The reason why Lin Jue assisted Ma Qingshan and Han Gang in capturing Zhuozhou and Xijin Mansion was to actually sabotage the peace negotiations between the Great Zhou and the Liao people. On the other hand, in fact, Han Gang and Ma Qingshan have no way out. Because Lin Jue knew that the imperial court would definitely not be happy that they had captured Xijin Mansion and Zhuozhou, on the contrary, in the current situation, they would be even more angry. The agreement that was finally reached was broken, and the imperial court must be held responsible. Then what Guo Xu and Lu Zhongtian wanted was just a compromise peace. They will only desperately explain and apologize to the Liao people, and will never be overjoyed by Han Gang's actions. Han Gang is too naïve, but also too upright, and wants to do things too much. He is also too prejudiced against his own wild goose army. He was the exact opposite of his own judgment of the imperial court. He wanted to force him to have no way out, but he regarded it as a turning point.

"General Han, although you and I don't have a deep friendship, with what I know about you, I know that you want to do something. And you have no bad deeds. I have visited your deeds, and you have been honest and honest during your years as the commander of the Ansu Army, and you have done a lot of good things for the local area. Moreover, in order to deal with the iron cavalry of the Liao people, you also trained a hook and sickle spear formation, which was promoted by the armies of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and you can be described as an official with quite achievements and ideas. That's why I'm here to help you. I don't dare to say how much my arrival has played a role, but I dare to say that without my plan, you may be able to capture Zhuozhou, but you will definitely not be able to stand at the head of this Xijin Prefecture. This is the self-confidence of someone in my forest. You can think I'm boasting, and I'm not going to argue with you, because I'm here to save you, because you deserve to save you. Because you are one of the few people in Da Zhou who deserve my rescue, I can't let you die in vain. ”

Lin Jue looked at Han Gang's eyes and said slowly, his eyes were sincere and sincere. Indeed, Xuan Yiwei checked Han Gang's background, this person was born in poverty, followed Yang Jun to make contributions in Western Xia, and then stationed in Baozhou. This person has a good reputation in the local area and has done a lot of good things for the people. And invented the nine-turn hook and sickle chain formation, which is a tactic to deal with the Liao cavalry, which was popularized in the Great Zhou army, and he was indeed a general with ideas. Although sometimes acting a little recklessly, lacking some thoughtfulness, acting a little rashly. But on the whole, this person is a general, and he is also a person without stains. Therefore, Lin Jue didn't want to give up on Han Gang, but still wanted to persuade him to change his mind.

"Thank you, Lord Lin, for your attention. Han Gang didn't dare to boast, but he asked himself if what he did in this life was worthy of the conscience of heaven and earth. Han Gang said in a deep voice.

Lin Jue nodded and said, "Lord Han, I am not saying such things to flatter you, nor is it a disobedient statement to let you join my Luoyan Army. In fact, there are many talented people in my Luoyan army, but it has not reached the point where it is impossible to do great things without anyone. I have to really remind you, don't be naïve. The imperial court will not change its attitude just because you have captured the Xijin Mansion, and if you think so, you are very wrong. You're going to be planted on it. ”

Han Gang looked at Lin Jue, slowly clenched his fists and arched his hand: "Lord Lin, Han is full of gratitude and admiration for you. Han believes that your words come from the bottom of my heart. However, Han is still willing to stick to his opinion this time. I also know that Lord Lin is not going against the imperial court out of selfishness, and I also know that Lord Lin wants to break the big and rebuild the Great Zhou, Ma Qingshan has already told me very thoroughly before, I know that it was all you Lord Lin asked him to tell me. You may be able to convince Master Ma, but I, Han Gang, and Lord Lin have different opinions. Lord Lin wanted to burn down the dilapidated mansion of Da Zhou, but my Han Gang's thoughts were not like this. Han was deeply favored by the imperial court and cultivated by Lord Yang, so he went from a poor boy to today. Han can't be ashamed of the emperor's grace and the person who carries him. Everyone has their own ideas, and my idea is to complete Lord Yang's unfinished northern expedition, contribute the most to the imperial court, and repay the favor of the imperial court and Lord Yang. Besides, as the minister of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the building will collapse, and everyone will flee, where can he be the mainstay? Han can't do such a thing. Therefore, I can't do what the adults want. You are my Han Gang's savior, and I am grateful for it. But Yu Gong, Han Gang can't agree with your thoughts. I can't do it for personal reasons. I also hope that Lord Lin Haihan. ”

Lin Jue frowned and looked at Han Gang, he didn't know what words to use to persuade this person. Han Gang's thoughts had reached a dead end, and he didn't seem to want to turn back at all, so he only took care of one way to go to the dark. His own persuasion instead became a whip that drove him to the dead corner of the alley, making him even more unhesitating. Encountering this situation, Lin Jue also felt powerless.

