Chapter 422 Strategic Direction
Outside Jinyang City, the war has ended for several days.
Liu Kun's generals Hao Shen and Zhang Qiao led more than 2,000 troops to fight, but were defeated by the Xiongnu, and both generals died.
There was a shortage of food and grass in the city. Gao Qiao, the governor of Taiyuan, and Hao Yu, the governor of Bingzhou, saw that they did not even have the conditions to hold on, so they opened the city and asked for surrender.
Two days later, Liu Can and Liu Yao entered Jinyang, and the first thing they did was to inspect the whole city.
When the two of them climbed to the top of the city and looked into the distance, they suddenly felt their hearts were broadened.
What a huge flat land!
The most amazing thing is that this very vast flat land is crisscrossed by rivers, rich in water and grass, and has countless fertile fields. There are dangerous mountains and rivers in the surrounding area, and the mountains and rivers inside and outside are not just talk.
“The land of Bingzhou has the potential to build a strategic position.” Liu Yao praised.
Since the beginning of history, Taiyuan has been an important town in the north.
There are Luliang Mountain and the Yellow River in the west, Zhongtiao and Taihang in the south, Taihang and Wutai in the east, and Hengshan Mountain in the north.
The terrain itself is high, overlooking Hebei and Henan.
If these two places advance to Bingzhou, they will have to attack Taihang Baxing.
The Xingdao is dangerous and rugged, and all dynasties have built gates to control the traffic channels.
If you go south from the northern grassland, you have to attack Yanmen Pass, which is another important pass.
Surrounded by the Yellow River and mountains, there are large fertile river valleys and mountain basins that can support the people and serve as a foundation.
The mountains are rich in water and grass, which can be used for grazing cattle, sheep and horses. In the Tang Dynasty, two large pastures were established in Hedong (referring to the entire Bingzhou) to raise military horses. There was even one near Taiyuan, called "Loufan" "Jianmu City" - the other one is in Shangdang, which is where the Jie people are now entrenched.
The plains can be used for farming, and the mountainous areas can be used for grazing. The cool climate is also particularly suitable for horses to breed and survive. It can be said to be a geomantic treasure.
When the troubled times begin, if Bingzhou is occupied, ambitious people can participate in the struggle for hegemony, while those without ambition can protect the country and the people. Duandi is the foundation of a king and hegemony.
Liu Can also looked at this land greedily.
Over the years, although Liu Kun was strictly confined to Jinyang City, and the rest of Taiyuan County was occupied by various tribes, they did not dare to be too ostentatious, and they farmed land in Taiyuan County regardless of it, and just herded cattle until they died. When Xianbei arrived, they had to pack up their bedding and tents and drive their cattle and sheep, which was very inconvenient.
Now that we have captured Jinyang, it is much more convenient.
"Only the majestic city of Jinyang and the fertile soil of Taiyuan are worthy of being the capital of the Han Dynasty." Liu Can sighed: "Yongming, I want to be the emperor, and please move the capital to Jinyang. What do you think?"
Liu Yao shook his head and said, "It's too early."
"Why do you say that?" Liu Can asked, somewhat displeased.
"Shi Guang always has a strategy, and I admire him. What he said is naturally reasonable, but it's just too early." Liu Yao first praised Liu Can, but in the end he insisted on his own opinion.
Then he explained.
Running Taiyuan does not happen overnight. It would be easier to deal with just Liu Kun, but the problem is the existence of Tuoba Xianbei.
Once the capital is moved to Jinyang, will you strengthen the defense line to the north of the capital?
There is Tuoba Xianbei outside Yanmen Pass, and there is also Tuoba Xianbei in Daijun. Even if it can be defended by building forts and garrisoning soldiers, the focus of the country must change.
He was worried that as a result, the entanglement with Tuoba Xianbei would never end, which would draw a lot of energy from the court and make it unable to go south.
Considering that Shao Xun has established a foothold in Henan, this is not a good thing.
Unless the imperial court gives up the strategy of going south and is willing to become a local government that separates the states and Guanzhong, this may be difficult for Jin Shang, who has a high self-esteem.
