At the end of the Sui Dynasty

Chapter 654 Insatiable Greed
In winter, the cold wind blows through the skin, and the sky is gloomy. Fortunately, there is no snow. Gao Bufan and Xu Shiji climbed up the archery tower and observed the layout of Liyang Cangcheng condescendingly.

At the invitation of Yang Xuangan, Gao Bufan once entered Liyang Cang City, so he had a general understanding of the layout of Liyang Cang, but now standing on a high place and looking down, it is more intuitive.

I just heard Xu Shiji say with some emotion: "The country regards the people as the foundation, and the people regard food as the sky. Food is related to the life and death of the country, so we must pay attention to it. Sui Wendi Yang Jian is indeed a wise and wise monarch. He has been in power for 24 years. Not only Unified the whole country and created such a prosperous age as the rule of Kaihuang. Moreover, Emperor Wen built many large official warehouses successively in advance. This Liyang warehouse is one of them, with a stock of nearly 500,000 stones, enough to feed 100,000 people for two years. It's a pity that Yang Guang was so rejoicing in his achievements and resorted to military affairs, that in just a decade or so, he squandered and ruined the great country that Emperor Wen had built with his own hands."

Gao Bufan also said with deep emotion: "The founding kings of all dynasties are all talented and bold. It's just that it is difficult to conquer the country, and it is not easy to defend the country."

Xu Shiji glanced at Gao Bufan meaningfully: "Eldest grandson Princess Lan Xinhui is very intelligent, knowledgeable and courteous, and has the style of a mother's respect. With her teaching, the little prince must not be bad."

Gao Bufan smiled, and there was a trace of tenderness in his eyes. A few months ago, Wugou and Xianniang gave birth to a son and a daughter respectively, but he has been busy with the battle, and he has not had time to go back to visit them. Really failed, extremely ashamed.

However, Wei Zheng, Xu Shiji and others have made a thorough negotiation. Before, everyone was worried that King Qi would have no successors. Now that the two sons, Qi Guozuo is considered stable. Of course, the more princes the better, so everyone is eager King Qi can be as efficient as a pig.

At this moment, Xu Shiji pointed to the Liyang Cangcheng below and said, "Look, King Qi, this Liyang Cangcheng not only has a moat and an urn, but also a Jiacheng, and there are [-] defenders in the city. It’s too difficult, even if you can take it down, you have to pay a huge price, killing five hundred enemies and losing one thousand, it’s not worth it.”

Gao Bufan nodded and said: "Attacking the heart is the top priority, and attacking the city is the bottom. Is there a magic way to break the city in Shiji?"

Xu Shiji murmured: "The subordinates know Bing Yuanzhen fairly well, and have some friendship with him. This person is greedy for profit and tends to follow others, maybe he can be lured by profit, but Li Mi is still strong now, Bing Yuanzhen may not dare to betray him."

Gao Bufan said: "It's okay, although Shiji can try it, it just so happens that we seized a lot of treasures from Yu Wenhuaji last time, and besides rewarding some of them to the soldiers, there are still a lot left."

"Bing Yuanzhen is greedy for money and untrustworthy. He may take advantage of it but not surrender. His subordinates are worried that he will be in vain." Xu Shiji said bluntly.

Gao Bufan said with a light smile: "Actually, it doesn't matter. If you can induce Bing Yuanzhen to surrender, it will be the best. If you can't, then the city will be broken, and the king will let him eat as much as he vomits out, anyway. But it’s with him temporarily.”

Xu Shiji also laughed when he heard the words, nodded and said: "That's true, then just give it a try."

Gao Bufan and Xu Shiji went down from the archery building and returned to the camp, just as there were scouts rushing to report, Li Mi sent three groups of troops to help Li Yangcang, the generals of these three groups were Li Wenxiang, Zhao Junde and Zhang Sheng, with a total strength of [-] troops underestimate.

After Gao Bufan heard the news, he raised his account immediately, and summoned the generals to discuss: "Now I heard that Li Mi sent three generals to help Li Yang Cang in three groups. This king wants to send three generals to resist the enemy. I don't know which generals are willing to lead the army. Go to war."

