Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 599: Destiny to Survive the Tribulation

In front of the Luoyang Imperial Palace, Li Baochen bid farewell to his five new concubines reluctantly. There was tears and sobbing on the scene, which was very touching.

The concubines all kissed and hugged Marshal Baochen goodbye and left reluctantly.

Even a fool can see that these women are still very dependent on Li Baochen. This is definitely not the behavior of abused women.

Looking at this scene, Li Shiyu felt mixed emotions and didn't know what to say.

Marshal Baochen was not a bad person in the strict sense, for example, the five concubines. Although he did come to "ask" for them, he was still quite caring towards these women.

Now that he knew a great war was imminent and he would be defeated, he would rather let these women go than have them buried with him.

Li Baochen is obviously not a man of bad character and no moral cultivation as rumored outside.

It was as if Li Yi was a stunning beauty, and if Marshal Baochen had been horny and wanted to rape her, Wei Jian and the others would not have been able to stop him.

The fact that Li Yi was able to leave Luoyang shows that Marshal Baochen has a bottom line in doing things and is not a vicious person.

But from another perspective, Li Baochen is a very vulgar person, and it can even be said that he is a bit stupid in some aspects.

This also means that it may be difficult for him to gain a foothold in the Tang Dynasty, which is now full of heroes, let alone change the dynasty. He finally entered Luoyang and controlled the puppet emperor, but he was unable to transform the so-called advantage into his own strength.

It's enough to show that his ability is not good enough.

For example, at the moment, Li Baochen is facing a hurdle that is almost impossible to overcome.

Perhaps, Marshal Baochen is really not cut out to be the leader of a region.

Li Baochen watched the five new concubines leave, not knowing what would happen to these weak women in the future. Perhaps they would go home first, and then their families would arrange for them to marry an honest man.

"Did Li Guiren, that bastard, really say that he wants to draw a clear line between himself and me?"

Looking at the concubines' departing backs, Li Baochen suddenly asked in a deep voice, his face turning gloomy.

The news Li Shiyu brought back made him furious!

Fuck, kicking someone when they are down! Li Guiren is such an ungrateful bastard!

Li Baochen cursed in his heart, feeling helpless and furious.

Guanzhong and areas outside of Guanzhong are not completely isolated from each other, and people cannot pass through them.

In fact, Li Baochen had already received news about the movements in Chang'an, including Yan Gaoqing's request to borrow grain from wealthy families for military rations.

After all, it was not far away. He also sent people to Chang'an to inquire, and he had more or less an idea of ​​the situation there.

The situation has come to this now. How could Li Baochen not know that someone in Guanzhong is already sharpening his knives?
In the eyes of Marshal Baochen, Fang Chongyong just jumped out in advance to attract firepower, lure him to the designated "slaughterhouse", and then let the Guanzhong people come to help slaughter him.

This is also the reason why he quickly returned to Luoyang after the expedition.

As a result, Li Guiren directly expressed his unwillingness to play. Li Baochen lost his strong support and was unable to stop Li Guiren from cutting off the retreat of the Xuanwu Army.

In fact, his defeat had been basically declared. There was no hope at all, he was just waiting to die.

But if you can live, who wants to die? If Li Guiren is willing to help, why not give it a try!

This is exactly what made Li Baochen angry.

"Are you leaving too?"

Li Baochen turned his head and asked Li Shiyu who was standing beside him weakly. In fact, it is not that Marshal Baochen is not without people to use now. He still has several adult sons. Each of them is capable, and there is no useless person who can only hold back.

"Marshal, I will not leave. Please rest assured."

Li Shiyu saluted Li Baochen with his arms crossed and said.

"Oh, well, well, finally someone didn't abandon me."

Li Baochen couldn't help but sigh.

He pulled Li Shiyu aside and whispered, "Since I won't live much longer, why not get this done? Tonight, take your men to the palace and give Li Wan's family to..."

Li Baochen made a chopping gesture.

what?
Li Shiyu was startled.

Kill the puppet emperor before the enemy arrives!

Li Shiyu naturally understood what Li Baochen was thinking, but he felt that there was no need to do so.

If you really want to do that, you will just be dirtying your hands. Why give people a chance to talk about you?
After the Guanzhong troops captured Luoyang, would they let Li Wan go? Would they let Wei Jian and the others go?

It's simply impossible!

If you want to kill Li Wan, why not just let those people do it? Why bother with all that?
"Marshal, you can't do this."

Li Shiyu quickly grabbed Li Baochen's arm and tried to persuade him: "Marshal, don't give up on yourself. Not to mention that we are not at the end of our rope yet. Even if we reach that moment, Li Wan and the others will be taken care of by others. Why would you have to take action?"

Li Baochen did not answer. He just had the mentality of "destroying it if he can't get it". Li Wan was a banner after all. Whoever controlled him would have the ticket to fight for the world.

Marshal Baochen now saw that he was about to be beaten to death, so he wanted to drag Li Wan, Wei Jian and others to die with him.

