The four of them sat down and drank wine over simple vegetables and vegetables. Pen, fun, pavilion www. biquge。 infoThe sixteen-year-old daughter Red is indeed mellow and intense. After a few glasses of wine, the faces of the four of them turned slightly red, and they were a little drunk.

Wang Yuan smacked his lips and praised: "Good wine, good wine." It is no wonder that people say that sake is the fragrance of aging, and ordinary sake has become so mellow and strong after 16 years of precipitation. Look at this wine, it is as thick as golden honey, and it is really oral today. My little girl is three years old this year, and I should also bury a few jars of my daughter's red and take it out to drink on the day of my daughter's wedding. I'll leave someone to do it when I get back. ”

Yan Zhenqing smiled and said: "Wang Xiangguo's daughter is married, and I must be going to beg for a cup of my daughter's red drink." It's just that it was more than ten years later, and I don't know if we were still alive at that time. ”

Wang Yuan laughed and said, "Why did Yan Taishou say this? Mrs. Yan can't keep more than forty people, how can he not be alive in more than ten years? All of you here will be alive. ”

Helan Jinming smiled: "That's not accurate, the world is changing, who knows what will happen in more than ten years?" ”

Wang Yuan smiled and said, "I didn't expect you to be so pessimistic. I didn't expect that. ”

Yan Zhenqing said: "I'm not pessimistic, it's true that the changes have been earth-shaking in the past few years, who would have thought that my Datang would have the current situation." My Tang Dynasty is rich and strong, and it is the first power in the world, but who would have thought that Yuyang would agitate and the world would be in chaos. Almost overnight, it became what it is today. The country is still like this, let alone the people? ”

"Yes, the country is still like this, let alone people." Helan Jinming also sighed.

Feng Wang Li Heng frowned and shouted, "What did you two say?" Don't you have any hope for the revival of my Tang Dynasty? As an official of the Tang Dynasty, how can you have such negative thoughts in your hearts? If everyone is like you, what else can I expect from you? ”

Yan Zhenqing and Helan Jinming were stunned for a moment, and hurriedly confessed. After a few glasses of wine, they almost forgot that there was still His Majesty's son sitting on the table. And it was Wang Xiangguo who personally brought him here. Secretly, the two of them had guessed Wang Yuan's intentions for this move, and they both felt that it was very likely that Wang Yuan was going to recommend this Feng prince to the throne. So as soon as Li Heng spoke at this moment, the two of them suddenly felt very nervous.

Wang Yuan waved his hand and frowned: "Sit down, it's just a small chat, why did Lord Feng give them a big hat?" If Yan Taishou and Helan Taishou can't count on it, is there anyone else in the world who can count on it? You don't want to think about it, Yan Taishou has been holding on to Plains City for nine months. In the counties and prefectures north of the Yellow River, who else can do it except Yan Taishou? If Helan Taishou hadn't helped with all his might this time, would we have been able to get out of danger? Lord Feng, think about it before you say it. ”

Although Wang Yuan's tone was light, his words were not light, which was equivalent to pointing at Li Heng and reprimanding him. Li Heng was startled and hurriedly said, "Marshal Wang, I didn't mean that. I just don't want them to say anything decadent like that. ”

Wang Yuan smiled and said: "That's not decadence, that's just a sigh." If you were of their age, you would have sighed this way. You don't understand what they are feeling. ”

Li Jue said in his heart: "Aren't you only one year older than me, can you understand?" However, he immediately changed his words: "What the marshal said is that the grip is abrupt." I salute the two of you with a glass of wine to apologize, and the two of you don't mind, this king sometimes doesn't like to listen to it. I don't mean to reprimand you. ”

Yan Zhenqing and Helan Jinming raised their glasses and said: "It's okay, what Prince Feng said is also reasonable, we really shouldn't say such decadent words." ”

After the three of them drank together, they sat down again, Wang Yuan knew that Li Heng was unhappy, but Wang Yuan had no intention of comforting him. Although he has decided to nominate him to compete for the crown prince, he must be trained well before that. Let him understand more truth. Xuanzong's son was not well educated, so he educated him well. At least to be an emperor who does not harm the people and the court in the future, this is already the minimum requirement.

"Helan Taishou, I'm leaving Beihai County early tomorrow morning. Before leaving, I have a few words to tell you. Wang Yuan smiled and broke the slightly embarrassed silence in front of him.

"Xiangguo will leave tomorrow? Why don't you take a break for a few days? Xia Guan still wants to listen to the teachings with Xiangguo for a few days. Helan Jinming said busily.

