Chapter 305 Big Brother Pays Homage to Little Brother

Fan Rui was worried that he had no strength to get around, so he used magic to kill people and take their horses away, and then he went south with three horses.

At that time, the commander of the eastern Jin army was changed, and Xie also went to Yunzhong to take charge, which led to frequent adjustments in the Jin army's front line, allowing Fan Rui to take advantage of the situation and enter the pass.

During his stay in the Jin Kingdom, Song Jiang adopted Wu Yong's plan. He openly trained troops in Huai and Wei, while secretly gathering supplies from Xiangzhou, waiting for Yang Chang to start a war with the Jin army.

When midsummer comes, the winter wheat planted last year gradually matures from the Central Plains to the north. The harvest time is from south to north, usually completed south of Taihang Mountain, and wheat will be harvested in various parts of Shanxi one after another.

So when he saw that the wheat in Huai and Wei was ripe, but there was no news from the Jin army, Song Jiang, who had been preparing for a long time, became anxious.

This is like making an appointment with your goddess to spend Chinese Valentine's Day, with gifts, movie tickets, restaurants, and small umbrellas all ready, but as Chinese Valentine's Day approaches, there is no response from her, and she doesn't even post on WeChat Moments.

Since the "goddess" did not take the initiative, Song Jiang could only be more active himself, so he sent Dai Zong to Zhending to make contact.

The change of commander in chief of the Jin army was so sudden that even Talai himself was surprised.

The two major regions of Yanjing and Yunzhong are equivalent to two independent kingdoms under the jurisdiction of the Jin Dynasty, so the left and right marshals have great power, but it takes time to fully control this power.

In order to make the people below convinced, all aspects of their rights and interests must be taken care of. Promoting one's own confidants and weakening the predecessor's position are the most obvious reasons. This is also the reason why Erlido succeeded Wulibu as marshal and stayed in the rear for a long time.

As the saying goes, a new emperor appoints his own ministers. Talai was a cautious man with experience in using military forces. He naturally knew that being a marshal was not that easy, so he rushed back to Yanjing to stabilize the situation as soon as he received the imperial edict.

Dai Zong's escape in Zhending was in vain, and he rushed to Yanjing in shock. He waited for three days before he met Talai, who told him that the Jin army was still preparing for war and asked Song Jiang to wait.

In early July, the earth is covered with yellow.

The summer harvest in Huai, Wei and Xiang states had been completed, and half of the new wheat was requisitioned by Song Jiang as military rations. On his way back, Dai Zong saw many teams carrying loads, heading to Xiang state under the scorching sun to transport the grain.

Although the three states had been ravaged by the Jin people in recent years, and the people had either died or fled, and the population was less than half of what it was before the Jing Kang period, the people who remained had to continue living. They paid high grain taxes and performed corvee labor, and their lives were still difficult.

Song Jiang only cares about fighting wars and doesn't care about people's livelihood. He treats the people even less kindly than he did during the Liangshan period. He looks at all living beings from the perspective of a superior, while living beings can only live like ants.

Yang Chang not only rested with the people, but also worked hard to maintain food diversity when he had high-yield potatoes. He did not allow all the land to be planted with potatoes. Soybeans, wheat, millet and other crops also had to be planted in proportion.

The reason is simple. If Yang Chang wants to achieve great things, he has to store grain. However, potatoes are high-yielding but difficult to store, and cannot be used as strategic reserve grain.

The sky in Taihang Mountains is different in the north and south.

One side lives and works in peace and contentment, while the other side suffers from dire straits.

If Yang Chang sent the Sparrow Army to incite, the people under Song Jiang's rule would surely flee in large numbers, but the two forces that split from Liangshan did not tear each other apart at this time.

The most critical issue is that too many people pouring in will bring about a large number of uncontrollable risks, including spies infiltrating and causing sabotage.

Yang Changxin obtained Fenzhou, Taiyuan and Pingding, and had a large population and land that needed to be dealt with. The governance problems he encountered in Yangqu City were actually a microcosm of the three states.

In order to maintain stability in the three new states, Yang Chang not only stationed troops to implement military control, he also dispatched the Sparrow Army to various places to "clear mines secretly."

