Guiyi Fei Tang

Chapter 71 Internal and external troubles
"Did you hear that?"

"what?"

"The Yazhang has already started to reward people for their merits. Sima Zhang and Suo Guoyi will probably be transferred to Zhangye."

"What about General Liu?"

"General Liu...ah..."

Not long after the meeting in the Yazhang ended, for some unknown reason, people inside and outside the city knew what had happened.

This news seemed to be spread deliberately by someone and soon spread to the vicinity of Liu Jilong's tent.

Although the sounds were very small, Liu Jilong, who was sitting in his tent, could hear them clearly.

He gripped the whetstone tightly and sharpened his iron spear with a cold face.

The meeting had been going on for half an hour, but they had not received any news. On the contrary, all the soldiers in the camp knew about it.

Liu Jilong didn't know if Li Wei was targeting him, so he could only wait patiently for news from Zhang Huaishen.

"Screw rustle..."

"General, Governor Zhang invites you to enter the city and go to the military camp."

There was a rustling sound of armor, followed by Jiu Juyan's voice.

Liu Jilong calmed down, put down the whetstone and iron spear, stood up and walked out.

As he opened the curtain, Jiu Juyan bowed his head and remained silent, while Liu Jilian stood in front of him without moving forward.

After a few breaths, Jiu Juyan finally couldn't hold it anymore and took the initiative to say: "Don't be brave, you have to be prepared. The reward this time... may... I'm afraid..."

Jiu Juyan didn't know what to say, but Liu Jilong raised his hand and put it on his shoulder: "It's okay if you can tell me, I already know the details."

"These bastards!"

Jiu Juyan clenched his teeth, but he was not scolding the soldier who spread the news.

"Go to rest early."

Patting Jiu Juyan on the shoulder, Liu Jilong turned around and walked towards the city gate along the camp road.

As he walked along, Liu Jilong felt many gazes, most of which were filled with regret and pity.

Although he remained calm on the surface, Liu Jilong had already started cursing in his heart.

This matter was most likely related to Li Wei. Although Liu Jilong had long known that Shazhou was filled with a group of insects, he did not expect that this group of insects would target him.

Restraining his anger, he tried his best to ignore those looks. After half a cup of tea, he came to the tent in the city and bowed.

"Shandan General Liu Jilong, please come to see Governor Zhang!"

"come in!"

Zhang Huaishen's voice rang out, and Liu Jilong stood up and walked forward, lifted the curtain and walked into the tent.

Inside the tent, several oil lamps emitted a faint light, while Zhang Huaishen took off his armor and sharpened his sword in a long robe.

He was looking at his knife, but Liu Jilong could feel his peripheral vision staring at him.

"You have made the greatest contribution this time, but you were promoted too quickly and took up their positions."

As he spoke, he lowered his head to sharpen his knife, and the sound of sharpening could be heard from inside the tent.

"You will be promoted one level this time. You will serve as a general of the upper prefecture under the rank of the seventh grade and temporarily take over as the right Guoyi Duwei of Shandan City."

"Big brother and Suo Xun have been promoted to the second rank, so it is impossible for them to stay in Ganzhou."

"My uncle is planning to march west to Yizhou in the spring, and he will probably transfer my elder brother and Suo Xun to help him."

"After they leave, Li Wei's eldest son, Li Yizhong, will be transferred from Suzhou to Shandan City to serve as Zuo Guoyi Duwei."

"Shandan City will be promoted to a higher prefecture, with six regiments of 1,200 soldiers stationed there. You will reorganize Shandan's five regiments into four regiments and fill them up. Then Li Yizhong will bring two regiments from Suzhou to Shandan."

"In addition, Li Wei will serve as the magistrate of Shandan County in his capacity as the deputy governor of Ganzhou."

Zhang Huaishen, in a calm tone, continued to reveal news that made Liu Jilong feel upset.

He had almost completed the difficult tasks of Shandan City, such as the autumn harvest, repelling the enemy, and dividing the land. Things were about to get back on track, but Li Wei reaped the benefits.

Now he understood why Li Wei was so against him during the day. It turned out that he was blocking their family's way.

After Zhang Huairong had made meritorious service, he should have been transferred back to Shazhou. If Suo Xun was only promoted one level, he should have succeeded Zhang Huairong as the Sima of Ganzhou and continued to guard the border in Shandan.

With Suo Xun's contribution in this battle, he could be promoted by one level at most, but not two levels.

Although Liu Jilong didn't know why Suo Xun was also promoted two levels, after being promoted two levels, he could not escape the result of returning to Shazhou to take up his post.

As soon as the two men left, based on his military achievements in this battle, according to military rules, he should have been promoted two levels at best, and appointed as the Left Guoyi Duwei of Shandan. However, now he is only a deputy general of the Shangfu, temporarily replacing the Right Guoyi.

