First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 600: Great for the Court

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The ambush battle was not very loud. The soldiers from both sides fought in the rocky jungle. It did not last long, and the winner was quickly determined.

Tan Fan was worried about Stone City and ran all the way. The soldiers' physical strength was very exhausted. In addition, he was suddenly ambushed, and he was frightened. He didn't know how many Feng's soldiers were hidden in the messy stone forest.

In such a predicament, if Lieutenant General Feng still cannot win, it will be too useless.

Tan Fan looked at the heavy casualties of his troops, his heart was bleeding, he shouted angrily: "Retreat, retreat with me", then turned around and left without hesitation, while the troops behind him were fighting and retreating.

Seeing that Tan's soldiers retreated and quickly hid in the forest, Lieutenant General Feng did not order a pursuit. In this dense forest, the soldiers were both familiar with the terrain. If the other party was determined not to fight, it would be difficult to catch up. What's more, They were afraid that Feng Fan would ambush in the forest, and they were already familiar with the stakes involved in fighting in dense forests.

After Tanfan fled away, Feng Xuan walked out from behind the boulder tremblingly. Seeing this, Lieutenant General Feng didn't bother to count the losses, but hurriedly stepped forward and saluted, "Second uncle, are you okay?"

Feng Xuan glared at him, supported the old man's waist and said angrily: "Feng Liuzi, do you want to kill me here too?"

"Nephew doesn't dare, second uncle, please calm down." Vice General Feng, ranked sixth in the Feng family, waved his hands to apologize after hearing this, and then glared at the surrounding soldiers, "What are you doing in a daze? I'm not supporting you."

The soldiers helped Feng Xuan sit aside and handed him the water bag respectfully. Although Feng Xuan had been away for many years, he had a good reputation in Gaozhou. He was still the second son of the Feng family, with high seniority and high status. These soldiers of the Feng family Don't dare be disrespectful.

"Feng Liu, come here." Feng Xuan drank a bag of water and then faced the problem at hand. He rubbed his old legs and said with a sullen look on his face: "How dare you go out to fight privately? If the war expands, how will it end?"

Lieutenant General Feng arranged for his soldiers to clean the battlefield, that is, to pick up soldiers' armor and bury the corpses. It was hot in Lingnan, and they were all members of the army. It would be too cruel to let the corpses rot in the sun.

Then he came to Feng Xuan and stood with a bow. He couldn't help but said excitedly: "Second uncle, I did not go to war privately. This was approved by the military envoy. Also, before leaving for the war, I was told to do my best. Killing the Tan family will be of great benefit to me, the Feng family."

"Does the military commander allow you to send troops?" Feng Xuan was surprised when he heard this.

"Yes, the military envoy has ordered the construction of siege equipment, and we will be able to storm Shicheng soon." Vice General Feng said excitedly: "When the Tan family is destroyed, Luozhou will be able to bear the surname Feng again."

Feng Xuan frowned, feeling uneasy, "It shouldn't be, this, this is not in the interest of the court."

"Second uncle, what are you talking about?" Vice General Feng didn't hear clearly and stepped forward to ask.

"Get lost", Feng Xuan was in a state of confusion, "Be a sliding pole and carry me to see the manager."

Vice General Feng hurriedly fulfilled his promise, ordered his soldiers to cut down the vine trunks, quickly made a simple sliding pole, and carried Feng Xuan to the Tang Army's camp.

This is also a very normal thing in the Li Liao tribe. As a direct descendant of the Feng family, Feng Xuan, not to mention enjoying the service of the Liao soldiers, does not need to be responsible even if he kills the Liao people at will. This is the power of the indigenous Liao chiefs in Jizhou County. , above the court's laws.

As night fell, the lights in the Chinese army's tent were brightly lit. Vice General Feng reported the results of the battle with excitement. When he heard that the person leading the army was Tan Fan, the second son of Tan Dian, Gao Chong raised his eyebrows and asked, "Did Tan Fan get hurt?" "

Lieutenant General Feng was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, "That guy is very cunning, and he ran away when he saw that the situation was not going well."

Feng Xuan, who was sitting quietly on the side, heard Gao Chong's question. His heart moved and he looked at Gao Chong.

