Ji Han Liu Zhang

Chapter 158: Strategies for Nanzhong
He believed that he had no talent for the confrontation between the two armies and the deployment of troops. At the same time, he had no experience in military battles. He was not as good as Gao Pei, the veteran commander of Brazil County Prefect Meng Biao, so he honestly asked Anton Zhong in front of him. General Lang asked for advice, wanting to know Gao Pei's views on the current situation in Brazil County, as well as how to deal with it, and how to completely defend Brazil County from being harassed and destroyed by Hanzhong rice thieves.

Currently, his Ming Gong Liu Zhang is conquering the rebellious Soyi in Nanzhong, so Chengdu's focus is on the land of Nanzhong. As for the rice thieves in Hanzhong, it is just holding on. After Liu Zhang pacifies Nanzhong, it will then take action against Hanzhong. Plan.

So just as Gao Pei said, they cannot bother Chengdu with the infestation of rice thieves. They should use their own strength as much as possible to solve the infestation of rice thieves from the south of Micang Road, so as not to worry about Chengdu. .

Gao Pei did not answer immediately, but called a personal guard. He turned his head and whispered to the personal guard. After receiving the order, the personal guard immediately turned back and left. Then Gao Pei turned back to Meng Biao and signaled to Meng Biao. Biao wait for a while.

The two of them did not wait too long. The personal guard Gao Pei had summoned quickly returned, holding a long wooden box in his hand. The wooden box was made of ordinary maple wood. That's all, but Gao Pei's face was very cautious when he took the wooden box from the guard. It can be seen that the wooden box contains an extraordinary treasure, or a treasure that Gao Pei values.

In front of Meng Biao, Gao Pei did not show any mysterious pretense. He opened the wooden box naturally, took out a roll of animal leather maps, and spread the map in front of Meng Biao.

He first told the origin of this sheepskin map: "When Pei was still in Yizhou, he led his troops to Badi to conquer the rebellious nobles. Marching and fighting, the most important thing is to understand the geography of mountains and rivers, streams and ditches, so At that time, I specially asked someone to explore the geography of Badi and made a brief map. However, the map at that time was not perfect enough. During this time, I was out of Zhenjiang Prefecture and had nothing to do, so I asked someone to map Badi. The map of the land has been improved.”

"Meng Jun is from Badi. You can take a look and see if there are any flaws in the map I drew. If so, you can point it out. I will ask someone to change it. When it is perfect in the future, I will present it to Duke Ming. It's a great achievement." Gao Pei said somewhat naively. When he spoke, he didn't look at Meng Biao, but spent most of his time staring at the map spread out on the desk. This was his hard work over the past few months. It is one of his treasures.

"Let me take a look." After Meng Biao responded, he, like Gao Pei, focused his gaze on the map of Badi's mountains and rivers on the table in front of him.

On the map, the most eye-catching thing is two black lines, with words drawn next to them. From left to right, they are Xihanshui and Danqushui. From south to north, they are Xihanshui and Danqushui. It flows down, together with the Fu River flowing through Zitong and Guanghan, and converges to Dianjiang City, where the three rivers converge. After the three rivers converge, they continue southward and merge at Jiangzhou to flow into the main river.

Meng Biao looked at it carefully in his mind. After a while, he nodded. The trends and twists of the Western Han River and Dangqu River on this map were basically consistent with what he saw when he traveled to Badi when he was young. .

Of course, there are not only rivers on the map, but also mountains and rivers. Daba Mountain stretches for thousands of miles, with the Han River to the north and the river to the south. All the ups and downs can be seen on the map.Between the rivers and mountains, there are words framed in boxes to represent cities. The big and famous cities of Badi, such as Langzhong, Anhan, Dianjiang, Hanchang, Danqu, Jiangzhou, etc., are all shown on the scroll.

"It's clear at a glance, it's clear at a glance." Meng Biao said two words in succession, with a hint of exclamation in his tone, indicating his opinion on this map.

"The geographical map of Batu drawn by Gao Jun can be said to be clear at a glance. The map of Batu's mountains and rivers and the flow of rivers are all shown on the scroll, which caught my eye. According to my opinion, there is nothing wrong with this map. Wherever I criticize, it can be said to be perfect and cannot be changed."

"Meng Jun is so complimentary." Gao Pei's tone was full of joy, but in front of Meng Biao, a famous scholar, he maintained a humble attitude. It was just a temper tempered in the military, and this map of Batu was his His proud work prevented him from being too modest: "This map of Batu has some places that are not clearly marked and have not been thoroughly investigated. It still needs to be polished, but it is okay to use it now."

After asking Meng Biao to help check the map, Gao Pei got down to business and pointed to the map to explain to Meng Biao.

