……

……

After more than two hours, this important military meeting finally came to an end.

Then, all the feudal officials and civil and military officials left the governor's palace in a hurry, and many officials left the Huamachi camp overnight and rushed to their respective stations and jurisdictions.

Some of Liang Fuchen's arrangements and arrangements are very tight in time, very heavy in tasks, and even more important, not only related to the future situation in Shaanxi and Gansu, but also affect the career prospects of all people.

In the next few days, the troops and horses in Shaanxi and Gansu were frequently mobilized, and the government was constantly moving, which can be described as very lively.

*

And just as all the officials left one after another, Liang Fuchen and Zhao Junchen also left the main hall of the Governor's Mansion and came to Bagen's room again.

In the past few days, Bagen has repeatedly stated that he wants to meet Zhao Junchen and Liang Fuchen, obviously agreeing to Zhao Junchen's cooperation proposal, but Zhao Junchen and Liang Fuchen deliberately hung Bagen and did not meet each other for the first time, just to let Bagen understand the primary and secondary relationship between the two sides.

Now, everything is ready, and Zhao Junchen and Liang Fuchen finally gave Bagen a chance to meet.

When Liang Fuchen and Zhao Junchen pushed the door and entered Bagen's room, Bagen immediately stood up and walked quickly towards the two.

The last time the two saw Bagan, Bagen was in the most desperate moment of his life, and the whole person was like a soulless walking corpse, but because of Zhao Junchen's cooperation proposal, Bagen rekindled hope, and it was only three or four days so far, Bagen's image has changed again, his expression is full of calm and shrewdness, his eyes have become gloomy, and even his figure has recovered a lot.

Walking in front of Zhao Junchen and Liang Fuchen, Bagen's eyes were firmly fixed on Zhao Junchen's face—like the officials on the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu, Bagen also ignored Liang Fuchen intentionally or unintentionally—and said coldly: "This is different from what was said!" I have asked many times in the past few days that I want to meet with you, but you always avoid it, do you change your mind and don't want to cooperate? ”

Liang Fuchen once again took the initiative to take on the role of translator, and he was already a little accustomed to it.

After hearing Liang Fuchen's translation, Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "General Bagen, forgive me, of course we want to cooperate, please believe in our sincerity!" It's just that this plan is too big, we need to prepare a lot of things, and these days are really busy. ”

After a pause, Zhao Junchen asked rhetorically: "So, General Bagan has already agreed to cooperate with us?" ”

Bagan's expression was a little ugly, as if he thought it was a humiliation for him to cooperate with the Han Chinese, but he finally nodded and said, "Yes, I agree to cooperate with you...... Only once! But before we can cooperate, there are two more things that I have to talk to you about in advance. ”

Zhao Junchen looked easy-going and asked, "Oh? I don't know what it is? ”

Bagan's expression was serious, and he asked: "First of all, in your plan, after the Dzungar warriors intercept 200,000 stone grain and grass, the Mongolian right wing will send troops to hunt us down, and you will take the opportunity to send troops to capture Hetao...... But I need to know the exact timing of your dispatch to the Loop! If you send your troops too late, this cooperation will not be possible! Under the full pursuit of the Mongolian right wing, we will not be able to hold out for too long! ”

Regarding this issue of Bagen, Zhao Junchen and Liang Fuchen have already discussed it.

So, Zhao Junchen said very simply: "Three days! On the morning of the third day after you have cut off the grain and grass, we will send our army to the steppe and reclaim the Hetao! That's our best support for you! ”

After hearing Zhao Junchen's answer, Bagen's heart turned sharply, and he quickly calculated the specific time progress.

After the Dzungar army intercepted the grain and grass, the Mongolian right flank did not receive the news immediately, and by the time they reacted, gathered the army, and tracked the location, it was about a day later.

That is to say, when the Ming Dynasty army set out to conquer the Hetao, under the pursuit of the Mongolian right wing pursuers, the Dzungar army had held out for about two days.

