Fenghou

Han Shizhong has rich experience. All soldiers wear armor, sleep with their weapons in their arms, and don't even take off their shoes. As long as there is an enemy situation, they can immediately fight out.

Countless soldiers rushed out from the barracks, and Han Shizhong rode on his horse and shouted, "Go to the pier and get on the boat!"

But Zhang Jun's five thousand troops just blocked the road to the wharf, so that soldiers could not go to the wharf or board the ship.

At this time, Zhang Jun led the mighty main force into the barracks. Han Shizhong saw clearly and recognized Zhang Jun at a glance. He was shocked and immediately realized the seriousness of the problem.

A soldier rushed to report, "Captain! It was the Jianghuai Army who killed them, with 10 people!"

At this time, another soldier shouted: "The enemy ship has entered the water village. The attack is too fierce. The brothers can't resist it and need support!"

Han Shizhong immediately understood that it must be Chen Qing and Zhang Jun colluding to annihilate him.

Knowing that he couldn't resist, he immediately ordered: "Order the whole army to retreat to the south!"

"Dang! Dang! Dang!"

The bell for retreat sounded, and [-] sailors followed Han Shizhong to retreat to the south gate. Zhang Jun did not give the order to chase after him. He came to seize the ship, not to give orders to the imperial army, especially since he was neither the Western Army nor the Jurchen Army. However, if the two armies really fought desperately, he would win by relying on his strength, and he would also pay a heavy price.

The Song army on the big ship was too small to be an opponent of the Western army's navy at all. Especially when they learned that the opponent was the Western army, they were unwilling to fight to the death and surrendered one after another. In just a moment, the Western army captured nearly [-] ships.

The rest of the warships retreated towards the southeast gate, but the western army had already ambushed there. A ship sailing out of the gate was immediately caught by iron hooks and dragged aside, and the western army jumped onto the big ship one after another.

Zhang Gongyu rushed out of the cabin with a sword in his hand, suddenly a large net fell from the sky, just covering him, a dozen soldiers of the Western Army dragged him down, rushed forward, pushed him down on the deck, and tied him up with ropes.

As Han Shizhong led the army to withdraw completely, the sneak attack ended in only half an hour. The Western Army escorted the warship to the west, and Zhang Jun also led a [-] army to Ezhou in a mighty manner.

The first thousand 230 chapters and seven outbreaks

At dawn, the Western Army kept its promise and handed over 210 warships to Zhang Jun. Zhang Jun was overjoyed and accepted the 210 warships in Huangzhou. There were 430 ships in Wanshi alone, and about [-] more Zhang Jun himself has more than [-] hundred stone sentry ships, which together form a huge navy of more than [-] warships.

Zhang Jun has set up a navy of 3 people, led by his confidant Wu Shouzhi.

On the wharf of Huanggang County, Zhang Jun looked at the densely packed warships on the river, his eyes narrowed into slits with a smile, while Wang Jingxiu, the aide next to him, was extremely worried. He obviously felt that the lord was dragged into the water by Chen Qing, and he actually sent troops to seize the court's navy warships. Isn't this a complete break with the court?Without a financial foundation, what do you use to maintain an army of 20 is simply extremely stupid!

At this moment, Wu Shouzhi, the commander of the navy, stepped forward and clasped his fists: "My lord, the only thing missing now is a water village. We need a large water village as our foundation."

Zhang Jun smiled and said, "I've thought about this issue a long time ago. I didn't set fire to the water village in Dehua County on the other side, so I just kept it for our own use?"

Zhang Jun had planned a long time ago. The Dehua water village they attacked at night guarded the mouth of Poyang Lake. Occupying this water village is equivalent to controlling Poyang Lake, and it is also equivalent to controlling the land around Poyang Lake for thousands of miles. Half of Jiangnan West Road.

It can be said that this water village in Dehua County is an extremely important strategic node. Since the Western Army has made it clear that it does not want this water village, Zhang Jun will certainly not give up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Especially now that he has a navy, the Yangtze River is no longer a natural barrier, and the north and south of the river have become thoroughfares. Zhang Jun's ambitions have already expanded outward along with the warships.