"Micang Road goes down from Hanzhong, passes Micang Mountain, and can reach Badi. But Micang Road is because the Lengshui River, Xishen River, and Baiyan River, which originate from Micang Mountain, merge into Hanshui River from south to north. , along these rivers through the mountains, so there are multiple exits on the south side of Micang Road. Depending on the rivers you take, the location to reach Badi is also different... For example, from Micang Road, you can reach Han, where we are now. Chang County, passing through Hanchang County and going south along the Danqushui, you can reach Dianjiang, which is a road. Secondly, you can reach Langzhong from Micang Road, and from Langzhong to the west, you can go to Chengdu by land."

Gao Pei's expression became serious. He squinted his eyes slightly and scanned the two cities of Langzhong and Hanchang on the map: "Therefore, Langzhong is an important place that can block the westward path of the rice thieves. But even if the rice thieves capture Langzhong, it is unlikely that they will go to Chengdu. After all, the rice thieves going south are not very strong, but Langzhong must be guarded... Except for Langzhong, Hanchang blocks the water of the canals and blocks the way of the rice thieves going south. , the place that protects Bazhong, is also an important place and needs to be garrisoned. In addition, according to Pei's idea, it is unlikely that the rice thieves will go to Langzhong. More of them should act in the Hanchang area. There are many here. The banchen barbarians can be lured by the rice thieves and become their help. I guess the rice thieves will not give up on easy things and take action in the direction of Langzhong."

"What Mr. Gao said makes sense. Langzhong and Hanchang are both important places. As Mr. Gao said, if Langzhong and Hanchang are defended, there will naturally be no trouble in Badi." Meng Biao nodded, and Gao Pei explained to him the map. The situation gave him a clear and transparent sense of the situation.

Meng Biao expressed his opinion: "If we weigh the importance of Langzhong and Hanchang, Biao thinks Langzhong is more important. If Langzhong is lost, I am afraid Chengdu will be uneasy. In addition, if the rice thieves capture Langzhong , went south along the West Han River, followed the current for thousands of miles, and reached Dianjiang River, which may cause great disturbance to Badi and risk shaking Badi."

"That's true." Gao Pei agreed. The land of Langzhong is connected in all directions and belongs to a transportation thoroughfare. It is also an ancient city with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is far more important than Hanchang, which is a barren place with Banzhen: " Pei has an idea. I will be stationed in Hanchang, and Meng Jun will go to Langzhong to guard it. In this case, it is more likely that the rice thieves will go south to Hanchang. After all, the Banzhen barbarians who are close to the rice thieves are all in Hanchang. Near Changchang, there will definitely be a confrontation between the two armies and a wave of fighting. Secondly, Hanchang is located between Langzhong and Bucaoshui. It is easier to go to Langzhong and Bucaoshui. Even if the rice thieves really go to Langzhong, I can lead the troops. Sneaking by his tail will make the rice thieves scrupulous and not act recklessly." After hearing this, Meng Biao thought for a moment, and nodded in agreement with Gao Pei's plan of letting him go to Langzhong to defend, while Gao Pei stayed in Hanchang to fight. After that, he was not very good at fighting on the battlefield, but there was no pressure on him to defend the city. It can be said that Gao Pei, as a veteran general, was very thoughtful: "Then according to what Gao Jun said, I will go to Langzhong to defend the city, and stay behind." Gao Jun was stationed in Hanchang County, fighting against the rice thieves who were marching south, and also suppressing the Bancheng barbarians around Hanchang County."

After making plans to deal with the rice thieves heading south, Meng Biao thought of something and couldn't help but sigh: "The Bancheng barbarians in Brazil have no loyalty at all. They act based on their own preferences. When they are happy, they bow their heads and follow their ears, and when they are angry, they raise troops and rebel. It’s hard to fathom. Even if I, the governor, can recruit me properly and make my subordinates feel kind and loving, the temperament of the barbarians is unpredictable and it is really difficult to stay in peace and order."

"So we need to use Xia to transform the barbarians. Only if the barbarians know etiquette and understand their integrity, they will not be as cunning and unpredictable as they are now." Gao Pei gave a solution, regarding Meng Biao's attitude towards Banzhen. The barbarians felt sad, and he felt the same way. When Liu Yan was there, he was ordered to conquer the barbarians in the south, and he understood the mentality of the barbarians.
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Jianning County, Dianchi County.

A splendid merit-rewarding meeting has ended, and many wealthy families in Nanzhong have benefited greatly from it. Lu Chang and Cuan Xi have served as prefects, and Meng Yi, who surrendered, has served as county magistrate. Other wealthy families can only recruit evil barbarians into their tribes. , you can take up county official positions, and the land developed from the Soyi can be your own and hereditary officials.

Therefore, the banquet after the reward ceremony became a feast for the wealthy families of Nanzhong. The patriarchs of these wealthy families of Nanzhong were beaming and excited. After hearing that Liu Zhang wanted to see the dance of Nanzhong, they all attended and danced happily. They stood up and sincerely performed songs and dances for Liu Zhang, a generous and generous Yizhou pastor, and some even sang the tunes of Nanzhong.