Gao Chong also looked over with a gloomy expression, "Is this your persuasion to surrender?"

Feng Xuan hurriedly said: "Tan Dian has decided to surrender, but he is worried about the safety of his eldest son, so he ordered Tan Fan to come to the rescue, but Tan Dian still has some concerns."

"What are your concerns?" Gao Chong asked: "Since you have decided to surrender, why not come in person?"

Feng Xuan twitched the corner of his mouth when he heard this, and came in person?This is not a foolish dream, just in case there is no return.

But now Feng Xuan did not dare to have the slightest resentment towards Gao Chong. His life and future were still in Gao Chong's hands, so he immediately said cautiously: "Tan Dian is cautious and cautious, especially his life, so he asked me to convey it."

Gao Chong snorted coldly, "After all, he is just jealous of the imperial court. In that case, what's the use of keeping him?"

"No", Feng Xuan waved his hands hurriedly: "No, the manager calmed down his anger, Tan Dian can still appease him, even if Tan's army was defeated today, Tan Dian is not an impulsive person, he still maintains awe of the imperial court, Especially after receiving this painful lesson this time, I believe it will strengthen his determination."

"Then tell me, what are his concerns?" Seeing that Feng Xuan fully understood his intentions, Gao Chong didn't waste any time and asked directly.

When Feng Xuan heard this, he glanced at Vice General Feng, with a somewhat hesitant look on his face. Finally, in the eyes of everyone, Feng Xuan said slowly: "Tan Dian is unwilling and unwilling to be controlled by the Feng family."

Vice General Feng's expression changed when he heard this, "W-what does Second Uncle mean?"

Feng Xuan also took the risk and said directly: "If the imperial court separates Luozhou from the Gaozhou Dudufu, Tandian is willing to surrender."

"Dreaming", Lieutenant General Feng spat: "Luozhou has been the territory of my Feng family since the Southern Song Dynasty. Talking about thieves is just a fool's dream."

The Southern Song Dynasty here refers to the Song Dynasty, that is, the "Song Dynasty" established by Liu Yu. Later, because it was different from the Zhao Song Dynasty, it was called the Liu Song Dynasty.

With a bang, Gao slammed the desk and looked at Vice General Feng with a gloomy face, "You say it again?"

Lieutenant General Feng's angry words just now are already taboo. The whole world is not the territory of the royal family. Even Jizhou County is the territory of the country in terms of political and legal principles. How can it be said to be the land of one family.

Lieutenant General Feng reacted with a look of horror on his face, and hurriedly prostrated himself: "General, I was so angry that I couldn't stop talking. This is not Feng's land, it's just the territory under Feng's jurisdiction. Please forgive me."

The difference is a word, a world of difference, Luozhou is just the jurisdiction of the Feng family, that is, the place managed by the Feng family, but fundamentally, Luozhou only belongs to the imperial court, which is now the Tang Dynasty.

Gao Chong narrowed his eyes and slowly leaned back on the couch, finally doing it.

By using Feng Xuan, a direct descendant of the Feng family, to put forward Tan Dian's request, he could not only reduce the power of the Feng family, but also smoothly recruit the Tan family, killing two birds with one stone and greatly benefiting the court.

The Feng family lost Luozhou, and the Tan family surrendered to the imperial court and officially took over Luozhou legally. From being a wild official in the mountains, they transformed into a powerful chief recognized by the imperial court.

"What do you think?" Gao Chong stared at Feng Xuan with burning eyes.

Feng Xuan didn't dare to look at him, and was struggling in his heart, but he didn't dare to refute, so he could only say in a low voice: "For the sake of the imperial court, I might agree."

"Second uncle!" Vice General Feng shouted angrily: "How could you do this...".

But in front of Gao Chong and other outsiders, Vice General Feng couldn't speak frankly. In Vice General Feng's view, Feng Xuan was betraying the family's interests, regardless of Feng's gains and losses.

Feng Xuan did not look at Vice General Feng. Now that he had made up his mind, he became more straightforward and said bluntly: "For many years, Tan Palace has occupied Luozhou, and the so-called affiliation to the Gaozhou Governor's Palace is in name only. On the contrary, it has increased the friction between Feng Tan and the two families, causing many casualties. , and even more damaging to the majesty of the imperial court. In this case, it is better to use this to appease Tandian, so as to calm the war and restore peace to the people of Luozhou."