But then again, Liu Yao thinks this is not bad.
Looking at Shao Xun’s appearance, Jin Ting will be destroyed by him sooner or later.
Once he does this kind of thing, the uncles all over the world will stand on their own and attack each other. He is in a position of four battles, which is quite disadvantageous. Maybe they will negotiate peace with the Han Dynasty and concentrate on dealing with other directions.
In this way, there may be many countries in the world.
Will Sima Rui, who occupies Jianye, proclaim himself emperor?
Will Jia, Liang and others in Guanzhong become independent?
Where are Zhang Gui and his son in Liangzhou?
What about that arrogant man Wang Jun of Youzhou?
A rough count shows that there are quite a few countries.
Such a situation is actually beneficial to the big man.
The imperial court needed time to gain the recognition of the northern scholars, so that they were forced to surrender to the imperial court out of despair. With them joining, the foundation will be stable.
At that time, we can try to merge Shanyutai and Shangshutai, no longer divide Hu and Han, and slowly integrate. Isn’t it better than what we are doing now?
Nowadays, let alone the integration of Hu and Han, in fact, the Xiongnu headquarters and the "Six Barbarians" have not integrated. The country is divided into three parts: Six Barbarians, Xiongnu, and Jin people. The divisions are quite distinct, which is quite ugly.
When the late emperor was there, he was very skillful and could barely control various tribes and territories.
The present emperor is actually not that bad. He has been traveling in the Central Plains all year round and is proficient in metaphysics, Confucianism and even music and poetry. He also served as an aide under the late Wang Ying in Chengdu and led troops in wars. However, compared to the previous emperor, his wrists were There's always a difference.
As for the King of Hanoi, Liu Yao just sighed and didn't want to comment more.
"Tuoba Xianbei has repeatedly done bad things, which is really hateful." After listening to Liu Yao's words, Liu Can nodded, and then transferred his anger to Tuoba Xianbei.
"Why should Shiguang be upset?" Liu Yao advised: "Tuoba Yilu fought against Wang Jun and also wanted to capture Daijun, which shows his ambition."
"Yongming said Tuoba Yilu wants to develop southward and swallow up Bingzhou, Youzhou and even Henan?" Liu Can said in surprise.
"He is old and may not have such ambitions." Liu Yao said: "It's just that seeing the decline of power in the Central Plains, he can take advantage of it. His soldiers seem to be tyrannical. But if they were thrown into the melee in the Central Plains, how many years would it take them to fight? , the troops are scattered and miserable. If the fight continues, Duan Xianbei will become a vassal of Wang Jun. "The Central Plains are a mess." Liu Can gloated.
The big Han also suffered a lot in Henan.
Thousands of cavalry were lost in the Battle of Gaoping, and all tribes complained. Fortunately, they don't have old enemies like Duan Bu Xianbei, otherwise life will be difficult when the decline becomes apparent.
"I wonder how the battle of Mengjin went..." After laughing, Liu Can remembered that Liu Fu was sitting in Hanoi and coordinating the overall situation, so he asked.
"If the emperor transfers troops from Jinyang to the south, it means that the war is not going well." Liu Yao said: "If there is no order, it means that the fight is good. Shi Guang, please be patient and wait. ."
"That's right," Liu Can said with a smile.
However, he quickly focused his gaze, because on the post road in the southwest, dozens of horses came running, and the leader even held a chariot.
Liu Can and Liu Yao looked at each other and said, "We're not really defeated, are we?"
The two hurriedly left the city.
The person who came was indeed an angel. After reading the edict, Liu Can was both happy and worried.
The good news is that Liu Fu suffered a big loss, but the bad news is that Shao Xun occupied the ferry on the north bank of Mengjin.
He is so capable of tossing and fighting. Even if he inherits the throne in the future, he will still be a huge threat. As for how to ascend the throne over the crown prince Liu Yi, he feels that it is not a problem at all. Liu Yao was more worried than Liu Can.
