Chapter 1213: Persuading to surrender, centrifugation
Changzi County, Shangdang County, is located on the southwest side of the Shangdang Basin. It is one of the main transportation routes from the Three Rivers in the Central Plains to Bingzhou.
To the west of Changzi County is Fajiu Mountain, which is the birthplace of the famous myth and legend "Jingwei Reclamation".
There is Yangtou Mountain in the south of the county, where the ancestor Yan Emperor tasted various herbs, obtained the golden harvest, and taught the people farming.
Since Danzhu, the eldest son of Emperor Yao, one of the five ancient emperors, was granted the name of the county, this place has always been the core of the Shangdang Basin.
After Qin unified the world, it was divided into thirty-six counties. Shangdang County was one of the thirty-six counties, and the county was governed by the eldest son.
The Han Dynasty inherited the Qin system. For nearly four hundred years, the eldest son has always been the governor of Shangdang County.
It was not until after Dong Zhuo's Rebellion that Shangdang County was moved to Huguan.
In fact, it may be better for the eldest son to serve as the governor of Shangdang County than that of Huguan.
Because of its geographical location, it can control the Shangdang Basin in the north and influence Gaopingguan, Gaodu County and other places south of Shangdang County in the south.
Unlike Huguan, which is located in the heart of the Shangdang Basin, although it can strengthen its control over the Shangdang Basin.
But similarly, there are gains and losses.
Compared to the eldest son, Huguan, as a county government, had inevitably weaker control over the two important passes such as Gaopingguan and Gaoducheng.
As the eldest son who has been the governor of Shangdang County for four hundred years, he is far stronger and much stronger than ordinary county towns.
Wei Yan, who hurriedly led his army back, wanted to enter the Shangdang Basin, but the first biggest obstacle he encountered was Changzi County.
It is the south gate of Shangdang Basin.
Wei Yan was stationed on Maguan Road, looking at the high and thick city wall in the distance, his face extremely gloomy.
There was a hint of anxiety in the gloom.
He raised his telescope and looked towards the city.
From a very far distance, Wei Yan saw a familiar figure standing at the top of the eldest son's city, a figure that he could never forget and thought about day and night.
“Drive!”
As soon as his legs clamped down on the horse's belly, Wei Yan's mount neighed and charged forward.
“Your Majesty!”
“General, be careful!”
Seeing Wei Yan suddenly rushing towards the gate of the eldest son's city, the guards around him were startled.
He thought his horse was frightened, and they quickly followed him.
The Wei army on the city saw a small group of Han troops rushing towards the city. They quickly raised their bows and pointed at the approaching Wei Yan and others.
"Don't worry, Changzi City is high and deep, they can't attack it."
The city of Evangzi County is the edge of the mud Zhangshui, which leads to the turbid Zhangshui as the moat. It is said that the city is high, and it is not too much.
Standing at the top of the city, Guo Xun looked down at the city with a smile on his face and ordered to the slightly nervous defenders:
"Put away the crossbow first, they should be coming to find me."
Sure enough, Wei Yan rushed to the edge of the moat before he could rein in his horse.
His eyes were red with incomparable anger. He didn't care whether he could hear him from the other side at the top of the city, even though he was so far away. He just shouted with all his strength:
“Guo Xun, come out!”
No one responded at the top of the city, but the heavy city gate made a clicking sound and was opened.
Several riders walked out of the city gate and went straight to the edge of the moat, where they stopped.
“Your Majesty, it’s been a long time.”
Standing on the opposite bank, Guo Xun sat on his horse and bowed his hands politely to Wei Yan.
If it were in the past, Wei Yan would only be happy when he saw such a handsome young master from an aristocratic family - who said that only someone like Feng could serve him?
But in Wei Yan's view at this time, Guo Xun's gentle and jade-like words and deeds stung his eyes even more, until they pricked deep into his heart.
"Guo Xun!" Wei Yan's teeth were chattering, and his red eyes looked like a beast that wanted to choose and devour people. He asked one word at a time: "Why, what, what!"
Guo Xun smiled: "What are you talking about? I don't understand."
“Why did you betray me? Why did you betray the big man?”
Had it not been across the wide moat, according to Wei Yan's temper, he would have already drawn his sword and chopped Guo Xun down.
Just the current situation made Wei Yan have to hold back the anger that was about to explode.
Because he wanted to find out.
Unexpectedly, Guo Xun burst out laughing when he heard Wei Yan's words.
“Isn’t it funny!”
Wei Yan held the horse's rein tightly with one hand, while the other hand that was pressed on the hilt of the sword had blue veins popping out.
"Of course it's funny!" Guo Xun wiped away the tears from laughter, and then said breathlessly, "Junhou, I am from the Wei Dynasty."
“So,” he laughed again, pointing at himself while laughing, “why do you want to talk about betrayal?”
“Your Majesty, I am doing great service for the Wei Dynasty, do you understand?”
Although he had been prepared in his heart, when Wei Yan, who was originally furious, heard Guo Xun admit it in person, all the blood in his body seemed to rush to his forehead.
His eyesight went dark, and his body even swayed on his horse:
“So, you are Wei Guoxizuo, and you have been deceiving me these past few years?”