Ma Qingshan tried to persuade Han Gang again, and arched his hand: "Lord Han, think about it again, don't make a decision easily, okay?" Lord Lin's words are very reasonable. Don't think crookedly. ”

Han Gang glared at Ma Qingshan and said, "Brother Qingshan, I'll call you brother again." If you are willing to follow me Han to contribute to the affairs of the imperial court, you will still be my brother in the future, and you and I will work together to do something. If you persuade me to join the Wild Goose Army, you will not be my brother. You've done something hidden from me, and I don't want to hold them accountable, but you don't have my trust anymore. ”

Ma Qingshan was speechless, looked at Lin Jue and sighed. Lin Jue smiled and said, "Brother Ma, you can never wake up the person who pretends to be asleep, you and I have done our best." General Han can do whatever he wants, unless you, General Ma, think the same way he thinks. ”

Ma Qingshan smiled bitterly: "I won't believe in the imperial court, I said earlier, I, Ma Qingshan, decided to join the Luoyan Army and open up a new situation, and I will never die for this decaying edifice that is about to fall." I believe that Lord Lin will take us to rebuild the Great Zhou. ”

Lin Jue smiled and said: "Let's just say, a wise person like Brother Ma will naturally not be so confused, and he should see the key to the situation." ”

Han Gang sneered and watched Lin Jue and Ma Qingshan talking, in his heart, he had already shown him the conversation between Lin Jue and Ma Qingshan as a joke, and he was not touched at all.

Lin Jue turned to Han Gang and said, "Since that's the case, I won't persuade General Han anymore." We will lead our army out of Sijin Province tonight. Brother Ma naturally followed me. I hope that General Han will not hinder his brothers who are willing to join the Luoyan Army and not interfere with their choices. We go with the flow, respect the choices of the soldiers, and no one should influence them. What do you think? ”

Han Gang nodded and said, "Of course, the Tao is not the same, but after all, they are brothers who fight side by side, and they will not turn against each other." They will follow you, and I will not stop you. Everyone has their own ambitions, and they can't be forced. ”

Lin Jue arched his hand and said: "General Han is really still a straightforward person, that's it." We'll announce it later, and we'll leave it up to the soldiers to make their own decisions. Hey, I'm actually very conflicted in my heart, and I have a lot to say, but I know that General Han will definitely not listen. But in the end, I would like to give General Han a piece of advice, don't trust the imperial court, always be vigilant, and once you notice something wrong, you must make a decision immediately. The door of my Luoyan Army is open to you at any time, and we will accept you at any time as long as you want to come. ”

Han Gang smiled and said, "Thank you very much." ”

Lin Jue heard that there was no real meaning in his words, and knew that he was just perfunctory, but there was no need to say more. Han Gang didn't want to stay for a long time, and soon after Tuan Tuan gave up, he also quit and left.

After Han Gang left, Ma Bin, Liang Qi and others were scolded. Ma Bin said in a low voice: "Brother Lin, this person is so ignorant, let's just take him and take the command." ”

Ma Qingshan's face changed slightly. Lin Jue waved his hand and said, "No plan, General Han is a friend and not an enemy, how can we do this?" Besides, I, the Luoyan Army, am a teacher of benevolence and righteousness, how can I do such a thing. Doing so will make people criticize and chill the soldiers. ”

Ma Bin smacked his lips and said, "Okay, when I didn't say it, I was just angry, I really can't do this." ”

Ma Qingshan's face returned to calm, and from this moment on, he was finally 100% satisfied with Lin Jue. If Lin Jue decided to do that, he Ma Qingshan would be the first to disagree. Although he and Han Gang made different choices, he would never agree to do it to Han Gang, it was a morally unrighteous move. Lord Lin obviously thought the same way, which made Ma Qingshan even more determined in his choice.

