Fenghou

Qin Hui nodded, "This poem was indeed written by Han Shizhong a few years ago. I remember laughing at this poem. It's just that Weichen is a little strange. Why did the "Beijing News" publish Han Shizhong's poem?"

Zhao Gou snorted, "The whole city is praising Han Shizhong as the god of war, and he is almost exalting him to the sky. Why is it so strange that the "Beijing News" followed suit and praised his stinky feet?"

Before Qin Hui could find the reason, Zhao Gou gave the answer, and his reason was more sufficient and reasonable.

"When Weichen read this poem back then, he didn't feel much, but after reading it carefully today, the feeling is different."

"Oh? What's different?" Zhao Gou asked with interest.

"This poem should be a portrayal of Han Shizhong's heart. There is a line in the poem that I really can't understand, that is, 'I advise you to recognize the protagonist'."

"What's so strange about this sentence?"

"Your Majesty, if a humble minister writes this sentence, he will definitely write: 'Admonish the emperor to live up to the protagonist'. Who is the protagonist? Of course, he is the emperor. Naturally, the courtier should not disappoint the emperor, but he used the word 'knowledge'. There is a sense of choice in it, is there still two protagonists in Han Shizhong's heart?"

"Who else does Ai Qing think he is referring to?"

Zhao Gou actually read the ambiguity of this word, so his face became very ugly, and he said coldly: "Could it be that his other protagonist refers to Chen Qing?"

Qin Hui shook his head, "With Han Shizhong's qualifications, he still doesn't like Chen Qing. I never thought that he would join Chen Qing."

Zhao Gou's face softened slightly, "What does that mean?"

"Weichen felt that he was referring to himself."

Zhao Gou frowned, "What do you say?"

"Your Majesty, when Chen Qing separatized Sichuan and Shanxi, and Liu Guangshi attempted to separatize Jingnan South Road, and also had Han Shizhong who was loyal to his army, Your Majesty thought he would have no idea at all?"

After a pause, Qin Hui made another stab, "If he is completely loyal to the imperial court, why did he suddenly send troops to the north on the tenth day of the first lunar month? The imperial court was not notified beforehand, nor was he notified to the North Commander Zhu Shengfei, nor even His Majesty."

Zhao Gou's heart was really a little confused, he sat for a while and said: "Ai Qing, go! I have to think about it."

"Wei Chen retire!"

Qin Hui didn't need a heavy hammer to play the drum. As long as the words were on point, Qin Hui would have achieved his goal. Han Shizhong was also the person Jin Guo named to get rid of, second only to Chen Qing and Yue Fei.

Zhao Gou walked to the window with his hands behind his back, staring at the north, filled with resentment and sadness in his heart. He remembered how loyal Han Shizhong was when he led the army to save Liu Miao during the Liu Miao Rebellion. changed.

But military generals cannot hold military power. This is the ancestral precept. It is summed up from the disastrous lessons of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms after the Anshi Rebellion. , Isn't the Chen Qing separatist regime and the Liu Miao mutiny the best examples?

At this moment, Zhao Gou made up his mind.

……

In the afternoon, Jiao Er found Dong An again and brought a new pigeon letter, which was still written by King Yong, but with more content. Dong An quickly asked his subordinates to send the pigeon letter to Hu Yun.

King Yong put forward many new ideas in the pigeon letter, and Hu Yun became more confident.

As soon as night fell, Hu Yun came to visit Xu Xiantu, and Xu Xiantu ordered his third son Xu Shou to invite Hu Yun to the guest hall.

Not long after, Xu Xiantu also came to the guest room, and said with a slight smile, "I kept Hu Te envoy waiting for a long time."

Hu Yun stood up and saluted, "Please disturb Xu Xianggong to rest!"

"Where! Special Envoy Hu is too polite, please sit down!"

The two sat down as guest and host, and the maid served tea to them. Hu Yun leaned forward and said, "As entrusted by His Royal Highness King Yong, thank Mr. Xu for going to mourn Mr. Lu!"

When Lu Yihao died of illness, there were not many officials who went to mourn him, mainly his disciples and some middle and low-level officials who were favored by him. There were almost no high-level officials in the court, except Xu Xiantu.

Xu Xiantu waved his hands and said with a smile: "This is out of the question. I have known Mr. Lu for 30 years. He passed away unfortunately. How could I not go to mourn him? This is human nature. Please tell His Highness King Yong."

"His Highness King Yong has always remembered Xu Xianggong's kindness. When he got married, the witness was Xu Xianggong. He told me about it."

Xu Xiantu was a little proud in his heart, stroked his beard and said with a smile: "His Royal Highness King Yong still remembers this little thing, and he is interested."

