Not counting the Zhao camp, there are four powerful and influential officials and troops in the three provinces of Chu, Henan and Shaanxi, namely Zuo Jiajun, the Yamen of the Shaanxi Trilateral Governor, the Prime Minister Yamen and the Yongwei Battalion. Among the four families, whether it is the trilateral governor's yamen or the prime minister's yamen, the officials are very mobile, and it is difficult to form a stable control over the imperial generals, not to mention the Yongwei battalion, which is subordinate to the Beijing camp and is of an expatriate nature.

Zuo Jiajun is different.

This huge military group established with Zuo Liangyu as the core does not officially exist in official documents, but in fact it is enough to influence the situation in Chu and Yu. Most of the generals in the Zuojia army, such as Jin Shenghuan, Gao Jinku, and Wang Yuncheng, were promoted by Zuo Liangyu, and although they belonged to different battalion heads, they were all closely united by Zuo Liangyu's side. Just like Zu Dashou was the leader of the Liaodong Army, the Zuojia Army not only ate the military salary of the imperial court, but also tried to seize assets from the local government to subsidize military supplies, meddle in local military affairs, and operate industries, and in essence could be called half a warlord.

Zuo Liangyu obviously also has the intention of supporting the army and being self-sufficient. Borrowing the words of Liu Jurong, the envoy of the southern eastern province of Shannan in the late Tang Dynasty, "The dynasty has many negative people, there are dangers, they don't cherish the official rewards, and forget about it when things are peaceful, it is better to keep thieves and make land for wealth and nobility", and at the same time, Zhao Dangshi's thoughts coincided with Zuo Liangyu. No matter how bad Zuo Liangyu's reputation is, no matter how authentic he is, at least for now, Zhao Dangshi can't find a second partner who is more suitable for "going hand in hand".

Zhao Dangshi knew very well that since he was an official and an army, the so-called "suppression of cowards" was equivalent to playing with fire. If you play well, the fire will get bigger and bigger, and cooked food will keep you warm, which will have many benefits; If you don't play well, you will be burned and there will be no place to bury. No one wants to play with fire, but in his position, he can't help himself, whether it is Zuo Liangyu or Zhao Dangshi, whether it is for himself or for the generals under his command, he can only take this step.

In this world, even the emperor Lao'er can't help himself, let alone him Zhao is in the world!

Joining forces with the Zuo family army is the established strategy of Zhao Ying, Zuo Liangyu personally led the troops into Chu, regardless of whether it is pressed by the imperial court or self-preservation, since Zuo Sili mentioned this, it is obvious that he wants to sell Zhao Dangshi's face. Whether it's fake face or real face, Zhao Dangshi can't ignore it.

In response, the day after meeting Zuo Sili, Zhao Dangshi sent an order to Guo Ruke, who was stationed in Beicen Pengcheng, Zaoyang County, asking him to lead the Hun camp to immediately go north into Henan and join Zuo's army.

In the five field commanderies, Hou Dagui and Han Gon had already gone out with Zhao Dangshi. Xu Hui is in Zaoyang County and is assisted by Ma Guangchun, and the two of them are not easy to move, only Guo Ruke is feasible. For a long time, there has been a saying in Zhao Yingzhong that "one Hou, two Xu, and three Guo", in terms of qualifications and achievements, in addition to Hou Dagui and Xu Hui in Zhao Yingzhong, there is indeed no one who can compare with Guo Ruke. Zhao Dangshi appreciated him very much, so he wanted to use this opportunity to test his ability to lead troops independently. Of course, there is one thing that will not give in to Zuo Sili and Zhao Dangshi - Guo Ruke's troops are not controlled by the general army of reinforcements or the yamen of Henan. Zuo Sili is not pedantic and agrees.

After a few days, Xiying still divided the troops of Tungu City to search and loot in the mountains and fields, and Zuo Liangyu's men and horses did not arrive. Zhao Dangshi knew in his heart that Zuo Liangyu would be careful and would not be willing to leave until Guo Ruke's department was in place. Subsequently, the night around Fang County was not withdrawn, saying that although Cao Ying had made abnormal movements, he had not made any further moves for many days, and he was indecided. Seeing this, Zhao Dangshi immediately called Hou Dagui and Han Gon and asked them to prepare for action.

"Zhang Xianzhong pulled Luo Rucai to rebel, but the surnamed Luo retreated from the battle and wanted to be a turtle with a shrunken head." Hou Dagui opened his mouth and laughed, "The Cao thief has beaten our army enough in Zaoyang, and he was bitten by a snake for ten years and was afraid of the well rope." ”

Han Gon returned to the camp from the west bank, and before he could take off his armor, he gasped slightly: "The whole city of Gucheng is now full of corpses, and everything that can be scavenged by digging three feet into the ground has been looted by Xiying. Zhang Xianzhong didn't move for a long time, I don't know why. ”

"In order to wait for Luo Rucai." Zhao Dangshi said, "Although Zhang Xianzhong is strong, after all, it is difficult to support it alone, Luo Rucai is hesitant, and he is not good at acting rashly." ”

"I think Luo Rucai has already been frightened, and he finally won an official position, and he may not be willing to rebel." Hou Dagui said disdainfully.

