Northern Prefecture Rivers and Mountains

Chapter 262 East

The Yan army retreated twenty li and set up camp.

However, Liu Daogui's troops did not pursue them.

Murong De, mounted on his warhorse, gazed southwards with a slightly solemn expression.

"The Jin rebels have no more than five thousand men capable of fighting, while our army is at the height of its strength. Why don't we attack?" Murong Fa behind him asked, puzzled.

With the Jin army defeated, no one in the three prefectures of Yan, Yu, and Si will be able to contend with the Yan army, and Murong De's living space will be greatly expanded.

Meanwhile, the Wei army in the north is constrained by forces such as Murong Nong, Murong Sheng, and Murong Chong, and will not cross the river in the short term.

"This force is in high spirits and is holding its position firmly. Our army consists entirely of cavalry. In a head-on battle, the outcome is uncertain. If we suffer too many losses, all our previous efforts will be in vain. Three years ago, this man defeated Murong Zhou and Murong Long with a mere two or three thousand men. He should not be underestimated."

As people age, they become more shrewd. Murong De is sixty-two years old this year, and what he thinks about most is not fighting and killing, but the overall situation at present.

With the Yan state leaderless, Murong Bao lost all prestige and was like a stray dog, while Murong De was the most senior and had the greatest merit and prestige.

Even a broken ship has three thousand nails. After Wei captured Ye City, it was already in a clear decline and was unable to attack Ji City, let alone eliminate the Yan forces in Hebei.

The massacre of 60,000 surrendered soldiers at Canhebei instigated the hatred of the Murong Xianbei and caused the various tribes in Hebei to have little sense of identification with the Wei state.

Everywhere there were forces resisting the Wei state.

If Murong De can raise the banner of Yan again, he can take advantage of this momentum to rival the State of Wei.

Privately, Murong De also had his own selfish motives.

So many incompetent people dare to call themselves emperor, why can't he, with his outstanding military achievements, do the same?

Therefore, he would never engage in a bloody battle with Liu Daogui at this time, risking mutual destruction and benefiting others.

Murong Fa said, "Since Yuzhou is unattainable, why not take Luoyang as our safe haven!"

Murong De dominated Hebei for decades, commanding numerous retainers and officials who offered him advice and strategies.

After capturing Huatai, many former officials of the Yan state fled south to join them.

Chief Secretary Zhang Hua said, "Luoyang is a battleground, sandwiched between Wei, Qin, and Jin, making it difficult to establish a foothold. Pengcheng, on the other hand, is protected by mountains and rivers, is the former capital of Chu, and is a place with a strategic location, a prosperous population, and fertile land. It can be attacked and occupied to establish a base. To the north, we can sit back and watch the great battle in Hebei, and to the south, we can wait for internal strife within Jin!"

Pengcheng was the largest city in Huaibei and one of the strongholds of the Jin dynasty in the Central Plains.

Back then, Xie Xuan used Pengcheng as his base to promote martial artists from humble backgrounds in the Huai and Si regions, win the Battle of Feishui, and launch a northern expedition from there.

Over the years, Liu Daogui has extensively cultivated land in the Sishui River basin, making this area significantly richer than other places.

However, Murong De was not very interested. He had fought against Huan Wen and confronted the Northern Army before, and he was still afraid of it. "Taking Pengcheng is not as good as managing Huatai. If there is any change in Hebei, I will lead my army across the river. If there is any change in the Central Plains, I will send my iron cavalry south."

The strategist Pan Cong bowed and said, “Huatai is a strategically important location, unsuitable for an emperor. Furthermore, it connects to the powerful Wei in the north and the formidable Qin in the west; these two states cannot be trusted to be taken lightly. Pengcheng is sparsely populated, flat, and without natural defenses. It is a vital town of Jin, the former territory of Beifu, and should not be easily conquered. Its territory is closely connected to the Huai and Si rivers, with well-developed waterways. In autumn and summer, its floods turn it into a vast lake. Moreover, naval warfare is our weakness and Jin's strength. Even if we conquer it now, it will not be a long-term solution for peace.”

