First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 574 From Nanyang Liu Family
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Seeing that Gao Chong was just looking at the city gate with his hands behind his hands, he did not answer the call to enter the city.

Liu Yanchang was in a state of confusion and could only lower his head and eyebrows, not daring to say any more urging words or even showing an anxious look, for fear of being suspicious.

Little did he know that Gao Chong was already suspicious in his heart.

There are only a few teams of people patrolling this section of the city wall at the west gate. Bobai City is not large, with only four gates. According to this configuration, only 300 people are enough to defend the city. Where are the others? Could it be that they are still in the big city? It was impossible to sleep soundly in the camp.

It seems that Liu Yanchang is not sincere, and his courage is greater than imagined.

"Liu Tongjun," Gao Chong looked at Liu Yanchang expressionlessly, "If I remember correctly, you should be the commander-in-chief of Shuiming Military Mansion, right?"

"Exactly, exactly", Liu Yanchang didn't understand what it meant.

"Shui Ming is located in an important land and water area, so we must not relax." Gao Chong nodded thoughtfully, and then ordered in a tone that could not be criticized: "This Bobai City has its own Bobai Military Mansion to garrison, Liu Tongjun can order a change of defense. ".

Liu Yanchang was startled and hurriedly said: "In summary, the imperial decree has not yet arrived and no new officials have been appointed. Bobai City needs someone to garrison it."

Gao Chong's face darkened, "Pang Shijun is not here? I am not here?"

"B-But Pang Xiaotai is a traitor." Liu Yanchang stared and couldn't understand why Pang Xiaotai openly responded to Ning Daoming's rebellion and now he is safe.

The Pang brothers immediately glared at each other, but Pang Xiaojie tightly tugged on his brother's sleeves to express his patience and never argue with him in front of the manager.

"The right and wrong are determined by the saints. Is Liu Tongjun making an arbitrary decision?" Gao Chong's eyes narrowed and he asked in a deep voice.

"I don't dare, I don't dare," Liu Yanchang hurriedly lowered his head, "But...".

"It's nothing," Gao Chong waved his sleeves and scolded: "I have been ordered to conduct a military expedition to Lingnan. I now order your troops to withdraw from Bobai City immediately and return to Shui Ming Bei garrison. Do you dare to disobey me?"

Liu Yanchang's expression changed.

"Why, Liu Tongjun is in trouble?" Gao rushed forward and asked with a smile.

Liu Yanchang took a step back unconsciously, then clenched his teeth, thought again and again, then plucked up the courage, stretched out his hand to a remote place, bowed and said, "Jing Lue, please speak here."

"Be careful with your strategy," Pang Xiaotai said hurriedly.

Gao Da also held his sword in his hand and looked at Liu Yanchang warily.

Gao Chong looked Liu Yanchang over, waved his hand and said, "It's okay, Gao Da, follow me." After that, he raised his legs and walked towards the corner of the city.

Gao Da answered in a muffled voice, stepped forward with the knife on his waist, and stared at Liu Yanchang closely. If Liu Yanchang made any move, he could quickly draw his knife and kill him.

Gao Chong has never been one to rely on others. Now that he has suspected that Liu Yanchang's mind is impure, he will not take risks alone. This is not a coward who is afraid of death. This is a gentleman who does not stand under a dangerous wall.

Until now, Gao Chong thought Liu Yanchang might be up to no good.

Seeing Gao Da staring so warily, Liu Yanchang smiled bitterly, feeling that the plan was too risky because the manager was too cautious.

Seeing a pair of wrought copper and gold maces hanging on the left side of his horse, and a [-]-foot-long horse spear hanging on the right side of his horse, he was very powerful. I even heard that he was also a famous general in the world. He had conquered the north and south and made countless achievements. How could he cherish his life so much.

Not only did he linger at the city gate for a long time, unwilling to enter the city, but now he saw a man with resurrected shoulders and a bloated figure alone who also needed personal guards to accompany him. If he had a knife and ax hand buried in the governor's mansion, wouldn't it arouse his suspicion even more.

Thinking of this, Liu Yanchang could only sigh: "Jinglue Mingjian, I, Liu Yanchang, am loyal to the court and Jinglue, but I really can't trust the Pang family in Yunfeishan. That Pang Xiaotai responded to the Yuezhou Ning bandit rebellion , is already well known.

I really don’t understand why Jing Lue trusts him so much, but if he is allowed to enter the city and hand over the city defense, I will be afraid of another setback, and I hope Jing Lue will understand clearly.”

