Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 543: Marshal Huangfu’s Ambition

Luoyang!

Here I come, Luoyang!

The Luo River flowed quietly behind him. Huangfu Weiming looked at the Luoyang Imperial City in front of him, feeling waves of emotion surge in his heart.

Compared with Youzhou, Yecheng and other places, Luoyang has a different significance to the Hebei rebels.

Occupying Luoyang means that the Hebei rebels have obtained a "capital" with great political significance.

It also proves that Huangfu Weiming, who raised an army in Hebei, and his generals and soldiers were no longer a small local warlord regime.

They gained the capital to dominate the world, and even had the opportunity to take advantage of the situation to sweep across Guanzhong and change the dynasty.

How magnificent!
Things that we couldn't even think about before have now become things within our sight.

Just stand on tiptoe to get it.

Especially this time, Huangfu Weiming's overall view and extraordinary strategic determination won the support of his subordinates.

Compared with those noisy soldiers, Huangfu Weiming's ability to "point the way" is unmatched by those people.

At first, a group of soldiers were clamoring to go south to Bianzhou, eager to capture cities and territories. It looked aggressive, but in fact it was a waste of manpower and resources.

It was Huangfu Weiming who went against the majority opinion and insisted on waiting for the troops in Guanzhong and Hedong to decide the outcome before launching a surprise attack on Luoyang.

I have to say that he is a man of vision and patience, and he knows that a little impatience can ruin a great plan!
It is precisely because of Huangfu Weiming's persistence that the Hebei rebels have entered Luoyang and are eyeing Chang'an today.

"Marshal, please enter the imperial city."

Li Guiren walked forward and respectfully made a "please" gesture to Huangfu Weiming with a respectful look on his face.

This time, Huangfu Weiming won a lot of support from the people by taking control of Luoyang.

The layout of Luoyang City is quite different from that of Chang'an. It is divided into four relatively regular areas. The Luo River, which runs east-west, divides the entire Luoyang into two parts, north and south.

The northwest area is the large palace where the palace city and Hanjia warehouse are located;
The northeast, southeast, and southwest regions were divided into markets of varying sizes, where many officials and common people lived. The northeast region had the North Market, the southeast region had the South Market, and the southwest region had the West Market.

Each area is relatively independent, and the urban structure is more reasonable than the layout of Chang'an City.

More livable.

Not only that, Luoyang City has not suffered any major damage since Huangfu Weiming started his rebellion in Hebei.

The city walls are well defended and the population is large.

How could Huangfu Weiming not be happy to have such a big city? He was so excited that he almost burst into song.

"Your troops were the first to reach Luoyang, so General Li entered the city first. How can I steal your limelight?"

Huangfu Weiming smiled and waved his hand gently, suppressing his inner excitement and not letting it show on his face, and gave the honor to Li Guiren.

This small favor is just right to be given as a favor.

If we have to enter a city first, it must be Chang'an! Only then will it make sense.

As for Luoyang, it’s still a little lacking.

"Then I will be disrespectful to refuse it!"

Li Guiren clasped his fists and bowed, not wanting to refuse.

Looking at his back leading the way, Huangfu Weiming thought to himself:

Li Longji led the main force of the border army to march into Chang'an. The defenders in Guanzhong fought fiercely and even lost all their capital in one battle. It was really a blessing from heaven.

Huangfu Weiming felt like he was a hidden dragon in the abyss, blessed by God.

As long as you seize the opportunity, conquering cities and territories is as easy as picking up money, almost effortless.

Entering Yingtian Gate, the group arrived at Mingtang (also known as Wanxiang Temple), where Wu Zetian handled government affairs in the past.

Huangfu Weiming stared at the round, three-story "pagoda" in front of him and frowned slightly.

He didn't like the layout of the Luoyang Palace, which looked like a temple, nor did he like the desolate and dilapidated appearance of the place today.

But... this is the only way now, what else can I do?

Capturing Chang'an was considered the "ultimate battle", but judging from the state of his troops after they conquered Luoyang, it seemed that we could not have too high expectations for it.

The so-called capture of Chang'an may not be achieved in the short term.

Huangfu Weiming saw those poor soldiers who couldn't help but rob as soon as they entered Luoyang City. Even after repeated orders, they couldn't stop. At present, they were only temporarily suppressed.

My heart started to sink.

As the saying goes, it is difficult to change one's nature, these soldiers in armor are like bloodthirsty beasts.

If you don't feed them, they will devour you.

"Tell the soldiers that after we capture Chang'an, I will reward them handsomely."

Huangfu Weiming instructed Li Guiren.

"Understood! I will do it right away!"

Li Guiren clasped his fists and bowed, but didn't say much.

As if sensing that the other party was in a bad mood, Huangfu Weiming quickly stopped him and whispered:

“By the way, send someone to visit the wealthy local families in Luoyang and tell them that the world is not peaceful and there are many bandits.

I hope they will donate some money and food to entertain the troops. After that, the men under my command will definitely take care of them.

It's okay if you don't want to pay. But if thieves break into your house, I won't be able to handle it. Don't blame us for being blunt.

After getting the money, share some among the soldiers.

