sovbooks Chapter 1434 Crossing the River
Chapter 1434 Crossing the River
Chapter 1434 Crossing the River
"Grand Marshal, urgent report from Chang'an!"
The duty officer, Zhuge Zhan, hurried into the command tent with a secret report in hand, looking somewhat nervous.
Upon seeing his appearance, Grand Marshal Feng couldn't help but frown:
"What kind of behavior is this, all flustered and panicked?"
When Zhuge Zhan was reprimanded by the Grand Marshal, he instinctively composed himself and tried his best to appear calm.
At the same time, he handed the secret report forward and repeated what he had just said:
"Grand Marshal, urgent report from Chang'an!"
With such a great victory in Hebei, what urgent matter could possibly need to come to Chang'an?
Surely no one can start a rebellion in Chang'an?
Grand Marshal Feng took the secret report, glanced at it, and his expression changed drastically. He suddenly stood up.
He looked at it carefully a couple more times, his brows furrowed again, and he even couldn't help but click his tongue.
"what happened?"
Zhuge Zhan silently replied:
"I don't even know where I'm going."
Who asked you?
Feng Da Sima looked up and glanced at Zhuge Zhan.
At this moment, he had no time to care whether the other person was genuinely answering him or mocking him. After a moment's thought, he gave the order:
"Go and invite General Zhen Dong over."
General Zhen Dong arrived quickly. After dismissing all bystanders, Grand Marshal Feng handed over the declassified urgent report, saying:
"Liu Pang... well, His Majesty departed from Chang'an a few days ago for Luoyang. Judging by the journey, he should arrive in a few days."
"Hmm?" Upon hearing this, General Zhen Dong reached out and took the secret report. He merely glanced at it, then his brows furrowed. "What's going on?"
Look, this is the tacit understanding that has developed over many years of marriage.
Even their first reaction and the words they uttered were exactly the same.
“I don’t know either.” Grand Marshal Feng shook his head, stood up and said slowly, “Logically speaking, it shouldn’t be like this, unless there’s a problem in Chang’an.”
Feng Da Sima had great trust in his brother-in-law's character.
Fatty Liu first slept with the prime minister's father, then with his brother-in-law, winning all the way from Chengdu to Chang'an, then to Luoyang, and now he's won Hebei.
The secret is to listen to advice, eat well, go with the flow, and govern by doing nothing.
Food, drink, entertainment, housing, clothing... they have always been at the forefront of leading the trends of the Han Dynasty.
Before, if you wanted to play with a couple more beauties in the palace, Dong Yun would spit on you. Now, you can play with them however you want.
From Shu to Liangzhou, from Liangzhou to Guanzhong, Bingzhou... there were many people who wanted to send their women into the palace, and it would be best if they could be sent directly to the emperor's bed.
A legitimate daughter of a noble family, if she doesn't offer herself now, when will she?
Over the years, Feng Lianjin has been massacring aristocratic families. Most of those who haven't died are now terrified.
Suddenly, there were many more engaged daughters of prominent families.
Lord Ghost King, isn't this your kind of thing?
What do you think of the goods?
Unfortunately, those who got on the train welded the doors shut, leaving no chance for those who came after. (Just kidding.)
Leaving aside the two wives, even Li Mu, a concubine who frequently appeared in public at the Grand Marshal's residence, couldn't pass her test among these noble ladies who came to her door.
Do you know that your great-aunt can shut down your workshop on the spot with just one word?
Even the head of your family has to bow and scrape before your great-aunt. Who do you think you are?
It's common for other families to keep hundreds of courtesans.
Despite his high rank and immense power, Feng Da Sima had only a handful of wives and concubines.
Not interested in women, that's all. (Still not)
With the path taken by Grand Marshal Feng blocked, the Emperor of Han naturally became the primary target for attack.
In the past, the imperial court had no money and had to live a hard life. Now that they have more money than they can spend, they still have to live a hard life. Isn't all this money earned for nothing?
My money is for my own use, not for the imperial treasury!
Dong Yun really couldn't bring himself to spit anymore...
Furthermore, the fact that the Empress had left Weiyang Palace and moved to Gui Palace gave many people in the harem an opportunity to take advantage of her.