Hu Yun knows Xu Xiantu very well. Although there are many famous figures in the Song Dynasty, there will be no Xu Xiantu among them. Xu Xiantu is very selfish. For example, he takes [-] yuan from Zheng Quantong every year as protection fees. He regards the interests of the family more The importance is far above the interests of the court, so Hu Yun is still sure of persuading Xu Xiantu.

"Just now I chatted with your son. I think your son is good at learning. It's a pity to stay at home. At the end of March, Jingzhao will hold the imperial examination. Why not let your son go to Jingzhao to try? Maybe you can pass the Jinshi exam. In Yuchi County Wouldn't it be a good thing to be a magistrate?"

Xu Xiantu was from Yuchi County, Kaifeng Prefecture. Xu Xiantu immediately understood Hu Yun's words. This was Chen Qingzai's offer to let his third son go back to his hometown to serve as a county magistrate through the imperial examination.

His son is too good at reading, and it is impossible for him to be admitted to Jinshi with his talents, but in exchange for politics, everything is possible again.

Xu Xiantu was really tempted. If his son could return to his hometown to serve as a county magistrate, of course it would be his dream. At the same time, it would also leave a way out for the family on Chen Qing's side.

Xu Xiantu immediately thought of a proper plan. His grandfather's surname was Yu, and his son should restore Yu's surname. As long as he didn't say anything, the court would never know that his son was an official in Yuchi County.

Of course, Xu Xiantu also knew that since it was a political exchange, the other party had some plans, so he asked calmly, "What do you need me to do for Gouzi?"

Hu Yun smiled slightly and said, "Prince Yong wants to ask Xu Xianggong for help with two small matters."

"Envoy, please speak up."

"The first thing, King Yong wants to know what is the reason for the imperial court's Northern Expedition?"

This was one of the contents of Chen Qingxin's pigeon letter in the afternoon. King Yong wanted to know Zhao Gou's real plan for the Northern Expedition.

The second pigeon letter contained more content. In addition, Chen Qing also proposed a political exchange plan with Xu Xiantu, and gave Hu Yun an excellent excuse to transfer Han Shizhong away, making Hu Yun and Xu Xiantu deal more calmly .

Xu Xiantu said indifferently: "The purpose of the Northern Expedition is twofold. One is to remove Han Shizhong's military power, and the other is that the officials want Bianliang."

Only then did Hu Yun suddenly realize that it was the emperor who wanted Bianliang, and wanted to exchange Xuzhou and other states for Bianliang, which was a good idea.

Hu Yun said again: "King Yong is also planning to transfer Han Shizhong away from the battlefield. This is the second thing."

Xu Xiantu raised his eyebrows, "Han Shizhong's words in today's newspaper are for this purpose!"

Hu Yun nodded, "Exactly!"

"Why did King Yong transfer Han Shizhong?" Xu Xiantu asked puzzled.

Hu Yun said calmly: "Because Han Shizhong broke the rules, King Yong thinks he is very dangerous."

"How do you say that?"

"Xu Xianggong may not know that Han Shizhong took the initiative to launch an attack on the Western Army. The two sides fought fiercely in Xiao County, and the Western Army suffered more than [-] casualties. King Yong did not intend to tear himself apart from the imperial court, so try to avoid conflicts with the imperial army. , but Han Shizhong ignored the overall situation and took the initiative to attack the Western Army, how could King Yong not be angry?"

Xu Xiantu nodded, "I see, this is a good reason to transfer Han Shizhong away."

Hu Yun continued: "Tomorrow morning, the Court of Remonstrance will impeach Han Shizhong, all we need is for Mr. Xu to push the boat forward."

"I understand, but I want to know, who will impeach Han Shizhong?"

"Left Adviser Xu Yun."

"Oh!" Xu Xiantu suddenly realized that Xu Yun was already a member of King Yong.

He smiled slightly: "But I remind the special envoy, don't let Xu Yun know things he shouldn't know, or he will be suspected."

"I understand that Xu Yun is only impeaching Han Shizhong for the Northern Expedition without authorization, and it is better for Xu Xianggong to bring up Han Shizhong's initiative to attack the Western Army."

Speaking of this, Hu Yun took out a booklet from his pocket and put it on the table, and pushed it to Xu Xiantu, "This is an official protest letter from our Western Army, protesting against Han Shizhong's arbitrarily attacking the Western Army in disregard of the overall situation."

Xu Xiantu had no choice but to admire Hu Yun, who worked every step of the way without leaking water. With such capable subordinates, it's no wonder Chen Qing was able to achieve great things.

