Traveling through the early Tang Dynasty starts with hanging

Chapter 548
The sky was slightly bright, and torches were still lit outside the Governor's Mansion. There was an endless stream of people coming and going, but their steps were brisk, without any abnormal noise.

In the hall, huge candles were lit all around, illuminating the hall brightly. Li Shanduan sat on the head with a calm expression, on the left sat Liu Shirang, Qin Wutong, Xue Wanche and other generals, on the right sat Xi Duo, Niu Bin, He Liu, Du Shiyuan and other generals.

All eyes fell on the two people in the center of the hall, He Xiaodong who was kneeling, and Zhang Zhongjian who stood with his head held high.

In Yuan Junzhang's old department, Zhang Zhongjian had a high reputation and was highly skilled in martial arts. He had been in the army for many years, he was eager for justice and generous, but he was never promoted. After many years, he was only a military leader.

In the past few days, Li Shan has also learned something from the side. On the one hand, Zhang Zhongjian joined the army in Mayi in his early years and was at odds with Liu Wuzhou, who was the captain of Eagle Yang at the time. Generals such as Zhang and He Xiaodong were all born in Mayi, so naturally they would not be reused.

But even so, Zhang Zhongjian has an astonishing influence in the middle and lower ranks of the army. This influence is transformed into control at critical moments. He Xiaodong has spent so much effort but failed to stir up many soldiers. Among them is Zhang Zhongjian. hands and feet.

Afterwards Zhang Zhongjian led a hundred cavalry in person and captured He Xiaodong alive to offer him.

"If you have talent." Li Shan smiled and pointed to Liu Shirang and others sitting beside him, "Xue Wanche is a famous general in Hebei, he is not weaker than Song Jingang back then, and today he will be willing to bow down."

Song Jingang started his army in Hebei back then, and was forced by Dou Jiande and Luo Yi to have no place to stay, so he defected to Liu Wuzhou.

Xue Wanche didn't feel humiliated by being used as a raft. He relied on his bravery and admired Zhang Zhongjian's feat today.

Niu Bin, He Liu, Guo Ziheng and other generals were all moved when they heard this. They all witnessed Song Jingang's sharp soldiers... Back then Liu Wuzhou almost captured the entire Hedong Road, but Song Jingang was basically the one who took it down.

Listening to Li Shan's words of praise to Zhang Zhongjian, Xi Duo couldn't help wondering whether Zhang Zhongjian's actions today were spontaneous or arranged by the King of Handan.

Xi Duo sensed that He Xiaodong may have changed through clues, but Li Shan has only been in Mayi for four or five days. The last time he was in Mayi, he mainly communicated with Yuan Junzhang and Turkic, so it is unlikely to find He Xiaodong has changed.

But if Zhang Zhongjian has been won over, maybe there is such a possibility... Maybe he secretly arranged Zhang Zhongjian's way?
Xi Duo looked at Li Shan with fear and fear...

"do not kill."

Li Shan, who sat at the top, gave an answer that surprised everyone. He looked down at the brochure on the table and said with a smile: "The He family has a total of eleven males, and the whole family is sent to Yunzhou. ...Since he is willing to vote for the barbarians, let him be fulfilled."

Someone below couldn't help grinning, if He Xiaodong could take away more than a thousand soldiers, maybe he would really be supported by the Turks, but it would be lucky to go north with his family alone and become a serf.

This kind of fate is no better than cutting off the head.

"A total of more than [-] soldiers were incited by him, and they were sent to the military station in Daizhou."

Zhang Zhongjian, who was seated at the bottom, had a twinkle in his eyes. The soldiers were only sent to the military camp, but He Xiaodong's personal guards... I'm afraid none of them would survive.

It is said that Handan Wang Huairen values ​​righteousness, but his methods are also cruel... Zhang Zhongjian shook his head slightly, yes, last year he forced Duke Yuan to surrender, and his methods were already...

Li Shan got up with the wine cup in his hand, walked slowly into the hall, and said loudly: "Today, the generals have finished here, and I can only congratulate you with this wine."

"Everyone, drink this cup together. The Shuo Dynasty and the two prefectures are connected by blood, and they will never leave each other in the future."

Although this is a bit nonsense, the importance of Yanmen Pass to Li Tang is more than that of Mayi, but everyone raised their glasses and drank the wine together.

The big route has been decided, and the next step is the specific arrangement.

Li Shan raised his finger, "Firstly, all the youths who have been plundered one after another will be released, especially those from Yunzhou who are willing to move to Daizhou, and they will let the caravan bring their families back together."

"Secondly, General Daizhou marched to garrison, and he wanted to focus on the Mayi garrison. He needed at least [-] soldiers."

Several people's expressions changed slightly, they also knew about the military settlements, but they did not expect to send away [-] soldiers at once, and now the Mayi garrison, including the captive young and strong, is only about [-].

"Thirdly, if you want to stay in Mayi, or move to Daizhou and Xinzhou, you can discuss the transfer of generals."

