Chapter 4194 Doubt
The rain gradually subsided, and a heavy rain caused the rivers in Guanzhong to swell. Fortunately, after the Guanlong Mutiny last year, countless troops were defeated and the people were in chaos. The court used work in exchange for dredging the rivers and strengthening the dams, so that the heavy rain did not cause the dams to burst. of flooding.
On both sides of the Guangtong Canal, the two armies marched along the muddy official road. After Donggong Liu led the troops to secure Chang'an, Qu Tuquan and Li Siwen respectively led their troops to attack Tongguan to defeat the Jin king's rebellion. The army formed an oppressive force.
Because the Guangtong Canal connects Chang'an and Tongguan, the river is straight and smooth, and it is even an important waterway for water transportation. Therefore, it is usually connected by boats and is lively and prosperous. Counties and towns along the way make a living on it, which makes the various places along the waterway extremely prosperous. It is called "Enriching the People's Canal".
But now there is unrest in Guanzhong. First, the Guanlong rebellion turned Guanzhong into a mess, and then the King of Jin raised his troops. Water transportation has been cut off, and the river is empty. Even the people in the counties, towns, and villages along the coast have been destroyed. Officials warned everyone to stay home and not move around to avoid getting into trouble.
Therefore, the two armies marched towards Tongguan smoothly without any hindrance.
Outside Xinfeng City, on the bank of Guangtong Canal, in a teahouse that originally provided a place for people coming and going to rest and drink water, Yu Wenshiji and Qiu Xinggong were sitting opposite each other. More than a dozen soldiers dressed as servants were scattered around, watching nervously. Watching the troops advancing slowly on the lower official road of the river embankment not far away, if anyone comes this way, they will immediately protect the head of the family and retreat.
It was raining continuously, and the cloth tent above their heads protected them from the rain. Yu Wenshi and Qiu Xinggong were quite comfortable, sitting opposite each other, eating the sauced meat and snacks wrapped in oil paper, and sipping the wine in the wine bag.
Looking at Dong Gong Liu's army, which was moving in an orderly manner and in great military appearance, Qiu Xinggong said with emotion: "Gong Wei is indeed the best military master in the world today. Even among the famous commanders in ancient times, it is difficult for anyone to be above him. Dong Gong Liu was originally It was just a piece of loose sand with no fighting power. The late emperor handed it over to After becoming the crown prince, he was reorganized and trained by the Duke of Wei, so that his combat power jumped to the first level among the Sixteen Guards. With the addition of firearms, he became the strongest army in the world without such a strong force. Six rates, how come we are in today’s situation?”
Nowadays, the government and the public have a general understanding of the trend of the East Palace. It is recognized that the reason for its rise is when His Majesty Li Er handed over the sixth command of the East Palace to the Crown Prince, so that the Crown Prince finally had someone who could fully command it. The army gained the coveted military power.
Coupled with the Youtun Guards controlled by Fang Jun, these two armies together formed an impenetrable barrier to the East Palace.
This solidified the foundation of the Prince of the East Palace.
If not, how could they withstand the impact of Guanlong's army during the Guanlong rebellion? I am afraid that before His Majesty Li Er returned from the Eastern Expedition, Changsun Wuji had already pacified the East Palace and established a new crown prince. The situation would be completely different.
Even when His Majesty Li Er returned from the Eastern Expedition, even though Yi Chu was very enthusiastic, he had to resort to war. He was worried about the tyrannical fighting power of the Sixth Army of the East Palace and the Youtun Guards, so he could only stop and disintegrate bit by bit. The military power of the East Palace.
First, he deprived Fang Jun of the post of General of the Right Guards, then transferred the six leaders of the East Palace to outside the city, and then transferred the Zuowu Guards into the city to stay in the guard palace... Even if His Majesty Li Er had not died, he wanted to completely dismantle the East Palace. The armed forces will also take three to five years.
It can be seen from this that His Majesty Li Er is afraid of the two armies of Donggong Liuli and Youtunwei.