"It's a pity...... General Han is afraid that he will be in trouble after that. Lin Jue sighed.

Sun Dayong asked, "What do you think this Han Gang will do next?" ”

Lin Jue said slowly: "He should go to the imperial court, and take this opportunity to ask the imperial court to march north again." ”

"Stupid, how could the court agree to him? Is this man's brain watered? Sun Dayong scoffed.

Lin Jue shook his head and said, "No, the imperial court will definitely agree to him." ”

"What? Will the court promise him? Why is that? Everyone asked in amazement.

"Because he will still have a lot of soldiers and horses in his hands, the court must not want to fight with him. The court would promise him, deceive him into believing it, and then kill him, take his head and sacrifice it to the Liao people, and ask for the forgiveness of the Liao people. Lin Jue said in a deep voice.

Everyone was stunned and speechless, and Ma Qingshan said in astonishment: "Since Lord Lin knows that this will be the result, why don't you tell him?" ”

Lin Jue smiled bitterly: "Brother Ma thinks he will believe it?" Am I not bitter enough? The more you persuade him, the more he suspects that I am trying to lure him in. As the saying goes, good words are hard to persuade damn ghosts, but I can't do anything about it. Whether he can come to his senses or not depends only on himself. Guys, it's time for us to get ready to leave. This is not a place to stay for long, and I guess there will be soldiers and horses coming soon. ”

"Your Excellency is saying that the Liao people will counterattack?" Sun Dayong said.

Lin Jue sneered: "If it's a Liao, then it's good." I'm afraid it's not the Liao people who came back, but the soldiers and horses of the Great Zhou. Time is pressing, hurry up and prepare. Master Ma went to gather those who were willing to go with us, and we had to get out of here. ”

The soldiers who were immersed in the joy of victory were suddenly poured cold water, and the two generals who led the army suddenly announced that they were going to part ways. One wanted to stay in Xijin Mansion, and the other wanted to defect to the Luoyan Army, and the soldiers had to make a choice. Facts have proved that Han Gang's prestige in the army is much greater than that of Ma Qingshan, or perhaps many people think that the Luoyan Army is a rebel army of the imperial court, and there may not be a good end for following the Luoyan Army, and General Han Gang is going to return to the imperial court, which is also in line with the wishes of many people. Therefore, most people chose to stay with Han Gang. Among the nearly 26,000 people, only more than 5,000 chose to follow Ma Qingshan to join the Luoyan army.

Lin Jue was not surprised by this result. After all, Ma Qingshan is not highly qualified in the Great Zhou Army, and his rise is only a matter of a few months, and he has no real henchmen and generals to support him, and his prestige among the soldiers is not high. Compared with Han Gang, his prestige is obviously not enough. In fact, more than 5,000 people were willing to follow Ma Qingshan to defect to the Luoyan Army, which was beyond Lin Jue's expectations. Lin Jue originally thought that having one or two thousand people was already very good, but it turned out that Ma Qingshan had been recognized by many people in the past few months. Those who are willing to follow Ma Qingshan are basically because of Ma Qingshan's talent and insight, and I believe that his choice will not be wrong.

It seems that Lin Jue has not gained much from this trip, if he can include more than 20,000 people in the establishment of the Luoyan Army, the strength of the Luoyan Army will be greatly increased, and it will reach the scale of nearly 90,000 people. That's already an army capable of doing big things and fighting big battles. It's a pity that there are many good things, and Han Gang's stubbornness made Lin Jue's wish come to naught.

However, Lin Jue was not too disappointed. Although it seems that the main purpose has not been achieved, the peace agreement between the Liao and the Great Zhou has been hit, even if the Great Zhou court will grovel to explain, but I am afraid that the trust between the two sides can no longer be completely repaired. As long as the Liao people's energy can be restrained, so that they cannot encircle and suppress the Jurchens without distraction, it will be beneficial to the overall situation.

Not to mention that this time he took two cities in a row, annihilated more than 40,000 Liao soldiers and horses, and dealt the Liao people a blow to the head. And the significance of this battle is far more than that, the battle to capture Xijin and Zhuozhou will have a role in the Great Zhou army, after the failure of the Northern Expedition, the Great Zhou army was demoralized and fearful of Liao. After this battle, they will regain their confidence, which is potentially beneficial for resisting the Liao attack in the future. Although these things are not tangible and visible things, they are extremely important factors that affect combat effectiveness and cannot be ignored.

