Late Tang

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At sunset and dusk, Shatuo soldiers Li Jinzhong and Li Keyong's confidant general Cheng Huaixin arrived from Hedong with three thousand Shatuo soldiers and escorted a batch of arrows and food.

Seeing the jubilation in the camp, Li Jinzhong found out after inquiring that the Zhenwu army had defeated the party members today.

Speaking of the splendor and danger of today's World War I, the soldiers who participated in the battle were full of words and praised Li Guochang's bravery as unparalleled in the world. The breach of the military city, everyone's words are embellished, vividly, as if everyone saw it with their own eyes.

Li Jinzhong yelled happily when he heard it, and then he was very annoyed. He traveled all the way day and night, but still missed the great battle that slaughtered the party and the army. , It would be great if I could come faster.

With this complicated mood, he came to the Chinese army tent to report to Li Guochang.

There was also a large banquet in the camp of the Chinese army, Li Guochang was rewarding the officers who participated in the battle today, not only the officers of the Shatuo tribe, but also all the officers and men of the Zhenwu Army were present, Li Jinzhong went in to salute and see.

Li Guochang was very happy to see his brother Li Jinzhong coming.

Li Guochang is the patriarch of the entire Shatuo clan, but now he is serving as the Jiedu envoy of the Zhenwu Army, so he handed over the position of the governor of Shatuo to Li Youjin, his younger brother, and Li Jinzhong as the military envoy of the Shatuo army. , he himself only serves as an envoy of the Shatuo Three Tribes.

Li Guochang was very happy when the new [-] reinforcements arrived, and said with a smile: "Zhizhong, I am very happy that you are here at this time. It doesn't matter if you miss today's battle, we still have opportunities in the future. Come, let me introduce a few to you." Brother, today's big victory is all thanks to the brothers. This is Yang Lin, the deputy envoy of the Zhenwu Army Jiedu. He has been in the Zhenwu Army for a long time and has made outstanding achievements. They are born, but their skills are not weak at all. In addition, these brothers are also brothers from the Zhenwu Army. They fought with the party members for five days, and they are not weak at all. In addition, the people here are all the young generation of our Shatuo tribe. , The performance this time is even more remarkable, they are all good guys." After speaking, he introduced Li Jinzhong and Cheng Huaixin to the officers of the Zhenwu Army, "These two are generals who raised troops in Yunzhou , just came from Taiyuan.'

Everyone hurriedly said: "I have admired them for a long time, the two generals are famous like thunder." In fact, they were thinking in their hearts that these two were the so-called seven generals of Yunzhou.When they thought that these two had killed the five of Duan Wenchu ​​alive and shared their meat, they felt uncomfortable.

On the surface, Li Jinzhong was very polite and modest, and then he chose a middle seat and sat down.

"For victory, congratulations!"

"For victory!" Everyone raised their glasses together and drank it all in one gulp.

Li Guochang has not led the Zhenwu Army for a long time, and the Zhenwu Army, Shatuo Army, and even the recruited tribal soldiers and horses in the army are in a mess.Taking advantage of the victory, this banquet has the taste of strengthening some emotional connections.

While drinking, everyone talked in a hurry, most of them were praising Li Guochang for his bravery and martial arts.

"Jieshuai, today's victory is all thanks to the commander-in-chief's proper planning and command." Jiedu's deputy envoy Yang Lin said with a smile, "Especially last night the commander-in-chief took the lead in attacking the city with arrows and rocks. Fighting the enemy bravely has greatly boosted morale. If Jieshuai hadn't been so brave, I'm afraid our Zhenwu army might not be able to take it down after another day or two of fighting."

"That is, that is!" All the generals echoed in unison.

Jiedu Sima Wu Xian interjected: "I went to inspect the prisoner-of-war camp earlier, and those party members were all quite brave, just a little bit worse than our Shatuo Army. When I passed by, I Hearing several prisoners talking together, one of them seemed to be a general. He said that he had served in the army for 20 years and was very confident in martial arts, but he had never seen such a brave general in his dreams. He said Li Jing, the Duke of Wei who destroyed the Turks in the Tang Dynasty, Li Shiji and Su Dingfang who destroyed Goguryeo, Xue Rengui who conquered Tianshan Mountain, Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi who revived the Tang Dynasty, and the famous general Li Sheng, these are nothing compared to the generals. Now he is looking forward to If the commander-in-chief can spare his death, then he will follow the commander-in-chief from now on, even if it is to lead the horse and carry the knife for the commander-in-chief."

Wu Xian's blatant flattery and flattery made Li Guochang laugh out loud, which was very useful.Although he also knew that he would definitely not be able to compare with such famous generals as Li Jing, Guo Ziyi, and Li Sheng, but he was still very satisfied in his heart.

He smiled and said: "Wu Sima's performance today is also very good. When you look back, after defeating Youzhou, I think you can be the governor of Youzhou!"