Zhao Dangshi held his chin with his left hand and said: "Fang County is a poor and remote place, Cao Ying is stationed there to eat bran and vegetables, and his life is very hard. Luo Rucai had already complained, but he couldn't make up his mind. If I were Zhang Xianzhong, I would definitely push him next. ”

"How?"

"After defeating Fang County, Luo Rucai will rebel if he doesn't rebel."

Hou Dagui and Han Gon glanced at each other, and said at the same time: "Zhang Xianzhong wants to fight Fang County?" ”

Zhao Dangshi replied: "It must be beaten." Then explained, "Coerced Luo Rucai to break Fang County, and Luo Rucai had no way out." In addition, with Zhang Xianzhong's shrewdness, he must have known that officers and soldiers from all over the country were already on their way to suppress him. The Shaanxi camp is now in a slump, and he has to make dumplings for Zheng Chongjian and Chu Yu's pursuers without answering when he goes in, and he won't go for a while. Huguang I said that he will not leave, and the same is true for Henan. Fang County is located in the mountains in the hinterland of Yunyang Mansion, just sheltered by the terrain, and it is not too late to make a plan when the time is ripe. ”

"Then we have to prepare early, and we can't let the trick surnamed Zhang succeed!" Hou Dagui patted his waist with both hands, "Lao Han and I immediately set up our troops and horses and prepare for battle!" ”

Zhao Dangshi thought about it and said: "The reason is this reason, but the shape is forbidden. Zuo Liangyu sent troops with great momentum, but he was grinding along the way, and he couldn't think of stepping into the territory of northern Chu before the end of the month. The soldiers of Xiangyang Mansion are not reliable, and the Chu generals in the south have no friendship with us, and it is estimated that they are also guarding their wives and children. Of course, the battle can be fought, but it is difficult to say what it will be. ”

As soon as Hou Dagui heard this, most of his earlier blazing intent was immediately doused by a basin of water, and he was speechless. Han Gon frowned and said, "But Xiangyang has issued a military order to suppress the Kou." Our battalion is indeed the closest to Gucheng, he Zuo Liangyu can excuse himself for delaying on the road, we don't have this condition, if we sit back and watch Zhang Xianzhong burn the city and leave, not only the court will blame, but this matter will also insult the prestige of our army. ”

"You're right." Zhao Dangshi nodded and said, "We can't escape this battle." But I thought about it, if you want to fight, you can't fight in Valley City. If Lord Xiong wants me to fight in the city, I would rather disobey the military order. I mean, change places to fight. ”

"Where?"

Two days later, Shengkang Town, southwest of Gucheng County.

Shengkang Town is located on the bank of the powder water of the tributary of the Han River, the original deserted, the name "Black Tiger Valley", the water potential soared during the Chenghua period, the two rivers of the South River and the Loess River hit out a small plain, and gradually became a small port. Today, there are hundreds of households and more than 1,000 people.

As expected by Zhao Dangshi, Xiying, who could not wait for Cao Ying's decision, could not bear it, and after razing Gucheng to the ground, he transferred his army to the south. Zhang Xianzhong was anxious, and galloped to Shengkang Town with three thousand elite horsemen, occupied the famous Leizu Temple in the town and rested for a night, and then drilled into the Yunyang Chongshan Mountain. At that time, the rest of the troops in Xiying were still far behind, and the Xiying descendants led by Wang Shangli and Ma Yuanli were evacuated early, and they also arrived in Shengkang Town one after another, while the miscellaneous troops such as King Shuntian and Erhu who were attached to Xiying still stayed in Gucheng to "break off".

"Are all the people in charge of the king gone?" Ma Yuanli, who was wide and big, straddled the horse, his face full of displeasure.

Bai Wenxuan, the commander of his subordinates, approached with a limp: "Back to Ma Ye, the last group of Deputy Commanders Yang has left the previous time." ”

"Hmph, it's only going to be light, but it's embarrassing." Ma Yuanli muttered. He and Wang Shangli were both the commanders of the Western Battalion, commanding all the horsemen and infantry except for the 3,000 elite cavalry. It's just that Wang Shangli's two commanders, Zhang Huier and Zhang Hualong, are Zhang Xianzhong's righteous sons, so Wang Shangli's various benefits can always be ahead of him, and he has been dissatisfied with this for a long time. But dissatisfaction is dissatisfaction, when he thinks of Zhang Xianzhong's self-respecting face, he can't help but shudder, and all his complaints only dare to talk in private.