But now is not the time to think about this. The two of them negotiated the defense with the newly arrived former general Liu Feng, and then led the army southward and headed straight to Hanoi - former general Liu Feng Fengxian was the governor of Bingzhou in the Han Dynasty and stayed in Jinyang.
******
The capture of Jinyang was a landmark victory for the Han Dynasty.
On September 16th, Emperor Liu Cong issued an edict: Change the Yuan Dynasty to Jiaping and grant amnesty to the world.
Three days later, he held a banquet in the newly completed Huiguang Hall and distributed rewards to the ministers.
Some people may find it strange that the King of Bohai suffered a disastrous defeat in the Battle of Jamati and had to retreat to the Wild King with 8,000 soldiers. No one paid attention to this matter?
Actually, there is. Liu Cong has appointed Wang Can of Hanoi as the Commander-in-Chief, and led an army of 20,000 people southward. The troops from Hanoi and Shangdang counties have all returned to his command. In addition, he also gave Liu Can secret instructions to prevent him from messing up and deviating from the strategy set by the court.
The old Zhongshu Supervisor Fan Long glanced at Liu Cong who was chatting and laughing with the ministers, lowered his head and thought silently.
He remembered the rumor that was released back then.
It was just a joke, but he didn't expect it to come true, which frightened him.
For several years, he has been thinking about a question: Could it be that Shao Xun is really a spirit from the Taibai Star descending to earth?
In the Battle of Zhemati, with less than 30,000 troops, they defeated three villages in two days, defeated King Fu of Bohai Sea, and established a firm foothold on the north bank of the river.
In this battle, the Chinese general Wang Zhang was captured, and Zhao Gu and Shi Le also lost more than ten generals starting from Guo Heilue. It was a disastrous defeat.
This kind of battle can only be fought by Taibai Star who is in charge of conquest, right?
Fan Long wasn't sure, but he was a little worried anyway.
Shang Shu’s right servant She Zhu Ji was sitting under Fan Long. He was also thinking about the battle of Zhemati that had just ended.
Unlike Fan Long, his bond with the Han court was very deep.
After Liu Cong ascended the throne, he openly and secretly ordered the important officials in the court to offer their daughters for his enjoyment.
As the minister's right servant, Zhu Ji naturally sent his daughter to the palace and became a noble concubine.
So now he is really working hard for the emperor in order to make his family rich and prosperous.
The Battle of Jamati has been fought, and the outcome cannot be changed. What needs to be considered now is the aftermath.
Shao Xun's rise is very sudden and he is very capable of fighting. It is very unwise to fight against him. Zhu Ji thought about it and asked Emperor Shu to focus on managing Guanzhong, and then seize Heluo after strengthening the national strength.
It happened that the King of Zhongshan and the King of Hanoi captured Jinyang. From a strategic point of view, they had both the east and west banks of the river. They could advance, attack, retreat or defend. The situation was very favorable. You could even sit back and watch the melee between the Guandong princes, and act as an intermediary. profit from fishing.
After hearing this, the emperor agreed in his heart, but he couldn't let it go.
Zhu Ji knew that the emperor had an old habit of being competitive and would not be willing to fight again.
He only hopes that the emperor will not lose too many troops and horses in Hanoi, which is not conducive to the advancement of Guanzhong.
While he was daydreaming, Liu Cong's voice came from behind the Long Case: "The day before yesterday, Zhu Qing proposed a plan, saying, 'There will be a Yong merger across the road.' The ministers discussed it yesterday. Do you have anything to say today? ”
Zhu Ji perked up and silently observed everyone.
Dahan has reached a critical fork in the road, and the next choice will determine his strategy for many years to come.
"Your Majesty, there seems to be something wrong with Zhu Pushe's policy." Shangshu Zuopshe Ma Jing said unceremoniously: "Let Jinyang be the eastern capital, Pingyang the central capital, and Chang'an the western capital. , the three capitals stand together, which is unheard of. Jinyang is newly occupied, and there are no people and no food and equipment. Liu Kun and Yi Lu are eager to hold on. Can Chang'an be held by Jia Zhuan and still in the hands of the Jin people? Wouldn't it be ridiculous to lose both?"
