Chapter 332: Going south to help Yin
But why should we save him?
Liu Feng never intended to actually rescue Shanyin. Even if he did, it was just a gesture.
Aren't Liu Feng's various measures since crossing the river, step by step, just to drive away tigers and swallow wolves?
Among the six counties in Yangzhou, the most difficult one to deal with is definitely Yuzhang County. After all, Yuzhang is almost full of mountains, peaks and mountains, one after another.
What's even more frightening is that there are people living in these mountains, including Shanyue and Nanman tribes who frequently come down to rob.
Furthermore, Yuzhang County has a vast territory and rich resources, so it is very difficult to conquer them. The best way is to convince and differentiate, and then win over the mature barbarians with a higher degree of Chineseization, and attack and destroy the more dangerous raw barbarians. .
Excluding Yuzhang, it belongs to Kuaiji County.
Except for the area in northern Zhejiang in later generations, Kuaiji County is no different from Yuzhang.
But what is even worse than Yuzhang is that the wealthy families here are extremely difficult to deal with, and they even entered the aristocratic stage earlier than those in the Central Plains.
Whether it is the Zhou family, the Yu family, the He family, or the Jiao family in Kuaiji, they are all highly sectarian. Not only do they monopolize the path to officialdom, but they also have large tracts of land and, most importantly, support a large tribe. .
Especially the last point, this is something that the Central Plains nobles cannot do.
The reason for this situation is inseparable from the geographical environment of Yangzhou. Although Shanyue and Nanman were driven into the mountains by the Han people, the other party survived in the mountains.
In this way, the offense and defense suddenly change. Others can go down the mountain to snatch you, but if you want to enter the mountain to encircle and suppress you, you will easily lose your way and be led into a desperate situation by Shan Yue to trap you.
Therefore, the big and small wealthy families in places such as Kuaiji and Danyang maintained a large amount of private force, just to guard against mountain robbery by Shanyue and Nanman.
This is not feasible in the Central Plains.
Even the old Yuan family of the fourth generation and the third prince did not dare to raise a tribe of several thousand people, but in Kuaiji, Yuzhang, and Danyang, it was almost commonplace.
Take the Zhou family in Kuaiji as an example. In the Battle of Yangcheng, the more than 20,000 troops of the three Zhou brothers were mainly composed of three parts.
The first is the 7,000 Yuzhou army brought by Zhou Zhe. This is a local army put together by the powerful nobles in Yuzhou who support him after Zhou Xin was recommended as the governor of Yuzhou by Yuan Shao.
The second is Zhou Xin, who was the governor of Danyang at the time, and brought nine thousand Danyang soldiers to his younger brother's platform.
The last six thousand people were the private soldiers of the Zhou family brought by Zhou Ang from Kuaiji to help his brother fight.
This time, in order to support Wang Lang, the Zhou family gathered thousands of troops to come out, which shows the prosperity of Kuaiji's powerful military equipment.
Take He Qi himself as an example. He served as the magistrate of Shan County a few years ago. As we all know, the county magistrate's salary is 600 dan, and the household registration under his jurisdiction is less than 10,000.
During his term of office, He Qi executed a county official named Si Cong who had done evil in the name of a knight.
The Si family, one of the big families in Shan County, immediately launched a rebellion. A small wealthy family in the county was able to immediately gather more than a thousand people to attack the county seat.
This Si family is just an ordinary wealthy family in a county with a household registration of less than 10,000 people. This shows how powerful and powerful the Kuaiji gentry's personal force has become.
If this was placed in the Central Plains, it would have been wiped out by the imperial court long ago, but in Kuaiji, it has become a common sight, and even the nobles cannot survive without reinforcements.
This is the unique and special ecological environment of Kuaiji.
Therefore, in Liu Feng's eyes, even if the powerful nobles in Kuaiji can be accepted, they still have to be suppressed. It would be great if a group of them could be eliminated by others.