"Master Ma, when are we leaving?" Commander Feng Shuangli didn't know when he stood by Bai Wenxuan's side. Bai Wenxuan was lame, Feng Shuangli was a little cross-eyed, and Qi Sansheng, the commander who didn't show up, was a big deal, every time the three of them stood in front of him, Ma Yuanli couldn't help but think of the handsome Zhang Huier and Zhang Hualong as he compared, which made him even more unhappy.

But fortunately, Zhang Huier and Zhang Hualong are well-known straw bales, and they were able to climb to their current status only by virtue of their appearance. Bai, Feng, and Qi are very different from each other, but they all have a few brushes to do things, which can make Ma Yuanli's heart a little more balanced.

"Wait until the afternoon, let them go farther, I don't want to follow the little cub's ass and eat ashes."

The three of them responded, and Feng Shuangli said: "King Shuntian and two tiger ...... of Gucheng"

"It doesn't matter what they do, it would be better if they died sooner." Ma Yuanli waved his hand impatiently and interrupted his words, "When is it, still talking about this." By the way, when leaving, Lao Feng, after your palace, demolish some houses or something, and block the road with stones and woods, so as not to give the officers and soldiers a chance to pursue. ”

Feng Shuangli agreed, but he still had scruples, and said: "There are still many disciples attached, following behind, if the road is blocked, they won't ......."

"What's wrong with your donkey? Want to turn the sky upside down? Ma Yuanli was furious, his eyes glaring, "These people died a thousand and ten thousand, which is worth the death of a soldier in Lao Tzu's camp?" If you feel sorry for them, give you a hundred men, and you stay in the town and take them. Lao Bai, you can do the things that block the road. ”

Feng Shuangli was shocked, and hurriedly knelt down and said, "Master Ma, the villain has no such intention, it's just ...... It's just that ...... "thought about it, couldn't think of a reason to exonerate himself, and sweated for a while."

"It's just that there are many people in the middle of the middle who are attached to it, and there are many people with dry food or a little money, and they are not a small amount to gather." Seeing his good brother in an embarrassment, Bai Wenxuan said in a hurry.

Ma Yuanli was stunned when he heard this, and he laughed out loud: "Yes, yes, yes!" Oh, you cripple, you can't do it down there, but the brain melon on the top is quite bright. I actually forgot about it. Great, Gucheng County is asking for money, and because of the clever words of the surname Wang, most of the harvest is accounted for, and Lao Tzu has not caught a few children. Now that the old man of the Eight Kings has left, no one cares about these vains, so cheap and not taking advantage of nothing! ”

"Yes, yes, Ma Ye is wise......" Feng Shuangli and Bai Wenxuan didn't care about what Ma Yuanli said in order to protect themselves, and they catered to each other again and again.

Thinking of having money again, Ma Yuanli was very relieved, smiled from ear to ear, and at the same time pointed at Feng Shuangli and said, "Old Feng, give you a chance to pass the credit." Now you take people and check all the vacancies, and find as many as they can. ”

Feng Shuangli's face was frightened, most of those vagrants who were coerced by Xiying were now being driven by Qi Sansheng, who had not yet arrived, and slowly came to Shengkang Town. Although they are unarmed, they have 30,000 or 40,000 people, and with their own strength, even if they add Qi Sansheng's department, it is not easy to collect money before noon.

Bai Wenxuan saw Feng Shuangli's doubts, and said to Ma Yuanli: "Master Ma, I got the news before, Lao Qi rushed to attach the Lion Rock that is still thirty miles away, not to mention the afternoon, and he may not ......be able to get it before sunset."

Ma Yuanli shook his head and said, "No, you have to wait for him." ”

Bai Wenxuan knew that Ma Yuanli couldn't let go of the money at his fingertips, so he took the opportunity to say: "It's better to be like this, Ma Ye." In the afternoon, you and I will go first, and let Lao Feng go to Lao Qi to do errands. When they finished their work, they evacuated again, and blocked the road by the way. In short, it is enough to meet in Fang County. ”

Ma Yuanli thought about it and felt reasonable, so he said: "It's okay, just don't delay Lao Tzu to return to the Eight Kings and his old man." After speaking, suddenly, he raised a whip and hit Feng Shuangli on the back.

"Hmm......" Feng Shuangli suddenly took a whip, gritted his teeth but didn't dare to scream. Xiying from Zhang Xianzhong below, all of them are strict. Ma Yuanli is good at using sticks to give his subordinates a long memory. It was not the first time Feng Shuangli had been beaten, and after the panic, he quickly crawled, as usual, and shouted damned.

"I haven't taught you a lesson for too long, and I don't know how thick the sky is." Ma Yuanli stiffened his head, "If you don't do this for me, don't come back." Come back and kill you. At the end, he yelled, "Do you hear that?" ”

Feng Shuangli was so frightened that he trembled like chaff, and Bai Wenxuan also knelt in front of Ma Yuanli's horse, just resigned.