In order to take advantage of the opportunity to expand his territory, Li Yan transferred most of the troops preparing to enter Sichuan to Huguang. At the same time, let the troops in Henan and southeastern Shandong go south and take advantage of the chaos to accept the territory.

"Nanzhili is here, don't cross the river first." Li Yan instructed: "Let Huang Desheng be responsible, take advantage of Gao Jie and Liu Zeqing's withdrawal of troops, and take over Jiangbei." In the area of Huguang and Jiangxi, let Chen Yongfu and Zhou He be responsible, and try to take down Zuo Liangyu's territory, at least Wuchang. ”

Li Zhong was a little worried: "It's too hasty, we are not ready." ”

"Mess up." Li Yan is quite confident: "Gao Jie and Liu Zeqing both retreated south in a hurry, and the garrison where the remnants of Ming stayed is not our opponent." Li Zicheng suddenly went south, and it was not only Zuo Liangyu who was nervous, but also Zhang Xianzhong. At this time, no one is well prepared, relying on the combat effectiveness of the troops. Let the logistics department pay close attention to the dispatch of materials and ammunition, and then recruit a part of the people, so that the soldiers who go out on the expedition will not be short of food and ammunition. ”

"I suggest that the people of Shanxi and Shaanxi be recruited." Li Zhong saw that Li Yan had made up his mind, so he had to suggest: "These two places have just been won, and the fields have not been fully distributed, so it is acceptable to delay some agricultural time, but it is not good to delay other places." ”

Li Yan nodded in agreement: "Okay, you decide." Then he asked, "What's the news in the northwest?" ”

Niu Chenghu and others in the northwest knew that Li Yan was attacking Shaanxi, but they really raised troops to create Li Zicheng's rebellion, and suddenly attacked Li Zicheng's descendants in the northwest, and wiped out a lot of Li Zicheng's descendants. But it's been more than two months, and I don't want to express my intention to serve Li Yan.

"There is no news, the people we sent have not returned." Li Zhong replied disappointedly.

Li Yan nodded and sneered: "It seems that they want to wait for the price and sell." Then let them hang out first, let Zhao Datong pay attention, and continue to strictly control the flow of grain to the northwest. ”

Li Zhong hesitated for a moment and persuaded, "Let's find a time to set the matter of ascending the throne." You see that now, Li Zicheng, Zhang Xianzhong, and Zhu Yousong are all kings of a country, and you are wearing the name of a generalissimo, as if others are not at ease. ”

Li Yan smiled casually and said: "Their little strength, that little bit of territory, even if they call the emperor the founding of the country, they are just addicted." If it weren't for the Qing Kingdom in the north, I would have gone south a long time ago, and they would not be allowed to call themselves lonely and widowed. ”

Li Zhong shook his head helplessly, they had already talked about the matter of being the emperor several times, but Li Yan did not agree. However, he knew that what Li Yan said was also true, if there was no Qing State, those people in the south would indeed not be very strong opponents. However, for the Qing State, they are not sure of victory, and they can only strictly defend the Great Wall at present. The Qing State was also obedient and did not dare to invade on a large scale, but often organized troops to attack and harass at the pass of the Great Wall, pinning down their 200,000 troops.

"Let the border troops be vigilant, and don't let the enemy cause trouble in our rear." Li Yan reminded again.

Li Yan's arrangement here is relaxed, but Zuo Mengeng in Jiujiang is confused, like falling into an ice cellar.

Just the day before yesterday, on the night of the third day of the capture of Jiujiang, his father, the Ming Ning Nanhou, the supreme commander of the Qing army, Zuo Liangyu, died suddenly. I don't know what the disease is, but it came in a hurry, and he didn't even have a chance to be treated, and his father died.

Now this army is under the banner of the Qing monarch's side, and it is already an enemy of the Ming Dynasty, and it is followed by Li Zicheng's 100,000 Dashun army. This is not counting, Jiangbei will definitely not dare to go, I heard that Li Yan's troops have begun to go south, but there is still Zhang Xianzhong's Great Western Army in the south, and there is also a part of the Ming army. They are now caught in the middle of several forces, unable to move, and now there is no leader, of course, it makes people panic.

Zuo Mengeng didn't dare to make a noise, but quietly notified Jin Shengheng, who had the closest relationship with him. After the two conspired for a long time, they told Hao Xiaozhong, Li Guoying and other generals about Zuo Liangyu's sudden death.

He didn't call the people back directly, but directly told them the truth, and then invited these generals to come to Jiujiang City to discuss. Although he has the seal of the general of the Ping thief, although he is the son of Zuo Liangyu, but after all, his qualifications are still shallow, and he has no military achievements, even if he brings the generals under his father's command over, even if he suddenly kills the people with two hearts, he may not be able to control the army. So he made this decision after discussing with Jin Shengheng.

In Zuo Liangyu's mourning hall, everyone sat silently. The words of mourning and change have been said for a long time, and now they are worried about their own future.

"Uncles," Zuo Mengeng was politely a little humble, and arched his hand: "My father passed away suddenly, and I didn't explain everything in the future. Now I invite you uncles to come over, I just want to discuss with them, what should we do next? ”

The crowd looked at each other and said nothing. Although they came after receiving the news, it was also a matter of the front and back, and they were also full of shock and confusion.

Jin Shengheng took the lead and said: "As the saying goes, a snake can't do without a head, and the army is chaotic without an owner." Let's elect the leader in front of the Hou Ye now. You don't mean to go your own way, do you? You all know where we are now. Li Zicheng was chasing behind, and the Hongguang Imperial Court might not be able to stop it. However, Li Yan's troops had also moved south, and Li Zicheng was not an opponent. Instead of bowing to those who are doomed, it is better for us to work together to lay a piece of the world and sell it for a good price in the future. ”

When Jin Shengheng said this, everyone really felt that it made sense. Although there are many forces in the south, it is really possible to dominate the world, and the most likely one should be Li Yan in Jiangbei. Instead of descending and descending and being a despicable slave with three surnames, it is better to wait for Li Yan to get a good position when he comes.

"Everyone," Jin Shengheng saw that everyone was a little moved, so he continued: "I think the young marshal is the most suitable. When the handsome man is here, he is kind and righteous to us. Since we followed the commander, there is no shortage of food and salary, and we have made a lot of contributions, compared to other troops who can't even eat enough, I don't know how much more leisurely. After the young marshal takes charge, he will definitely inherit his father's will, and as always, lead everyone to live a more comfortable life and get a better future. ”

Everyone looked at Zuo Mengeng, who was dressed in filial piety.

Zuo Mengeng hurriedly said: "I can be inappropriate for this family, but with the banner of Qingjun's side, I think we have to fight." If we can conquer Nanjing before Li Yan crosses the river, Li Yan should not hesitate to reward the prince. As for Li Zicheng, as long as he can block him for a few days, there shouldn't be many problems, right? ”

Hao Xiaozhong was the first to stand up, clasped his fists and said, "What the young marshal said is right. I think the young marshal can be this family. ”

With one person taking the lead, everyone else also stood up one after another and elected Zuo Mengeng as the leader. In fact, there is no way to do this, if it is in a relatively relaxed environment, a fire fight should be indispensable, but unfortunately now that the enemy is around, they really dare not fight.

Zuo Mengeng is not hypocritical, and hugs his fists to the generals: "Menggeng must do his best to lead everyone to fight for a good future and live up to your high expectations." ”

At this time, his heart was full of fear, and his chest was full of pride. The descendants have all mastered it, and those who were later incorporated are naturally not a problem. With this 100,000 army in hand, the future of wealth and wealth should be captured.

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