Chapter 239 Who will win? (2)

On May 31st, the rain suddenly fell, accompanied by thunder and lightning, and finally extinguished the fireworks everywhere in Youzhou City. The next morning, people found that the air was extremely fresh, and the burnt smell of fireworks that had been filled with for many days and the rotten smell of corpses disappeared without a trace with a breeze.

The Great Zhou imperial guards conscripted thousands of Youzhou people and built cemeteries outside Youzhou. The so-called cemetery means digging two large pits and erecting a stone tablet.

The cemetery of the Great Zhou Imperial Guards was made of bluestone. A large stone tablet was erected in front, with a line of large characters on the front: "Tomb of the Great Zhou Imperial Guards", and behind it are the names of the battle process and the names of the soldiers who fell into battle. Many soldiers who fell into battle could no longer verify their names. Those who knew the names tried to carve them on the stone tablet.

The cemetery of the Khitan soldiers was much simpler, without bluestone, but a stone tablet was erected without a single word on it.

The two cemeteries stood opposite each other, and the soldiers on both sides who were sleeping underground never thought that during their lifetime, they were enemies fighting each other with their lives, but stood opposite each other, staying together forever, endured the wind, frost, rain and dew, silently watching the land that paid the price of life for it.

"It is better to pursue the enemy with remaining courage, and not seek fame and learn from the overlords." On the morning of May 31, at the end of the military meeting of the northern camp, Hou Dayong only said these two sentences, and ended the fierce debate between the generals on whether to continue to advance.

These two lines of poetry have also become the slogan for soldiers of various armies to fight bravely to fight the enemy and expand their results.

After the northern camp formulated a strategy to continue the attack, it quickly adjusted again according to the battlefield situation: Han Shang, the deputy commander of the right wing of the right wing of the He, led 2,000 troops to guard the Gubeikou Army, Wang Shenqi, the deputy commander of the right wing of the Longjie Army, was stationed at Desheng Pass, and the city of Youzhou was led by Zhao Kuangyin, and thousands of remnants of the Iron Cavalry were guarded, and the rest of the troops rushed to attack the cities near Youzhou with all their might.

Xiao Siwen, Yelu Lu Bugu and his wife used thousands of Khitan soldiers as cover to hold Yuan Yan and Guang Zitu's men and horses, and then they escaped. The thousand cavalry rushed westward, crossed the mud, and came to Ruzhou, and then had a chance to breathe. The Zhou army came very quickly. On the evening of the second day after Xiao Siwen came to Ruzhou, he discovered the Zhou army's scout cavalry outside Ruzhou City. Xiao Siwen knew that the situation was gone. The small city of Ruzhou would definitely be difficult to resist the attack of the Zhou army, and he would abandon the city to the west without waiting for the main force of the Zhou army to arrive.

Xiao Siwen led people across the Sanggan River, and then he met the main force of the Khitan reinforcements on the ground. The main force of the Khitan learned that Youzhou had been lost and the Zhou army was powerful, so he did not dare to go deep alone, so he wandered near the entrance of the Great Wall.

The main forces of the Khitan army in the 16 prefectures of Youyun were all concentrated in Youzhou. After Youzhou fell, there were only a small number of defending troops in the rest of the city. These weak defending troops did not dare to compete with the main force of the Zhou army. When the Zhou army arrived, the Khitan generals guarding the city abandoned the city and fled, and only encountered more tenacious resistance in Shuozhou and Yunzhou. However, when the Zhou army exploded the gates of the two prefectures, the resistance between Shuozhou and Yunzhou was over.

By June 12, Youzhou, Shunzhou, Ruzhou, Tanzhou, Jizhou, Zhuozhou, Yingzhou, Mozhou, Xinzhou, Guizhou, Wuzhou, Weizhou, Yingzhou, Huanzhou, Shuozhou, and Yunzhou had all fallen into the hands of the Great Zhou imperial guards. There were two unexpected gains. He Wulang took Pingzhou and Han Tong took Luanzhou over. The positions of Pingzhou and Luanzhou were very important. The Khitan had already captured these two prefectures before the founding of the Later Tang Dynasty. The famous key pass Shanhaiguan and Xifengkou were all in this section.