Liu Feng has been thinking about taking action for a long time, and the best tool is undoubtedly Sun Ce and Sun Bofu.
Sun Ce has a violent and strong personality, and sometimes he is very impulsive and easily gets carried away.
As long as you force him from behind, it's easy to guess what Sun Ce will do.
Could it be that the powerful nobles in Kuaiji could change their gender and hand over their wealth to Sun Ce?
To put it bluntly, although Wu Jun is the essence of the Jiangdong gentry, in terms of difficulty, Wu Jun can't keep up with Kuaiji and Yuzhang.
Especially in Kuaiji, there were still people who rebelled when Sun Quan became emperor, but Wu County was already as honest as a dog.
After all, the scholars in Wu County were not well equipped. Lu Xun (later renamed Lu Xun after Lu Yi) and Zhu Huan were both local warlords in Jiangdong who were raised up after taking refuge with Sun Quan.
Even Sun Quan looked down on Lu Xun and Zhu Huan at first, just to use them to mix sand and balance the Huaisi faction's force.
It’s just that Sun Quan’s luck was quite good. Lu Xun and Zhu Huan both had high military capabilities.
Liu Feng stepped forward and helped He Qi up, who was kneeling on the ground. He patted the opponent's right arm and said, "Young Miao doesn't know something. Our army is now trapped under Wu County. Wu County is Wu County." The county is also the capital of the Spring and Autumn Period. Since the Qin and Han Dynasties, it has been the most important city in Jiangdong. "
"This city is very strong."
Liu Feng sighed: "Although I am sure that I can capture this city, can Shanyin hold on?"
He Qi's face was pale. There were indeed eight or nine thousand soldiers in Shanyin City, but these soldiers had just been captured. Sun Ce was defeated.
Besides, these soldiers are not elite. When they were at Guling, if Sun Ce's army had not been unable to attack the Kuaiji army's water stronghold and could not capture Guling, they would have been finished long ago.
Sun Ce crossed the river several times, but the Kuaiji army could not stop him.
Later, the Kuaiji army simply stopped guarding the river bank and let Sun Ce's army go ashore. He then hid in Gulingjian City to hold Sun Ce back. Then he mobilized the navy to block the river, threatening Sun Ce's retreat and forcing Sun Ce to retreat to the north of the river. .
Yu Fan's trick was so surprising that it almost made Sun Ce vomit blood.
If Sun Jing hadn’t provided him with the ancient Chadu Road, it would have been really difficult for Sun Ce to defeat Yu Fan’s move.
He Qi knew very well that it would be difficult to defend Shanyin City unless there was foreign aid.
The latest foreign aid is undoubtedly Liu Feng.
"Conquer the South! Prince Fu is looking forward to it day and night in Shanyin City. The elders of Shanyin look forward to the conquest of the South as they look at the clouds. Right now, Shanyin is in danger. Without reinforcements, the city will be destroyed!"
He Qi was really anxious and crazy at this time. His He family was still in Shanyin City.
In fact, let alone the He family, the Zhou family and the Yu family are also like this.
It was because the Guling defense line was broken so quickly that Sanyin barely had any time to react.
These wealthy families in Kuaiji all have big businesses. Not to mention their property, they just don’t have time to move away their small property and food.
Sun Ce arrived only one day later than the defeated troops. After just a moment of hesitation, they were all blocked in Shanyin City.
In fact, if you really want to run away, it is still feasible to walk from Jingruo Lake in the south of the city. After all, Sun Ce has no navy.
But Wang Lang, Yu Fan and Zhou Xin were determined to defend the city, confiscated all the ships, and prohibited anyone from leaving the city. Violators would be punished as collaborating with the enemy and would not be punished with death.
Wang Lang, the prefect, has set an example, and other powerful nobles cannot openly rebel. Otherwise, it would be better to rebel directly and present the city, which would be more beneficial.
The powerful gentry in Kuaiji really looked down on Sun Ce, and they were betting heavily on Wang Lang. They had already had a big feud with Sun Ce, and now they betrayed him, and they lost too much.