Wu Xian was overjoyed, got up and knelt down to Li Guochang, and even kowtowed: "Thank you for your cultivation, Commander!"

Li Guochang sat there, waiting for Wu Xian to kowtow before pretending to refuse.When Wu Xian got up, Yang Lin and the others rushed to flatter him, and Li Guochang also laughed, and then made promises to everyone and tried his best to win them over.If the officers of the Zhenwu Army were not too old, they were almost ready to kowtow to Li Guochang to worship their adoptive father.

Yang Lin toasted Li Guochang with a glass of wine, and said loudly to the crowd: "Commander, I, Yang Lin, is a rough man. As the saying goes, eat meat with wolves, and shit with dogs! Those of us soldiers are all bloodthirsty murderers. , What are you trying to figure out? Isn’t it just trying to figure out a powerful and generous boss? With the commander in chief, we now not only don’t owe money, but also win victories in succession, with generous rewards. Where can we find such a good boss? Let’s not say anything else Now, from now on, I only hope that the commander-in-chief will lead the way, follow the commander-in-chief, go through fire and water, and never hesitate to die!"

He raised his head and drank the wine in one gulp: "Marshal, I will do it first as a respect!"

Immediately, the other officers of the Zhenwu Army stood up one after another, toasting and drinking.

Li Guochang also raised his cup and drank it all, with a smile on his face.

He poured another glass of wine, raised it up and said to everyone: "Come on, let's toast together, wishing that we can defeat Tuoba Sigong and win Youzhou in one fell swoop."

"Exactly." The generals stood up, "with the commander in chief leading us, our army will surely play a triumphant song and fight all the way into the city of Chang'an."

Li Guochang shook his head: "No, we can't go to Chang'an City yet. We just need to capture Youzhou and then Yanzhou."

Li Jinzhong asked: "Why?"

Li Guochang calmly said: "Now is not the time, our task this time is to fight all the way to Yanzhou, shake Chang'an, let the young emperor in Chang'an know how powerful our Shatuo people are, and let him hand over Daibei and Hedong to us. "

Everyone also nodded in praise. If they really want to fight Chang'an, they are still a little worried. After all, there are only 15 people, and the Shence Army in Chang'an and Gyeonggi is said to have [-] people.

After drinking for three rounds, the atmosphere became more harmonious. Everyone has put aside the distinction between superiors and inferiors, and they are brothers when they speak and shut.

The banquet lasted until midnight, and when the banquet was over, everyone was swaying on their feet, unable to drink.

After the generals of the Zhenwu Army left, Li Guochang, who had been unconscious for a long time, suddenly sat up. Although his face was flushed, his eyes were exceptionally clear, not like he was drunk.

"Jinzhong, tell me, how is the situation in Taiyuan?" Li Guochang called Li Jinzhong over.

"The situation in Taiyuan is not very good. This Zheng Congxuan is very cunning. Although he has gathered 3000 soldiers and horses from five towns, he has been sticking to Taiyuan. Implement strong walls and clear the fields, and evacuate the people of Taiyuan into the city. The cavalry of our Shatuo warriors cannot give full play to their advantages under Jinyang City. Let me lead [-] people to come after staying behind, which means that he will change from offense to defense and hold back the five soldiers of the court. Lu Bingma, let the commander-in-chief take Youzhou and Yanzhou first, and force the imperial court to retreat, otherwise, this battle will be over."

Li Guochang frowned tightly, he lost half of the complacent and unrestrained look at the banquet.

"I heard that the Zhendong Army has entered Jin and captured Weizhou? Is this true?"

"It's true, Li Jing's [-] Zhendong Army defeated Lu Longjun in Youzhou, and then entered Weizhou all the way."

Li Guochang frowned even tighter, and he also felt a great pressure.

"Go back and prepare. We will send troops to Yan'en tomorrow morning. It is too late to return to the division. We can only fight with Li Jing to see whether he will take Daibei first, or we will take Yanzhou first." Li Guochang A decision was made quickly, "Fortunately, the Shanyu Duhu Mansion and Shuozhou are still safe for the time being, and I hope we can hold on."

Yang Lin, deputy envoy of the Zhenwu Army Jiedu, got very drunk at the banquet, and was finally helped back to the camp by his servants.As soon as he arrived in the camp, half lying on the bed, the servant whispered a few words in his ear, and Yang Lin, who was still drunk, immediately sat up, his eyes wide open: "Shanyu Dufu Mansion Dutian German Army Jiedu Envoy and Helian Division joined forces to break through, and the family members of the soldiers fell into Yu Yu's hands? Is this true?"

"In the evening, our people caught a Tang man. He claimed to be a messenger and wanted to see the deputy commander. He carried a dozen letters with him, including Li Jing from Zhendong Army and Yu Yu from Tiande Army, as well as the deputy commander's father. , and personal letters from the family members of the generals."

"Where's the letter?" The family handed the letter to him, and after reading it quickly, Yang Lin's expression was gloomy and scary. "Invite the envoy in immediately, and be careful not to let others find out."

