at Cao Mao: "Cao Mao, what about you?"

"Me?" Cao Mao swallowed the food in his mouth, but before he could open his mouth, Zhang Chang, Ma Cheng and Dou Bin walked into the tent.

"Marshal Jie, everything has been checked, no problem!"

The three of them walked into the tent and bowed. Liu Jilong nodded and said, "Sit down."

After the three of them sat down, Liu Jilong looked at Ma Cheng again and repeated what he had just said to Ma Cheng.

After hearing this, Ma Cheng said quickly: "General Jie, you know me well. I have always listened to you. If it weren't for you, I would still be begging for food in Jiuquan."

After hearing this, Liu Jilong looked at Zhang Chang and Dou Bin and asked, "What about you?"

"General Jie, my eldest son is only five years old." Zhang Chang told the truth:
"But if you can bring Cao Mao out, Dalang will be right if he follows your instructions!"

Dou Bin smiled naively and said, "Marshal Ji, my child just went to college in Linzhou, you know."

"Well, I understand." Liu Jilong glanced at the five people, then looked at Cao Mao and asked:

"Cao Mao, what about you?"

"Marshal Jie, I haven't married yet..."

Cao Mao looked embarrassed, and Zhang Chang and others burst into laughter.

Liu Jilong nodded when he saw this: "I understand."

"Since you all have no objection, then the first batch of graduating students in Linzhou should follow my advice."

"Hey!" Everyone responded. Seeing this, Liu Jilong buried his head and continued to eat, without saying a word during the meal.

After everyone had eaten and left, Liu Jilong took a deep breath, then spread the Helong map on the table and began to gesture...

(End of this chapter)