Taiping Inn

Since the Great Jin Dynasty, Jiangnan has gradually become a land of heavy money and grain. Two-thirds of the world's money and grain come from Jiangnan, while Zhongzhou and Qinzhou in the world have gradually declined. Therefore, the Great Jin Dynasty changed the custom of establishing capitals of Xijing and Longmen in the previous dynasty. , the capital was established in Jinling. But in this way, the center of the empire is too biased toward the south, and Jiangbei will inevitably be empty. As the saying goes, the three states of Liaodong are too far away from Jinling. The empire's control over it is very weak, intermittent, sometimes without any, so the secludedness of the Great Jin Dynasty. The state is located in the area of ​​Zhili, the imperial capital, not outside the pass. Youzhou means the underworld of the Shuofang, which means the northernmost. Therefore, after the Great Wei gained the world, the territory expanded to the three prefectures of Liaodong. Youzhou moved north and came outside the pass, while the ancient Youzhou became Today's imperial capital and Zhili prefectures.

When Emperor Taizu of the Great Wei Dynasty settled his capital, he also made some considerations. In his opinion, it was precisely because the capital of the Great Jin was too south that the Great Jin had weak control over Jiangbei and the north was too fast, which also led to the Great Jin being in a passive position for a long time. In terms of terrain, a flat horse in the north is conducive to the cavalry's galloping, high in the north and low in the south. If the north falls and the northern army forms a high-level and conquering force, then the south of the Yangtze River will only have the ability to resist and have no power to fight back. If the Northern Army has a firm foothold in Jiangbei and confronts across the river, then the Qianli River defense may become a breakthrough everywhere. If defenses are set up everywhere and the troops are dispersed, then the entire defense line is in vain. Any place will be broken through, and the Northern Army will establish a base on the south bank. Then the natural danger of the river becomes common to the north and south, and the defense line of the river fails. The foundation of Jinling is the four prefectures along the river. Once the Northern Army crosses the river, it will immediately threaten the fundamental key of Jinling. Even if the Northern Army fails to conquer Jinling immediately, as long as it occupys the four prefectures around Jinling, Jinling Basically, I can only sit in the sad city. If you want to defend the river, you must turn Luzhou into a depth. In this way, you can attack and retreat and defend. You can advance as the foundation. You can go north and attack north, and retreat as the barrier of Jinling to defend the river.

But this is a structure that is in a corner. If you want to unify the world, you still have to go north. If you go north, you must move the center of gravity north. In addition, Jinling is the old capital of the Great Jin Dynasty, and most of the dynasties that chose Jinling as their country in history books have short lives. This is a good omen, so Emperor Taizu of the Great Wei first denied Jinling. As for Zhongzhou Longmen, its influence is not as good as that of Qinzhou Xijing, so the two choices of Emperor and Xijing are left.

From a geographical perspective, Xijing is located in the center of the empire, which is conducive to defense. The imperial capital is too biased towards border towns, which seems to be more suitable for Xijing. However, if you want to manage Liaodong, Xijing is a bit too far away, so in the end, Emperor Taizu of the Great Wei Dynasty decided to The capital of the current imperial capital moved the entire Youzhou north to the outside of the pass, and the garrison was set up here, which led to the current three prefectures of Liaodong. Because the imperial capital was close to the border town, the Wei Dynasty gradually became the north and the south. In the pattern of controlling the financial power, the southern money and grain were transported northward through the Grand Canal to the Imperial Capital, and then transported to the three prefectures of Liaodong and the northwest states through the Imperial Capital.

It was precisely because Emperor Taizu of the Great Wei operated the three prefectures of Liaodong and blocked the path of the Jin Horde from southeastern Liaodong that the Jin Horde could only march from the northwest. Therefore, Emperor Taizong implemented the dual capital system and turned the Xijing into To accompany the capital, it also achieved remarkable results in consolidating the northwest border defense. To be fair, the loss of Qinzhou, Liangzhou and Shuzhou today is not a crime of war. Qin Xiang had already expelled the Jinguan army and recovered the lost territory. The reason why he gained it and lost it again is to ask the nobles in the temple. With the Queen Mother.