Mrs. Gu's work focus also shifted from secretly collecting external intelligence to helping maintain internal stability. She withdrew almost all the external agents and only retained a few spies in Cizhou.

In this way, Song Jiang stockpiled supplies in Xiangzhou, preventing Yang Chang from obtaining intelligence in advance, and he also drew troops from Luzhou.

It’s not that Yang Chang didn’t take it seriously, but he focused his attention on Zezhou. After all, Song Jiang’s four towns included Zezhou. Who would have thought that Hei Sanlang would use the route to attack Luzhou?
As for the Jin army entrenched in Hebei, it no longer posed a threat to Luzhou at this time.

If they continue to attack Fengyue Pass, Yang Chang's pacification garrison can go out of Jingxing, go around and cut off the food supply route of the Jin army heading south, so the Jin army's strategic center is now in Taiyuan. Otherwise, even if they capture Luzhou and Zezhou, Yang Chang still has the geographical advantage to counterattack.

Yang Chang and the Jin army were both considering the overall situation, so if the central army of the imperial camp raided Fengyue Pass, there was a good chance that they would capture several cities in Luzhou. However, without the Jin army to hold them back, Song Jiang would not be able to face Yang Chang alone.

After listening to Dai Zong's report, Song Jiang frowned and complained in a low voice: "I thought that after Yang Chang's surprise attack, the Jin army would quickly send troops to counterattack, but I didn't expect that they haven't taken any action until now. This is the time for wheat harvest in Shanxi, and it is also a good time to take advantage of the fire. The Jin people are really delaying my important business."

"General, Talan has just taken office as the Marshal and has been so busy that he can't see anyone all day. He probably doesn't have time to spare."

"I can understand that, but wasn't Marshal Erliduo doing well? Why did they suddenly change him? The Western Army was like this before. Nianhan is such a famous general, and it would be a waste of talent to let him return to Shangjing to serve as prime minister."

Seeing Song Jiang's distressed expression, Wu Yong waved his feather fan and comforted him: "Maybe someone needs to take responsibility for the failure of the battle. Isn't it the same for our Song Dynasty? Since the Jin army has decided to attack, we might as well wait patiently. I remember someone said before, 'Good food is worth waiting for.'"

"Ok?"

Song Jiang was stunned when he heard this, thinking that this seemed to be what Yang Chang said? Or was it when they were in Liangshan before.

Thinking of this, he added with a dark face: "It's too late! If we send troops to get food locally at this time, how many logistical problems will be left? These Jin people don't understand at all."

"Uh"

Wu Yong was so embarrassed that he quickly waved his feather fan to pretend to be hot.

"Military Advisor, why aren't you talking?"

"Huh? Oh"

When Wu Yong heard Song Jiang mentioning the names of the people, he had to respond, "General, you don't know that since ancient times, the northern grassland peoples have always moved south in autumn when their horses are fat. At that time, the Central Plains have just harvested grain, and they are here to rob the people."
"That's why they don't understand. When you go to a Han Chinese place, you have to follow the local customs. The old ways on the grassland are outdated."

"Then is the general still waiting for the Jin people?"

"We have to wait. It's too hard for us to deal with Yang Chang alone. There's no need for that."

Seeing that Song Jiang was not angry, Wu Yong finally felt relieved. He then suggested that Dai Zong go to Yanjing every ten days or so so that he could get the latest information in time.

If he does not take the initiative, and the Jin people do not notify him or notify him late, Song Jiang will be put in a passive position.

Song Jiang adopted Wu Yong's suggestion, and in late July, he asked Dai Zong to take gifts and go to Yanjing to inquire about the movements of the Jin army under the pretext of congratulating Talan on his promotion to marshal.

A few days later, Dai Zong returned with the good news that the Jin army's preparations for war were almost complete, and Marshal Xie was personally in charge of the command, and the war would begin in early August.

Song Jiang waited until the clouds cleared and the moon appeared. He immediately ordered Huai and Wei to continue training their troops, and then began to transfer the main force to Xiangzhou for assembly. At the same time, he asked Dai Zong to go to Yanjing to wait for news.