But this trip could not be regarded as a success, especially the failure to convince Han Gang, Lin Jue regretted it in his heart. And if Han Gang insists on his opinion, I am afraid that it will not end well, and the more than 20,000 people under him are afraid that it will not end well, which Lin Jue does not want to see. However, everyone is responsible for their own choices, and since Han Gang has made such a choice, he will naturally have to bear the consequences that will follow.

Lin Jue knows the importance of choice, especially in this kind of fateful choice, a wrong choice will ruin everything and will regret it for life. All Lin Jue could do was to regret Han Gang's wrong choice. He must not make a means such as Ma Bin and others suggesting to forcibly take down Han Gang and seize the leadership of the entire army. That's definitely not a good way, and that's not the way Lin Jue acts. Doing so will only intensify the contradictions, and may even trigger a mutiny among most of the generals and soldiers loyal to Han Gang, causing an uncontrollable disturbance.

All in all, there are gains and losses in the north. saved the lives of Ma Qingshan and others, ruined the peace agreement between the Great Zhou and the Liao State to a certain extent, and dealt the Liao people a blow to the head. also got Ma Qingshan and more than 5,000 soldiers and horses, and the harvest was not small. Lin Jue is an optimistic person, he knows that things can never be smooth sailing, life is full of regrets, what he has to do is to face it, not retreat, and find a relatively perfect solution.

……

Sunset. In the late autumn evening, the sun doesn't have much heat. The autumn wind in the evening is already very cold, the jackdaw returns to its nest, and when the twilight gradually rises, the scenery is quite bleak and bleak.

At such a time, Lin Jue and others led thousands of soldiers and horses to leave from the west gate of Xijin Mansion. Han Gang personally sent it outside the West City Gate, and said goodbye to Lin Jue and the others by the moat outside the city.

"Lord Lin, I originally wanted to leave you in the city overnight and leave tomorrow. But I'm afraid that you will be too careful. Although you and I don't have a deep relationship, Han knows that you, Lord Lin, are a humble gentleman and a very capable person. Lord Lin can be said to be my Han Gang's life-saving benefactor, and my Han Gang is not an ungrateful person, so I naturally remember it in my heart. It's just that Han can't do things against his will, so he couldn't promise you. I think Lord Lin will understand and forgive me for this. Han Gang stared at Lin Jue and said softly.

Lin Jue smiled and nodded, "General Han doesn't have to explain, I understand your difficulties." The most difficult thing in this life is to do things against your heart, although I really want General Han to join my Luoyan Army, but I don't do things that go against General Han's heart and force your will. As the saying goes, like-minded people can conspire together for great things. If the aspirations are different, the Tao is different, and it is impossible to conspire with each other. You don't have to take these to heart. Although it is not appropriate for me to point fingers at General Han's future actions at this moment, I still want to give General Han a piece of advice, that is, the imperial court cannot be trusted, and General Han must have a long mind. ”

Han Gang smiled and nodded, "Thank you for your understanding." Han has his own way of doing things, but thank you for your advice. Lord Lin, General Ma, all the generals of the Luoyan Army, I hope you have a smooth journey, and if there is a chance in the future, we will see you again. ”

Everyone bowed their hands in unison, and Lin Jue smiled and said, "General Han cherishes it, and there will be a period later." Let's go. ”

With that, Lin Jue turned the horse's head and whipped away amid the neighing of the war horse. Everyone also turned their horses' heads and spurred their horses, and galloped away closely behind Lin Jue.

Ma Qingshan didn't leave immediately, but stepped forward to try to persuade one last time: "Lord Han, you still think twice......"

Han Gang interrupted him and smiled: "General Ma, it's not early, let's say goodbye, there will be a period later." ”

Ma Qingshan let out a long sigh and said in a dumb voice: "Lord Han is so precious. ”

With that, he gritted his teeth, pulled the reins and turned around, and rode away with his horse. Han Gang sat on the horse and maintained a posture of arching his hands, watching Lin Jue, Ma Qingshan and the others drift away, with a lonely expression on his face.

The sunset is like blood, and the autumn wind is sluggish. The sky became solemn and high, and a line of southbound geese slowly flew across the sky in a zigzag, which should be the last batch of geese returning south this year.

Winter is coming.