The news of Yang Xingmi's capture of Linyi City shook Yanzhou, and it really didn't affect the hearts of the people of Yanzhou after an earthquake. The fall of Yizhou is equivalent to opening the southeast gate of Yanzhou, and from the perspective of the boundary of power, the current Yanzhou is like a peninsula, and the three directions are facing the coming huge wave swallowing up.

Yang Xingmi's speed was too fast, and the attack was too strong, and he captured Yizhou in only one day, causing the reinforcements from Mizhou to have no time to support, and finally he could only set up a camp in the southwest of Mizhou to prevent Yang Xingmi from entering the territory of Mizhou.

The letter asking for help Liu Cheng had already sent his henchmen to Sun He, but Liu Cheng did not expect Sun He much. It's not that Liu Jun looks down on Sun He, but that the Qingzhou soldiers are different from Lu Long's army. Generally speaking, because of Lu Long's emphasis on the development of the grassland, he had a lot of war horses, and the armies of other feudal towns were equipped with a considerable amount of cavalry. Some infantry even have the luxury of equipping pack horses, horses and mules and other animals that are only a few points slower than the speed of ordinary war horses, so that the infantry can set off on horseback and dismount on the battlefield to fight.

But Pinglu is now Shandong, and the area around Shandong is mountainous and forested, and Sun He himself is famous for his good guarding. The army was basically composed of infantry, and the cavalry was much smaller than that of other feudal towns. Judging from the current critical situation, the first group of all-cavalry who rushed to support was formed, but the number was not too large. After all, Sun He himself didn't have many cavalry. All the cavalry could support was sent, and the second batch of reinforcements was definitely infantry, although there were more of them, but the speed was two or three times slower than that of the cavalry. Moreover, a few years ago, Li Cunhuan wantonly reduced the number of the Pinglu Army, so that the number of soldiers and horses of the Pinglu Army remained at about 38,000, and the Bohai Navy, which was directly under Sun He, was only 58,000 people. And Sun He has a lot of pressure, and there are not many soldiers and horses who can support.

Pinglu governs five states, and although some states and counties do not border the enemy's borders, it is impossible to pull all the soldiers and horses out, and some soldiers and horses must be left to garrison. And it is in troubled times, Qingzhou is mountainous, there are also many bandits, and there are also strong and strong villages to defend themselves. These are armed forces that do not hold their control. Who knows if they will take risks after the army is transferred.

In this era, most of the people will succeed in rebellion, and that will be a feudal official. For example, if a feudal town general kills the Jiedu envoy, he can claim to stay behind, and the rest will wait for the imperial court to be canonized as the Jiedu envoy. If you occupy a state, the high-level point will be named the defense envoy, or else the assassin will also serve as the soldier and horse envoy. This was a shortcut to promotion, and since the Anshi Rebellion, this method has proven to be successful and effective.

Therefore, Liu Cheng estimated that in addition to the soldiers and horses stationed in the prefecture and county, Sun He also had to guard some dangerous passes, leaving some soldiers and horses to attack, at least when Yang Xingmi attacked a certain pass, there were reinforcements that could be sent. In this way, Sun He must have at least 20,000 soldiers and horses in his hands. In other words, Sun He's side was only able to squeeze out 38,000 people to come to support.

But Liu Jun got the report of the capture general, Yang Xingmi has invested enough money this time, and the entire black cloud and the yellow-headed army have been pulled out, and I don't know what deal he made with Qian Biao, and a main force of tooth soldiers did not stay to defend Qian Biao, nor was he afraid of Qian Biao stabbing him in the back, but Liu Jun could estimate that Zhu Wen did not contribute to this matter, and let Qian Biao temporarily negotiate peace with Yang Xing. In addition, the general also observed that the number of Yang Xingmi's soldiers and horses also exceeded 80,000, although the specific number is not clear, but even if Yang Xingmi led an army of 100,000 soldiers and horses this time, it is not surprising. Huainan itself is fertile, coupled with the great benefit of Haiyan, and in recent years, it has not encountered the disaster of war, and Huainan's defense line has not been broken through by the enemy, resulting in Huainan is very rich.

With Huainan's financial resources, Yang Xingmi also raised 200,000 troops, and it is not impossible to pull out 100,000 people this time.

Thinking of this, Liu Cheng couldn't help but be even more worried, Liu Ziren walked in, saw his cousin Liu Cheng like this, and knew that he must have encountered something difficult, so he couldn't help asking: "Brother, is there something wrong with the war in Yizhou!" ”

"See for yourself!" Liu Yan shook his head, and put it on several cases, and he didn't know how many times he had read the emergency document and pushed it slightly in the direction of Liu Ziren.

