Han officials

Chapter 138: Killing Three Birds with One Stone [4K]

When he saw the domestic city for the first time, Wei Zhe couldn't help but frown.

On a small plain on the west bank of the Yalu River, a mud city loomed large. Its outline was roughly square, about a li wide, a li and a half long, and no more than ten feet high.

To be fair, Neiguo City is not as big or as defensive as Xiangping City.

But the problem is that there is a mountain behind the domestic city, and on top of it there is a Maruyama Castle.

The two cities rely on each other, which is very different from the current Han city, but similar to the future Japanese country.

If he remembered correctly, this practice was also practiced in later Japan. Japanese castles were often built in three tiers: the castle tower at the top of the mountain was called the Honmaru, below which was the Ninomaru, which served both residential and defensive functions, and the Sannomaru, which housed more defensive facilities and guards. The common people's houses were generally located outside the castle, surrounding the Sannomaru, forming the "castle town."

Comparing the two, they are quite similar, and I don't know who copied whom.

No, Japan is still ruled by a group of shamans, and its construction technology is probably not even as good as that of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.

Considering the distance between Japan and the Korean Peninsula, it is possible that this is a habit brought over by the deceased people of Goguryeo.

At the same time, when Taishi Ci saw Wei Zhe, he also complained bitterly.

He arrived early and had already made several tentative attacks on domestic cities, but with little success.

"General, this city is truly difficult to capture!" On the hillside, Taishi Ci pointed to the mountain behind the inner city and said helplessly, "Everything else is easy, but Maruyama Castle is too dangerous!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhe raised his eyebrows and asked, "Oh, how dangerous is it?"

Hearing him say this, Taishi Ci immediately told him everything he knew.

"The inner city below is fine, just built of slabs and earth, but Maruyama Castle is different. It's built entirely of stone slabs, following the terrain. The walls are widest at the bottom, and then taper inward like stairs above."

Having said that, Taishi Ci couldn't help but pat his iron helmet in annoyance.

"I've taken a closer look. The mountain is covered with horse-faced walls, and there are corner towers at the four corners. It's not an ordinary fortress."

As soon as these words came out, Wei Zhe's brows furrowed even deeper.

However, as the commander-in-chief, Wei Zhe personally led his cavalry around Guonei Castle and Maruyama Castle.

How should I put it? I feel even more depressed.

Because Wei Zhe discovered that although the Maru Mountain behind the Guonei City was only a hundred feet high, the mountains on both sides were steep. Even in the places where the mountains were gentler, there were city walls built and many guards.

Moreover, the catapult could not be used at all in such a steep terrain, which directly destroyed a siege weapon.

In this way, Maruyama Castle became an iron turtle shell, making Wei Zhe unable to attack it for a while.

After a long silence, Wei Zhe said expressionlessly, "Return to camp!"

……

Not to mention how much of a headache Wei Zhe had at home.

When the Emperor of the Han Dynasty in Luoyang learned about this, he was very happy!
"That's right!" Looking at the memorial in his hand, Liu Hong said with a smile on his face, "I knew he wouldn't let me down!"

Seeing the emperor happy, Zhang Rang, who looked like an old woman, suddenly smiled like a chrysanthemum.

"Your Majesty, I've heard that Duke Wei is unstoppable and has reached the outskirts of Goguryeo's capital. I'm sure it won't be long before he destroys the kingdom and captures the king!"

After this period of speculation, Zhang Rang had more or less figured out the emperor's thoughts.

After all, the emperor suddenly became warlike, and the eunuchs were naturally the most surprised.

After much thought, the only reason is the posthumous reputation.

Seeing Zhang Rang being so humorous, Liu Hong's mood suddenly became even better.

The eunuch Zhao Zhong, who was standing by, was not to be outdone and actually stepped out of the line and bowed:
"No one in our dynasty has surpassed Your Majesty in military achievements. With this peaceful and prosperous era, the Han Dynasty will be revived!"

It has to be said that the eunuchs are really good at flattering the emperor and are really professional.

Zhao Zhong's flattery really hit Liu Hong's heart, it was a precise strike.

As soon as Zhao Zhong finished speaking, Liu Hong couldn't help but burst into laughter with joy.

Liu Hong felt refreshed when he thought that his family might be called the King of Restoration by future historians!

He didn't dare to compare himself with Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty, but in the future his reputation in history might be better than that of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty!
When he thought of this, Liu Hong, who was originally feeling uncomfortable, felt that his soul was relieved a little.

Seeing this, the eunuchs and palace maids around them skillfully acted as the atmosphere group without Zhao Zhong's eye hints, and immediately knelt on the ground and shouted "Long live the emperor" three times!
For a moment, the area around the Garter Hall was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Under such circumstances, it is no wonder that emperors of later generations who were born in the deep palace and raised by women were often manipulated by those around them!
After all, when everyone caters to the emperor's wishes, the palace is nothing more than a script-killing scene.

