In just eleven days, the Great Sui court lost Yu Wenshu and Zhang Xutuo, two important generals. It was undoubtedly a heavy blow to the Great Sui army and the Great Sui court, especially Zhang Xutuo, who was so young. The sacrifice of Xu Zhanzhan Dinghaishenzhen directly led to the leaderless counter-insurgency troops in the twelve counties and counties in the southern part of the Yellow River. They were no longer able to form an overwhelming advantage over large groups of rebels on local battlefields. , the activities became more unscrupulous, and the twelve counties south of the Yellow River have completely become a paradise for rebel rogue activities, seriously threatening the traffic safety of the Tongji Canal connecting Jiangdu and Dongdu. So it was greatly affected.
Chen Sangliang, our devoid of conscience, was also hit hard. Ask yourself, Chen Sangliang is very clear that Zhang Xutuo's sacrifice has a great relationship with him. Zhang Xutuo said that he had found out that the Wagang Army would set up an ambush against Zhang Xutuo in Dahai Temple, so Zhang Xutuo would probably not sacrifice. So after receiving this bad news, Chen Sangliang, who respected Zhang Xutuo from the bottom of his heart, also cried and passed out twice, washing his face with tears day and night, feeling extremely guilty and sad.
There is no medicine for regret in the world, no matter how guilty and sad it is, it is useless. All Chen Sangliang can do is to build a mourning hall for Zhang Xutuo in his own lobby, set up Zhang Xutuo's spiritual seat, kneel down to pay homage, and make up for himself a little A debt to Zhang Xutuo. What made Chen Sangliang quite gratified and a little surprised was that the mourning hall had just been set up, and the civil and military officials of the Eastern Capital who received the news had already come to mourn. , kneeling in front of Zhang Xutuo's spiritual tablet, weeping and choking, sobbing choked up.
What surprised Chen Sangliang even more was that the person who cried the saddest among the officials of the Eastern Capital was not himself, but General Yun Ding Xingyun, the general of Zuo Tunwei who had never had anything to do with Zhang Xutuo, who knelt before Zhang Xutuo. In front of his spirit seat, our old general Yun cried so loudly that he was shaking his chest, stomping his chest and grabbing the ground with his head, weeping bitterly as if he had lost a loved one, crying and roaring in his mouth, vowing to avenge Zhang Xutuo, looking sad Compared to Chen Sangliang, who was dressed in hemp and filial piety for Zhang Xutuo by his nephew and nephew, Chen Sangliang was worried that what good and bad would happen when he cried when he was old, so he could only come forward to comfort him in turn, but Yun Dingxing would not Taking the opportunity to grab Chen Sangliang's sleeve, he cried and said, "Stay behind, Chen stay behind, avenge Old General Zhang! You must avenge Old General Zhang!"
Chen Sangliang nodded quickly, and also vowed to avenge Zhang Xutuo in front of the spirit, but our old general Yun cried again: "Chen Liushou, I beg you, please go to your Majesty, allow me to lead the Zuo Tunwei general Soldiers go out of Hulao Pass to conquer Wagang rebels! Although the old man is not talented, he is willing to lead the way, charge into the battle, behead the rebels Zhai Rang and Li Migou, dig out their hearts and livers, and pay homage to the spirit of General Zhang! "
Chen Sangliang was really moved. After finally persuading Yun Dingxing, he retreated to Fang Xuanling's side. Chen Sangliang wiped away his tears and said, "I never thought that Old General Yun still has such a side. more heartbroken than me."
"He is not sad, who is sad?" Fang Xuanling smiled wryly, and said in a low voice: "Yu Wenzhu died of illness before General Zhang, and General Yun lost his backer in the court. General You Yiwei came to Zhu The country has never waited to see him. My dear brother, you are personally recommended by the country of Laizhu. Dongdu stays behind, and you have the support of Zuoxiang Pei and Wenxi Pei. Old General Yun does not cry more sadly than you now. In the future, I beg you to be in front of the country of Zhu Talk? How can he keep his position as the General of Zuo Tunwei?"