This commander entered Luoyang, and he did not forget the rewards given by his brothers. "

Upon hearing this, Li Guiren immediately became excited.

"I have the order! The general will definitely do it well!"

"Go."

Huangfu Weiming put his hands behind his back, with his back to Li Guiren, and looked at Mingtang with a gleam of light in his eyes.

He had not expected to capture Luoyang so easily.

This was God's way of telling him that destiny was in my hands.

Huangfu Weiming sighed at the impermanence of life as he walked into the Mingtang, only to find that there were eight thick pillars in the center of the Mingtang, surrounding the dragon throne.

It looks quite majestic, like the moon surrounded by stars.

There is an imperial aura here!
This is the treatment an emperor deserves!

It's just that the vermilion paint originally painted on the pillars has become mottled and fallen off due to years of wind and frost, revealing the original wood color.

It looks a bit shabby, like a sick person with a sad look on his face.

Huangfu Weiming paced in the Mingtang. He walked around the eight pillars arranged in a circle, thought again and again, and finally suppressed his inner impulse and did not sit on the dragon throne.

A lack of patience can ruin great plans. Some things may not do much good, but the impact is very bad.

You can't do it, because if you do it, it will easily give people a chance to criticize you.

Huangfu Weiming took a deep breath, feeling a conflict between his conscience and his desires.

After fighting bloody battles and pacifying the world, he became a powerful official second only to the emperor, and then gave the throne to Prince Rong Li Wan?

Are you willing?
A voice in his heart asked this question.

Is that possible?

How is that possible!
Not to mention that Huangfu Weiming himself would not agree, even his subordinates would not agree.

What virtue and ability does Li Wan have? Does he deserve it?
Now that the prestige of the Li Tang royal family has been greatly damaged, it is still unclear whether the world will still be named Li in the future.

Heroes and great men should seize the opportunity and change the dynasty.

If you can’t eat from five pots, then cook from five pots.

I would like to ask who in the world can be the emperor?
Those with strong soldiers and horses will do it!
Huangfu Weiming had an idea in his mind, but he couldn't say it out loud, at least not yet.

He wanted to be the emperor, an upright and legitimate emperor!

Rather than some damn powerful official.

For some reason, Huangfu Weiming suddenly felt something and looked up at the dome surrounded by eight pillars in the center of the Mingtang.

It was engraved with stars, day and night, and stars made of gemstones, reflecting a faint light. At this moment, he seemed to see the Mars guarding the heart and the Chang Geng accompanying the moon appear at the same time. However, when he looked at it carefully, he found that it was just an illusion.

……

A day later, the "Son of Heaven" Li Wan came to Luoyang from Yecheng, and with him came the small court that was temporarily put together.

Huangfu Weiming did not waste words and directly summoned all the generals to discuss military affairs in front of Li Wan in the Mingtang. Li Wan, who was considered an emperor who had "ascended the throne but not succeeded to the throne", was just a spectator throughout the whole process and could not say a word.

He couldn't even understand the maps for marching and fighting.

It is hard to say whether Huangfu Weiming deliberately put on a show in front of the generals, but no one is so stupid as to say it clearly.

Everyone sees through it but doesn't say it out loud.

There are also many factions and undercurrents within the Hebei rebels.

Huangfu Weiming asked Li Wan to attend the military meeting to show respect for him as the "Son of Heaven". However, Li Wan himself failed to seize the opportunity, did not understand the military discussion, and could not put forward any opinions or suggestions. That was his own problem.

The generals are very direct. If you are a waste, just get out of the way and don't say anything.

Over time, many things will fall into place.

Li Wan really couldn't find any fault with Huangfu Weiming's "courtesy".

"Everyone, I have called you here today to discuss the strategy of attacking Chang'an and advancing into Guanzhong.

All the generals present here can speak freely without any taboos."

Huangfu Weiming said in a deep voice.

He looked around at the crowd, and the burly Hebei border army generals present all looked thoughtful.

No one spoke rashly.

The Hebei rebels' marching route to capture Luoyang this time was to start from Liyang and split into two groups.

Go all the way through Hanoi, and after conquering Beizhong City, take a detour through the three cities of Heyang to the west of Luoyang.

Another route is to cross the Yellow River and go through Hulao Pass, and enter directly from the route east of Luoyang.

The two armies met in Luoyang.

Of course, the second group’s food supply route is mostly on the south bank of the Yellow River, so theoretically it cannot be guaranteed to be safe.

Therefore, after the two armies joined forces in Luoyang, the food supply for the Hebei rebels was directly transported from Liyang to Heyin County, and then from Heyin County to Luoyang.

We took the water route all the way and no longer passed through Henan territory.

Then, before the winter freezes, the Hebei rebels need to store enough grain and fodder in the Hanjia Granary in Luoyang to meet military needs.

After that, everything was centered in Luoyang for the transportation of food and troops.

In simple terms, if the area occupied by the Hebei rebels is regarded as a country, then the center of gravity of this country will now be completely transferred to Luoyang.

Of course, to achieve all these, Huangfu Weiming still faced many difficulties, so he had to "lose face" and do some things that he was unwilling to do before.