Zhu Ji quietly clenched his fists, very unhappy.
How does this old man know the mystery of my "Longzhong pair"?
"Who else has suggestions?" Liu Cong asked again after listening.
His eyes fell on Fan Long.
Fan Long sighed secretly and said: "Your Majesty, the strategy of 'crossing Yongzong and merging' is quite feasible. I think I can try it."
He actually saw that the emperor was somewhat inclined to this. Suggestion, but I’m embarrassed to say it myself.
The reason is very simple. Once the strategy of "crossing Yongzhong" is implemented, the troops and supplies will be tilted in the direction of Guanzhong. It will no longer be like before that only the King of Zhongshan will be sent to the side of the army, but the main force will be pressed up. .
This sounds a bit like being beaten back by Shao Xun.
Admittedly, knowledgeable people know that this is a change in the national policy of the Han Dynasty, and it has little to do with the outcome of one or two wars. But most people are ignorant. They only saw repeated setbacks in the south, so they changed their main attack direction and began to operate Guanzhong.
To put it bluntly, it’s just a matter of face.
"Why doesn't General Wuwei speak?" Liu Cong looked at another person and asked with a smile.
General Wuwei is Linghu Ni, a surrender who has just made great achievements in Jinyang. After hearing the emperor's question, he immediately stood up and replied: "I thought that I should move the capital to Jinyang and work hard to manage Taiyuan. Bingzhou has dangerous mountains and rivers, strong folk customs, hundreds of miles of fertile soil, and thousands of miles of pasture. If it is properly cultivated for several years, then With enough food and troops, he defeated Luoyang and went down to Hebei with the power of building a high house, and he turned his hand. Liu Cong was noncommittal and looked at the emperor's younger brother Liu Yi.
Liu Yi didn't want to speak at first, but when his brother asked, he followed Linghu Ni's words and said: "General Wuwei mentioned the mountains and rivers outside and inside, and Gu Shen took it for granted. The strategy of 'crossing Yongbian' is very good. With Dahe, Zhongtiao, and Taixing as our screens, and Hangu and Tongguan as our key, if the enemy attacks, they will be unable to advance further. I will rest and recuperate until the time comes, then move east. The troops marched out of Hangu and attacked Luoyang; in the south they marched out of Zhiguan and Taihang to attack Hanoi and Henan; they could then march out of Jingxing and follow the example of Qin and attack the lands of Yan and Zhao."
Liu Yi's words touched Liu Cong's heart, but they made him even more afraid.
But now is not the time to worry about this.
After all, he has been studying in the Central Plains and serving as an official for twenty years. He is familiar with classics and has a very good understanding of what happened in history.
In fact, it is Qin’s strategy.
Use Hangu and Tongguan to guard Guanzhong, and use Huanghe and Taihang to guard Bingzhou. You can advance, attack, retreat or defend, and you have a high position to build a strategic position in the east of Guandong.
It's just that in this way, it may be difficult to capture the Central Plains in a short time, which makes him slightly regretful.
But to put it bluntly, Luoyang is my father’s obsession, not his.
He would rather go to Fenshui to watch the fishermen and play with women in the palace. If Luoyang can fight, he can fight, and if he cannot fight, forget it.
It seems good to take full control of Bingzhou and Yongzhou and establish an emperor in the west.
"The strategy of 'crossing the Yongbang Union' -" Liu Cong pondered for a moment and said: "I will think about it again. However, the civil war situation in Henan cannot be ignored. You and others should make preparations early. Well, Zhiguan It has been dilapidated for many years and should be rebuilt. Taihang's fortresses should also be repaired immediately, and there should be no mistakes in selecting elite troops to guard them. "
"I obey the order." All the ministers responded one after another.
We are all human beings, how can we still not understand the meaning behind the words?
Rebuilding the fortresses on the various passes of Taihang and blocking the Jin soldiers with steep and majestic gates actually revealed the emperor's attitude secretly.
Shao Xun is also capable, and he has changed the strategic direction of the Han Dynasty.
(End of this chapter)