Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 670: Driving a tiger to devour a wolf or putting out a fire with firewood
Bianzhou Zhuangyuanlou is in an excellent location, located on the bank of the canal. In the private room on the second floor, you can see the boats coming and going on the canal through the fence, and you can see the busy people on the bank of the canal.

Invisibly, people have a sense of superiority, looking down on all living beings and watching the clouds rise.

Li Tingwang is a rough man, but he can feel what "class" means.

Eating here is very stylish.

"Official, today..."

As soon as Li Tingwang opened his mouth, Fang Zhongyong waved his hand and said, "General Li, today I am here to welcome you. Let's not talk about official business, let's not talk about official business."

He just laughed it off and spoke casually, but the old robe he was wearing didn't look like the attire for receiving guests.

Li Tingwang had no way of pointing it out. Others were just being polite. If you took it seriously, you would probably be the one who would be embarrassed.

Seeing that Fang Zhongyong had no interest in talking about business, Li Tingwang had no choice but to drink in silence.

After three rounds of drinks, Fang Zhongyong suddenly asked, "Time flies like an arrow. Time flies so fast. Back then, I led troops to attack Hebei, and An Shouzhong followed behind. We were rivals at that time. I'm afraid General Li was also in the army, right?"

Eh?
Hearing this, Li Tingwang's hair stood on end!
He thought to himself: That's right, when An Shouzhong was ordered to pursue the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army, I happened to be a general under An Shouzhong, directly under his command.

But why did Fang Qing bring this up during the dinner? Was he trying to bring up old scores?
Li Tingwang's heart was beating fast.

"Your Majesty is a god in the use of military force, and I, Li, am no match for him."

Li Ting looked at the other party and saluted with his fists, saying that it was just a courtesy.

"You and I fought against each other in those days, and we fought to the death.

I didn't expect that we could sit in the same private room and drink and chat happily today. The world is so wonderful, it's really amazing."

Fang Chongyong said with emotion.

Li Tingwang was also silent, feeling sad.

Rebel generals like them had a goal in the beginning, which was to change the dynasty. But now the world has become such a mess, they are confused and can't find a goal to move forward.

The imperial court is not like the imperial court, the rebels are not like the rebels, everyone seems to be the same, only those with the bigger fists have the final say.

Outside the Zhuangyuan Building, red and yellow colors alternately come into view, and maple leaves fall to the ground and are about to turn into spring mud. The golden autumn season gives people the most beautiful imagination.

But autumn doesn’t last forever, and winter is coming soon.

The most brutal fights, the battles for survival, often occur in the desperately cold winter when food is scarce.

For some reason, Li Tingwang felt a little melancholy. This winter, Chang'an should be taking action, right?

"General Li seems to be worried."

Fang Chongyong saw Li Tingwang was in a daze, and asked with a smile: "I don't know what it is, can you tell me so that I can take a look at it?"

"I am here to deliver a letter for General An. Here is the letter."

Li Tingwang didn't know Fang Chongyong's plan, so he just took out a letter from his arms and handed it to Dacongming, who passed it on.

Who knew that Fang Zhongyong put the letter in his sleeve without even looking at it. He just said to everyone at the table: "Come on, let's drink today and don't go home until we are drunk. If there is anything, we can talk about it tomorrow. Don't let those things spoil the fun."

Li Tingwang was so angry that he almost vomited blood, but he couldn't vent his anger. Others treated him to good food and drinks and gave him enough face. If he turned his face, he would be a little ungrateful.

Next, Fang Chongyong told many interesting stories about the Western Regions, such as how sand dunes can move, moving ten feet every year and swallowing up nearby trees; how camels can survive in the desert for two weeks without water, and a month without food, and even for seven or eight days without food or water.

Li Tingwang, who had never been to the Western Regions, began to imagine things after hearing this.

The atmosphere was right, and the wine was drunk happily. Naturally, Li Tingwang could not mention Luoyang again. After the banquet, Zhang Guangsheng arranged Li Tingwang to stay in the posthouse outside Kaifeng City, and he actually lived in the same courtyard with Liu Zhongyi!
I don't know whether it was intentional or unintentional.

……

Chang'an, Daming Palace, Council Hall.

There were a lot of people in the room and the atmosphere was a bit tense.

Ma Lin looked worried as he watched the two prime ministers arguing in front of him. He really didn't know what to say.

Li Baochen's eldest son, Li Weicheng, was also present, with his head down, his eyes on his nose, his nose on his heart, pretending he wasn't there. Wang Wujun, a general under Li Baochen, stood behind Li Weicheng, also without speaking.

After Li Baochen went to practice Taoism, the Guanzhong court encountered a big problem: no one made the final decision.

In other words, Li Shiyu has no say in major decisions, and must sit down and discuss with the "Tianlong people" headed by Wei Jian. Otherwise, the decree cannot be implemented at all!
The advantage of this is that in the past two years, with the cooperation of local wealthy families in Guanzhong, the regime has quickly stabilized.

Since Li Baochen is cultivating immortality instead of competing for power with others, this regime will naturally be supported by the local big families.

