The road protection forests on both sides of the road have become taller and taller, and some trees have not been able to withstand the cold winter or have experienced man-made damage. However, the road is finally no longer as desolate and empty as it used to be.
Spring is in full bloom, and there are dots of green in the distance.
There is a dense forest on the south side, and the chirping of birds is endless along the road.
Occasionally, I heard the rapid barking of dogs and the calls of men. They were hunters looking for food in the mountains and forests.
Liu Taozi and Gao Changgong led the knights and walked leisurely on the official road.
They have entered the territory of Sizhou, but there are no cities in this large area. There are only a few garrisons and perhaps a few villages and towns set up in strategic locations.
There are many mountains and forests here, the roads are rugged and dense forests are scattered everywhere.
But this place is very important. In the hills and ravines to the south, there are many open-pit mines, which are full of coal, iron and other important materials.
Si, Xian, Fen, Shuo and other states will send people to mine here, and there are also quite a few disputes among the states about the ownership of the mountains and forests on both sides. In the past, they have fought for these leaky mines, and people have died.
.
It was not until later that Liu Taozi's people took over the surrounding garrison, and the ownership rights here were redistributed to several surrounding states according to geographical location, that such incidents of bloodshed and sacrifice led by the government became much less common.
Everyone climbed over a hill, and Gao Changgong pointed to the distance with his riding crop, "There is a big mine over there."
"When I was the governor of Sizhou, I went there many times. However, the situation here is very bad. Do you know Guang Grandfather Dou Tai?"
"Know."
"His son sent people to occupy the mine here, and no one else was allowed to mine it, and he did not pay taxes. The government did not dare to interfere with his affairs. I issued several orders to stop it, but failed to suppress it."
Liu Taozi nodded, "Yeah."
"These generals, especially those in Jinyang, are very fond of these mines, coal and iron business, and horse business. They also secretly send their own private soldiers to occupy the mines. Even the government's army cannot defeat them."
"If a big conflict breaks out, they can even send troops from Jinyang. Who dares to provoke it?"
"Are you going to control Fenzhou next?"
"more than."
"Everything north of the river should belong to me."
Gao Changgong was stunned, "You want to attack them directly?"
"Let the Northern Minister's Office issue an order and arrange the officials from top to bottom. If any state does not comply, send troops to attack them."
Liu Taozi talked about his plan, "Before I left, I sent someone to send a letter and handed over the management of the various states to Gao Jun, and the prepared errands were handed over to Zu Jue."
"What does it mean to prepare an errand?"
"A list of officials in the North, as well as enough officials and soldiers."
"The specific plan must be discussed with Zu Jue and others after we return."
Gao Changgong nodded lightly and said with emotion: "So you have been ready for a long time. However, the place is full of bastards like Wei Shibian, so it would be a good thing to take over earlier."
"What about the south?"
"My current reserves are not enough for the south."
Gao Changgong nodded and suddenly said: "If you want to promote some qualified prefects, I can recommend a few people for you."
"Well, let's go back to Shuozhou first and discuss it later."
Gao Changgong pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked: "Why not directly capture the Qing capital, march to Yecheng, and start killing the thieves from Yecheng?"
"Jinyang soldiers."
Liu Taozi said slowly: "I am not afraid of Duan Shao, nor am I afraid of Jinyang soldiers, but if we have to fight hard and fight Duan Shao in a bloody battle, the casualties will be too high."
"At present, with several frontier states, it is somewhat difficult to get them to surrender without a fight."
"But if we wait a few more years, the situation will be different."
Gao Changgong suddenly realized, "That's it."
"The Jinyang soldiers are the most elite army in the country. It would be a pity if they died from internal strife. Although most of the Jinyang generals are cruel and do not abide by the law, the Jinyang soldiers are highly disciplined and obey the orders of the generals. It all depends on the commander.
As a human being.”
"If we can capture Jinyang soldiers and use brave generals as officers, we will be invincible."
"However, it is difficult for the generals and officers to solve it."
While the two were talking, a fleet of vehicles drove up from the side path. The vehicles were full of ore. The ore that had not yet been smelted would be sent to the city from here, where there is a special smelting factory.
