(2-in-1)

On the third day after conquering Huguan, Wang Yuan led 3,000 cavalry to finally walk out of the rugged official road in the Taihang Mountain Gorge. The reason why it took one day longer than the original time was very simple, the first reason was because Li Xin'er's arrow wound was serious, and Wang Yuan had to stay for one more day.

Li Xin'er's arrow wound was an injury that penetrated the shoulder blade, which was a serious injury, although the wound medicine and Gongsun Lan's secret medicine were used, but this injury could not be healed easily. Therefore, in order to recover from his injuries and withstand the bumps in the journey behind, Wang Yuan still took the risk and made the decision to stay in Huguan for one more day.

Of course, Li Xin'er's injury was not the only reason why the army stayed for an extra day, and the other reason was that Wang Yuan hoped to take the opportunity to demolish the two central walls of Huguan. The reason for this is very simple, it is impossible for Wang Yuan to send troops to stay here, as soon as he leaves, Huguan will soon fall into the hands of the enemy again. Although the Huguan was broken in his own hands, he had to admit that the defense system of this pass was very strong and unique, and it would inevitably cost a huge amount to recapture the Huguan in the future. Rather than suffer here in the future, it is better to destroy its defense system now and prepare for the future.

So, the soldiers and horses worked together to demolish the arrow towers and stone houses on the two high walls. The walls are made of granite and bluestone, so they cannot be destroyed. Wang Yuan had people pile up firewood in the city gate holes under the two high walls and burn them violently until the burning rocks cracked and collapsed, breaking the two high walls alive into two huge gaps. In a short period of time, it will be impossible to restore the wall to its original state.

In the other passes, all the defense points were destroyed, but everything that could be destroyed was also wantonly destroyed, and the defense system of Huguan was destroyed in pieces. At the time when Wang Yuan led the army to leave, the 7788 that had been destroyed in Huguan, although it was still in the dragon pan, but it was in vain, and it was no longer the name of Xiongguan. The gates on the east and west sides were smashed, the gate towers burned down, the walls collapsed, and the arrow towers were razed, leaving only an empty shell of bluestone.

In the early morning of July 29, Wang Yuan and his 3,000 personal guards finally arrived at the exit of the Taihang Mountain Gorge. Looking out from afar, the scene in front of you and the road to the west of Taihang Mountain are like two different worlds. To the west of Taihang, there are many hills and mountains, and the terrain is undulating. However, the land of Shandong in front of you is a plain area with a flat river.

Everyone was in a good mood, it has been 11 days since they set off from Puzhou, and the road they have traveled is rough and uneven terrain, and everyone has had enough. Now that they can finally see the endless plains beyond the mountains, how can they not make the soldiers feel comfortable. Even the horses seemed to sense the ability to gallop and show their majesty, and they were restless, kicking and waging their tails.

Before leaving the valley, Wang Yuan gathered everyone to discuss the itinerary. Almost all the generals of the Pro-Guard Army were in favor of no longer going out day and night, but rushing to the plains in one go. Wang Yuan actually thought so. The Dongzhou County of Taihang Mountain is dense, unlike the rush that can go out day and night when you come, so as to avoid the exposure of your whereabouts. Here, as soon as the 3,000 army appeared, I was afraid that it would be immediately discovered by the rebels. Concealment has become unlikely.

But if you rush to Plains County with great fanfare, it will have two consequences. One of them was that they were discovered by the rebels in Xiangzhou, Xingzhou, near the left, and Weizhou in the east, and they were bound to be intercepted and fought. Second, if they relied on the mobility of the cavalry to rush out of the soldiers and horses in the state capital in front of them to intercept and encircle, it would actually attract them to Plains City. If a large number of rebels attacked the city under the plains, would they have to suffer from a flank attack?

Relatively. Wang Yuan is more worried about the latter possibility. The last thing Wang Yuan wanted was that his ass was followed by a large number of rebel soldiers and horses, and he had to attract them to Plains City. Although his cavalry is not afraid of siege and can be evacuated at any time, but in that case, not only did he not save Yan Zhenqing, but he was trapped.

Wang Yuan pondered for a moment, and then he made a decision. And this decision almost made everyone's jaws drop.

