Chapter 221: An Lushan is ready to make a move, and the powerful beg for surrender

When Li Xuan went to Xianyang Post Station, Chang'an was still in turmoil.

The powerful official Li Linfu is like a centipede, whose body remains stiff even after death.

Not long after, a rumor spread in Chang'an: All pines and cypresses were gone, and poplar catkins were flying all over the sky.

Taking advantage of this momentum, Yang Zhao was determined to soar to the sky and make a stunning debut.

The rich and powerful in Chang'an took advantage of the situation and wanted to gain wealth and honor by taking advantage of the fact that "the emperor despises titles".

Local officials, even Zhang Jiuling's younger brother Zhang Jiugao, were no exception and sent treasures to Chang'an to please the emperor and the imperial concubine!

Some officials directly delivered the treasures to the Five Yangs and asked them to seek official positions.

Li Longji had forgotten the diligence and frugality of the Kaiyuan period.

In the second year of Kaiyuan, Li Longji, because of the extravagant customs, issued an order: the imperial carriage, clothes, gold and silver utensils should be destroyed by the officials for military and national use; the pearls, jades, and brocades should be burned in front of the palace; the empress and concubines were not allowed to wear pearls, jades, and brocades.

At the same time, he also issued an order: From now on, no one in the world is allowed to mine pearls and jade, or weave brocade and embroidery. Those who violate the order will be punished with 100 strokes of the cane; workers will be demoted one level. Brocade workshops in the two capitals will be closed.

Not only did he burn the brocade in front of the palace, he also ordered the closure of the workshop that made brocade for the royal family.

Therefore, the prime minister and ministers all encouraged themselves not to be corrupt and devoted themselves to serving the country.

More than a dozen capable prime ministers, including Yao Chong, Song Jing, Lu Huaishen, Yuan Qianyao, Zhang Shuo, Su Yan, Zhang Jiazhen, Li Yuanhong, Du Xian, Pei Guangting, Han Xiu, Pei Yaoqing, and Zhang Jiuling, ushered in the Kaiyuan Prosperity.

By the time the reign was changed to Tianbao, the closed workshops had long been reopened, and there were more than 700 people making clothes for the imperial concubine.

Those gold, silver and jewelry were awarded according to Li Longji's mood.

As long as you can make Li Longji happy, you can reward him with an official position and a title.

There is no beginning, and there is no end.

Li Longji must have read this famous line from the Book of Songs, but he did not remember the significance of these eight words.

Anyone can start well, but few can finish well.

Li Xuan killed many powerful people in Helong, which frightened the powerful people in Guandong and Guanzhong.

In particular, Li Xuan served concurrently as the governor and envoy of Shuofang and Hedong.

The death of the rabbit makes the fox mourn, which made the most domineering Hedong tyrant feel that he must strike first. He recruited the death warriors who dared to do the same as Yao Li and Zhuan Zhu and killed Li Xuan.

Only by killing Li Xuan can they be safe.

Because the dead soldiers cannot implicate the powerful people in the world.

The powerful and wealthy raise scholars to show their power, and naturally there will be people who will work for them.

The turmoil in Chang'an continued. When Li Xuan just arrived at the Xianyang Post Station to change horses, a man named Liu Ji in Chang'an had another big quarrel with his father-in-law Du Youlin and left in anger.

Du Youlin's other daughter, Lady Du, was taken as a concubine by Crown Prince Li Heng. She was the highest-ranking concubine after Concubine Wei was divorced.

The conflict between Liu Ji and his father-in-law even developed into hatred, and he threatened to find a chance to take revenge on his father-in-law.

……

Far away in Yanyun, An Lushan was anxious to expand his power.

The best way to win over the hearts of the army is war. Through war, you can give your confidants official positions with justification, or win them over to become your confidants.

An Lushan did not want peace in the Northeast, as that would prevent him from completely controlling the entire army.

So he sent troops to plunder the Xi and Khitan, angering the Khitan and Xi.

The looted wealth, women, cattle and sheep all belonged to the soldiers, so the soldiers were able to keep the secret.