Wang Yuan waved his hand and said: "Helan is too conservative to act reassuringly, so there is no need to talk too much." There is Helan Taishou stationed in Beihai County, which should be a blessing for the people of Beihai County. Helan Taishou and I hit it off at first sight, and we wanted to linger for a few more days, but time was pressing, and I really couldn't stay here. You must know that in order to rescue Plains City, I left behind an army of 100,000 to rush here. When I left, the 100,000 Shence army was still cleaning the city outside Chang'an City, facing the threat of 200,000 rebels in Chang'an City. More than a month has passed, and now there is no news, and I don't know if there has been a war or not. Hey, speaking of which, I, the marshal of the soldiers and horses, am not qualified, and I have thrown all the burden to the senior deputy marshal. ”

Helan Jinming nodded and said, "I see, I should rush back immediately." But Xiangguo doesn't have to worry, Gao Xianzhi should be able to lead the army without mistakes. Xiang Guo and Deputy Marshal Gao are known as the Tang Dynasty Shuangbi, whoever leads the two of you, the rebels will not be able to get any advantage. ”

Wang Yuan said with a smile: "If it weren't for the absolute confidence in Deputy Marshal Gao, I wouldn't dare to leave the army, otherwise it would be child's play." But I might as well tell you what I'm here for. The reason why I left the army to raid behind enemy lines was not impulsive, but had to do it. One of the purposes was to rescue Yan Taishou who was trapped in Plains City, because I couldn't watch Yan Taishou stick to the city but couldn't get any rescue, and finally I and the soldiers and civilians of the city were slaughtered and killed in disappointment. The reason why my Datang is where it is today is that many state officials lack the loyalty of Yan Taishou. If I didn't come to save Yan Taishou, wouldn't it make everyone in the world feel cold. The significance of rescuing Yan Taishou is not to save the military and civilians, it is a rescue of people's hearts. That's why I had to make this trip. ”

This was the first time that Yan Zhenqing and Helan Jinming officially heard Wang Yuan say the reason why they came to Pingyuan City to rescue. This thought had been thought about countless times in Yan Zhenqing's mind before, but he finally didn't ask. Because he always felt that Wang Yuan left the army and came to the rescue of Plains City was a reckless move. Although he saved himself and the soldiers and civilians of the city, Yan Zhenqing did not feel that this move was appropriate. As the commander of the counterinsurgency army, this move was both reckless and unwise. But at this moment, listening to Wang Yuan tell the real reason, Yan Zhenqing suddenly found that the gap between himself and Wang Yuan was too big.

Once upon a time, he secretly felt proud, because Wang Yuan rushed to save himself regardless of the overall situation, which showed that he was very important in Wang Xiangguo's mind. But now I understand that Wang Xiangguo is not saving himself, but people's hearts. Even if it wasn't himself, if anyone else stuck to Plains City, Wang Xiangguo would come to the rescue. However, after understanding this, Yan Zhenqing was not disappointed at all, but felt even more relieved.

"It turns out that Xiangguo's move is far-sighted and has another deep meaning, but Xia Guan didn't expect this, and he really admired the five-body throw." Yan Zhenqing sighed.

Helan Jinming also nodded again and again, his face full of sudden admiration.

Wang Yuan smiled: "It's not a far-sighted, it's just a heart-to-heart comparison." In addition to rescuing Plains City this time, I have a second purpose. That is to go along Beihai County to the east of the Yellow River to inspect the state capital, bringing the court's condolences. Prince Feng also came with me this time, which means that His Majesty is there in person. I am afraid that the rebels will soon attack south, so this trip must also be made, and I don't want to see the rebels break through to the south bank of the Yellow River and occupy the southern state capital all the way. Because in that case, the rebels have a lot of detours and depths, and the imperial court loses its only source of money and food, and the counterinsurgency is far away. ”

Helan Jinming and Yan Zhenqing nodded again and again, so it seems that Wang Xiangguo's trip is not an adventure but a must. Xiangguo's trip not only saves people's hearts, but also inspires people's hearts and calms people's hearts. At the same time, the prefecture along the Yangtze River was arranged to do a good job in defense and cooperate with the counterinsurgency army in the war north of the Yellow River. It can be said that Wang Yuan's actions were well thought out.

"Some people may think that there is a big river blocking it, and the rebels will not go south. But I can tell you in no uncertain terms that the rebels will cross the river and attack. It's a matter of strategy, and they're going to do it. And they're already doing it. Do you know who the rebels we fought at the White Horse Crossing this morning were in command? ”

"I heard that it is the chief military officer under An Lushan, right?" Yan Zhenqing said.