Unexpectedly, Guo Xun shook his head again:
"Your Majesty, I did not lie to you. What I said to you is all true."
“For example, regarding my own background, I hate Feng Yong very much, and it’s true.” Guo Xun explained to Wei Yan patiently, “It’s just that I didn’t tell you everything.”
As he spoke, Guo Xun raised his finger, "For example, I am actually a descendant of the Wei Dynasty..."
This one is enough to be fatal!
Wei Yan’s face was painful and distorted.
Guo Xun sighed a little and said:
“Originally, my first goal was to get close to Feng Yong. Unfortunately, Feng Yong is indeed as rumored by the outside world, as far-sighted as a ghost king.”
“I don’t know if he has done too many bad things, so he is too suspicious.”
"I don't want to say that I want to get close to him. I'm afraid he has already found out all my details before I can gain his trust."
Guo Xun looked at Wei Yan regretfully:
“So I can only settle for the next best thing…”
“Stop talking!”
Wei Yan roared angrily, pulled out his sword with a clang, and threw it at Guo Xun!
“You go to hell!”
The best sword did not fly across the moat and fell into the river.
Guo Xun watched the sword splash the water, and the look of regret on his face became thicker:
"It's a pity, it's a pity. If I could get close to Feng Yong, even if his body and head are missing, I would have to be like a prince, strike him with a sword, and die with this thief."
Wei Yan was panting like an ox and his eyes were as sharp as a stick. He wanted to pierce Guo Xun.
Even you, a thief, think that I am inferior to Feng Yong?
Right?
"Guo Xun, when I capture the eldest son, I will skin you and cramp you to vent my hatred!"
Wei extended his arms, pointed to the other side, and said angrily.
Unexpectedly, Guo Xun shook his head:
"Why do you need to say these useless words? Others don't know, so why don't I know the details of your army?"
"What's the meaning?"
"Your Majesty, I know that there is an engineering battalion in your army, which can break down the city like splitting bamboo." Guo Xun smiled calmly, "But I also know that this engineering battalion is a supply battalion."
“The prince rushed from Gaodu City. Even if he brought the people from the engineering camp, how would he solve the necessary luggage?”
Guo Xun pointed to the moat between the two of them, "Even if the baggage comes, how long do you think it will take to fill up the moat?"
“What do you want to say?”
If he hadn't seen the guards around Guo Xun, Wei Yan would have had no choice but to ask his guards to hand over their crossbows and shoot the traitor to death with one arrow.
"The prince is in the Han Dynasty, and his colleagues are avoiding him. He also has a bad relationship with Feng Yong. This time he loses the party. Have you ever thought about the consequences?"
Without waiting for Wei Yan to answer, Guo Xun said again:
“Not to mention that Feng Yong is so ruthless..."
Before he finished speaking, he was interrupted by Wei Yan.
But seeing him sneer:
“Do you want to persuade me to surrender?”
Guo Xun did not hide it and said calmly: "Yes."
"You no longer have a foothold in the Han Dynasty. Even if the Liu family doesn't kill you, do you think you still have the dignity to go back?"
Having been with Wei Yan for the past two years, Guo Xun, who has always had ulterior motives, has long been familiar with his temper.
This is also the reason why he has been waiting for Wei Yan here.
Because Guo Xun knew that with Wei Yan's character, it would be impossible for him to admit his failure so easily.
He will definitely try his best to save the situation before completely losing hope.
Guo Xun even suspected that even when he was completely desperate, Wei Yan might not look back.
Of course, no matter what Wei Yan does, Taifu has a plan to deal with it.
Just relatively speaking, the more unwilling Wei Yan is and the more he wants to restore the situation, the more beneficial it will be to Wei Yan.
Guo heard Wei Yan’s voice saying:
"Since our army has an engineering camp, you should know that the eldest son must not stay for a long time. After I break the city and recover Shangdang, I will return to Chang'an to plead guilty to the emperor."
Guo Xun was both happy and regretful when he heard Wei Yan's words.
What I'm happy about is that Wei Yan acted as expected.
What a pity is that Wei Yan seems unwilling to abandon the dark side and turn to the bright side.
Guo Xun is still making his final efforts:
“Your Majesty, you can be considered an old man in the army, can’t you still see the current situation clearly?”
"As long as the prince is willing to surrender to the Wei Dynasty, I am willing to hold a banquet and apologize to the prince in public."
“Feng Yong has no capacity for people, but the great Wei Dynasty has long heard of the reputation of its monarchs for their bravery, and is thirsty for talents!”
"You barking people, you still want to persuade me to surrender to the thieves?" Wei Yan shouted, pointing at Guo Xun and said, "What I want is your dog's life!"
When Guo Xun saw Wei Yan like this, he sighed in his heart, but there was a calm look on his face:
"My life is humble. As long as the prince is willing to surrender to me, the Wei Dynasty, what if I give it to the prince?"
Wei Yan, who was originally furious, was slightly stunned when he heard Guo Xun's words, and then sneered:
“Since you know how humble you are, why are you so shameless and ignorant of the greatness of heaven and earth, and want to persuade me to surrender to the traitor?”