The goodwill he had just established towards Yun Dingxing disappeared immediately, and Chen Sangliang couldn't help but cursed in a low voice, "Old loach, you are really treacherous and slippery, and you can get in through such a small crack."
"Old General Zhang! Old General Zhang!"
Chen Sangliang's inward curse hadn't finished yet, and a cry that was more mournful than that of our old general Yun suddenly came into the mourning hall. Chen Sangliang and the others hurriedly turned their heads, only to see Dr. Guanglu Pei Renji rushing into the mourning hall with filial piety in his eyes. He also rushed directly to Zhang Xutuo's spiritual seat and cried loudly, his expression of grief and grief was also not under Yun Dingxing's. Seeing this scene, Chen Sangliang, who had suffered a lot, didn't dare to be fooled easily, first calculated a little, and then asked Fang Xuanling in a low voice: "Brother Qiao Song, what does Uncle Renji want to do this time? "
"Brother Yu doesn't know." Fang Xuanling was also a little confused, and said puzzledly: "It stands to reason, Doctor Pei doesn't need to please you so much? Is he eyeing the position left by Old General Zhang? It's also unlikely, what about Old General Zhang? Isn’t the position so easy to sit in? Or, Dr. Pei has his eye on the vacated position of the General of the Sixteen Guards, and wants to take the opportunity to show off and fight for it?”
Fang Xuanling guessed that it was close to ten. When Chen Sangliang came forward to answer the gift as Zhang Xutuo's nephew, Pei Renji grabbed Chen Sangliang's sleeve and cried loudly, "Nephew, take revenge!" We must avenge Old General Zhang! My nephew, you are staying behind in the Eastern Capital and shouldering heavy responsibilities. Your Majesty has decreed that you are not allowed to leave the Eastern Capital lightly. I am not talented, and I am willing to go out on your behalf. My nephew, please invite His Highness the King of Yue to send troops to conquer Wa Gang thief, this old man is willing to be the vanguard!"
Before the words were finished, the old general Yun Ding Xingyun, whose backing had fallen, rushed up again, and pulled Chen Sangliang's other sleeve, also begging Chen Sangliang to ask Yang Tong to send troops to conquer the Wagang bandits, and he was willing to take on this responsibility. Important task, in order to please Chen Sangliang's respect for Zhang Xutuo's thoughts, Old General Yun even fought with Pei Renji on the spot until he blushed and his neck was thick, and almost scuffled on the spot. Chen Sangliang was furious in his heart, knowing that these two guys were uneasy and out of good intentions, but he couldn't criticize them on the spot, and he could only mediate in the middle. After all, it took a lot of effort to calm down these two old shameless people for the time being.
On the same day, Yue Wang Yang Tong, accompanied by two deputy left behind Yuan Wendu and Duan Da, came to Chen Sangliang's home to mourn Zhang Xutuo, and all three of them shed a few drops of Tears, Chen Sangliang answered the ceremony with tears, and invited Yang Tong, Yuan Wendu, and Duan Da to sit in the back hall. After entering the back hall, Yang Tong wiped away the tears on his face first, and then said to Chen Sangliang: "General, old general Zhang sacrificed his life for the country, which is worthy of respect, but unfortunately he was defeated and died. , there is no imperial army in Xingyang County that can compete with the Wagang Bandit Army, and the Wagang Bandit Army has also directly threatened the safety of Henan County. Regarding this matter, what is the general's plan?"
Chen Yingliang was very hesitant, and after thinking for a while, he said: "Your Highness, as a humble minister, of course he wants to raise troops out of the customs personally, to fight against the Wagang rebels for the imperial court, and to avenge old General Zhang, but His Majesty It is also decreed that humble ministers are not allowed to leave their posts lightly..."
Seeing Chen Sangliang's hesitant tone, Duan Da immediately took over the conversation and said, "Chen Xiongqu, you can't leave your post lightly, but you don't have to lead the army to go to the crusade in person. My suggestion is that you might as well send an army Going east, stationed in Baihua Valley west of Hulao Pass, ready to reinforce the Sishui garrison at any time. As long as the Sishui Hulao Pass is still in our hands, the eastern capital Luoyang will be safe. In this way, We can wait for His Majesty's decision in peace."
