Fenghou

This price is more appropriate, mainly because [-] high-quality war horses are expensive. In the Jiangnan area, such high-quality war horses are worth hundreds of guan, and even if you have money, you can't buy them.

For the Xihe Army, superior war horses were generally used to equip elite cavalry, while ordinary war horses were used to ride infantry instead of walking.

Chen Qing has been planning to form a Tianlong Army since last year, that is, the most elite cavalry, under the direct command of Chen Qing, currently has 5000 people, after the arrival of these first-class horses, his Tianlong Army will expand to 1 people .

The extra thousand horses were used to expand the scout army and form a new scout battalion, led by Tang Qian who had just been promoted to commander.

The details of the transaction are still being discussed, but at this moment, Chen Qing received the eagle letter from Jingzhao City and Taiyuan City. The army rushed back to Shangjing, and Jurchen nobles such as Wanyan Wushu and Wanyan Zonghan also rushed back to Shangjing.

At this critical moment, the opportunity to counterattack the Jin soldiers came. Not only Chen Qing's army attacked Shaanxi Road, but also other Song armies also had the opportunity to counterattack the Jianghuai line.

……

In Lin'an, the emperor Zhao Gou urgently convened a meeting of the prime minister in the imperial study.

"You must have read Yue Dutong's memorial. Today, Han Dutong also sent a memorial with the same content. The emperor of Jin died, and the Jianghuai army was empty. There were no Jurchen troops stationed, and there were not many puppet Qi troops." , Han Dutong suggested attacking Jianghuai, let everyone talk about it!"

A few days ago, Yue Fei, who was stationed in Xiangyang, also sent a memorial. He got accurate news that the emperor of the Jin Kingdom had passed away, and the senior officials of the Jin Army rushed back to Shangjing. The memorial caused great controversy in the court, with both supporters and opponents, which made the court hesitate to make up its mind.

Han Shizhong also sent a memorial today, asking the imperial court to seize the opportunity to attack Jianghuai in the north. Both Han Shizhong and Yue Fei's memorials were written impassionedly, and Zhao Gou was really moved.

Moreover, the Jin Guoguan also hung up white flags yesterday to mourn, and Zhao Gou specially sent Qin Hui to the Jin Guoguan to pay tribute on behalf of the court.

Although Zhao Gou is a peaceful faction in his heart, he doesn't want to live in danger all the time, and be forced to escape on a boat at any time. For this reason, Zhao Gou also accepted Zhang Jun's plan to retake the Jianghuai River as the defense line of the Yangtze River. Buffer, even if a long-term armistice agreement is to be signed in the future, the Huaihe River should be used as the dividing line, not the Yangtze River.

It's just that the disastrous attack on the Huaihe River twice made him feel hazy, and he couldn't make up his mind. Zhao Gou looked at Zhang Jun, hoping that Zhang Jun would speak first.

Zhang Jun understood, bowed and said: "Your Majesty, I have always believed that security is not only the cause of war, but also the result of war. We take the initiative to challenge threats for the sake of security. If we defeat the opponent, we can gain security, but we also It is not to challenge blindly, but to wait for the opportunity. Now that the head of the Jin Kingdom is killed, it is a once-in-a-century opportunity. We have at least half a year to retake the Jianghuai and consolidate the Jianghuai defense line. This opportunity is missed. Wait for the Jin Dynasty to stabilize Come down, it will be difficult in the future."

As soon as Zhang Jun finished speaking, Zhu Shengfei hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, it is not loyal to plot to kill the good; it is not benevolent to take advantage of people's danger. The king of the Jin Kingdom is mourning, and the country is in misfortune. Since we go to mourn, but send troops to attack, it is really not etiquette. What Shangguo did, I firmly oppose sending troops."

Xu Xiantu and Zhu Shengfei were at odds. He sneered and said, "When did Jianghuai become the territory of the Kingdom of Jin? Our capital is still Bianliang, and the Taimiao of the Song Dynasty is also in Bianliang. The second emperor did not return. We will take back the country and fight against rebellion. , does Zhu Xianggong think we are taking advantage of others' danger?"

Zhu Shengfei also said angrily: "I'm not saying that we won't take back the country, but it shouldn't be at this time. After the disaster of Jin Guoguo is over, wouldn't it be better for us to send troops to attack it openly?"

Xu Xiantu sarcastically said, "I didn't expect Zhu Xianggong to be Song Xianggong's confidant. It's rare!"

Zhu Shengfei blushed, and looked at Qin Hui as if asking for help. Qin Hui was in a dilemma. He was not as stupid as Zhu Shengfei. He also saw that the officials wanted to seize Jianghuai. If you speak out against it, I'm afraid it will arouse the resentment of the officials. If you don't object, it will be difficult to explain to Jin Guo in the future.

