Hong Jixun didn't say it first, but made an analogy.

He said, "For example, snakes and cranes fight each other. The snake is prostrate on the ground, bending its neck and raising its head, ready to attack, wanting to move but not moving, as if defending and attacking. Even if it is like a crane, it can soar in the wind, and it seems to attack and defend freely, but it does not dare to attack rashly. The Art of War: Those who are good at attacking, the enemy does not know what they are defending. Those who defend well, the enemy does not know what they are attacking. Snakes, that's it.

"Today, Polo Timur lifted the fine horse, galloping south of the desert, echoing in Fengzhou and other places on the left, Liaoxi on the right to respond, and then there is Dadu and Datong as the basis, and the land of thousands of miles in a blink of an eye, such as entering the realm of no one. He's like a crane. If our army wants to win, if our army wants to rescue Shangdu, there is only one strategy, and that is to be like a snake. ”

"How?"

Hong Jixun turned back to the shift, picked up the tea bowl on the desk, took a sip, pointed to the map from afar, and said two place names: "Gaozhou, covering the mountain." ”

"Gaozhou? Covering the mountain? ”

The ministers in the hall exchanged their heads and ears, some were puzzled, some were thoughtful, some suddenly realized, and some smiled.

Gaozhou and Cover Mountain, that is, today's Chifeng area.

Chifeng, located at the junction of Liaoyang Province and Zhongshu Province, is the southern foot of the Great Xing'an Mountains in the northwest, surrounded by the Yanshan Mountains in the southwest, and is a natural barrier formed by the Xilaotu Mountains in the southeast. Its place is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and the water system formed by the convergence of the two rivers spreads all over the territory, which can be said to be surrounded by mountains and rivers, and only the northeast side is close to the Liaohe Plain.

"Gaozhou, along the cover mountain, near Wuping, Huihe, there are Tartar Tanma Red Army garrison. A year ago, there was a defeat in Nangjia, implicating this place, and the current garrison is less than 3,000. The distance between the places is about 400 miles, and the roads along the way are smooth, and there are no obstacles from mountains and rivers. Riding lightly, it can be reached in five days.

"If our army gets here, it will be like a snake."

Hong Jixun put down the tea bowl and looked at the ministers, and he further explained: "Why is it said that the situation of the snake has been formed here? Everyone, let's see: Gaozhou is on the capital from afar, and it is prosperous. If Polo Timur's army does not move, then I will also stay and watch. If Polo Timur dares to attack Shangdu brazenly, then I can go out and copy his back. In this way, our army not only avoided the frontal battle with him, but also seemed to defend and attack, and then attacked, isn't this like a snake to defend and attack?

"Between Xinghe and Shangdu, there is a place called Chahannaoer. The Tartars have a Xuanwei Division here, which is one of the largest pastures in the northern part of Mengyuan. In the past, Guan Duo passed by, and attacked and captured many military horses, but there are still many left. What's even better is that in July last year, the Tartar Emperor allocated this land to the Zizheng Yuan at the request of the Qi clan, and it became the private property of the Qi clan.

"As long as Polo Timur dares to move, our army can go out of Gaozhou, rush to Chahannaoer, and cut off his back road. At the same time, they took the opportunity to plunder the horses in the pastures and the local herdsmen. Chahan's brain was under fire, and the Qi clan would inevitably put pressure on Polo Timur. Our army is under both controls, how long can Polo Timur hold out?

"Take 10,000 steps back and say, even if our army can't cut off its rear road, with Gaozhou in hand, our army can copy the grain route from Naha, can't we copy the grain route of Polo Timur? Our army's difficulty in transporting grain has become his difficulty in transporting grain. This is one of them.

"If our army marches long distances to help Shangdu, I will be tired. If our army is stationed in Gaozhou, then Polo Timur will attack Shangdu from afar, and he will become a tired soldier. The momentum of the host and the guest suddenly changed. This is the second one. As long as Gaozhou is defeated, the initiative will be under our control. Didn't our army fight as much as it wanted?