The Tang Dynasty respected the left. If he were the Left Guoyi Commandant and concurrently commanded four regiments of troops, he would undoubtedly be superior to Li Yizhong, the Right Guoyi Commandant, in military affairs.

His roots in Shandan are basically deeper than Li Yizhong's. If he were to surpass Li Yizhong in official position, then Li Yizhong would have no need to do his job.

Because of this, he could only be promoted one level higher, to the position of a general of the prefecture, and take charge of the Right Guoyi Duwei.

Thinking of this, Liu Jilong was a little angry, but he suppressed his anger and asked calmly:
"Li Biejia is the county magistrate from afar. If something happens, I wonder if Li Guoyi will take the lead, or..."

He didn't finish his words and stared at Zhang Huaishen.

Zhang Huaishen could feel his gaze, so his movements inevitably slowed down.

"You will still be the chief secretary. You will discuss military affairs with Li Yizhong, but you will still be the chief in government affairs."

"Yes..." Liu Jilong breathed a sigh of relief. As long as the government affairs were in his hands, he would be able to firmly grasp the hearts of the people of Shandan.

Thinking about it this way, the transfer of Zhang Huaishen and Suo Xun actually made things convenient for him.

At least in terms of fame, Li Yizhong seemed to have left no name in history, and even Liu Jilian did not know about his deeds, which shows that his abilities were not outstanding.

Dealing with such a person is much better than taking care of Zhang Huairong and Suo Xun's emotions.

"I have already understood what happened yesterday. What do you think of Shang Bibi's plan to stay on the Zhangye grassland?"

Zhang Huaishen put down the whetstone and long sword, and looked at Liu Jilong with deep eyes.

Facing his gaze, Liu Jilong did not show any nervousness, but said calmly:

"It would be good if we could keep Shang Bibi in Ganzhou. Although Lun Kongre has gathered tens of thousands of troops to attack Shanzhou, he may not be able to capture Shanzhou."

"Shang Bibi has 1,500 cavalrymen, including the injured. If the heat subsides, Shang Bibi may be able to return to Shanzhou."

"Even if he cannot return to Shanzhou, if we can use the 1,500 cavalrymen in his hands, they will also help us return eastward."

"Hmm..." Zhang Huaishen nodded, but then he shook his head and said:

"Now there is a severe drought in the Helong states. If the drought cannot be solved, then Helong will be in chaos."

"The Han people in Helong Prefecture can return to the Tang Dynasty, but what about the Tibetans in Helong Prefecture?"

"They have to go either south or north, but there are Tang troops stationed in the south, so it's not easy to enter, and they can't gain a foothold there."

"Only Liangzhou in the north is in chaos, which is the most suitable place for them to rest and recuperate and make a living by herding."

Zhang Huaishen had already learned about the situation in Helong from Shang Bibi, and he also predicted the future direction of the various ethnic groups in Helong.

Without knowing the history, he was able to predict so accurately that even Liu Jilong couldn't help but admire him in his heart.

"What the governor said is what I think as well."

Liu Jilong pondered for a moment and continued, "That's why I want to organize enough cavalry to weaken the Tibetan forces in Liangzhou before the Helong tribes collapse, and prepare for the army to invade Liangzhou!"

"Huai Rong has told me your thoughts before."

Zhang Huaishen's eyes were deep: "This is also the reason why I summoned you here."

"After this battle, I will transfer 400 soldiers and horses from Zhangye to you, and Shang Bibi will also transfer 2,000 dan of rice and 1,000 sheep for him to graze."

"As for the rest, it depends on your own efforts..."

"Thank you, Governor!"

Liu Jilong's heart tightened, for he knew very well that what Zhang Huaishen was talking about was seeking from Shang Bibi.

"Go out."

"I will finally retire..."

Zhang Huaishen did not try to keep him, and Liu Jilong bowed and turned to leave.

That night, Liu Jilong maintained his weapons in the tent all night long and did not get much rest.

The next morning, he got up early, washed, and came to the Shanzhou army camp.

"General Liu..."

Inside the camp, many Shanzhou soldiers greeted Liu Jilong, and Liu Jilong smiled and nodded in response.

Compared to yesterday's battle, there are undoubtedly many more soldiers and horses in the Shanzhou military camp at this moment.

As Shang Yanxin retreated, many soldiers in the city who were not seriously injured were transferred out.

Before Liu Jilong returned to the camp yesterday, he checked and found that there were still more than 1,500 soldiers in Shanzhou, but among them, there were 42 seriously injured and dying people living in the city.