However, Emperor Liu Hong felt very good at this moment, and rewarded everyone present with a wave of his hand.

The palace maids and eunuchs who had picked up a wave of rewards for nothing were overjoyed and immediately expressed their gratitude.

At the same time, Liu Hong did not forget Wei Zhe, his great contributor.

A moment later, on the corridor between the north and south palaces.

Liu Hong was strolling leisurely in the garden when he looked at Zhao Zhong beside him casually and said, "Grandpa, Duke Wei has made such great contributions. What do you think I should reward him with?"

Zhao Zhong didn't think much of it when he heard this. He immediately said with a smile on his face, "Your Majesty, whatever reward you give me is fine. After all, he was personally promoted by Your Majesty. With such a great favor, what else can he ask for?"

Liu Hong didn't say anything after hearing this, and then asked Zhang Rang the same question.

Zhang Rang thought about it and gave a suggestion, saying that perhaps the title could be changed to "Marquis of Houcheng County".

After all, compared to returning home in glory, being granted a title based on one's ancestral home place is still a little worse.

Hearing the two of them say this, Liu Hong nodded silently, and his guard against Wei Zhe suddenly decreased a little.

At least from what happened just now, Wei Zhe should have no relationship with Zhao Zhong, Zhang Rang and others, and can be of great use.

However, in front of Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, Liu Hong still did not reveal his arrangements for Wei Zhe.

In fact, regardless of whether the attack on Goguryeo was successful or not, Liu Hong was prepared to transfer him to Beijing.

It would be best if Wei Zhe could destroy the country and capture the king this time, but Liu Hong could also accept it if he failed.

After all, Wei Zhe was the most capable and battle-hardened general among his companions.

Huangfu Song might be a better fighter than him, but Liu Hong was not confident in him, nor did he dare to be.

In comparison, Liu Hong felt more at ease with Wei Zhe, who had little experience, no background, and came from a powerful family.

In fact, Liu Hong had already thought about rewarding Wei Zhe.

If Wei Zhe could destroy Goguryeo in this battle, then in addition to the reward of title, he would also be transferred to the court to serve as the Weiwei, one of the Nine Ministers.

From a local prefect to one of the Nine Ministers in the court, such an appointment can definitely not be regarded as unfair treatment of a meritorious official. I believe Wei Zhe will also be grateful!

But then again, Liu Hong did this not simply for the sake of a good reputation.

You should know that the position of the Weiwei among the Nine Ministers is not that simple. This is the official who commands the guards and guards the palace. Under him are the Beigong and Nangong Guard Commanders, who are in charge of the guards of the Nangong and Beigong respectively.

It is not difficult to see from the fact that he is in control of the palace that the person who can serve as the Weiwei must be the emperor's confidant.

For example, during the reign of Emperor Guangwu, he appointed his confidants Li Tong and Yao Qi as the Weiwei. Later, his relatives Ma Liao, Ma Guang, Dou Gu, Liang Shu and others all held this position.

Originally, Liu Hong had considered Dong Chong and He Jin's younger brother He Miao for this position.

Although Dong Zhong was the nephew of the Empress Dowager and could be relied upon, his talents were mediocre. Compared to Wei Zhe, who had repeatedly expanded the territory, Dong Zhong was clearly not even half as capable.

As for He Miao, that made Liu Hong sigh even more.

Ever since Liu Hong decided to depose the eldest son and enthrone the youngest, he has been worried about the He family.

So in the final analysis, Liu Hong just wanted Wei Zhe to be the bodyguard of the emperor's second son Liu Xie, to protect him so that he could ascend to the throne smoothly.

This cannot be said to be Liu Hong's lack of kindness, on the contrary, he is too kind!

If it were a peaceful time, this would definitely be the greatest reward, even more precious than the position of one of the Three Dukes.

Because the positions of the Three Dukes can be dismissed, but the trust of the new emperor is priceless.

If the emperor's second son Liu Xie really succeeded to the throne smoothly, then Wei Zhe's status would be second only to the general of the imperial relative.

To a certain extent, he was also one of the ministers entrusted with the care of the young emperor.

Huo Guang will be the upper limit of Wei Zhe's power!

In such a situation, what kind of wealth and glory can compare to this?

If Wei Zhe manages the business well, the Xuanmo Wei family might be rich and prosperous for generations!

Of course, Liu Hong was so considerate because of his own son.

Although Xiao Huangmen Jian Shuo was loyal, he was still a eunuch after all.

Although He Jin was a loser, he still had some power, not to mention that he had a sister, the queen, in the palace.

In this case, it would be really dangerous if Liu Xie lost the help around him.