Almost all the smelting plants of Qi State were established in Shuo, Si, and Bingzhou, and they were basically carried out by nobles. Even if Qi State had detailed policies for salt, iron, war horses, and coal, they could not be truly implemented.
But there is absolutely no effect at all.
Seeing the marching cavalry in the distance, these convoys were also a little panicked at this moment.
They stopped in a hurry, some guards said something, and some even started to walk back.
"General Yan, go check their immigration records and tax tags."
Liu Taozi opened her mouth softly.
Yan Heijing immediately led his troops there, while Liu Taozi continued to march. After walking for a long time, Yan Heijing caught up with them again and informed them of the situation.
With a license and tax license, it is considered a formal and licensed mining operation.
Liu Taozi stopped asking any more questions.
Although there are few cities here and the roads are rugged and difficult to navigate, there is also a unique scenery. The vegetation is lush and exudes the smell of New Year. The freshly melted mountain springs are flowing endlessly, crystal clear, cold and delicious, and it tastes particularly refreshing.
The Zhou garrison on the distant mountain peak has been demolished, and there is no longer a scene of Zhou people and Qi people looking at each other at the top of the mountain.
The Zhou people voluntarily gave up their troops in this area to withdraw their defense line.
Jade City.
The city is extremely busy. The city gate is open, and many carriages are parked on both sides of the city gate, transporting supplies in an orderly manner.
The same is true in the city. The soldiers look very busy. Riding knights and trotting warriors can be seen everywhere in the city.
Within the official office.
Wei Xiaokuan, wrapped in thick clothes, sat in the inner room and poured himself tea calmly.
Another brave martial artist was sitting in front of him. He was taller than Wei Xiaokuan in terms of physique. He had a gold belt with ten thousand nails tied around his waist. He had a strong back and a strong waist. He was none other than Taibao Da Xiwu.
Da Xiwu looked at Wei Xiaokuan pouring tea seriously and asked with a smile: "Won't the Duke pour me some?"
Wei Xiaokuan poured some for him, "I just thought it was General Da Xi who didn't like it."
Da Xiwu took a few mouthfuls and said, "If it is a gift from the Duke of the country, then of course I like it."
Wei Xiaokuan laughed bitterly, "My lord, my lord, I'm really not used to this."
"Isn't this what you've been looking forward to?"
Da Xiwu said with a smile: "It's hard for me to be ennobled as a duke and leave Yubi. I finally left this hellish place and was sent back again."
Wei Xiaokuan was promoted and could finally leave Yubi City.
Yuwen Hu asked Da Xiwu, who had long-term experience in garrisoning jade bis, to replace him. At the same time, he appointed Wei Xiaokuan as Duke of Yun.
Wei Xiaokuan squinted his eyes, not a trace of joy could be seen on his face, and there was a touch of sadness in his eyes.
"This may not be a good thing."
Da Xiwu paused and said slowly: "Why can't this be considered a good thing? The Duke of Yun State increased his position as Sikong and became the general manager of Xiazhou. He also oversaw the military affairs of the five states of Xia, Yin, Sui, Yan and Dan."
Da Xiwu shook his head, "This is a great gift."
Wei Xiaokuan said nothing.
"Why do I see that you are not happy at all?"
"This time, the Duke of Jin has regretted not listening to you and made amends. He has also decided to hand over the front line to you and let you make your own decisions. Isn't this a good thing?"
"regret?"
Wei Xiaokuan slowly raised his head, opened his eyes, and there was a hint of coldness in his eyes.
"When Liu Taozi came as an envoy, I wanted to kill him, but the Duke of Jin was afraid of me."
"Later, when I accompanied the Duke on his first expedition, I proposed to attack and kill Liu Taozi with all my strength, but he did not listen."
"This time the Duke of Jin's army attacked, I gave him advice to attack Liu Taozi first, but he didn't listen."
"Why is it that now that Liu Taozi has become a winner and has no rivals in the country, he starts to regret it? What's the use of regretting now?"
"I am over fifty years old, does the Duke of Jin expect me to kill Liu Taozi??"