Anyway, I have to drag someone down with me!

Marshal Baochen’s thinking is so simple and honest.

He kept staring at Li Shiyu for a long time before closing his eyes in pain.

After a long time, Li Baochen sighed, waved his hand, left alone and headed towards the palace.

He must have given up his crazy idea reluctantly.

……

There are 20,000 Konghe troops, including many new recruits.

Li Huaiguang selected eight thousand elite soldiers, including three thousand elite cavalry, each man had two horses, and another five thousand infantry.

He personally led the team into battle.

Li Huaiguang knew very well that having too many soldiers and horses was useless. What was needed was combat effectiveness. In many cases, the extra soldiers and horses were not only useless but also a hindrance!

The agreed time to send troops finally arrived. Li Huaiguang led the cavalry of the Konghe Army in front, and the infantry behind, and they marched towards Chang'an City in a mighty manner.

They set out early in the morning and reached the outskirts of Chang'an by evening, where they would camp for the night and then march to Tongguan at daybreak.

It is impossible to enter the city, entering the city would be tantamount to rebellion.

Walking on the road, stepping on the snow, deep and shallow. No one in the Control Crane Army spoke, and everyone had a cold expression on their faces.

Even my heart is cold.

"General Jie, did the court give you any reward after you arrived in Chang'an?"

A personal soldier beside Li Huaiguang asked him.

"What a reward! Shut up!"

Li Huaiguang cursed impatiently.

The personal guard retreated to the side in dismay, saying nothing more.

Li Huaiguang is feeling annoyed now. He originally thought that Yan Zhenqing and the others should give him some money in addition to those bonds that he could not eat or drink.

Unexpectedly, the silk was given, but after distribution, only two soldiers could get one piece of silk.

What the hell is this! It's better not to give it!
Li Huaiguang was so furious that he almost beheaded the imperial guards who came to escort the treasures. Fortunately, Li Jiaqing persuaded them after he found out, and the Konghe Army reluctantly agreed to send troops on time.

But almost everyone was furious!
Moreover, this personal soldier even called him "Jieshuai". Li Huaiguang is only the acting governor now and cannot ask for rewards for his soldiers. He is not a worthy governor at all.

"General Jie, the court is treating us like beggars.

There was one piece of silk for every two people, and it could only be shared by eight thousand people. The soldiers who did not set out did not get anything.

The brothers are all angry.

When Marshal Fang was the commander of the Control Crane Army, the imperial court never dared to delay rewarding him.

If the military commander cannot collect money for his brothers, I am afraid that he will not be able to be a stable military governor in the future. If it continues like this, it will not be a good thing. The military commander must think of a way. "

Li Huaiguang's subordinate Zhang Shao came over and whispered.

In order to save horsepower and keep in step with the infantry, everyone marched while leading their horses.

Upon hearing this, Li Huaiguang lost his temper instantly and fell silent. He did not respond to Zhang Shao rudely like he did when he scolded his personal soldiers just now.

If a person cannot seek benefits for his brothers, who would recognize him as the boss?

This sentence is crude, but the truth is not crude. It is applicable in many situations.

Zhang Shao was right. The imperial court did not give them money and wanted them to fight to the death with powerful enemies. Sorry, Fang Youde was willing to contribute to the Tang Dynasty, but the soldiers did not have such a high level of awareness.

"What do you think?"

Li Huaiguang asked in a deep voice.

"After we arrived in Chang'an, we kept our troops in place, but did not set out the next day, and then we asked for money on the spot.

We will set out when the court gives us the reward.

If you don't give them, then just leave them alone! They have been camping in the suburbs!

Who is willing to fight Li Baochen? Then let's take off our armor and give it to them, and let them go.

Let's go back to Fengxiang Prefecture for training."

Zhang Shao suggested in a low voice.

Eh? This method works!
Li Huaiguang's eyes lit up.

This is not called a mutiny, this is called adjusting deployment!

If you don’t pay, then we’ll just rest in the outskirts of Chang’an and see who can afford to wait and who can’t!
"Well, when we set up camp outside Chang'an, you will notify the deputy military commander, the chief military officer, and all ten generals and lieutenants in the army to come to our camp to discuss this matter.

Remember to notify separately.”

Li Huaiguang leaned close to Zhang Shao's ear and whispered.

"Understood. But General, I'm afraid some of the generals in the army won't agree with this. They are not interested in this."

Zhang Shao said meaningfully.

Li Huaiguang nodded slightly, as if he understood something.

He was not the one who had the final say in the Crane Control Army, he could only ensure that most people listened to him. After all, Fang Youde's prestige was irreplaceable.

Li Jiaqing is a generous person and always discusses matters with his subordinates. Everyone trusts him and is willing to cooperate with him on weekdays.

Although Li Huaiguang is a skilled warrior, brave and good at fighting, his prestige in the army is not enough. Originally, this expedition was a good opportunity to accumulate prestige, but I didn't expect that this dog court would have so many tricks.