It took him a long time to say: "It's still during the truce, and there is an agreement to bind it, so I'm afraid it's not easy to send troops!"

Qin Hui didn't talk much, but he touched on the key point. There is still one month until the truce agreement expires. It is really inappropriate for them to send troops at this time.

Zhao Gou was a little embarrassed, and looked at Lu Yihao again. Lu Yihao was always prudent, thoughtful, and more pragmatic. Although Zhao Gou wanted to dismiss Lu Yihao's position several times because of Chen Qing, but the government couldn't find a substitute for it for a while. Lu Yihao's minister, Zhao Gou, could only pinch his nose and let Lu Yihao continue to be prime minister.

Lu Yihao smiled, and said slowly: "The full-scale deployment of troops has too much impact, and indeed violated the armistice agreement. Wei Chen suggested that we should use the method of last time, let Yue Dutong send troops from the center line, but instead of attacking Bianliang, go to the Attack Jianghuai from the east, so as not to violate the armistice agreement on the eastern front, but also to seize the opportunity."

Qin Hui retorted: "Isn't it a violation of the armistice agreement to attack Jianghuai eastward?"

Lu Yihao said calmly: "Mr. Qin can go and see the agreement, it is very clear that the east line refers to the Yangtze River line, the Song army is not allowed to cross the Yangtze River to the north, and Yuedu sent troops, and did not cross the Yangtze River to the north, right? "

Zhao Gou's eyes lit up, although it was a literal loophole, it was indeed a good way.

Chapter 553 The Eastern Expedition

In the afternoon, Lu Yihao returned to the mansion. As soon as he returned to the mansion, the eldest son Lu Jin hurried forward and said: "Father, the third uncle is here!"

"Where are the people?"

"In father's outer study!"

Lu Yihao nodded, "Please wait a moment, I'll change my clothes and go over."

"Father, Wei'er has a letter from home."

The second grandson Lu Wei's family letter was naturally forwarded from Chengdu through his in-law Li Jiong in a hurry. In fact, it was a way for Chen Qing and Lu Yihao to communicate.

Lu Yihao cheered up, and quickly asked, "Where is the letter?"

Lu Jin took out the letter and handed it to his father. It was a letter from his in-law Li Jiong, but there was a pigeon letter from Lu Wei at the back.

Lu Yihao took the letter and said, "Go and settle down with Uncle Three, I'll be right over."

Lu Jin's third uncle is Lu Yihao's third younger brother, Lu Qingshan, who has outstanding political achievements and was transferred from Fuzhou to Suzhou last year as the prefect.

Lu Yihao changed into a comfortable long gown and came to the outer study. Lu Qingshan was drinking tea. Seeing his brother coming in, he quickly got up and saluted, "Brother is in good health!"

"I'm fine, when did the third brother come to La'an?"

"I just arrived at noon today, and I have several important approvals to urge the court, so I will make a trip to Lin'an."

Lu Yihao waved him to sit down, and a maid came in to serve tea.

Lu Yihao took a sip of tea and said: "Your approval documents should be stuck with Mr. Qin. I will urge Mr. Qin for you later. It's not a big problem."

"Thank you brother!"

Lu Qingshan whispered again: "There is another important news. I heard that my son-in-law defeated the [-] puppet Qi army in Qinzhou. Now my son-in-law has led the army to go to Shaanxi Road."

Lu Yihao's eyelids twitched, and he asked anxiously, "Who did you hear this news from?"

"My little brother heard about it from a tea merchant who came from Guanzhong. He said that Chen Qing's army attacked Gyeongju and Huanzhou."

Lu Yihao couldn't sit still any longer, so he quickly took out a volume of Shaanxi Road Transit Map from the bookcase, and slowly unfolded it for a closer look.

Only now did he understand that Chen Qing captured Pingliang Mansion last year in preparation for attacking Shaanxi Road this year.

Lu Yihao nodded, "I know about this matter, the third brother must not publicize this matter in the court."

"Don't worry, big brother. I have a sense of propriety and I will never leak it. In fact, I came here this time to tell my brother about it. I dare not even write a letter because I am afraid that the news will leak."

"You did the right thing. Now the court and Chen Qing have no news. A few days ago, Zhu Shengfei also said that the Jin soldiers would join forces with Xixia to attack Xihe Road, and Xihe Road could not be protected. Now it seems that Zhu Shengfei is talking nonsense."

Lu Qingshan was a little worried: "I also heard a piece of news today that the eldest brother may be resigning from office. Is it true?"

"This has always been said, and it's true. Yushitai has been collecting evidence of my crimes since last year, and even impeached me for encroaching on public land for the pier I built near the river. Fortunately, I have the approval of Lin'an Mansion, otherwise I really said Unclear."

