In September of the first year of Yan Ping, Pei's army went to Pingyang.

In fact, on the way, he had already heard that Liu Yang had won a big victory on the front line and completely expelled Shi Hu's forces from Taiyuan and Xihe counties, but the treasury of the two counties was empty, the people were displaced, and the situation could not be said to be under my control. Therefore, he ordered the two counties of Pingyang and Hedong to store all the grain for the annexation of the state, and then transferred grain from Guanzhong to enrich Pingyang and Hedong.

Pei Gai stayed in Pingyang City for seven days, mobilizing grain and materials, and was so busy that he forgot to sleep and eat. It wasn't until seven days later that he ordered someone to release the imprisoned Peng Xiao and bring it to him - on the one hand, he didn't have time to deal with that guy for the time being, and on the other hand, he also wanted Peng Ziqin to suffer a few more days of sins and reflect on it.

Although Peng Xiao was detained by Liu Yang, he was not very afraid at first, because he knew how heavy his weight was, and it was estimated that Da Sima would not want his own life. Besides, although the "General Cannon" not only failed to perform, but almost led to the loss of Pingyang, which is indeed a big crime, it is ...... After all, Pingyang City is safe and sound, isn't it? then cast himself into a "general cannon", even if there is no merit, there is hard work, and the merit is just a big deal.

When he heard that Pei Gai had arrived in Pingyang, Peng Xiao couldn't help but be overjoyed: "Oh, I will have to get out of prison!" But after waiting for several days, Pei Cai didn't pay attention to him at all, as if he had completely forgotten this person, and Peng Ziqin panicked. Hurriedly asked for a pen and paper, and made a detailed statement about the process of casting the "general cannon" and defending the city with it, and then sincerely apologized, asked for forgiveness, and wrote more than 4,000 words for someone to present to Pei Gai for viewing.

Finally, Pei Cai summoned him, and when they met, he scolded him sharply: "Do you know your guilt?!" ”

Peng Xiao prostrated himself and said: "The last official is guilty, he knows the crime, and I hope that the big Sima will be magnanimous and forgive the last official......"

Pegai asked him, "If you know, what is your sin?" ”

Peng Xiao's eyes rolled wildly, and he stammered and replied: "Since the last official was ordered to build a 'general cannon', he moved to defend the city without repeated auditions; ”

Pei Gai sneered: "Things can hurt the enemy, but they can hurt themselves, and you didn't deal with gunpowder on the first day, so you don't know how to be cautious?" Such frivolous and negligent as thou shalt were, that if I do not kill thee, I shall die of thyself of creation! ”

Peng Xiaolian pleaded guilty. Pei Gai's expression softened slightly, and said: "Guanru's performance, in his own shortcomings, but also deeply reflective, if you lie and pretend, then I will not spare you!" ”

Peng Xiaoxin said that listening to Da Sima's words, it seems that he has the intention of sparing me, it's okay, it's okay. Fortunately, he carefully analyzed the situation, and secretly speculated about Da Sima's temperament, and the words of the article were quite sincere, and he didn't dare to pretend to be wrong...... Because this time it is the general Liu Yang who detains himself, if he tries to clear his name, then the responsibility will inevitably fall on Liu Yang, if you compare yourself with Liu Yang, who do you think Da Sima trusts more?

Although Peng Ziqin made gunpowder for Pei Gai and cast cannons, the relevant formulas and processes were all ordered to be recorded in detail for the record. Therefore, even if Pei Gai was ruthless and really killed Peng Xiao, the gunpowder and artillery skills would not be lost...... From this, he guessed that it was necessary for Da Sima to keep his own life, but did it make the general Liu Yang suspicious?

When he was first imprisoned, he really wanted to shirk his responsibility, and even planned to bite Liu Yang back. But Pei should have dried him for a few more days, and finally made Peng Ziqin wake up - after all, this person is still smart - he feels that he has offended the general in the army, so in front of the superiors, it is better to correct his attitude and honestly admit his mistakes, otherwise I am afraid that it will be difficult to escape this knife!

Sure enough, after Pei Gai read Peng Xiao's letter of plea, he completely eliminated the idea of killing him - of course, the original murderous intent was not very deep, and the accident caused by the trial production of a new weapon after all was tolerable to a certain extent, and Pingyang was not lost because of this - not only that, but he also calmly admitted his mistake to Peng Xiao: "Although you reported that the cannon had been completed, I did not verify it, so I ordered you to help defend the city, and this is also ......my fault."

Considering that Peng Xiao has been imprisoned for nearly two months, he should also be taught a lesson, Pei Cainai is no longer seriously responsible, but just demoted him to one level and fined him for three months, thinking that it is just a small punishment and a big punishment.