Although the grassroots soldiers attached great importance to wealth, the officers did not necessarily care much. They hoped to accumulate military merits, and they had the same idea as Li Huaiguang.

Even if you can't become a Jiedushi, you can always get a promotion.

Therefore, these people may not necessarily listen to Li Huaiguang. They may think that as long as the court does not go too far, they can just be patient.

"So how do you think you can make them listen to me?"

Li Huaiguang asked doubtfully.

Zhang Shao came over and muttered for a long time. Finally, Li Huaiguang nodded and said, "You make sense. This is indeed better."

Zhang Shao continued to explain:
"General Jie, no matter who disobeys you, they are all brothers of the Konghe Army, eating from the same pot, so we can talk it out.

We must never point our knives at our own people, don’t you think that’s the truth?”

"Makes sense."

Li Huaiguang nodded. He originally wanted to kill a disobedient subordinate to establish his authority. But it was obvious that Zhang Shao's method was better.

However, when the soldiers of the Konghe Army arrived at the outskirts of Chang'an, what greeted them was not only snow on the ground and ice in the river, but also the closed city gates!

The meaning seems to be: eat some dry food, take a nap and leave quickly!
No one prepared the tent!
No one brought dinner!

There is no sign of rewards at all!

The shriveled Chang'an City stood like a cold monster in front of the soldiers of the Konghe Army!

"General Jie, what are you doing? Does the imperial court treat our Konghe Army as stray dogs?"

The personal soldiers around Li Huaiguang shouted.

Not to mention him, Li Huaiguang's face also turned pale.

According to the rules of marching, if stationed near a city, the provincial government or county government needs to prepare food for the army.

Of course, this requires the army to send people to the government office and the county office to communicate with the governor and county magistrates and discuss all the details.

These meals must be hot meals and hot dishes, and there are strict requirements on the basic quantity and types of dishes for each sergeant.

No matter how bad the situation is, slaughtering pigs and sheep is necessary.

However, that was during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. Whether this rule still exists today often depends on the local government.

Perhaps Yan Gaoqing thought that Fengxiang Prefecture was nearby, and the Konghe Army would rest for one night in the suburbs of Chang'an and leave the next day, so there was no need for Chang'an to prepare any meals at all.

After all, you didn't send anyone to contact us, right?

It's not like the army is short of dry food. A few days ago, Yan Gaoqing ordered people to send the prepared dry food to the Konghe Army. Now Chang'an is full of people who don't have enough food. These soldiers have military rations and prepared dry food. What's there to be dissatisfied about?
Because Chang'an was short of food, the dinner that could be hosted or not was naturally omitted.

But the people in the Control Crane Army had different ideas. They all thought: With my status in the martial arts world, do I need to send someone to greet you when I have a meal? We are not begging for food. You should prepare it in advance!

"Set up camp, distribute dry food, and start cooking soup."

Li Huaiguang gave orders to the messenger with an expressionless face.

"Come on!"

All the personal soldiers were anxious.

If they don't go to Chang'an City to settle accounts with the Ministry of War, are they going to let it go? This is intolerable. The imperial court is taking advantage of the situation this time. If they don't teach those dog officials in Chang'an a lesson, they will think that the Konghe Army is made of mud!

"Shut up! Don't you want to obey the military order?"

Li Huaiguang roared angrily, turned around and left.

Beside the Xiwei Bridge, the soldiers of the Control Crane Army skillfully set up tents and stoves. They threw dried meat into boiling water to make soup, chopped wood, and chopped trees. Although it was already night, everything seemed normal.

Apart from the resentful expressions on everyone's faces, there was no difference from usual.

In the commander's tent, Li Huaiguang looked around at the generals of the Control Crane Army and said:
“The court did not prepare any food for us, nor did it send anyone to reward us.

This matter is very strange. Tomorrow Zhang Shao will go to Chang'an and ask the Ministry of War what happened that made the court treat the Control Crane Army so lightly.

Do you think there are any problems?"

This made sense, and even the generals who were not Li Huaiguang's trusted ones nodded frequently.

They are also human beings. Even if they are not Li Huaiguang's direct descendants, it is still clear that the court dislikes them and urges them to go to the front line as soon as possible.

Except for those with masochistic tendencies, who would feel comfortable watching this scene? Who wouldn’t feel chilled?
"Everything will be subject to Li Liuhou's arrangements!"

All the generals clasped their fists and saluted in unison.

"Well, arrange the people who have kept watch, and let's all go."

Li Huaiguang waved his hand and all the generals left, only Zhang Shao stayed.

Seeing that everyone else had left, Li Huaiguang said to Zhang Shao calmly, "I'll do as you say tomorrow."

"Understood, Marshal, please rest assured that this matter will be handled well without any mistakes or omissions."

Zhang Shao clasped his fists and bowed to Li Huaiguang.

(End of this chapter)