At this time, Wang Jingxiu, the aide, couldn't help but stepped forward to persuade: "Since the prince has taken the warship, don't think about Jiangnan West Road anymore. The court may suffer a dumb loss if the warship is lost, so just bear it, but occupying the water village on the south bank, Peeping at the Jiangnan West Road, the nature is different, my lord, the court will definitely fight back with all its strength, I am afraid that war will break out."

Zhang Jun has always attached great importance to Wang Jingxiu, but he doesn't like Wang Jingxiu's character too much. He is timid, too worried, and timid in doing things. He is afraid of wolves and tigers. He can't accomplish great things. He has already reached this point. How about considering the relationship with the imperial court?

Zhang Jun said lightly: "When I capture Yangzhou, if the court still doesn't hold me accountable, I will apologize to the court!"

Wang Jingxiu couldn't say a word, no matter how much he tried to persuade him, it was useless, the prince was determined to do it to the end.

He sighed a long time and said, "I have been away from my hometown for ten years, and I want to go back to my hometown to visit my parents' graves, I hope the prince will allow me!"

"I agree!" Zhang Jun agreed without hesitation.

Wang Jingxiu was really disheartened, turned around and staggered away.

At this time, another aide, Yang Shi, said to Zhang Jun: "Mr. Jingxiu is mainly worried that the court will run out of money and food, but as long as the prince puts the army in Dehua County, this is a strong attitude in itself. If the court does not give the army We can solve the food and food by ourselves. If the imperial court sends troops to attack, then we have a navy and a retreat route along the Yangtze River and Huaihe River. We can attack when we advance, and we can defend when we retreat. It must be the court that compromises."

Yang Shi's suggestion touched Zhang Jun's heart. Now that he has done it, don't be intimidated anymore.

……

In the afternoon of the same day, Zhang Jun's naval force of about 3 people and more than 400 warships occupied the water village of the military camp in Dehua County, and his sentry boats began to appear in Poyang Lake.

At the same time, Zhang Jun personally led an army of [-] to rush to Yangzhou Mansion to seize Yangzhou and Chuzhou, which was Zhang Jun's dream for many years.

The reason why Zhang Jun has the confidence to turn against the court is because of his accumulation over the years. He has 400 million shi in grain reserves alone. The rent, his rent alone is 60 shi per year, and nearly 200 million shi in three years.

Of course, there is also the accumulation of money. The monthly salary of Zhang Jun’s 20 troops plus other expenses is about 50 guan. Wanguan money, plus his study of the military salary system of the Western Army, and the payment of military salary in the form of copper coins plus land, he has saved millions of dollars through military salary over the years, and his money accumulation has reached 300 million yuan.

In this negotiation with the Western Army, the Western Army bought 200 million shi of grain from Zhang Jun at a price of [-] Wen per shi and paid a million guan. In this way, Zhang Jun raised another million guan.

In this way, even if the imperial court does not allocate monthly money and food, he can support it for more than a year. This is the confidence of Zhang Jungan and the imperial court to be tough.

The news finally reached Lin'an.

The emperor Zhao Gou, who had endured for a long time, finally broke out. In the imperial study room, Zhao Gou threw the teacup in his hand to the ground, "Bang! 'The teacup was smashed to pieces.

Zhao Gou roared like a beast according to the case, "Chen Qing bullied me, and now Zhang Jun has learned and behaved, treating me like a sheep or a rabbit, let them bully me?"

In the imperial study room, the five prime ministers all lowered their heads, and the atmosphere in the imperial study room was very depressing.

No wonder Zhao Gou went crazy with anger. The water army he built with millions of dollars of hard work was taken over by Zhang Jun. Zhang Jun now occupies the water village at the mouth of Poyang Lake, and urgent news came from Yangzhou. Jun has already occupied Chuzhou and is heading towards Yangzhou City at a fast speed. It is estimated that Yangzhou has been occupied by now.

Not only that, Zhang Jun deliberately sent troops to Jingbei Road, and gave Chen Qing an excuse to send troops, completely occupying Jingbei Road.

Without the assistance of Chen Qing's navy, how could Zhang Jun take away his warship in one go, and how obvious their collusion was, made Zhao Gou's back shiver.