When the Ordos tribe discovers the invasion of the Ming army, they will send messengers and urgently recall the army as soon as possible.

But at this time, the main army of the Mongolian right wing had chased thousands of miles away, and it would take at least three days for the messengers of the Ordos tribe to catch up with them and inform them of the news.

Therefore, under the pursuit of the Mongol right-wing army, the Dzungar army had to hold out for at least five days before waiting for the retreat of the pursuers.

By the time the main army of the Mongol right flank rushed back to the Hetao steppe, it would be about ten days later.

This is the right time for both parties.

For the Dzungar army, considering the open environment on the steppe and their cavalry configuration, it was not particularly difficult to hold out for five days under the pursuit of the Mongol right flank!

For the Ming army, considering the emptiness of troops and insufficient garrison in the Hetao Plain, ten days was enough for them to occupy the entire territory of the Hetao and plunder the tribesmen of the Ordos tribe, cattle and sheep.

After thinking of this, Bagan said with a hideous expression: "Okay, I'll believe you this time!" I will hold out for six whole days under the pursuit of the Mongolian right wing! But after six days, if I still do not find that the Mongol right wing has recalled the pursuers, I will abandon this batch of grain and grass, inform the Mongol right wing of your plan, and then return to the Hetao with them to assist them in fighting you. ”

Hearing Ba Gen's threat, Zhao Junchen's smile remained unchanged, and he nodded: "General Ba Gen can rest assured that we are cooperating with you on behalf of the Han Emperor, so we will never breach the contract, and this practice will not do us any good." ”

Bagan's expression softened slightly, and then he asked, "The second thing I want to know...... How many Dzungar warriors can I take from your captive camps? How many horses will you give us? ”

Zhao Junchen raised three fingers and said, "You can take three hundred able-bodied captives, as well as six hundred high-grade war horses!" Please also ask General Bagan to understand that the captives in the prisoner camp are all the political achievements and military exploits of the Ming Dynasty officials, and they also represent the face of our emperor, and the imperial court also needs these prisoners to boost the morale of the people, so it is impossible for you to take too much. ”

Bagan's face was gloomy and he said, "It's too little! Give me at least a thousand warriors and two thousand horses! If the strength is too weak, I am not sure that I will hold out for too long under the pursuit of the Mongolian right wing! ”

Zhao Junchen shook his head and said: "There is also a Junggar army on the grassland, with a scale of more than 10,000 people, I let you take a group of prisoners, just to protect you and that army to join safely!" What's more, the quota of three hundred people is enough for you to take away all the high-status Dzungar captives in the captive camp! ”

"Eight hundred people, and sixteen hundred war horses, this is my bottom line!"

"Three hundred and fifty people, and seven hundred war horses, this is already the limit of my rights, and there can be no more!"

"Seven hundred, 1,400 war horses, if the number is even less, even if I join the army on the grassland safely, I will not be able to convince the people at all!"

"Four hundred, and eight hundred war horses, and please General Bagan understand that I am acting beyond my authority!"

"Six hundred, twelve hundred horses! It couldn't be less! ”

"You can take five hundred men and a thousand horses! It couldn't be more! ”

“…… Deal! ”

In this way, after some bargaining, Bagan repeatedly broke through his bottom line, and Zhao Junchen also repeatedly increased the scope of his power, and the two sides finally reached an agreement.

After discussing the details of the cooperation, Bagan finally left the house and rushed to the prisoner camp to pick up people.

After Zhao Junchen said goodbye to Liang Fuchen, he quickly returned to his office room.

At this time, Zhao Junchen and Liang Fuchen were obviously inseparable, and the two sides only maintained a polite appearance.

A few days ago, the two of them discussed the plan of the imperial court to send troops to recover the Hetao, which was still a bit of a topic, but as all the plans were confirmed, it was already more than half a sentence of speculation.