Not all of these forty-two people can survive, so the strength of the Shanzhou Army is probably around fifteen hundred people.

Among this team of 1,500 people, there were less than 400 armored soldiers wearing armor, and the rest were light soldiers wearing simple leather armor or leather coats.

Liu Jilong looked at them, thinking in his heart how to win them over to his side.

"General Liu!" Shang Bibi's voice suddenly rang out. Liu Jilong glanced sideways and saw that Shang Bibi had already washed up and was now sitting on the horse, looking at him with a smile.

To be honest, Liu Jilian did not have a good impression of him because Shang Bibi was from a Tibetan noble family and was thinking of taking advantage of him.

But now that he needed help, Liu Jilong did not turn him away like he did yesterday.

"Shang Jiedushi got up early."

Liu Jilong urged his horse forward, then turned his horse around and rode side by side with Shang Bibi.

Shang Bibi wanted to go out, and Liu Jilong followed him closely.

"General Liu Bie's experience makes me feel sad..."

Shang Bibi deliberately created an atmosphere of regret, but Liu Jilong didn't buy it.

"Last night, Governor Zhang told me that Zhangye is willing to allocate 2,000 dan of rice and 1,000 sheep to your army. I wonder what Governor Shang thinks of this."

Liu Jilong told Shang Bibi about the supplies that Zhang Huaishen was going to transfer to her, which made Shang Bibi's smile pause for a moment.

Although two thousand dan of rice is a lot, it is only enough for the fifteen hundred people to eat for two months at most, and a thousand sheep can only support them for two months at most.

All in all, these supplies will only be enough to sustain them until early February next year.

But the problem was that the ice in Hexi had just thawed not long ago. Even if it was all thawed, they would have eaten most of the sheep and there would be no way for them to survive.

"General Liu, you might as well get straight to the point."

Shang Bibi could not remain calm because the lives of more than 1,500 people rested on his shoulders.

"The troops under Jiedushi Shang's command will not be able to survive until summer relying solely on supplies. I think Jiedushi Shang also knows this."

"But I have an idea, I wonder if Governor Shang would like to know."

Liu Jilong's face was full of confidence, and Shang Bibi could only nod and say, "I would like to hear more about it."

Under his gaze, Liu Jilong also said everything he was thinking.

To put it simply, the Shanzhou troops under Shang Bibi will accept the command of Liu Jilian, and Liu Jilian will lead them to attack Liangzhou and plunder the tribes outside the five cities of Liangzhou.

Among them, the population belonged to Shangbibi, the cattle and horses belonged to Shandan, and the sheep were divided equally.

Shang Bibi did not resist this. After all, the Tubo Dynasty had collapsed, and each place was governed by its own government. The Tubo in Liangzhou had nothing to do with him.

If they could plunder the Tubo in Liangzhou and restore their strength, Shang Bibi would be happy about it.

"You can send troops, but I need General Liu to promise me one thing."

Shang Bibi stopped her horse and looked Liu Jilong in the eye.

Liu Jilong frowned slightly: "You can say whatever you want."

"If we are talking about the possible heat wave, General Liu..." Shang Bibi's words were only a little vague, but Liu Jilong's brows relaxed after hearing them.

"If the heat wave attacks, I will naturally lead the army to resist it."

"In addition, if Jiedushi Shang can help me capture Fanhe City in Liangzhou, I am willing to lead my army to escort you back to Shanzhou!"

Liu Jilong made a boast, which made Shang Bibi's eyes light up.

He knew that Liu Jilong was unwilling to be inferior to others, but he did not expect that Liu Jilong's idea was so bold.

Among the five cities in Liangzhou, Fanhe City is located the westernmost and has a population of about 15,000.

If Liu Jilian could take this place, then apart from him, probably no one would be willing to be stationed here. After all, there is a Yanzhi Mountain between this place and Ganzhou, which makes it easy to attack but difficult to defend for the Tibetans.

Although I don’t know why Liu Jilong dared to make such a promise, it’s fine as long as I don’t lose anything.

"it is good!"

Shang Bibi agreed decisively and glanced at the Shanzhou camp not far away.

"That being said, what if too many of my men die in battle?"

"For every death of one person, I will repay ten people!" Liu Jilong responded in a deep voice, and Shang Bibi nodded proudly.

Seeing that the cooperation had been reached, Liu Jilong turned his horse around and signaled Shang Bibi to return to the camp together.

"Boom boom boom——"

Suddenly, there was a sound of drums in the city. Liu Jilong and Shang Bibi looked at each other, their hearts horrified, and they both looked towards Qilian Mountain, worried that Shang Yanxin would make a comeback.

However, the drumbeats continued, but no dust appeared in the direction of the Qilian Mountains.

The two of them then realized that the accident might not have happened here, but somewhere else.