"It's Yan Zhuang, do you know what official position he is now? His soldiers inadvertently revealed the secret, and he reported his solemn official position. Yan Zhuang's current official position is the generalissimo of Zhengnan. Hey, Generalissimo of the Expedition to the South. What do you think that means? ”

Helan Jinming was stunned and said, "Zhengnan? Isn't it going to fight in the south? ”

Wang Yuan nodded slightly: "Then you still need to say?" An unintentional sentence leaked the secret of heaven, which shows that the 50,000 soldiers and horses were originally going to fight in the south, and it may be that we made too much trouble, so they gave priority to dealing with us. ”

"I see, I see." After Wang Yuan's gentle push, Helan Jinming and Yan Zhenqing have already understood everything. It's pretty straightforward.

"Xiangguo rest assured, I, Helan Jinming, will swear to defend Beihai County to the death, and will not teach the thieves to cross the river." Helan Jinming said in a deep voice.

Wang Yuan said in a deep voice: "Helan Taishou, it's not that I'm exaggerating you. Among the many prefectures and counties on the south bank of the Yellow River, Beihai County is the most dangerous. There is also a place around Yongqiu and Suiyang. Once the rebels move south, these two places will inevitably be the direction in which the rebels will attack with all their might. Do you know why? ”

Helan Jinming thought for a while and said, "My Beihai County is facing Baimadu, so I bear the brunt of it. Is that why not? And Yongqiu Suiyang is in the south of Luoyang, if the rebels cross the river from Fengling, they must first attack to the southeast, Yongqiu Suiyang is the gateway to the south of the Jianghuai land, so it is also a place to rush. You must be attacked first. ”

Wang Yuan patted his thigh and said, "That's right, it seems that Helan Taishou has already seen the situation very clearly." I won't say much about the importance of the location of Beihai County. Therefore, Helan is too guarded, and Beihai County must be firmly guarded, and there can be no mistakes. ”

"Please rest assured that the lower officials will swear to defend Beihai County." Helan Jinming stood up and patted his chest.

"Xiangguo, the subordinate is willing to stay and guard Beihai County together." Yan Zhenqing also got up and arched his hand.

Wang Yuan smiled and shook his head: "Yan Taishou doesn't have to stay, but the seven or eight hundred soldiers of your Plains City can stay and belong to Helan Taishou." In this way, Helan Taishou will have more manpower. As for Yan Taishou, you have to come with me. ”

Yan Zhenqing nodded and said, "Xiangguo said to do what he did." But I can discuss with Helan Taishou about the way to keep the throne. After all, I also have some experience. ”

Wang Yuan laughed and said: "Of course this is a good thing, and it should be." ”

Helan Jin Mingxi said: "That's great. Tonight, Mrs. Yan and I had a night talk in bed, and we just had a good time asking for advice. ”

……

In the early morning of the next day, Wang Yuan led a thousand guards to leave Beihai County. When Wang Yuan packed up and led his guards along the frosty street to the west gate of Beihai City, he suddenly saw countless figures standing silently inside and outside the city gate in the morning light. Wang Yuan was a little stunned, and at the same time had mixed feelings.

In order not to disturb the people, Wang Yuan did not release the news of leaving Beihai. But for some reason, the people still learned the news, and they spontaneously came to the west gate to see them off. The weather was cold in the early morning, and most of these people were thinly clothed, but they stood in the cold wind one by one for I don't know how long.

"What's going on? Don't you want the people to know? Wang Yuan frowned and said to Helan Jinming, who was accompanying him.

Helan Jinming hurriedly said: "The lower officials didn't tell anyone, the people probably knew that Xiangguo was leaving, and came spontaneously." ”

Wang Yuan sighed and turned his head to look at the people. The people were silent, and tens of thousands of eyes stared at the figure of Wang Yuan and the others, with a complicated look in their eyes. There is both reluctance and gratitude, and there is too much confusion. Wang Xiangguo represents the imperial court, and everyone in Beihai can rest assured, and now that Wang Xiangguo is leaving, he naturally feels indescribably lost and confused.

"Fathers and fellow villagers, go back, go back, it's cold. Mo froze. Wang Yuan said as he walked towards the crowd around him.

The people threw up their hands, but not one spoke, and none of them moved.

"Go back, don't send each other. You can rest assured that the imperial court will not forget you, and I will soon lead a large army to break through Chang'an and Luoyang and recover the lost territory after I return. Then you will not be afraid. Many of you who have fled from Hebei will be able to return home. Wang Yuan spoke as he walked, although he also knew how pale and weak his words were, he still had to speak, or he still tried to calm the hearts of the people.