"Okay", Gao Chong slapped the case again, but this time it was with appreciation, "The Feng family is indeed loyal and knows the basics."As soon as he finished speaking, Gao Chong shouted: "Get pens and paper," while Xue Rengui and others were busy laying out paper and grinding ink.

"In the name of Jinglue Mansion, I am reporting to the imperial court and recommending Tan Dian to be the governor of Luozhou. Feng Xuan, you have done a great job in persuading surrender. I recommend you to be the governor of Luozhou and the magistrate of Shicheng County. Luozhou will be removed from the jurisdiction of Gaozhou Dudufu. What do you think?" Gao Chong looked at Feng Xuan with a smile and said.

Feng Xuan was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked him, "Thank you Jinglue for saving your life and supporting me."

Although it is just a recommendation now and has not yet been officially appointed by the imperial court, Gao Chong's status already holds the right to accept orders from Lingnan, so his recommendation is already considered a certainty.

Gao Chong's pen quickly finished writing the memorial, and then handed it to Feng Xuan, "Take it to Tan Dian. I want him to appear in front of me no later than the day after tomorrow, otherwise... he will set the mountain on fire."

Feng Xuan was shocked, with a wry smile on his face. He would set fire to the mountain if he disagreed. In comparison, Tan Dian seemed more polite, and the officers and soldiers were more like unruly officials.

After Feng Xuan went out, Tian Yangming was stunned, "Is this, is it over?"

Gao Chong was very pleased that Tan Dian was so aware of current affairs. He was in a good mood now and asked with a smile: "What else?"

"Then we still need to build siege equipment?" Tian Yangming asked, scratching his head.

"Continue building", Gao Chong hesitated for a moment and then said: "If the Queen of the Tan Palace does not surrender, the entire army will attack the city." Then he saw everyone's expressions were stern, "Don't worry, I'm not afraid to tell you that with the help of Wei Feng Guards, Shicheng will be ready at any time." Breakable”.

Wei Feng Guard... When everyone heard that the mysterious Wei Feng Guard could help, their confidence increased. Otherwise, it would be difficult for them to break the city with only 5000 of them.

On the other side, Tan Fan led the remaining soldiers to escape back to Panshe Ridge overnight. Tan Dian woke up from his sleep again. Tan Dian, who was nearly seventy years old, staggered and almost fell to the ground when he saw his second son's embarrassed appearance.

"Aye, that Feng family is so cruel. Instead of attacking Shicheng, they ambushed them halfway. Er, Er accidentally fell into the trap." Tan Fan cried loudly and grabbed the ground with his head. "I deserve to die. More than 600 of our strong men were killed or injured." More than 400 people were separated at night."

Tan Dian swayed when he heard this, not caring about the loss, and then grabbed Tan Fan's shoulders, "Are you sure you didn't attack Shicheng?"

"Sure", Tan Fan burst into tears.

Tan Dian's expression changed quickly, and then he fell down on the couch and shook his head, "No, Feng is just a knife."

"In the end, it was the imperial court that benefited, or the Jinglue envoy." Tan Dian still maintained his rationality, his eyes were full of light, "The Jinglue envoy made a clever calculation, and used Feng's hands to suppress my Tan family, and then recruited me. I will check and balance Feng, yes, that should be it."

Tan Fan was confused, and before he could react, Tan Dian urged: "What are you doing in a daze? Go and light the lighthouses along the way and find the lost people."

Tan Fan responded hurriedly.

In this mountain, there is also a set of survival skills. Although the Liao people grow freely in the mountain forests, sometimes they inevitably get lost in the mountains, so the Liao people set up some lighthouses in high places.

If someone is lost and has not returned, they can find their way by seeing a lighthouse high up at night, just like the lighthouse at the mouth of the sea.

After Tan Fan left, Tan Dian no longer concealed the distortion on his face, "Six hundred strong men, with a different origin, Gao Chong, Feng Ang...".

