Chapter 26 Fang Xuanling¡¯s Choice (2) The war between the two lakes is coming to an end! ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????and Xiao Mian is just a withered bone in the grave, not worthy of too much attention. When Li Yuan started the uprising, Xiao Mian surrendered like a duck. However, when Xiao Empress Dowager established a foothold in Jiangdong, she immediately turned against Li Tang. Not only did he kill the officials sent by Li Tang, he also established himself as king and lived in the land of the two lakes to dream of being an emperor. "Perhaps, in Xiao Mian's view, it is not difficult to fight against Li Tang with the help of Empress Dowager Xiao. It¡¯s just that Li Tang¡¯s ferocity was beyond Xiao Xian¡¯s expectation. Li Shimin was a man who was good at using troops, and Li Jing planned it specifically for him. While resolutely executing it, he also showed many of Li Shimin's unique flexibility and deceitfulness. The siege of Yidu made Xiao Xian very nervous. He did not dare to take it lightly, and quickly ordered Dong Fuzhen to send troops from Jingmen to rescue. However, Li Shimin's siege of Yidu was false, but his peek at Jingmen was true. As soon as Dong Fuzhen's reinforcements were dispatched, Li Shimin immediately dispatched Li Yuan to ambush him in the middle On February 28, the fourth year of Wude, Li Daoxuan, who had fought fiercely with Fang Xuanling in Jingshan, suddenly attacked across the river and besieged Jingmen. Jingmen is the gateway to Jiangling. Once Jingmen falls, Jiangling will be in danger. But at this time, Xiao Mian doesn¡¯t have many soldiers and horses in his hands. At the same time, he still has to defend Jiangling. How can he have the energy to rescue the siege of Jingmen? In desperation, Xiao Mian had no choice but to send an envoy to Qiantang again, begging Empress Dowager Xiao to send troops to rescue out of sympathy with the same clan. It¡¯s just that Qiantang is now On February 26, the fourth year of Wude, Empress Dowager Xiao issued an edict, ordering Xie Yingdeng, the governor of Jiangdu, to lead his troops to abandon Jiangdu. Thirty thousand elite soldiers under his command quickly crossed the river in ten days and defended Jiangning to resist Li Tang's attack. Jiangning is the gateway to Jiangzuo. With Zhongshan Mountain at its back and facing the river directly. If Jiangning falls, Li Tang will be able to reach Qiantang unimpeded. It is no exaggeration to say that Jiang Ning is Xiao Sui's life and death line. Facing Su Dingfang and Xu Shiji, who were advancing like a thorn, how could Empress Dowager Xiao have any spare power to rescue Xiao Mian. In fact, if she hadn¡¯t known about Xiao Mian¡¯s condition, Empress Dowager Xiao would have wanted to seek help from Xiao Mian. Under this situation, Xiao Xian's previous heroic words of "defeating Li Tang on the left side of the river" seemed to have become a joke. In March, there was sporadic rain. There are little fishing fires on the river, revealing endless tranquility. Under the protection of Qin Qiong and Cheng Zhijie, Li Shimin quietly left Yidu and came to Jingmen City. At this time, Jingmen has been surrounded by the Tang Army Li Daoxuan Qingxiang and Henan Province had nearly 150,000 soldiers and horses, and the Jingmen was surrounded by wind and rain. Zheng Yuanshou, the former general manager of Yuzhou, completed the task after delivering the troops and horses to Li Daoxuan. "Although Li Daoxuan was only eighteen years old and commanded an army of 100,000 people, he still couldn't move his arms. Since arriving in Gong County at the age of twelve, under the training of Li Yanqing and others, Li Daoxuan is no longer the reckless boy. As Li Yanqing wins again and again, Li Daoxuan's admiration for Li Shimin has gradually transferred to Li Yanqing. As the saying goes, the power of role models is endless. When Li Daoxuan admired Li Shimin, he envied him for his invincible Xuanjia heavenly soldiers and his invincibility in battle; he admired Li Shimin for taking the lead in every battle and killing the enemy bravely. But in Gong County, Li Daoxuan learned to plan for the future. The killing of enemies on the spot that he