Zhao Gou finally restrained his overwhelming anger, glanced at Zhong Xiangguo and said, "Talk about it! What should I do now?"

Zhao Gou's eyes fell on Qin Hui, and he said coldly: "Qin Xiangguo is the right minister, you should express your opinion first!"

Qin Hui sighed and said: "Zhang Jun's wolfish ambition has been clearly demonstrated. If the court is more patient, he will only become more unscrupulous. I suggest that first cut off the Huaixi Army's monthly supply of food and military pay, and secondly suggest that His Majesty deprive Zhang Jun of his title. , Deprive Zhang Jun of Qinghe County King, Taiwei and Lianghuai Jiedu Envoy's official posts."

Zhao Gou nodded, "Qin Xianggong's suggestion is exactly what I want. We must immediately stop the transportation of money and food to the Huaixi Army. I remember that this month's money and food have not been shipped yet!"

"Not yet, and last month's money has not been shipped out. This batch of money and food is stored in Yangzhou."

"Yangzhou?"

Zhao Gou was startled, and quickly looked at Xu Xiantu.

Xu Xiantu understood the concerns of the officials, and said calmly, "Your Majesty, don't worry, all the money and food in Yangzhou have been transported to Zhenjiang Mansion, and the [-] garrison troops have also withdrawn southward to Zhenjiang Mansion ahead of schedule."

Zhao Gou breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "Xu Xianggong knows the affairs of the Privy Council and controls military affairs. I want to know what the Privy Council's attitude is."

"Your Majesty, the Privy Council is very worried about Zhang Jun's next attempt."

Zhao Gou frowned, "How do you say that?"

Xu Xiantu walked to the map on the wall, pointed at the entrance of Poyang Lake with a wooden pole, and said, "Your Majesty, the water village occupied by Zhang Jun is here, and it can accommodate up to [-] troops. The location of this water village is too important, so it happened to be stuck In other words, Zhang Jun has actually controlled the entire Poyang Lake, so the state capitals around Poyang Lake are also under the control of the navy. The momentum is so strong that it actually controls half of Jiangnan West Road, so we can't let him gain a foothold at the mouth of Poyang Lake no matter what, we must have the determination to fight at all costs."

The first thousand 230 eight chapters attitude

The prime ministers all dispersed, and Zhao Gou left Xu Xiantu behind.

Zhao Gou worried: "Is it really necessary to fight Zhang Jun?"

Xu Xiantu said calmly: "Your Majesty, don't worry, Zhang Jun is just Liu Guangshi who is a big one. If his name is not right, he will definitely be defeated. He always thinks that Chen Qing can separate the regime, and he can also separate the regime. It's not like that."

"Why isn't it the same thing?"

"Your Majesty, Chen Qing occupies Sichuan and Shaanxi, and is too far away from the imperial court. First, he poses little threat to the imperial court. You can even ignore him. Second, Chen Qing's expansion is almost always taken from Jin Guo. His military discipline is good, and he never disturbs the people. , so in the eyes of the people all over the world, the Western Army belongs to the army of justice.

The most important thing is the third point. Chen Qing has a bottom line and abides by the rules. Jingnan South Road was exchanged with the imperial court. Even if he recently occupied Jinghu North Road, he did everything possible to find an excuse. It was Zhang Jun who sent troops first, and he sent troops. There is nothing to say.

And the last time he led an army of [-] to Lin'an, with his military strength at that time, he could have seized Lin'an, but he didn't do that. He accepted the canonization of His Highness and left normally. I have to admit that he is still different from Zhang Jun. "

Zhao Gou stood in front of the window with his hands behind his back, staring into the distance, and said slowly for a long while: "I'm really worried about Chen Qing, his methods are very high, if Chen Qing supports Zhang Jun behind his back, and uses Zhang Jun as a tool to weaken the court , and even overthrow the imperial court, what should I do if he comes forward to punish Zhang Jun again?"

This was what Zhao Gou was most worried about. With Chen Qing's shrewdness and skill, how could he be absent during Zhang Jun's rebellion. Isn't there the shadow of Chen Qing's warship when Zhang Jun seized the imperial warship?