Chapter 82 Attack

Early the next morning, Xu Yun, the admonisher, formally filed an impeachment letter, impeaching Han Shizhong for sending troops northward without the approval of the court and the commander-in-chief, and asking the court to remove Han Shizhong's military power.

This impeachment came at a particularly timely time, especially when the impeacher, Xu Yun, was neither a member of Qin Hui's party, nor the Queen Mother's group, nor was he a member of Xu Xiantu's family. He belonged to Zhang Jun's faction. After Zhang Jun was dismissed again, Qin Hui kept suppressing him.

It was such an isolated admonisher who impeached Han Shizhong, and one stone stirred up a thousand waves, which immediately attracted the attention of the whole court.

But the emperor Zhao Gou was very calm. After receiving the impeachment letter, he immediately summoned Xu Xiantu. Zhao Gou had made up his mind. Han Shizhong is an ally in North Korea and China, and his attitude is crucial.

"Wei Chen sees His Majesty!"

Zhao Gou said gently: "This is the report of the admonisher impeaching Han Shizhong, Xu Aiqing should take a look first!"

Xu Xiantu took over the impeachment report, read it hastily, pondered for a moment, and said, "I feel that the direction of this report is correct, but the wording is too harsh, and the conclusion is also biased."

Xu Xiantu's objection was expected by Zhao Gou, but he paid more attention to the aspect Xu Xiantu agreed with, "Which direction does Xu Aiqing agree with?"

"Weichen also believes that Han Shizhong should not agree with the title of the Han family army, nor should he regard the imperial army as his own army. This Weichen agrees with the impeachment report."

Zhao Gou nodded and asked again: "What about the accusation of sending troops without authorization?"

Xu Xiantu sighed and said: "Your Majesty, Han Shizhong is the Xuanfu envoy of Huaidong, and he has the right to send troops. He is also the deputy marshal of the Northern Expedition. When the commander is not in front of the enemy, he can exercise the authority of the commander.

On the tenth day of the first lunar month, Zhu Shengfei was still in Lin'an, and if a fighter opportunity appeared at this time, Han Shizhong could definitely decide to send troops and seize the opportunity. Zhou, wiped out 3000 enemies, and approached the city of Xuzhou. Your Majesty, this is a great achievement. He should be awarded instead of accusing him of sending troops without authorization. "

Zhao Gou was silent for a moment and said: "Xu Aiqing, we have reached a consensus before, Han Shizhong must withdraw."

"Your Majesty, I agree with Han Shizhong's resignation, but not according to the impeachment report, withdrawing his accusation. The minister said it more seriously, which may force him to rebel. The suggestion of the minister is best to commend him for his merits. Promote him and dismiss him."

Zhao Gou also did not object to commending the withdrawal of the fan. After all, Han Shizhong made great contributions to the suppression of the Liu Miao Incident. Zhao Gou was worried about withdrawing during the war, and there was no good excuse.

Zhao Gou walked a few steps with his hands behind his back, and said, "But he is on the battlefield now, and he must be withdrawn before he can withdraw. Did I order Han Shizhong's army to retreat? There is no reason!"

"Your Majesty, there is a reason!"

Zhao Gou immediately asked: "What reason?"

Xu Xiantu took out the official letter of protest given to him by Hu Yun and presented it to Zhao Gou, "This is the letter of protest submitted to the Privy Council by King Yong's special envoy Hu Yun, protesting against Han Shizhong's brazen attack on the Western Army regardless of the overall situation!"

Zhao Gou was startled, and hurriedly took the protest letter and sat down to read it carefully. After reading it again, he slapped the table and said angrily: "Why is this Han Shizhong so ignorant of the overall situation? I have repeatedly warned them that they can only attack Li Qiong's army. They are not allowed to attack Li Qiong's army." Not only did he not listen to the battle with the Western Army, but he even took the initiative to provoke him, did he take my words as a deaf ear?"

Xu Xiantu sighed and said: "Your Majesty, this is the difference between civilian leaders and military commanders. Civil servants will consider the overall situation and try to weigh the pros and cons, but military commanders often find it difficult to grasp this speed. They feel threatened, and they will immediately send troops. This cannot be completely blamed on General Han."

Zhao Gou pondered for a moment and said: "That's good, I have a reason to order him to withdraw from Xuzhou, and at the same time give an explanation to King Yong's special envoy."

"Your Majesty, please write a letter to Han Shizhong. I will guarantee him that his ministry will not be demoted and dismissed, and he will continue to hold his original position."

Zhao Gou also knew that this was the sequelae left by Yue Fei's withdrawal. After disbanding Yue Fei's army, many generals were dismissed from office, so it is completely understandable that Han Shizhong had ideas.