Judging from Gao Shi’s “Yan Ge Xing”, this is an old tradition for the border troops in Hebei.

When An Lushan came back from the looting, he learned that Li Xuan was appointed Jiedushi of Hedong, Shuofang, Longyou and Hexi. He slapped the bed, looking as if he had lost his parents.

He never thought that Li Longji would have people wear four kinds of seals and command nearly 300,000 soldiers and horses.

More than half of the Tang Dynasty's elite border troops were already under the control of Li Xuan.

Moreover, Taiyuan was too close to the jurisdiction of the Fanyang Jiedushi, and even many of the wars in the northeast would be reported to Taiyuan City first.

"Gentlemen, Li Xuan is even more sinister than Li Linfu. If Li Linfu is sweet-mouthed but has a sharp tongue, he is smiling but hiding a knife. After hearing the news, I couldn't sleep all night. What should I do?"

An Lushan secretly summoned his two major advisers, Yan Zhuang and Gao Shang, to the military camp.

Before, both of them lamented that their talents were not appreciated, but were taken in as confidants by An Lushan and they often talked about everything.

Yan Zhuang and Gao Shang both saw that An Lushan was unwilling to be lonely.

An Lushan humiliated Crown Prince Li Heng in public. When the crown prince ascends the throne in the future, he will definitely not let An Lushan go.

He has no choice!

Under Yan Zhuang and Gao Shang's persuasion, An Lushan thought of the solemnity and magnificence of Xingqing Palace; he thought of the emperor having a beauty like Yang Yuhuan; he thought of Li Longji's demeanor in Hua'e Tower; he thought of how even Li Xuan and Wang Zhongsi were willing to follow Li Longji's orders.

His heart is in turmoil!

Every time An Lushan went to Chang'an, he would stand on the Longwei Road in front of the Daming Palace. He would look north and south with an attitude of looking down on the world, and would stand there for a long time, reluctant to leave...

Every time he left Chang'an, he would look back at a corner of the magnificent eaves of the Daming Palace. The feeling was indescribable.

Li Longji treated him well, but this also aroused his ambition.

Prevent evil and rebellion from arising and keep them in your heart.

Although he was restless inside, An Lushan knew that the time was far from ripe.

The generals in the army were not under his control yet, as there were too many Han generals. He needed to replace these Han generals and appoint Hu generals such as Sogdians.

These Sogdian generals, who were originally merchants, would bring a lot of wealth to An Lushan.

The siege equipment in Hebei was prepared by An Lushan at Yan Zhuang's request.

When the time came, they used the slogan of killing Li Linfu to purge the court and deceive ordinary Han soldiers into marching south.

"Wait! Zhongcheng needs to continue to accumulate strength. It takes more than a few years to accomplish big things."

Yan Zhuang knew what Hu Er was thinking and asked him to be patient.

Looking at the general trend of the world, everything that rises must inevitably fall.

From Kaiyuan to Tianbao, Yan Zhuang traveled around the world and knew that the fortunes of the Tang Dynasty were declining rapidly.

All the gold, silver and jewelry in the world are no longer currency. Instead, they have all become decorative items for the nobles to show off.

Over the past hundred years, the wealth accumulated by the powerful and wealthy has reached its peak. There is no wealth left in the world, but they are still plundering; there is no land left in the world, but annexation has not stopped.

Yan Zhuang saw at a glance that the Tang army was strong on the outside but weak on the inside. The inland areas had no military preparations and the imperial guards had no training, so they could not be a match for the border troops.

Therefore, he was the first person to persuade An Lushan to rebel, and Yan Zhuang believed that the chances were great.

Gao Shang only used something as vague as prophecies to deceive An Lushan into believing that the destiny was with him.

"Alas! How many years do I have to wait? I am already middle-aged. Those founding emperors of the Central Plains were able to pacify the world in a few years."

An Lushan didn't want to wait any longer. He wanted to sit in that position and enjoy the good life as soon as possible.