Due to the asymmetry of intelligence, both Zhao Gou and the imperial court believed that Zhang Jun planned and implemented the seizure of the imperial warships, and the Western Army provided water surface assistance. After all, it was Zhang Jun who dispatched an army of [-], and it was Zhang Jun's army who fought against the imperial navy. In the end, it was Zhang Jun who got hundreds of warships. Without communication channels, Zhang Jun could only bear the blame.

Xu Xiantu couldn't answer this question. Of course he knew that the emperor was right. Based on his understanding of Chen Qing, Chen Qing must have participated in the confrontation between Zhang Jun and the court. Xu Xiantu even suspected that the whole incident was planned by Chen Qing, otherwise, How could there be a crisis between Zhang Jun and the court shortly after the Western Army captured Shandong Road.

Of course, Xu Xiantu also knew that the root of the crisis between Zhang Jun and the court was Zhang Jun's refusal to obey the order to send troops to the Central Plains, which offended the emperor and Qin Hui, so he started to trouble Zhang Jun and investigate his problems.

"Why, Aiqing can't answer?" Zhao Gou looked back at Xu Xiantu.

Xu Xiantu smiled wryly and said, "I'm afraid the minister's answer will not satisfy His Majesty."

"It's okay, you just tell the truth."

"Your Majesty, it is impossible for Chen Qing to stay out of the matter, but whether he will support Zhang Jun is still up for debate."

"Under what circumstances does he not support Zhang Jun?" Zhao Gou asked.

Xu Xiantu bowed and said: "Your Majesty, I have been emphasizing 'righteousness', which is very important. If Zhang Jun loses his morality and is cast aside by the world, then Chen Qing will definitely denounce Zhang Jun publicly. Chen Qing values ​​morality and reputation very much these years. , he will never bear the reputation of supporting the thieves, even if he secretly supported Zhang Jun at the beginning, he will stop supporting Zhang Jun in time because Zhang Jun lost his morality."

Zhao Gou nodded. What Xu Xiantu said made sense. In fact, he was also afraid that Chen Qing would openly support Zhang Jun and send troops to cooperate with Zhang Jun's army to fight. Not very worried.

Zhao Gou thought about it and asked again: "If you want to fight Zhang Jun, who does Ai Qing think is better?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I recommend Han Shizhong. He is old, high-status, and experienced enough to lead an army to fight against Zhang Jun."

"I understand, I will think about it again!"

Zhao Gou was very dissatisfied with Han Shizhong. This time when Zhang Jun seized the ship, Han Shizhong's [-]-strong army retreated without a fight and handed over hundreds of warships to Zhang Jun. It is simply suspected that he and Zhang Jun have a relationship. collusion.

Of course, Zhao Gou also knew that the relationship between Han Shizhong and Zhang Jun had always been at odds, and there would definitely be no collusion, but even if there was no doubt, Han Shizhong lost the naval army he had spent millions of dollars to build, and Zhao Gou was considering holding him accountable. How could he be the chief general again?

……

At this time, Chen Qing's attention has shifted to Jianghuai. He got the news that Zhang Jun personally led the army to seize Chuzhou and Yangzhou. In this way, the entire Jianghuai area south of the Huaihe River and north of the Yangtze River is Zhang Jun's territory. up.

The second news is that Zhang Jun sent troops to occupy the water village at the mouth of Poyang Lake, using it as his naval base.

Of the two news, Chen Qing paid more attention to the latter news. From Zhang Jun's occupation of this water village, Chen Qing saw Zhang Jun's ambition. .

"Your Highness, it is inevitable that Zhang Jun wants to seize Jiangnan West Road, it is not surprising at all!"

It was Lu Qingshan who was talking, since Lu Qingshan was beaten by Chen Qing and awakened by his wife's words, he began to answer his position, regarded himself as a counselor of Prince Yong's mansion, and no longer regarded himself as an aide, he naturally They will no longer consider for the imperial court, and will safeguard their own interests in everything.

In just one month, everyone felt the change in him, and everyone no longer called him Banxiang. This nickname of Banxiang was a bit ironic.

Chen Qing smiled curiously and asked, "Why isn't it strange at all?"

Lu Qing smiled wryly and said, "Hey! In fact, what His Highness should think of is because of financial resources!"