Liu Ziren didn't care about being polite, and he didn't need to be polite about the relationship between him and Liu Jun, he took the emergency document and read it quickly at a glance. Liu Ziren's face became more and more pale with the speed of reading. "This ...... How is this possible! Although the city wall of Linyi City is not considered a heroic city, it is only a day's work! How strong is the combat effectiveness of the army under Yang Xingmi's command! ”

"Yang Xingmi's casualties are not serious, it has only been a day's work, and it is estimated that the defenders of Linyi City will cause hundreds of casualties of the Huainan Army at most." Liu Jun said calmly, although the situation was not good, he was still very calm.

Liu Ziren hesitated and said, "Brother, I think it's better to give up other cities for now and stick to Yanzhou City." Fortunately, this year's harvest is good, and the food is enough to support the army for a year and a half, as long as Yanzhou is held, this can be dragged to His Highness to support! ”

Liu Yan didn't speak, raised his head, looked at the bright scenery outside the window, and didn't know what he was thinking.

was silent for a while, Liu Ziren was hesitating whether to wake up Liu Jun, but he was afraid of interrupting Liu Jun's train of thought, and his heart was very entangled. Liu Yan spoke, anxious about the generals' deliberations.

"Yes!" When Liu Ziren heard this, he couldn't help but quietly breathe a sigh of relief, it would be good to have a decision!

It didn't take long for the generals to come to the White Tiger Hall of the Jiedu Embassy, and Liu Ziren told the generals about the current situation. The generals were all taken aback when they heard this.

Yanhai, who is known as a capable minister, observed Han Yifu, and was immediately taken aback when he heard this, he is a capable minister, but it does not mean that Han Yifu is not afraid of death, he saw that the current situation was so critical, and immediately said: "General Liu should not interfere in this matter as an official, but the current situation is too critical, when all the troops and horses that can be mobilized should be mobilized to retreat to Yanzhou City, as long as Yanzhou City can be defended, and other places are captured, His Highness will not blame me!" ”

Liu Yan didn't speak, but glanced at everyone present, and asked, "What do you think?" Speak freely about what is being discussed today, and do not ask questions afterwards or on the spot because you say something wrong. ”

The generals in the White Tiger Hall glanced at each other, and Zhu Lige, the envoy of Yanzhou soldiers and horses, arched his hand and said: "General, although Yanhai has 40,000 troops, but scattered all over the place, Yizhou itself has 10,000 troops stationed, and there are only 30,000 left at the moment, and they will definitely not be able to resist the attack of Huainan and Xuanwu when they are scattered. Defending Yanzhou City is the key, and Yanzhou City is strong, plus you have a general to defend it, it is not a problem to hold it for a year and a half! The last general thought that what the Han Observer said was a good idea. ”

The voice of Zhu Lige, the envoy of the Yanzhou soldiers and horses, did not fall for long, and the four commanders came out and arched their hands: "The last general and others are also such opinions!" ”

At this time, the deputy commander Yan Bao, who was standing on the side, heard this, hesitated for a moment, a flash of determination flashed in his eyes, gritted his teeth, and stood up and said, "The last general thinks that the current situation should send troops to take the initiative to attack. ”

Before Yan Bao's words were finished, a commander who had previously supported Han Yifu and Zhu Lige couldn't help but be furious, and shouted: "You are just a small commander, you actually dare to question what Shangguan said, and even send troops to attack!" This is a fallacy! Big fallacy! ”

When Liu Yan heard Yan Bao's words, a flash of appreciation flashed in his eyes, and when he heard the words of the commander, he couldn't help frowning, and scolded: "I will speak freely about the things we discussed today because I said it just now, and I won't ask him afterwards or on the spot because he said it wrong." What do you mean by that? ”

Liu Jun's words frightened the commander and his face turned pale all of a sudden, although Liu Yan was just the deputy envoy of Yanhai Jiedu, and in terms of rank, he was one level lower than Han Yifu, the Yanhai observation envoy. But in the entire Lulong officialdom, who doesn't know that His Royal Highness King Qin Li Cunhuan appreciated Liu Cheng and personally went to find Liu Cheng out of the mountain, not only did not blame Liu Cheng for ambushing him at the beginning, but also let Liu Cheng take charge alone, named the deputy envoy of Jiedu, but he was in charge of the power of Jiedu. It's okay if you are a civil official, but as a military general, you have offended Liu Jun, and if you want to be promoted in the future, I am afraid that it will be one or two points more difficult than others.