"Zhongcheng, people often say that Quwo replaced Yi and the small clan replaced the big clan, which is despised by people. But I see the difficulty of doing a big thing. Quwo Huanshu, Quwo Zhuangbo, and Quwo Wugong, three generations of ancestors and grandchildren, fought five battles and lost five times for a full 67 years, and finally killed the five generations of Jin monarchs and became the orthodox of Jin. For some things, you still need to think more and act carefully. Otherwise, a single misstep will lead to eternal regret."

Yan Zhuang tried his best to persuade An Lushan.

He does not have a prominent and noble family, but he is determined to rule the world. He does not want to take the right path, so this is the only way for him.

From Yan Zhuang's words, we can understand that he is a person who will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.

History is written by the victors, who do not believe in morality.

Quwo replaced Yi, Tian replaced Qi, and the three families divided Jin, aren't they all orthodox?
Who would laugh at Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, for stealing the country?
Who would despise Li Shimin for launching the Xuanwu Gate coup?

He believed that after An Lushan conquered the Central Plains, he and An Lushan would also leave a good name for themselves in a few years.

"Mr. Yan is right. Li Xuan seems to be in control of the four military governors, but it is hard to say whether he can defeat Tubo! Since ancient times, those who have a large army have been feared by the emperor. Li Xuan is young and strong. He is your great enemy. He can spread rumors in Chang'an. Once the emperor becomes suspicious, he will end up like Wang Zhongsi. When he loses power, the chancellor will send someone to kill him."

Gao Shang also took the opportunity to speak to An Lushan.

He is called noble, but in fact he is not noble at all.

When he was traveling around the world, his mother was begging in the countryside. He did not go back to support her, but instead pursued wealth and fame.

When Gao Shang was a white-collar worker, he swore: "I would rather die in rebellion like the heroes of ancient times than live by gnawing on grass roots."

This is not a vegetarian!
In pursuit of wealth and honor, Gao Shang could rebel, and it was also his luck that he met An Lushan.

"You two gentlemen are right. We still need to accumulate strength."

An Lushan could only suppress his desire to get everything from Li Longji.

Prepare to hit Li Xuan from behind.

At the moment, Li Xuan seems to be his biggest stumbling block.

When An Lushan returned to Fan Yang, he no longer had the playful smile he had in Xingqing Palace. Apart from being fat, he sat on the couch with a stern look in his eyes.

"Zhongcheng, when the emperor's edict arrives, we need to immediately attack the Xi and Khitan, avenge Princess Jingle and Princess Yifang, and report the victory to Chang'an as soon as possible so that the soldiers can receive rewards."

Yan Zhuang was a patient man, and he helped An Lushan to control his emotions.

The purpose of this campaign to annihilate the Xi and Khitan was not just for military merit.

The strategy he formulated for An Lushan was to conquer the Xi, Qi, Tongluo and other tribes in the northeast so that there would be no worries in the rear.

Otherwise, the military strength of Pinglu and Fanyang would definitely not be enough. When they go south, they must bring the Hu soldiers with them.

Only in this way can we have a chance of winning.

If the Khitan and Xi were loyal to the Tang court, once they rebelled, they would inevitably be attacked from all sides. If they were pinned down and the Tang army was dispatched from other border towns, they would end up being defeated and killed.

"The army is ready! When the imperial edict arrives, we must attack and kill Khitan King Li Huaijie and Xi King Li Yanchong. Even if they surrender, they must not be allowed to live!"

An Lushan patted the bed.

"Zhongcheng, there are many Khitans and Qi tribes. Even if we kill the Khitan king and the Xi king, it will be difficult to make the other Khitan and Xi tribes in the north submit. We need to win them over while fighting them, and promise them benefits to form an alliance."

Yan Zhuang said to An Lushan.

"Mr. Yan is truly my strategist. Liu Bang and Xiao He are exactly our stories!"

An Lushan had made promises to Yan Zhuang and Gao Shang more than once.

He knew that if he wanted to compete for the world, he could not rely on the brains of the Hu people, but must have the assistance of knowledgeable Han scholars like Yan Zhuang and Gao Shang.

The general prefers the Hu people.

Only those who are of the same race and origin can be loyal.

Otherwise, if he gained the world with the blood of Sogdians and Turks, who could protect it?