"This is a safe arrangement, the old man's arrangement." Yuan Wendu and Duan Da rarely stood together once.
Since the power of the military regime is limited to the eastern capital, Duan Da's suggestion is indeed the safest approach, and Chen Sangliang also agrees very much, but Chen Sangliang has another point in mind, so after a little calculation, Chen Sangliang Said: "Dr. Duan's discussion is indeed safe, but I think there is one more thing to add, that is to welcome back the rest of General Zhang. The soldiers under General Zhang's command are all elite soldiers who have experienced many battles. Anyone can It is extremely precious, if we can take them back to the Eastern Capital, comfort them well, and give them reuse, they will definitely continue to play a huge role in the counter-insurgency battlefield."
Duan Da was born in the army and knew the importance of elite soldiers to the army. Of course, he immediately agreed with Chen Sangliang's words. Yuan Wen didn't understand military affairs but knew that the more troops the better, he also had no objection, and suggested: " What the general said is very true, we can garrison in Baihua Valley, and at the same time ask His Royal Highness to issue a decree to comfort the rest of General Zhang, and persuade them to move to Hulao Pass and join our Baihua Valley garrison , we will provide food, grass and military supplies in the eastern capital, and then ask Your Majesty to allow us to incorporate the remaining troops of General Zhang. In this way, we will not violate the court decrees, and we can smoothly incorporate the old troops of General Zhang. At the same time, we can ensure that The safety of Hulao Pass and Dongdu is multi-purpose."
Chen Sangliang wanted to incorporate Zhang Xutuo's elite old troops. The biggest problem was that the Eastern Capital's decree could not restrain the soldiers and horses of the twelve counties. After hearing the compromise suggestion of Yuan Wendu, he immediately agreed, and Yue Wang Yang Tong also agreed. Without hesitation, he agreed to appease and recruit the rest of Zhang Xutuo's troops by himself, and this plan was unanimously approved. However, when discussing who to lead the army to reinforce Hulao Pass, Chen Sangliang ran into a difficult situation. After much deliberation, he still couldn't make up his mind, so he could only say to Yang Tong: "Your Highness, two seniors, please forgive me for choosing this candidate." Please think carefully and make a decision tomorrow."
"Why?" Yang Tong was taken aback, and said, "General, why are there times when you can't make a decisive decision?"
"Because the opponent this time is too dangerous." Chen Sangliang smiled wryly, and said: "Your Highness, two seniors, I am not boasting. There are not many people who can deceive me on the battlefield. Li Mi, the dog-headed military officer of the Wagang Bandit, is the only one." , The degree of cunning and insidiousness of this traitor is beyond anyone's imagination, and Hulao Pass is too important to allow any surprises, so I must carefully consider the candidate for reinforcements at Hulao Pass, and cannot give Li Mi's traitor any surprises. Take the opportunity."
Seeing that Chen Sangliang spoke solemnly, Yang Tong, who had always trusted Chen Sangliang, didn't say anything more, and immediately agreed to discuss the candidates for sending troops the next day. Although Duan Da and Yuan Wen felt that Chen Sangliang was a bit exaggerated, in order to be on the safe side For the sake of consideration, there is no objection, and they also agree to discuss the candidate for the coach of the reinforcements the next day.
After dismissing Yang Yu and others, he was busy working in Zhang Xutuo's mourning hall for a long time. It was not until after dark that Chen Sangliang called Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, Yuan Tiangang, Changsun Wuji and other cronies into the back room. Tang, while having dinner with them, he talked to them about the candidates for reinforcements at Hulao Pass. As a result, Wei Zheng and Yuan Tiangang were delighted when they heard it, and said, "Stay behind, why is there any hesitation about this matter? Does it matter who you send?"
"Who said it's the same to send anyone?" Chen Sangliang rolled his eyes and said, "There's a lot of trouble here. Originally, you are all suitable candidates, but with your official status, how could His Highness the King of Yue agree to my sending you there?" Take on this important task? Send someone else, what if he abducts Ambassador Zhang’s old department?”