"The above two are near-profit, and they have laid down Gaozhou, and the most important thing is that they are far and medium-beneficial to our Haidong." Hong Jixun straightened his clothes, bowed to Deng She, and said, "The minister has been thinking about it for a long time, and he should wait for the South Goryeo to be calmed down, and then propose this proposal to the lord." Since it is the right time for Shangdu to ask for help, you might as well advance this discussion. ”

Dunshe sat up straight, listening intently as he continued to analyze.

"In the former Liao period, Liao Shangjing and Zhongjing were both near Gaozhou and Shashan Mountain. This area has the reputation of 'Thousand Miles of Pine Forest', and its territory and surroundings are densely wooded, the mountains and fields are verdant, and the fertile land is ten thousand hectares. It not only has important strategic value, but also has great economic significance. This is one of the benefits also.

"From Gaozhou to the south, there are two avenues that lead directly to Dadu. Conquering Gaozhou, with the help of the surrounding mountains, building barriers and fortifications, can help our Haidong seize the initiative on the battlefield at the moment. When the war calms down a little, on the basis of Gaozhou, we can build a wall of earth between Gaozhou and the covered mountain, build a new city, and help our Haidong seize the initiative on the battlefield in the future.

"Chen dare to assert that as long as Gaozhou is a little bit, the new city will become a success, and the offensive and defensive trend of Monan, the belly and my Haidong will inevitably change. I, Haidong, have the upper hand.

And from Gaozhou to the south, there are three avenues leading to all parts of Liaodong.

"One of them goes directly to Shuangcheng through Liaoyang and Lianshan. There are ready-made roads and post stations, and our Haidong only needs a little repair before it can be put into use. Liaoyang is the provincial governance of our Haidong, the twin cities, and the foundation for the rise of our Haidong. The three places are connected in a line, and the radiation roads from Liaoyang to Liaozuo and Liaoyang to Pyongyang can be said to lead the line with points and lead with lines, which can be attacked and defended.

"How can you say that you can attack and defend? Our army has won Gaozhou, and if there is no war in the future, there will be a Gaozhou barrier in front, such as a shield, which can be defended. If there is a war, pour the strength of the two provinces, gather a little, and there will be Gaozhou in front of the impact, such as a spear, which can be attacked. This is called offensive and defensible. Liaodong and Haidong, the whole will be integrated from this, and they will advance and retreat freely. This is also a long-term benefit.

"It can be seen from the second Yuanli that Gaozhou and the area of the covering mountain are actually the gateway to my eastern Liaoning. Defeating Gaozhou is equivalent to guarding the gateway of Liaodong, and at the same time, it is equivalent to opening the portal in the belly, and it is also equivalent to opening the portal of Monan. The northeast of Gaozhou is connected with plains, and there are things on it, and our army can reach it in a few days; There is nothing to do, and our army will be there in a few days. One of the benefits. ”

The people in the hall are all provincial ministers, and Hong Jixun nakedly does not hide his covetousness for Shangdu. What is "nothing to do, the same can be reached in a few days"? The implication is self-evident: after conquering Gaozhou, Shangdu is within the sphere of influence of Liaodong and can be touched at any time.

Including Yang Xingjian, Liu Shimin and others, no one was surprised by his covetousness. Because everyone present knew that the status of Shangdu was very important. Even if its political significance is missed, it cannot be left out of control for a long time.

I just don't know, if Lei Timur, who was waiting outside the hall, heard these words, how would he feel? Will you be so eager to ask Haidong for assistance? Perhaps, even if he heard, there was nothing he could do. This is the helplessness of small forces in troubled times. Sooner or later, they were either wiped out by the Yuan army or annexed by Liaodong. The situation is stronger than the man.