For a moment, Liu Jilong urged his horse to rush towards the city gate, and he couldn't help but feel worried about Shandan City.

Shang Bibi did not enter Shandan City with Liu Jilian. Liu Jilian dismounted at the city gate and walked on foot. In just half a cup of tea, he arrived at Zhang Yichao's tent.

At this moment, the curtains of the tent were wide open, and quite a few people were already standing inside.

Seeing this, Liu Jilong walked in, found his own seat and stood there.

After half a cup of tea, other lieutenants and brigade commanders arrived one after another. Zhang Huaishen said with a dark face: "The Uighurs moved south and passed the beacon tower of Longshou Mountain at noon yesterday!"

"Uighur?!"

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, and some of them who realized what was happening couldn't help but curse:

"We just agreed to trade a few days ago, but now they are invading us!"

"Humph! It's just that they saw Ganzhou and Lun Kongre fighting, and they dared to go south because Ganzhou was empty!"

"Governor, we should break camp immediately and return to Zhangye!"

"right……"

Li Wei, Zhang Huairong, Suo Xun and others spoke one after another, but Liu Jilong remained silent because he knew that Zhang Huaishen had his own opinions.

In this kind of situation, he would not have stepped forward unless Zhang Huaishen took the initiative to ask.

As Zhang Huaishen said, his promotion was a bit too fast and it annoyed too many people.

Before his plan to plunder Liangzhou and seize Fanhe succeeded, he didn't want to show up again and attract fire.

"I summoned you here to discuss this matter."

Zhang Yichao, sitting at the main seat, said in a deep voice, "Yesterday I sent the Tang cavalry to search the Dadouba Valley Road and Sanxie Road, but there was no trace of the bandits in sixty miles. I think Shang Yanxin has already retreated to Shanzhou."

"This time the Uighurs are heading south, mainly to Zhangye, but we must also be on guard against Shandan."

"Brother, you lead 200 infantrymen to escort the wounded and civilians back to Shandan and defend it strictly."

"Li Wei, you must lead the infantry and march lightly. You must arrive in Zhangye in three days."

"Suo Xun and Liu Jilong, you two will lead 800 elite cavalry from Shandan and Zhangye to follow me to Zhangye."

"Jiu Juyan will temporarily take over as the captain of Qilian City and lead 200 Shandan soldiers to garrison there."

"The army must move camp immediately without delay. Liu Jilong, you stay here first, while Suo Xun will mobilize the troops."

"Yes--"

Everyone sang in response, except Liu Jilong who glanced at Jiu Juyan who was at the end of the team.

Soon, everyone walked out of the tent, and only Liu Jilong and Zhang Huaishen remained in the tent.

Seeing that there were no outsiders, Liu Jilong took the initiative to bow and said, "Governor, Shang Bibi's side..."

He told Zhang Huaishen the content of the deal he had just reached with Shang Bibi, but did not reveal that he wanted to take over Fanhe City.

Zhang Huaishen breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this: "I didn't expect you to move so quickly."

"This matter was able to succeed so quickly. I guess Shang Bibi took the initiative to win you over a few days ago, right?"

Liu Jilong did not deny it and simply nodded.

Seeing this, Zhang Huaishen nodded and said, "If that's the case, then things will be much easier."

"Go tell Shang Bibi now and ask him to lead the troops to escort my elder brother back to Shandan. After we defeat the Hu people, we will transfer food and livestock from Zhangye and you will escort them to him."

"Yes, I will retire at the end."

Liu Jilong bowed in return, then turned and left the tent.

Following Zhang Huaishen's instructions, he told Shang Bibi about Zhang Huaishen's arrangements. Shang Bibi did not refuse, but instead assembled the troops and prepared to escort Zhang Huairong and others back to Shandan.

About an hour later, eight hundred elite cavalrymen composed of Zhangye Army and Shandan Army appeared outside the west gate of Qilian City.

The horses were carrying armor on their backs, and all the men were wearing battle jackets and holding the reins.

In less than half a cup of tea, Zhang Huaishen appeared outside the city, but he was fully armed and wearing armor.

He glanced at everyone and frowned: "Put on your armor!"

"Put on armor!" Suo Xun turned around and gave the order, and Liu Jilian also dismounted and put on armor.

Zhang Huaishen said nothing until they all put on their armor, then he called Liu Jilian and Suo Xun forward.

The two men rode forward, but saw that Zhang Huaishen had a calm expression.

"The Uighurs have come all the way here, so they must have thought that our army is still fighting Shang Yanxin in Qilian City."

"I summoned eight hundred elite cavalrymen for no other reason than to catch him off guard."

"Pass my military orders... move forward!"

(End of this chapter)