Especially because Liu Feng is in the north and has already won Youquan. As long as he holds on and persists, once Zhengnan goes south, the situation will improve.
Therefore, the powerful nobles of Kuaiji still fully supported Wang Lang in defending the city. At the same time, they sent He Qi to leave the city by water to find Liu Feng for help, hoping that Liu Feng could go south as soon as possible.
He Qi also tried his best and knelt down to Liu Feng again and kowtowed.
The strength seemed to be mindless, the sounds were extremely thick, and after just three or five knocks, blood was already oozing from his forehead.
After Liu Feng deliberately asked He Qi to kowtow a few times, he stopped him with a look of panic.
“Gong Miao, what are you doing?”
"Zhengnan, please send troops!"
He Qi's square face was full of tears, and the blood on his forehead was flowing down, mixed with tears, and his face was dyed blood red.
"The useless people of Qi cannot repay the kindness of the king and the king, and cannot relieve the hardships of their fathers and fellow villagers. I only wish to imitate the sage Shen Gong and cry in the Qin court and die in the tent of the southern expedition."< br>
I have to say that He Qi’s words were quite touching, and his emotions were indeed very sincere.
Liu Feng had other plans and was moved by He Qi.
"Gong Miao, you get up first."
Liu Feng pulled, but failed. He Qi was determined to kneel on the ground and refused to get up.
Although Liu Feng's strength was great, He Qi's strength was also not small, and he also exerted all his strength. Liu Feng's hasty pull was naturally ineffective.
He Qi sobbed and said: "If Zheng Nan refuses, Qi Wei will kneel down and die here."
Liu Feng sighed and pretended to be helpless and said: "Gong Miao, you If you kneel here for a long time, how can I discuss with you how to rescue Shanyin?"
When He Qi heard this, he looked up at Liu Feng in disbelief. Liu Feng felt regretful in his heart. None of my close advisers were here, otherwise there would be no need for me to do this red face.
“Qi’s kindness in conquering the South will never be forgotten!”
He Qi kowtowed again and shouted: “Although Qi is very talented, he also knows Enyi, from now on, if Zhengnan is ordered, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!”
“Why is this so”
Liu Feng sighed, stood in the distance and accepted He Qi's gift, then pulled him up again.
This time, He Qi stood up obediently.
"Mr. Miao, follow me."
Liu Feng immediately turned around and led He Qi to the table: "There are more than 30,000 of me under the city of Wu County. However, Wu County is a fortified city, and at least 20,000 people must be left behind to trap Xu Kun's troops in the city."
"Although Youquan was under the control of General Zhou, Wucheng's troops cannot be reused. There are only two weeks, and ten thousand people in Yumi's army are available."
Liu Feng first introduced the situation, and what he said was true. He Qi nodded repeatedly.
Afterwards, He Qi cast his hopeful eyes on Liu Feng.
The latter pondered for a moment and said decisively: "I intend to take Gong Jin as the vanguard and go south first. Then I will transfer Uncle Zhao's troops from the camp, and then supplement them with Fan Neng's troops, and go south under the starry night. , chasing Gong Jin, hoping to meet up on the bank of Qiantang River and work together to relieve the siege of Shanyin."
He Qi's eyes turned red when he heard this. He became an official quite early and became a county official in his teens. He served as the acting county magistrate when he was only a few years old, and was later promoted to the county magistrate of two places.
The folk customs of Kuaiji are strong and fierce. The special circumstances have made the noble clan powerful and Shanyue extremely armed, so rebellion has become a common occurrence.
During his three terms as county magistrate, He Qi suppressed rebellion three times.
So his own military literacy is also quite good. Naturally, he can see that Liu Feng's adjustment was not easy, and he also took a lot of risks.
For example, if all the elites from the Fist Guards were dispatched, how could the mob in Fist City defend the city once they were defeated?