"Don't worry, the deputy commander. He came in in a military uniform when he was outside. No one knows his identity."

After a while, Jia Jiang took Li Yang into Yang Lin's tent.

"How about it, has the deputy commander read the personal letters of Yu Gong and Li Jungong?" Li Yang smiled.

Yang Lin nodded, "You keep your word?"

"Of course, as long as the Zhenwu Army fights back, it will not only save you from the crime of following Li Guochang's rebellion, but also make a great contribution. If you don't believe my Duke's words, then you have to believe in Yu Gong's words. Mr. Yu is not only the Commander-in-Chief of the township, but also the deputy envoy to recruit this time, and his brother is also the Prime Minister of the government affairs hall of the imperial court. You have nothing to worry about, Mr. Yu, master and apprentice working together to protect you." After finishing speaking, he He said solemnly, "On the contrary, if you miss this opportunity, not only the safety of your family members will not be guaranteed, but you yourself, what future will you have? Li Guochang and his son are about to perish. Do you still have to spend your wealth and life to accompany them?" To die?"

"He who understands the current affairs is a hero. It is the best policy to abandon the dark and turn to the bright as soon as possible, and put an end to the chaos."

Yang Lin didn't feel much burdened about opposing Li Guochang. At this time, the soldiers and horses in the towns were already used to it anyway, and whoever had the biggest fist would follow.He also believed that Li Jing and Yu Yu would protect them, but he was still afraid that the Zhenwu army would not be able to deal with the Shatuo people.

"We only have 6000 people, while the Shatuo people already have more than 2000 people. Just now, another [-] elite reinforcements came. I'm afraid we are no match." Yang Lin expressed his worries.

Li Yang said: "Youzhou's Tuoba Department still has [-] elites who can fight together. Besides, as long as the plan is good, we will attack tonight, and the chances are still great."

"Do it tonight?" Yang Lin was a little surprised.

"It's not too late. If Li Guochang also receives the news that Shanyu's Protectorate's Mansion has fallen, then it will be difficult for us to do anything."

Gritting his teeth, Yang Lin nodded: "Okay, I'll call the main officers right away."

After a while, dozens of high-ranking officers of the Zhenwu Army came quietly and gathered together.

Yang Lin directly sent the family letters of the generals, and then said: "At the beginning, we were coerced by Li Guochang to join the army. Now, anyway, the opportunity has come. As long as we kill Li Guochang, we will not only be exonerated, but also make great contributions. , can better protect your family and my relatives. Does any of you have any objections?"

Wu Xian, the marching commander, rolled his eyes. He felt that it was obviously impossible to deal with the Shatuo people with this small force.What's more, he is the newly appointed Sima Jiedu of the Zhenwu Army, and his family members are not in Shanyu Duhufu, and he was promised by Li Guochang to be the governor of Yuzhou before, so he is not willing to do it again.Taking advantage of people not paying attention, he slowly walked towards the corner of the tent, wanting to take the opportunity to leave.

Unexpectedly, a soldier in Zhenwu military uniform suddenly turned around at the corner of the tent, and wiped Wu Xian's neck with his sword.

Blood spattered, but Wu Xian's mouth was covered, but no sound could come out.

Yang Lin and others looked at Li Yang who was dressed as a soldier in surprise. Li Yang waited for Wu Xian to die, wiped the dagger on the body a few times, put it away, and said coldly: "This person just wanted to take the opportunity to escape. It looks like he is going to report the letter, if he succeeds, everyone present today will not be able to escape death."

At this point, there is no room for hesitation.After a brief discussion, the generals quietly returned to their respective camps. At midnight and four o'clock, a fire broke out in the camp. , raising fire to send a signal to lure Tuoba Sigong to come, [-] Dangxiang cavalry had already ambushed outside the city, and when they were waiting a little impatiently, they finally saw the signal and rode their horses straight into the city.

Li Guochang was in a deep sleep, heard the sound of killing, and got up quickly, but saw the head of the guard running in in a panic, "Commander, the Zhenwu army has rebelled, and they even let the party members in. Now the city is in chaos, brother We were caught off guard, the casualties were heavy, the military city could no longer be defended, so retreat quickly!"

It is true that the situation in the city can no longer be controlled. The six thousand Zhenwu soldiers and the three thousand Dang Xiang soldiers suddenly launched an attack. Many Shatuo people were still half drunk because they were drunk last night, and lost their heads in their sleep. .The Shatuo people couldn't organize at all, so they were killed in complete chaos.

In the end, Li Guochang was escorted by more than [-] cavalry, broke through a tight encirclement, and fled north.

The [-] troops marching south and the [-] Shatuo soldiers who were later reinforced by Li Jinzhong finally turned against the Zhenwu Army. In the end, only [-] horses remained of the [-] Shatuo soldiers, and all the rest were killed. (To be continued.)