Yu Wenshiji took a sip of wine and squinted slightly as he looked at the army marching in the drizzle. Compared to Qiu Xinggong, he felt more deeply.
If there had not been a serious error in the previous estimates, which led to the strong resistance of the Sixth Army of the East Palace during the mutiny, and the subsequent defeat by the Youtun Guards several times, the Guanlong Clan would have returned to the position of taking charge of the court in the early years of Zhenguan. status, even if His Majesty Li Er returns to Chang'an alive beyond expectations, this outcome cannot be changed.
And if His Majesty Li Er is as determined as stone and insists on uprooting Guanlong, he may have to repeat what happened at the end of the great cause. His Majesty Li Er, who is so talented and powerful, may not become the second Sui Yang Emperor...
However, it was Donggong Liuliu who hurriedly organized his army but defended Taiji Palace, blocking the tidal offensive of the Guanlong army, and ultimately caused the Guanlong clan to fall into an irreversible situation.
If not for the subsequent turmoil in the DPRK, both His Majesty Li Er and Prince Li Chengqian would need the Guanlong Clan to balance the DPRK. I am afraid that the Guanlong Clan would have been completely wiped out at this moment, and hundreds of years of foundation would disappear...
His heart was undulating like waves, and he was filled with emotions. However, after all, he had rich experience. After many storms and waves, he quickly stabilized his mind. He touched the wine bag with Qiu Xinggong, took a sip together, and asked: "Is it possible to convince Xue Wanche on this trip?" How sure are you?”
Qiu Xinggong took a bite of the sauced pork and pondered for a moment. He swallowed the sauced pork and shook his head and said, "Who dares to talk about success or failure before we are here? However, although Xue Wanche is dull and slow and has a violent temper, he is quite loyal. He concealed the blood feud of the prince back then. He may not forget it completely, as long as he still has some resentment in his heart, the chance of persuading him will increase.”
The Xue family in Hedong is a famous family in the country, and is one of the "Six Great Surnames in Guanxi". It has a noble family and many talents. Xue Wanche's father was Xue Shixiong, the former Sui Zuo Imperial Guard General. Several of Xue Wanche's brothers also served in the Sui Dynasty and were worshiped as generals.
After entering the Tang Dynasty, the third brother Xue Wanjun entered the palace of the King of Qin and became the confidant of the King of Qin. Xue Wanche was recruited by the hidden prince Li Jiancheng, and he trusted him. On the night of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, after learning that King Qin had killed Li Jiancheng at Xuanwu Gate, Xue Wanche simply led his troops to attack the Prince of Qin's Mansion, intending to capture the entire Prince of Qin's mansion as hostages. However, the attack failed for a long time, and the King of Qin ordered people to take Li Jiancheng with him. , Li Yuanji's leaders went to persuade him to surrender, but Xue Wanche could not do anything, so he led his troops to escape from Chang'an and fled into Zhongnan Mountain.
This kind of person is the most stubborn person. Even if he finally surrenders, as long as there is any loyalty to Li Jiancheng left in his heart, it will never be erased.
Normally, he would only obey the orders of His Majesty Li Er, but once he has the opportunity, he will inevitably be influenced by the loyalty in his heart: What better way to take revenge than to destroy the prince who was canonized by His Majesty Li Er's golden canon?
Yu Wenshiji nodded. Although he may not fully believe in Qiu Xinggong and always feels unsafe, it is undeniable that Qiu Xinggong's point of view is very reasonable. Even if Xue Wanche and Fang Jun have a good relationship, it is just a personal relationship. How to communicate with him? Do you have the same righteousness in your heart?
Qiu Xinggong reciprocated, took a sip of wine with Yu Wenshiji, looked at the main force of the army on the official road, and asked casually: "I wonder why Duke Ying entered the pass this time?"
