Tibet

Tian Shengong said to several of his staff: "What do you think? Li Ye suddenly sent troops to Yunzhou. What is his real intention?"

Among the three staff members, Li Feng was his chief staff member and his military advisor. He had followed him for many years, fought in both the south and the north, and made countless contributions. Tian Shengong also had great trust in him.

Li Feng smiled slightly and said: "My lord, don't worry too much. I think Li Ye is not planning to plot in Hedong. His goal should still be Youzhou."

"What's your reason, sir?"

"Actually, the reason is very simple. He killed Zhu Tao in Luoyang last winter. In order to prevent Zhu Si from retaliating, he must send troops to put pressure on him. If he wants to send troops to fly to Huxing, he must pass through Yunzhou if necessary. I believe this is his motive. As for Whether he will take the opportunity to seize Hedong Road, I think it is unlikely. First, Li Ye has no reason to attack Hedong. Forcibly seizing Hedong is not his approach, and it will completely destroy the image he has established over the years.

Secondly, if his goal is Taiyuan, he will definitely send troops to Shizhou and occupy the west of Luliang Mountain. We do not have any soldiers stationed there. Now that the Yellow River has not thawed, it will be easy for him. After capturing Shizhou, his The army can cooperate with the army in the north and attack Taiyuan from two fronts. But there is currently no movement in Shizhou, so Taiyuan is fine. "

Tian Shengong nodded, "Sir, you are right. In fact, I feel that his goal is not Hedong, but I am worried that if he stays in Yunzhou forever, borrowing a road will become borrowing a house."

Another counselor Wu Jiande said: "The prince's worry is entirely possible, and it is likely to be the result. If they are not in a hurry to attack Youzhou, they will stay in Yunzhou for a long time. The key is that the prince cannot conflict with them yet. Once If there is a conflict, Li Ye will send all his troops to Hedong."

Tian Shengong snorted dissatisfiedly, "What do you mean, I will give Yunzhou to him?"

"No! No! No!"

Wu Jiande waved his hand quickly, "The humble position means that our army is stationed in Yunzhong County and allows their troops and supplies to transit from Yunzhou to Yuzhou. They have to stay in Yuzhou, not Yunzhou."

Li Feng frowned and said worriedly: "Your Majesty, Military Advisor Wu is right to worry. We must not conflict with Li Ye's army, and we cannot let him find an excuse to start a war with us. But if we occupy Yunzhou according to the law, I can For sure, Li Ye's army will definitely find an excuse to start a war with us."

"Why?"

"Because of the logistics supply, Li Ye will never let us control the logistics supply line of his 50,000-strong army. He will definitely provoke a war and force us to retreat south. I suggest that we withdraw from Yunzhou as soon as possible. 20,000 troops will be stationed in Shuozhou. Your Majesty, Yunzhou It’s of little significance. There is neither much tax revenue nor much population. Shuozhou is the key to going south.”

Tian Shengong paced back and forth with his hands behind his back. Although he was extremely annoyed, he also knew that the military advisor's opinion was right. Li Ye would never let the logistics line of the 50,000-strong army be controlled by him. He would definitely find an excuse to pick a fight. If a war breaks out, he can't afford to offend Li Ye, so it would be wise to take a step back.

Thinking of this, Tian Shengong stopped and turned around and said: "Pass my order, Tian Shenyu's army will immediately retreat to Shuozhou, no disobedience!"

Lei Wanchun led an army of 50,000 people and 40,000 supply camels into Yunzhou along the Zihe River, and rushed towards the clouds two hundred miles away.

It was getting late, and the army arrived at Wuzhou City and entered the gentle Yunzhong Basin.

Lei Wanchun ordered to camp and rest. All soldiers were not allowed to take off their armor and shoes. The horses were tied outside the tent. Even when camping, they maintained a queue to ensure that they could form an emergency formation.

Three days ago, Lei Wanchun had sent people to Yunzhou County and sent an official document from the Military Department of the Prince of Qi's Mansion to Tian Shenyu, the governor of Yunzhou, stating that their purpose of entering Yunzhou this time was to use the road to Yuzhou. To severely punish Zhu Si, the governor of Youzhou, was in response to him sending assassins to kill the King of Qi.

Of course, the official document also makes it very clear that the time for borrowing the route cannot be determined. At the same time, the army will take necessary measures to ensure the safety of the supply route.

However, the official document did not clearly state what necessary measures they would take.

In the marching tent, Lei Wanchun held a candle and carefully inspected the sand table. He also knew that there were 20,000 troops stationed in Yunzhou, led by Tian Shenyu in Yunzhou. This time they sent troops to use the road as an excuse. They wanted to open the road to Hebei.

Wei Feng, an aide next to him, said to Lei Wanchun: "Tian Shenyu is not an ordinary general. Although he is Tian Shengong's brother, he served as the governor of the Bian Song Dynasty and was a prince. He may not hear Tian Shengong's orders. Izumo Province.”

Wei Feng was the magistrate of Liyang County who saved Tian Chengsi's life in Liyang County. He was also Lei Wanchun's savior. He later surrendered and became Lei Wanchun's staff. Although he was born in a prison cell, he was careful and resourceful. Li Ye He valued him very much. If Lei Wanchun didn't really need such a wise counselor, Li Ye would have used him as his staff.

"Sir, what you mean is that Tian Shenyu is going to use his 20,000 troops to fight against my 50,000 troops?"

Wei Feng shook his head, "Tian Shenyu is not that stupid. What I mean is that he will not quit Yunzhou so happily. I guess he will test us."

"How to test? Attack our army?"

"It is possible, but it will not directly attack the army. That would be too risky and would trigger a war between the two sides."

Wei Feng pondered for a moment and said: "If I were Tian Shenyu, I would send an army to pretend to be horse bandits to attack the logistics camel team. Once the camel team suffers heavy losses and loses its logistics supplies, we will have to temporarily withdraw from Yunzhou."

Lei Wanchun walked two steps with his hands behind his back: "But even if this is the case, it will still give us an excuse to go to war with Tian Shengong and seize Hedong Road!"

Wei Feng said calmly: "But His Highness has no such plan."

"Maybe His Highness just didn't think of this opportunity."

Wei Feng shook his head, "His Highness has great foresight. How could he not think of creating an opportunity to start a war with Tian Shengong to seize Hedong Road? His Highness has a big plan. If he wants to start a war with Tian Shengong, he will definitely tell the general. The general must not make decisions for His Highness without authorization, otherwise he will It ruined His Highness's big business! "

Lei Wanchun sighed and said: "Sir, you are right, I almost made a mistake again."

Wei Feng said calmly: "General Lei needs to understand one thing. Our dispatch of troops this time is not a military action, but a political action. His Highness is sending a message to the civil service group. He will wipe out the Hebei feudal towns."

Lei Wanchun was stunned for a while, "Why am I so confused?"

"Most people were confused, including me. Later I heard that the emperor's time was running out, and I realized that His Highness King Qi was beginning to make arrangements. The civil and military officials would choose the king in their minds who could reunify the country. The world can bring about the successor to the great rejuvenation of the Tang Dynasty. His Highness is targeting Youzhou. I believe that many officials will place their hopes on His Highness."

Lei Wanchun nodded, "If you put it this way, I understand!"