*

When Zhao Junchen returned to his office room, he unexpectedly saw Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang waiting for him.

This time, Zhao Junchen arranged Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang to the left army to serve as the chief general and deputy general, which seemed to be to give the two of them the opportunity to make meritorious contributions, but this arrangement was quite strange, because Zhao Junchen knew that the relationship between the two of them could be described as the same as water and fire, and there would inevitably be constant quarrels when they cooperated, and they might miss a big deal when the time came.

Regarding this point, Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang thought that Zhao Junchen must have thought of it, but since Zhao Junchen had made this arrangement, he must have other considerations and arrangements.

Therefore, after the meeting ended, Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang rushed to Zhao Junchen's office room, wanting to obey Zhao Junchen's instructions.

After seeing Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang, Zhao Junchen didn't have much politeness, and after the two sides sat down, he said directly: "I also know that the relationship between the two of you is not harmonious, and I arranged for the two of you to work together this time, and I really have other considerations!" ”

Hearing Zhao Junchen say this, Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang were both in good spirits, and said in unison: "Please also ask Lord Zhao to teach!" ”

Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "After the army on the left road invades the Hetao grassland, the two of you will lead the army separately!" General Fang, after you entered the Hetao Grassland, you acted according to the original plan, quickly occupied the western part of the Hetao Plain, and plundered the tribesmen, cattle, sheep and horses of the Ordos tribe; At the same time, those soldiers who were born in the new army of soldiers, you must hand them all over to General He, and let General He lead an army alone......"

Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen turned his head to look at He Zhang, and said: "Old General He, the soldiers of those soldiers and soldiers of the new army are all your old subordinates, you don't need to participate in the planned mission at that time, but rush all the way to the vicinity of Helan Mountain west of Hetao, and ambush there and wait for the opportunity!" I'm not very confident about Guan Wuyuan's ability, I'm worried that he will let go of those Ordos tribal nobles led by Qi Yan, if Qi Yan and the others escape by then, they will inevitably pass through Helan Mountain, just in time for you to take it!

In addition, you also have to be responsible for the scout mission, you must be vigilant at any time for the return of the main army of the Mongolian right wing, once you find the appearance of the main army of the Mongolian right wing, you must notify the general army of Fang in time, join the general army of Fang, and withdraw the troops as soon as possible to join the army of the middle road! ”

After hearing Zhao Junchen's instructions, Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang knew that Zhao Junchen had another deep meaning, and hurriedly received the order in unison.

At the same time, the expressions of both of them were a little troubled and lost.

In Fang Zhenshan's opinion, if Guan Wuyuan really let go of Qi Yan and the others, wouldn't He Zhang finally have to pick up the cheap and steal all the limelight?

But in He Zhang's opinion, if Zhao Junchen's speculation was wrong, Guan Wuyuan did not make a mistake and captured all the Ordos tribal nobles alive, including Qiyan, in one fell swoop, and his ambush would be meaningless, and he also lost the opportunity to establish his merits.

Seeing the expressions of Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang, Zhao Junchen naturally guessed their thoughts, and said earnestly: "The army under the command of the two of you is my old foundation, and there must not be too much damage...... Well, let's do it, after the three battles of Xiaochuan River, Zhenning City, and Weishui, a large number of Mongolian war horses were captured, and a large part of them were secretly concealed by me, I will hand over 10,000 of them to you to strengthen your strength and marching speed!

At the same time, for the sake of fairness, no matter what the two of you gain this time, and whether General He finally captures Qi Yan and the others alive, you will eventually share all the military merits equally! ”

After hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang glanced at each other, their expressions a little hesitant.

They regarded each other as enemies, and naturally they did not want to share the military merits with each other, but out of the psychology of suffering from gains and losses, they finally nodded and agreed.

Next, Zhao Junchen told the two of them some details.