Da Xiwu was a little shocked. Wei Xiaokuan was different from the other generals. He had always been gentle and humble. It was rare to see him so angry and speaking so straightforwardly.
"Gong Yun, what do you mean?"
"General Da Xi, to be honest, does Jin Guogong really regret it? Did he really hand over the power to me?"
Da Xiwu paused and did not dare to speak.
Wei Xiaokuan sneered and said: "Liu Taozi led the army to attack Chang'an. His general Yao Xiong defeated Yanzhou and was blocked in Xiazhou."
"Now the Duke of Jin won't let me be the general manager of Yuanzhou, but he wants me to be the general manager of Xiazhou?"
"Xiazhou can be used as backup, and the two Lingzhous are in the hands of the enemy, and the Yinzhou next to us has been beaten to pieces."
"Xiazhou is like a protruding piece, inserted in the hinterland of Liu Taozi. There are few people, insufficient soldiers, and insufficient food and grass. Fortunately, there is Yinzhou as a buffer, otherwise we would be facing enemies on three sides!!"
"Are you asking me to defend Liu Taozi? Are you using me as a target, throwing me in front of Liu Taozi, thinking that if Liu Taozi gets angry, he will hit me first to vent his anger, so that the rest of the country can develop with peace of mind.
Governor of the five states? Who are the generals of these five states? Do they listen to my words?"
"Things have reached this point, but the Duke of Jin still doesn't trust me. His regrets are only in words. What do you think General Da Xi?"
Da Xiwu was stunned, and he said slowly: "You should know that I came here on the order of the Duke of Jin."
"I know, of course I know. General Da Xi gets along well with the Duke of Jin. I heard that the gold belt around your waist was taken from the treasury. The Duke of Jin didn't blame you, which shows that he likes you.
"
Wei Xiaokuan looked at the gold belt around Da Xiwu's waist and said, "But I know you won't tell Duke Jin about these things."
"You are different from Hou Longen, you are not his dog."
Wei Xiaokuan took another sip of tea, but Da Xiwu looked at him blankly, "Why is the general so rude?"
"I know it's not easy to defend Xiazhou, but the temple will definitely not just watch you get beaten. We will definitely provide enough food, grass, and troops."
"Although we suffered a setback this time, we have not suffered too many losses as a whole. We still have more than 100,000 elites in the country, and countless capable ministers and generals. A few small defeats are nothing, and we will definitely be able to get them back in the future."
Wei Xiaokuan laughed and shook his head.
"The confrontation is over."
"We are bound to lose."
Da Xiwu immediately became a little angry, and he slowly frowned, "Although I respect the general, I dare not agree with the general's nonsense."
"Liu Taozi is certainly a famous general, but in the Great Zhou Dynasty, there may not be less famous generals than him. Even I don't dare to say that I can defeat him, but if our troops are equal, I will definitely not be afraid of him."
Wei Xiaokuan looked at the angry Da Xiwu and poured tea for him again with a smile.
"The victory or defeat I'm talking about has nothing to do with the war."
Da Xiwu was completely confused.
"It has nothing to do with the war?? I don't understand."
Wei Xiaokuan asked calmly: "I want to ask the general, who does the general think was stronger or weaker in the past, Qi or Zhou?"
"In the past, it was probably fake Qi."
"What about now?"
"Of course Da Zhou!"
"Why is this happening?"
"Because we have many famous generals."
Wei Xiaokuan shook his head, his eyes became extraordinarily bright, "I have always been afraid of Liu Taozi, but I am not afraid of his courage, nor the elite soldiers and generals under his command."
"What I fear is what he does under his rule."
"Qi occupies the richest place, with the most people and the most arable land. Even today, Qi's national power is still stronger than ours. Even if one day we destroy Qi, their national power will still be the same at the moment they perish.
They are stronger than us."
"And the reason why we were able to defeat them is only because many internal problems in Qi State have not been resolved, and coupled with the contributions of those kings, they seem to be the weak side."
"But Liu Taozi is different. He can solve these problems."
"When we were in Wuchuan and later when we occupied the frontier, he was not the only one who discovered the problem, nor was he the only one who solved it, but he was the one who solved it most successfully."
