(2-in-1)

"What I want to talk about is that I asked Li Guangbi and Guo Ziyi to go to Shuofang, Hedong to recruit troops. Pen ~ fun ~ Pavilion www.biquge.info You must have known about this for a long time. I promoted the two of them and asked them to recruit the remnants of the two armies in Hedong and Shuofang, and recruit soldiers and horses locally to strengthen the strength of our Datang rebel army. ”

Wang Yuan nodded slightly and said, "It turned out to be this matter." But how could this incident cause the minister's misunderstanding? I wonder why Your Majesty said that? ”

Xuanzong said quietly: "Don't you blame Your Majesty for ordering these two people to recruit soldiers without consulting you?" ”

Wang Yuan spread his hands and smiled: "How could the minister think so? That's a good thing. If General Guo and General Li can reorganize a single soldier and horse in Shuofang, Hedong, it will be a great thing for the great cause of counterinsurgency. ”

Xuanzong frowned and said, "Then, don't you blame me for ordering you to return 20,000 soldiers and horses to Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi?" ”

Wang Yuan said with a smile: "That is the soldier and horse they belong to, and it should be returned to them." What's wrong with that? ”

Xuanzong took a breath and said, "You don't even blame me for not bringing their soldiers and horses under your jurisdiction? You're the generalissimo I appointed to counterinsurgency. ”

Wang Yuan shook his head and smiled: "Your Majesty, you are really too worried. Regarding this matter, the minister did not feel that there was anything wrong at all. Even if His Majesty didn't do this, the minister would have suggested that he gradually put down the rebels on the northern road in the Shuofang area of Hebei. His Majesty did this in advance, but the minister of the province proposed it. Rebuild a soldier and horse in the area of Shuofang in the east of the river, which can echo with our Shence army and march hand in hand. The minister's Shence army can contain the enemy at Chang'an Tongguan, so that the other soldier and horse can break through the rebel hinterland from the northern front and advance into Taiyuan to approach the rebel's lair, which is exactly what the minister thinks. It's just that the minister's Shence army is unable to draw troops to carry out such an operation because of the hundreds of thousands of strong enemies it is facing, so it urgently needs another soldier to realize such a strategic idea, and His Majesty's move is timely. ”

Xuanzong's mind was a little confused, he didn't expect this to be the result. He asked Li Guangbi and Guo Ziyi to go to Hebei Province and Shuofang Road to recruit soldiers and horses, but he didn't expect that it was for the sake of the overall situation of countering the rebellion, but just to establish another army to break the situation of Wang Yuan's family's dominance. He thought that Wang Yuan would react violently, and he had already thought of a countermeasure, but the punch he threw out with all his strength fell into the air, and he felt unspeakably uncomfortable.

"You...... Do you really mind my decision? Xuanzong swallowed and foamed.

Wang Yuan sighed: "Your Majesty, I don't know if someone said something in Your Majesty's ear, am I, Wang Yuan, the kind of person with a little chicken belly?" The minister said that everything is considered from the overall situation, in order to quell the rebellion, how can the minister care about personal face? In fact, it is impossible to say that the minister has no idea at all. However, the minister believed that His Majesty must have made this decision after careful consideration. Besides, when Your Majesty gave the order, I was still on the way to rescue the people of Plains City, so even if Your Majesty wanted to consult with the ministers, there was no way. Your Majesty, is the minister right? ”

How could Xuanzong not go down the steps given by Wang Yuan, if Wang Yuan didn't pursue this matter, it was actually unwanted, so he hurriedly said: "Exactly, that's exactly what I thought, at that time I wanted to send someone to ask for your opinion, but I couldn't make it at that time without knowing your traces." In addition, the counterinsurgency was urgent, and Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi were eager to counterinsurgency and did not want to live in Chengdu, so I directly issued an order. ”

Wang Yuan laughed and said, "I guess that's the reason." ”

Xuanzong also laughed dryly.

Wang Yuan smiled and said: "The minister wants to ask Your Majesty, Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi went to recruit troops, how to solve their grain and grass materials?" I'm afraid the imperial court won't be able to give them extra grain, grass and supplies. ”

Xuanzong's nerves immediately tensed, which was also where he expected Wang Yuan to make a fuss from this. This is what Wang Yuan did last time, and Fang Xuan died like this. That's how the plan to rebuild the forbidden army went bankrupt. Now it seems that Wang Yuan is going to do it again. However, this time, Xuanzong had already made comprehensive preparations.