Before dawn, Tandian rushed out decisively and headed straight for Shicheng.

After Tan Fan heard that his father actually went to join the imperial family, his heart was very complicated. Intellectually, Tan Fan knew very well that the only way to survive was to join the imperial court.

But emotionally, he was very unhappy. He had just allowed Feng to defeat him and run away, and now he was lowering his body to ask for surrender. But he knew that the person standing behind Feng was the manager.

If this spreads out, outsiders might think that he, Mr. Tan, is afraid of being beaten. Mr. Tanfan is so full of blood, so he will naturally be a little unhappy.

Tan Dian also saw the second son's thoughts, but said solemnly: "Don't be angry, this face will be given to him, and it can be regarded as giving the court some dignity."

Tan Fan was startled and didn't understand yet.

Upon seeing this, Tan Dian just sighed: "The last time my father attacked Gaozhou, he violated the imperial court's taboo. This time, I should treat it as an apology."

Tan Fan finally came to his senses and said with a look of reverence: "It turns out that Aye already understood the link. Aye attacked Gaozhou, and then the economic envoy arrived. Feng An sent troops and food to invite the economic envoy to attack, hoping to use the economic envoy to attack." The Tan clan was destroyed by his own hands. However, the military envoy did not comply with Feng An’s wishes and intended to appease him. However, in the face of Aye’s attack on Gaozhou, he must also be punished accordingly...

So from beginning to end, this is the battle between Jin Lue Shi, Feng An, and Aye. It seems that this time, Jin Lue Shi kills two birds with one stone."

"No," Tan Dian narrowed his eyes slightly, shook his head and said, "killing three birds with one stone. In addition to weakening the Feng family and appeasing the Tan family, he also supported me to counter Feng Ang and stabilize the situation here, which is more conducive to his taking charge of Lingnan. People’s methods are really shocking.”

Tan Fan also changed his face slightly and murmured: "I don't know whether it is a blessing or a curse for such a person to be in power in Lingnan."

Just when Tan Fan was in a daze, Tan Fan was stunned by a horse riding in the distance.

"Aye, it's a scouting post. Could it be that Feng Shi still dares to set up an ambush?" Tan Fan took a closer look, then widened his eyes and asked through gritted teeth.

Tan Dian raised his hand to stop him, frowned and scolded: "Calm down."

When the horse came to the front, the short and thin knight turned over and dismounted, "Old man, I met Gao Liang Feng Er ahead."

"Feng Xuan?" Tan Dian asked in shock, "Why is he here?"

Seeing that the sentry knight shook his head and obviously did not question Feng Xuan, Tan Dian immediately stopped his horse and said, "Go and meet him."

A moment later, under the shade of a tree, Feng Xuan looked at Gao Chong's handwritten memorial and fell into deep thought. After a long time, he came back to his senses and looked at Feng Xuan, who was enjoying the shade under the tree, and laughed, "This manager is quite generous with his actions." .

"Brother Tan, you can take the position of governor of a state." Feng Xuan glanced at him and said with a smile, "I am the chief governor, and I don't care about anything. You still have the final say in Luozhou."

Tan Dian nodded and smiled, then his face darkened again, "What happened to the ambush yesterday?"

Feng Xuan was stunned when he heard this. Although he knew it well, he did not dare to blame it on Gao Chong. He just waved his hand casually and said: "Oh, you and I have been fighting for so many years. Some friction is normal. This time, since the ministers are involved, the matter is over."

"Let's give up?" Tan Dian saw Feng Xuan's nonchalant look and immediately became angry, "Do you know that I lost six hundred men?"

Feng Xuan frowned and sat up straight with dissatisfaction on his face, "Then what are you going to do? Rush into the camp and kill Feng Liuzi, or kill me?"

"You..." Tan Dian was furious. He didn't expect Feng Xuan to dare to be so tough. He just looked at each other for a long time, and Tan Dian nodded and smiled, "Well, Feng Er, now that you have a backer, you dare to play tricks on me." .

"You wouldn't dare," Feng Xuan chuckled. He was well aware of Tan Dian's weakness, especially when he saw Tan Dian solemnly holding Gao Chong's autograph, he was even more aware of it.

(End of this chapter)