Moreover, although the Empress's position was secure, being pressured by her brother-in-law and the General would certainly have some impact on her.
Therefore, while holding the power of the harem's finances, the empress herself would even take the initiative to find concubines for the emperor.
Who can't unite with allies?
Allies found through the concubines in the harem are not true allies.
Over the years, Fatty Liu has certainly had a great time playing around with beautiful women.
If you want to send women into the palace, I will not object.
But I don't know much about court affairs; they're all handled by the Secretariat and the Grand Marshal's Office. If you have any questions, go talk to the General and the Grand Marshal.
Oh, so you want to talk to me about some kind of industry?
Then I understand even less about this. The Empress manages all these things in the palace. Why don't you go and talk to the Empress?
Its main principle is to neither refuse, nor take responsibility for, nor make any promises.
Scumbag!
Compared to a devoted man like Grand Marshal, Fatty Liu is a complete scumbag!
Living a life of debauchery even more extravagant than that of a tyrannical or incompetent ruler, yet bearing the reputation of a benevolent and wise ruler who knows how to use people well, Fatty Liu actually dared to leave Chang'an.
Moreover, arriving in Luoyang at such a sensitive time, when the great battle was still raging and could potentially affect the front lines, was certainly not the style of a brother-in-law.
Given the tacit understanding between the two over the years, the fact that Fatty Liu would disregard the bigger picture and come to Luoyang at this time indicates that he has encountered trouble.
At least for his brother-in-law, it's probably a big problem.
Upon hearing this, General Zhen Dong frowned even more deeply, and a hint of barely perceptible worry appeared in his tone: "What kind of problem will occur in Chang'an?"
Chang'an was not only the rear area, but also the capital of the Han Dynasty.
If something really goes wrong, the entire Han Dynasty could be thrown into turmoil.
If things go wrong in the rear, no matter how great the victory at the front, it will eventually have to be given back.
"This is also what puzzles me the most."
Grand Marshal Feng frowned, his hands behind his back. "If something really goes wrong, Chang'an will definitely send out another secret report."
"But His Majesty is almost at Luoyang now, and apart from this message, there has been no other news from Chang'an..."
Feng Da Sima must have had more than one channel of communication with Chang'an.
But it's very unusual that only this one official channel has sent this secret report.
To be precise, it should be described as a contradiction.
Whether viewed through official or covert channels, Chang'an should be fine.
But judging from his brother-in-law's reaction, it seems there's quite a bit of trouble ahead.
After listening to the Grand Marshal's contradictory analysis, the General Who Guards the East seemed a little confused, looking at Grand Marshal Feng with some bewilderment.
Grand Marshal Feng stroked his chin, pondered, and concluded:
"Therefore, I suspect that His Majesty may be in trouble, but it may not affect the affairs of the state?"
The General of Zhen Dong was even more confused: "What do you mean?"
"Or is this His Majesty's private matter, unrelated to state affairs?"
"Are you saying that His Majesty was preoccupied with personal matters, yet went to Luoyang and affected the soldiers at the front? Is that right?"
Grand Marshal Feng coughed and quickly tried to cover it up:
"Not necessarily, it might also be related to national affairs?"
General Zhen Dong did not continue this seemingly treasonous topic, but asked:
"Then, in your opinion, what should be done?"
"I'll go to Luoyang," said Grand Marshal Feng, seemingly having considered it beforehand, with a slight sigh. "And while I'm at it, I'll clean up the mess there."
With General Jiang Wei's prestige and status, he was more than capable of guarding Luoyang.
But if Liu Pangzi suddenly runs to Luoyang, Jiang Wei might be frightened, or rather forced, to withdraw his troops and retreat to Henan, abandoning the favorable situation in Yanzhou.
Although the Han Dynasty is currently enjoying great momentum, Xuchang, which is relatively close to Luoyang, is still in the hands of the puppet Wei state.
In particular, news came from Chang'an a few days ago that after Sima Yi was defeated in Hebei and crossed the Yellow River to the south, the Wei army in Nanyang suddenly abandoned Wancheng.
The generals of the pseudo-Wei regime in Jingzhou and Yuzhou seemed to be concentrating all their forces in Xuchang and Runan, leaving a large blank area in Nanyang Commandery.