"I don't think we need to rush to Plains City too quickly, since we have reached the hinterland of the rebels, and it is a land of plains, which is conducive to our cavalry fighting, how can we not show our skills. So, I have an idea. Why don't we simply sweep in the area of Xiangzhou, Xingzhou, and Weizhou, and give them a surprise and bloom in their stomachs? ”

Everyone looked at Wang Yuan silently, thinking in their hearts: "I'm afraid only you think so." If you want to take the initiative to attack the state capital in this area, just rely on these 3,000 cavalry? Isn't this a fool's dream? Said that he was going to save Yan Zhenqing, what about saving Pingyuan City? ”

Wang Yuan looked at everyone's stunned expressions and smiled: "What? You all think I'm crazy, don't you? I'm not crazy, I have my reasons. ”

"I'd love to hear your reasoning." Gongsun Lan frowned.

Wang Yuan said with a smile: "Do you think how many soldiers and horses can the rebels garrison in these state capitals?" I think these inland capitals have no more than three or five thousand garrisons. These three to five thousand men are scattered in several state capitals, and they are no match for us at all. But if they join forces, once the soldiers and horses of several state capitals and counties are gathered together, at least there are 10,000 or 20,000 people, it will be a threat to us. ”

Everyone nodded one after another, and what the big man said was true. The rebel army of three or five thousand was not a threat in the eyes of the three thousand personal guard cavalry. But with 10,000 or 20,000 soldiers and horses, that's a bit enough. If you are entangled, you will definitely suffer a lot of casualties.

"We can ignore them and rush straight to Plains County, our feet are fast, and they can't catch up. But think about it, when they learn that we have come in by surprise, how will they not gather their men and horses to chase after them? If they follow and chase down the Plains City, and we fail to relieve the siege of the Plains City in time, we will be caught in front of and behind. Rather than that, we might as well take them by surprise and strike them all down before they know that we are here. If this can be done, it will be a blow to the rebels and destroy their prestige. It will also allow us to calmly rush to Plains City, and have enough time to relieve the siege of Plains before the other rebels arrive for reinforcements. What do you think? Wang Yuan smiled.

The generals suddenly realized, Zhao Qing's eyes lit up, and he clenched his fists and said: "What the marshal said is extremely true, let's have a blitzkrieg and destroy these cities in one fell swoop." If this can be done, the name of our Divine Guard Battalion will be resounding all over the world. ”

Tan Ping also laughed and said: "When the big marshal said this, his despicable position was really boiling. . The marshal gives the order. ”

Feng Wang Li Heng also nodded again and again, Wang Yuan looked at him with a smile and said, "Lord Feng, do you also think this plan is feasible?" ”

Li Heng nodded and said, "It's really surprising to hear the marshal's proposal just now, but after the marshal analyzed it just now, I think it's a good plan again." Although I still think that this is a bit radical and risky, after following Marshal Wang for so many days, I also understand the truth, some things just need to be risky, and it is difficult to achieve great things with fear. Idlers in the market often say: Wealth and danger are sought. I think that's right. ”

Wang Yuan laughed and said, "King Feng means that I have the wealth I got today because of adventure, right?" ”

Li Heng hurriedly waved his hand and said, "No, no, I mean ......"

Wang Yuan waved his hand and smiled: "There is no need to explain, it is naturally wishful thinking to want to be rich but not to take risks." That's fine. So, since everyone has no opinion, then we are ready to do it. Since it is a blitzkrieg, it must be successful with lightning speed, and there must be no mud and water. The first target is the nearest Xiangzhou Zhizhi Yecheng. I'll just say one principle, take the city, kill the enemy, and then don't stop, directly attack the next city, and don't let the enemy have the slightest time to react. For the next day and night you will spend the rest on horseback, without any time to rest, so I hope that you will make the most of this last time to feed the horses and drink, for you will have no time for these things. ”

……

On the afternoon of 28 July, a group of several hundred people arrived in Chang'an. It was the holy decree of An Lushan, the solemn bearer, who came to announce the decree to Shi Siming. Shi Siming didn't know Yan Zhuang's intention, and thought that An Lushan was sent to investigate the defense of Chang'an City, but he didn't take it to heart.