"Wang Yuan, I know that you care about the supply of the Shence Army, but this time you are too worried. In order not to affect the supply of materials for the Shence Army, this time Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi's supply of grain, grass and materials did not affect the Shence Army at all. I sold my belongings and mobilized the princes, ministers, and royal families to collect a lot of money for their military salaries. I'm worried that you're going to say something like that again. But this time you're thinking too much. Xuanzong's words carried a hint of pride and sarcasm, as if telling Wang Yuan, this time you don't want to make a fuss about this.

Wang Yuan suddenly smiled. "Your Majesty, it's not that the minister is too worried, but Your Majesty is too worried. The minister did not inquire about the source of their food, but was worried that they would not have enough food and would make it difficult for them to successfully recruit soldiers and horses to complete the errand assigned to them by His Majesty. The minister heard that His Majesty had donated a lot of money, and he mobilized the ministers of the royal family to donate a lot of money and materials, but I am afraid that it would not be enough. The minister heard that Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi hoped to build a number of 60,000 or 70,000 soldiers and horses, and the consumption of soldiers' salaries, grain, grass and materials could not be guaranteed by a little money. If there is no money and materials, is recruitment an empty word? ”

Xuanzong teased: "I know that the money is a drop in the bucket, but I can't do anything about it, I can only rely on themselves." Unless you're willing to give them some food and grass, but are you willing? ”

Wang Yuan laughed and said: "Your Majesty can't help but look at the ministers too petty, and the ministers have this intention." The minister plans to allocate part of the supplies to Li Guangbi and Guo Ziyi, although the minister's supplies are also tight, but at this time, they should be in the same boat and support each other. is also a Tang Dynasty soldier and horse, do you still want to divide you and me? ”

Xuanzong was stunned and said, "Are you really willing to do this?" ”

Wang Yuan nodded and said, "When the minister came, he had already thought about it on the road. If the weapons and armor are missing, there is nothing they can do about it, and they need to steal it from the rebels. But grain, grass and some basic supplies, the ministers were willing to save money to provide for them. Hopefully, they will be able to form an army as soon as possible. ”

Xuanzong was really surprised. He originally thought that this time Wang Yuan came back to ask the teacher for this matter. But he didn't expect that Wang Yuan not only didn't have any dissatisfaction, but was willing to give up grain, grass and some materials to supply Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi, and Xuanzong never expected that this would be the result. Xuanzong was a little confused in his heart, could it be that his views on Wang Yuan were all prejudices? Wang Yuan is a courtier who acts directly but has no scheming, wholeheartedly for the Tang Dynasty and is loyal to himself? Isn't this person as he thinks in his heart that he has ambitions and the intention to coerce himself and make the Quartet? Could it be that all the thoughts I have about him are wrong? Everything he does is selfless from the bottom of his heart? Are you the chick belly?

However, these thoughts only flashed in Xuanzong's mind, and Xuanzong was forgotten after a while. Xuanzong resounded about what Li Mao said yesterday. If that incident is true, the Wang Yuan in front of him is hiding people's eyes and ears, deliberately showing people with generosity, and covering up his rebellious heart. Or maybe he is simply a thief with a weak heart and has done great rebellious things, so he wants to cover up with this generosity, so as to achieve the goal of confusing himself.

But in any case, Xuanzong would not refuse the big gift from Wang Yuan. Xuanzong knew that Wang Yuan had food in his hands, and there was a lot of it. If Wang Yuan really wanted to donate food to help Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi become an army, of course he would gladly accept it. Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi would have established another army a day earlier, and they would have already reassured themselves. Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi's loyalty is unquestionable, and the more soldiers and horses they have, the more powerful they are, the more secure they feel.

"Wang Yuan, you are making me admire. There are many things that courtiers have seen for the sake of power and profit, and even ignore the overall situation, but today's actions have let the people of the world know what it means to be selfless. If you can allocate some grain and grass materials to supply Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi, it will be a great help for them to recruit troops. I thank you for them. ”

Xuanzong did not hesitate to praise him, and buttoned down his big hat to confirm this matter. He couldn't let Wang Yuan have a chance to regret it. However, Wang Yuan did not seem to have any remorse at all, and proposed to transfer 10,000 soldiers and horses of the Shence army to form a grain and grass transportation department specially for Guo Ziyi, Li Guangbi and the army of the Shence army outside Chang'an City. Xuanzong did not hesitate and readily agreed.