What is their intention? It's worth pondering.
Although this trick was nothing more than showing off one's limited skills in the eyes of Grand Marshal Feng.
But given what happened in Jingzhou, it's hard to say what those cowards of Jiangdong would think when they see such a big piece of meat right in front of them.
After all, seeing the Han Dynasty conquering cities and seizing territories in Hebei, it's hard to believe that Sun Quan, that old codger, was completely unmoved.
If we can't take Hefei, can't we at least take Jingzhou?
If they can't defeat the Wei army, how can they not even capture the undefended Nanyang?
Of course, Grand Marshal Feng was completely indifferent to the gains or losses of Nanyang.
With no natural defenses and surrounded by enemies on both sides, what is easily gained today will be easily lost tomorrow.
What he was more concerned about was that the puppet Wei regime was consolidating its forces and reinforcing them in Xuchang, which gave it the ability to risk attacking the Chenggao and Hulao areas.
Furthermore, with Liu Pangzi's sudden arrival in Luoyang, Jiang Wei's achievements in Yanzhou might very well be in vain.
Therefore, sending Grand Marshal Feng to oversee Luoyang was the best choice.
He could appease the emperor while also putting Jiang Wei at ease at the front.
"What about Ji Province?"
"General Zhen Dong asked."
The soldiers of the Han Dynasty are methodically carrying out the final suppression of the rebellious forces in Hebei.
The remnants of the Tuoba Hu people, the puppet troops and rebels that the Wei dynasty couldn't take with them when they marched south, and various local disturbances, were scattered throughout the entire Jizhou region.
It also requires someone with sufficient prestige to oversee things.
"That's why I'm speaking to you alone," Grand Marshal Feng said thoughtfully. "I want you to be stationed in Ji Province and given authority over Hebei."
"Me?" Although he had already guessed, General Zhen Dong was still somewhat surprised to hear Grand Marshal Feng say this. "Is that alright?"
When it comes to leading troops, she believes she is second to none except for her husband.
But being stationed in Jizhou and in charge of Hebei meant more than just leading troops; it also meant governing the people.
Even governing the people is more important than leading troops.
"It's alright. I've already sent someone to Taiyuan to have Zhang Yuan bring his men over. He should arrive in three or four days at most."
As the senior disciple of the outer sect, Zhang Yuan has served as both a mentor to his junior disciples and a qualified local official over the years.
As the chief secretary of the Protectorate of the Xianbei, he has actually been handling the political affairs of Pingcheng for many years.
"And I will leave the staff behind when I leave, so you don't need to worry about that."
It seems that Grand Marshal Feng had long anticipated what General Zhen Dong was worried about.
"Actually, the main reason for letting you stay is that we need someone to keep these soldiers in Hebei in check."
These Han soldiers in Hebei are not only the main force of the Han Dynasty, but also the most capable elite troops. It is no exaggeration to call them proud and fierce soldiers.
Leaving aside Zhang Bao of Youzhou, just take Zhao Guang as an example. The only people who can make him obey are Grand Marshal Feng and General Zhen Dong.
"Leave the rest to Shi Bao, and leave the cleanup to Zhang Yuan."
At this point, a worried look appeared on Grand Marshal Feng's face, and he sighed:
"By the way, we can also send General Wang to Luoyang."
The General Wang mentioned by Grand Marshal Feng was Wang Ping.
After the army arrived in Ye City and the war in Hebei was settled, Wang Ping suddenly fell ill.
The best medical staff in the army said that he had suffered many hidden injuries from his early years of fighting, and that his qi and blood were too depleted. As he got older, these hidden injuries were prone to relapse, and he could only slowly recuperate, but could not be cured.
Grand Marshal Feng knew there was nothing he could do about it; over the years, he had seen too many veterans and generals in the same situation.
Heroes grow old, beauties fade; neither should be allowed to grow old in this world.
After Wang Ping followed Grand Marshal Feng in capturing Longguan, he single-handedly defended Longguan against Wei without suffering any losses.
In recent years, he has also guarded Taiyuan and pacified the northern frontier, laying a solid foundation for the General of the East to launch his campaign in the cold winter.
