Great Han Empire

Chapter 797
Under November, Qingzhou, Pingyuan County, Gaotang City.

Accompanied by Mi Heng and Gao Shun, Li Hong crossed the river and rushed to Gaotang City.

At this time, Zang Ba, Sun Guan, and Guan Hai had already arrived first.The three of them went out of the city to greet them together with Wu Xiong, the general of Northern Xinjiang.

The first time they saw the famous general Li Hong and Zang Ba were very nervous.Li Hong was just like the legend, tall and tall, with long flowing hair, a thick beard on his face, and piercing eyes.Probably due to staying outside the Great Wall for too long, the skin on Li Hong's face was tanned to a red sandalwood color, which made Li Hong even more sturdy and mighty.

Under the introduction of Gao Shun and Wu Xiong, Li Hong greeted and exchanged greetings with the three of them one by one.With a smile on his face, Li Hong asked about Zang Ba and Sun Guan's escape from the Yizhou battlefield.The emotions of Zang Ba and others gradually calmed down, and they talked and laughed happily with Li Hong, and the distance between them immediately narrowed.

Zang Ba came to Gaotang because he was invited by Mi Heng and Gao Shun. He didn't know that Li Hong would come to Qingzhou.

Since the defeat of the Yellow Turban Army in Zhengrong Valley and the news of the chaos in northern Xinjiang from Hebei, the situation in Qingzhou has become more and more serious.Although Hebei is still sparing no effort to help Qingzhou stabilize counties and resume farming, Zang Ba is anxious because of the confusing situation in the Central Plains. He is worried that after Cao Cao and Liu Bei solve Yuan Shu, they will immediately turn their spearheads against Qingzhou.

At present, Qingzhou's strength is limited and it needs Hebei's help, but Hebei's current situation is not good. If Hebei gives up its aid to Qingzhou, Qingzhou may be in danger overnight.

Of course Zang Ba would not believe Cao Cao and Liu Bei's promise to him.Although it was the Yellow Turban Army who attacked Xuzhou twice, any idiot can guess that Zang Ba is behind the Yellow Turban Army.Without the support of Zang Ba, the Yellow Turban Army would not be able to attack Xuzhou at all.In order to get rid of the predicament in Qingzhou, Zang Ba, Sun Guan and others immediately planned to invite the Northern Xinjiang Army to station in Qingzhou.

Over the past year, what Hebei has done has proved Hebei's determination and sincerity to pacify the world.During this period of time, Hebei fulfilled their promises. They first relocated the population, transported money and food, and then sent a large number of scholars to serve as officials in the various prefectures of Qingzhou to implement the New Deal and made great contributions to the rapid stability and recovery of Qingzhou. s hard work.

Zang Ba and his subordinates have already trusted Hebei very much. After carefully weighing the pros and cons based on the current situation, they agreed that it is better to clarify the relationship with Hebei as soon as possible and take refuge in the Jinyang court.

This is the main reason why Zang Ba, Sun Guan and Guan Hai, the three Qingzhou army commanders, rushed to Gaotang together.They need to have a deep talk with Hebei.

Seeing the sudden appearance of General Li Hong, the three of Zang Ba knew the purpose of Mi Heng and Gao Shun inviting them to Gaotang for discussion.In addition to being nervous and excited, the three of them were very happy. The appearance of the general in Qingzhou at this time was enough to show that Hebei had not only solved the Hu people's rebellion in northern Xinjiang, but also set its sights on the Central Plains.Since the Jinyang court and the general attach so much importance to Qingzhou, I am afraid that they should not take the initiative to propose it this time. The general will suggest sending troops to Qingzhou.

=

The banquet in the evening is very simple.

Zang Ba and the others were very surprised, and they all looked at Gao Shun with suspicious eyes.

In the past year, the two sides have moved frequently.Gao Shun is very simple, he doesn't even drink a drop of alcohol, but in formal occasions, the food and drink he brought out to entertain guests is still acceptable, but today...

"Lord Gao, although the general is against extravagance, it's too much for you to treat the general with these things?" Sure enough, Mi Heng, the prefect of Pingyuan County, raised his voice.

Gao Shun smiled faintly, "This is the general's rule. We have become accustomed to it for many years. If you find it hard to swallow, please eat less."

Mi Heng sneered, looked at Li Hongbo and said bluntly: "General, given your status today, is it too pretentious to do so?"

Gao Shun snorted coldly, his expression suddenly relaxed.Wu Xiong's face was as cold as frost, and he stared at Mi Heng fiercely.Zang Ba and the others looked at the extremely arrogant Mi Heng, and were dumbfounded for a moment.They have little contact with Mi Heng, but they have more or less heard of some shocking things about him.It's just that I didn't expect him to be so arrogant in front of the general today, it's unbelievable.

Li Hong laughed it off, "In the future when the world will be stable and rich, I invite you to have a good meal."