Seeing Liu Yanchang's heartfelt words, Gao Chong was a little surprised. Could it be that this guy had no evil intentions in his heart.

Dang Jingjing stared directly into his eyes and asked pointedly: "Are you hostile to Pang just because Pang Xiaotai once rebelled?"

Liu Yanchang's face froze, and then he said with some hesitation: "The Liu and Pang families have indeed been fighting for a long time and have some personal grudges, but the general is definitely out of public interest...".

Gao Chong shook his head and smiled, probably understanding in his heart, "Then I don't care. First of all, I tell you that Pangzi is not a rebel now. Secondly, if you want to withdraw from Bobai City, is it possible to do it?"

Liu Yanchang looked very unhappy, "Jinglue wants to support Ponzi?"

Gao Chong ignored him and just continued to look at him, "Is it possible?"

"Haojiao Jingluo learned that the Liu family in Baizhou came from the branch of the Liu family in Nanyang, and the imperial court...".Liu Yanchang continued.

But before he finished speaking, Gao Chong's face darkened, "Are you threatening me?"

Although the Liu family of Nanyang is not the fifth surname, Qiwang, nor the fourth surname in Guanzhong, nor is it as powerful as the Bohai Gao family, Lanling Xiao family and other clans, when it comes to the Nanyang Liu family, the world's nobles do not dare to look down upon it.

There is no other reason, just because the Nanyang Liu family has too much influence and has too many people spread all over the world.

Just looking at the Liu family in Baizhou, you can see that thousands of miles away from Nanyang, there are still branches of him, and they have created a huge foundation in Baizhou.

The Nanyang Liu family may not be prominent in the imperial court now, but the Nanyang Liu family can often be seen in local government offices in various states and counties.

The Nanyang Liu family descended from Liu Fa, the king of Changsha in the Western Han Dynasty, and belonged to the northern branch of the Changsha Liu family. Liu Fa was the son of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty and was named the king of Changsha.

Liu Fa's descendants are spread all over the country, and the most famous among his descendants is Liu Xiu, Emperor Guangwu, the founding emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Liu Yanchang's ancestor was Shenhou Liu Long, one of the 28 Yuntai generals of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Liu Long also came from the Liu family of Nanyang.

Today, the Liu family is basically divided into seven families, namely Pengcheng Liu family, Weishi Liu family, Linhuai Liu family, Nanyang Liu family, Guangping Liu family, Danyang Liu family, and Nanhua Liu family, collectively referred to as the Dingzhu seven families.

In fact, there is another Henan Liu family that originated from the Xiongnu. Perhaps because it came from the Xiongnu, it was not included in the seven houses. Xing Guogong Liu Zhenghui came from the Henan Liu family.

In recent years, the Liu family has really been full of talents. For example, Liu Wenjing came from the Liu family in Pengcheng, and Liu Rengui came from the Liu family in the Wei family.

According to incomplete statistics, in the Tang Dynasty, the Liu family had a total of 12 prime ministers among the seven houses.

Namely: Liu Zi, Liu Wenjing, and Liu Zhan of Pengcheng Fang; Liu Rengui and Liu Zhuo of Weishi Fang; Liu Yizhi of Linhuai Fang; Liu Jie of Nanyang Fang; Liu Xiangdao, Liu Jingxian, and Liu Congyi of Guangping Fang; Liu Ye of Danyang Fang; and Nanhua Fang. Liu Yan.

The Nanyang Liu family in Liu Yanchang's house also has many talented people. Not to mention the glory of the Han Dynasty, only the last hundred or so years, just give a random example.

Liu Zhilin, a famous official in Nanliang, was eight years old and was famous all over the world. After his brother Liu Zhiheng took over as the governor of Nanjun instead of his brother, he had a noble character and outstanding political achievements. The people of Jingchu still remember him, and even mentioned the Liu brothers in later articles and historical records. , couldn't bear to call him by his name, and respectfully called him "Danan County" and "Xiaonan County".

Even a few years ago, when Gao Chong pacified Xiao Mian of Nanliang, he wrote the name of a person in his own handwriting. The man's name was Liu Jie, from the Liu family of Nanyang. I was in Lingnan to quell the rebellion of Dingliao people. When I heard that the country was in ruins, I had no choice but to submit a letter of surrender.