After this matter was finalized, the atmosphere of the conversation between the two suddenly became harmonious. Xuanzong struck while the iron was hot, and simply raised the matter to ask Wang Yuan.

"Wang Yuan, I originally promised you to let you be self-absorbed in military affairs and not interfere in your use of troops. But you also know that the mood of the subjects of Chang'an who came to Chengdu with me was urgent, and almost every day people asked me when I would recover Chang'an and when I would return to Chang'an. The homeland is hard to leave, Chang'an is their hometown, and it is also the capital of my Tang Dynasty, you also have to understand the feelings of these people. More than 100,000 troops have been staying on the left side of Chang'an City for nearly a few months, and there has been no plan to capture Chang'an, so it is no wonder that the subjects are a little anxious. I thought, you must have your reasons, why don't you tell me the reason, so that I can explain it to them and calm their minds. ”

Xuanzong's words were very skillful and measured. It means that it's not that I'm not interfering with you by keeping my promises, I'm just being forced to ask why.

Wang Yuan smiled and said: "Your Majesty doesn't ask, the minister also has to report to Your Majesty." One of the reasons for the minister's return to Chengdu was to clarify the matter to His Majesty. ”

"Then you can tell me, and I will listen to you." Xuanzong nodded.

Wang Yuan said: "A few months ago, when the army approached Chang'an, the reason why it did not immediately attack Chang'an was because the number of defenders of Chang'an City was huge, reaching 200,000. In addition, the rebels vigorously strengthened the city defenses, built defensive arrow towers, dug deep ditches to strengthen the city walls, and the difficulty of attacking the city also greatly increased. Under such circumstances, it may be difficult to win with my army of more than 100,000 gods to storm the city. Therefore, I discussed with Gao Xianzhi that we should first clear the cities of the surrounding state capitals of Chang'an, and recover these state capitals and cities to isolate the rebels of Chang'an and cut off their way out, and second, to cut off their attempts to supply Chang'an materials with the surrounding state capitals and counties. The third is that we hope to attract the rebels out of the city to rescue, so that our army can fight with them in the field outside the city, which will be of great benefit to our army. Based on these three considerations, the Shence Army has been fighting around Chang'an and has recovered more than ten state capitals and dozens of counties. ”

Xuanzong nodded and said, "I agree with your approach, the 200,000 army is holding on to the fortified city, and it is really unwise to attack it hard." But I heard that more than a month ago, 100,000 soldiers and horses were evacuated from Chang'an City, and now there are only 100,000 rebels left in the city. ”

Wang Yuan shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, Chang'an City does only have more than 100,000 rebels now, but it still can't attack the city at this time. ”

"Why? Are you afraid that more than 100,000 Shence troops are no match for more than 100,000 rebels? Shouldn't it? I remember that you used 60,000 soldiers and horses to resist the gods and army of 180,000, and beat them with their heads in their hands. Why is it that now that the forces are equal, but they are cowardly? "Xuanzong secretly stabbed Wang Yuan.

Wang Yuan didn't want to quarrel with him, so he only said lightly: "Your Majesty, the two situations are different, one attack and one defense are very different, and they can't be compared." At the beginning, the battle of Tongzhou was the reason why Shi Siming underestimated the enemy, but now, he definitely did not dare to underestimate the enemy. At this moment, if we are attacking the city, he is already fully prepared, how can he simply compare it with the battle of Tongzhou. ”

Xuanzong smiled and said, "Hehe, it seems that my idea is a bit taken for granted. ”

Wang Yuan said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty and the other ministers thought that the withdrawal of 100,000 rebels was an opportunity to attack the city, but in fact, it was not. The rebels did withdraw 100,000 troops, but you must know that there are still more than 100,000 troops in Chang'an City. The minister is not afraid of these more than 100,000 defenders, and the minister has absolute confidence to take Chang'an City in one fell swoop with more than 100,000 soldiers and horses of the Shence army. ”

Xuanzong frowned and said, "In that case, why don't you attack the city?" ”

Wang Yuan looked at Xuanzong and said, "Your Majesty, the minister can guarantee to take the city, but the minister cannot guarantee to take Chang'an at a very small price." Yichen estimated that if he went all out to capture Chang'an at this moment, the casualties of the Shence army would reach six or seven percent or even more. In other words, I can only say that there are 30,000 or 40,000 left. Your Majesty, think about it, is it worth it to recapture Chang'an at such a big price? ”