"After defeating Gaozhou, our army will no longer have to worry about the Tartars in Saishang, Monan, and the belly, and will be able to concentrate all efforts to pacify Southern Goryeo. The outside must first be secured, the inside is safe, and then the outside can be opened. Whether to settle Naha first, or to destroy the family treasure first, when the time comes, make a decision according to the changes in the situation. The second benefit is this. ”

"Good, good, good!"

Deng She Huoran got up, said hello three times in a row, he walked quickly to the map, found the location of Gaozhou and Cover Mountain, clicked two points, watched carefully for a long time, turned his head, and asked: "Mr. Hong's high argument is really deafening." What do you think? ......, Mr. Yao, what do you think? ”

Yao Haogu is not as good as himself. Hong Jixun said vividly the importance of rescuing Shangdu and capturing Gaozhou, and he didn't have much to add.

He said: "Lord Hong's reverence for grand arguments is really ingenious and ingenious, and people can't help but be amazed. The minister agreed. And attached to Lord Hong's tail, the minister has two small insights, say it, please ask the lord to consider, please discuss it. ”

He was very modest, saluted Deng She, hugged his fists at everyone, and then continued to say: "The minister thinks that the upper capital should be helped." In addition to the reasons that Lord Hong and the princes have said, there is another reason. Lei Timur didn't spend thousands of miles to come to the rescue of Liaoyang. Whatever his intentions, the friendship was made, and he made a covenant with me. Now that there is something going on, if I don't sit idly by and don't save it, what are the heroes in the world? If you don't save the capital, you have no faith.

"Cheng Sizhong's department and my Haidong are from the same source. The veterans in the army know each other a lot. Especially Guan Pingzhang's old department, Liaoyang's surrendered army, such as Xu Ren and Li Jing's generals, and they have many friends with the township party. If you don't save him, what will be the old soldier in the Nai army? What will they think? This is unkind.

"The Shangdu army and the lord, although they do not belong to each other now, after all, they are ministers in the same hall, and if they don't save him, what is the Nai Anfeng court and Shandong Province? What would they think? It is for unfaithfulness and unrighteousness. To sum up, no matter how big the price needs to be paid, the upper must go to the rescue. We must not fall into the notorious name of disloyalty, injustice, unkindness, and untrustworthiness. ”

It doesn't matter what the Anfeng court thinks, Shandong's opinion is very important. The discussion of veterans in the army is even more important. It is most important to declare that Haidong has faith in the world, talk about integrity, let others mention it, give it a thumbs up, praise it from the bottom of their hearts, and praise Haidong for doing what he says, so that people feel honest and reliable.

Deng She sighed: "Those who know me, Mr. Yao too." ”

Although Hong Jixun and Yao Haogu have the same judgment, they both believe that Shangdu must be rescued and cannot be ignored. However, Hong Jixun's starting point is mainly utilitarian, while Yao Haogu's starting point is more focused on fame. The personalities of the two of them are different, and it is inevitable that there will be such a difference in understanding.

Yao Haoguxun let two sentences, and then said: "Since rescue is necessary, how to rescue?" The minister very much agreed with Lord Hong's suggestion that he should give up the capital and take Gaozhou. This is a plan to knock the mountain and shake the tiger.

"As Lord Hong said, Gaozhou and Cover Mountain are close to Wuping and Huihe, and the garrison is only a few thousand. If our army decides to attack Gaozhou, it will not need too many men at all. But the existing army in Liaodong alone is enough.

"Guan Shirong succeeded in encircling and suppressing Pan Cheng, and Pan Cheng's troops surrendered nearly 20,000 troops. Among them, there are more than 10,000 veterans who have been on the battlefield for a long time and can fight well. A few days ago, the lord has issued an order and ordered Chen Hu and Guan Shirong to be responsible for the reorganization. All the strong men who were coerced by Pan Cheng were released and returned to their hometowns. The old pawns eliminated the weak and sent them to Tuntian; Keep the elite and rebuild the army. By the standard of one of the two, there are five thousand.