Murong Fa said, "Luoyang and Pengcheng are both unassailable, and Huatai is indefensible. Where shall we go?"

Huatai was too close to the Wei army. When Zhai Liao established his state here, he was attacked from both sides by the Yan and Jin states.

If Murong De were to establish himself here, he would face the same predicament.

Pan Cong said, “Qing and Qi are fertile lands, known as Eastern Qin. They have an area of ​​2,000 square kilometers and more than 100,000 households. With strong defenses on all sides and abundant resources by the sea, they can be called a country for military purposes. The heroes of the three Qi are waiting with their ambitions, and who does not think of finding an enlightened ruler to make a small contribution! Cao Yi built a vast and fortified city with steep mountains and rivers, which is enough to be an imperial capital.”

Murong De's eyes lit up. Geographically, Qingzhou and Guanzhong were similar, both being protected by mountains and rivers.

Over the years, under Biluhun's management, Qingzhou has become a large city with abundant wealth and resources.

"However, Biluhun has well-trained soldiers and ample provisions. If the battle goes against us, and Liu Daogui takes advantage of our retreat, wouldn't our situation be hopeless?"

Murong De remained relatively clear-headed; Qingzhou was a tough nut to crack and couldn't be so easily gnawed.

Pan Cong said, “The Qin army is stationed in Hedong, which must mean they intend to seize Heluo. Now that Luqiu Xian’s 20,000 troops have been wiped out, Heluo is empty. They will soon march south and besiege Luoyang. At that time, Liu Daogui will be too busy to take care of himself, and our army can leave. Bi Luhun has no ambition and is just a dog guarding the gate. Moreover, he has betrayed the country’s favor in the past. We can send a debater to persuade him. If he is stubborn and does not understand, the army will come and he will naturally collapse!”

Piluhun had been caught between Jin and Yan for years, and Murong Chui had shown him leniency, which could be considered a favor to him.

With the Yan state in turmoil, Qingzhou, which borders Hebei, cannot remain uninvolved.

Moreover, there are many Xianbei forces within Qingzhou, who are naturally allies of Murong De.

"The late emperor was always benevolent and righteous, which is why Bilu Hun has survived to this day. I am not Murong Shao. If you do not surrender, Bilu Hun's entire family will be wiped out!" Murong De's face was full of murderous intent.

Bohai native Feng Cheng cupped his hands and said, "I and Biluhun served under Fu Lang in the past and are old acquaintances. I am willing to persuade this man!"

“Good!” Murong De nodded in agreement.

The agreement was reached, and everyone went about their duties and were about to leave when a military officer outside the tent announced: "Your Majesty, the Qin envoy has arrived!"

"We've arrived just in time!" Murong De's eyes lit up...

To the south, the Jin army's camp.

Liu Daogui did not launch an attack, and the Yan army did not come either, so the two sides remained in a stalemate.

However, the Yan army had three routes. Liu Zhong held the Jiyin area, so the Yan army had no intention of fighting a bloody battle and would take a bite and leave.

However, Yingchuan County was thoroughly infiltrated by the Yan army, and the garrison troops of Yanling, Changshe, and Yangdi abandoned their cities and fled. The Yan army burned, killed, and looted along the way, and then marched into Nanyang County.

Liu Daogui sighed. The Central Plains were too vast, and with his troops, it would be good enough to hold off Murong De; he simply didn't have the energy to attend to everything. If Lü Qiuxian and Deng Qifang hadn't lost those 20,000 men, things wouldn't be in such a passive position.

"Recently, folk songs have been circulating throughout Henan, Yanzhou, and Qinghai provinces," Meng Gan reported earlier.

"What folk song?" Liu Daogui asked, his face full of doubt.

These days, any nursery rhymes, prophecies, or folk songs are all secretly instigated by someone.

Meng Gan's saying goes: "A strong wind stirs up dust, eight wells and three knives rise up, the world is in turmoil and Zhongshan collapses, only the virtuous stand on the throne."

"What does this mean?" Liu Daogui was completely baffled.

They could only summon Gao Xun, Liu Huaizhen, and others to discuss the matter.