"After such a battle, the Zhou Dynasty will not be able to send troops to attack the puppet Qi for at least five years, and in the best case four years."
"But Liu Taozi won a great victory and returned to Qi with Duke Sui's head. Who can still oppose him?!"
"When he goes back this time, he will no longer restrain himself, and will gradually encroach on these places and turn them into what they were like under his rule."
"The Qi State commanded by Hu Changren is not worth mentioning, but the Qi State commanded by Liu Taozi is so terrifying!!"
Wei Xiaokuan's eyes were full of despair, as if he had already seen that horrific scene.
For some reason, Da Xiwu suddenly trembled, as if he had seen a very terrifying scene, and he shook his head hastily, downplaying the scenes.
"No."
Da Xiwu said seriously: "In these years, our national strength has grown rapidly. If Liu Taozi can govern, so can we."
Wei Xiaokuan took a sip of tea again.
"You are right. This has indeed been the case in recent years. However, in recent years, many domestic problems have begun to emerge."
"The population is increasing too fast, mergers are happening again, and land equalization has been seriously damaged. Today's officials even only calculate cultivated land based on head count, and then use the calculated cultivated land to collect taxes. It is really ridiculous!"
"The army in various places is based on the equalization of land. If the equalization of land is seriously damaged and completely destroyed, the military government will suffer even greater losses."
Da Xiwu could no longer speak. He slowly picked up the tea and drank it in one gulp.
The room suddenly became quiet, and neither of them spoke.
After a long time, Da Xiwu asked: "What does Duke Yun want to do?"
Wei Xiaokuan suddenly threw off his cloak, raised his head, and his skinny face became extremely determined.
"The only thing I can do is serve the country."
"I am old and weak, and I am unable to remedy the domestic problems."
"It's just that since I am the general in the temple, I will fight on the front line. Even if I risk my life, I will stop Liu Taozi. As long as I am alive!! I will not allow Liu Taozi's troops to approach Chang'an!
!”
"General Da Xi, I know why you came, and I also know what the Duke of Jin told you."
"If you still have some thoughts about repaying the country, and if you listen to my words, then don't do anything to hurt your family."
"The soldiers of Yubi City have followed me for a long time. Indeed, they are more willing to obey my military orders. However, they are the cornerstone of the country. I have never thought of betraying the country, and they will not do the same.
I have the idea that if one day I die in Xiazhou and Liu Taozi comes with an army, they will still be willing to fight Liu Taozi to the death."
"General Da Xi, I hope you can treat them well. Even if you remove them, don't kill them."
Wei Xiaokuan stood up and bowed vigorously to Da Xiwu.
Da Xiwu's face turned red and even started to get hot.
Because before he came here, Yuwenhu did tell him about this matter. Yuwenhu thought that many of the soldiers in Yubi only knew Wei Xiaokuan but not the Duke of Jin, suggesting that he could try to get rid of these people.
These things that cannot be told to outsiders were exposed by Wei Xiaokuan. For some reason, Da Xiwu suddenly felt guilty and entangled in his heart.
"Duke Yun, get up, get up."
Da Xiwu raised his hand and said seriously: "I swear to God, I will never harm Yubi's soldiers."
A smile suddenly appeared on Wei Xiaokuan's wrinkled face, and he finally sat down, losing the solemnity he had just now.
"However, to be honest, I am quite happy to go to the front line and fight Liu Taozi and cause him some trouble!"
Wei Xiaokuan grinned, "I have wanted to fight with him for a long time. Unfortunately, I have been staying in Yubi and allowed this kid to do so many things. This time I went to Xiazhou to let him see what we old people are like."
ability!"
Da Xiwu also laughed, "I wish Yun Guo Gong a victory!"
"Dong Guo Yun has never been wrong in his judgment of Liu Taozi over the years. I think you will definitely make Liu Taozi not dare to go south easily in Xiazhou!"
"It's hard to say. This kid has always had a quick-tempered personality and is a complete gambler. Maybe after learning that I went to Xiazhou, he would leave his domestic affairs alone and come to surround me with an army. However,
Chapter completed!