After the army was completely expelled from Pingyang County, Wang Ze mobilized manpower to dig out the cannon that had fallen into the city wall, and another cannon was also removed from the city, all of which were placed on the flat ground in the city. Pei felt that there was not much need to continue experimenting with this kind of cannon: after all, it was too heavy, and if it were to be used in the field, even if enough vehicles could be built to carry it, there were few roads in China that could really afford it; And what if the city is guarded by money? Even the thick walls of Pingyang can't support it, let alone other cities?

Therefore, he ordered Peng Xiao to transport the two "military cannons" back to the workshop near Jiangyi, melt down the transformation of the "tiger squat", and send the casting process of the related "general cannons", all the processes and parameters, to be sent back to Chang'an to be closely preserved, so as to restart the project when the time is ripe in the future. Peng Ziqin retreated.

After disposing of Peng Xiao, Pei should rest for one night, and then set off to continue northward to Jinyang. Liu Yang brought Xu Xian, Guo Yin and other suburbs to greet him, Pei Gai comforted Xu and Guo and other officials, and rewarded the meritorious generals, and hurriedly lived for several days.

At this time, Liu Yang had already come out of all directions, recruiting all counties, and finally except for Xinxing County to govern Jiuyuan, all counties took the initiative to change banners. In Jiuyuan City, after Beigong Chun led thousands of "Liangzhou horses" to the city for an armed parade, the big households in the city also changed, killed the remaining generals and opened the city gate. It's just that because of the shortage of grain and materials, thieves have risen in various counties, and the public security situation is very grim.

Pei should have ordered Chang'an to select competent Fumin officials to go north to help Liu Yang and others, but before those officials arrived, he had to help Liu Yang share part of the work and responsibilities. Fortunately, according to Liu Yang's report, he still has some talents in civil co-ordination, and this history of the state is quite competent. Therefore, Pei Gai still made the continuation of Xian's pastoral and state, and played the imperial court, and ordered his duties; However, he transferred Guo Yin to the county guard of Xihe.

Guo Yin went from the county to the county, so naturally he would not refuse. As for Pei Cai's consideration, the Guo family is in Bingzhou, especially in Taiyuan County, the power is too great, after this anyway, the dependents are even more endless, if he is still left in Jinyang, I am afraid it will cause a big tail. You'd better go to Xihe for the time being, and when the state is stabilized, I'll find an opportunity to blast you farther.

Chen An and Yao Yi Zhongtun troops to prepare for Leping and Shangdang's army, and news came that the enemy soldiers in the two counties were building fortifications on the territory and doing a solid defensive situation, depending on the situation, they should not go east in the short term and seek to recover Taiyuan and Xihe. Pei Gai asked Liu Yang, Xu Xian and others: "When the harvest is over, Shi Le will move troops again, but will he pay attention to the Eastern Front, or will he reinforce Leping and Shangdang to restore Jinyang?" How do you judge? ”

Xu Xian said: "Shi Le has always been fierce, and Shi Hu is his nephew, and he has great expectations and a lot of trust. When the last official thought about it, he would most likely come west with the whole army, thinking that Shi Hu would wash away his shame. ”

Liu Yang also said: "Grandpa is seriously ill, the Chinese army is uncontrolled, I am afraid that I will not be able to go out and kill thieves this autumn, then Shile will not worry about the east, or will come to the west, and the governor of the capital must not be guarded." After a pause, he said: "If he has the strength to spare, he may also make a big plan to attack the enemy, in order to pull out the sores in Hebei." ”

Pei Gai nodded and said, "What Qing and the others said is reasonable. Leping and Shangdang are mountainous, easy to defend but difficult to attack; However, since Leping and going to the west, you can easily enter the level. If Shilego sends a large army, the terrain will not be in my favor. Therefore, Tao Sima said early that it is best to merge the state in one fell swoop, if you are not allowed to join the party, I am afraid that Taiyuan will not be able to be safe. ”

But after a pause, he smiled again: "However, from Xiangguo to the party, the separation is too good, the military behavior is difficult, and the material transfer is even more difficult. If Shi Le dares to attack me, he will inevitably lose a lot of money in terms of his national strength, but if I can hold on to Jinyang and other cities and thwart their momentum, then the thieves will inevitably disintegrate the ice and sell it, and it will not be enough to be peaceful! With a wave of his hand: "Okay, I'm here for me, waiting for the thief to come!" ”

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Pei Gai's conjecture is partly accurate, that is, if the Dafa army passes through Leping and Shangdang and tries to recover the western part of the state, then the long and bumpy march route and transportation route can really exhaust Shile and vomit blood. Shi Le, including Zhang Bin and Zhang Jing, was precisely thinking of this that he could only pinch his nose and was forced to accept the situation that the state was half a person.

As long as the two counties of Leping and Shangdang are firmly guarded, they will be able to maintain the momentum of Jinyang's high position, and once the situation is opened elsewhere, or the national strength is enhanced, there will always be a chance to reunite in a big way. At present, it is not yet time - Zhang Bin suggested taking the defensive for the time being, and Zhang Jing suggested that Shi Le make a thunderous blow to cover Luoyang.