"Is it because of Chen Qing?" Lu Qingshan asked again.

Lu Yihao nodded, "It has something to do with him, the officials obviously blamed me."

Lu Qingshan frowned and said: "I'm a little confused, what is the relationship between Chen Qing and the court now? Is it a breakup, or is it self-supporting?"

Lu Yihao smiled wryly, "No one can tell. Now that we have lost contact, the imperial court knows nothing about the situation on Xihe Road, but because of the death of the supervisor Wang Mi, the officials were extremely angry with Chen Qing and determined to dismiss him. It's just that Chen Qing ignored his edict at all, so that the officials have already identified Chen Qing as a rebel, but they didn't make it public. Now Chen Qing has become a taboo in the court, and no one dares to mention him. To send troops to Shaanxi Road."

Lu Qingshan was stunned, "No wonder! Today in the Duzhi Division, an official mentioned that last year's tax statistics were incomplete and that Xihe Road was missing. As a result, he was scolded by Jiadu's envoy. I'm still baffled. What a mistake! It turned out that Xihe Road was mentioned."

"That's it. Xihe Road has been selectively forgotten by the court. Officials and generals have been classified as separate books by the Ministry of Officials and the Privy Council. Now, except for some discussions among the people, there is no topic about it in the court."

Lu Qingshan suddenly got a little worried and said: "If Yu Shitai is looking for something to do with elder brother, elder brother has to worry about the second child."

The second child refers to the second younger brother Lu Datong, who is now serving as Yuanzhou's general judge. Lu Yihao was startled, "What's wrong with Datong?"

"I heard that the children of the second brother's family have a bad reputation, especially Lu Xian, who hangs out with a group of cronies and friends, and relies on his father's power to cause trouble outside and bully good people. I heard about it in Fuzhou last year, which shows his reputation bad."

Lu Yihao said angrily: "I will write to Datong right away, if I don't strictly restrain my children, sooner or later there will be big trouble!"

……

Chen Qing's [-] troops marched eastward from Pingliang Mansion. He divided his troops into two groups, with [-] troops headed northeast along the way, led by Yang Zaixing and Liu Qiong, and swept Zhenrong Prefecture, Huanqing Prefecture, Qingyang Prefecture, Baoan Prefecture, State and Suide State.

Except for Yanzhou, these six state capitals basically have no garrisons. The northern part was originally occupied by the Xixia people, but the civil war broke out in Xixia, and all the garrisons were withdrawn to the country, so that a garrison blank area was formed.

In this area, only Yanzhou has [-] garrisons to protect the fire oil production area, but for the [-] Song army, it is almost like hitting an egg with a stone.

The other main force, 7 people, led by Chen Qing himself, entered Yuanzhou from Pingliangfu, continued to march eastward, attacked Ningzhou, Fangzhou, and Fuzhou, and would join the North Route Army in Luojiao County, Fuzhou.

Although there is no garrison on the northern line, all states in the middle of Shaanxi Road have garrisons, especially the central county of Fangzhou, where [-] troops are stationed.

Chen Qing led a [-]-strong army all the way, and the garrisons of Yuanzhou and Ningzhou looked forward to the wind. This afternoon, the army passed through the Huju Valley of Ziwu Mountain and entered the boundary of Fangzhou. It was getting late, and Chen Qing's army camped on the spot. .

A large tent of the Chinese army was set up, and a sand table on Shaanxi Road was placed in the large tent, and a red flag was planted on the camp site where a person was engaged in the sand table.

Xu Changqing, who joined the army of the Intelligence Agency, introduced to the coach Chen Qing and several generals: "The distance from the camp to the central county is about 120 miles. There are loess and ravines along the way. Generally speaking, there are villages where there are rivers. Generally speaking, there are villages. The state has a relatively large population and is relatively rich, especially the central counties, which have a population of nearly 20, but only 5000 troops in the garrison.”

"Is there any possibility that this army will surrender?" General Gao Ding asked.

Xu Changqing shook his head, "It's almost impossible. The other party's commander is a Jurchen commander named Uzabu. He can't surrender to us."

Gao Ding said to Chen Qing: "The opponent has only [-] troops, we can cooperate from inside to outside to break the city!"

Chen Qing smiled slightly and said, "Actually, a 200-member scouting army sneaked into the city two days ago."

Gao Ding immediately clasped his fists and said, "Humble post, please order me to lead an army of [-] to break through the city!"

Chen Qing nodded, "You can first send someone into the city to find the Ping An Inn near the south gate. That's the inn opened by our intelligence scouts."

"Humble job understands!"

That night, Gao Ding led an army of [-] to leave the camp and head east.

……

Zhongbu County is a large county. It is the necessary place for Yanzhou and Fuzhou to go south to Guanzhong.