"Stay in the army or in the camp, and be awarded the post of Zuo Wuwei. If you don't want to join the army, you can be transferred to the official of the three prefectures. It can be decided with one word."

"I promised to leave last night, and I will make a decision today, and you must not violate it."

Just as Xi Duo said last night, Li Shan clearly puts all the paths in front of everyone, you can choose.

Although they didn't say it out loud, everyone could understand the implication. Since you didn't leave, but chose this side, then if something happens in the future, don't blame me, Li Huairen, for being cruel.

But not everyone chose by himself. Li Shan first looked at Du Shiyuan. As a former rebel general, his identity was obviously different from other generals.

"At the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Officials chose Fang Renyu as the governor of Xinzhou." Li Shan walked in front of Du Shiyuan, "Fang Renyu was born in the Fang family of Qinghe.

"The Turks invaded Hedong for many years, and Xinzhou suffered a lot of catastrophe. Several Zhechong mansions were short of hussar generals. Would Shiyuan be willing to take over?"

Du Shiyuan was startled, and immediately got up and bowed down: "Thank you, Your Highness."

General Hussar's position is not high, and he is in charge of Chongfu, but he is a basic general in the system of generals of the twelve guards...Of course, as a general of Hussars, he has no right to deploy troops, and he is far away from Yanmen Pass. Of.

But anyway, this is a very good placement plan.

Yuan Junzhang's old army had fought against Daizhou and Xinzhou for so many years, but fighting on the battlefield meant life and death, and Du Shiyuan, who was a rebel general, was able to serve as the chief officer of the Zhechong Mansion, which made many people breathe a sigh of relief.

Wei Peng glanced at Xi Duo quietly, and he really hit the spot... The King of Handan must appoint Du Shiyuan first to reassure everyone, and Guo Ziheng should be next.

"Ziheng has [-] elite cavalry and [-] foot soldiers, which can be called a strong army." Li Shan walked up to Guo Ziheng, "Do you want to stay in Mayi, or move to Daizhou?"

Guo Ziheng sighed, "But it depends on His Highness."

Guo Ziheng knew in his heart that even if he went north to Wuyuan County, let alone the thousand and five infantry, even the five hundred cavalry might not be able to take away many... Even if he didn't want to swallow his anger, the situation was stronger than others, let alone the Tang army. Now the methods used against Shuozhou and Yunzhou are frightening. Even if I want to be a soldier, I am afraid that I will not be able to stay in Shuozhou, and I will only be reduced to a Turkic thug in the end.

"In the Daizhou Governor's Mansion..." Li Shan said with a smile: "I can't make the decision alone. The treasurer of the Xinzhou Governor's Mansion joins the army, Si Tian joins the army if there is a vacancy, or he can march as a military officer, Ziheng can choose."

Guo Ziheng pondered for a while, "I would like to lead Sitian to join the army."

It's safer to be farther away from Yanmen Pass, and you can't take advantage of it, and you can't be involved... Guo Ziheng thought in his heart, if the Turks break through Yanmen Pass this year, it will be easier for him to escape.

This answer was a bit beyond Li Shan's expectations. He thought that Guo Ziheng would not give up his military power, and would rather keep his military power than farming.

But Guo Ziheng could see clearly, to farm... the soldiers under his command wished to live a good life in peace, and it was meaningless to keep the military power by himself, anyway, he was not going to make trouble anymore.

After Du Shiyuan and Guo Ziheng successfully solved the two most difficult problems, plus the dismissed young and strong, what remained was Yuan Junzhang's direct descendant, who was also the most powerful three thousand cavalry under his command.

Li Shan did not discuss this time, and said straightforwardly: "Niu Bin and He Liu were both awarded Zuowuwei Xunwei and led the cavalry. One will be stationed in Mayi, and the other will be moved to Daizhou. Who will stay and who will move? Discuss."

Li Shan did not hide his intention at all. In the final analysis, this trip to Mayi was to completely eliminate Yuan Junzhang's old strength, dismantle the old part left by him, and gradually integrate into the Tang army system.

If they refused to leave last night, they could only accept such a fate... All the generals also knew that this was an ending they were unwilling but unable to resist.

As for the many military leaders that Li Shan brought with him from the Bingzhou Army and the Daizhou Army, they will definitely be stuffed into the various armies, there is no doubt about it.

Why not resist... Unlike others, Li Shan's tactics against Shuozhou and Yuan Junzhang made all the generals terrified, but at the same time he gave a choice, and you can refuse.

In the end, he chose to go to the banquet and accepted such an arrangement, all the generals were also prepared.

After everything was settled properly, Li Shan's eyes fell on the last two people, one was Xi Duo and the other was Zhang Zhongjian.

"Duke Xi has lived in Mayi for a long time, please help the Duke of Yiyang County." Li Shan said softly: "I will write to the court immediately, please give me the post of Shuozhou... But can your Majesty and the Ministry of Officials allow..."