"In addition to the 5,000 people that Lei Timur does not spend, and the garrisons in Luyang and other places totaling nearly 10,000 people, and more than 10,000 Tuntian troops in Liaozuo and other places, they can be used at critical moments. With these more than 30,000 troops, it is more than enough to conquer Gaozhou without the need to transfer the elite of South Goryeo to the north.

"Lord Hong's suggestion can be said to take care of all aspects and is very perfect. However, the minister has another proposal. Earlier, on the orders of the lord, he contacted Cheng Sizhong and Yang Cheng of Ulzhou. Needless to say. Yang Cheng of Ulzhou, the minister has also contacted him.

"Ulzhou, between Dadu and Datong, is after Xinghe. Although Yang Cheng's power is not too large, and he has not been in Ulzhou for a long time, it is a nail in the back road of Polo Timur. While our army is fighting Gaozhou, can we send a messenger to know the benefits to him, so as to prompt him to send an army, and also help our Haidong to relieve a little pressure on our army?

"The minister's two little insights are like this. Whether it is appropriate or not, whether it can be carried out, is still up to the Lord to decide. ”

The courtiers are pleased.

Deng She was overjoyed and said, "Is it appropriate?" I think it's very appropriate. Can it be implemented? I think it can be done. Excuse me? If the princes have no objection, they will make a decision according to the policy of the two gentlemen. How is it? ”

Naturally, the ministers did not have any objections and passed unanimously.

"Marshal Lei, please."

Lei Timur did not come in, prostrated himself on the ground, and made a great salute.

Deng She politely gave up his seat and conveyed the opinions of the ministers to him. Lei Timur didn't take a moment to listen, and immediately understood that Deng She's entire rescue plan was nominally to save Shangdu, but in fact it was planned for Haidong. has both fame and profit, it is really fame and fortune. If his plan can be successfully implemented, even if Polo Timur is repulsed, it may be difficult for Shangdu to escape his control.

The most odious thing is that he actually proposed to use the 5,000 men and horses that Lei Timur did not spend as the vanguard, thinking that he was the pioneer in attacking Gaozhou and other places. Isn't this just to make Lei Timur jump down without spending himself digging a pit for himself? But what else could he do? Again, the situation is stronger than the people. Lei Timur has the reputation of a "think tank" without spending money, and the organs are calculating, and they can't stop Deng She's power.

Of course, he had another option.

He could completely refuse Deng She's request and lead the army back alone, and even more, he could say that Cheng Sizhong surrendered to the Yuan army. But is it possible? More unlikely. Deng She coveted the boss again, after all, he was his own person. Lei Timur may not be able to say impassioned words such as national righteousness, but he is still clear and distinguishes between right and wrong between Deng She and Polo Timur.

Rather with the tribesmen than with the Tartars.

Moreover, he came all the way from Liaoyang to Pyongyang, and what he saw along the way was a thriving scene, which was completely different from when Guan Duo was in Liaoyang in the past. Compared with the above, the difference between the two cannot be calculated.

He is a very ambitious person who wants to make a career, and when he sees such a scene, and sees that Haidong is full of civil and military affairs, and has a very new atmosphere, he can't help but put away the initial unrealistic thoughts, and instead thinks: "Good birds choose trees to perch." Since I can't protect myself, I see that the wind and rain are in turmoil, and the day is precarious. Perhaps, it is also a good choice to take refuge in Haidong. ”

With a little helplessness and a little reluctance, he simply accepted Deng She's plan.

——

1. If you go outside, you must first settle inside.

At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Pu said in an excerpt to Song Taizong: China is peaceful, and the people are self-serving. If the deceased husband wants to go outside, he must first settle inside.

2, Chifeng.

Chifeng is the second largest city in the world after the city. It covers an area of more than 90,000 square kilometers, which is equivalent to the land area of South Korea. * The total area of the city is more than 260,000 square kilometers, which is equivalent to the sum of Shandong and Jiangsu provinces.