"The general is willing!" Luo Shixin was the first to jump out and beat Li Mi to avenge General Zhang. This was one of his goals for surrendering to Gao Bufan, so he naturally didn't want to let go of this opportunity to avenge his shame.

"The general is willing!" Qin Shubao also stepped out.

Cheng Yaojin quickly stood up and said, "You can also count me as Cheng Yaojin!"

Gao Bufan nodded and said: "Okay, I will order the three of you to lead 10,000 people horses to fight the incoming enemy."

Qin Shubao said in a deep voice, "It is enough for the last general to lead 5000 people."

"The last general only needs 5000 horses!" Luo Shixin also said loudly.

Cheng Yaojin laughed and said, "I still want 10,000 people, be safe."

Gao Bufan smiled slightly, Cheng Yaojin was rough on the surface, but in fact he had a lot of eyes, nodded and said: "Okay, the three generals will immediately gather their troops and set off, there must be no mistakes."

The three of Qin Qiong suddenly agreed, ordered all the troops and left Liyang Warehouse in three separate ways, preparing to face the three generals sent by Li Mi.

…………

As night fell, Xu Shiji in casual clothes led two strong men into Liyang Cangcheng. The two strong men did not carry weapons, but each carried a load of baskets. The baskets were covered with linen. It's heavy, and I don't know what's inside.

As soon as Xu Shiji and others entered the city gate, the city gate was closed immediately, and the suspension bridge over the moat had already been pulled up. A group of soldiers surrounded Xu Shiji with swords and guns, and surrounded Xu Shiji and the others.

Xu Shiji was very calm, and said loudly: "Old Bing, is this how you treat guests?"

There was a burst of laughter from above his head, and immediately, Bing Yuanzhen walked down the stone steps to the city and appeared in front of Xu Shiji.

Bing Yuanzhen is about three 40 years old, and he is not bad looking, with big ears and a long beard, but his eyes are a little erratic, which makes people think of the word "wrong mind".

Bing Yuanzhen glanced at the baskets carried by the two strong men, a hint of greed flashed in his eyes, he laughed and said, "Mr.

Xu Shiji said calmly: "Shiji asks himself that he and General Bing still have a little friendship. This time, he is visiting the city in a private capacity. General Bing should not leave Shiji in trouble, right?"

Bing Yuanzhen chuckled and said: "That's natural, although I, Bing Yuanzhen, is not as famous as Shiji, but I am still a person, not to mention we are still friends with Shiji, so how could I do such a lowly thing? Back off."

Bing Yuanzhen winked, and the soldiers surrounding Xu Shiji put away their weapons and retreated. There were only three of them. Naturally, Bing Yuanzhen was not worried that the other party would cause any disturbances. Besides, there were archers all around. Xu Shiji dared to act rashly. , Undoubtedly looking for a dead end.

Xu Shiji smiled slightly, and walked up to Bing Yuanzhen, who subconsciously touched the handle of the knife, and the soldiers beside him also looked on guard.

Xu Shiji smiled and said: "General Bing, this is not a place to talk, since you've come in, why don't you invite Shiji to the mansion for a get-together?"

Bing Yuanzhen nodded and said, "Please!" After speaking, he turned and walked, keeping a distance of two or three meters from Xu Shiji.

Xu Shiji followed Bing Yuanzhen to the door of the residence, and the two strong men carrying baskets were stopped.Bing Yuan genuinely smiled and said: "Shiji, although we have been friends before, but now we are enemies, not friends, so don't blame Lao Bing for being too careful."

Xu Shiji smiled and said, "The baskets contain only some local products. If Lao Bing is worried, he can check it himself."

With a heart move, Bing Yuan walked around Xu Shiji and walked to the side of a strong man. He lifted the covering sackcloth and looked, his eyes suddenly became round. He swallowed his saliva, covered the sackcloth tightly again, and said with a smile: "Shiji You are too polite, come and see what souvenirs my old Bing brought, please come inside!"