The commander of this box was a person under Zhu Lige, and Zhu Lige saw that the scene was a little stiff, although he secretly scolded the commander in his heart for being a fool. But he still had no choice but to come forward, and hugged his fist at Liu Yan and said: "This person has always been straightforward, please read the general's first offense and expel him from the White Tiger Hall as punishment." After saying that, Zhu Lige scolded the commander: "Your Excellency is here, where do you have the right to speak, get out!" ”

After that, Zhu Lige asked in a tone of asking for instructions, "General, what do you see?" ”

Liu Yan's face softened at this time, and he said: "Okay, since Zhu Bingma made you intercede, you will be disqualified from the Senate this time, and you will retreat!" The next time you commit it again, don't blame General Ben for not having a strong military stick in his hand. ”

"General Xie Liu, Xie Zhu Soldier and Horse Envoy!" Although the commander was sad and indignant in his heart, he also knew that this was not the place for him to play a scoundrel, so he hurriedly clamped his tail and withdrew from the White Tiger Hall in a gloomy manner, his face was red, so he was not shy.

After Liu Yan waited for the commander to withdraw from the White Tiger Hall, he asked Yan Bao, "Go on!" ”

Yan Bao is not a fool, seeing the development of the situation just now, he also knows that Liu Cheng is probably also inclined to his own opinion, knowing that he has made the right bet this time, Yan Bao can't help but breathe a sigh of relief when he thinks of this. Suddenly, hearing Liu Jun's words, Yan Bao hurriedly answered: "Yes! The reason why the last general said to send troops was not because he was greedy for merit. There are three reasons for this. If Yanzhou is not besieged on all sides and clears away a large number of soldiers and horses in the field, it is impossible for anyone to attack Pinglu Domain unscrupulously. Xuanwu's side was okay, Huainan Yang Xingmi did not capture or trap Yanzhou, he could only go to Muling Pass to enter Pinglu. Needless to say, the fortification of Muling Pass is needless to say, and the Great Wall built during the Warring States Period when Qi was fighting for hegemony is known as the first pass in the southeast. The degree of solidity and danger is still three points better than Yanzhou City. Therefore, we only defend Yanzhou City, although we can protect Yanzhou City without losing it, but we also chase Yang Xingmi's wish, so that he can divide his troops to attack Pinglu. ”

Speaking of this, Yan Bao paused, secretly glanced at everyone present, and found that many people's faces were full of sarcasm, and only a few people fell into deep thought. Apparently dismissive of his words. However, Yan Bao didn't care, when he saw the appreciation in Liu Yan's eyes, he knew that no matter whether this opportunity was successful or not, he would definitely hug Liu Yan's thigh this time. Yan Baocai doesn't care if you disdain or even want to find a place where there is no one, put a sack on Lao Tzu's head, and beat him again.

Yan Bao coughed, cleared his throat, and continued calmly: "Second, I am stubborn in Yanzhou City, and what I can count on is naturally His Royal Highness the King of Qin to lead a large army to help. But His Royal Highness King Qin is in the river right now, and the last general doesn't know what the situation is, but the last general knows one thing. If His Royal Highness the King of Qin has the advantage, Zhu Wen's old thief can be dragged out, because it is impossible for His Royal Highness the King of Qin not to come to the rescue of Yanzhou, and in the end it will only ruin His Royal Highness the King of Qin's plan to revive the Tang Dynasty. If His Highness's situation in the river is half a pound or two taels or Zhu Wen is at a disadvantage, then we will spoil His Highness's big thing, and may cause His Highness to suffer a lot of losses in the river when he retreats. The Lord humiliates the ministers to death, and the Lord worries about the humiliation of the ministers, these words are not on the lips! His Royal Highness the King of Qin asked me to wait as a general of Yanzhou, but I can share the worries of His Royal Highness the King of Qin, so that His Royal Highness the King of Qin can fight the river wholeheartedly, instead of letting His Royal Highness the King of Qin put out the fire on all sides, otherwise what is the use of waiting? ”

"Good!" Liu Yan couldn't help but applaud, Yan Bao's words were good, and he blocked most of the generals' words that they wanted to oppose.