The Great Wei court had two major border troops, one was the Northwest Army, led by the Governor-General of Qin, and the other was the Iron Cavalry of Liaodong, led by the Governor-General of Liaodong. Qin Xiang was the last governor of Qinzhong. After Qinzhong was recalled to the imperial capital and was imprisoned, the five generals of the Northwest Army were dismissed from office. Faced with the uprising of the Northwest Zhou Dynasty, the Northwest Army had no leader, and veterans who could fight were either dead or surrendered. It's already dead in name only. Faced with such a situation, if Zhao Zheng, the governor of Liaodong, said he was not disappointed, it would be a self-deception. So Zhao Zheng took advantage of the civil strife in the central government of the imperial capital and had no time to take care of it, and joined forces with the Qin clan of Liaodong to form a vaguely independent trend.

The Wei court, which lost the Northwest Army, could only check and balance Liaodong by money and grain, but unfortunately, the three prefectures of Liaodong were already rich and fertile. Zhao Zhengxing's military farming and land reclamation practice, after several years of hard work, he could achieve self-sufficiency in food. In addition, the Qin family and the Butian Sect have mastered the North Sea shipping, and can completely bypass land blockade and go directly to Jiangnan from the sea. There is no shortage of other materials. In this way, Liaodong has become a country in the country, with a vague view of the world. If there was no way behind it, the situation would be difficult to predict if there was a Golden Horde behind it.

Since Zhang Suqing's death, Li Xuandu has no thoughts about the Great Wei court. In his opinion, the current Great Wei court is far from a problem of changing the chief minister or changing the emperor, and he has to go through a thorough battle. The bottom change is not possible, but it can be carried out from the inside. The resistance is too great. For example, the last emperor of the Jin Dynasty wanted to ask for a million military pay but could not get it. When the army of gold tent entered the city, tens of millions of silver would be easy. Therefore, in this situation, Only by using external forces to break the situation and killing with a butcher knife can we accomplish things. Looking at the world, Liaodong Song Zheng is the best candidate, and his reputation has been very good over the years. However, he still has to meet him in person to be at ease. Therefore, he repeatedly planned to go to Liaodong not just to pay homage to his future father-in-law. Of course, Qin Qing must meet, but it is not entirely because of a private affair. Today, Liaodong is like Li Xuandu’s Taiping Inn. Zhao Zheng is the shopkeeper, Qin Qing is the boss. If the shopkeeper wants to meet, the boss also wants to meet.

Youzhou, Liaodong, Governor's Office.

As the head of the major governors in the world, the Liaodong Governor's residence is not much different from other governors. It is just that compared with the buildings in the pass, it is less refined and more rough, and even integrates some of the Khanate of the Golden Horde. folk style. The official residence is full of heavy troops. In addition to the military masters sitting here, there are also many experts from the Butian Sect hiding it. It can be said that the guards are strictly guarded and cannot be entered at will.

At this time, a few people sat in the back hall. The man sitting in the main seat has slightly frosted temples, and has the elegance he has cultivated for many years of studying, and has the evil spirit he has led for many years. In addition, he has been in power for many years and is very majestic. It is Zhao Zheng, the governor of Liaodong.

The first person sitting on the left hand of Zhao Zheng was Qin Xiang. Since he defected to Zhao Zheng, although he had no official position, his status was extremely high, only under Zhao Zheng.

Zhao Zheng reached out and pinched his eyebrows and said, "The news just came from the Golden Tent. Since the beginning of summer this year, the Khanate of the Golden Horde has been making many changes, as if it was about to make some moves after the beginning of autumn this year. I think I'll come again It's a fierce battle."