Just as this conversation was about to end, Xu Qingyan pushed the door in, came to Zhao Junchen's side and reported softly: "Young master, Li Xun, the governor of Shanxi, came to Huamachi Camp, he concealed his identity and did not let others know the news, and now he is waiting outside the governor's palace and wants to see you." ”

Zhao Junchen frowned and said, "Why is Li Xun here?" He is the governor of Shanxi, so it stands to reason that he should not leave the jurisdiction easily, let alone hide his identity and ask to see me. ”

On the other side, seeing Xu Qingyan and Zhao Junchen's soft conversation, Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang knew that Zhao Junchen still had something to deal with, so they hurriedly got up and said goodbye.

After Fang Zhenshan and He Zhang left the room, Xu Qingyan asked again, "Young Master, do you want to see him?" ”

Zhao Junchen groaned: "Speaking of which, Li Xun is now sixty-two years old, and he is about to return to his hometown, which can be regarded as a lot of age...... According to the time estimate, he should have just received the news of the victory in Weishui, so he immediately packed his bags and rushed to the Huamachi camp non-stop......

After Zhao Junchen sighed with a sigh on his face, he said coldly in the next moment: "No! You go and tell him that he is the governor of Shanxi, and he should not leave the station easily, and let him return to Shanxi as soon as possible. ”

Zhao Junchen's attitude changed too much, so Xu Qingyan couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, and finally came back to his senses, and then left the room and did what Zhao Junchen ordered.

Zhao Junchen naturally knew Li Xun's purpose in asking to see him.

At the beginning, the governors of the northwest concealed that the imperial court wanted to secretly beg for peace with the Mongols, although they were stopped by Zhao Junchen, but after all, they had to find someone to carry the black cauldron, otherwise the imperial court and Emperor Deqing would not be able to maintain decency.

This candidate is naturally the most suitable for Li Xun, the governor of Shanxi.

For the imperial court, Shaanxi and Gansu annihilated the Mongol coalition army in one fell swoop, and in the future, there will be troops to recover the Hetao, whether it is Shaanxi Governor Zhang Shengde, Hedong Governor Wu Min, or Hexi Governor Zhang Wenhui, all of them are guilty of meritorious service, and they cannot be easily targeted, but the major military towns in Shanxi are just mediocre, and Li Xun does not have any dazzling performance, so he is naturally the best candidate to carry the black pot!

For Zhao Junchen, several governors on the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu are in the prime of life, and there is still a long time to go in their careers, and Zhao Junchen has also established a personal relationship with them. On the contrary, Li Xun, the governor of Shanxi, is already old, and he is about to return to his hometown, so he has no rescue value at all, so he is naturally the best candidate to sacrifice.

In short, both the imperial court and Zhao Junchen have given up on Li Xun and intend to let Li Xun bear all the responsibility.

In this case, Li Xun will inevitably fall, Li Xun is obviously aware of this, so he can't wait to see Zhao Junchen, hoping that Zhao Junchen can help him, Zhao Junchen is naturally unwilling to do such a thankless job, so he is unwilling to meet him.

Of course, Zhao Junchen once promised Li Xun that as long as Li Xun had a meritorious performance, Zhao Junchen would help him pardon the crime.

However, Zhao Junchen has many advantages, which by no means include the item of "keeping his word"!

Zhao Junchen is a qualified politician, if he speaks, can he still be considered a qualified politician?

For a politician, breaking his word is the most basic quality requirement.

Besides, the matter of politicians, can that be called dishonesty?

That's a reluctant compromise forced by reality!

Therefore, Zhao Junchen left Li Xun behind in an instant.

At this time, Xu Qingyan entered the room again, and handed Zhao Junchen a list, and said with an excited expression: "Young master, after Li Xun heard that you didn't want to see him, he handed me this gift list!" Say that as long as you see him, whether it is successful or not, these gifts will be kept! ”

……

22/30

The meeting was announced at short notice, and it was relatively late to go home, so there was only one shift today and two shifts tomorrow.

……