Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 547 The Person that Brother Nu Fears
Li Quan may not look good-looking, but he is actually a capable man, one could even say very capable.

How big is it?

When Li Linfu heard about this man, he thought he had the talent to be a prime minister and was a threat to him, so he suppressed him madly. Li Quan had to resign and return home. Later, Pei Min took a fancy to him and invited him to be his staff.

"The world is in chaos now, the divine weapon has changed hands, and shameless people are everywhere, putting profit first in everything.

This is the misfortune of the Tang Dynasty.

If we put aside loyalty, filial piety, chastity and righteousness, Pei Gong actually doesn't think highly of Huangfu Weiming. As for Gao Miao, he is even more of a fool."

Li Quan commented with a look of disdain.

Obviously, he didn't think much of these people.

Is Gao Miao a fool?

Fang Zhongyong raised his eyebrows and immediately understood something.

As expected, Li Quan said lightly: "Everything that happened before was just a prelude, all done by me, for Pei Gong's plan. Gao Miao is stupid and a warrior, how could he have such means?"

Hearing this, Fang Zhongyong nodded thoughtfully and asked, "Is Pei Gong also in Gao Miao's army?"

"Yes, Pei Gong is the deputy general, and he has many trusted men in the army. Gao Miao was appointed by Huangfu Weiming, and although he is the main general, his influence in the army is limited.

Pei Gong pretended to be obedient and cooperated sincerely with Gao Miao. In fact, he had already made secret preparations and was just waiting for the favorable wind from General Fang Jie. "

Li Quan stroked the short beard on his chin and smiled, looking like he had everything under control.

Fang Chongyong was a little confused. Since Li Quan was Pei Min's confidant and had long planned to deal with Gao Miao, why did he bother to give Gao Miao advice and let this army set up a strong camp on the way back to the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army?

But he couldn't ask about it at the moment, so he just nodded and said, "I'd like to hear more details."

As if he could see what Fang Zhongyong was thinking, Li Quan said seriously:

“Li’s plan was indeed aimed at the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army, so Gao Miao gladly adopted it after convening all the generals to discuss it, and personally led his troops to ambush on both sides of the canal.

As a result, the two cities of Changlu and Cangzhou not only had few soldiers, but their commanders and many of their men were Pei Gong's confidants.

At that time, General Fang Jie could set fire to the grain boats to burn the embankment, then lead his troops to leave the grain boats in advance, and use the cavalry to attack Gao Miao's ambush from behind.

Changlu and Cangzhou are both controlled by Pei Gong. Even if they see the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army, they will pretend not to see it and will not inform Gao Miao.

If Gao Miao's ambush is defeated, they will retreat to Changlu and Cangzhou. Pei Gong will then plant the flag of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army on the top of the city.

In panic, Gao Miao would certainly have no intention of attacking the city, and would be at a loss as to how to advance or retreat, like a frightened bird.

By then, the army will be defeated in a matter of moments."

Li Quan casually and clearly arranged the last battle in Gao Miao's life.

First, they let Fang Chongyong and the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army bypass their defense zone, causing Gao Miao's troops, who were in an ambush, to be attacked from behind.

As long as Gao Miao didn't get any supernatural treasures, and as long as Fang Chongyong and the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army performed normally, Gao Miao would most likely suffer a crushing defeat.

Secondly, Pei Min only needed to give orders to his trusted troops to hang the flag of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army on the top of the city wall and guard the city walls and gates, pretending that the city had been captured by Fang Chongyong and preventing Gao Miao from entering the city.

He didn't need to mobilize at all.

In the end, Fang Chongyong was able to easily deal with Gao Miao, who was defeated and fleeing with his supplies cut off. In this way, the quality of Gao Miao was no longer worth mentioning.

What did Pei Min do during the whole process?

In fact, he didn't need to do anything. He just needed to tell the soldiers when Gao Miao shouted that the person shouting outside was not Gao Miao, but a bad guy who came to steal the city.

This plan has extremely low risk, is highly feasible, and does not require pinning hopes of victory on fickle human nature.

Pei Min was almost certain to win without any effort.

As for Fang Zhongyong, attacking Gao Miao was his own responsibility. Even if he was used by his cheap father-in-law, what was there to complain about?
We can't expect Pei Min to launch a mutiny directly, right?

After listening to Li Quan's entire plan, Fang Chongyong secretly sighed in his heart: This guy is really... the old ones are still the wisest!

Pei Min was a master of backstabbing. With just a little planning and giving the enemy some time, Gao Miao was inexplicably killed by him.

Not only was it done cleverly, but it also avoided being the bad guy who actively backstabbed his colleagues.