The perimeter of the city wall is about 25 li, and it is tall and strong. Since the county seat is built on a high place, it has the advantage of being condescending, making the county seat easier to defend and harder to attack.

At present, there are [-] garrisons in the county, all of which are Han troops. The [-] state soldiers from East Road and Shaanxi Road have been trained in Guanzhong for two months in the name of intensive training, and then they are assigned to garrison in various places, focusing on Guanzhong, Hanzhong and Jing. Yuan Dao, there are [-] troops deployed in these three places.

The remaining 5000 troops were stationed in various prefectures in northern Shaanxi. The central county of Fangzhou was the city where the most troops were stationed, accounting for half of the total force, with a total of [-] people.

At this time, although the garrison in Zhongbu County had received the information that Chen Qing had started his eastward expedition, they did not feel a strong sense of crisis. After all, Zhongbu County was still relatively far away from Xihe Road.

At noon that day, a small caravan came in from outside the city, leading a dozen donkeys and carrying some cheap goods, mainly medicinal materials. This kind of small caravan had no oil and water, and charged dozens of pennies for passing by. , the soldiers put the caravan into the city.

Chapter 554

The so-called caravan consists of three people, a businessman and two buddies. The businessman is a man in his thirties. His name is Peng Ying. On the order of Gao Ding, he came to contact the Song Army who was ambushing in the city.

"Proprietor, there!"

One of his subordinates suddenly saw the sign of Ping An Inn.

Peng Ying also saw it, it was a small inn, it looked a bit dilapidated, but the signboard was new.

He walked over with his men, walked into the gate of the inn, a clerk greeted him and said: "The shop is full, please go elsewhere!"

Peng Ying took out half a copper coin and handed it to the waiter, "You can stay in the hotel with it!"

The clerk took out the copper coin and looked at it. It was the agreed Qingli coin. He laughed quickly and said, "Please come in!"

The shopkeeper also came out to greet him, carefully looked at the half copper coin, and took out half a Qingli coin from his pocket to check it. It was exactly the same, and he waved his hand, "Please follow me!"

Peng Ying followed the shopkeeper into the inn, and came to a room in the backyard. The shopkeeper closed the door and said with a smile, "May I ask what your name is?"

"Under Peng Ying, the scout under General Gao's tent is Dutou."

"It turned out to be Peng Dutou. My name is Wang Hong, the person in charge of the Fangzhou Branch of the Intelligence Agency."

With the expansion of strategic goals, the third scout battalion under the command of Hu Yanlei has been assigned to the intelligence agency, and a special government office is in charge. Hu Yanlei has been changed to the deputy commander of Tianlong battalion directly under Chen Qing.

Wang Hong poured Peng Ying a cup of tea and asked, "When are you going to do it?"

"It should be tonight. General Gao asked me to go into the city to contact the hidden scouts. How can I find them?"

"Don't worry about Peng Dutou, I'll go find their leader."

"Where are they lurking?" Peng Ying asked again.

Wang Hong smiled, "How could it be so easy to lurk, they are all recruited as laborers, and they are building warehouses! Only in this way, 200 people can stay in the city, otherwise it will be easy to be discovered."

Peng Ying nodded, "Time is running out, it's best to contact me now, I have to go out of town to report!"

……

Half an hour later, a burly man came in, wearing a short jacket, with a square face and sharp eyes. It was Yang Rui, who had just been promoted to the commander of the scouts. Li Dagong was promoted to a level, and Yang Rui was promoted from deputy commander to commander.

This time, he led two hundred scout soldiers to sneak into the central county as laborers to participate in the construction of the warehouse. Today is the third day, and people came unexpectedly.

"Is it tonight?" Yang Rui asked excitedly.

Peng Ying nodded, "At midnight tonight, I wonder if General Yang has observed the night defense beforehand?"

"We have all observed carefully. If there is no accident, it is most appropriate to seize the South City Gate!"

Seeing doubts in the other party's eyes, Yang Rui explained with a smile: "First of all, we can lurk in the inn, and the soldiers are also in the inn. We can pretend to be patrolling soldiers and go directly to the city. Secondly, there are not many defenders in Nancheng. We can control the alarm bell, and then open the city to let the army enter the city silently, and the barracks are very close to the south gate, only one mile away, so we can quickly control the barracks."

Peng Ying thought for a while and said, "The barracks is very close to Nancheng. If the enemy is alarmed, the enemy will come to support immediately, but the risk is even greater."

"There is indeed a risk. If the enemy finds out, we will quickly move to the east wall to respond. Therefore, we need to deploy [-] soldiers on the east side to prevent accidents."

The two discussed the details for a while, and then Peng Ying quickly left the inn and went out of the city.

……