Gao Yi, the governor of Gaojiang, looked at the group of wealthy patriarchs in the Mingtang who were so happy that they lost their temper. He didn't feel any surprise. In the past, although the wealthy families in Nanzhong were rich, they had no way to rise in power and position, and they were often attacked by outsiders. The governor's blow.

But things are different now. Liu Zhang, the Yizhou shepherd, was tolerant and generous to the Nanzhong wealthy families. He gave the Nanzhong wealthy families a way to rise and the possibility of serving as the prefect of the county. He also set the official positions of Nanzhong according to the The number of conquered barbarians was used as a standard and was distributed to the wealthy families in Nanzhong. The wealthy families developed land and did not have to worry about making wedding dresses for the government as in the past. They could serve as officials on the land they developed for many generations and use all the benefits gained from the development. into the pocket.

This is a big welfare gift package for the wealthy families in Nanzhong. Naturally, the patriarchs of this group of wealthy families in Nanzhong are in a happy mood and are overflowing with joy. They are even dancing and some are overjoyed and singing loudly.

Liu Zhang, who was at the top, smiled as he watched the heads of Nanzhong's powerful clans singing and dancing for him below. Seeing that the atmosphere was so cheerful and intense, he picked up the bone chopsticks made of ivory and knocked the golden cup in front of him. , clapped for the patriarchs of the Nanzhong wealthy families, pushing the warm atmosphere of the banquet to the climax.

The grand banquet did not disperse until late at night.

Although the banquet was dispersed, Liu Zhang did not leave the Mingtang. He took the cloth from the hand of the attendant, soaked the cloth in hot water and wrung it out, and slapped it on his face, using the heat on the cloth to dispel the wine in his head. Angry, slightly sober.

Gao Yi, the governor of Gaojiang, also did not leave. With the heads of the powerful clan gone, he took the opportunity to express some of his worries to Liu Zhang: "Ming Gong, the governor of Gaojiang is stationed in Nanzhong. He has great power. As time goes by, disaster will inevitably happen." , Furthermore, it is not appropriate to appoint the governor of the country. Ming Gong also promised officials from a wealthy family. They are originally wealthy families in the south. If they are in power again, they are entangled and entrenched. After being entrenched, they are afraid of alienation and self-interest. If you don’t respect the government’s orders, it will be difficult to remove them.”

After applying hot cloth to his face, Liu Zhang felt a little more energetic. He did not directly answer Gao Yi's worries, but talked about the current situation.

"Gao Qing, in the past, the national thief Dong Zhuo rebelled. Although it was fortunate that Situ Wang Yun was loyal to the country, he planned to kill Dong Zhuo, and the court was at peace for a while. But after Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, Guo Si and others started revolts one after another. , so Situ Wang Yun was unfortunately killed, the emperor was captured by Li Que and Guo Si, and all the important affairs of the court were controlled by the Liangzhou thieves... At the beginning of this year, my father conspired with Ma Teng, the general who conquered the west, and my eldest brother Liu Dan, The second brother Liu Fan worked as an internal agent in the court, hoping to rescue the emperor from the hands of Li Jue and Guo Si and solve the crisis of the court. Unfortunately, God did not bless our Han family. Ma Teng was defeated by Li Jue and Guo Si, and my two elder brothers were defeated by Li Jue and Guo Si. The news of the death of my two elder brothers reached Shu, and my father became seriously ill because of it. He couldn't afford it and died of grief."

"Zhang is a minister, a son, and a brother. The only thing he can think about now is to serve the imperial court, lead troops to help the royal family, relieve the country's worries, and at the same time kill the two thieves Li Jue and Guo Si to avenge his father and brother."

Liu Zhang's eyes were so blazing that people dared not look at him, but the tone of his words was still calm: "Now Nanzhong is a little calmer, but if there are no important ministers to lead the troops in Nanzhong, and there are no powerful people in Nanzhong to help stabilize the situation, we can only I'm afraid that after I lead my troops to the north and return to Chengdu, Nanzhong will be in chaos again... When Nanzhong is in chaos, I will lead my troops south again and be a burden to Nanzhong... In this way, there will be no time to help the royal family."

"Nowadays, Gao Qing is the commander-in-chief of the surrender, leading five battalions of soldiers to sit in Jianning County. If there is any small commotion in Nanzhong, there is no need for Chengdu to send troops and delay the sun and the moon. Gao Qing can conquer and pacify it on his own, and report back to Chengdu afterwards. But. Secondly, Nanzhong is located between the old and the barbarians. If there is no help from the powerful families in Nanzhong, but outsiders are appointed as officials, the outsiders will have no foundation. Secondly, they will get along with the wealthy families for a long time, which will inevitably lead to resentment, which will attract Nanzhong. If the government is not stable, it is better to appoint wealthy people as officials."

(End of this chapter)