"I am so grateful." Xi Duo stood up and saluted, "I was born in Mayi. Since the previous dynasty, my hometown has been destroyed by wars and dilapidated. I am ashamed to say that Mayi has a little grand occasion this year. I dare not expect anything else. I hope that the small official from the hometown is enough for the position of driver."

The generals who said these words were silent, most of Yuan Junzhang’s former troops present here were from Mayi, and Zhang Zhongjian, who was born in Yangzhou, had been in Mayi for more than ten years, and witnessed the rapid decline and fall of this city in the years of war.

"If you don't allow it in the other position, it shouldn't be difficult to record and join the military." Li Shan said while making calculations.

Liu Shirang's temperament...has a fundamental change in his attitude towards Li Shan, but he is still a little arrogant towards other people, which can easily lead to friction between Tang Jun and Yuan Junzhang's old department. buffering role.

Xi Duowen was born as an official and has no military power, but he is very influential among the generals and schools, so he is suitable for this position, and he was the first to attend the banquet today, which shows that as long as it is not when the city is on the verge of being destroyed, there should be no dissent.

If the Turks invaded on a large scale, Mayi would stand firm for many days, and like Gao Manzheng, he would not be able to expect reinforcements... Li Shan didn't expect the guards to see death as home, maybe Liu Shirang could, but it's hard to say for others.

Through the ages, the only thing to die is.

"Sanlang's bravery and determination today are admirable." Li Shan finally looked at Zhang Zhongjian, "When you are promoted to join the army, you are allowed to choose soldiers in the army, with a limit of five hundred."

"Form an army within five days, and return to Daizhou with a certain person."

He Liu and Niu Bin's eyes flickered. They all knew that Zhang Zhongjian had an extraordinary influence among the middle and lower ranks of soldiers, and his contacts were also very wide. When He Xiaodong was captured alive today, hundreds of soldiers retreated is a clear proof.

Yuan Junzhang's most elite [-] cavalry are in the hands of the two of them, and they really don't want to be beaten by Zhang Zhongjian again.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Zhang Zhongjian came out to salute.

Judging from today's events, Zhang Zhongjian's determination, means, and bravery did not allow Su Dingfang, but he didn't know his military skills. Li Shan regretted it a bit, and left such a character to Li Jing... Let's take a look at it first.

Li Shan is very sure that in the future, he will definitely fight Turkic again... How can he not engrave his name as a traverser in such a battle that will be remembered in history?
But actually leading the army is really not Li Shan's forte. Su Dingfang is now able to take charge of his own affairs, and Wang Junhao is okay as the leader of the personal guards. Marching and fighting is not his forte. Zhang Zhongjian can be useful.

Qin Wutong, Liu Shirang, and Xue Wanche, who sat aside and had no chance to speak, just watched Li Shan arrange the generals one by one.

After all, Xue Wanche was working in the Daizhou General Manager's Office, and he only thought about the accidents of this trip to Mayi, Zhang Zhongjian who was brave and not inferior to himself, and thought that Li Shan really lived up to his reputation.

However, Qin Wutong and Liu Shirang were both stationed in Mayi, but they were thinking in their minds that Du Shiyuan and Guo Ziheng were both serving in Xinzhou, so they could only take away a small number of guards, and the total was no more than a hundred people, plus Niu Bin and He Liuzhong. One person led [-] cavalry to move to Daizhou, as well as the demobilized young and strong, and Xu Zhang Zhongjian formed an army. Among the Mayi defenders, the Tang army had already occupied an absolute advantage.

In other words, if the next thing goes well, Tang Jun will be able to firmly control Mayi in a short time.

Taking control of Mayi means too many things. It means that the Tang army has set a nail in front of the Great Wall that makes the Turks very uncomfortable. It can successfully push the front line beyond Yanmen Pass.

In general, within half a year, Li Shan first forced Yuan Junzhang to surrender, and then triggered Turkic civil strife. He plotted in every possible way and finally successfully captured Mayi, but his purpose was not only that.

Two days later, Guo Ziheng and Du Shiyuan handed over their military power, and the soldiers were either dismissed or went to Daizhou to be taken over by Zhang Gongjin, preparing to march in Wutai County.

Three days later, Niu Bin led a thousand cavalry into Yanmen Pass, and Su Dingfang, the actual chief general of the Daizhou Army, went out to meet him in person and placed him in the south of Nao County.

Niu Bin, who was awarded by Li Shan as the deputy chief of the cavalry, took the initiative and consciously half surrendered the right to surrender. Su Dingfang mixed the thousand cavalry with his own cavalry and reorganized the army.

Five days later, Li Shan finally left Mayi under the send-off of Liu Shirang, Qin Wutong, Xi Duo, and He Liu. He was sure that if the Turks invaded again this year, as long as Liu Shirang had the determination of Gao Manzheng, Mayi would surely not lost.

Putting this nail firmly outside the Great Wall is the most proactive thing Li Shan has done since he traveled... Maybe this can change the military situation of the Tang Dynasty and the Turks in the future. He guessed that in this life, there should be no more The alliance of Weishui.

(End of this chapter)