He nodded and said: "Xu Xianggong wrote him a letter and told him that I will not disband his army and his generals will still be reused. This is my promise to him."

Xu Xiantu was overjoyed, "With His Majesty's words, Han Shizhong will have no worries."

……

Chen Qing led [-] cavalry into Xuzhou, tens of miles behind him, and [-] troops led by Yang Zaixing, they guarded a logistics fleet.

Chen Qing has been paying attention to the battle situation in Xuzhou these days, and at the same time, he is also paying attention to the movement of Jin Bing. Xuzhou's 11 imperial army has been besieging the city, but not attacking.

This made Chen Qing suspect that the other party wanted to besiege the city and fight for aid. Ever since Han Shizhong attacked the western army halfway, Chen Qing had lost all illusions about the imperial army. These army leaders probably wanted to fight him a long time ago, but they couldn't find a chance. .

It doesn't matter if you fight fiercely with the imperial court, Chen Qing also wants to teach these bastards a lesson, but... he has to consider Jin Bing, Jin Bing is like a hungry tiger, hiding aside, waiting for himself and the imperial army to lose both. , the so-called crane and clam fight, the fisherman benefits, this is what it means.

Chen Qing had already received news from the scouts that Wanyan Wushu led [-] Jurchen cavalry, about [-] miles north of the Yellow River in Xiao County.

And Xiao County is where Han Shizhong's army fought fiercely with the Western Army last time. This location is very sensitive, and it happens to be the edge of the safe distance from Xuzhou City, so it is easy to have a fierce battle with the imperial army here.

Chen Qing stopped thirty miles away from Xiao County. Half an hour later, a fleet of warships appeared on the Yellow River. This fleet consisted of fifty thousand-stone warships. Their function was to block the Yellow River. On the water surface, to prevent the Jin soldiers from crossing the Yellow River to attack, this is a good strategy to deal with the Jin soldiers, directly block the Yellow River with warships, so that the Jin soldiers have no chance to build a pontoon bridge.

More than a dozen cavalry scouts rushed forward, and the leader of the scout clasped his fists and said, "His Royal Highness, Han Shizhong's main force is found ahead, about 5 people."

Chen Qing couldn't help sneering, Han Shizhong is so confident, he has [-] cavalry, and he leads [-] troops to fight, does he think he can defeat himself?

"Go to the back of the enemy's main force to see if there are any reinforcements?"

"Follow the order!" The leader of the scouts agreed, and rushed away with a dozen of his subordinates.

……

"Boom-thump-thump-"

On the vast field to the south of Xiaoxian County, the sound of low-pitched drums was played slowly and rhythmically, and [-] cavalry formed five large formations, commanded by Liu Qiong, Tang Qian, Yue Yun, Zhang Xian, and Chen Qing himself. , each rate a large formation.

At this time, a black line appeared seven or eight miles away, and Han Shizhong's army appeared.

In fact, Chen Qing is also quite contradictory. On the one hand, he does not want to fight Han Shizhong, and hopes to use countermeasures to transfer Han Shizhong back to the court, but on the other hand, he also desires to fight Han Shizhong in his heart. famous general.

Chen Qing didn't want to underestimate the enemy, he suspected that the opponent had more than [-] troops, and he had to prepare himself.

"Send an order to General Yang Zaixing to keep his army ten miles away from me!"

Ordering the cavalry to gallop away, Chen Qing stared intently at the approaching army. With one move of his hand, the sound of the drums stopped.

The sky was gloomy, and it was early spring and February, and the wind blowing from the field was still a bit chilly, but there was more murderous intent in the air, and both sides were full of murderous intent.

Han Shizhong's army stopped three miles away. He was a combination of [-] infantry and [-] cavalry, with [-] infantry as the main force, and cavalry on both wings.

Han Shizhong silently watched the main force of the Western Army three miles away, and fought against the Western Army. He had been looking forward to this day for a long time. Even if he was scolded by the court and the emperor, he would never regret it.

Chapter 83 Confrontation

The two sides stopped at a distance of two miles. Chen Qing looked at the opponent's army. From the opponent's formation, the equipment of the soldiers, and the mental state of the soldiers, he could more or less know the training situation of the opponent.

When the two armies were fighting, they could fight a hundred battles only if they knew themselves and the enemy. Frankly speaking, neither of them knew each other very well. Chen Qing learned something about Han Shizhong's army from Yao Zheng and Xu Qing. The soldiers fought bravely, were well trained, and had good equipment.

Judging from the current formation of the team and the mental state of the soldiers, it is indeed good. The team is very neat, and the soldiers are full of energy and morale. It can be seen that they have trained well. No wonder Han Shizhong dared to fight him. This army is indeed a strong enemy.