Xuanzong frowned and said: "Chang'an is my capital, and retaking Chang'an can inspire the people of the world, which is of great significance." It is also deserved. ”

Wang Yuan shook his head and said, "But has Your Majesty ever thought about what the consequences would be after paying such a big price?" ”

Xuanzong frowned and thought for a while, "What kind of consequences are you talking about?" I didn't think about it. ”

Wang Yuan sighed lightly and said, "Your Majesty, once the strength of the Shence Army has been lost, what can you use to resist the counterattack of the rebels?" If I take Chang'an at the cost of 80,000 or 90,000 people, and the rebels counterattack with 100,000 soldiers and horses, how can the remaining tens of thousands of remnants be able to hold on? Not only can we not hold it, but we will be counterattacked by the rebels, if we attack Shudi, what will we do to retreat from the enemy? In order to capture Chang'an, is it a wise move to incur huge hidden dangers in the future? ”

"This ......" Xuanzong was speechless, if it was really as Wang Yuan said, it would be impossible to steal chickens and rice. When the rebels counterattacked, wouldn't it be a great situation.

"This is just one of the reasons why you can't rush into Chang'an. Chen's return to Chengdu this time is also for several other things related to the stability of our Datang Dynasty and the overall situation of counterinsurgency. One of them is the major event of resettlement and relief for the people this winter. Your Majesty should know that this year is the year of the Great Famine, and millions of people in the Central Plains fled to Shu. The provincial capitals of Jiannan, Longyou, and Hexi are all overcrowded, and the problem of food and clothing for the people is a headache for everyone. Spring, summer, and autumn are better, and the people can still get through. In the harsh winter season, the situation suddenly becomes severe. When the harsh winter comes, if you can't properly feed and clothe yourself, there will be unexpected consequences. The people will freeze to death and starve to death, which will hurt the foundation of our Tang Dynasty revival, and in the future, it will depend on the people to return to their homes to regain their vitality. And what would happen if the refugees rioted because of hunger and cold? Millions of people, if there is no livelihood, even the pure people will become mob beasts, and at that time, there will be chaos in the provinces of Jiannan, Longyou, and Hexi, and there will be civil strife everywhere, and it will be a catastrophe that will never be recovered. Has Your Majesty ever imagined such a situation? ”

Xuanzong gasped and said in a deep voice: "What you said is indeed a big thing, and you must not let such a thing happen, otherwise, as you said, it will be a catastrophe from which it will never recover." ”

Wang Yuan said: "Your Majesty understands it, so the priority this winter is to settle these people so that they can survive this harsh winter, rather than focusing on a war like attacking Chang'an." The construction of houses for the winter, the distribution of clothing and food, these things must be done as soon as possible. It's October now, the harsh winter in Shu has arrived, and the first winter snow is coming. In fact, time is running out. Before the first winter snow arrives, it is necessary to prepare for it. The state capitals need to increase the transportation of food supplies, mobilize the people to cut down trees and build houses, and renovate the shelters for the winter. In short, if this matter cannot be stabilized, it is absolutely impossible to attack Chang'an, and it is even necessary to withdraw troops back to Shu to prevent the people from rioting. ”

Xuanzong nodded and said, "Yes, yes." This really needs to be done now. You're here to deal with this? ”

Wang Yuan said: "Of course, the minister will do his best to deal with this matter, but in fact, the minister must recommend the most suitable person to His Majesty to handle this matter." The minister specially brought Yan Zhenqing to Chengdu, not only because he was a meritorious minister of my Tang Dynasty, but also because I brought him to accept His Majesty's commendation. At the same time, he also wants to recommend this person to His Majesty. This man is very proficient in government affairs, and if the minister wants to recommend him to be fully responsible for the resettlement and relief of the people, there will be no mistakes. ”

Xuanzong nodded contemplatively and said, "Yan Zhenqing is a loyal minister. I had thought he was just a scribe and couldn't take on the task. But after the events of Plains City, I completely changed my opinion of him. Since you think he's a talent, I'll reuse him to take care of the relief. What kind of official position do you think I should grant him? ”

Wang Yuan said: "If you talk about ability, Yan Zhenqing has the talent of Xiangguo, and it doesn't hurt for me to let him take the position of Xiangguo." ”

Xuanzong hurriedly waved his hand and said, "No, how can it be like this." ”