Gao Chong was deeply impressed by Liu Jie's name, so he accepted his surrender and expressed his merit. Therefore, Li Yuan pardoned Liu Jie's crime and enabled him to serve as the governor of Nankang Prefecture, which he has done to this day.

But Gao Chong knew in his heart that Liu Ji was a talented prime minister. He later became the prime minister and was famous for his direct advice and had a reputation as a virtuous man.

Seeing the angry expression on Gao Chong's face, Liu Yanchang hurriedly bowed and said: "I don't dare, general. It's just that we come from a famous family in the Central Plains. The Pang family is just a barbarian. Why should we do this in our strategy?" "In the whole world, is it the land of the king? On the shore of the land, is it the king's ministers? Regardless of Han or barbarian, they are all subjects of the Tang Dynasty. The saints love themselves as one."

Gao Chong raised his hands to the sky and said with a righteous look: "Pang's merits and demerits are waiting for the court's judgment. As for your entry into Bobai City, I will handle it impartially. Liu Tongjun, you'd better put away those things you shouldn't have." Don’t let your mind wander.”

When Liu Yanchang heard the words, he had no choice but to do it. If he didn't, there was nothing he could do. Now that Gao Chong refused to enter the city, Gao Chong was in charge of the home court. If he dared to disobey the order, Gao Chong would take the opportunity to execute him. Liu Yanchang's heart Already thinking: Could Gao Chong have some leverage in Ponzi's hands? Why does he trust Ponzi so much...

Thinking of this, Liu Yanchang decided not to conflict with Gao Chong for the time being, and obeyed his orders, and then reported the situation in Baizhou to the court truthfully. He was not complaining. Anyway, as the commander of the military government, he had the right to report.

Since Gao Chong suppressed him with his righteousness, he could also report the situation to the court openly. He believed that the court would not tolerate rebellion.

It's just that the miserable Liu Yanchang must regret it later, regretting that his spies were unreliable and did not find out the specific situation of Jiangzhou's counterinsurgency.

Until now, Liu Yanchang still insists that Pang Xiaotai is rebellious, and secretly believes that Gao Chong and Pang have some shady activities.

"The general will obey the orders of the general." After thinking about it, and clearing his mind, Liu Yanchang bowed and responded.

Turning around and coming to the city gate, he said, "Send an order to Shuiming Mansion soldiers to assemble the army immediately and return to defend the northern garrison beach."

Liu Yanchang was not only the head of the Liu family in Baizhou, but also the commander of the army. When the order was passed down, Shui Ming's army soldiers did not dare to delay, and they assembled after a while.

"Jing Lue, I will return to defend the northern garrison immediately. I will come back to pay homage to Jin Lue tomorrow," Liu Yanchang bowed and said.

Gao Chong nodded and said with a smile: "The Shuiming Mansion soldiers are well-trained, which shows Liu Tongjun's ability to command troops."

Liu Yanchang responded dryly and bowed to leave.

Watching the Shuiming Mansion soldiers gradually disappear, Gao Chong suppressed his smile and looked at Pang Xiaotai, "About 900 people, is this number correct?"

Pang Xiaotai understood what Gao Chong meant, nodded and said: "Shui Ming Military Mansion is the Zhongfu, with less than a thousand people. This number is correct."

"Okay", Gao Chong nodded and ordered: "Enter the city immediately and take over the city defense."

Pang Xiaotai was overjoyed and immediately called the Bobai soldiers who had been waiting in the distance to enter the city.

Gao Chong rode to the roadside and ordered without looking back: "Find two smart people and go into the city to explore the situation, especially around the Governor's Mansion."

Gao Da responded, "Ah Wu, Ah Liu, you each lead a team into the city."

After hearing this, the two guards immediately came out and followed the army into the city.

The Pang brothers didn't know what Gao Chong and Liu Yanchang said in the corner, but when they saw Liu Yanchang exiting Bobai City in despair, they thought it was Gao Chong who had given him Pang's support. Pang Xiaotai was so proud that he excitedly greeted the people into the city.

When everyone saw this scene, they all had their own thoughts.

Tian Yangming asked curiously: "Jing Lue, are you standing up for Ponzi?"

Gao Chong raised his eyebrows, "Why do you say that?"

"Then they..." Tian Yangming pointed blankly at the people entering the city, and then looked at the direction in which Liu Yanchang's troops were leaving.

"I didn't do anything," Gao Chong said honestly, "I just ordered Liu Yanchang to change defense, that's all."