The so-called governing the country with trust and governing the army with deceit, their tolerances are different. Therefore, it is said that if the army is not in a country, if the country is not in a country, the etiquette cannot manage the army. The governor is in power in military and political affairs, and governing the military and the people. If you are talking about the skills of governing the government, Qin Xiang is far inferior to Zhao Zheng. But when it comes to the ability to lead the army, Zhao Zheng is not as good as Qin Xiang. This is also Zhao Zheng strongly invited Qin Xiang to Liao. One reason.

Qin Xiang pondered for a moment and said, "The profit of a soldier lies in trust, and the virtue of a soldier lies in the way. Virtue is the accumulation of soldiers, and faith is the clear reward of soldiers. If the army has no wealth, the soldiers will not come, the soldiers will not go. . The so-called governance and morality are pursuing, and rewarding the function of things. If you want to fight, you must have no money. Before the army moves, food and grass will come first. This time, we will raise troops in the golden tent, and we will respond. Money and food are the first priority."

Sitting opposite Qin Xiang was a scholar in Confucian clothes, somewhat similar to Qin Daofang, and was Qin Daoyuan, the second master of the Qin family. Without Zhao Zheng's words, Qin Daoyuan said: "Don't worry, Pisang is that it is enough to save grain for three years now. There is also more than 30 million taels of silver in the treasury. If it is not enough, I can still borrow one or two of them from my brother. Not to mention, I can still take out ten million taels of silver.”

Qin Xiang's single name is "Xiang", and it was Xiang for its contribution to Pidi, so Qin Xiang's name is Pijiang. According to the current practice, the first character "六" or "六" is added to the name "六" and "来". Qin Xiang was a military officer, so he naturally called him "PiShiShi". Zhao Zheng is called "Zheng". Zheng means righteousness. Political means correctness. Zhao Zhengbiao's name is "Zhengji", so it is also called "Zhenggong".

Qin Xiang said: "Together the army gathers people, we must be motivated; when we are approaching the enemy, we must be motivated; when we have a day of war, we must be motivated; when we are about to fight today, we must be delayed. If we are not excited, we must be clumsy, and if we are clumsy, we cannot be as good as possible. , if not enough, you will lose; if you don’t get angry, you will be deterred; if you are deterred, you will have no courage, and if you don’t have courage, you will be defeated. Zhenggong governs his army, is fair and strict, and his momentum is far beyond the comparison of the army within the pass, and it is not inferior to the iron cavalry of the gold tent. , the city is deep, even if the golden tent moves south in large numbers, there is nothing to be afraid of. I am just afraid that the imperial capital will take this opportunity to be unfavorable to Zhenggong, so I must guard against it."

Zhao Zheng sighed, "I am worried about this, it's good that this battle is a big victory. If both sides of the Jinguan army suffer losses and are hurt, I am afraid that the court will immediately advance to Youzhou and take away my position as governor. So at this time, another army must be added to defend Yu Pass in case of accidents."

The so-called "Guan" here refers to Yuguan, which is the key place to enter and exit the three prefectures of Liaodong. As long as this pass is guarded, the inner and outer passes of the pass are the two worlds. Qin Xiang knew in his heart that the so-called "prevention" would be the case. If the court took advantage of this to raise troops to march into Liaodong, then Zhao Zheng would defend it with this. As for the foreign enemy's Jin tent, in the eyes of the royal family, the Jin tent would not last long, so instead of letting Zhao Zheng It is better to take over the three prefectures of Liaodong than to send a gold account. When the gold account is returned, it can be collected.

Since the Empress Dowager Xie Zhi ignored Qinzhou, Shuzhou and Liangzhou due to party struggles, Zhao Zheng no longer had hope for the court, and Qin Xiang was even more so as a person involved. So Qin Xiang was neither surprised nor opposed, and said, "The leader must be reliable."