had admired earlier had now become reckless behavior in his eyes. Upon learning that Li Shimin had arrived, Li Daoxuan immediately welcomed him out of the camp. He respectfully stepped forward to meet Li Shimin and said, "Li Daoxuan, the last general, pays homage to Shangshu Ling, General Tiance." "Nineteenth brother, why are you so polite?" Li Shimin jumped off his horse and helped Li Daoxuan up. Li Daoxuan said sternly: "In the military camp, the laws and regulations are strict. The general is the commander-in-chief of Jiangzuo. How can a general be rude." There was incomparable respect in his words. But Li Shimin could feel the inexplicable alienation shown by Li Daoxuan in his respect. Li Shimin couldn't help but smile awkwardly, and said: "Nineteenth brother has grown up!" Since Li Daoxuan left Xiazhou and arrived in Gong County in the twelfth year of Daye, the two have never seen each other again. ¡°Perhaps, in Li Shimin¡¯s impression, Li Daoxuan is still the naive child who hangs around him all day long. It was just this meeting that made Li Shimin disappointed. Li Daoxuan and him seemed a little less close and a lot more strange. The two of them returned to the Chinese army's tent all the way. Li Shimin praised: "Although Daoxuan is young, he is very experienced in setting up troops." Judging from the layout of Li Daoxuan's camp, Li Shimin did not dare to underestimate him in the slightest. He originally wanted to win over and annexThe soldiers and horses from Yuzhou came to Jingmen with their thoughts, but now it seems that it is a bit difficult. Although Li Daoxuan's use of troops is a little immature, there are no flaws. This also made Li Shimin¡¯s excuse for wanting to annex Xiangzhou¡¯s troops suddenly lessened. Li Daoxuan said: "The general came to Jingmen, what advice do you have?" "Nineteenth brother, our family does not speak the same language as the two families. Now, the fall of the Later Liang Dynasty is imminent, and Xiao Mian has nothing to worry about. The battle of Jingmen is not so much about annihilation. Liang was the key, rather the key to pacifying Jiangzuo. According to detailed investigation, Xiao Sui's minister Fang Yanqian died of illness a few days ago, leaving Zhang Zhongjian alone to support the crisis. Xiao Sui abandoned Jiangdu and defended Jiangning. This makes the battle of Pingjiangzuo a bit complicated However, what Gu is most worried about is the Sui army soldiers and horses under Fang Xuanling's command in Jingshan. Although Fang Xuanling's soldiers and horses are not too many, they are all elite in the army. Shi. ??At the beginning, Fang Xuanling made a surprise attack on Yingzhou, and Fang Yanqian transferred almost all the old Danyang troops to Fang Xuanling's account As long as the Fang thieves are not eliminated, there will be a hard fight in Jiangzuo." Li Shimin stared at Li Daoxuan with burning eyes. He hoped that he could see what he was thinking from Li Daoxuan's face. But Li Daoxuan is no longer the kind of young boy who is just starting out. After four years of hard work in Gong County, I have learned to keep my emotions and angers hidden. He said solemnly: "What the general said is absolutely true General Mo fought with Fang Xuanling several times, and his troops were indeed brave. People often say that Danyang has produced strong soldiers since ancient times, and it is well-deserved. Fang Xuanling was stationed in Jingshan. Sixty thousand Danyang soldiers. Du Fuwei's previous defeat brought another 20,000 soldiers. Fang Xuanling now has a total of 80,000 warriors. It may not be easy to capture these 80,000 warriors. " "So. , I need the cooperation of my 19th brother." Speaking of which, it is already very clear! Li Shimin almost didn't tell Li Daoxuan directly: "Give me the soldiers and horses in your hands, and you can do whatever you like." Li Daoxuan frowned and was silent. After a moment, he raised his head under Li Shimin's hopeful eyes, "General, how do you hope the general will cooperate?" Li Shimin looked at Li Daoxuan with a bitter feeling in his heart. He knew that if he talked about it, his brotherhood would fade away. But Li Jing once said in the Ten Strategies of Pingnan: If Li Shimin wants to compete with Li Jiancheng, he must have military power in his hands. Li Daoxuan's attitude was ambiguous and he never showed any intention to surrender. Li Shimin presided over this Pingnan battle, to put it bluntly, he wanted to gain military exploits, gain greater prestige, and at the same time control Jiangzuo's troops. Xu Shiji and Su Dingfang¡¯s progress is too fast! The speed made Li Shimin feel inexplicable pressure. If Xu and Su succeed in crossing the river, Li Shimin's glory will be reduced by at least 50% in this battle of Pingnan. Or, Xu and Su return to Shuntiance Mansion. Or maybe Li Shimin suppressed the troops of Xu and Su, so that Pingjiang's first attack on the left would not be defeated by others. Return? Li Shimin must be in favor with both hands and feet. If Xu Shiji and Su Dingfang are willing to take refuge in Tiance Mansion, he will be even more powerful. Whether Qin Qiong or Cheng Yaojin, they are generals, not handsome men. On this point, Li Shimin knew very well. Li Jing is not around now, and Wang Tong is good at strategy but not good at military affairs. Why doesn¡¯t he hope that Xu Shiji and Su Dingfang will defect? Before coming to Jingmen, Li Shimin sent someone to inquire about Xu and Su. But the feedback results disappointed Li Shimin. Whether it was Xu Shiji or Su Dingfang, their attitudes were very ambiguous. Although he didn't refuse, he didn't agree either. In fact, no agreement is rejection! Xu and Su's loyalty to Li Yanqing made Li Shimin jealous. In fact, Li Shimin was extremely jealous of the people under Li Yanqing's command. Du Ruhui is upright and decisive; Luo Shixin is brave and invincible; Liu Heitai is cunning and flexible, Xin Wenli is calm and sophisticated But these people are loyal to Li Yanqing. Li Shimin had previously sent people to test Du Ruhui and others, but the results were not very satisfactory. As for Xu Shiji, that was Li Yanqing¡¯s childhood. As for Su Dingfang, two generations have worked for Li Yanqing. In addition, there are Pei Xingyan and Xue Wanche who have close contacts with Li Yanqing. ¡°Xue Shou, as for Xue Shou, is talented, famous, and aloof, but he is full of praise for Li Yanqing Li Yanqing, Li Yanqing, Li Yanqing! No matter where you go, you will hear Li Yanqing¡¯s name. Even when he was stationed in Kuizhou, Li Shimin often heard the words Li Yanqing. Kuizhou belongs to Bashu, and there are many mountain people and officials. However, Li Yanqing was still the consort of Li Li, and even Li Yan was willing to submit to him. The three words Li Yanqing put too much pressure on Li Shimin. Without Li Yanqing, even if Xu Shiji and Su Dingfang refused to submit, Li Shimin would not mind them taking the meritorious service. But the problem now is that if these two people win the first prize, they will definitely be recorded in Li Yanqing's name. Even if Li Yanqing is now thrown into the wilderness of Lingnan, he can still bring endless confusion to Li Shimin. Now, looking at Li Daoxuan's situation Li Shimin hesitated for a moment and said in a deep voice: "Fang Xuanling is calm, old-fashioned, and full of tricks. He knows the truth of lips dying and teeth cold, but if you don't show any flaws, he will definitely not be fooled Fang Xuanling Yan Qian's death put Xiao Sui in turmoil. Once Zhang Zhongjian calmed down, he would definitely transfer Fang Xuanling's 80,000 soldiers back to Jiangzuo. Then the next step to capture Jiangzuo will definitely have a huge impact Nineteenth Brother, I don't want the soldiers to die in vain, so I am determined to eliminate Fang Xuanling on the bank of the river. I need you to give up your military power and order Xu at the same time. , Su's second general, Chen Bing, Liyang and Jiangyang, will not attack across the river for the time being. Xiao Sui will definitely relax and will not rush to mobilize troops from Jingshan. In this way, Gu can buy enough time to eliminate Fang. Xuanling and Du Fuwei's subordinates It's just that you have to suffer some grievances, and at the same time you have to go to Luzhou to persuade Xu and Su to delay as much time as possible in exchange for a chance to fight. " Li Daoxuan