Tian Yangming obviously didn't believe it and muttered without knowing what he was mumbling.

Only Pei Xingjian observed carefully from beginning to end and asked hesitantly: "Master, Liu Yanchang seems to insist that Pang is a rebel from beginning to end. He doesn't seem to know the details of Jiangzhou's counter-rebellion?"

Gao Kan also nodded when he heard this, "I also have this feeling. Liu Yanchang looked confident and righteous. From the bottom of his heart, he thought that he killed Baizhou Sima Pang Pang Ji and stationed in Bobai City to counter the rebellion. Then he must not know Pang Pang What the brothers did in Jiangzhou."

Gao Chong nodded with satisfaction, "That's right. In Liu Yanchang's heart, Pang is a traitor. He even thought he would be praised by the court. You continue to talk."

Xue Rengui, who had been silent all this time, suddenly seemed to understand, his eyes lit up, and he said: "Then the master ordered him to withdraw from Bobai City, and he did so, but deep down in his heart, he most likely thought that the master was with the Pang family?"

Gao Chong said nothing, encouraging him to continue talking.

"So Liu Yanchang is very likely to write to the court and falsely accuse his master of having an affair with a traitor." Xue Rengui revealed the truth in one sentence.

High-impact applause said, "Yes, Rengui has made great progress."

In fact, Gao Chong only thought of this when Liu Yanchang moved out of the Liu family in Nanyang. Liu Yanchang was also self-righteous and confident, so he would definitely take credit for himself. From Liu Yanchang's perspective, he was loyal to the court and stated the facts.

What he believed to be the fact was that Pang Xiaotai responded to Ning Daoming's rebellion, and then got stuck with the manager.

It has to be said that Liu Yanchang is still a bit smart. He did not make a false accusation or fabricate it out of thin air. He just didn't know anything about Jiangzhou.

If Pang Xiaotai is really a traitor to the party, Gao Chong will be charged with making friends with the rebel party.

It's just that when Gao Chong was in Yuezhou, he had already reported the details of Ning Daoming's pacification to the court. If Liu Yanchang reported Pang Xiaotai to the party again, it would be tantamount to humiliating himself.

After understanding the connection, everyone was filled with admiration.

After a long while, Tian Yangming came to his senses and praised him: "Jing Lue, you are really bad. You are just pretending to be confused while pretending to understand. Then if Liu Yanchang went to the court to write a letter to the court and branded Ponzi as a traitor, it would be destructive. The Han officials are suspected of being harmonious, and then they falsely accuse you of being a traitor to the party. This... this is completely asking for your own death."

Tian Yangming patted his head and laughed in surprise.

The silent Tu Dijin next to him secretly glanced at Gao Chong and said loudly: "Then Liu Yanchang will definitely offend the saint for this, and he will definitely be punished. Master, you are standing up for the Pang brothers in disguise."

Pang Xiaotai woke up in time in Dongluo City in Jiangzhou, secretly formed an alliance with Lunan, and then cooperated with Lu Nan to deceive the city and broke into Fengshan City at night. These things were not spread to the outside world.

First, because Jiangzhou is located in a deep mountain with only three counties, the roads are blocked and the news is blocked.

The second reason is that due to counter-insurgency matters, the government deliberately blocked it. After all, the imperial decree has not yet been issued, and it is difficult to determine the specific matters.

Just as Tian Yangming said, Gao Chong did nothing. He just ordered the Shuiming Mansion soldiers to return to the defense and hand over the city defense in accordance with the regulations. He only did this one thing, and he had to wait for Liu Yanchang to do the other things himself.

Of course, Gao Chong also had a backup plan for the Baizhou Liu family, and that was the Weifengwei team.

Entering Bobai City, for Pangzi, is not only to regain control of the city, but also to regain many industries in the city.

Returning to the Governor's Mansion, some of the people who were close to Pang in the past were brutally killed, but more of them were local wealthy people who took advantage of the situation and promptly surrendered to save the Liu family. Now that Pang has returned, he is shocked and has no choice but to return again. Come to apologize.

Pang Xiaotai was kind by nature, so he ignored those state and county officials and used them again, quickly taking over Bobai City.

After settling down, Gao Chong felt that he should not continue to Guangzhou. Ning Daoming's rebellion must come to an end, otherwise it would be difficult to conclude too many things, including the achievements of other people. He immediately decided to stay in Bobai City for a few days. To wait for Chang'an's will.

(End of this chapter)