Invincible son

Before Pei Yue was born, no one questioned the prestige of Western Wu cavalry.

By virtue of occupying the Gaoyang Plain, the best place to raise horses in the world, and the family property of the Western Army that was spent countless gold and silver in the former Wei Dynasty, the cavalry of Wu State has always been arrogant and tyrannical.

It's just that in the national war two years ago, the Ruijin Camp under the command of Zhendong General Xie Lin, one of the "Four Generals", was eaten by Pei Yue, and the northern battlefield was defeated immediately, giving all Wu people an eternal memory Unforgettable head-smacking.

In the past two years, Emperor Xuanwu of the Wu Kingdom worked hard to govern, vigorously developed people's livelihood and reorganized military equipment, intending to eliminate the negative impact of the defeat in the national war as soon as possible, but limited by his own disadvantages, he could not achieve qualitative changes in a short period of time.

The territory of the State of Wu is between Daliang and Southern Zhou, more than the upper part than the lower part. However, except for the Gaoyang Plain, the other border areas are not really fertile and rich, and the materials are relatively poor.Therefore, even if the war with Daliang lasted for decades, the business transactions between the two countries could not be cut off. Even if the imperial court wanted to build barriers, it still couldn't stop the private trade exchanges between the people.

Of course, among these profit-seeking merchants, there will be no shortage of detailed work arranged by the Western Wu court.

Anyang, the capital city, is located in the center of Wu State, surrounded by steep terrain and mountains. Outside the south gate, there is a waterway connecting several grain-producing places. Outside the east gate, there is a wide and straight official road leading to the Gaoyang Plain.Relying on the favorable location on the official road, there are six grand passes built as Anyang's barriers and gateways, so this capital city can be regarded as a model of easy defense but difficult attack.

The imperial palace is located in the northern part of the city. Although it is not as elegant and extravagant as the Southern Zhou imperial city, it still has a majestic and domineering momentum.

Emperor Xuanwu is 37 years old this year. He is in the prime of life and ambitious. His sharp eagle-like eyes stared at the civil servants and generals below, and he said indifferently: "According to the spies' report, Liang Guozuo's army plotted against Wang Pingzhang, and then he was defeated and died. , Emperor Liang was seriously injured and died. I want to hear the opinions of the Qing family whether I can find some opportunities in this matter."

There are not many ministers who can enter the Palace of Qinzheng, except for the members of the Dutongyuan who are in charge of military power and the generals of the four directions, only the six ministers who manage the government are present.

Everyone knew this very important information in advance, and they were thinking about countermeasures on the way into the palace. At this moment, when the emperor asked, Gao Cheng, the governor of the Metropolitan Academy, first said: "Your Majesty, Wang Pingzhang's defeat was too fast, and there was no alarm. The main force of Liang Guo’s frontier army. I received news earlier that Liang Guo’s emperor has established a prince, and there are many supporters in the court, so Liang Guo’s political situation will not be too turbulent. On the contrary, Liang Guo’s frontier army still maintains a strong force Strength, the military system on the border is still stable, so I think it is not appropriate to start another war in a hurry."

Gao Cheng is 32 years old this year, and he is the younger brother of Emperor Xuanwu's mother and compatriots.

This is the tradition of Wu State, and the military power is always firmly in the hands of the Tian family.

There is also a complete set of checks and balances and separation of powers within the Metropolitan Council, so that there will be no situation where all the military power is in the hands of a certain prince, thus threatening the safety of the emperor.

Although Gao Cheng was the governor of the Metropolitan Academy, he was very cautious. Before that, he did not agree with the two armies going out to force Liang Guo together, but he couldn't resist Emperor Xuanwu's persistence so he had no choice.

The great defeat two years ago was still fresh in his memory. Seeing that Emperor Xuanwu had lost his mind again because of the civil turmoil in Liang, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and come forward to persuade him.

The horses lost in that national war were not enough to break the bones, but more than 10 old soldiers died in the battle, and it was obvious that they could not recover in just two years.If there is no absolute certainty, the dynasty will be in danger of overthrowing if it is defeated again.

Gao Cheng didn't speak too bluntly, but he believed that the emperor could understand his worries.

Emperor Xuanwu frowned slightly, suppressed the impatience in his heart, nodded and said: "I understand your thoughts, but you should also understand that Wu and Liang will never live in peace. If Liang is allowed to annex Zhou, Then the gap between our dynasty and their national strength will become wider and wider. When they build the general village along the Gaoyang Plain all the way to the outside of Anyang City, who can stop the million-strong army in the hands of Emperor Liang?"