Only then did Chen Qing realize that he really should have thought of it. He knew Zhang Jun's situation very well. Now the Jianghuai area under Zhang Jun's separatism, except for Yangzhou, which is a little better, and Jingxiang, which is a little better. , even worse than Henan Road, mainly because several wars between the Song Army and the Jin Bing broke out in the Jianghuai area, the entire Jianghuai area was reduced to a battlefield, and the people were displaced. Inhabited.

There were as many as one million Jianghuai people who fled to Guanzhong through Jingxiang and Shangzhou, and there were also millions of Jianghuai people who stayed on Jinghu Road. After that escape, Jianghuai was completely hurt. Recovery, Jianghuai, which used to have a population of several million, now only has a population of more than 120 million.

How could a population of one million be able to support the supplies and salaries of an army of 20? Once the imperial court cut off the supplies of the Huaixi Army, even if Zhang Jun accumulated a little, it would not be a long-term solution. Of course, Zhang Jun had to find a stable source of income.

The best source of income is Jiangnan East Road, which has the largest population and the most abundant grain production. It is the most affluent place in the world. Unfortunately, it is the core of the imperial court. Don’t even think about it. The second place is Jiangnan West Road, where Poyang Lake is located. It was not ravaged by the Jin soldiers, and although there were bandit turmoil, they were quelled by the court in a timely manner without hurting their vitality. In addition, they received a large number of immigrants from the Central Plains and the Jianghuai River, making Jiangnan West Road an important source of income for the court.

Relying on the tens of millions of people in Jiangnan West Road, there is no problem in supporting an army of 20.

Therefore, Chen Qing also understood Zhang Jun's strategic intentions from this. I am afraid that his seizure of Yangzhou is an illusion. His real purpose is to seize the Jiangnan West Road and solve the problem of financial resources. Especially now that he has a warship, he began to implement his own strategy.

Don't look at Zhang Jun's mediocrity, but when it comes to doing big things, Zhang Jun is unambiguous at all. He knows exactly where his shortcomings are?Also know how to solve it.

That's why Zhang Jun so decisively agreed to Wang Jingxiu's return to his hometown. Wang Jingxiu couldn't understand his strategy, so naturally he wouldn't use it anymore.

The first thousand and 230 chapters and nine goals

"Are our people in place?" Chen Qing asked.

Lu Qingshan said with a slight smile: "Don't worry! The humble positions have been arranged properly, and we won't miss it!"

Lu Qingshan is now in charge of intelligence and supervision. Zhang Miao, who was originally in charge of intelligence and supervision, was transferred to the Department of Officials, taking over Zhou Kuan's work, and Zhou Kuan took over Zhao Kai's Finance and Taxation Department.

Chen Qing nodded and asked again: "Is there any news about the supervision on Shandong Road?"

"There is a letter from Fei Ge. A total of 33 magistrates and eight magistrates have been assessed so far. Among them, seven magistrates and two magistrates were unqualified, and four giants were even found. There may be an official report soon. It will all be over next year."

"Tell them that not only the officer-in-charge must be assessed, but other deputies such as the county magistrate, county lieutenant, general judge, and Sima must also be assessed together."

"Understood, let me take my leave!"

Lu Qingshan saluted, turned and left.

Lu Qingshan came to report to Chen Qing about the placement of eyeliner in Zhang Jun's army. The eyeliner has been arranged, but the harvest has not yet been achieved. Chen Qing can only wait patiently.

He temporarily put Zhang Jun's matter aside and began to review the documents.

At this time, Chao Qing reported at the door, "His Royal Highness, please see Lu Sima!"

Lu Wei is here, and he is still looking for him!Chen Qing hurriedly said: "Please invite him in!"

Not long after, Lu Wei quickly walked into Chen Qing's official room, bowed and saluted, "See Your Highness!"

"Don't be too polite, let me ask you something, why did Lu Tang go back to Jingzhao again, what's going on?"

Last night, his wife Lu Xiu told herself that yesterday afternoon Lu Xian came to ask her for money, and she gave 20 taels of silver to the housekeeper to send him away.

Money was not a problem, but what made Chen Qing vigilant was that Lu Tang had returned to Jingzhao again. He was like a night owl, and wherever he went, it was an ominous omen.