On June 13, when Chai Rong, who was seriously ill, learned that the Northern Expedition Army had captured the Eighteen State of Youyun, was overjoyed and couldn't help but jump out of the bed. Then he vomited a large mouthful of blood and fell into a coma again.

On June 14, an imperial edict was passed to Youzhou: Lulong Jie Town was established, and the states north of the Juma River were governed by Han Tong as the governor of Lulong, and the Hei Army as the main body, and 30,000 Han people from the border of the 18 prefectures were recruited to guard the northern border for the Great Zhou army. In addition, the states south of the Juma River were governed by Cangzhou. Yuan Yan was appointed as the governor of Cangzhou.

At this point, the northern camp completed the historical mission of recapturing the sixteen prefectures of Youzhou and was officially abolished. The strategic goal of the Great Zhou Dynasty was fully realized. The Great Zhou army changed from offensive to defensive. Just waiting for the north to stabilize, the army would go south again to complete the great cause of unification.

On June 15, the main force of the 60,000 imperial guards followed Hou Dayong back to Waqiao Pass.

On June 16, the Northern Expedition army divided into two groups, boarded the boat from the Gu'an Ferry, returned to Daliang from the water route, followed Duliukou, passed Cangzhou, went down to Dezhou, and returned to Daliang from land route.

On June 25, Chai Rong, who was still on the boat, knew that he could not recover. In order to prevent it, he issued two edicts in a row. The first edict was promoted to Concubine Fu as the queen, his son Zongxun as the King of Liang, his younger son Zongrang as the Duke of Yan, and his left guard. The second edict was appointed as prime minister Fan Zhi, Hou Dayong, Wang Pu, and Wei Renpu as the Chief Minister; while Zhao Kuangyin was appointed as the Minister of the Secretariat, and was appointed as the Minister of the Secretariat, and was the Minister of the Secretariat, and was the Minister of the Secretariat.

On June 30, the Bian River naval army was the first to return to Daliang.

The people of Daliang learned that the Northern Expedition Army had won a great victory and recovered the Eighteen Prefectures of Youyun. Every household took this as an opportunity to kill pigs and sheep, and call their children and daughters, just like the New Year.

The atmosphere in the palace was completely different. Because Chai Rong was seriously ill, the people in the palace held their breath and concentrated, and the air was so heavy that it was breathless. Fan Zhi, Hou Dayong, Wang Pu, Wei Renpu, Zhao Kuangyin and others took turns to serve under the Secretariat on duty every day, and the rest of the people were guarding Chai Rong every day.

"Even if Chai Rong is a wise king, he will never escape the fate of history in the end." When Hou Dayong came out of the palace, he couldn't help but sigh when he thought of Chai Rong who was defeated by the disease.

It was already night, and there was no pedestrian on the street except for the soldiers patrolling the night.

Hou Dayong and his party had more than a dozen people, all of whom were tall and big horses. When they were about to arrive at the Hou Mansion, they met a team of soldiers patrolling the night. For more than ten days, the soldiers patrolling the night could meet the famous Hou Prime Minister every night. When they saw the horse team, they no longer questioned them. They just respectfully avoided the side and let the Hou Prime Minister pass through.

"History is like a hodgepodge with soup and water. Who can tell the truth or false?" Thinking of his experience and Chai Rongdi's fate, Hou Dayong kept shook his head again.

"Liu Chengwei, is it you? When did you become an imperial guard officer?" Hou Dayong was riding his horse and suddenly saw Liu Jiangqing among the soldiers.