Wang Yuan said with a smile: "The minister talked to Yan Zhenqing about this, and Yan Zhenqing said that if I let Xian, he would not accept it." So there is no way to do it. The minister thinks that it is better for His Majesty to give him an important position and let him participate in political affairs. It can also be of great use in the future. ”

Xuanzong muttered: "Relief is a matter of the household department, I have given him the position of the head of the household department and the head of the household department of the government affairs hall, and add a relief envoy to be fully responsible for the relief affairs, what do you think?" ”

Wang Yuan frowned and said, "This official position is a little smaller. Your Majesty only needs to think about it, the rebels are coming, and the officials of more than a dozen prefectures in Hebei are exhausted, and those who flee and surrender are surrendered. Only Yan Zhenqing and his cousin Yan Gaoqing are loyal to the court and swear to resist the enemy to the death, so they know how rare Yan Zhenqing's courage and loyalty are. ”

Xuanzong said in a deep voice: "What you are talking about, what should you do in your opinion? ”

Wang Yuandao: "The minister thinks that he should be given the position of Zhongshu Pingzhang and let him participate in the handling of the affairs of the political affairs hall. There is a shortage of people like him in the political hall now, although the minister is the prime minister, but the leader is outside. Wei Jiansu is difficult to decide on many things, if Yan Zhenqing is the assistant in the middle, the political affairs will be coordinated a lot. ”

Xuanzong gritted his teeth and said: "Okay, according to what you play, I will appoint him as the political affairs of Zhongshu Pingzhang, and add him to the post of envoy of Jiqin, so that he can participate in handling government affairs." ”

Wang Yuan arched his hand and said, "Your Majesty Shengming." The minister has another person to recommend. ”

Xuanzong said: "Who is that?" ”

Wang Yuan said: "This person's name is Du Fu, Your Majesty should have heard of him." ”

Xuanzong was stunned for a moment, nodded and said, "Du Fu?" Of course I know him. The poem is very well written. Is he in Chengdu? Why haven't I seen him? Didn't you say that this person took refuge in An Lushan? ”

Wang Yuan shook his head and said: "This person is jealous and hateful, and he is loyal to the imperial court, how can he take refuge in An Lushan?" He had already escaped from the rebels, and I met him when I was in Tongzhou. When I saw that he was down, I stayed under the tent and became a soldier in the army. But this person's talent is not in the army, he loves the people very much, and the minister thinks that when the court is employing people, such talents are indispensable. First, his poems are very famous, and he has the heart of a scribe who can be appeased, and secondly, this person has a very good heart to serve the court, and the court should give him a chance. ”

Xuanzong was not very interested in Du Fu, and after reading Du Fu's poems, he felt that this person's poems were very eye-catching, and he wrote about the hardships of the people, which made people very uncomfortable. But since Wang Yuan recommended him, he had to give Wang Yuan face. So he said: "You look at it, you are Xiangguo, and you don't need to ask me everything." ”

Wang Yuan hurriedly said: "Okay, the minister will be in charge, appoint him as the head of the household department of the political affairs hall, and fully assist Yan Zhenqing in providing relief." ”

Xuanzong was taken aback, and immediately appointed this person as the head of the household, which seemed to be a bit too hasty. It must be known that the official position of the head of the fifth room of the political affairs hall can even be on an equal footing with the officials of various ministries, which is a third-grade officer. However, since he has already said that Wang Yuan is in charge, Xuanzong is not repentant. I just want to think in my heart: At this time, it is good to stabilize Wang Yuan first, and then slowly remove all the people recommended by Wang Yuan in the future, but I am not in a hurry at this time.

"However, after this winter, do you have a plan to capture Chang'an tomorrow spring?" Xuanzong still can't forget Chang'an City.

Wang Yuan said: "The situation will be much better next spring. On the one hand, a winter can consume a large amount of materials in Chang'an City, and maybe they will have no food and grass at that time, which is the best time to attack the city. On the other hand, in a winter's time, Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi's soldiers and horses will also take shape. At that time, even if the siege casualties are too large, we have another soldier and horse in hand, and we are not afraid of the rebel counterattack, Your Majesty, do you say yes? ”

Xuanzong's heart is safe. After a winter, attacking Chang'an can consume the soldiers and horses in Wang Yuan's hands, and at that time, Guo Ziyi and their troops may have more troops than Wang Yuan's hands in their hands, so the power will change hands, and they are no longer afraid of Wang Yuan's dominance. Thinking of this, Xuanzong immediately smiled.