Zhao Zheng said, "So I plan to personally lead this army, stay in Liaozhou, and station in Yuguan. Please ask the general to take charge of Liaozhou yourself. I wonder what the general wants?"

Qin Xiang was stunned. At this time, half of the main forces of the Liaodong Iron Cavalry were stationed in Liaozhou. Zhao Zheng asked him to stay in Liaozhou, which was equivalent to handing over half of the military power to him. This kind of trust is worthy.

Qin Xiang hesitated and said, "Mr. Zheng, it is more appropriate for me to station in Yuguan."

Zhao Zheng waved his hand and said, "If you talk about the ability to lead troops to fight, you can regain the Qin and Liang states and expel the iron cavalry of the golden tent. You have a reputation outside. You are the first person in the world. Your politics is far from enough. You can ask for the Tao for a long time and a skill. If you have a specialty in your career, you will definitely be able to defend the enemy outside the country and have fewer casualties."

Seeing that Qin Xiang was about to refuse, Zhao Zheng emphasized his tone and said solemnly: "Piginal General puts the overall situation first, and do not refuse."

Qin Xiang was silent for a moment and sighed: "Since Zheng Gong said that, then Qin must do his best to live up to the Zheng Gong's entrustedness."

At this moment, a young woman came in from outside the door. She looked about in her early twenties. She was not the outfit of an ordinary lady, but in military uniform, looking heroic and proud, and in her heroic spirit, she was full of innocence and innocence.

In the tightly garrisoned Governor's Mansion, if you can enter a nobody's place and go directly to Zhao Zheng's back hall where affairs are discussed, the identity of the visitor is unusual, and he is Zhao Zheng's only daughter Zhao Yu. Because Zhao Zheng died early, he was quite fond of his daughter, not inferior to Qin Qing's doting Qin Su. Therefore, in Liaodong, everyone knows Miss Zhao, and is even known as a princess, but Zhao Yu is not a person in the world. , far away from the pass, is not as famous as Miss Qin.

Zhao Zheng was quite helpless about this daughter, but he still had to do the skills on the surface, and his face darkened: "I'm discussing the matter, what are you doing here?"

Zhao Yu smiled and said, "The two Uncle Qin are not outsiders, and I am not outsiders. Besides, when will you not discuss matters, Dad?"

Qin Xiang and Qin Daoyuan were also familiar with Zhao Yu, and both smiled and said nothing.

Zhao Zheng asked, "Have you gone hunting again?"

Zhao Yu nodded and said, "I originally had a decision with Sister Qin and asked her to teach me how to play the piano. Who would have thought that Sister Qin had just returned home for a few days and secretly ran out again? Maybe where can I be free now. I have nothing to do, so I can only hunt, but this hunting is the best in autumn and winter."

Zhao Zheng had a headache. Although he had been in charge of the army for many years, he was still a literati at heart. If he had such a daughter, it would be difficult to find a son-in-law who would be satisfied in the future.

Zhao Zheng coughed lightly and looked at Qin Daoyuan: "I heard that my niece already has someone I like?"

Qin Daoyuan smiled bitterly: "Although this matter is caused by the Li family's fuel, it is not false. Otherwise, Su Su would not have sneaked out this time. My third brother wrote a letter a few days ago, saying that he had met that person. Mr. Fourth, he was very satisfied. He had no children and always regarded Su Su as his biological daughter. He would not be careless in this matter. It can be seen that Mr. Fourth is indeed a young talent."

Zhao Zheng asked, "What does the Qin Sect Master mean?"

Qin Daoyuan thought about it and said, "My brother didn't say much, neither agreed nor opposed it. However, my brother had a close relationship with Situ Xuance and Zhang Haishi back then. Since he liked Su Su, it was because of the old friend. In terms of friendship, a good match should not object."