Then, since the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army had already defeated Gao Miao and even beheaded him, it wouldn't be surprising for their deputy generals and the like, who were trapped in an isolated city with few soldiers and generals, to surrender, right?
After figuring this out, Fang Zhongyong almost wanted to applaud Pei Min. Of course, this chain of schemes was probably not Pei Min's idea, but Li Quan's.

This is enough to prove that Li Quan is quite capable.

Just as Fang Chongyong lowered his head in thought, Li Quan took out a sheepskin map from his arms and spread it out on the table.

"This is the ambush location of Gao Miao's troops."

Li Quan's tone was very calm, and he didn't bother to explain why he was so sure.

Gao Miao is a fool, but sometimes, the good thing about fools is that they are obedient.

Li Quan said that this place was a better place for an ambush. After Gao Miao inspected it, he felt that Li Quan's words were reliable, so he made arrangements accordingly.

The scary thing about Li Quan's plan is that everything he arranged was optimal, but he didn't mention that Pei Min would turn against him!

"Mr. Li is extremely talented and a national talent."

Fang Chongyong put the map away and couldn't help but sigh that he was really convinced this time.

Li Quan saluted with his hands crossed in a very reserved manner, then smiled without saying anything, as if he was waiting for Fang Zhongyong to ask questions.

It is obvious that there is a test intention.

Fang Zhongyong also understood. He pondered for a moment and asked, "Since Pei Gong wants to rebel against Huangfu Weiming, he must have thought of a way out. I wonder where Pei Gong's way out is?"

"I would like to ask this question to General Jie. The Silver Spear Xiaojie Army has advanced deep into Hebei alone. Where is their retreat route?"

Li Quan asked back with a smile.

Fang Zhongyong didn't want to play dumb with him anymore, so he revealed his trump card and said:

"The Yongji Canal goes north to where several rivers meet, then turns east and goes along the Zhang River to the seaside, where there is a ferry for seagoing vessels.

When the north wind blows in autumn and winter, you can take a ship south to escape from Hebei.

Our army has been claiming that it wants to attack Youzhou, but this is actually a strategy of making a feint to the east and attacking in the west. Going south by sea is the only way to retreat."

Hearing this, Li Quan nodded slightly and said, "Pei Gong's old subordinates are stationed here to protect Gao Miao's retreat. This time when they leave Hebei, Pei Gong can also turn the tide."

He made a palm-turning motion.

Fang Zhongyong couldn't help but complain in his heart, "As expected." Come to think of it, how could the old fox not prepare a way out?
He couldn't help but feel that the waters of the Tang Dynasty were really too deep.

The Hebei rebels were complex, with many factions and a lack of unity. Rather than being an organized rebellion, it would be more accurate to say that they united and lived a life of adaptation.

Now that Huangfu Weiming has conquered Luoyang, the various forces in Hebei have become more cautious. In the past, they had to unite under pressure. But now that the momentum has risen, they have begun to think about how to divide the cake.

"If you hadn't come this time, thousands of soldiers of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army would have died without a burial place.

Fang would like to thank Mr. Li on their behalf."

Fang Chongyong stood up and bowed deeply to Li Quan.

"General Fang, Li has to go back to Cangzhou City to report. Gao Miao is an impatient person. If the fleet is delayed, Gao Miao may change his mind.

Farewell. "

Li Quan bowed and took his leave. Fang Chongyong accompanied him off the boat and only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.

When he returned to the bow, he was surrounded by his generals. He Changqi asked in confusion, "General Jie, what did you just say?"

Everyone looked expectant, and they were obviously in the same mood as He Changqi. Now it was a matter of life and death, and no one wanted to be the "ignorant" one.

"This is not the place to talk. Anyway, plans have changed."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand gently and entered the cabin first.

The others present looked at each other and followed in.

……

The moon is hanging high in the sky, like a silver plate, with a holy smell. Today is the Ghost Festival, a day to commemorate the ancestors.

If Chang'an were still as prosperous as before, the emperor and central government officials would have participated in the Taoist ceremony of welcoming the immortals during the day.

There was fragrant dew from cypress leaves and locust flowers on the altar, and Taoist nuns and priests dressed in beautiful fairy clothes were performing rituals on an astonishing scale.

At night, people would let off river lanterns, set up a Taoist temple in Chang'an city to pray for the souls of the deceased, and every household would set out food and light candles to offer sacrifices to the homeless souls.

Anyway, it was a grand occasion.

The government will also have a day off.

But all this had nothing to do with Gao Miao, because because of the war, these activities should probably be reduced if possible and stopped if necessary.

At this moment, Gao Miao was leading a part of the Hebei rebel army, ambushing in the woods beside the Yongji Canal, not far from Changlu County.

They planned to ambush the fleet of the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army led by Fang Chongyong.

Directly cut off the source of the problem.

Ambush is very difficult work because many times the enemy will not arrive on time.

A few days late is normal.