Yu Wenshi did not lose his vigilance and replied casually: "Now that Zuo Wuwei Hedgehog is gathering in the West City of Chang'an, Lu Guogong's position is too important. If we can try to persuade him to change his mind, great things will happen soon. Although there is little hope, we must try our best. Try your best to convince.”
Qiu Xinggong's face showed a hint of worry, and he whispered: "Now the city of Chang'an is controlled by the 'Baiqisi' inside and outside. That boy Li Junxian is very capable. Duke Ying must be careful when entering and leaving Chang'an." Be cautious and leave no room for error.”
"No need to worry,"
Yuwen Shiji moved his eyes away from Qiu Xinggong's face and chuckled: "Brothers fighting for the right to inherit the throne, siblings fighting for the throne, this is a matter of the heavenly family, and it is different from rebellion. Therefore, most of the civil and military officials in the country are watching the changes, and they are optimistic about both sides. There are countless people who have secretly communicated with the King of Jin out of sympathy. When I go in and out of Chang'an, I will naturally be protected, so don't worry."
Qiu Xinggong lowered his head to eat the meat, with a deep look in his eyes: "In that case, let's divide our troops into two groups here. I will go north across the Wei River and go to the Youwuwei camp, while the Duke of Ying will follow the way to Chang'an."
Yu Wenshiji nodded: "That's exactly what it should be."
By the time they finished eating and the soldiers were packing up, it was getting dark and the two of them said goodbye on the roadside.
Yu Wenshiji reminded: "Xue Wanche is stupid and cannot be judged by common sense. When you go to persuade him, you must pay attention to methods and methods. You must not anger him, otherwise the consequences will be disastrous."
Everyone in Guanzhong calls Fang Jun "Bangchui" because Fang Jun often behaves recklessly and recklessly. But if anyone can be called "Bangchui" after Fang Jun, it is Xue Wanche. This man has a simple mind, acts willfully, and is moody. It is difficult for ordinary people to figure out his thoughts, and naturally they are increasingly unable to adapt to his style of acting.
It would be a tragedy if Qiu Xinggong came looking for him and Xue Wanche captured him and beheaded him without saying a word.
Xue Wanche can definitely do this kind of thing...
Qiu Xinggong smiled and said: "Don't worry, Duke Ying, and say goodbye."
"Farewell!"
The two groups parted here. Yu Wenshi and Qiu Xinggong watched as they led people onto a wooden bridge and crossed the Guangtong Canal, heading straight north until the other party's figure was hidden in the darkness. Then he turned around and said to a soldier behind him: "Go back immediately. Tongguan , tell His Highness the King of Jin to carefully screen any news sent back by Qiu Xinggong. If there is any uncertainty, we will discuss it after I return to Tongguan. Do not trust it easily, so as not to delay the important matter. "
"Here!"
After receiving the message, the soldier immediately turned around and ran towards the direction he came from.
Yu Wenshi and his soldiers marched forward for about an hour. They had already left the boundary of Xinfeng and were near the foot of Lishan Mountain. At the edge of a village, a group of people who had been waiting here came forward to greet them. In front of them was a young man. , dressed in a green shirt, with a face like a crown of jade, smiled and clasped his fists, saying: "I have been waiting for you for a long time."
Yu Wenshi had a smile on his face, but he could barely hide the joy in his eyes. He strode forward and said with a smile: "It is actually Jing Ren's nephew who is here. This really makes me overjoyed."
The young man bowed his head to the ground very respectfully. After being pulled up by Yu Wenshiji, he bowed slightly, pointed to a carriage behind him, and said: "It is not suitable to stay here for a long time. I would like to ask Ying Guogong to wait for the carriage and come with me." Entering the city together.”
Yu Wenshiji glanced at the emblem on the carriage and said, "I feel sorry for you. Please."
"Please!"
When Yu Wenshi was waiting for the car, the young man also jumped on his horse, and more than thirty riders came out of the darkness. They were all regular soldiers with helmets and armor, and they all gathered together and galloped towards the city of Chang'an not far away. go. (End of chapter)