During the Shangdang Incident, he single-handedly resisted Sima Yi's massive army with a small force, managing to protect Taiyuan.
Over the years, he followed Mr. Feng in his campaigns, achieving numerous military exploits, and was especially known for his skill in defense.
Among the four fierce generals under Feng's command, Feng, Lin, Shan, and Huo, Wang Ping is the most undisputed in terms of being "immovable as a mountain."
It is truly a great pity that he has suddenly fallen ill and medical professionals are helpless.
Upon hearing that Grand Marshal Feng had arranged everything, General Zhen Dong nodded, "That's good."
Without delay, Grand Marshal Feng, traveling light, led his personal guard to escort Wang Ping south.
First, he went to Hanoi to meet Wang Han and asked Wang Han to send someone from Hanoi to Mengjin to escort Wang Ping to Luoyang, and then from Luoyang to Chang'an.
Feng Da Sima himself stayed in Hanoi for two days to handle some matters there.
Especially the matter of the Sima clan of Hanoi.
Hanoi was Sima Yi's stronghold, and Sima Yi was the Grand Tutor of the puppet Wei regime, repeatedly leading rebel armies to resist the Han army.
Especially after Sima Yi took control of Hebei, the Sima clan became particularly active and contributed a great deal of effort.
Now that the Han Dynasty has recovered Hebei, the direct descendants of the Sima clan have basically fled south across the Yellow River.
As for the collateral branches of the Sima clan, fearing that the Yellow River would settle old scores, they all went into hiding and changed their names.
Therefore, looking across the entire Hanoi, suddenly no one dared to claim that they were surnamed Sima.
Of course, this is the official version of events.
In fact, Wang Han secretly told Grand Marshal Feng some things.
For example, the reason why the Sima clan scattered like startled birds was also related to a certain fellow surnamed Shi.
Grand Marshal Feng sternly criticized Wang Han for neglecting to unite the troops, pointing out that the Sima clan was not only colluding with the rebels, but also committing treason, and according to the laws of the Han Dynasty, their entire clan should be exterminated.
Although Comrade Shi's style was a bit rough, it was understandable that extraordinary measures were taken in extraordinary times.
Wang Han sincerely accepted the Grand Marshal's criticism and admitted his mistake.
At the same time, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
With the Grand Marshal's words, it seemed that his colleague's actions of purging the Sima clan of Hanoi without permission were likely to be resolved.
"It's hard to say what will happen to General Wang after he falls ill this time."
Feng Da Sima was not concerned about how Shi Bao had made the Sima clan of Hanoi suffer a fate worse than death.
Hebei is a huge province. How many families will be destroyed and how many people will die in the future? Can we possibly keep track of them all?
Compared to these things, Wang Ping deserves more attention.
Standing with his hands behind his back on the riverbank, gazing at the surging waters, Grand Marshal Feng's tone was filled with endless regret:
"Even if the medical school can save him, he will probably only be able to teach students at the military academy in the future."
“He will be unable to lead troops in the future, and someone will always have to step up to replace him.”
Grand Marshal Feng turned around and looked at Wang Han:
“You were personally brought out of the clan by General Wang, and you have followed me for many years. You did well in this battle, and you have lived up to General Wang’s kindness in mentoring you.”
Wang Hanlian said he dared not.
Grand Marshal Feng waved his hand, "Good work is good work. There are no outsiders here, so there's no need to be too modest."
After speaking, he remained silent for a moment before continuing to ask:
"If General Wang really can't lead the army in the future, someone will definitely have to take his place. I hope that person is you. Do you have the confidence to do so?"
The Banshun barbarians in the Hanzhong and Bazhong areas were brave and fierce. They participated in King Wu's war against King Zhou at the end of the Shang Dynasty and were enfeoffed as the State of Ba for their military achievements.
During the Qin and Han dynasties, Emperor Gaozu recruited the Banshun barbarians to pacify the Three Qin regions. Upon seeing the "Bayu Dance," he was delighted and exclaimed, "This is the song of King Wu's conquest of Zhou."
During the Later Han Dynasty, the Banshun barbarians launched numerous eastern and western expeditions. They were known for their bravery and skill in battle, using long spears and wooden shields as weapons, and were called "divine soldiers."