However, inside the Vermilion Bird Gate of the Imperial City, after solemnly reading An Lushan's holy decree, it was suddenly poured on Shi Siming's head like a scoop of cold water, and Shi Siming was drenched in cold at once. Shi Siming, who was stunned, actually forgot to shout long live the decree after solemnly reading out the holy decree, but knelt on the ground in a daze, his brows twisted into a pimple.

"Marshal Shi, Marshal Shi? Thank you. Yan Zhuang reminded with a smile, and Shi Chaoyi, who was kneeling beside Shi Siming, was also busy pulling Shi Siming's robe to remind.

Shi Siming came back to his senses and shouted long live, but he did not answer. After getting up, he said in a deep voice: "Yan Zhuang, I can't accept this holy decree, I need some folds for Your Majesty, please confirm this matter for Your Majesty." ”

Yan Zhuang frowned and said, "Confirm what?" ”

"To confirm whether Your Majesty really wants to transfer 100,000 soldiers and horses, I want to ask Your Majesty if you don't plan to take Chang'an City? He divided half of my soldiers and horses at once, how can I defend Chang'an City? Doesn't Your Majesty know that more than 100,000 enemy troops around Chang'an City are eyeing each other and may attack at any time? How can Your Majesty do this? I'm going to ask for clarification. If Your Majesty really doesn't want Chang'an, then it's nothing. Slowly, if it is 100,000 soldiers, it means that all 200,000 soldiers and horses will be pulled away by you, and I will not let out half a fart. Shi Siming waved his hand excitedly, and the more he talked, the more excited he became.

Yan Zhuang frowned and said, "Marshal Shi, what are you doing?" The decree is clear. The dispatch of 100,000 soldiers and horses this time is to carry out the strategy of attacking the south. His Majesty hopes to be able to capture the southeastern provinces and cut off the supply of money and grain to the Tang Dynasty court in Shu. You knew this a few months ago, and didn't you actively approve of it? Why has it changed again now? ”

Shi Siming said angrily: "When did I change my hexagram? Of course, I agree with the imperial court's strategy of attacking the south, and that is something that must be done. But attacking the south, but to transfer 100,000 soldiers and horses from my hands, how do you want me to defend Chang'an? Yan Zhuang, if it were you, what would you think? I made a military order in front of His Majesty, didn't I force me to die? ”

Yan Zhuang smiled and said, "Is it so serious there?" The situation is clear to us, Wang Yuan's Shence Army has indeed been active around Chang'an recently. But after all, they were afraid of the prestige of the marshal and did not dare to act rashly. Don't worry about the surrounding small states and counties, as long as you hold Chang'an. Chang'an City is well defended, well prepared, and Marshal Shi is in charge, so it must not be lost. ”

"You said it easily, it was me who made the military order, not you? Chang'an is lost, will you take the blame for me? Shi Siming said angrily.

The smile on Yan Zhuang's face disappeared, and his expression became very serious.

"Marshal Shi, the old man asked you. Two months ago, how many soldiers and horses did you lead to attack Shu. ”

"What is this, you ask? Didn't you ask knowingly? Want to uncover my scars? Shi Siming shouted.

Yan Zhuang said coldly: "Marshal Shi, don't go too far. I am here to proclaim the decree, and if you don't accept the decree, you will resist the decree, do you know? You and I are both old people around Your Majesty, and I don't want to make things out of control. 100,000 soldiers and horses are enough to guard Chang'an, and Wang Yuan's 60,000 soldiers and horses held Tongzhou, but you attacked with an army of 180,000 at that time, are you embarrassed to say that you can't hold Chang'an now? The defense of Chang'an City is ten times stronger than Tongzhou, and you still have 100,000 elite soldiers in your hands, as well as hundreds of thousands of people to assist, are you embarrassed to say that you can't hold Chang'an City? If you don't think you have the ability to guard Chang'an, I'm willing to give it a try. If I, Yan, come to guard Chang'an, I will be impregnable. ”

Shi Siming was speechless by Yan Zhuang's cold words, especially those words about Tongzhou, which were indeed as he said. Wang Yuan only used 60,000 soldiers and horses to defend Tongzhou, and he defeated himself and returned, and he really had no reason to say that he couldn't defend Chang'an.

But this is actually not the point, Shi Siming is just talking about things through Chang'an Shouyu, he is actually most unhappy about being divided into troops, but he can't say it explicitly.