Therefore, there is no situation where government orders cannot leave the palace.

But the downside is that once a major issue arises and someone needs to make a decision, quarrels will begin inside and outside the court.

For example, now Wei Jian is arguing with Li Shiyu, and they are arguing endlessly about how to treat An Shouzhong.

“My true intention is that a short pain is worse than a long one.

No matter what the court said, An Shouzhong would not give in.

Those tricks can't fool An Shouzhong, so there's no need to flirt with a blind man.

The only way is to send troops to control Luoyang, ensure the safety of the three cities of Heyang, and ensure the safety of the water transport in Guanzhong.

You can’t hesitate at this time.”

Li Shiyu said in a sonorous and powerful voice, clenching his fists.

He was born as a military officer, and his mind was still centered around the general. His blood and courage had not been wiped out, and he had not degenerated into the old coin of the Tianlong people in Guanzhong.

"If you think it's okay to send troops, you can lead them yourself. I won't say a word more."

Wei Jian said calmly, seemingly not caring about Li Shiyu at all.

"If we stay in Guanzhong, are we going to die? Without the grain transport, how can Guanzhong survive?"

Li Shiyu retorted.

"It's not that we can't deal with An Shouzhong, but we can't send troops directly. We can use the method of driving the tiger to swallow the wolf, and achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Wei Jian said this calmly, he didn't seem worried at all.

"An Shouzhong is a wolf, so where does the tiger come from?"

Li Shiyu asked back.

"The Konghe Army is in Hedong. They can't advance to Taiyuan, and they can't retreat to Guanzhong. Li Huaiguang is thinking about a good place to stay. Why not let the court issue an order to order An Shouzhong and Li Huaiguang to change their guard with their troops?

An Shouzhong will definitely refuse, but Li Huaiguang will be overjoyed. Then, let the Control Crane Army deal with An Shouzhong."

Wei Jian said slowly.

He wasn't trying to find fault or embarrass Li Shiyu on purpose, but he really had a better way. At least, he thought it was a good way.

Li Shiyu disagrees with this.

If An Shouzhong wins, he will become more arrogant and the situation will get out of control.

If Li Huaiguang wins, he will be the next An Shouzhong.

This so-called "driving a tiger to devour a wolf" metaphor is really not appropriate, it is more like adding fuel to the fire. "This will only make the feudal lords bigger! It is really stupid!"

Li Shiyu cursed.

Li Baochen was born in a vassal state and entered Guanzhong to seize power. As his trusted aide, how could Li Shiyu not know what similar tasks were!
Today's Guanzhong is just a vassal state that occupies Chang'an!

At this moment, Wei Jian was calm and composed, while Li Shiyu was blushing, and neither of them was willing to give in.

Ma Lin was listening at the side but couldn't get a word in. He was just a military general, what else could he do?
Li Weicheng and others didn't know how to evaluate it. These two prime ministers were talking about their own things, and it was completely different from what they were talking about.

How long will this debate end?
But then again, there was an important consensus between the two prime ministers: the grain transport in Guanzhong was a big deal and it could not be handed over to the disobedient generals to guard it. It was imperative to deal with An Shouzhong, but what means to use was worth discussing.

“My two lords, how about I lead the troops to station in Puzhou, and General Li (referring to Li Weicheng) to station the troops in Tongguan, and wait and see how the situation develops.

Then the court issued an order for Li Huaiguang and An Shouzhong to lead troops to change guard. First issue the order, then take action, depending on the situation. "

Ma Lin suggested to Wei Jian and Li Shiyu while bowing and saluting.

His approach seems a bit like trying to smooth things over.

Read more latest popular novels at 6.9*shuba!

However, this arrangement is not without reason. It can be considered as "one hand for civil affairs and the other for military affairs".

The two armies acted very appropriately according to circumstances.

After all, they were not asked to send troops directly! They were just trying to take advantage of the situation at the right time!

For example, the troops of An Shouzhong and Li Huaiguang fought each other over a disagreement and both suffered heavy losses, and then Ma Lin and his men had to clean up the situation.

It’s quite beautiful to think about. Even if it’s impossible, it’s okay to think about it, right?

"That's it, I don't want to talk about it anymore."

Li Shiyu shook his sleeves, turned around and left, not wanting to stay in the Council Hall for a moment. He felt very frustrated as the prime minister, as all kinds of problems had emerged since the situation in Guanzhong had stabilized.

He was actually dissatisfied, but there was nothing he could do. Ma Lin was a military commander, and Li Weicheng and Wang Wujun were also generals, all of whom were fighting on the front lines. If these people did not support him, then what the prime minister said would not be heard outside the Council of State.

It's like a fart. It's fine if you can release it, but if you can't, you have to hold it in, which is so uncomfortable.

"Let's arrange it this way. The military order will come down in the next two days. Once the military rations are ready, the generals can set out on their own."

Wei Jian waved his hand tiredly.

Li Shiyu felt very tired, and he didn't feel relaxed either.

It is no longer the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. Who would feel relaxed as a prime minister? All kinds of things need to be handled by people. It is not easy to maintain the situation in Guanzhong.