Guo Xun sighed: "It seems that the prince is really unwilling to surrender to the Wei Dynasty?"
"Just wait until I capture the eldest son and see who will surrender!"
Wei Yan gritted his teeth and said this, then turned around and left without talking nonsense to Guo Xun.
Across the moat, watching Wei Yan go away, Guo Xun's expression changed from calm to calm, and at the same time it was mixed with some unknown and complicated meanings.
But in the end, he also turned his horse's head and walked towards the eldest son city.
After returning to the army, Wei Yan immediately ordered:
“Come here!”
“Junhou?”
“Let Wen Shi from the engineering camp come to see me!”
“Here!”
After a while, Wenshi hurried over:
“Your Majesty, can you call me if you have something to do?”
Wei Yan asked right away:
“How long does it take for the engineering battalion to form stone cannons to attack the city?”
Wenshi was stunned for a moment, and then immediately replied:
“Your Majesty, we don’t have enough baggage now, so we have to wait for the baggage from the rear...”
Wei Yan said sternly: "I only ask you when you can build stone cannons to attack the city!"
Wenshi swallowed his saliva and said, "It will take five days at the earliest."
It is no less than 150 miles from Gaodu to Changzi, and it will take two days at the earliest for the baggage to arrive. However, within these two days, the engineering battalion can make preparations in advance.
Although the remaining three days were a bit hasty, the good thing was that the engineering camp was different from ordinary army craftsmen who had to work day and night.
With the help of other craftsmen in the army and the **** team led by Wang Han, there should be no problem in building several temporary stone cannons within three days.
The reason why they are temporary stone cannons is naturally because they are substandard products.
But so what?
Anyway, if we strictly follow the standards, even if the Central Guards is here, the engineering battalion will not be able to fulfill this requirement.
“Three days!”
Wei Yan stared at Wen Shi, "I will use three days to clear all the obstacles under the eldest son's city."
“Three days later, your engineering battalion, no matter what, must build stone cannons to cooperate with the army to attack the city!”
Wenshi was startled and said quickly:
“Your Majesty, five days is already the shortest period we can achieve with our best efforts. If it’s three days, time…”
"Then we will handle it according to military law!" Wei Yan waved his hand, not giving Wen Shi a chance to defend himself, "Hurry and prepare!"
Wen Shi opened his mouth, and seeing Wei Yan's unquestionable expression, he could only sigh: "Here!"
Back in the engineering camp, Wang Han came over immediately:
"how?"
Wenshi sighed: "General Wang, be prepared."
Wang Han was startled: "What do you mean?"
Wenshi looked at Wang Han with a sad face and repeated Wei Yan's instructions.
After hearing this, Wang Han suddenly became angry:
“Based on our current situation, the best way is to defend Gaoping Pass and secure the main route from Hedong into Shangdang, waiting for reinforcements from the imperial court.”
“What General Zuo Hussar is doing now is completely out of impulse. At this time, he actually wants our engineering battalion to help him turn things around?”
Wen Shi smiled bitterly: "The master cannot be angry and raise an army, and the general cannot be angry and go to war. What Guo Xun did may have touched the back scale of General Zuo Hussar."
“That’s why General Zuo Hussar became furious and insisted on capturing his eldest son.”
Wang Han thought for a while and comforted:
"It doesn't matter. Anyway, there are still three days left. Let's make preparations first. If we can do it well, everything will be easy."
“If you can’t do it well, I will accompany you to see General Zuo Hussar…”
Having said this, Wang Han gritted his teeth and said, "The engineering battalion was sent by the Central Protectorate to help General Zuo Hussar capture Gaodu City."
“It stands to reason that Gaodu City has been captured and the mission of the engineering battalion has been completed.”
"We are following here at this time, but we are just doing human things, and we are not obeying the control of General Zuo Hussar."
Speaking of this, Wang Han’s eyes lit up and he said urgently:
“If he wants to regain control of the engineering camp, he must obtain the consent of the Central Protectorate!”
When Wen Shi heard this, his originally somewhat defeated expression regained its energy:
“What General Wang said is true!”
According to the original plan, after capturing Gaodu City, the engineering battalion should prepare to return to Chang'an.
Unexpectedly, the situation in Shangdang changed suddenly. Wei Yan hurriedly led the army back, and the engineering battalion was also brought over.
King Wen and King Wen didn’t think there was anything wrong.
If Wei Yan hadn't pushed too hard, neither of them thought about it, and the engineering battalion mission would have been completed long ago.
So whether Wei Yan can still control the engineering camp now, there is an explanation here.
Wei Yan wants to bypass the Central Protectorate and march on the engineering battalion. He is really desperate. At worst, the fish will die and the net will be broken!
PS: Some book friends are still wondering whether Sima Yi will be made a dumpling, so they posted another picture of the Shangdang situation.
Be careful, Sima and his son divided their forces into two groups and attacked Shangdang from Hanoi. Both routes were in their hands. How could they be made dumplings?
In the worst case scenario, you can run directly back to Hanoi.
Please click on the comment to see the picture:
(End of this chapter)