Even at Liu Feng's headquarters, the attack on Wu County was originally a 100% guarantee, but now that 10,000 elite troops have been transferred, Wu County must be surrounded to prevent Xu Kun's troops from having the opportunity to abandon the city and go south. This is undoubtedly difficult. increased several times.
Originally Zhou Yu was guarding Youquan, so even if Xu Kunnan was allowed to escape, he would just escape.
But if Zhou Yu and Zhao Yunnan retreated, and Xu Kun successfully fled south, then Zhou Yu and Zhao Yun would in turn fall into the front and rear attacks of Sun Ce's army.
Therefore, He Qi was quite satisfied. If Shanyin could not be saved in this way, Liu Feng could not be blamed.
So, He Qi immediately knelt down three times and kowtowed to Liu Feng willingly and respectfully.
"The kindness of conquering the south has been shattered into pieces, and it is difficult to repay him!"
Liu Feng saw that He Qi had no objection, and immediately beat the drum to summon the general.
Later, Liu Feng, who brought He Qi to meet with the generals, briefly described the situation. Then, without asking for the opinions of the generals, Gan Gang made his own decision and directly issued orders and arranged tasks.
Zhao Yun and Fan Neng immediately went out to take orders.
At the same time, the original plan was greatly changed. No longer waiting for feedback from the city, Jia Kui's troops were ordered to move to the south village of Wu County to protect the retreat of Zhao Yun and Fan Neng's troops.
The generals immediately accepted the order, and He Qi knelt down and begged: "Our hearts are tied to Shanyin, and we are all in flames. I beg Zhengnan to allow us to go south together."
Liu Feng immediately agreed and said: "Yes!"
********
One day later, Zhou Yu in Youquan City had already received the news.
Liu Feng ordered his troops from the Boxing Division to go south to rescue Shanyin, but they must pay attention to their own safety, taking self-preservation as the top priority, and at the same time, it can open the way for the following army.
As for Liu Feng’s little thoughts, it was naturally impossible to tell Zhou Yuming.
Zhou Yu himself is also a powerful man in Yangzhou. Although he will most likely agree with Liu Feng's approach, he is afraid of everything, and even if he conceals it, it will not have any negative impact on Zhou Yu's actions. What about Liu Feng? Why take the risk?
After receiving the order, Zhou Yu did not dare to neglect, and immediately rectified his troops and horses, entrusting the defense of Yuquan to Wang Sheng, while he himself took Zhou Bin, Yu Mi and their soldiers out of the south gate. , rushing south.
With Zhou Yu's troops clearing the way ahead, Zhao Yun and Fan Neng's troops can go south at full speed, even traveling up to forty or fifty miles a day.
In this way, the two armies can join together at the Qiantang River, with a strength of more than 20,000 men, and at least they can protect themselves.
Zhou Yu and Zhao Yun did not know at this time that reinforcements of more than 10,000 people were also on the way.
Tai Shici had arrived at Wucheng at this time and sent people to contact Wu County and Youquan.
After receiving the news from Taishi Ci, Liu Feng was immediately overjoyed and asked Taishi Ci to go south directly to join the southern reinforcements.
The more than 10,000 soldiers under Taishi Ci's command had two destinations at this time.
The first is to go north to Wuxian to fill the vacancy after Zhao Yun and Fan Neng left. In this way, Liu Fengjun's strength exceeded Xu Kun's three times, and there was no need to worry about the other party sneaking out of the city.
The second is to go south, reinforce Zhao Yun and Zhou Yu, and strengthen the troops of the southward legion. If you choose this plan, although Wu County will be a little nervous, it will be more conducive to Liu Feng's plan.
The strength of the reinforced southward legion will exceed 30,000, and they will all be veterans.
Even if he faced Sun Ce alone, he would not fall behind at all.
Sun Ce has now lost the territory of Wu Commandery that he has been operating for more than two years. If he wants to maintain his army, he can only squeeze new territories like crazy. In this way, even if Sun Ce wants to keep the powerful gentry in Kuaiji, he His military leaders will also force him to take action.