When Feng Da Sima first rose to power, he also received help from the Banshun barbarians gathered by Wang Ping.
In this era, the saying goes, "Brothers fight tigers together, and fathers and sons go to war together."
It's perfectly normal for people from the same hometown to be assigned to the same team.
This led to the formation of various factions and cliques within the military, which was unavoidable.
Since the Prime Minister pacified the southern regions and Feng Yi revived Hanzhong, coupled with the Han Dynasty's policy of treating Han and non-Han peoples the same, many southern and Bantun tribes have become Han loyalists.
Furthermore, because they were brave in battle, eager to fight, and honored to die in battle, these Han-fan tribes had always been a high-quality source of soldiers for the Han infantry.
These are all called "Shu Man".
Unfortunately, due to historical reasons, the flawed policies towards the barbarians in the later period of the Later Han Dynasty led to repeated rebellions by the Banshun barbarians surrounding Hanzhong.
The largest rebellion even reached as far as Nanzheng in Hanzhong.
Therefore, rebuilding trust is not easy.
The familiar barbarians near Han cities are relatively easy to deal with, but how many uncivilized tribes are scattered in the Bashan and Wushui regions?
No matter how powerful Feng Da Sima was, he couldn't possibly directly manage those numerous tribes hidden deep in the mountains and treacherous waters.
To achieve this, we would have to wait nearly two thousand years, until the world's largest and most effective political party mobilizes the entire nation to do it.
Even in the southern region, after so many years of governance, the policies of the Han government could only affect the various cities and the areas around the official roads.
Wang Ping was the representative of the Han Dynasty to the Bantun barbarians, just as the Five Commanders were the representatives of the Southern Central Plains.
Given Wang Ping's current physical condition, Grand Marshal Feng has no choice but to make preparations as soon as possible.
Wang Xun, the son of Wang Ping, was originally the most suitable candidate, and he was also a staunch supporter of Grand Marshal Feng.
Unfortunately, his ambition was not to lead an army, or rather, he never intended to join the army in the first place. He had been serving as the Chief Clerk in Liangzhou all these years.
He will probably serve as the governor of Liangzhou in the future, which can be considered as guarding the base of Feng's forces.
From this perspective, Wang Han is the most suitable candidate.
Therefore, when Grand Marshal Feng said these words to Wang Han, it was not because he was putting personal interests before his official duties, but because he wanted to continue to influence and even control the Bantun barbarians through Wang Han.
Upon hearing this, Wang Han's face first showed surprise, then disbelief, and finally, disregarding his armor, he prostrated himself.
"Since the Grand Marshal has given the order, I will gladly face any danger, even death!"
After revealing his future plans, Grand Marshal Feng did not linger and crossed the river at Mengjin to reach Luoyang.
Currently, Jiang Wei is conquering cities and seizing territory in Yanzhou, while Liu Yin is guarding Luoyang and providing rear support.
The arrival of Grand Marshal Feng not only gave Jiang Wei, who wanted to return to Luoyang, the confidence to continue to recover Yanzhou, but also greatly boosted Liu Yin's spirits.
To be honest, Liu Yin wasn't under that much pressure even though the puppet Wei regime was increasing its troop strength in Xuchang.
But the emperor's sudden announcement that preparations were underway greatly increased the pressure on him.
Now that the Grand Marshal has arrived, that's wonderful!
"This humble general pays his respects to the Grand Marshal!"
"There's no need for such formalities in the army. Has His Majesty sent any message? When will he arrive?"
Without wasting any words, Grand Marshal Feng went straight to the point and asked.
There was no need for him to be overly polite with Liu Yin. Firstly, there was his status, and secondly, Liu Yin was someone he had recommended to the Prime Minister, so he could be considered half one of his own.
"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, His Majesty has passed the old pass and is expected to reach the new pass by tomorrow at the latest."
Grand Marshal Feng nodded:
“I’m here for no other reason than to leave His Majesty’s affairs to me. As for the rest, everything will proceed as before, just as you and General Zhennan discussed.”
Liu Yin was overjoyed upon hearing this and bowed again:
"I will obey your orders!"
Grand Marshal, you truly understand and comfort your subordinates; you are a timely help indeed!