Gao Cheng said solemnly: "Your Majesty, at least it's not the time right now. Even if we want to fight, we must use tricks to stir up disputes within the Liang Kingdom, and then send troops eastward when they can't take care of themselves."

Emperor Xuanwu said expressionlessly: "A few years ago, you mentioned this repeatedly, but how could the technique of alienation be easily successful? Wang Pingzhang, as the No. Emperor Liang's control over the ruling and opposition parties is strong. I have said before that I allow you to act cheaply and develop internal affairs within the territory of Liang State. How can you make any progress so far?"

Gao Cheng was slightly ashamed, bowed his head and said: "I am not doing my job well, I implore Your Majesty to punish you!"

Emperor Xuanwu waved his hand and said: "I said this not to beat you, but to hope that you can understand that the dispute between Wu Liang and Wu Liang will eventually come down on the battlefield."

Gao Cheng saluted and said, "Thank you Your Majesty for teaching, I understand."

In fact, he has not gained nothing in the past few years. He has developed several chess pieces in the territory of Liang State, but how to use those chess pieces is a difficult problem. At least until now, he has not thought of a perfect strategy.

Emperor Xuanwu let Gao Cheng go, looked at a middle-aged general on the right and asked, "General Zhennan has a good plan?"

Zhang Qingbai, who is full of elegance and noble temperament, has become a little older. Obviously, that big defeat has become a knot in his heart.

Even though Emperor Xuanwu took the initiative to take the responsibility for the defeat, and only reduced him and Xie Lin to retain him, he still couldn't let go of it, because even Pei Zhen suffered a loss in his hands back then, and then he was defeated by a young man. human hand.

He went out to salute, and said calmly: "Your Majesty, from the defeat of Wang Pingzhang in the past few days, we can see that the current operation of Liang Guochao is very efficient and united. Coupled with the solution of Wang Pingzhang's biggest hidden danger, it is indisputable that Liang Guo will continue to rise." Facts. I believe that this momentum must be contained as soon as possible, otherwise no one will be able to stop Liang Guo’s army in the future.”

Emperor Xuanwu nodded slightly, and continued to ask: "How to deal with it?"

Zhang Qingbai said unhurriedly: "After Wang Pingzhang's death, Gu Liang and Pei Yue, the sons-in-law of Liang Guojun, were the strongest. Therefore, we can do everything we can to force Liang Guoxin to attack the Weng sons-in-law, as long as something happens to either Gu Liang or Pei Yue, Liang will be in chaos."

Emperor Xuanwu murmured: "I remember that Pei Yue has a concubine who is from the state of Wu?"

On the other side, Gao Cheng responded, "Your Majesty, that concubine's name is Lin Shuyue, and she is the daughter of criminal officer Lin Qi."

"Lin Qi..."

Emperor Xuanwu thought for a moment, then slowly said: "I have heard the name Pei Yue countless times in the past few years, and it can indeed be called a serious confidant of our court. This time he personally decapitated Wang Pingzhang, which shows that he has great respect for Emperor Liang. Loyalty is unquestionable. Gao Cheng, you come up with a detailed charter and use all available means to do it. I hope that I can see Pei Yue's head as soon as possible, and pay homage to the heroic soul of Wu who died in battle."

"I obey the order!" Gao Cheng bowed to accept the order.

Emperor Xuanwu looked at Zhang Qingbo again and said, "What else can Aiqing do?"

Zhang Qingbai replied: "Your Majesty, everyone knows that the Liang Kingdom is strong, and we must join forces with others for the current plan!"

Emperor Xuanwu hesitated and said, "You mean the state of Zhou?"

From the merger of heroes after the fall of the former Wei Dynasty to the three kingdoms in the past 20 years, there is no absolute alliance or hostility in the relationship between Liang, Wu and Zhou. The level of complexity is indescribable.

Because the Cangwu Mountains cut off most of the border between Wu State and Zhou State, there are relatively few conflicts. In the past, there have been joint attempts to attack Liang, but most of the time they have different intentions, waiting for the other party to fight Liang Guo to the death. It's all about reaping the benefits, so there hasn't really been a solid alliance.

Zhang Qingbai nodded and said: "Times have changed and the world has changed. If we don't join forces now, we will be defeated by each of Liang Guo. I believe the monarchs and ministers over there will understand this truth."

Emperor Xuanwu was silent for a long time, and finally said in a deep voice: "Yes."