"I didn't pay much for your meal." You Heng didn't appreciate it, "Do you think I haven't eaten wine and meat?" You Heng pouted contemptuously, and said loudly, "Today, there are less than a hundred court ladies in the Dahan Palace. There are only two meals a day, and the general is even more humble. Is the big man so poor? Do you think that if everyone is diligent and thrifty, the country can be revitalized? Does the big man's wealth depend on the almost shameful frugality of the general? Can it increase? Absurd."

Knowing his temper, Li Hong ignored him, talked to Zang Ba who was sitting next to him in a low voice, carefully asked about the current situation in Qingzhou, and let him speak nonsense.

Mi Heng's eloquence was full of eloquence, and his spittle splashed everywhere, criticizing the frugal style promoted by the imperial court.He was even more sarcastic to the general, he almost pointed at Li Hong's nose and scolded him for fame.

Wu Xiong couldn't bear it anymore, he jumped up and scolded him, but how could Wu Xiong scold him better?Before he could swear a few words, he was scolded by Mi Heng's series of vitriolic words.Wu Xiong jumped into a rage, reaching out his hand to draw the knife.

Gao Shun hastily pulled him back.Today the general is here, and Zang Ba is also there. As soon as this knife is released, things will become big.

"My lord, you are going too far. You should pay attention to the occasion when you speak." Gao Shun said with a cold face, "The country has withered so far, from the court to the common people, all are in distress. What's wrong with being thrifty? Just because your family is rich doesn't mean The court has money and the people have money. Extravagance can only subjugate the country, not rejuvenate it. Your lord has always been known as a genius, don’t you even understand this truth?”

"Did I say that the imperial court should promote extravagance?" Mi Heng sneered at Gao Shun, "Do you know what it means to overcorrect?"

"Everyone has desires, and everyone wants to live a good life after being successful and famous." Mi Heng pointed to the general and said, "For example, the general was a slave who was exiled to the desert and fought for more than ten years. Don’t you want to live a luxurious life now? After becoming a general, you still live the same life as when you were a slave. Who can bear it? No one, including yourself.”

"From your selfish point of view, you must also want to own ten thousand hectares of fertile land, a luxurious house, and a mountain of wealth. I hope that there will be many wives and concubines in the family, and there will be a cloud of servants. I hope that when I go out, I will have Chinese cars and clothes. This kind of Everyone has selfish desires, and I have them too, but if this kind of selfish desire is suppressed for a long time, there will be extreme imbalance in the heart, and then various very complicated emotions will be bred. One day it will explode, and the first to bear the brunt It’s official administration, it’s crazy corruption, breaking the law, and corruption.” Mi Heng looked at Li Hong and said excitedly, “General, can you guarantee that ten years later, 20 years later, or even 30 years later, you will still be able to maintain the status quo today? Such a peaceful state of mind and noble conduct? Can you guarantee that you will not become a corrupt official?"

Everyone was shocked.

Li Hong was shocked by Mi Heng's remarks and fell into deep thought.

Gao Shun and Wu Xiong thought that Mi Heng was purely a theory of harming the country, and the two sides argued fiercely.Wu Xiong yelled loudly and rushed forward to beat Mi Heng again and again.

One meal was very unpleasant, and everyone broke up unhappy.

In the evening, Zang Ba reported his thoughts to Li Hong.Li Hong did not agree. He believed that the northern border army entering Qingzhou at this moment would have too much impact on the Central Plains, so it would be better to wait.But Li Hong promised never to give up Qingzhou.

The attitudes of Zang Shuang and the others made Li Hong very satisfied. His goal of going to Qingzhou has been achieved.After two days, Li Hong bid farewell and left.

Before leaving Pingyuan City, Li Hong specially had a deep talk with Mi Heng, and asked him to write a memorial on some of his thoughts on the government.He wants to take it to Jinyang himself.

=

In December, Luoyang.

After careful discussions between Jushou, Xu You and Mao Jie, they finally came to a result.The two parties agreed that after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the emperor would be moved to Xuchang.

In addition to being responsible for building the imperial palace in Xuchang, Yuan Shao also had to allocate a batch of money and food to Cao Cao before April.

Before Mao Jie left Luoyang, Yuan Shao hosted a banquet to see him off, and wished Cao Cao and Liu Bei to kill the rebels as soon as possible.

Mao Jie tried it out, and he asked Yuan Shao, what should he do if he catches Yuan Hou?
Yuan Shao waved his hand, and said without hesitation: "Kill! Although he is my brother, he conspired against Li Hong and brought disaster to the country. How can I tolerate traitors, let the people of the world scold my Yuan clan, and let the Yuan clan be the ancestors? Zong was ashamed under the Nine Springs?"

Mao Jie was most worried about this matter.Once Yuan Shao turned his back on his words, cared about his brotherhood, and opened his mouth to rescue Yuan Shu, it would leave Cao Cao with endless troubles.

After receiving Yuan Shao's promise, Mao Heng was very happy and left.

=

At the end of December, Yangzhou, Jiujiang County, and Shouchun City.

After Yuan Shu read Yuan Shao's handwritten letter, he was so angry that he fell to the ground.