Therefore, Liu Feng chose the second route without hesitation and asked Taishi Ci and Xu Huang's troops to go south quickly.
At the same time, Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin were also asked to go south to cover the army crossing the Qiantang River. Dong Xi and Gan Ning were still following Liu Feng's headquarters, but they had not yet gone ashore and still stayed at on board.
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Xu Zhao, who was in Yuhang City, was so frightened that he was dripping with cold sweat, feeling grateful to Gao Dai in his heart.
He wanted to surrender the city to Liu Feng before, but he did not expect that early on the third day, a large group of people came outside Yuhang City, with as many as ten thousand people, all Sun family soldiers.
If Xu Zhao hadn't listened to Gao Dai, wouldn't he be in trouble now?
He Xu Zhao is indeed the most powerful person in Yuhang, but he is not the only powerful person in Yuhang.
There are many families in Yuhang City who have placed heavy bets on Zhu Zhi, otherwise Zhu Zhi would not be able to recruit a team of several thousand people.
With these families in the city, if Xu Zhao rebelled, it would be difficult to defend the city.
But he can't wipe out all these families. Firstly, he doesn't have the strength and time. Secondly, he is also worried that he will offend the public and be attacked by all the wealthy families in Yuhang.
So, Gao Dai persuaded Xu Zhao not to be impatient, which was equivalent to saving the lives of Xu Zhao's family.
Xu Zhao knew very well how ruthless Sun Cejun was towards traitors.
Sun Ce's army heading south was naturally under Wu Jing. In order to march quickly, Wu Jing's army did not carry much food, so he hoped to replenish it in Yuhang.
When Zhu Zhi and others crossed the river, they took away part of the grain, but there was still a lot of grain in Yuhang, and it was too much to move in a hurry.
Therefore, after Wu Jing's troops arrived, they replenished the food smoothly.
Wu Jing heard that Sun Ce was attacking Shanyin ahead, and Zhu Zhi, Cheng Pu, and Huang Gai had also rushed to reinforce him. At this time, all the troops in Yuhang, Qiantang, and Fuchun counties had been exhausted.
But the autumn harvest has just begun in the two places, and there is still a lot of food. Previously, Sun Cejun was in the north of Qiantang River. In addition to the food delivered by Wu County, it was provided by Yuhang, Qiantang, and Fuchun counties nearby.
But even so, only one-third of the food in Yuhang, Qiantang, and Fuchun was consumed, and there was still a lot left.
Zhu Zhi and others rushed to reinforce Sun Ce and desperately captured Shanyin. As long as they had enough food, they could not worry about transshipment for the time being.
But Wu Jing now has an idea.
He still has more than 9,000 soldiers under his command, and it is more than enough for Shanyin to send another 3,000 or 4,000 elite soldiers there.
Then the remaining five or six thousand soldiers can be recruited from the three counties of Qiantang, Yuhang, and Fuchun to recruit young and strong civilians to transport grain, at least across the Qiantang River.
With Wu Jing's strategic vision, it was clear that when the Zhengnan Army caught up, Sun Cejun could only imitate Liu Yao and rely on the Qiantang River and Guling to hold on.
Therefore, if the grain is left in the north of Qiantang River, it is simply to support the enemy.
At this time, he transported one more stone of grain to the north of the Yangtze River, which meant that Sun Ce's army had one more stone, and the Southern Army had one stone less. In addition to the loss of the transshipment front line, he might even have made three more stones of grain inside and outside.
After Wu Jing discussed it with Sun Fu, Sun Xiu and other generals under his command, they all felt that this was a mature move, and all the generals unanimously agreed.
Wu Jing immediately ordered Sun Fu to go to Fuchun and Sun Xiu to Qiantang. Wu Jing personally took charge of Yuhang and tried his best to transfer grain to the south bank of the Qiantang River. After crossing the river, it could be temporarily stored in Gaoqiantun.
(End of this chapter)