As the saying goes, once the arrow is shot, there is no turning back. If Song Jiang returns empty-handed like the Jin army did, he will not be able to explain to Zhao Gou and will also have to face Yang Chang's revenge, so he must be extremely cautious.

A few days later, in early August.

Generals such as Qin Ming and Hu Yanzhuo have led their troops into Xiangzhou one after another, while Song Jiang is still in Ji County, Weizhou. He will definitely wait until Dai Zong arrives before taking any action.

At this moment, Song Jiang couldn't help but agree with the saying "Good things are worth waiting for". He thought that if the Jin people and Yang Chang were to go to war first, it would be more in line with the military strategy of "making a feint to the east and attacking in the west" if he sent troops two days later.

On the fifth day of August, Song Jiang, who had always been steady and collected, finally became a little restless.

It was agreed that the war would begin in early August. Five days had passed. Why had Dai Zong not returned yet? Had things changed?

All is ready except for the opportunity.

Talan, don't lie to me!
A few days ago, Song Jiang still had some expectations for his success in the imperial examination, but now he suddenly became anxious.

In the lobby of the Recruiting Envoy's Office, Song Jiang first summoned the guards at the door and told them that Dai Zong's request for a meeting did not need to be announced, and then he paced back and forth in the hall.

"Military Advisor, Yang Chang has won many battles against the Jin army. They won't be afraid of fighting and break their promise, right?"

"Don't worry, Commander. According to their battle plan, the Jin army on the west will take action first, and the Jin army on the east will follow. The Pingding Army is occupied by Yang Chang, and the two Jin armies have to communicate through Feihu Trail, which will take longer to transmit intelligence. So you should be patient and wait. I think Talai, as a marshal, should not break his promise and enrich himself."

“I’m having a very hard time waiting.”

"Haha, good food is not afraid of anything."

Before Wu Yong finished speaking, he suddenly pointed outside and warned: "Captain, it seems someone is coming!"

"Ok?"

Song Jiang glanced sideways and hurried out to meet him.

Halfway through the journey, he saw Song Qing waving to him, and behind him was a man in a fiery red Taoist robe. Upon closer inspection, he found it was the long-missing Fan Rui.

"Brother!"

"Fan Rui?"

At this time Wu Yong came to Song Jiang and was also very shocked to see Fan Rui, not only because he suddenly appeared after he disappeared, but also because his clothes were too bright.

"Brother, military advisor." "Silang, what are you and Fan Rui doing..."

Seeing Song Qing clasping his fists to greet him, Fan Rui stood there arrogantly. Although Song Jiang felt unhappy in his heart, he did not show it.

"Mr. Fan is the newly appointed Imperial Master, and this time he is here as His Majesty's special envoy to announce the decree."

"National Master? Special Envoy?"

"Your Majesty has a decree?"

Song Jiang and Wu Yong both looked at Song Qing, their eyes filled with disbelief.

At this moment, Fan Rui took the imperial edict handed over by the attendant, held it in his hand and looked at Song Jiang calmly, and asked: "Song Zhaotao, where are you going to receive the edict?"

"Ah? Please come in."

"Yes, please come in, Imperial Master."

Seeing Song Jiang's expression change, Fan Rui's years of pent-up dissatisfaction was finally satisfied at this moment.

Aren't you targeting me?
Why don't you continue? You are the general.

Fan Rui originally wanted Song Jiang to gather all the generals and save face in front of his younger brother, but considering that they would meet again in the future, he buried this idea in his heart.

Especially when he came to the hall to announce the decree, and saw Song Jiang prostrating himself in front of him with his hips raised, the condescending feeling rushed straight to his head.

Heisabalang, I used to worship you, but is there a day when you worship me?
Hehe, there is still a long way to go.

Fan Rui was not very happy, but Song Jiang had no time to get angry with him. He received the imperial edict and asked anxiously, "Your Majesty doesn't allow us to send troops? But I have already asked for your permission, and the court has allocated a lot of supplies. Now all the preparations before the war have been completed, and the soldiers have gathered and are ready to go. Is this really your Majesty's will?"

"Hmm? What does Song Zhaotao mean? Are you saying that our country's teacher forged the imperial edict?"

"No."