Zhao Yu curled her lips: "Isn't it Bingyan's senior brother? I used to hear Bingyan often mention it, saying that her senior brother is cruel, ruthless, and is a powerful person, but he may not be a good match. If Sister Qin is married I'm afraid I'll suffer if I give it to him."

"Don't talk nonsense." Zhao Zheng scolded in a deep voice: "It's just a hearing story, and I haven't seen it with my own eyes, so I came to the conclusion. Is this the truth I taught you? Now there is a Qingliu in the court that I am a treacherous villain, then you Do you also think I am a treacherous villain?”

Zhao Yu stuck out his tongue and dared not speak back.

At this moment, Qin Xiang asked, "What Mr. Zheng and Mr. Qin are talking about Li Xuandu, the fourth Mr. Qingweizong?"

Qin Daoyuan nodded and said, "It's this person."

Qin Xiang smiled and said, "Li Xuan was following Zhang Xiang back then. When Qin was leading troops outside, he had never worked with him. However, later Qin was captured by Zhao Shixian, the governor of Jiangzhou, and this little friend was willing to take a risk. Breaking into the Dharma field and rescued me with Jing Xiu, so although I met him, I had a great impression. By the way, my general Hu Liang was a disciple of Mr. Qin and was also a close friend of him. "" "

When Zhao Zheng heard this, he became interested and asked, "I wonder where Mr. Li is now?"

Because of his brother, Qin Daoyuan was half a person in the world and replied: "I heard that he angered the Great Sword Immortal and had been expelled from the master's sect. Now he has a close relationship with Zhengyi Sect, and there are many people around him. Masters, even Ning Yi, who was on the Taixuan List. Qin Busi wrote to him that he and Su Su were invited by the little master of Zhengyi Sect to visit the ceremony at Yunjinshan Grand Master's Palace. At this moment, it should be It's almost time to arrive in Shangqing Mansion."

Zhao Zheng said with some regret: "Since he was the one Zhang Xiang wanted back then, he must be a talented man. Both Pishuai and Mr. Qin praised him very much, which shows that it is true. If he could participate in the big event, it would be better. . It’s a pity that I have no chance to meet, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.”

Qin Daoyuan smiled and said, "Don't regret Zhenggong. After they watched the ceremony, they would return to Liaodong. Zhenggong would be able to meet him at that time. Even if he talked with a candle at night, it would be fine."

Zhao Zheng smiled and said, "It's the best way to do this."

When Zhao Yu heard this, he thought about it.

Of course, she not only knows who Li Xuan is, but also knows very well, thanks to Lu Yanbing. It was precisely because of the preconceived concept that Zhao Yu disagreed with Qin Xiang and others' praise. Seeing that his father showed great interest in Li Xuan, he was even more helpless and anxious. She thought to herself: "Sister Qin rejected Han Yaoyue's lewd embryo back then, why is it getting worse and worse now? It seems that as Bingyan said, her senior brother has some tricks of bewitching people. Sister Qin must have been beaten by His sweet words are deceived. I can't let my father see this person, maybe my father will be blinded by him. But what should Sister Qin do? We have a deep sisterhood and can't watch Sister Qin fall into a trap of fire. Then the time Maybe we will ask Master Qin to take action. However, according to Uncle Qin, there are many masters following him, so I can't underestimate him at all. I also have to remind Master Qin not to be careless..."

Zhao Yu would not defame someone as worthless because she was hostile to him. Instead, she would pay more attention to her enemies. The more famous Li Xuandu is, the more vigilant she became. Knowing that Li Xuan has many masters following him, not only It is more and more certain that Li Xuan will be bewitching people's hearts, and he has already begun to plot how to use his strength to save Sister Qin from the fire pit.

At this time, Li Xuandu, who was nearly ten thousand miles away, covered his mouth and nose and sneezed, then said to Qin Su: "I heard from Master that this is called a whim. You have the "fate-seeing" ability, and this whim will not be aimless. I'm afraid that this trip to Yunjin Mountain will not be peaceful."