Liu Huaizhen was also completely bewildered, not understanding what it meant.

After pondering for a moment, Gao Xun said, "The first three sentences should refer to the collapse of the Yan state and virtuous people. The last sentence should refer to Murong De. The Lower Platform is one of the Three Platforms. The Three Platforms have six stars, rising in pairs and lying horizontally in front of the Big Dipper. The two western stars are called the Upper Platform, which is in charge of life and longevity; the next two stars are called the Middle Platform, which is in charge of the imperial clan; and the two eastern stars are called the Lower Platform, which is in charge of salary and military affairs!"

Liu Huaizhen realized, "The second star in the east is the one that governs military affairs. This means that Murong De is going to launch a military campaign in the east. Could it be Qingzhou?"

All nursery rhymes and prophecies are not without basis.

Liu Daogui was ignorant of astronomy and astrology, but he was knowledgeable in military strategy.

Given the current situation, it is impossible for Murong De to take Yuzhou, and the chances of capturing Luoyang are slim, let alone Yanzhou. Therefore, the only way out is Qingzhou!

Liu Huaizhen said, "With Bilu Hun in Qingzhou, how can Murong De succeed so easily?"

Liu Daogui silently recited the song in his mind. On the surface, Murong De's attack on Qingzhou was advantageous to him.

Murong De's forces number over 100,000, making him a formidable force in the Central Plains. If he remains in Huatai, he will undoubtedly become a major enemy, and it will be difficult to eliminate him in the short term.

But if he leaves, all the threats will vanish.

Yuzhou thus fell into his control.

When Murong De attacks Qingzhou, he will definitely encounter resistance from Bilu Hun. At that time, if he follows behind, he might be able to gain a great advantage.

But things seem to be going a little too smoothly.

Murong De is not Murong Bao. His decision to abandon Ye City and move south to Huatai shows that he has a certain strategic vision.

I will not make a move unless I am absolutely certain.

"Can we find out who wrote this folk song? Or where it first appeared?" Liu Daogui asked Meng Ganzhi.

"Yes, but it will take some time..."

"You should do your best to investigate first. Murong De can't leave now. Immediately send someone to tell Bilu Hun to be careful." That's all Liu Daogui can do now.

"I accept the order!" Meng Ganzhi bowed and left.

Before making a decision, Liu Daogui had no choice but to remain inactive.

Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. Yingchuan County was plundered by Yan cavalry, and refugees flocked to Chenliu.

More and more people gathered around Liu Daogui's camp, all vowing to fight the Yan army to the death and avenge their grievances.

A rough estimate suggests there are at least four thousand people, with other refugees still on their way.

Liu Daogui dared not be negligent, for the grain he had was not inexhaustible.

These refugees were organized, with the able-bodied staying behind to form militias, where they settled and cultivated the land, and crafted siege weapons. The elderly, women, and children were sent to Jiyin County for resettlement.

It's unclear whether the previous group of persuaders had an effect, but not only did the refugees from Yingchuan County arrive, but refugees from Runan and Chen State in the south also flocked in with their families.

After observing them for several days, Liu Daogui realized that their true purpose was simply to get a bite to eat.

Food is the heart of the people. In these days, the vast majority of people are starving. Wherever there is food, refugees will go.

In just half a month, more than 10,000 people gathered around the camp.

The volunteer army expanded to four thousand men, all of whom were young and strong, including many brave warriors who would go into battle if given a sword.

Those who remained in the north, regardless of age or gender, all possessed some skill in using bows and swords; otherwise, they would not have been able to survive.

In just one month, food supplies began to run out.

"Agui, we're running low on supplies!" Liu Huaizhen rushed over to remind him.

"If we don't have enough, we'll bring in supplies from the rear. People are more important than anything else!"

"Several cavalry units under Murong De have been harassing the supply lines."

This is the Yan army's standard tactic and also the cavalry's greatest advantage.

Without the protection of Mao Dezhu and Wang Zhongde's cavalry, the supply route would have been cut off long ago.

It is unknown what Murong De was waiting for. He did not go to Qingzhou, but returned to Huatai and stayed in Chenliu.

(End of this chapter)