"Wang Xiangguo, Wang Xiangguo." Someone rushed out of the crowd and shouted, and several guards rushed forward to stop them.

Wang Yuan recognized the man, but it was two experienced old fishermen, Niu Laocai and Lao Zhangtou. Wang Yuan hurriedly ordered the guards not to stop him, and stepped forward with a smile and said, "Two old men, why are you here?" ”

Niu Laocai and Lao Zhangtou took off their hats and knelt down to salute, and Wang Yuan hurriedly stopped them. Niu Laocai grabbed Wang Yuan's hand and said, "Wang Xiangguo, why are you leaving?" ”

Wang Yuan sighed: "The military situation is urgent, so I have to go." ”

Niu Laocai nodded slightly and said, "Also, Wang Xiangguo has so many important things to do, how can he stay in this Beihai County." Our two brothers went down to the river to fish overnight last night, caught a few fatty big carp of the Yellow River, and rushed to the city overnight to invite Wang Xiangguo to try it today. Unexpectedly, when I arrived in the city, I learned that Xiangguo was leaving. That's it, these fish will be left on the road for Xiangguo to eat, which is also the intention of our brothers. ”

Niu Laocai spoke, stretched out his hand and gestured to the old man standing next to him. Lao Zhangtou hurriedly took off the fish basket from his back, reached out and took out a few big fish with ropes from inside, and handed them to Wang Yuan.

Wang Yuan hurriedly waved his hand and said, "How can this be made?" I can't do it, I can't do it. ”

Niu Laocai hurriedly said: "Why can't you do it? Didn't you steal it? This is our heart. My brother and I don't have any good things to honor, only this fishing skill. We know it's not a rarity, it's just a thought. ”

Wang Yuan pondered for a moment, stretched out his hand to take the fish, handed it to the guards beside him, and thanked him repeatedly: "Thank you, two old men, I took this fish." This fish is more valuable to me than anything else. ”

The two old men were overjoyed, and smiled at the dozen fishermen behind him: "See, you still say that Wang Xiangguo is not rare, rare." ”

Wang Yuan smiled: "Rare. It's a pity I don't have anything to give. In this way, when I recover the capital, I will ask someone to pick you up to play in the capital, you can stay as long as you want, you can play as much as you want, what do you think? ”

Niu Laocai smiled and said: "That's a good feeling, my old man lives so big that he hasn't even been out of Beihai County, if he can go to the capital to play, he will close his eyes when he dies." However, what the people hope most is that Wang Xiangguo can put down the rebellion as soon as possible, so that our people can live in peace, which is better than anything else. ”

Wang Yuan nodded solemnly and arched his hand: "I remember this, this is my Wang Yuan's top priority, and I will not teach you fathers and fellow villagers to wait for a long time." Farewell. ”

Wang Yuan turned around and returned to the group, and the team of more than 1,000 people slowly walked out of the city through the wide open West City Gate. At the gate of the city, Wang Yuan turned around and asked Helan Jinming and a cadre of officials to stay. He waved his hand at the black and oppressive people, soldiers and civilians above and below the city, turned around and led his guards to step neatly onto the avenue, disappearing into the morning mist.

At the gate of the city, tens of thousands of people still stayed for a long time before slowly dispersing in silence.

……

Eight days later, Wang Yuan and his entourage set out from Beihai County and went west along the south bank of the Yellow River, inspecting Yunzhou, Dongping County, Nan'an and other prefectures and counties in succession. Everywhere he went, Wang Yuan summoned the officials and generals who defended the city, as well as the common people, to boost their morale and cheer them on. Remind them to actively prepare for the defense of the city. The presence of Feng Wang Li Heng and Tang Xiangguo greatly boosted the morale of the military and civilians in these places. It also allowed them to re-learn about the news of the imperial court and the current situation. This will play a decisive role in stabilizing the morale of the military and the people.

Originally, many officials were in a panic all day long, not knowing what to do. Wang Yuan's arrival was like timely rain, giving them a goal and direction. Especially after they learned that Wang Yuan crossed the hinterland occupied by the rebels from the north of the Yellow River, annihilated tens of thousands of enemies with a small number of soldiers and horses, connected several cities, and successfully rescued Yan Zhenqing, who was holding on to Pingyuan City, everyone was not only shocked, but also had a sense of courage in their hearts. It turned out that the fierce rebels were so vulnerable under Wang Xiangguo's hands, which gave them greater confidence in defending the city and resisting the enemy. Moreover, Wang Yuan's thousand-mile rescue also showed that once the enemy attacked, the imperial court would not sit idly by, and only needed to stick to it without distraction. Yan Zhenqing's statement is also very convincing. In the matter of defending the city, Yan Zhenqing did not hesitate to put forward some suggestions to the local officials and defenders.