"I'll say goodbye!"

Ma Lin and the others saluted and left, but they did not go the same way. They were not the same kind of people, and each had his own way.

They have united together only because they have no other choice. It is hard to say whether they will fight against each other in the future.

After everyone left, Wei Jian sat cross-legged on the cushion and rubbed his brow.

"What will happen in Bianzhou?"

An idea popped into his mind, and he felt a little uneasy, but powerless to change anything.

The strength comparison is here. Bianzhou did not cut off the water transport to Guanzhong, not because it could not, but because it did not want to.

Although I don't know what Fang Qing's plan is, he probably has no intention of turning hostile immediately.

As I said before, the grain transport to Chang'an did maintain the lifeline of Guanzhong, but it also prospered the commerce in Bianzhou. This was a mutually beneficial thing.

The threat is greatest when the arrow has not yet been shot, and this is the strategy implemented in Bianzhou.

It can move, but it won't move for the time being, as if a sword is hanging over its head.

This made the person in charge of the Guanzhong court feel very troublesome, as if his hands and feet were tied.

If Guanzhong wanted to send troops, it would have to bear the risks of sending troops, as well as the chain reaction that might be triggered if it was defeated, and the entire regime might be overthrown.

But at the same time, if you win, you can consolidate your foundation and gain longer vitality.

No matter what choice you make, there are pros and cons, and there is no such thing as a "perfect solution."

"We have to think of a way to hold back the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army."

A cold light flashed in Wei Jian's eyes.

……

The post station outside Kaifeng City was very large, even a little scary.

As the color of the "imperial court" was diluted, the post station was divided into two areas, one large and one small. The small one was for officials and envoys to live temporarily, and the large one was for merchants and travelers to stay overnight, without interfering with each other.

This post station had two hundred horses, and its courtyard walls were tall and guarded by soldiers. It could be described as "the gate opened to a road around it, and mulberry trees grew under the wall." It was a small city with not very strict guards, which was the main reason why Kaifeng Post Station was located outside Kaifeng City.

The post station was too large and the county town could not accommodate it.

Logically speaking, in such a big place, the people living in the post station rarely go out, so it is unlikely that you would meet acquaintances.

However, as soon as Liu Zhongyi left the yard today, he ran into Li Tingwang head-on!
A few days ago, it was this person who had been trying to shirk Liu Zhongyi's responsibility and prevented him from meeting An Shouzhong. Now the two of them met in the post station. Li Tingwang, who was born a warrior, rushed over, grabbed the thin Liu Zhongyi, grabbed his collar and dragged him out of the post station!
At this moment, there was no need to say anything more. Li Tingwang already had a rough idea of ​​what Liu Zhongyi was doing in Bianzhou.

Li Tingwang took Liu Zhongyi hostage to the Bianzhou government office, where Fang Chongyong was reviewing official documents. Some farmers could not pay back the seedling loans issued in the spring, so Fang Chongyong signed a decree allowing them to pay back half this year and the remaining half next year.

He had a lot of things on his hands, so it was impossible for him to keep an eye on the situation in Luoyang all the time.

As soon as Li Tingwang entered the study, he said to Fang Zhongyong without any politeness: "The emperor is so calculating. On the one hand, he received Li, but on the other hand, he conspired with the fake court in Guanzhong. This is simply too much!"

"Why is this? I really don't know!"

Fang Chongyong hurriedly invited Li Tingwang to sit at the table, but did not let Liu Zhongyi sit down.

He pointed at the eunuch from Guanzhong and explained to Li Tingwang, "To be honest, a eunuch who claimed to be from the Guanzhong court came to me the other day and said that he could let Guanzhong send troops to attack you. I saw that he was talking nonsense and didn't dare to believe him, so I put him in the post house. I don't know him, but does General Li know who he is?"

Hearing this big boss lying without blinking an eye, Liu Zhongyi was so angry that his face turned red, but he didn't dare to say a word.

Because he was afraid of death, and the dead cannot speak or refute.

"Humph, you are so good, Liu Zhongyi. You are a traitor who actually came to Bianzhou!"

Li Tingwang pointed at Liu Zhongyi and cursed him, feeling extremely frightened.

This Liu Zhongyi knows a lot of things. If Fang Qing also knows, then the conditions will be difficult to negotiate.

Because Liu Zhongyi will tell Fang Qing that An Shouzhong and he are now almost like wild dogs who are in constant fear!
Li Tingwang thought secretly, his heart had sunk to the bottom.

"Take him out and don't listen to his noise."

Fang Chongyong pointed at Liu Zhongyi and instructed Da Congming.

Liu Zhongyi seemed to want to say something, but when he saw the cold eyes of Marshal Fang, he knew that if he dared to refute a word, he would be killed without a burial place.

After Liu Zhongyi reluctantly left, Fang Chongyong sighed to Li Tingwang, "General An, what exactly do you mean? You might as well tell me clearly. Guanzhong has been recuperating for the past two years and has recovered some of its vitality. I think they will be sending troops to Luoyang this winter."

(End of this chapter)