"Abduction? How?" Yuan Tiangang asked suspiciously: "Aren't all the civil and military officials in the Eastern Capital court under your control?"
"The civil and military affairs of the eastern capital are controlled by me, but I still have an emperor on my head." Chen Sangliang explained: "Ambassador Zhang died for the country. In order to continue to quell the rebellion, His Majesty will definitely appoint a new ambassador to arrest him." To organize soldiers and horses from the twelve counties to continue to put down the rebellion. The soldiers and horses left by Ambassador Zhang have always been the main force to put down the rebellion. In order to put down the big event, His Majesty may not agree that our Eastern Capital will incorporate Ambassador Zhang’s old department. In this way, we If the officials sent there are not high enough in rank and prestige, they are not important enough in front of His Majesty, and it is not easy to attract His Majesty's attention, then there is a high possibility that His Majesty will not allow us to incorporate Ambassador Zhang's old department."
"If the officials we send are high in rank, prestige and seniority, and have enough weight in front of His Majesty, then the trouble will be even greater." Chen Yingliang said darkly: "The people we sent to meet with Ambassador Zhang's old department are also enough weight. Maybe His Majesty appointed this person to replace Ambassador Zhang to preside over the arrest campaign in Henan, wouldn't it be equivalent to letting him abduct the rest of Marshal Zhang?"
Yuan Tiangang nodded, and said: "I heard what Liu Shou said, this matter is a little troublesome, and the number of people sent is not enough. Your Majesty does not agree with us to incorporate the old department of Ambassador Zhang who is familiar with the Henan battlefield, or to appoint another ambassador for arrest. Then we It’s just a bamboo basket to fetch water in vain. The number of people sent is too heavy, if His Majesty appoints him as the ambassador to arrest, then we still won’t get Ambassador Zhang’s elite old troops, and we can only watch them being taken away by others.”
"So, in order to protect and make good use of the elite old department left by Ambassador Zhang as much as possible, I must choose this candidate carefully." Chen Yingliang concluded: "This person must be important enough so that His Majesty can rest assured that he will be included in Ambassador Zhang's old department. And you must be obedient and reliable, even if you are appointed by His Majesty as the arresting ambassador to take over the heavy burden left by Ambassador Zhang, you will be obedient and obedient, and gradually hand over the elite remaining troops left by Ambassador Zhang to us through various means."
"Two options, Yun Dingxing and Pei Renji." Fang Xuanling, who had always been silent and unpredictable, suddenly said, "Yuwenzhu Kingdom passed away suddenly, and Yun Dingxing lost his backer in the court. In order to protect himself, he must find another Backer, dear brother, you are his best choice. Give him a little hint, so you don't worry about him being disobedient. However, Yun Dingxing's weight is a little bit insufficient, and he has never liked him since coming to Zhuguo. His Majesty may not let him succeed Zhang. The ambassador is in charge of countering the rebellion in the twelve counties, although you can recommend it to the table, but if Yun Dingxing makes any mistakes in the future, it will be affected to some extent and you will have to pay a certain price."
"Dr. Pei Renji's weight is sufficient, and with the support of Zuoxiang Pei, there is a great possibility of succeeding Ambassador Zhang." Fang Xuanling continued: "But Doctor Pei's ambition is a bit big, and he is your elder brother. I want him to treat you well." It's difficult to bow your head and obey orders."
Chen Yingliang nodded silently, admitting that he still couldn't make Pei Renji obediently obey orders, and he was thinking about other candidates such as Liu Changgong, Ba Yegang, Wei Anshi, Duan Da, etc., and quickly rejected them one by one. At this time, Yuan Tiangang proposed Wang Shichong as a candidate in a whimsical manner, but immediately shook his head and said, "It's even more impossible. With Wang Shichong's virtue, how could he spit out the fat that he ate into his mouth?"