In short, along the way, it has greatly boosted the morale of the army, stabilized the people's hearts, and made the already pessimistic and disappointed mood of the imperial court disappear invisibly. When the sun of the imperial court shone on them again, the officials and citizens of these states and counties regained their vitality and vitality.

On the morning of September 11, the ninth day after Wang Yuan left Beihai County, everyone arrived in Yongqiu. A few miles outside the east gate of Yongqiu, there was dust and smoke in front of him, and there was a cavalry galloping forward, and the number was very large, probably about 2,000 people. Wang Yuan was very surprised, and inspected several cities, most of which were poorly equipped regimental training soldiers, and did not see any shadow of cavalry. And this Yongqiu still has such a large number of cavalry, which is very suspicious. Wang Yuan even suspected that Yongqiu had been occupied by the rebels, and it was the rebels' soldiers and horses who came.

But soon, doubts were dispelled. The cavalry that came was under the banner of the Tang Army, and stopped outside Lixu. More than ten horsemen came galloping alone, and more than 100 steps away they heard someone shouting: "Is it Marshal Wang and his entourage?" ”

Zhao Qing stepped forward and shouted, "Exactly, whose soldiers and horses are you?" ”

A person on the opposite side said in a loud voice: "Xiaguan Zhenyuan County ordered Zhang Xun to welcome Marshal Wang and his party." ”

Before the words were finished, more than a dozen horsemen had arrived in front of them, and immediately everyone rolled the saddle and dismounted, and ran forward quickly, one in the center had a thin face and bright eyes, and was not tall, but his body exuded a lean atmosphere. This person's eyes wandered through the crowd, and suddenly stopped on Wang Yuan's face, and said in a deep voice: "If the lower official guessed correctly, this one is Marshal Wang." ”

Wang Yuan smiled and nodded: "Exactly, you are Zhang Xun Zhang County Commander?" ”

"Xiaguan Zhang Xun has seen Marshal Wang." Zhang Xun knelt on one knee, bowed his hand, and said loudly. More than a dozen sergeants beside him also knelt down and saluted.

Wang Yuan hurriedly stepped forward to help Zhang Xun up, and said with a smile: "Zhang County Order, you don't need to make this big gift." Are you here to meet us? ”

Zhang Xun said in a deep voice: "Exactly." We already knew that Marshal Wang and his entourage were about to arrive in Yongqiu, so we ordered people to reconnoiter in Dongcheng. As soon as he received the news, the lower officials brought someone to greet him. ”

Zhao Qing said coldly: "Brought thousands of cavalry to meet Marshal Wang, you don't want to stir up the army." ”

Zhang Xun hurriedly explained: "Don't misunderstand, I was patrolling in the north of the city, and after receiving the report, I came directly, and there was no abruptness." ”

Wang Yuan smiled and said: "It's okay, it's okay, it's grand." Zhang County Order, this one is His Royal Highness King Feng, this one is Pingyuan Yan Taishou, let's see a salute. ”

Zhang Xun hurriedly saluted Li Heng and Yan Zhenqing. Li Heng didn't care, when he saw Yan Zhenqing, Zhang Xun was extremely respectful, and said again and again: "Sure enough, it is Yan Taishou who refused to defend Pingyuan City for nine months, which is unbelievable." The lower officials have great respect for Yan Taishou. ”

Yan Zhenqing smiled and said: "Zhang County Order, I have nothing to admire, it is Wang Xiangguo who should be admired." If he didn't save me, I'm afraid I'd already be dead on the plains. ”

Zhang Xun nodded and said: "Needless to say, Marshal Wang, he is the person I worship in my heart Zhang Xun." Being able to see Marshal Wang and Yan Taishou at the same time today is really a blessing for me Zhang Xunsansheng. ”

Wang Yuan and Yan Zhenqing looked at each other and smiled, and Zhao Qing on the side said in a deep voice: "Zhang County Order, do you want to let the handsome Prince Feng and Yan Taishou stand outside the city and talk to you?" ”

Zhang Xun hurriedly raised his forehead and smiled: "Oh, Xia Guante is also rude, hurry up, please Marshal Wang Feng Wang Ye Yan Taishou into the city to rest." ”