"After the Xi and Khitan are pacified, the Zhongcheng can report to the sage that strange phenomena have occurred, such as the appearance of loyal ministers like Li Jing and Li Ji in dreams, and build temples for them. The sage is very happy with such things."

Gao Shang also gave this suggestion to An Lushan.

"Mr. Gao is also my Zhang Liang!"

An Lushan had read Han history books and knew how to win people's hearts.

This meeting made An Lushan feel much more at ease.

Apart from spreading rumors about Li Xuan, he was accumulating strength, subduing the Xi and Khitan, and waiting for an opportunity.

Only An Lushan, Yan Zhuang and Gao Shang knew about such a major event, and even his sons were unaware of the rest.

……

In late July, Li Xuan traveled all night and returned to Huangshui City.

The craftsman Gongshu Qingzi, whom he had previously favored, had been spared from death by Li Longji and was specially ordered to work as a craftsman in Guzang City, awaiting Li Xuan's orders.

Soon, Gongshu Qingzi will be sent to Hexi.

Before Liu Yan sent anyone to greet him, Li Xuan entered the city.

He came to the government office and listened to Liu Yan's work report.

More than half of the troops have already arrived in Hexi and Longyou.

The troops that have not arrived yet are Yumen, Ningkou, Moli and other troops, which are not a big deal.

The cavalry from Hedong and Shuofang are expected to arrive one after another in late August.

Therefore, the plan to use troops has to wait until September.

There are 50,000 cavalry, including 13,000 elite cavalry and 5,000 cavalry equipped with horn bows and crossbows, which are crucial to this battle.

"What's going on in Tibet?"

Li Xuan asked Liu Yan.

At this time, flags of the four towns of Longyou, Hexi, Hedong and Shuofang were erected in Li Xuan's government office, which was extremely majestic.

"Doctor, our army has discovered three Tibetan garrisons. The first is the Tibetan troops that are confronting Jiuqu. The second is the troops at the east pass of Chiling. They stationed tens of thousands of troops under Shibao City more than half a month ago. They are probably afraid that our army will use Shibao City as bait again. The last Tibetan garrison is in the area of ​​Dongkubahai in Qinghai. There, flags cover the sky and camps stretch for hundreds of miles. It seems that there are the most troops there."

Liu Yan replied to Li Xuan: "As for where the Tibetan king is, it is still unknown."

"The Tubo arrangement seems to be mainly defensive..."

A map appeared in Li Xuan's mind, and through Liu Yan's description, the Tibetan defense deployment appeared on the map.

If Tubo wants to attack, it would be best to transfer more troops out of the east pass of Chiling.

Or prepare sheepskin rafts and oxhide rafts, and have the army cross the Yellow River from various places to attack Jiuqu.

Attacking the Tang Dynasty from the east of Qinghai is not a good strategy. It is easy to be led by the Tang Dynasty's troops in Jiuqu.

Because when the Tang Dynasty attacked southern Qinghai with all its might, Tubo needed to return to defend.

In the area of ​​Anren Army, the Tang army could let the people return to the city, guard the city with 10,000 people, and clear the fields.

It would take some time for Tubo to advance deep into the hinterland with a large number of soldiers.

On the battlefield, time is of the essence.

Now the eastern pass of Chiling is heavily guarded by Tibetan troops, and the entrance to eastern Qinghai is also blocked.

They also formed a supporting role with the Tibetan soldiers in the camp in southern Qinghai.

"Have you prepared all the food, including the food and fodder for the 50,000 cavalrymen in Heshuo?"

Li Xuan did not discuss Tubo’s intentions first, but was concerned about logistical issues.

The military council will gather all the staff and generals to discuss the matter together.

Three cobblers are better than one Zhuge Liang. If it is a good strategy, it will be recognized by most people.

"My lord, last year we received wheat and barley from Baigu City, which gave us more food. Since this spring, we have recruited the counties of Helong to transport food and grass to Anren Military City, Shanzhou City, Suihe Shouzhuo City, and the newly established Ningbian Military City, Weisheng Military City, and Jintian Military City in Jiuqu. In particular, the Chishui Military City on the front line has stored more than 300,000 dan of corn and flour, and there is also enough salt."