didn't show his face, but in his heart. , but couldn't help but sigh. A feeling of loss arises spontaneously. He couldn¡¯t explain why, but he just felt disappointed. The fight in the court has now spread to the army No wonder Brother Yangzhen said that it is not easy to be a pure soldier. "The general supervises the battle in the south of the Yangtze River, and the general is also under the general's command. Since the general has an order, the general will naturally obey it But I will report this matter to the court truthfully, and I ask the general for his forgiveness." The tone became more and more indifferent, which made Li Shimin feel more indifferent. Feeling more bitter. ¡°The nineteenth brother is no longer the child who believed whatever I said¡± However, Li Shimin is not worried about any censure from the court. After all, this matter is justified. The elimination of Fang Xuanling's troops is indeed of extremely important significance to pacify the battle of Jiangzuo. Is this brotherhood just gone? "I have wronged my nineteenth brother By the way, Daozong will arrive in Xiangzhou in the near future. You haven't seen him for a long time!" Li Daozong is Li Yuan's nephew. His father, Li Shao, died before Li Yuan Dingding Guanzhong. In the first year of Wude, after Li Yuan ascended the throne, he posthumously named Li Shao King of Dongping. Li Daozong, who was fourteen years old at the time, was granted the title of Duke of Lueyang County, and he was prepared by Qianniu. After that, Li Daozong followed Li Shimin and participated in the Battle of Baibi, with outstanding military exploits. And he was one year older than Li Daoxuan, so the two were almost the same age, so they had a very good relationship back then. Li Shimin wanted to use this method to regain Li Daoxuan's mind. Li Daoxuan just smiled and said, "Brother Daozong is busy with military affairs, so I won't disturb him Furthermore, Xu Shiji and Su Dingfang marched very fast. After I handed over the military talisman, I set off immediately to persuade them, otherwise haha, The general knows that these two people are not very receptive to my dispatch. If I don't go there in person, I'm afraid it will be difficult to persuade them." The implication is clearly that I don't want to get involved in your affairs. I just want to be a pure soldier, and military orders cannot be violated. There is no problem if you ask me to hand over my military power, but it does not mean that I have no other opinions. "General, I will go and prepare for the handover and retire." Li Daoxuan handed over his hand and exited the Chinese army's tent. Li Shimin smiled bitterly, looked at Li Daoxuan's back, and sighed helplessly. "Your Highness, what should we do next?" Cheng Yaojin took a step forward and asked softly. Li Shimin put away his lonely mood and said, "After Daoxuan handed over the military power, news came out tomorrow that he was seriously ill and could no longer take care of military affairs. As soon as the soldiers and horses were called, Daozong took overDaozong arrived three days later Jingmen." Changing generals before battle is a taboo for military strategists. Li Shimin understands this truth, and Fang Xuanling also understands it. This is also the main reason why Li Shimin arrived at Jingmen secretly. He wanted to create the illusion that the Tang army in Jingmen was in chaos and led Fang Xuanling to cross the river to attack. As long as Fang Xuanling is killed, waitYu cut off one of Xiao Sui's arms. Similarly, if Fang Xuanling is defeated, the Jingmen Liang army will inevitably be in chaos. At that time, he can work hard to seize Jingmen and Jiangling "That side of Lingnan" "Xing Gong must have arrived in Jiaozhou by now. Qiu He has long wanted to surrender. Lao Qiu went to persuade him, and it will be no big deal. Xiao Later, Jiaozhou surrendered The situation in Lingnan will inevitably become more complicated. " Will the situation in Lingnan become complicated, will it be of any benefit to Li Shimin? Maybe not, but at least it can give Li Yanqing a headache and prevent him from getting involved in the Jiangnan war for the time being. But, I wonder if Fang Xuanling will be fooled?