When Yan Bao heard this, he was even more excited, but he also knew that if he was too proud, he would set up too many unnecessary enemies, so he quickly restrained the triumphant expression on his face. He bowed slightly to Liu Jun to express his gratitude for Liu Jun's appreciation. Then he said: "Third, whether it is Yang Xingmi or Xuanwu, they will definitely not think that we are in a weak position and dare to fight, this is to attack them unprepared. Victory greatly encourages morale, but also can make Huainan and Xuanwu morale frustrated, and Yanzhou soldiers and horses, people, and materials can retreat calmly. Next, whether you choose to play or choose to defend, there are great benefits. ”

"Good!" Liu Cheng praised again, waved his hand to signal Yan Bao to step aside, and immediately asked the generals, "I don't know what you think?" ”

When the generals in the White Tiger Hall heard this, they couldn't help but look at each other, wanting to oppose but not finding an excuse, agreeing but not wanting to take this risk. In the end, it was Yanhai who observed Han Yifu and bowed his hand to Liu Yan, insisted on his previous opinion, and said helplessly: "General Liu has General Liu's concerns, but this official thinks that if he takes the initiative to fight, it is too risky, once defeated, I am afraid that Yanzhou will not be able to hold it, and I am afraid that His Highness will be more troubled!" General Liu is asked to be cautious. ”

Liu Yan waved his hand and retorted unceremoniously: "Although Han Guan's words are reasonable, judging from the current situation, I am afraid that His Highness's trouble is not so bad!" But if he wins, he has a lot of contempt for the current situation. And Ben will only know one sentence, those who are ministers, the lord is worried about the humiliation of the ministers, and the lord humiliates the ministers to death. Why did His Highness ask us to guard Yanhai, did you want us to guard the city? Do you think this is worthy of Your Highness's entrustment? ”

Giving Liu Yan such a heavy sentence fell down, the generals in the White Tiger Hall didn't dare to say anything else, and they all arched their hands and said: "The last general and others seconded it!" ”

Even Han Yifu could only helplessly express his protest in silence.

On the one hand, Liu Yan sent people to inform all prefectures and counties in Yanzhou to abandon the city and retreat to Yanzhou with the people, soldiers, horses, and materials. On the other hand, Liu Cheng dispatched troops and led 14,000 troops along Surabaya to Surabaya County the next day. Coupled with the retreating soldiers and horses along the way, Liu Yan had reached 16,000 soldiers and horses by the time he arrived in Surabaya County.

After Liu Yan came to Surabaya County, he took his own soldiers to survey the terrain of Surabaya County on horseback, but surprisingly did not prepare to occupy Surabaya County and compete with Yang Xingmi. Liu ordered to be moved to the mountains south of Surabaya County, where he set up camp on Niqiu Mountain, and his soldiers and horses were hidden in the mountains and forests. The camp has not been completely set up, and Liu Cheng is looking for someone to find Yan Baolai. Liu Yan didn't talk nonsense, and directly pointed to a place on the east side of the map of Surabaya County and asked: "The name of this place is leaky, and I will ask you, how many people can you take to lurk here overnight, so that the scouts of the Huainan Army can't find you!" ”

Yan Bao is the former Yanhai Jiedu envoy Zhu Jin's old general, who had accompanied Zhu Jin to fight with you in Yanzhou for several years, and later retreated to Mizhou, often participating in the plan to recapture Yizhou and Yanzhou, and he usually has a lot of thoughts. Therefore, although I did not go to Leaky Sawa to survey the terrain before the war, because I had been here twice before and heard hearsay, I was very familiar with the terrain here.

Hearing this, Yan Bao said without hesitation: "Five hundred people at most!" There are many reeds here, and the weather is dry now, some of the mud in the reeds can be tamped, people are wrapped in hangers, and the reeds are laid up and down, and they can stay up and down for several nights, and even if they walk in, it is not easy to find. It's just that the general's move is? ”

When Liu Yan heard this, he had the intention to test Yan Bao, and deliberately asked, "What do you say?" ”

When Yan Bao heard this, he was slightly stunned, pondered for a moment, spread out the palm of his left hand to Liu Yan, used the index finger of his right hand as a pen, and wrote a piece on the palm.

When Liu Yan saw it, he was slightly stunned, and laughed heartily: "Not bad! But you said it was better to put it out there! ”

When Yan Bao heard this, he moved his right index finger to a certain place on the map and said with a smile: "Naturally, it is best to place it here, but there are people here who refuse to retreat, and this move is harmful to the heavens and the peace!" ”

When Liu Cheng heard this, he was silent for a while, and said: "The general has already asked Zhu Lige to lead the soldiers and horses to force the people to leave, although it is a little cruel, but it is better than being with the Huainan army." That's ready for this side, and that's what you're like this, you see? ”

"Yes! The last general will definitely live up to the general, even if he dies, the last general will let Huainan barbarians and Yang Xingmi thieves know the power of my Yanhai warriors! Yan Bao's tone of voice was unusually firm and unequivocal, and he almost raised three fingers and swore to add a military order.

(To be continued)