The ambushing soldiers had to endure all the difficulties during these days. As long as the commander did not order them to leave, they had to endure it no matter how difficult it was.

Because of this, Gao Miao was worried that other people's command would delay important matters, so he personally set up an ambush on both sides of the Yongji Canal.

Although Gao Miao's ability in commanding a war was average, he still had one good point, which was that he was willing to listen to advice.

Li Quan discussed the battle plan he proposed with his trusted subordinates, and it was indeed as planned, with basically no flaws.

Although Li Quan was Pei Min's man, Pei Min's loyalty was questioned by Huangfu Weiming.

But Gao Miao still adopted Li Quan's suggestion.

This is also an important reason why a mediocre person like him can get to where he is today.

"General Gao, Li Quan won't cheat us, right?"

A personal soldier beside Gao Miao asked in a low voice.

The mosquitoes in this woods are so vicious that almost everyone here has been bitten.

But there was no other way; in order to win the battle, they had to endure it.

"Today is the Ghost Festival. I haven't worshipped my parents for a long time."

Gao Miao couldn't help but sigh with emotion, as if he didn't take his personal soldiers' words seriously at all.

In troubled times, everyone has their own difficulties. Who doesn't have a dream, but who doesn't just barely survive under the pressure of life?
Many times, people struggle between their dreams and their bottom line.

"General Gao, will the bandits not come again?"

The guard asked again.

"Hard to say."

Gao Miao uttered two words, feeling puzzled in his heart.

When Li Quan first came up with the idea, it sounded very logical, as if Fang Zhongyong would be a fool if he didn't crash into the canal dam.

But now that the other party has not arrived yet, Gao Miao is starting to feel a little anxious and unsure of what will happen next.

"General Gao, if we take care of Fang the bandit, do we have a chance to go to Chang'an and Luoyang to make some money?"

This personal soldier seemed to talk a lot today.

Gao Miao was originally annoyed by his questions, but this last question seemed to make sense.

He frowned slightly, but finally sighed and said, "Who knows? Anyway, since we can't eat meat, it would be nice to have some soup."

Gao Miao obviously had little confidence.

According to the current situation, it is inevitable that the Hebei rebels will enter Guanzhong. Once Chang'an is captured, the troops that broke into the city will definitely participate in the looting.

It is estimated that even Mao could not catch up with the soldiers including Li Baochen.

Speaking of this, it's really a bit depressing.

"General Gao, if we fight to the death with the bandits here, I don't know how many of our brothers will die.

But those people can live happily in Luoyang. General Gao, the brothers are very dissatisfied. "

The particularly talkative personal soldier said indignantly.

His words should resonate with many people in the military.

Unfortunately, Gao Miao didn't know what to say. Many times, life is so helpless.

You fight to the death here, and even if you get killed or injured, you won't get much money. But there are people who can easily capture Luoyang and Chang'an and plunder for three days.

Who can Gao Miao go to for justice?

Li Baochen only had the right to command and dispatch, but not the power to appoint and dismiss personnel, let alone the power to distribute the captured goods.

He was also miserable.

The situation is very clear now. Whoever is closer to Huangfu Weiming and Guanzhong will be able to enjoy the best life.

"Stop talking about these unlucky things, just shut up!"

Gao Miao retorted rudely but did not punish the soldier.

This attitude actually proves his true inner thoughts.

"General Gao, the fleet is coming! Look over there!"

Another bodyguard pointed at the canal in the distance and said.

He saw a fleet of boats with fishing lights lit in the moonlight, marching towards the "dike" in a mighty force, as if they were trying to force their way through.

"it is good!"

Gao Miao was immediately delighted.

"Fireworks, drums, and horns!"

He gave the order to the messenger.

boom! boom! boom!
Soon, three fireworks bloomed in the night sky, which was extremely beautiful. However, the color was very special, which was rarely seen by the public, and the brightness was also higher.

dong dong dong!dong dong dong!
dong dong dong!dong dong dong!
Drums sounded simultaneously on both sides of the canal embankment!
"kill!"

Gao Miao shouted loudly, and countless heavily armored infantrymen rushed out of the woods and headed towards the canal boat that had crashed into the embankment.

However, before Gao Miao's troops could throw incendiary objects at the fleet, the ships that hit the dam caught fire first.

The thick hemp rope was quickly ignited by the fire on the ship and burned rapidly.

The dam made of wooden and bamboo sticks was also set on fire.

The fire spread very quickly, almost out of control.

This, this, this, something's wrong, right?
Gao Miao stood at the edge of the woods not far away, a little dumbfounded.

As expected, the enemy soldiers on the canal boat did not fall into the water like dumplings.

Instead, it was very quiet, as if there was no one there.

not good! Fell into a trap!

Gao Miao's heart skipped a beat and he thought to himself that something was wrong.

(End of this chapter)