Liu Hong was once very worried about this, but now he is much more relieved.

After all, if nothing unexpected happens, the second prince Liu Xie will have even more support.

In addition to Empress Dowager Dong and General Dong Zhong, Jian Shuo, who was in charge of the eight schools in Xiyuan, and Wei Zhe, who was in charge of the imperial palace guards, would also become the foundation for Liu Xie's succession to the throne.

When the armies inside and outside Luoyang all stood on Liu Xie's side, Liu Hong could not think of any reason for failure!

Unless someone dares to start a rebellion in Luoyang, or foolishly sends foreign troops to Luoyang,

Otherwise, Liu Hong felt that his will would be thoroughly implemented!

Of course, Liu Hong was still the emperor after all, and this arrangement was an instinctive measure to guard against Wei Zhe.

Once Wei Zhe's mission is completed, Liu Hong will no longer allow him to serve as an official in Liaodong.

Transferring him to Luoyang to serve as an official was also one of the emperor's political tactics, otherwise Wei Zhe would be in danger of getting out of control.

Even if Wei Zhe would not rebel, if he was allowed to continue to operate in the local area, Liaodong would gradually become out of control.

Therefore, the reward prepared by Liu Hong can be said to kill three birds with one stone!
With this thought in mind, Liu Hong slept peacefully that night!
But when Liu Hong was immersed in his sweet dream, Wei Zhe, who was under the city wall, was frowning.

……

It was only after the siege officially began that Wei Zhe realized how cruel Gao Nanwu was.

With his retreat cut off, he ignored the lives of the surrounding people in order to defend the city.

Even though they were all his own subjects, Gao Nanwu showed no mercy when he robbed them. This was a disguised way of achieving a strong defense before the Han army besieged the city.

As a result, there was no shortage of food and grass in the city, and there was sufficient water in the city, not to mention the guards.

Faced with this situation, Wei Zhe had no choice but to force his way in!

After more than half a month, dozens of catapults were broken down.

In other words, Wei Zhe had no shortage of military craftsmen, so they could make new ones as soon as they were discarded. Otherwise, it would be really troublesome.

Fortunately, Wei Zhe was not short of manpower. As the news of his siege of Guonei City spread, Goguryeo rebels came to surrender in an endless stream, and there were even more than 10,000 people in total.

It was because of the presence of these people that Wei Zhe could attack the city without worrying about casualties.

The next day, outside the city.

The city walls that were once ancient and majestic have now become ruins, with broken arms and debris everywhere.

The city walls were also pitted and even cracked by huge rocks.

"kill!"

Under the city wall, countless Goguryeo rebels and civilians rushed forward, either numbly or madly.

Then one by one they either died under the hammering stones or were shot to death silently.

Of course, their deaths were not in vain.

After more than half a month of fighting, the defenders of the city also suffered heavy casualties.

The Han army's rain of arrows, boulders, and even the warriors who climbed the city walls caused them huge casualties.

For example, at this moment, with the cover of the Goguryeo rebels, another Han army climbed to the top of the city.

However, compared with the previous times, the defenders' response this time was a bit slow.

Under the banner of the central army, Wei Zhe, who had been keeping a close eye on the battlefield, keenly noticed this.

He made a decisive move and said, "Order all the troops to capture this city. Do not lay down your sword for three days!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the generals around him were slightly shocked.

After all, Wei Zhe's words undoubtedly meant that he was going to massacre the city. In three days, there would probably be few living things in the city!

But no general tried to dissuade Wei Zhe. Instead, they all looked ferocious as if they were injected with chicken blood.

Taishi Ci stepped out with an excited look in his eyes and said, "General, I am willing to be the first to ascend!"

Although it was a bit irrational for a 2,000-stone official to take the risk of being the first to ascend the mountain, Taishi Ci was young and energetic after all.

Seeing this, Wei Zhe did not refuse, but said in a deep voice: "I'll wait for your good news!"

Upon seeing this, Taishi Ci immediately led his troops out in a hurry, like a tiger descending from the mountain.

At the same time, as the messengers galloped back and forth and shouted, the Han soldiers and Goguryeo rebels in front of the battle also heard the news.

They were originally a little tired and numb, but suddenly they became more energetic.

Compared with the Han army generals, their ideas were much simpler.

When they thought about being able to do whatever they wanted in the city after the city was broken, they didn't even feel the pain of their wounds.

Especially those strong men from the Goguryeo local rebel army, they felt inexplicably excited when they thought that they would be able to wantonly humiliate the royal ladies who were once high and mighty.

Under this extreme stimulation, the combat effectiveness of this group of people almost soared instantly.

With the addition of the powerful general Taishi Ci, the already shaky city of Guonei finally fell apart...

(End of this chapter)