"If you are willing to guard Chang'an, I will be idle. I immediately wrote a fold to Your Majesty, go back to Pinglu to retire, and you, Mr. Yan, will come to guard Chang'an. Shi Siming smacked his lips.

Yan Zhuang said in a deep voice: "Marshal Shi, Your Majesty trusts you so much, how can you be like this?" If you feel that there is any difficulty, you can bring it up, and Your Majesty has said it, but you will be satisfied with what you have mentioned. But you must let me take these 100,000 soldiers and horses, because I am going to attack the southern state capital. Once I incorporate all the southern state capitals into the territory of my Great Yan Kingdom, the effect will be immediate. The supply of money and food to the Tang Dynasty court was cut off, and their soldiers and horses could only shrink back, and at that time, they didn't even want to touch a brick in Chang'an City, and they were all gray and out. At that time, I will return the army to the marshal, and the marshal will raise troops and horses, raise hundreds of thousands of heavy troops and attack Shu again, and be ashamed of blood, isn't it what the marshal wants? ”

Shi Siming's eyes rolled, pondered for a moment, and suddenly a smile appeared on his face. He said with a smile: "What Mr. Yan said is very true, people say that Mr. Yan is the reincarnation of Zhang Zifang, and it is really not a lie." After listening to Mr. Yan's words, it is better to read a century-old book. I was so confused just now that I couldn't turn the corner for a while. I have always thought about finding a chance to fight Wang Yuan, so as soon as I heard that I had divided 100,000 troops, I was a little anxious. In fact, the southern expedition is a plan to draw wages from the bottom of the kettle, and it can also defeat the enemy army, so why should I give up the easy and difficult? Or what you just said. When the southern state capital was occupied and Li Longji's money and food were cut off, Wang Yuan's soldiers and horses could only retreat to Shu. Until then, I just need to stick to Chang'an. ”

Yan Zhuang said with a smile: "It turns out that the marshal is thinking of fighting Wang Yuan to the death, no wonder it's no wonder, our words are all different, and this is the right way." Then this decree ......'

Shi Siming knelt down and raised his hands high, and said loudly: "Minister Shi Siming is grateful." Long live His Majesty the Emperor Xiongwu of the Great Yan Kingdom, long live! ”

Yan Zhuang smiled and placed the holy decree in Shi Siming's raised palm.

……

Yan Zhuang was arranged to rest, and the transfer of 100,000 soldiers and horses was not a one-time success, and it would take at least a day or two to complete the preparation, so Yan Zhuang could only stay and wait.

In the imperial city, the public housing compound of the former Tang Dynasty Political Affairs Hall has now become Shi Siming's generalissimo mansion. Originally, someone suggested that Shi Siming live directly in the imperial city and find a palace as the marshal's mansion, but Shi Siming was not stupid, and beat the person who suggested it half to death to show his attitude.

At this moment, Shi Siming was sitting in the public room drinking tea with his eyes gloomy. He took the teacup and drank it one after the other, his throat rattling and swallowing, and his face was cloudy, like the sky before a storm. Shi Siming, who knew about this matter among the subordinate officials and servants, couldn't be provoked, so they hid outside, exchanging glances with each other in fear, hoping that there would not really break out into a storm.

The light in front of the door dimmed, Shi Chaoyi's figure appeared at the door, and the officials hurriedly stepped forward to give their hands. Shi Chaoyi frowned and said, "What about my father?" ”

"Inside, I'm in a very bad mood, as if I'm about to get angry and scold, the eldest prince persuades." An official pointed to the sly look inside.

Shi Chaoyi said: "I'll take a look." With that, he walked to the door of the back room and pushed the door in.

"Get out, who let you in?" Shi Siming's scolding rang out. Several subordinate officials outside couldn't help but laugh, covering their mouths and snickering. This eldest prince is too easy to deceive, trick him into going in and scolding, and he really went. This method has been tried and tested time and again.

"Father, it's a child. Father, don't be angry, the child knows that you are not happy, if you scold me to make your father angry, then Father will scold. Shi Chaoyi said in a low voice.

Shi Siming was on the verge of an outbreak, but he couldn't scold anymore when he heard this.

"That's it, what's the point of scolding you?