When the imperial guards were mainly in the Northern Expedition, Xuan Zheng Northern Court envoy Zan Jurun became the deputy chief of Tokyo. The main responsibility was to be responsible for the public security of the capital. Liu Jiangqing became the direct subordinate of Zan Jurun. Under the support of Zan Jurun, Liu Jiangqing was also the left-wing inspector of the capital while serving as the Nanwei of Chengcheng. The left-wing inspector was an intermediate position in the imperial guards. It was originally held by Zhang Lingduo. Zhang Lingduo followed the army to the northern expedition, and Zan Jurun mediated it. Liu Jiangqing took over this position.

After Chai Rong returned to Daliang City, he was seriously ill in bed. The situation in Daliang suddenly became tense. Extreme officials like Liu Jiangqing had to lead teams to patrol separately, and then he met Hou Dayong. After Hou Dayong returned to Daliang, his main energy was Chai Rong, and he did not know that Liu Jiangqing already had a military position. At this time, he saw him leading a team of imperial guards patrolling at night, and he felt strange.

When Liu Jiangqing heard Hou Dayong's inquiries, he looked a little embarrassed, but he still gritted his teeth and came to Hou Dayong's horse.

When Liu Jiangjie returned to Daliang, her arrow injury had improved greatly. Although she had not recovered, she was able to move freely. She did not return to the military camp or the Lingzhou Guild Hall. Instead, she moved into the small yard that Hou Dayong bought for her in Nancheng and quietly recovered from the wound. At this time, Liu Jiangjie's mood was completely different from when she first arrived at Daliang. She used to think she was a passerby, but now she has something to do with her heart, and this Daliang City has a different meaning in her eyes.

Liu Jiangqing was anxious and angry about his sister's choice. He was the son of the elder of the Richie tribe. Although the Richie tribe was like ant and an elephant, Liu Jiangqing was the son of the elder of the Richie tribe and a respectable teacher of Shishan Academy. His identity and experience made him quite arrogant. He never thought that his younger sister Liu Jiangjie would become Hou Dayong's concubine. Although Hou Dayong was powerful and powerful, Liu Jiangqing still found it difficult to accept this fact. But his sister's idea was decided. Hou Dayong was powerful and powerful all over the world, so he did not dare to threaten Liu Jiangjie too much.

At this time, Liu Jiangqing looked at Hou Dayong with a complicated look. After performing the military salute, Liu Jiangqing stood in front of Hou Dayong's horse and said, "I will be the current inspector of the left wing of the capital."

Although the position of inspector in the capital is not high, it is at the forefront. Like the Chengwei, it is a position with high risks and quick promotion. Liu Jiangqing is talented, knowledgeable, and has methods. He is a talent that can be created, but the water in the capital is too deep and he will drown the Huishui people if he is not careful.

At this time, there were many people and eyes, so Hou Dayong was not convenient to say much. He said in his words: "Dalian City is the imperial capital. The positions of Zuoxiang Inspection and the Chengwei are both very important. Inspection Liu must do it himself." Without waiting for Liu Jiangqing to answer, Hou Dayong waved his hand and said: "You go."

Back at the mansion, Hou Dayong hesitated between the study courtyard and the main courtyard, but returned to the main courtyard. With a slight "creaking", Hou Dayong pushed open the empty door. Although the sound was not wonderful, Hou Dayong felt that the sound was so familiar and warm. There was a trace of light flashing in the main courtyard and the light flowed to the small courtyard like a stream. The two maids in the side room hurried out, Hou Dayong waved his hand and entered the main house.

Fu Ying's belly was already protruding. She sat under the lamp, sewing small clothes intently. A thick book of tents was placed on the Hu table next to her. When she saw Hou Dayong enter the house, she asked casually: "How is Your Majesty's condition?"

According to Fu Ying's identity, there is no need to sew clothes by himself. But Fu Ying feels that being able to make clothes for her son or daughter who is not born is a great enjoyment in life. Therefore, she always has to sew some clothes for her baby who is not born.

"There are good and bad times, and the imperial physician has no way to do anything." Hou Dayong knew what she was thinking. He didn't feel surprised when he saw his wife sewing clothes in the oil lamp. He sat by the bed, answering while flipping through the account book on the table. The rich shop was like a magical golden finger, which had brought too much profit to the Hou family. For the Hou family, wealth was just a digital increase. Hou Dayong secretly thought that if these wealth was turned into war horses and weapons, it would not only be enough.