Chen Sangliang smiled, and said to himself that it's good that you know, my old man has this kind of virtue. However, after Yuan Tiangang mentioned Wang Shichong, Chen Yingliang immediately remembered that Zhang Xutuo's old tribes such as Qin Qiong and Luo Shixin were indeed once controlled by Wang Shichong in history, and then naturally remembered that after Zhang Xutuo died in the country, Pei Renji took over Zhang Xu Tuo's old tribe, but because of the existence of a shit-stirring stick, Pei Renji forced Zhang Xutuo's old tribe to surrender to the Wagang Army.
Thinking of this, Chen Sangliang couldn't help but have an idea in his heart, and secretly said: "In this case, why not let history develop according to the normal process? Let the shit stick hold Pei Renji's hands and feet first, so that Pei Renji can't realize his ambition and get out of my control , and then I will personally go out to kill this shit-stirring stick, further buy the morale of the army, and naturally incorporate Zhang Xutuo's old department!"
After thinking about it for a long time, he felt that the possibility of directly incorporating Zhang Xutuo's old department is very small, and it is even more impossible for Emperor Sui Yang to hand over the Eastern Capital and the Twelve Counties of Henan to him. Chen Sangliang made up his mind As soon as he slapped the table, he said viciously, "Let Pei Renji go!"
"My dear brother, have you made up your mind?" Fang Xuanling asked, and then said: "Let me remind you again, Dr. Pei's ambition is not small, and there are many barriers between you and him. If you let him go, the old department left by Marshal Zhang If he eats it, it may be harder for him to spit it out than Wang Shichong."
"Think about it." Chen Sangliang nodded, and said again: "Brother Qiao Song, after dinner, you go to see Dr. Duan Da and tell him my decision, and then invite him to come forward and recommend the counselor Xiao Huaijing to be the supervisor. As for the exchange, his precious son-in-law, Zhang Zhi, can be transferred to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, which is farting in the crotch of the crotch."
Fang Xuanling smiled, and said: "Your brother is brilliant, with this shit-stirring stick, Dr. Pei will always have a heart higher than the sky, and a life thinner than paper."
Chen Sangliang smiled and said without blushing: "It's not because of Ambassador Zhang. His old man has always loved his soldiers and subordinates. I don't take good care of the soldiers he left behind. Who will take good care of them? Let them suffer a little bit. Better than letting them be beaten by others on the battlefield."
Ever since, at the Eastern Capital Meeting on the second day, Chen Sangliang publicly recommended his uncle Pei Renji to lead an army to reinforce Hulao Pass, preside over the various matters of incorporating Zhang Xutuo's remaining troops, and listed three major advantages of Pei Renji's position In favor of the Seventh National Congress, Yun Dingxing, who volunteered to take up the position, was depressed, but he didn't dare to attack. Pei Renji smiled when he heard it. For the first time, he thought of letting his daughter be Chen Sangliang's concubine. In the end, Yang Tong finally let him go. Pei Renji got his wish once, nodded and agreed to Chen Sangliang's recommendation, and sent Pei Renji to lead an army of 10,000 to Hulaoguan for reinforcements.
Pei Renji couldn't laugh anymore, because just as Yang Tong finalized the matter, Duan Da, the deputy left guard, jumped out again, using the excuse that there would be a lot of troops in Hulao Pass, and that there would be Dongdu Army, Xingyang Army and Zhang Xutuo's old troops. There are three armies, each of which is not subordinated to each other and has different orders. It is necessary to pay attention to the military records of the Eastern Capital. Xiao Huaijing, the uncle of Xiao Xiao, was recommended to be the supervisor of Pei Renji to help Pei Renji restrain military discipline.
Hearing Duan Da's recommendation, Pei Renji turned pale. When he hurried to see his distant nephew, he saw that Chen Sangliang was in a dilemma. To avoid suspicion, he neither opposed nor supported him. Looking at Yang Tong agreeing to Duan Da's recommendation, Pei Renji's face turned even paler, but our little uncle Xiao Guo burst into laughter in his heart, gritted his teeth and said: "Pei Deben, Feng Shui turns, and today I finally transferred to my place." , wait and see!"