"The official pastures set up by our army in Jiuqu and Taoyang have enough cattle and sheep to reward the soldiers. In order to prevent the war from entering winter, the soldiers are all equipped with thick cotton clothes."

"Among the weapons, the Mo Dao, armor, bows and crossbows that were damaged in the last war have all been repaired. Arrows, crossbow bolts, spare weapons, caltrops, oil, etc. have all been manufactured in large quantities and quickly sent to the military city at the front line."

"According to the doctor's instructions, sufficient medicines, bandages, and strong liquor have been prepared."

"Like the armies in Hexi, the troops in Longyou have been fully recruited and trained."

"This time, we will use the county soldiers as a base and call on the civilians from Helong to form a logistics team of about 100,000 people. They will be behind us and transport various supplies for the army..."

Liu Yan introduced the preparation status of various materials to Li Xuan one by one.

It can be said that everything is ready, all we need is the east wind.

When it comes to preparing supplies, they must prepare more. Although the 50,000 cavalry in Helong are a large number, with the money and food from Hexi and the clothing grants from the court, they can hold out until the New Year.

"Judge Liu is a good prime minister!"

Li Xuan was very satisfied with Liu Yan's logistical management, and he deserved to be a famous prime minister in later generations.

Logistics may seem simple, but in fact, it requires consideration of all aspects and budget preparation.

If it does not meet the requirements, think of ways to supplement and complete it.

"Compared to you, the subordinates are insignificant. We are just doing our job. You have the qualifications to be a prime minister due to your military merits. We just want to follow you and continue the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty."

Liu Yan bowed humbly to express his respect for Li Xuan.

Li Xuan returned to Chang'an and took on additional duties as commander of Hedong and Shuofang, becoming the first person to command the troops since the founding of the Tang Dynasty.

When the staff of the various government offices in Helong heard the news, they all felt proud.

Because they were all promoted by Li Xuan. If it weren't for Li Xuan, some staff members would still be bowing down for a few pieces of silver.

Li Xuan once circulated the letter written to him by Li Bai to his subordinates.

A man who has such integrity can defeat all armies with one command. Wei Qing is a great general, while Bai Qi is a coward.

Although this description is exaggerated, Liu Yan feels that Li Xuan will definitely accomplish it in the future.

"Haha...Judge Liu will definitely be able to do it."

After Li Xuan said something meaningful, he ordered: "Pass the order down, gather all the subordinates and the commanders of the army tomorrow. Come to the government office for a military meeting."

"As ordered!"

Liu Yan nodded, and then he reported other things to Li Xuan: "Doctor, the chiefs of the big tribes in Helong personally drove horses, cattle, sheep, corn, and rice to Huangshui, and also donated some gold, silver, and jewelry, saying that they wanted to reward the soldiers... There are more than one hundred big tribes in total, with three thousand cattle, more than fifty thousand sheep, two thousand pack horses, one hundred thousand dan of corn, fifty thousand dan of rice, and five carts of gold, silver, and jewelry."

This is a big deal, and Liu Yan must explain it to Li Xuan.

"Big clan? Or powerful?"

Li Xuan thought for a moment and immediately knew the purpose of this big family's visit.

"It is well known that you, sir, do not wrongly accuse the powerful families who have not committed crimes, but only the tyrants who are rampant in the village. They are afraid that you will punish them, so they are willing to shed blood to reward the troops."

Liu Yan said bluntly.

"So what does Judge Liu think I should do?"

Li Xuan asked Liu Yan.

Previously, a large number of powerful people were frightened by Li Xuan and ran away from Helong and moved to other places.

But there are always some powerful people with large wealth and power who do not move due to concerns.

They knew that Li Xuan would not accept bribes. Faced with the threat of Li Xuan's cavalry, they could only come up with this solution, hoping that Li Xuan would let them go. They would definitely reform themselves and, like other big families, not bully the people.

As long as the land remains, they will still be a powerful clan...

(End of this chapter)