"What is Alang thinking, why don't he speak?" Fu Ying looked at Hou Dayong in a daze, then put down her little clothes.

Hou Dayong did not answer positively, but said, "This kid Zhao Kuangyi is not very capable in normal times. Why can't he even find the intelligent master back when he uses such a person?"

Fu Ying sighed: "The Intelligent Master is a paradise. Maybe there is no news in the old Zen temple in the deep mountain at this time, how can I find it?"

Hou Dayong's face suddenly turned extremely solemn and said in a low voice: "I'm afraid that Your Majesty will not pass this level and will be promoted to Xiaomei Fu as the Queen and Zongxun as the King of Liang. He already has the intention of arranging the funeral afterwards."

Fu Ying just nodded silently.

"As the saying goes, once the emperor is, every time he is a minister, since ancient times, few ministers can have a good end. When I think of this, I always feel so depressed."

Fu Ying comforted him: "Zongxun is my nephew, and the queen is the little sister of the Fu family. What are we going to worry about?"

Hou Dayong leaned his head gently on Fu Ying's raised abdomen. After a long time, he slowly raised his head: "During the decades of the demise of the Tang Dynasty, have you ever seen a loyal minister? Whoever has the power of military power may be the magnificent emperor. If Your Majesty dies, there will be orphans and widows who have no power but only reputation. I am afraid that the Great Zhou Dynasty will cause another bloody storm."

Fu Ying was born in a family of officials, so how could she not know the secret? After hearing this, her face changed slightly, "Who has such a courage to do such a traitor?"

Hou Dayong interrogated: "It's not who has such courage, but who has such strength."

Fu Ying's face changed again. She stared at Hou Dayong. After a while, she said, "What thoughts do Alang have in his heart? He can hide them from others, but he can't hide them from Xiaoying."

Fu Ying said word by word: "Alang had aspirations to compete for the deer, at least he had this heart in Lingzhou."

"If Zongxun is over fifteen years old, I will always be a loyal minister of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but if Your Majesty dies soon, it will depend on the situation."

Hou Dayong smiled bitterly and said, "For the young Zongxun, I am a powerful minister of the Great Zhou Dynasty. The powerful ministers and orphans and widows can each get what they need in the early stage, but in the end, they will inevitably become incompatible with water and fire. None of them can be out of ancient and modern times, both in China and abroad."

"Alang can be considered sick and not going to the court, leave Daliang, be a rich man in the mountains, and live a happy and fairy life."

"There are many civil and military officials in the palace who have experienced me. Li Chongjin, Zhang Wende, Zhao Kuangyin, Han Tong and others are all leading generals. If I don't serve as a powerful minister, there will naturally be others who want to serve as a powerful minister. The first thing this person has to deal with is the people in the royal family. At that time, I am afraid that no matter how big the world is, there will be no place for us to live in."

“Is this only road?”

“No choice.”

Fu Ying couldn't help but lower her head and shed tears, "Zong Xun was the eldest sister's son. If I seized the throne from him, I will be uneasy for the rest of my life."

Hou Dayong comforted, "I am here and there is a way for Zong Xun to live. If others ascend to the throne, I am afraid that the Chai family, Hou family and Fu family will not be able to escape the disaster of extermination."

Fu Yingyin was in tears and put his hands together and said, "I hope Your Majesty has recovered long ago, so we will be loyal ministers with peace of mind."

Hou Dayong thought to himself: It seems that Chai Rong's early death was destined. Our arrival only changed the fate of some people. Chai Rong's fate was still developing according to the original track.

Fu Ying wiped away her tears with a handkerchief, was silent for a while, and said, "Alang has no soldiers in Daliang City. Even if he has the ambition to compete, he has no soldiers to adjust. Is this difficult?"
Chapter completed!