For example, robbing local wealthy families to raise military supplies.

"General, I think the best strategy is to go through Chenguan, cross Wangwu Mountain, and head straight to Puzhou in Hedong.

This road is the main one.

Then they launched a feint attack on Tongguan from the front to tie down the enemy's main force.

This road is auxiliary.

Using a two-pronged approach and attacking in a coordinated manner, the two armies met at Guanzhong Huazhou.

Then we can attack Chang'an directly, and great things will be accomplished."

Li Guiren suggested to Huangfu Weiming.

I have to say, this suggestion is a bit unexpected.

Li Guiren actually made his meaning very clear. Li Wan might not understand it, but Huangfu Weiming, who led the troops in the war, definitely understood it.

Although Tongguan is relatively close to Luoyang, the road is difficult to travel and it is very difficult to attack the pass head-on.

Instead, they would have a greater chance of success if they took the Chen Pass, the first of the Eight Passes of Taihang Mountains, and went directly from Henei to Hedong to launch a surprise attack on Puzhou.

As long as Puzhou is captured, there will be no need for the defenders of Tongguan to hold on, and the pass can be said to be doomed to fall without a fight.

The problem with the surprise attack on Puzhou is that the food supply is difficult to guarantee.

Of course, if Li Baoyu of Hedong led his troops south to help the troops in Guanzhong defend Puzhou, that would be a different matter.

Li Guiren's tactics have a bit of the meaning of "avoiding the strong and attacking the weak, making a feint to the east and attacking in the west".

Huangfu Weiming pondered in silence.

In fact, he has a secret weapon to break through Tongguan and defeat the enemy in one move.

As long as Tongguan is broken, the rest of the things will be easy. There is no need to do anything fancy.

But he himself was not in a position to say.

If you say it out loud and are questioned by others, it will be a bad ending.

Suddenly, Huangfu Weiming saw An Shouzhong, who had made great contributions in the attack on Luoyang, out of the corner of his eye!
It was An Shouzhong who defied all opposition, forced his way across the Yellow River, and broke through Hulao Pass, thus disrupting Lu Jing's deployment.

The latter had to flee from Yiyang with his remaining troops.

If it weren't for this battle, An Shouzhong would not have been qualified to appear in the Mingtang of Luoyang Palace.

Huangfu Weiming's heart moved, and he looked at An Shouzhong and asked:

"General An, what do you think of this battle?"

His sudden call for orders surprised everyone present.

What?
An Shouzhong was wondering whether he should take some time out of his busy schedule to find a few beautiful women from officials' families in Luoyang to serve as a diversion for his "little brother".

When he was suddenly called by Huangfu Weiming, he was a little confused for a moment.

Is it him, a military officer with little influence and currently in a "guilty" state, who is planning to attack Chang'an and advance into Guanzhong?

But since Huangfu Weiming asked, it is an opportunity and I can't just ignore it.

"Marshal, I think General Li's strategy is too complicated.

I have a plan that can break through Tongguan, and the army can march straight into Guanzhong from Tongguan.

There's no need to spend so much time on it.

Of course, I am not saying that there is anything wrong with General Li’s strategy.”

An Shouzhong revealed all his previous plans, of course, concealing the specific methods of breaking through Tongguan.

"Well, I think what the two generals said makes some sense."

Huangfu Weiming saw that An Shouzhong was very understanding, so he stepped forward to smooth things over.

"General Li will lead 20,000 troops to Chenguan, carrying seven days' worth of dry food, to attack Puzhou. General An will lead 5,000 troops as the vanguard to feint at Tongguan, and I will personally lead the main force to support the central army. As for the strategy of breaking through Tongguan, I will not discuss it here."

Huangfu Weiming looked around at the generals and said.

Li Guiren's heart skipped a beat and he secretly thought that this was not good. He had just gotten carried away and committed a big taboo in the officialdom!

As expected, Huangfu Weiming sent him to launch a feint attack.

The person who could lead the attack on Guanzhong could only be Huangfu Weiming, and no one else.

If he could not personally lead the troops to conquer Guanzhong, Huangfu Weiming would be nothing more than "Li Wan" without the surname Li, and would have become a figure like Xiao He.

How can he convince the public in the future? How can he guarantee his position?

When something goes wrong, should we listen to Huangfu Weiming or Li Guiren?
After entering Chang'an, who will be the biggest "big brother" in the army?
Li Guiren was ambitious and felt that he had led the major battles before, so according to his habit, he would also lead the conquest of Guanzhong this time.

Unexpectedly, he was beaten by Huangfu Weiming.

"The last general takes command!"

Li Guiren clasped his fists and bowed to Huangfu Weiming, looking a little terrified.

Li Guiren was also curious. Huangfu Weiming and An Shouzhong said with certainty that they could capture Tongguan. What kind of tricks did they use?
Did they think alike, or did they discuss it beforehand?
Has An Shouzhong been recruited by Huangfu Weiming?

With a series of questions, Li Guiren didn't really listen to the rest of the military meeting. It was not until the end of the meeting that he returned to the camp outside the city in a daze, ready to gather his troops and go to war.

(End of this chapter)