Yuan Shu couldn't get sick.

The victory in the Qicheng battle was meaningless to Yuan Shu.Yuan Shao ruthlessly abandoned Yuan Shu for his own hegemony, causing Yuan Shu to fall into a desperate situation of defeat.

People in Jiujiang County are panicked and gloomy.The civil and military officials had no interest in military affairs, and jumped up and down one by one, eager to find a way out.

Yuan Shu didn't have any complaints.At this moment, I have been surrounded on all sides, and defeat is just a matter of time.He said to his subordinates who came to visit him, I am about to die, so you can take care of yourself and find a way out quickly.Whatever choices you make, I don't blame you.

Li Ye, Yang Hong, Yan Xiang, Xun Zheng and others got together, and after carefully analyzing the situation, they suggested to Yuan Shu that he immediately ask for help from Li Hong in Hebei, and asked Li Hong to send troops to the Central Plains to crush Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei. dream.

"As long as Li Hong sends troops to the Central Plains, we still have a chance." Li Ye said eagerly, "Let Yuan Yao and Liu Ye go to sea by boat immediately and go north to Jizhou."

"The rebellion in northern Xinjiang has seriously hindered Hebei's march to the Central Plains. Li Hong may not dare to send troops to the Central Plains at this time." Yuan Shu was disheartened and shook his head helplessly, "Forget it. Since I launched an army against Dong Zhuo, I have been defeated repeatedly. , without a single victory. You adults have followed me for many years, you should know that it is not that I do not work hard, but that the sky does not help me, what can I do?"

"My lord, in the past eight years, you have gambled countless times, and every time you gamble, you will lose. Now that you have nothing to gamble, what else is there to worry about? Gamble again and ask Li Hong for help." Yan Xiang begged bitterly, "As long as we persist until May next year, the situation in the Central Plains will definitely change dramatically."

Yuan Shu looked at Yan Xiang in surprise, "How do you know? There are signs in the sky?"

"Yes." Yan Xiang made a nonsense, and said firmly, "My lord, you listen to us, you are absolutely right. As long as Li Hong sends troops to the Central Plains, your lord can wash away today's humiliation. In the future, Li Hong will pacify the world, and with With the merits of an adult, you can at least be a famous minister of Zhongxing."

Yuan Shu smiled wryly, and waved his hand to call Yuan Yao over.

"Go to Hebei immediately and take all your younger brothers and sisters away. In addition, there are many old subordinates of mine in the city, so you take away all their families."

Yuan Yao was unwilling and insisted on staying.

"I won't live for a few more days." Yuan Shu pointed at his paralyzed body and sighed sadly, "Once I die, this place will become ruins in an instant."

Yuan Yao burst into tears.

"Although I will do everything in my power to hold back Cao Cao and consume Cao Cao's troops, I can't stop Yuan Shao from capturing the Central Plains." Yuan Shu said slowly, "Whether Li Hong will send troops to the Central Plains next year or not, it will not affect his efforts to calm down the world. .In today's world, no one is his opponent."

Yuan Shu took Yuan Yao's hand, and solemnly instructed: "When you arrive in Hebei, follow him carefully, and preserve a bit of vitality for our Yuan family."

=

In December, Jinyang.

After the general Li Hong returned to Jinyang, he immediately went to the palace to meet the emperor and the eldest princess.

Afterwards, Prime Minister Cai Yong and other ministers were ordered to enter the palace and rushed to the Phoenix Pond to discuss matters.

Shi Jiaxu, the head of the two governments, carefully explained the general's itinerary and related matters for more than a year, and then reported to the court the specific strategy of the Central Plains War drawn up by the two governments.

The eldest princess and the court ministers did not interfere too much in the military decision-making, and the topic of discussion immediately turned to the preparation of money, food and military equipment for the war.

Da Si Nong Zhong Yao was ordered to explain the financial support of the Central Plains War.

"After the winter wheat is harvested in May, the food will last until October." Zhong Yao finally said, "If the imperial court can still get food support from Qingzhou, then the Great War in the Central Plains will last until next winter." Zhong Yao looked at Li Hong, clasping his hands, said, "General, the shorter the period of the Great War in the Central Plains, the better. This will help the imperial court quickly recover and help the army capture Guanzhong and Luoyang in the next two or three years."

Li Hong was silent for a while, then said in a low voice: "As long as there is no disaster in the desert this year, we will be able to get the livestock confiscated by the tribes in the desert in the spring. In this way, the Hu tribe's cavalry will go south as scheduled and end the Central Plains before October." The war shouldn't be a problem."

Then he looked up at Xu Rong, and asked with a smile, "Have the generals from the east of the river arrived yet?"

"Yang Feng, Hua Xiong, Zhang Baiqi, Sun Qin, He Feng, and Liang Baiwu have arrived in Jinyang." Xu Rong asked, "When will the general summon them?"

=

My father was sick and hospitalized, and he had to accompany him in the hospital during the day, so the number of updated words has been relatively small recently. Please forgive me.sorry sorry.

(End of this chapter)