Bing Yuanzhen was obviously more enthusiastic, invited Xu Shiji into the house, and ordered his confidants to take over the two loads of baskets carried by the strong man and carry them to the back of the house.

Let's say that Bing Yuanzhen and Xu Shiji were sitting in the living room and exchanged a few polite words, Bing Yuanzhen turned his eyes and said: "Shiji's coming to the city this time, won't it be as simple as just getting together with me?"

Xu Shiji smiled lightly and said, "Since you asked me, Lao Bing, Shiji said it straight, I was ordered by the king of Qi to come to recruit you, Lao Bing. If Lao Bing is willing to open the city and surrender, the king of Qi will definitely not wait." Thin."

Bing Yuan sneered sincerely, people must ask for courtesy, as I expected, so he said embarrassingly: "Thank you King Qi for your love, but the achievements of the world, it's not that I don't give it to you and King Qi Face, as the so-called thing of being trusted by others, Wei Gong has a lot of trust in me, Bing Yuan, and entrusts me with a heavy responsibility. How can I betray Wei Gong and live up to his trust? I, Bing Yuan, are not disloyal Righteous people, please forgive me for this matter, I absolutely cannot agree."

"Bah, if you, Bing Yuanzhen, are really a loyal person, why did you accept those two baskets of gold and silver treasures?" Xu Shiji couldn't help secretly contemptuously, but on the surface he still respectfully said: "Old Bing's utter loyalty to Wei Gong really makes you feel so embarrassed." People admire him, but the Dao means that those who understand affairs are heroes, and now King Qi has ruled Hebei and swept Shandong, and his troops are strong and powerful, coming with the power of thunder, Lao Bing asked himself, can he resist it?"

Bing Yuan smiled and said: "King Qi is indeed powerful, but if my Liyang warehouse is so easy to fight, Shiji would not have to come to the city now."

Xu Shiji said indifferently: "That's King Qi's kindness. He can't bear to see the living beings. There are [-] garrison troops in Anyang County. Yuan Baozang colluded with Li Tang to fight to the death. It's not less than a month before we were defeated by our Qi army. If King Qi made up his mind A strong attack, Shiji dare to say, Liyang Cang can't resist for a month and a half."

Bing Yuanzhen's complexion changed slightly, and he remained silent.

Xu Shiji continued: "Li Mi seems to be powerful, but in fact he is at the end of his battle. First, he fought against Yu Wenhua for several months and suffered heavy losses. Then he lost several generals in the fierce battle with Dou Jiande. Then he was killed by Qi in Mingshui. The king was defeated and lost [-] elite soldiers. Now that Li Mi has been attacking Luoyang for a long time, people are exhausted and besieged on all sides. Defeat is only a matter of time. Old Bing, you should choose a retreat as soon as possible. If King Qi orders a strong attack, you want to surrender at that time It's too late."

Bing Yuanzhen's complexion fluctuated, what Xu Shijiji said was the truth, although Li Mi defeated Yu Wenhuaji and Dou Jiande, he didn't actually gain much benefit, instead he lost his troops, and Gao Qi took advantage of all the benefits, but now Li Mi has not Being able to win Luoyang has actually fallen into a very passive situation.

Bing Yuanzhen glanced at Xu Shiji, then suddenly smiled and said, "Shiji, since we are getting together privately, let's not talk about business tonight, come, come, I have already ordered people to prepare a banquet, and we will get drunk tonight." Hugh, by the way, those local products are very appetizing to me, can you bring me some more next time?"

Xu Shiji's eyes flashed a trace of imperceptible coldness, and he smiled and said, "Definitely!"

Bing Yuan was really happy, thinking to himself, I don’t want to make a clear statement yet, I will temporarily use the drag formula to stabilize Gao Qi, and then make plans when the situation is clear. Whether Duke Wei can take Luoyang or not will be known before the end of the year, and now It is undoubtedly the wisest thing to be ambiguous and eat at both ends. If Wei Gong takes Luoyang, I will continue to hold on and not surrender. A large number of gold and silver treasures are so white, hehe!

(End of this chapter)