Seeing Fan Rui's tough tone and Song Qing's secretive winks, Song Jiang suppressed his anger and waved his hands to explain: "I just don't understand, and I have already made an agreement with the Jin people. If I break my promise and don't send troops, I'm afraid it will be difficult to explain."

"Your Majesty's original words, Jin is strong and Song is weak. If we help Jin to destroy Yang Chang, it will be disadvantageous to us. We can continue to wait and see."

"Ah this."

Song Jiang was stunned for a moment, wondering why His Majesty changed his mind? Could it be that someone in the court was holding him back?

"Brother, the Imperial Master has come from afar, so we should host a banquet to welcome him."

"Ah? Yes, yes, yes."

"Isn't that necessary? I have to return to the capital tomorrow to report."

"Yes, we must be polite."

The two former giants of Liangshan suddenly became so polite that Fan Rui felt flattered for a moment, so he agreed reluctantly.

Song Jiang left Wu Yong to accompany him, and on the pretext of personally arranging a welcoming banquet, he hurriedly left with Song Qing. As soon as he left the house, he whispered, "What's going on?"

"Find a quiet place first."

"follow me."

Song Qing followed Song Jiang and walked quickly, and soon they came to a dark room.

Without waiting for his brother to speak, Song Qing took out a letter and handed it to him, saying sternly, "This is a secret letter from the government. Please burn it after reading it."

"install?"

While Song Jiang was stunned, Song Qing had already closed the door, turned around, took out a fire starter, and walked towards the candlestick.

It's so mysterious, what are the officials trying to do?

Song Jiang looked down and saw that all the joints of the envelope were sealed with wax.

When he opened the letter, although there were only a dozen words on the paper, the content shocked him so much that he took a deep breath.

"what happened?"

"Come and see for yourself."

"Can I see it?"

"You and I are brothers, how can there be any secrets?"

Song Qing stepped forward and saw that it was clearly written on the paper: Fan Rui has committed treason and endangered the country, and you are ordered to eliminate him.

"I was wondering why he was appointed as the Imperial Master. It turns out it was intentional by the government."

"Look, the official's method is different."

"Fan Rui has magic skills, brother, do you have any way to help the emperor?"

"Have you forgotten Mr. Jialiang? Let's not talk about this for now."

Song Jiang waved his hands and asked seriously, "Since the emperor wants to kill Fan Rui, the imperial edict just now doesn't count, right?"

"The emperor specifically instructed you to obey the order and keep your troops in place, and let the Jin army and Yang Chang fight each other."

"But why?"

"do not know."

Seeing Song Qing's answer, Song Jiang's mood sank again.

Although he felt a little sorry, Song Jiang was absolutely loyal to Zhao Gou and quickly adjusted his mood and asked, "Do you know how Fan Rui betrayed the country? How could he endanger the country?"

"I don't know. His Majesty didn't say a word. I only know that Fan Rui just came back from the Kingdom of Jin."

"Golden State?"

Song Jiang frowned and thought, how could he go to the Jin Kingdom?

No matter how hard he scratched his head, he couldn't figure it out, so he burned the letter and left with Song Qing.

To deal with Master Fan Rui, he must not be allowed to sense the murderous intent, so the welcoming banquet cannot be omitted.

With Zhao Gou demonstrating how to do it, Song Jiang continued to flatter him at the welcoming banquet, which surprised Wu Yong. It was not until he asked him for advice at night that he figured out the reason.

On the morning of August 6th, Fan Rui and Song Qing returned.

Song Jiang personally escorted him to the north bank of the Yellow River and set up a farewell banquet for him at the dock.

After Fan Rui finished drinking, he turned around and suddenly his vision went dark and he was about to fall. Song Qing was quick to hold him up.

"Silang, the Imperial Master is drunk. You should help him onto the boat and take good care of him. He will wake up when we reach the other side."

"That's for granted."

Song Qing waved to his followers and together they helped Fan Rui onto the ferry.

Song Jiang and Wu Yong stood at the dock and saw someone fall into the water before the ferry left their sight.

"Military Advisor, there won't be any problems, right?"

"Well, I heard from Mr. Yiqing that his magic is afraid of water."

(End of this chapter)