Eventually, Schler adopted Zhang Jing's suggestion, and the war machine was in full swing. He set a date for the invasion of Jin, but the specific direction of attack - whether it was Bingzhou, Hanoi, Yanzhou, or Leling - was only with Zhang Jing, Cheng Yao and other secret discussions, and refused to leak it easily.

In addition, Shi Le also sent envoys to the west, looking for Shi Hu's traces everywhere and summoning him to return to the court. Eventually, the envoy found Shi Hu in Yiyang County, Leping Kingdom, and after Shi Hu received the will, he left behind a large army—in fact, there were less than 5,000 people left—and returned to Xiangguo with only a hundred subordinates.

When we arrived at the city of Xiangguo, it was already dark and the city gates were closed. Shi Hu called to open the city gate, and because it was too late to see him, he returned to his mansion first. When the princess Guo heard the news, she hurriedly came to greet her, and when she arrived in the courtyard, Shi Hu strode in.

Guo Shi greeted her and saluted, Shi Hu was angry when he saw her, and immediately shouted violently: "It's all your brother who hurt me, do you still have the face to see me?!" Jinyang has fallen, and Cherry now doesn't know life and death, this can take advantage of your intentions, right?! ”

Guo Shi argued: "The defeat of Pingyang and Taiyuan, the king is the main general, and he should be held responsible, how can it be said that my brother was killed?" As for the Zheng family, he fled with others the day before yesterday without a trace, how did he fall in Jinyang? I really don't know, what is the so-called taking advantage? ”

Shi Hu was furious, and immediately flew up with a kick, hitting Guo's heart, kicking his wife and rolling into the corner. The slaves, concubines, and others rushed to save each other, but Shi Huli ignored them, returned to the bedroom, took off his boots and coat, and sat on the mat for a long time and sulked - and he had to think about how to defend himself when he saw Shi Le tomorrow.

After a long while, listening to the chickens and dogs jumping outside, Shi Hu couldn't help but shout: "I've been back for a long time, why don't I know how to send water and food?" Is this how the Guo family governs?! ”

Only then did the servant have the courage to report outside the door with trepidation: "Great, great...... The king's divine power, the princess can't help it, has ...... It's gone! ”

When Shi Hu heard this, he was startled, and hurriedly ran out to look, and sure enough, Guo's face was bloodless, and his body was cold...... The family rescued them for a long time, but it was difficult to return to the sky, and they did not dare to report to Shi Hu, so they have been delayed until now. Shi Hu couldn't help but pause, and then said: "Today's affairs, if anyone dares to leak it, they will be killed!" Externally, he said that this woman died of heartache and death...... Find the coffin first, hurry into the burial, nail it, no one is allowed to peep! And wait for the funeral tomorrow morning, and inform the Kwok ......"

He has always regarded human life as a mustard, even at home, when will he not kill one or two slaves and even concubines? Everyone is accustomed to it, and they are even more afraid of its might, if he says that it must not be leaked, no one dares to reveal a trace of rumors. It's just that today's events are different from the past, Concubine Guo has a foundation and backers after all, and there are many slaves and maids brought from her mother's family around her, just because Shi Hu failed to learn about this in time, the ban was issued a step late, and as a result, some slaves and maids escaped from the house and went to report Guo Ao.

When Guo's father and son heard the news, they all beat their chests and feet, and scolded Shi Hu with their halberd fingers. Guo Quan said: "If the king of heaven refuses to kill this fang in front of the army, his majesty will see it tomorrow, and he is afraid that his heart will be soft and it will be difficult to make a decision, so he will let this fang live...... Why don't I wait for this and then order troops to go, kill this fang and avenge my sister! ”

Guo Ao also said angrily: "When I raised troops with the King of Heaven, I didn't hear of this animal, but now I dare to kill my daughter, this revenge is not avenged, and I am in vain!" He immediately ordered the tribe and the family to gather urgently. Mrs. Guo pulled her sleeves and persuaded: "After all, in the national capital, how can adults use troops without permission?" I'll wait until I rush into the palace to report to His Majesty......"

Guo Ao's eyes widened angrily, his beard was raised, and he said hatefully: "This is my daughter, that is his nephew, how can he kill his nephew for my daughter?" Why don't I kill the little animal first, and then go to apologize to the king!" ”

So the father, son, and four brothers immediately lit more than 300 soldiers, lit torches, and went straight to the Taiyuan Palace. When the soldiers patrolling the streets saw this, they didn't dare to stop them, and hurriedly reported them layer by layer, and finally Shi Le was awakened in his sleep and asked, "What's the big deal, disturbing me at night?" I heard the reply say: "General Guo led his troops to attack the king of Taiyuan!" Shi Le couldn't help but be shocked: "Isn't this old man crazy?!" "Urgently summon the forbidden army and go to relieve the fight between the two families.